bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability Analysis Method on Repairable System with Standby Structure Based on Goal Oriented Methodology
Authors: Yi Xiao‐jian , Dhillon B.S. , Shi Jian , Mu Hui‐na , Dong Hai‐ping
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a reliability analysis method on repairable system with standby structure based on goal oriented (GO) methodology. Firstly, a new combination of GO operator, which is composed of a new logical GO operator named Type 18A operator and a new auxiliary GO operator named Type 20 operator, is created to represent standby mode. The availability formula of standby equipment with translation exception is deduced based on Markov process theory. Then, the application method of combination of GO operator for standby mode and the analysis process of repairable system with standby structure based on GO method are proposed. Thirdly, this new combination of GO operator is applied in availability analysis of the hydraulic oil supply system of power‐shift steering transmission. Finally, the results obtained by the new GO method are compared with the results of fault tree analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, GO methods using Type 2 operator and Type 18 operator to represent the standby mode, respectively. And the comparison results show that this new GO method is applicable and reasonable for reliability analysis of repairable system with standby structure. All in all, this paper provides guidance for reliability analysis of repairable systems with standby structure. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumer's risk in the EMA and FDA regulatory approaches for bioequivalence in highly variable drugs
Authors: Muñoz Joel , Alcaide Daniel , Ocaña Jordi
Published: December 2015

The 2010 US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency regulatory approaches to establish bioequivalence in highly variable drugs are both based on linearly scaling the bioequivalence limits, both take a ‘scaled average bioequivalence’ approach. The present paper corroborates previous work suggesting that none of them adequately controls type I error or consumer's risk, so they result in invalid test procedures in the neighbourhood of a within‐subject coefficient of variation osf 30% for the reference (R) formulation. The problem is particularly serious in the US Food and Drug Administration regulation, but it is also appreciable in the European Medicines Agency one. For the partially replicated TRR/RTR/RRT and the replicated TRTR/RTRT crossover designs, we quantify these type I error problems by means of a simulation study, discuss their possible causes and propose straightforward improvements on both regulatory procedures that improve their type I error control while maintaining an adequate power. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent advances in hybrid graphene‐BN planar structures
Authors: Kan Min , Li Yawei , Sun Qiang
Published: December 2015

Among the hotly investigated two‐dimensional (2D) materials, the hybrid graphene‐BN sheet is of special interest in the single‐atomic sheet family. Since graphene and BN sheet are the two most widely studied 2D materials, and they have the least lattice mismatch with each other while exhibiting very distinctive properties. Therefore, the hybridization between them provides unique flexibilities in tuning the properties which can change from nonmagnetic to ferromagnetic and from semiconducting to half‐metallic. The most impressive trait is that different from the functionalized graphene and BN sheet by hydrogenation, fluorination, or metal doping for the band engineering, the hybrid graphene‐BN sheet with similar properties remains single‐atomic. The combinations of different patterns with different sizes make the hybrid sheet rich in functionalities going beyond other 2D materials. In this overview, we briefly summarize the recent advances in hybrid graphene‐BN sheet, focusing on the modulations of physical and chemical properties by changing the hybrid configurations. Future research directions in this field are also discussed. WIREs Comput Mol Sci 2016, 6:65–82. doi: 10.1002/wcms.1237

This article is categorized under:

Structure and Mechanism > Computational Materials Science
Survival After Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in a Population with a Low Incidence of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Sevilla Nerea , Clara Albert , Diaz‐Duran Carles , Ruiz‐Carmona Carlos , Ibañez Sara
Published: December 2015

Background

Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a prophylactic procedure, so the decision to operate should consider, as recent guidelines suggest, the life expectancy of the patient. Several models for predicting life span have been already designed, but little is known about how intervened patients evolve in Southern European Countries, where the incidence of coronary artery disease, the main cause of death among these subjects, is low.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 176 consecutive patients who underwent elective EVAR at the Vascular Surgery Department of the Hospital del Mar (Barcelona, Spain) during 2000–2014. Cox regressions were performed to identify preoperative factors associated with long‐term survival after EVAR, and a risk model was developed.

Results

Three‐ and five‐year survival rates were 73.9 and 53.9 %, respectively. During the follow‐up, 72 deaths (40.9 %) were registered, cancer being the most frequent cause (41.7 %). Preoperative variables negatively associated with long‐term survival were serum creatinine ≥150 µmol/L (HR 2.5; 95 % CI 1.4–4.2), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 1.9; 95 % CI 1.2–3.1), atrial fibrillation (HR 2.0; 95 % CI 1.2–3.4), and prior cancer history (HR 1.9; 95 % CI 1.2–3.1). Distal pulses present in both lower limbs were marginally associated with survival (HR 0.65; 95 % CI 0.4–1.07). The survival predictive model showed a good discrimination capacity (C statistic = 0.703; 95 % CI 0.641–0.765).

