bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyunsaturated Fat Intake Estimated by Circulating Biomarkers and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and All-Cause Mortality in a Population-Based Cohort of 60-Year-Old Men and Women
Authors: Marklund Matti , Leander Karin , Vikström Max , Laguzzi Federica , Gigante Bruna , Sjögren Per , Cederholm Tommy , de Faire Ulf , Hellénius Mai-Lis , Risérus Ulf
Published: June 2015

Background—

High intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality. Large, prospective studies including both sexes and circulating PUFAs as dietary biomarkers are needed. We investigated sex-specific associations of the major dietary PUFAs, eicosapentaenoic acid, docohexaenoic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid, with incident CVD and all-cause mortality in a population-based cohort.

Methods and Results—

PUFAs in serum cholesterol esters were measured at baseline in 60-year-old Swedish women (n=2193) and men (n=2039). With the use of national registers, 484 incident CVD events (294 men and 190 women) and 456 all-cause deaths (265 men and 191 women) were identified during follow-up (median, 14.5 years) in individuals without prior CVD at baseline. Associations of PUFAs with CVD and mortality were evaluated with Cox proportional hazard models. In multivariable-adjusted models, 1-SD increases in eicosapentaenoic acid and docohexaenoic acid were associated with lower risk of incident CVD among women (hazard ratio [HR], 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64–0.97] and 0.74 [95% CI, 0.61–0.89], respectively). α-Linolenic acid was associated with moderately increased CVD risk in women (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.02–1.32). Inverse associations with all-cause mortality were observed for eicosapentaenoic acid and docohexaenoic acid among all participants (HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.72–0.91] and 0.80 [95% CI, 0.72–0.89], respectively) and for linoleic acid in men (HR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.64–0.83).

Conclusions—

Serum linoleic acid and very-long-chain n-3 PUFAs, partly reflecting vegetable oil and fish intake, respectively, were inversely associated with all-cause mortality. Inverse associations of eicosapentaenoic acid and docohexaenoic acid with incident CVD were observed only in women.
New species and new distribution records of Lestremiinae, Micromyinae and Porricondylinae (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Sweden
Authors: JASCHHOF MATHIAS , JASCHHOF CATRIN
Published: June 2015

The Swedish species of fungivorous Cecidomyiidae have been the subject of comprehensive inventory in recent years (2004–2012). Notwithstanding these efforts,which are unparalleled in the remainder of Europe and the World, a follow-up project running over four months (May–August, 2014) revealed the presence in Sweden of an additional 28 species of Lestremiinae, Micromyinae and Porricondylinae. These discoveries, comprising 10 species new to science and 18 species new to the Swedish fauna, are outlined and discussed in terms of taxonomic position and geographical distribution. New species are described and named as follows: Aprionus forshagei, Aprionus gustavssoni, Aprionus karlssonorum, Aprionus lindgrenae, Aprionus magnussoni (all in Micromyinae), Asynapta panzari, Asynapta suzzae, Dicerura peterssoni, Monepidosis tinnerti, and Tetraneuromyia wilksae (all in Porricondylinae). Serratyla acuta (Spungis), originally classified as a Porricondyla, is a new combination.
A new Cephennium of Kyrgyzstan, with notes on subgenera and distribution (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ , STEVANOVIĆ MIROSLAV
Published: June 2015

Cephennium chirgisianum sp. n. of western Kyrgyzstan is described. This is the easternmost known locality where this predominantly western European genus occurs. This new species is not placed in any subgenus, and problems with subgeneric diagnoses and systematics of Cephennium are discussed. The distribution of Cephennium is summarized and possible dispersal routes or areas where this genus can be expected to occur are indicated.
First record of the subfamily Anoplophilinae (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae) from Russia with description of a new species of the genus Alpinanoplophilus Ishikawa, 1993
Authors: Storozhenko Sergey Yu.
Published: June 2015