Conclusions

Long‐term survival of patients submitted to EVAR in our setting was worse than expected and markedly related to cancer. Our study suggests that predictive models for long‐term survival after EVAR may be influenced by regional characteristics of the intervened population. This effect should be taken in consideration in the decision‐making process of these patients.
Low Levels of HDL in Fragile X Syndrome Patients
Authors: Lisik Małgorzata Z. , Gutmajster Ewa , Sieroń Aleksander L.
Published: December 2015

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of familial mental retardation and one of the leading known causes of autism. The mutation responsible for FXS is a large expansion of the CGG repeats in the promoter region of the FMR1 gene resulting in the transcriptional silencing of the gene in the pathophysiology of Fragile X syndrome was hypothesized. 23 male patients affected by Fragile X syndrome (full mutation in the FMR1 gene) and 24 controls were included in the study. The serum levels of HDL‐C were lower in FXS patients (p < 0.001). The serum levels triacylglycerols were higher in FXS patients (p = 0.007) Further study involving larger samples are necessary to confirm the results and define the health implications for abnormal lipid levels in FXS patients.
Micro‐level processes of identity development: Intra‐individual relations between commitment and exploration
Authors: van der Gaag Mandy A.E. , de Ruiter Naomi M.P. , Kunnen E. Saskia
Published: December 2015

We investigate intra‐individual processes of identity at the micro level. With an intensive longitudinal design in the general context of higher education, we explore associations between changes in pivotal identity concepts: commitment and exploration and elaborate on how we conceptualize these concepts on a micro level. With our within‐individual empirical approach, we revealed a large amount of variation between individuals with respect to the associations between exploration and commitment processes. At the same time, similarities were found amongst individuals, which help extend and clarify existing findings regarding identity development. Our findings highlight the necessity to, firstly, distinguish between micro‐ and macro‐level identity processes. Secondly, and in the same vein, our findings emphasize the heterogeneous nature of micro‐level identity processes, and the necessity to use a within individual approach to study these processes.
The relationship between platelet–lymphocyte ratio and severity of erectile dysfunction
Authors: Akbas Alpaslan , Gulpınar Murat Tolga , Sancak Eyüp Burak , Gunes Mustafa , Ucar Murat , Altok Muammer , Umul Mehmet
Published: December 2015

The prognostic importance of platelet–lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is already known for various artery diseases. In this study, the relationship between PLR and severity of erectile dysfunction (ED) is examined in patients with impotence. The data from patients suffering from erection problems was screened retrospectively. Detailed medical history, age, International Index of Erectile Function‐5 (IIEF‐5) scores, fasting blood glucose, lipid, whole blood count, and hormone profile values were examined. Patients with no ED were selected as the control group. All men answered the IIEF‐5 questions and were then classified according to their scores. Patients were determined to have severe ED (scores 5–7), moderate ED (scores 8–16), or mild ED (scores 17–21). An IIEF‐5 score greater than 21 was accepted for the control group. The PLR values from both patient and control groups were evaluated. Demographic data were similar in both groups. Mean PLR value was 104 in control and 118 in the patient group (p < 0.001). PLR value increased depending on the severity of ED. Mean PLR values were 108 in mild, 116 in moderate, and 130 in severe ED groups. Compared with the control group, this value was statistically significant for patients with moderate and severe ED (p = 0.04 and p < 0.001). PLR showed weak negative but significant correlation with IIEF‐5 scores (r = −0.27 and p < 0.001). The PLR value was found to be higher in patients with ED. PLR value may be related to ED and its severity in patients with impotence.
Straight and Curved Path Walking Among Older Adults in Primary Care: Associations With Fall‐Related Outcomes
Authors: Welch Sarah A. , Ward Rachel E. , Kurlinski Laura A. , Kiely Dan K. , Goldstein Richard , VanSwearingen Jessie , Brach Jennifer S. , Bean Jonathan F.
Published: December 2015

Background

Most falls among community‐dwelling older adults occur while walking. Simple walking tests that require little resources and can be interpreted quickly are advocated as useful screening tools for fall prone patients.

Objective

To investigate 2 clinically feasible walking tests consisting of straight‐ and curved‐path walking and examine their associations with history of previous falls and fall‐related outcomes among community‐living older adults.

Design

A cross‐sectional analysis was performed on baseline data from a longitudinal cohort study.

Setting

Participants were recruited through primary care practices.

Participants

Participants included 428 primary care patients ≥65 years of age at risk for mobility decline. Participants had a median age of 76.5 years, 67.8% were women, and 82.5% were white.

Methods

Straight‐path walking performance was measured as the time needed to walk a 4‐meter straight path at usual pace from standstill using a stopwatch (timed to 0.1 second). Curved‐path walking performance was timed while participants walked from standstill in a figure‐of‐8 pattern around two cones placed 5 feet apart.

Main Outcome Measurements

Multivariable negative binomial regression analyses were performed to assess the relationship between straight‐path walking or curved‐path walking and self‐reported history of number of falls. For fall‐related injuries, and fall‐related hospitalizations, logistic regression models were used.

Results

In the fully adjusted model, an increase of 1 second in straight path walking time was associated with 26% greater rate of falls (rate ratio 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.10‐1.45). An increase in curved‐path walking time was associated with 8% greater rate of falls (rate ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval = 1.03‐1.14). Neither walk test was associated with history of fall‐related injuries or hospitalizations.