The subfamily Anoplophilinae (Rhaphidophopridae) is recorded from Russia for the first time. Alpinanoplophilus kurilensis Storozhenko, sp. nov. is described from Kunashir Island. The holotype of the new species is deposited in the Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Science (St. Petersburg, Russia). A revised key to the species of the genus Alpinanoplophilus Ishikawa, 1993 is provided.
Review of the buccal-attaching fish parasite genus Glossobius Schioedte & Meinert, 1883 (Crustacea: Isopoda: Cymothoidae)
Authors: MARTIN MELISSA B. , BRUCE NIEL L. , NOWAK BARBARA F.
Published: June 2015

Two species of Glossobius Schioedte & Meinert, 1883 are known from Australia: Glossobius anctus Bruce & Bowman, 1989 and Glossobius impressus (Say, 1818), the latter recorded here for the first time from Australia and southern Africa. Glossobius ogasawarensis Nunomura, 1994 is here placed in synonymy with Glossobius auritus Bovallius, 1885; whereas Glossobius crassa (Dana, 1853) is removed from synonymy with G. auritus and placed into nomen dubium. Glossobius arimae Nunomura, 2001 is transferred to the genus Ceratothoa Dana, 1852. A key to the species of Glossobius is presented.
Three new species of the genus Quedius (subgenus Microsaurus) from China (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylinini: Quediina)
Authors: CAI YAN-PENG , ZHAO ZONG-YI , ZHOU HONG-ZHANG
Published: June 2015

Three new species of the subgenus Microsaurus Dejean, 1833 of the genus Quedius Stephens, 1829 are described based on specimens collected from China: Q. (Microsaurus) bilobus sp. nov. and Q. (Microsaurus) varius sp. nov. from Sichuan, and Q. (Microsaurus) cornutus sp. nov. from Yunnan. Line drawings and color illustrations of adults and genitalia of the new species are provided.
Late-instar larva of Scydmaenus (Parallomicrus) rufus Müller & Kunze (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)
Authors: JAŁOSZYŃSKI PAWEŁ
Published: June 2015

The late-instar (most likely the last instar) larva of Scydmaenus (Parallomicrus) rufus is described. A comparative study with other known larvae of Scydmaenus (belonging to Scydmaenus s. str. and the subgenus Cholerus) is carried out and it is concluded that while the general body form and some characters are shared by immature Parallomicrus and Cholerus, there are nevertheless features present in Parallomicrus and Scydmaenus s. str. that are absent in Cholerus. A subcylindrical and strongly elongated body differentiates immature Parallomicrus from Scydmaenus s. str., while the following characters, present in Parallomicrus, are not known in Cholerus: a pair of long lateral setae on head capsule, four (and not five) pairs of dorsoanterior setae on the nasale, more than 10 teeth on the anteroventral margin of nasale instead of five only, three (and not two) solenidia on the antennomere III, three (and not two) pairs of labial setae, slightly (and not strongly) elongate abdominal segment IX, and abdominal segment X not constricted near base.
A nearly cryptic Scorpionfly, Panorpa cryptica n. sp. (Mecoptera: Panorpidae) from North America
Authors: BICHA WESLEY , SCHIFF NATHAN , LANCASTER AARON , SCHEFFLER BRIAN
Published: June 2015

The first nearly cryptic species of scorpionfly from the United States, Panorpa cryptica Bicha and Schiff, n. sp., is described from northern Georgia, southwestern North Carolina and northwestern South Carolina. This insect was initially differentiated from the very similar Panorpa nebulosa Westwood by its unique cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) mitochondrial DNA. Habitat details, distribution, and biology are described.
Who Takes You to the Dance? How Partners’ Institutional Logics Influence Innovation in Young Firms
Authors: Pahnke Emily Cox , Katila Riitta , Eisenhardt Kathleen M.
Published: June 2015