Conclusions

Poor performance on straight‐ and curved‐path walking performance was associated with a history of greater fall rates in the previous year but not with a history of fall‐related injuries or hospitalizations. This information helps inform how previous fall history is related to performance on walking tests in the primary care setting.
A good universal weight for nonconventional ergodic averages in norm
Authors: ASSANI IDRIS , MOORE RYO
Published: December 2015

We will show that the sequence appearing in the double recurrence theorem is a good universal weight for the Furstenberg averages. That is, given a system$(X,{\mathcal{F}},\unicode[STIX]{x1D707},T)$and bounded functions$f_{1},f_{2}\in L^{\infty }(\unicode[STIX]{x1D707})$, there exists a set of full-measure$X_{f_{1},f_{2}}$in$X$that is independent of integers$a$and$b$and a positive integer$k$such that, for all$x\in X_{f_{1},f_{2}}$, for every other measure-preserving system$(Y,{\mathcal{G}},\unicode[STIX]{x1D708},S)$and for each bounded and measurable function$g_{1},\ldots ,g_{k}\in L^{\infty }(\unicode[STIX]{x1D708})$, the averages$$\begin{eqnarray}\frac{1}{N}\mathop{\sum }_{n=1}^{N}f_{1}(T^{an}x)f_{2}(T^{bn}x)g_{1}\circ S^{n}g_{2}\circ S^{2n}\cdots g_{k}\circ S^{kn}\end{eqnarray}$$converge in$L^{2}(\unicode[STIX]{x1D708})$.
Flat strips, Bowen–Margulis measures, and mixing of the geodesic flow for rank one CAT(0) spaces
Authors: RICKS RUSSELL
Published: December 2015

Let$X$be a proper, geodesically complete CAT($0$) space under a proper, non-elementary, isometric action by a group$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$with a rank one element. We construct a generalized Bowen–Margulis measure on the space of unit-speed parametrized geodesics of$X$modulo the$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6E4}$-action. Although the construction of Bowen–Margulis measures for rank one non-positively curved manifolds and for CAT($-1$) spaces is well known, the construction for CAT($0$) spaces hinges on establishing a new structural result of independent interest: almost no geodesic, under the Bowen–Margulis measure, bounds a flat strip of any positive width. We also show that almost every point in$\unicode[STIX]{x2202}_{\infty }X$, under the Patterson–Sullivan measure, is isolated in the Tits metric. (For these results we assume the Bowen–Margulis measure is finite, as it is in the cocompact case.) Finally, we precisely characterize mixing when$X$has full limit set: a finite Bowen–Margulis measure is not mixing under the geodesic flow precisely when$X$is a tree with all edge lengths in$c\mathbb{Z}$for some$c>0$. This characterization is new, even in the setting of CAT($-1$) spaces. More general (technical) versions of these results are also stated in the paper.
Hand Hygiene, Cohorting, or Antibiotic Restriction to Control Outbreaks of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Pelat Camille , Kardaś-Słoma Lidia , Birgand Gabriel , Ruppé Etienne , Schwarzinger Michaël , Andremont Antoine , Lucet Jean-Christophe , Yazdanpanah Yazdan
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

The best strategy for controlling extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) transmission in intensive care units (ICUs) remains elusive.

OBJECTIVE

We developed a stochastic transmission model to quantify the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing the spread of ESBL-PE in an ICU.

METHODS

We modeled the evolution of an outbreak caused by the admission of a single carrier in a 10-bed ICU free of ESBL-PE. Using data obtained from recent muticenter studies, we studied 26 strategies combining different levels of the following 3 interventions: (1) increasing healthcare worker compliance with hand hygiene before and after contact with a patient; (2) cohorting; (3) reducing antibiotic prevalence at admission with or without reducing antibiotherapy duration.

RESULTS

Improving hand hygiene compliance from 55% before patient contact and 60% after patient contact to 80% before and 80% after patient contact reduced the nosocomial incidence rate of ESBL-PE colonization by 91% at 90 days. Adding cohorting to hand hygiene improvement intervention decreased the proportion of ESBL-PE acquisitions by an additional 7%. Antibiotic restriction had the lowest impact on the epidemic. When combined with other interventions, it only marginally improved effectiveness, despite strong hypotheses regarding antibiotic impact on transmission.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that hand hygiene is the most effective intervention to control ESBL-PE transmission in an ICU.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;37(3):272–280
A refined high carbohydrate diet is associated with changes in the serotonin pathway and visceral obesity
Authors: SPADARO PAOLA A. , NAUG HELEN L. , DU TOIT EUGENE F. , DONNER DANIEL , COLSON NATALIE J.
Published: December 2015

Consumption of palatable foods high in refined carbohydrate has been implicated as a contributing factor to the epidemic levels of obesity. Such foods may disrupt appetite regulation in the hypothalamus through alterations in hunger and satiety signalling. This investigation examined whether a palatable high refined carbohydrate (HRC) diet with the potential to induce obesity was linked to modulation of serotonin and dopamine signalling within the hypothalamus of rats. Male Wistar rats were allowedad libitumaccess to either a palatable refined carbohydrate enriched (HRC) diet or standard chow (SC). Visceral fat percentage was used as a measure of the animals' weight gain during the trial. Real-time PCR was applied to determine any variation in levels of expression of the serotonin (Slc6A4orSert) and dopamine transporter (Slc6A3orDat) genes. After 29 weeks, the HRC group showed a significant increase in visceral fat percentage accompanied by increased expression ofSert. Higher levels of circulating triglycerides were also seen. This investigation determined that a refined high carbohydrate diet is associated with visceral obesity, increased circulating lipids in the blood and distorted serotonergic signalling, which possibly alters satiety and hunger signals.
BRITAIN AND THE POLITICS OF CEYLON, 1948–1961
Authors: RATNAPALAN L. M.
Published: December 2015

This article traces the British relationship with Ceylon (Sri Lanka) in the decade and a half after independence. The first part of this article shows how, within the context of the arrangements made at independence, the events of the years 1956–9 under the premiership of S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike marked an important turning point in Britain's political and strategic relationship with the island. Then in the second part, British diplomatic records relating to Ceylonese politics are used to analyse the British response to Ceylon's ethno-political crisis during the early 1960s. Britain's reluctance to respond to this crisis was an outcome of the changed relations with Ceylon brought on during the Bandaranaike era.
Provocation and the Strategy of Terrorist and Guerrilla Attacks
Authors: Carter David B.
Published: December 2015

Violent nonstate groups are usually weaker than the states they target. Theory suggests that groups carefully condition their choice of tactics on anticipated state response. Yet scholars know very little about whether and how groups strategically plan attacks in anticipation of state response. Scholars do not know if and under what conditions groups employ violent tactics to provoke or avoid a forceful state response, although extant theory is consistent with both possibilities. Relatedly, there is little systematic evidence about why groups choose terrorist or guerrilla tactics and how this choice relates to anticipated state response. I develop a theoretical and empirical model of the interaction between groups and states that generates unique evidence on all three fronts. Using data on attacks in Western Europe from 1950 to 2004, I show that guerrilla attacks are sometimes associated with provoking forceful state response, whereas terrorist attacks are generally associated with avoiding forceful response. Groups effectively choose their tactics to avoid forceful state responses that are too damaging for themselves but provoke forceful responses that disproportionately harm civilians. These findings survive several robustness and model specification tests.
CONSANGUINITY, GENETICS AND DEFINITIONS OF KINSHIP IN THE UK PAKISTANI POPULATION
Authors: Bittles A. H. , Small N. A.
Published: December 2015

Consanguineous marriage is a controversial topic in many Western societies, with attention mainly focused on the health of immigrant communities from Asia and Africa. In the UK consanguinity is especially prevalent in the Pakistani community, which now numbers over 1.1 million. Less attention has been paid to the influence of hereditary population stratification within Pakistani communities, in particularbiraderi(literally brotherhood) membership, which denotes male lineages that largely govern marriage partner choice and hence the transmission of disease genes. The various roles played bybiraderiand their relationship to other socio-occupational and kinship terms, such as caste,quomandzat, are often overlooked in health-based studies. The interchangeable use of these different kinship terms without rigorous definition can create identity uncertainty and hinders inter-study comparisons. Where feasible, standardization of terminology would be both desirable and beneficial, withbiraderithe preferred default term to identify specific social and genetic relationships within the Pakistani diaspora.
Maltreatment in childhood substantially increases the risk of adult depression and anxiety in prospective cohort studies: systematic review, meta-analysis, and proportional attributable fractions
Authors: Li M. , D'Arcy C. , Meng X.
Published: December 2015

Background

Literature supports a strong relationship between childhood maltreatment and mental illness but most studies reviewed are cross-sectional and/or use recall to assess maltreatment and are thus prone to temporality and recall bias. Research on the potential prospective impact of maltreatment reduction on the incidence of psychiatric disorders is scarce.

Method

Electronic databases and grey literature from 1990 to 2014 were searched for English-language cohort studies with criteria for depression and/or anxiety and non-recall measurement of childhood maltreatment. Systematic review with meta-analysis synthesized the results. Study quality, heterogeneity, and publication bias were examined. Initial screening of titles and abstracts resulted in 199 papers being reviewed. Eight high-quality articles met eligibility criteria. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) estimated potential preventive impact.

Results

The pooled odds ratio (OR) between any type of maltreatment and depression was 2.03 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37–3.01] and 2.70 (95% CI 2.10–3.47) for anxiety. For specific types of maltreatment and depression or anxiety disorders, the ORs were: physical abuse (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.25–3.19), sexual abuse (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.88–3.75), and neglect (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.35–2.23). PAFs suggest that over one-half of global depression and anxiety cases are potentially attributable to self-reported childhood maltreatment. A 10–25% reduction in maltreatment could potentially prevent 31.4–80.3 million depression and anxiety cases worldwide.

Conclusion

This review provides robust evidence of childhood maltreatment increasing the risk for depression and anxiety, and reinforces the need for effective programs and policies to reduce its occurrence.
Beauty, virtue, and religious exemplars
Authors: KIDD IAN JAMES
Published: December 2015

This article explores the beauty of religious exemplars – those special persons whose conduct and comportment marks their life out as one that exemplifies a religious life. Such exemplars are consistently described as beautiful, but it is not clear how or why. I suggest that we can make sense of the aesthetic aspect of religious exemplarity by adopting a ‘virtue-centric’ theory of beauty that understands the beautiful in terms of the expression or manifestation of virtues. Religious exemplars are those who have cultivated their virtues to an advanced degree and are beautiful for that reason. Attending to the beauty of religious exemplars can enrich exemplarist virtue theory, the aesthetics of character, and our understanding of the nature of a religious life.
Electron acceleration at grazing incidence of a subpicosecond intense laser pulse onto a plane solid target
Authors: Andreev N. E. , Pugachev L. P. , Povarnitsyn M. E. , Levashov P. R.
Published: December 2015