Drawing on institutional theory, we examine how the institutional logics—taken-for granted norms, structures, and practices—of different types of funding partners influence young firms and their search for innovations. We test our hypotheses in a longitudinal study of a complete population of ventures in the minimally invasive surgical device industry in the U.S., supplemented by interviews with industry informants. We find that types of funding partners vary significantly from one another: they all provide resources, but their institutional logics differ. Venture capitalists (VCs) pick young firms with significant patented technologies and help firms launch products, and high-status VCs strengthen both the patenting and product innovations of young firms. Corporate venture capitalists and government agencies also select patent-intensive firms but are less effective than VCs in helping ventures during the relationship because, though these partners often have impressive technical and commercial resources for innovation, their institutional logics constrain how effectively young firms can access their resources. Relative to other types of funding partners, VCs have a closer advisor relationship with the venture; greater power, influence, and access to resources; better-paced and more-motivating milestones; and better understanding of the commercialization process. Our results extend the institutional logics literature to interorganizational relationships and suggest that the choice among types of funding partners may have unanticipated effects on firms’ innovation beyond the financial resources gained through the relationship.
Azo reactive dyes: ultrafiltration and application to cotton by exhaustion and digital ink-jet printing
Authors: Lykidou Smaro , Karanikas Evangelos , Nikolaidis Nikolaos , Tsatsaroni Eforia
Published: June 2015

Three reactive dyes have been synthesized by coupling 1-amino-phenyl-4-beta hydroxyethyl sulfone sulfate ester with 1-amino-8-hydroxynaphalene-3,6-disoulphonic acid (H-acid). The dyes synthesized were then purified using ultrafiltration and water-based reactive ink jet inks were prepared for digital printing applications.

The dyes were characterized by their spectrophotometrical data ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, optical emission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and elemental analysis. The purity of dyes was checked by thin layer chromatography and their dyeing performance was assessed on cotton fibers by exhaustion (dyeing) and ink-jet printing. Ink-jet inks with the dyes synthesized were prepared and their physical properties were measured in order to evaluate their suitability for ink-jet printing. Color measurements and fastness properties were performed for the dyed and digitally printed samples. Coloristic values of the dyed/ printed samples were as expected, that is, K/ S values of the dyed samples were much higher than those of the printed ones, K/ S values of the samples dyed with the ultrafiltrated dyes were higher than those with the initial dyes and the rest of the coloristic co-ordinates L, a, b, C, H, were in line with strength changes of the dyes before and after ultrafiltration. The dyed samples had excellent wash fastness and medium light fastness. Ultrafiltration slightly improves the fastness properties of the dyed samples.
Perceptions of Parental Control in China: Effects of Cultural Values, Cultural Normativeness, and Perceived Parental Acceptance
Authors: Chen-Bouck Li , Patterson Meagan M.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine Chinese young adults’ judgments, of parental control across a range of domains (e.g., clothing and friendship), whether judgments would be influenced by experimentally manipulated information regarding cultural values and cultural normativeness, and whether perceptions of parental acceptance/rejection influenced parental control judgments. Participants viewed parental control of training school and clothing more positively than parental control of friendship or use of physical discipline. Contrary to expectations, participants did not view parental control more positively when primed with information about cultural values. Surprisingly, participants’ views of parental control were more negative when primed with information about the high cultural normativeness of parental control as compared with neutral or low normativeness conditions. Regardless of type of control, participants viewed parental control more positively when control was perceived as based on love and acceptance rather than a desire to control the child.
Determinants of Single and Multiple Sensory Impairments in an Urban Population
Authors: Khil Laura , Wellmann Jürgen , Berger Klaus
Published: June 2015

Objective

To describe the co‐occurrence pattern and determinants of auditory, olfactory, visual, and gustatory impairment across the life spectrum of adults.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

An urban population.