Generation of hot electrons at grazing incidence of a subpicosecond relativistic-intense laser pulse onto a plane solid target is analyzed for the parameters of petawatt class laser systems. We study preplasma formation on the surface of solid aluminum targets produced by laser prepulses with a different time structure. For modeling of the preplasma dynamics, we use a wide-range two-temperature hydrodynamic model. As a result of simulations, the preplasma expansion under the action of the laser prepulse and the plasma density profiles for different contrast ratios of the nanosecond pedestal are found. These density profiles are used as the initial density distributions in three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations of electron acceleration by the main P-polarized laser pulse. Results of modeling demonstrate a substantial increase of the characteristic energy and number of accelerated electrons for the grazing incidence of a subpicosecond intense laser pulse in comparison with the ponderomotive scaling of laser–target interaction.
Burrow systems of mole-rats as refuges for frogs in the Miombo woodlands of south-east Africa
Authors: Šklíba Jan , Jirků Miloslav , Šumbera Radim
Published: December 2015

Frogs are known to occasionally utilize the burrow systems of subterranean rodents, but this phenomenon has previously attracted little attention. We recorded frogs in burrows and in/under the molehills of three African mole-rat species (Bathyergidae, Rodentia) during burrow system mapping in Malawi and Zambia during the dry season. Eight frog species were detected. The most abundant of them,Kassina senegalensis, was found in large numbers in active Ansell's mole-rat nest areas, obviously tolerated by the hosts. We speculate that in areas with prolonged dry seasons mole-rats may increase anuran abundances and diversity.
Isomorphism theorems between models of mixed choice
Authors: GOUBAULT-LARRECQ JEAN
Published: December 2015

We relate the so-called powercone models of mixed non-deterministic and probabilistic choice proposed by Tix, Keimel, Plotkin, Mislove, Ouaknine, Worrell, Morgan and McIver, to our own models of previsions. Under suitable topological assumptions, we show that they are isomorphic. We rely on Keimel's cone-theoretic variants of the classical Hahn–Banach separation theorems, using functional analytic methods, and on the Schröder–Simpson Theorem.
Clinical implications of mitral valve geometric alterations in children with dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hayashi Taiyu , Inuzuka Ryo , Shindo Takahiro , Ono Hiroshi , Kaneko Yukihiro , Kato Hitoshi
Published: December 2015

We aimed to elucidate the relationship between severity of secondary mitral regurgitation and mitral valve geometry in children with dilated cardiomyopathy. The medical records of 16 children with dilated cardiomyopathy (median age, 1.2 years; range, 0.4–12.3 years) were reviewed. Mitral valve geometry was evaluated by measuring coaptation depth using echocardiographic apical four-chamber views at the initial presentation. Patients were dichotomised according to the mitral regurgitation severity: patients with moderate or severe secondary mitral regurgitation (n=6) and those with mild secondary mitral regurgitation (n=10). A total of 58 healthy children were considered as normal controls, and a regression equation to predict coaptation depth by body surface area was derived: coaptation depth [mm]=4.37+1.34×ln (body surface area [m2]) (residual standard error, 0.49; adjusted R2, 0.68; p<0.0001). Compared with patients with mild secondary mitral regurgitation, those with moderate or severe secondary mitral regurgitation had significantly larger coaptation depth z-scores (6.4±2.3 versus 1.9±1.4, p<0.005), larger mitral annulus diameter z-scores (3.6±2.6 versus 0.9±1.8, p<0.05), higher left ventricular sphericity index (0.89±0.07 versus 0.79±0.06, p<0.005), and greater left ventricular fraction shortening (0.15±0.05 versus 0.09±0.05, p<0.05). In conclusion, geometric alteration in the mitral valve and the left ventricle is associated with the severity of secondary mitral regurgitation in paediatric dilated cardiomyopathy, which would provide a theoretical background to surgical intervention for secondary mitral regurgitation in paediatric populations.
The Allure of High-Risk Rewards in Huntington’s disease
Authors: van Wouwe Nelleke C. , Kanoff Kristen E. , Claassen Daniel O. , Richard Ridderinkhof K. , Hedera Peter , Harrison Madaline B. , Wylie Scott A.
Published: December 2015

Objectives:Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that produces a bias toward risky, reward-driven decisions in situations where the outcomes of decisions are uncertain and must be discovered. However, it is unclear whether HD patients show similar biases in decision-making when learning demands are minimized and prospective risks and outcomes are known explicitly. We investigated how risk decision-making strategies and adjustments are altered in HD patients when reward contingencies are explicit.Methods:HD (N=18) and healthy control (HC;N=17) participants completed a risk-taking task in which they made a series of independent choices between a low-risk/low reward and high-risk/high reward risk options.Results:Computational modeling showed that compared to HC, who showed a clear preference for low-risk compared to high-risk decisions, the HD group valued high-risks more than low-risk decisions, especially when high-risks were rewarded. The strategy analysis indicated that when high-risk options were rewarded, HC adopted a conservative risk strategy on the next trial by preferring the low-risk option (i.e., they counted their blessings and then played the surer bet). In contrast, following a rewarded high-risk choice, HD patients showed a clear preference for repeating the high-risk choice.Conclusions:These results indicate a pattern of high-risk/high-reward decision bias in HD that persists when outcomes and risks are certain. The allure of high-risk/high-reward decisions in situations of risk certainty and uncertainty expands our insight into the dynamic decision-making deficits that create considerable clinical burden in HD. (JINS, 2016,22, 426–435)
Lower Working Memory Performance in Overweight and Obese Adolescents Is Mediated by White Matter Microstructure
Authors: Alarcón Gabriela , Ray Siddharth , Nagel Bonnie J.
Published: December 2015