Subjects and Method

In total, 1208 persons from the general adult population (age range, 25‐74 years; 46.7% men) were included. Sensory impairments were assessed with validated tests. Alternating logistic regression was applied to characterize (1) the dependence of sensory impairments on selected independent variables and (2) the pairwise association between sensory impairments. The dependence of impairment grade (no to multisensory impairment) on the same set of independent variables was examined using ordinal logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of single sensory impairment was 38.8%, of dual 27.3%, and of multisensory impairment 7.5%. Auditory impairment was the most frequent impairment type (43.9%), followed by olfactory (21.5%), gustatory (20.3%), and visual impairment (14.1%). Besides age and sex, social status (odds ratio [OR], 2.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.80‐3.79), smoking status (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.12‐1.88), and diabetes (OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.16‐2.63) were related to an elevated odds of moving from a lower into a higher impairment category.

Conclusions

The presence of certain risk factors, such as a low social status, diabetes, and smoking, appears likely to increase the risk of multisensory impairment.
Massively Parallel Sequencing for Genetic Diagnosis of Hearing Loss
Authors: Shearer A. Eliot , Smith Richard J. H.
Published: June 2015

Objective

To evaluate the use of new genetic sequencing techniques for comprehensive genetic testing for hearing loss.

Data Sources

Articles were identified from PubMed and Google Scholar databases using pertinent search terms.

Review Methods

Literature search identified 30 studies as candidates that met search criteria. Three studies were excluded, and 8 studies were found to be case reports. Twenty studies were included for review analysis, including 7 studies that evaluated controls and 16 studies that evaluated patients with unknown causes of hearing loss; 3 studies evaluated both controls and patients.

Conclusions

In the 20 studies included in the review analysis, 426 control samples and 603 patients with unknown causes of hearing loss underwent comprehensive genetic diagnosis for hearing loss using massively parallel sequencing. Control analysis showed a sensitivity and specificity >99%, sufficient for clinical use of these tests. The overall diagnostic rate was 41% (range, 10%‐83%) and varied based on several factors, including inheritance and prescreening prior to comprehensive testing. There were significant differences in platforms available with regard to the number and type of genes included and whether copy number variations were examined. Based on these results, comprehensive genetic testing should form the cornerstone of a tiered approach to clinical evaluation of patients with hearing loss along with history, physical examination, and audiometry and can determine further testing that may be required, if any.

Implications for Practice

Comprehensive genetic testing has become the new standard of care for genetic testing for patients with sensorineural hearing loss.
The Putative Fathers of Swinton, England
Authors: Harvey Ben
Published: June 2015

This article addresses the shortfall in work on the treatment of illegitimacy under the old poor laws, and on the fathers involved, rather than the mothers. Moreover, through the new source use of letters from fathers, and the intensive case study of a single parish, it provides a corrective to a subject still excessively influenced by historical demography. The letters allow the social context and attitudes behind the laws to finally be examined on an individual level. They also reveal a distanced system of outparish bastardy payments. Using the personal experiences displayed, this article challenges theories on large-scale economic causation, considers the sentiment the authorities treated the fathers with, and the father’s attitudes toward the repayments process. Additionally, this article makes exploratory comments on more distanced literature regarding nineteenth-century masculinity, which has rarely been paired with illegitimacy and the concept of the father outside the home.
Commons and the Public Domain
Authors: Dolcerocca Antoine , Coriat Benjamin
Published: June 2015

This article critically examines the concepts of the commons and the public domain as developed in the literature on law and economics, and in the legal literature on intellectual property. It aims to accomplish two things: reviewing the literature laying out diverse meanings associated with these terms and reintroducing them into radical political economy. The study of the commons and the public domain have long been neglected in the area of radical political economy, and the way these concepts have been developed in the literature reviewed is only marginally relevant to problems and methods of political economy. This article argues for a reassessment and redefinition of the commons and the public domain from the standpoint of radical political economy, and proposes a research agenda for the commons.
Covalently cross-linked hydroxyapatite–citric acid–based biomimetic polymeric composites for bone applications
Authors: Victor Sunita P , VM Vineeth , Komeri Remya , Selvam Shivaram , Muthu Jayabalan
Published: June 2015

Composite materials based on bioceramics and polymers offer excellent opportunities in the quest for developing optimal bone grafts for bone tissue engineering. Herein, we have functionalized nano hydroxyapatite with citric acid and subsequently cross-linked with poly(propylene fumarate) and poly(ethylene glycol) to afford a composite with better interfacial bonding properties. This study involved two biomimetic composites, 3CP-VP and 5CP-VP, prepared by varying the concentration of hydroxyapatite. Uniform homogenous distribution of hydroxyapatite was identified through Raman spectral imaging in both the composite matrices. The compressive moduli of the biomimetic composites after 4-week immersion in phosphate-buffered saline ranged between 100 and 300 MPa, which falls well within the accepted values reported for human trabecular bone. Moreover, biodegradation studies revealed only an average weight loss of 10%–17% during the 7-week time period. Furthermore, apatite mineralization was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and contact angle measurements revealed hydrophobic surfaces with preferential adsorption to albumin. More importantly, blood compatibility studies demonstrated no significant hemolysis and no visible red blood cell aggregation, while cytotoxicity evaluation via direct contact, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, and live–dead assays on human osteoblast sarcoma cell line exhibited good biocompatibility with negligible cytotoxicity. In addition, in vitro drug release studies with gentamycin-loaded composites demonstrated a controlled and sustained release profile with about 35% of drug released over a period of 2 weeks. These findings show that these composites could be developed into stand-alone bone substitutes for bone tissue engineering coupled with drug delivery applications.
Skin wound healing with chitosan thin films containing supported silver nanospheres
Authors: Ojeda-Martínez Maria L , Yáñez-Sánchez Irinea , Velásquez-Ordoñez Celso , Martínez-Palomar Maria M , Álvarez-Rodríguez Adriana , Garcia-Sánchez Miguel A , Rojas-González Fernando , Gálvez-Gastélum Francisco J
Published: June 2015

Dermal wound healing involves complex histo-molecular events aimed to repair the discontinuity of the epithelium. Employing nanometric silver particles provides an efficient antimicrobial effect for several dermal infections. The aim is to elucidate imminent advantages of silver nanoparticles, such as the possibility of modulating the epithelial cell repair process. Through the nanostructural implementation of chitosan thin films supporting silver nanoparticles, it was feasible to evaluate in vivo the efficacy and evolution of dermal recuperation after surgical damage. The characterization of chitosan silver nanoparticle films was performed by UV–visible spectra and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and high-resolution electron microscopy. An important dermal healing was accomplished in animals that were treated with chitosan films supporting silver nanoparticles, as confirmed by a histopathological analysis of the skin after 12 days of treatment. The developed chitosan thin film supporting an optimized amount of silver nanoparticles could be employed to treat diseases related to wound healing.
Computational study of compound angle film cooling flow field and aerodynamic losses using a parallel hybrid mesh Navier–Stokes code
Authors: Luo Chang , Misaka Takashi , Obayashi Shigeru , Goto Takashi , Yamawaki Ruriko
Published: June 2015

Flow characteristics and aerodynamic losses of film cooling injection with compound angles of 30°, 60°, and 90° for velocity ratios of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 are numerically investigated using the high-quality hybrid meshes comprising tetrahedrons, prisms, and pyramids. The solutions are obtained by solving the compressible Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, and the cell-vertex finite volume method is used to discretize these equations. The predicted results are firstly validated against the experimental data. It has been found that the variation tendency of mass average net total pressure loss coefficient with compound angles is reasonably predicted and in many cases well predicted. The analyses based on net total pressure losses show that the aerodynamic losses tend to increase with the increasing of compound angle regardless of the velocity ratio, and the tendency becomes more obvious when the velocity ratio is large. On the other hand, some typical cases are additionally calculated with different turbulence models and flux computation schemes for the comparisons. A latest proposed numerical flux computation method, simple low-dissipative AUSM (SLAU) scheme, is adopted in the predictions. The results indicate that SLAU scheme is slightly superior to Harten–Lax–van Leer–Einfeldt–Wada scheme in the prediction of compound angle film cooling injection.
Free vibration analysis of functionally graded nanocomposite sandwich beams resting on Pasternak foundation by considering the agglomeration effect of CNTs
Authors: Kamarian Saeed , Shakeri Mahmoud , Yas MH , Bodaghi Mahdi , Pourasghar A
Published: June 2015