Objectives: Elevated body mass index (BMI) is associated with deficits in working memory, reduced gray matter volume in frontal and parietal lobes, as well as changes in white matter (WM) microstructure. The current study examined whether BMI was related to working memory performance and blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) activity, as well as WM microstructure during adolescence. Methods: Linear regressions with BMI and (1) verbal working memory BOLD signal, (2) spatial working memory BOLD signal, and (3) fractional anisotropy (FA), a measure of WM microstructure, were conducted in a sample of 152 healthy adolescents ranging in BMI. Results: BMI was inversely related to IQ and verbal and spatial working memory accuracy; however, there was no significant relationship between BMI and BOLD response for either verbal or spatial working memory. Furthermore, BMI was negatively correlated with FA in the left superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF) and left inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF). ILF FA and IQ significantly mediated the relationship between BMI and verbal working memory performance, whereas SLF FA, but not IQ, significantly mediated the relationship between BMI and accuracy of both verbal and spatial working memory. Conclusions: These findings indicate that higher BMI is associated with decreased FA in WM fibers connecting brain regions that support working memory, and that WM microstructural deficits may underlie inferior working memory performance in youth with higher BMI. Of interest, BMI did not show the same relationship with working memory BOLD activity, which may indicate that changes in brain structure precede changes in function. (JINS, 2015, 21, 281–292)
Caste as self-regulatory club: evidence from a private banking system in nineteenth century India
Authors: NAIR MALAVIKA
Published: December 2015

The Chettiar banking system evolved and functioned in the absence of a government sponsored central bank in 19th-century India. I find that the underlying common social institution of caste was crucial for the workings of the banking system and effectively acted as a club. Exclusion was achieved by restricting membership by birth and the practice of endogamy. These mechanisms created the necessary incentives to provide meaningful rules as well as their enforcement. I describe and analyze the privately provided self-regulatory mechanisms of clearinghouses, inter-bank lending and information sharing. The Chettiar banking system thus adds to existing instances of self-regulated banking as well as points to the economic underpinnings of caste as an institution.
Strategic Decisions in Task-Oriented Reading
Authors: Salmerón Ladislao , Vidal-Abarca Eduardo , Martínez Tomás , Mañá Amelia , Gil Laura , Naumann Johannes
Published: December 2015

Answering questions from texts are assessment and instructional activities that are frequently used in schools. Nevertheless, little is known about the strategic processes that students take while performing these tasks. We explored the amount and frequency that students initially read of a text before they answered questions pertaining to the material. In a procedure similar to the one used in the PISA (Program for International Students Assessment), one-hundred-seventy students between 7thand 9thgrade read and answered several questions designed to assess task-oriented reading in three specific texts. We recorded on-line indexes that evaluated student behavior (e.g., the amount of text that students read before answering questions raised within a given text), performance, and comprehension skill. The results revealed that students skilled in comprehension initially read a high proportion of the texts, which in turn improved their overall performance in two of the three texts read (text 1: CI95%: 0.01 to 0.09; text 2: CI95%: –0.01 to 0.05; text 3: CI95%: 0.04 to 0.20). Therefore, we conclude that this strategic behavior should be considered during the assessment and instruction of reading literacy.
The Influence of Family Climate on Stress and Adaptation for Muslim Immigrant Young Adults in Two Western Countries
Authors: Stuart Jaimee , Ward Colleen , Robinson Lena
Published: December 2015

The research examined the influence of family climate on acculturative stress and adaptation for Muslim emerging adults in New Zealand ( n = 155) and the United Kingdom ( n = 147). A path model was proposed with family climate (congruence and obligations) as predictors of acculturative stress and having both direct and indirect (via stress) effects on life satisfaction and behavioral problems. The model was tested in order to determine if paths varied significantly as a function of national context. Although New Zealand Muslims had better adaptation outcomes and lower levels of stress than their British peers, there were very few differences in the family climate-stress-adaptation pathways. Acculturative stress predicted decrements in life satisfaction and greater behavioral problems, and obligations predicted fewer behavioral problems in both cultural contexts. Also, in both countries, the structural pathways in the model were not significantly different across cultures with the exception of the positive relationship between obligations and life satisfaction, which was only evident in the New Zealand sample. For Muslim emerging adults, family obligations functioned as a protective factor, exerting direct effects on adaptation (increased life satisfaction and decreased behavioral problems), although they also posed risks, predicting poorer adaptation via heightened acculturative stress. The results are discussed in terms of the positive and negative influences of family in the acculturation process for emerging adults.
A series of coordination polymers with tuned terphenyl tetracarboxylates and bis-pyridyl ligands with different flexibilities manifesting fluorescence properties and photocatalytic activities
Authors: Mu Bao , Huang Ru-Dan
Published: December 2015

Seven new coordination polymers derived from terphenyl tetracarboxylates and bipyridyl ligands with different flexibilities have been prepared. The electrochemical behaviors, fluorescence and photocatalytic properties have also been studied.
Fabrication of a Ti-supported NiCo2O4nanosheet array and its superior catalytic performance in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane for hydrogen generation
Authors: Liao Jinyun , Li Hao , Zhang Xibin , Feng Kejun , Yao Yanling
Published: December 2015

A Ti-supported NiCo2O4nanosheet array exhibited high catalytic performance in the hydrolysis of ammonia borane for hydrogen generation.
Surface oxygen vacancies on Co3O4 mediated catalytic formaldehyde oxidation at room temperature
Authors: Wang Zhong , Wang Wenzhong , Zhang Ling , Jiang Dong
Published: December 2015

This study reveals the essential role played by surface oxygen vacancies in catalytic oxidation reactions, and complements the common viewpoint that Co3+ is the major activity species in Co3O4-based systems.
Insights into the synergistic role of metal–lattice oxygen site pairs in four-centered C–H bond activation of methane: the case of CuO
Authors: Varghese Jithin John , Trinh Quang Thang , Mushrif Samir H.
Published: December 2015

Of the three mechanisms for activation of methane on copper and copper oxide surfaces, the under-coordinated Cu–O site pair mediated mechanism on CuO surfaces has the lowest activation energy barriers.
A new insight into the morphology effect of ceria on CuO/CeO2 catalysts for CO selective oxidation in hydrogen-rich gas
Authors: Guo Xiaolin , Zhou Renxian
Published: December 2015

CuO/CeO2-rod and CuO/CeO2-polyhedra both show the lowest T50% (68 °C) for CO-PROX due to higher content Cu+ and oxygen vacancies.
Enhancing the performance of Co-hydrothermal liquefaction for mixed algae strains by the Maillard reaction
Authors: Zhang Chao , Tang Xiaohan , Sheng Lili , Yang Xiaoyi
Published: December 2015

It is important to tailor the ratio between protein and carbohydrate to enhance the HTL performance for microalgae.
Characterization of multifunctional β-NaEuF4/NaGdF4 core–shell nanoparticles with narrow size distribution
Authors: Schneider Lilli , Rinkel Thorben , Voß Benjamin , Chrobak Artur , Klare Johann P. , Neethling Jan , Olivier Jaco , Schaniel Dominik , Bendeif El-Eulmi , Bondino Federica , Magnano Elena , Píš Igor , Balinski Kamil , Wollschläger Joachim , Steinhoff Heinz-Jürgen , Haase Markus , Kuepper Karsten
Published: December 2015

We characterized NaEuF4/NaGdF4 core–shell nanoparticles.
Diameter-selective non-covalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes with porphyrin monomers
Authors: Vialla F. , Delport G. , Chassagneux Y. , Roussignol Ph. , Lauret J. S. , Voisin C.
Published: December 2015

A thermodynamics study shows that the non-covalent interaction between carbon nanotubes and hydrophobic porphyrin monomers is stronger for nanotubes with larger diameter.
Nucleation-mediated synthesis and enhanced catalytic properties of Au–Pd bimetallic tripods and bipyramids with twinned structures and high-energy facets
Authors: Zhang Lei , Chen Qiaoli , Wang Xue , Jiang Zhiyuan
Published: December 2015

With the cooperation of CTAC and CTAB, we successfully synthesized Au–Pd bimetallic tripods and bipyramids with twinned structures enclosed by high-energy facets.
Side-chain manipulation on accepting units of two-dimensional benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene polymers for organic photovoltaics
Authors: Xu Zhongsheng , Luo Guoping , Yu Jiangsheng , Yin Xinxing , Zhu Enwei , Zhang Fujun , Wu Hongbin , Tang Weihua
Published: December 2015

Two donor–acceptor alternating polymers of bis(octylthio)thienyl BDT and fluorinated BT or 5-dodecylthienyl-6-fluorobenzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole were designed for organic photovoltaics.
Poly(2-cycloalkyl-2-oxazoline)s: high melting temperature polymers solely based on Debye and Keesom van der Waals interactions
Authors: Jerca Valentin Victor , Lava Kathleen , Verbraeken Bart , Hoogenboom Richard
Published: December 2015

The synthesis of new 2-cycloalkyl-2-oxazoline monomers, namely 2-cyclobutyl (cBuOx), 2-cyclopentyl (cPentOx) and 2-cyclohexyl-2-oxazoline (cHexOx) is described. Polymers thereof are semi-crystalline and reveal unexpectedly high melting transitions.
Thiourea assisted hydrothermal synthesis of ZnS/CdS/Ag2S nanocatalysts for photocatalytic degradation of Congo red under direct sunlight illumination
Authors: Kalpana Kalyanaraman , Selvaraj Vaithilingam
Published: December 2015

Schematic illustration for the photodecomposition of Congo red dye using ZnS/CdS/Ag2S nanocomposites under solar light.
Dissociation of O2 and its reactivity on O/S doped graphene
Authors: Hou Meiling , Cen Wanglai , Nan Fang , Li Jianjun , Chu Yinghao , Yin Huaqiang
Published: December 2015

O/S doping promotes the dissociation of O2, which forming epoxy and/or carbonyl groups on the doped-GP surfaces. The catalytic loop for the oxidation of SO2 is terminated because of high oxidation barrier due to the formation of the carbonyl group.
TEMPO-mediated oxidized nanocellulose incorporating with its derivatives of carbon dots for luminescent hybrid films
Authors: Jiang Yaoquan , Zhao Yafei , Feng Xin , Fang Jianhui , Shi Liyi
Published: December 2015