In the present work, by considering the agglomeration effect of single-walled carbon nanotubes, free vibration characteristics of functionally graded (FG) nanocomposite sandwich beams resting on Pasternak foundation are presented. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) volume fraction is graded through the thicknesses of face sheets according to a generalized power–law distribution. The material properties of the FG nanocomposite sandwich beam are estimated using the Eshelby–Mori–Tanaka approach based on an equivalent fiber. The equations of motion are derived based on Timoshenko beam theory and employing Hamilton's principle. Generalized differential quadrature technique as an efficient and accurate numerical tool is employed to obtain the natural frequencies of the structure. The verification study represents the accuracy of the solution for free vibration analysis of the nanocomposite sandwich beams resting on elastic foundation. Detailed parametric studies are carried out to investigate the influences of CNTs agglomeration, different profiles of CNT volume fraction such as symmetric, asymmetric, and classic, Winkler foundation modulus, shear elastic foundation modulus, length to span ratio, thicknesses of face sheets, and boundary conditions on the vibrational behavior of the structure. It is shown that the natural frequencies of structure are seriously affected by the influence of CNTs agglomeration. Results also represent the fact that utilizing FG nanocomposite sandwich beams in most agglomeration states improves the fundamental frequencies of the structure, but in some cases has a destructive effect on the vibrational characteristics.
Bee venom suppresses testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia by regulating the inflammatory response and apoptosis
Authors: Chung Kyung-Sook , An Hyo-Jin , Cheon Se-Yun , Kwon Ki-Rok , Lee Kwang-Ho
Published: June 2015

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a common disorder in aging men, involves inflammation that is associated with an imbalance between cell proliferation and cell death. Because current BPH drug treatments have undesirable side effects, the development of well-tolerated and effective alternative medicines to treat BPH is of interest. Bee venom (BV) has been used in traditional medicine to treat conditions, such as arthritis and rheumatism, and pain. Although inflammation has been associated with BPH and BV has strong anti-inflammatory effects, the effects of BV on BPH are not fully understood. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the efficacy of BV against testosterone-induced BPH in rats. BV decreased prostate weight compared to the untreated group. In addition, BV suppressed serum dihydrotestosterone concentration levels and the levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the histological analysis. Furthermore, BV significantly decreased the levels of the apoptotic suppressors, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and increased the levels of the proapoptotic factors, Bax and caspase-3 activation. These results suggested that BV suppressed the development of BPH and has good potential as a treatment for BPH.
Towards improving software security by using simulation to inform requirements and conceptual design
Authors: Nutaro James , Allgood Glenn , Kuruganti Teja
Published: June 2015