Transparent, photoluminescent hybrid film was constructed using nanocellulose as fibrous network skeleton and CDs derived from nanocellulose as fluorescent nanomaterials.
Investigation into the enantiospecific behavior of trichlorfon enantiomers during microorganism degradation
Authors: Nie Jing , Yang Li-Ye , OuYang Xiao-kun , Wu Wei-Jian , Wang Yang-Guang , Yu Di
Published: December 2015

Degradation of TF enantiomers and generation of dichlorvos in fish at different storage temperatures. (a) Fish was stored at 18 °C, and (b) fish was stored at 25 °C.
Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable copolymer derived from dextrin and poly(vinyl acetate) via atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Das Dipankar , Mukherjee Sudipta , Pal Aniruddha , Das Raghunath , Sahu Santi Gopal , Pal Sagar
Published: December 2015

This article reports the development of a dextrin-based amphiphilic biodegradable graft copolymer (Dxt-g-pVAc) via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP).
Preparation and characterization of TiO2and γ-Al2O3composite membranes for the separation of oil-in-water emulsions
Authors: Suresh Kanchapogu , Srinu Tekula , Ghoshal Aloke Kumar , Pugazhenthi G.
Published: December 2015

Hydrophilic TiO2and γ-Al2O3membranes were prepared on ceramic support to reduce membrane fouling in treatment of synthetic oil-in-water emulsions.
Interfacial tension of oil/water emulsions with mixed non-ionic surfactants: comparison between experiments and molecular simulations
Authors: Posocco P. , Perazzo A. , Preziosi V. , Laurini E. , Pricl S. , Guido S.
Published: December 2015

Smaller Span molecules occupy the free spaces between bulkier Tween molecules thus lowering interfacial tension as compared to those obtained for single surfactant systems.
Facile preparation of yolk–shell structured Si/SiC@C@TiO2 nanocomposites as highly efficient photocatalysts for degrading organic dye in wastewater
Authors: Liu Mei-Pin , Su Tingting , Sun Lin , Du Hong-Bin
Published: December 2015

The prepared yolk–shell Si/SiC@C@TiO2 nanospheres show a strong photon absorbance throughout the visible light region, and excellent photocatalytic performance for degrading methyl blue in water under UV and visible light irradiation.
Role of manganese-based surfactant towards solubilization and photophysical properties of fluorescein
Authors: Kaur Gurpreet , Garg Preeti , Chaudhary Ganga Ram
Published: December 2015

Interactions between fluorescein dye and manganese-based, water-soluble surfactant for modulating photophysical properties of such photosensitizer in a metal-containing microheterogeneous environment and for evaluating their role in solubilization have been explored.
Low symmetry configurations of vacancy-oxygen complexes in irradiated silicon
Authors: Kusano Y. , Saito H. , Vlasenko L. S. , Vlasenko M. P. , Ohta E. , Itoh K. M.
Published: December 2015

Two new electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra, labeled KU2 and KU3, emerge as a result of annealing of γ-ray irradiated silicon crystals in the temperature range 360–560 °C. The EPR intensities of KU2 and KU3 increase in the upper range of the annealing temperature where the EPR peaks of the vacancy-oxygen complex (A-center) diminish. The angular dependence study shows that the EPR spectra of KU2 and KU3 resemble that of SL1, the excited triplet (spin S = 1) state of A-centers, but with slightly different g and D-tensors representing lowering in symmetries. Microscopic lattice distortions caused by capturing of extra interstitial oxygen atoms by the A-centers are proposed to be the source of lowering of the symmetries associated with KU2 and KU3.
The structural physical approximation conjecture
Authors: Shultz Fred
Published: December 2015

It was conjectured that the structural physical approximation (SPA) of an optimal entanglement witness is separable (or equivalently, that the SPA of an optimal positive map is entanglement breaking). This conjecture was disproved, first for indecomposable maps and more recently for decomposable maps. The arguments in both cases are sketched along with important related results. This review includes background material on topics including entanglement witnesses, optimality, duality of cones, decomposability, and the statement and motivation for the SPA conjecture so that it should be accessible for a broad audience.
Bell-Plesset effects in Rayleigh-Taylor instability of finite-thickness spherical and cylindrical shells
Authors: Velikovich A. L. , Schmit P. F.
Published: December 2015

Bell-Plesset (BP) effects account for the influence of global convergence or divergence of the fluid flow on the evolution of the interfacial perturbations embedded in the flow. The development of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in radiation-driven spherical capsules and magnetically-driven cylindrical liners necessarily includes a significant contribution from BP effects due to the time dependence of the radius, velocity, and acceleration of the unstable surfaces or interfaces. An analytical model is presented that, for an ideal incompressible fluid and small perturbation amplitudes, exactly evaluates the BP effects in finite-thickness shells through acceleration and deceleration phases. The time-dependent dispersion equations determining the “instantaneous growth rate” are derived. It is demonstrated that by integrating this approximate growth rate over time, one can accurately evaluate the number of perturbation e-foldings during the inward acceleration phase of the implosion. In the limit of small shell thickness, exact thin-shell perturbation equations and approximate thin-shell dispersion equations are obtained, generalizing the earlier results [E. G. Harris, Phys. Fluids 5, 1057 (1962); E. Ott, Phys. Rev. Lett. 29, 1429 (1972); A. B. Bud'ko et al., Phys. Fluids B 2, 1159 (1990)].