In this article we illustrate the use of modeling and simulation early in the system life-cycle to improve security and reduce costs. The models that we develop for this illustration are inspired by problems in reliability analysis and supervisory control, for which similar models are used to quantify failure probabilities and rates. In the context of security, we propose that models of this general type can be used to understand trades between risk and cost while writing system requirements and during conceptual design, and thereby significantly reduce the need for expensive security corrections after a system enters operation.
Preclinical Evaluation of Poly(HEMA-co-acrylamide) Hydrogels Encapsulating Glucose Oxidase and Palladium Benzoporphyrin as Fully Implantable Glucose Sensors
Authors: Unruh Rachel M. , Roberts Jason R. , Nichols Scott P. , Gamsey Soya , Wisniewski Natalie A. , McShane Michael J.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) require percutaneous wire probes to monitor glucose. Sensors based on luminescent hydrogels are being explored as fully implantable alternatives to traditional CGMs. Our previous work investigated hydrogel matrices functionalized with enzymes and oxygen-quenched phosphors, demonstrating sensitivity to glucose, range of response, and biofouling strongly depend on the matrix material. Here, we further investigate the effect of matrix composition on overall performance in vitro and in vivo.

Methods:

Sensors based on three hydrogels, a poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) homopolymer and 2 poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-acrylamide) (pHEMA-co-AAm) copolymers, were compared. These were used to entrap glucose oxidase (GOx), catalase, and an oxygen-sensitive benzoporphyrin phosphor. All sensor formulations were evaluated for glucose response and stability at physiological temperatures. Selected sensors were then evaluated as implanted sensors in a porcine model challenged with glucose and insulin. The animal protocol used in this study was approved by an IACUC committee at Texas A&M University.

Results:

PHEMA-co-AAm copolymer hydrogels (75:25 HEMA:AAm) yielded the most even GOx and dye dispersion throughout the hydrogel matrix and best preserved GOx apparent activity. In response to in vitro glucose challenges, this formulation exhibited a dynamic range of 12-167 mg/dL, a sensitivity of 1.44 ± 0.46 µs/(mg/dL), and tracked closely with reference capillary blood glucose values in vivo.

Conclusions:

The hydrogel-based sensors exhibited excellent sensitivity and sufficiently rapid response to the glucose levels achieved in vivo, proving feasibility of these materials for use in real-time glucose tracking. Extending the dynamic range and assessing long-term effects in vivo are ongoing efforts.
Strengthening mechanism and metal/ceramic bonding interface of cold sprayed TiNp/Al5356 deposits
Authors: Huang C. J. , Li W. Y.
Published: June 2015

As the literature reported, the microhardness of particle reinforced metal matrix composite coatings fabricated by cold spraying (CS) could be significantly increased compared to pure metallic coatings by CS. However, the correlation between the strengthening mechanism of reinforcements and the microhardness increment is still not well revealed. Therefore, in this study, two strengthening mechanisms of reinforcement particles in CSTiNp/Al5356 coatings, i.e. the strain hardening effect of reinforcement particles tamping on the metal matrix and the dispersion strengthening effect of uniformly dispersed reinforcement particles, were studied, and the proportions by two strengthening effects were qualitatively characterised as a first approximation by a proposed microhardness calculation model based on the hardness data of both the as sprayed and heat treated coatings. Results show that the dispersion strengthening effect of TiN particles plays a greater role in microhardness increment than the strain hardening effect of TiN tamping on the Al5356. In addition, the bonding interface of metal/ceramic particles in TiNp/Al5356 coatings was characterised using a transmission electron microscope for revealing the bonding features at the interface. Results show that although an intimate contact (i.e. bonding) is formed at the TiNp/Al5356 interface, the bonding is relatively weak, with some cracks or pores possibly present at the interface.
Discrete nanosized metallic coatings produced by EB-PVD
Authors: Movchan B. A.
Published: June 2015

This paper presents new technology variants of electron beam vapour phase deposition (EB-PVD) regarding discrete nanosized metal coatings on the surface of powders and granules of organic and inorganic substances. Examples of Ag, Cu and Fe produced coatings on the surfaces of microsized powders of inorganic (NaCl, Al2O3) and organic (polyvinylpyrrolidone, metronidazole, streptomycin, triazolin) substances, and millimetre organic granules (polyethylene, rice and wheat grains) are presented. Main attention is given to discrete silver coatings. Possibilities of transformation of powder systems with discrete coatings into liquid phase systems, for instance, colloids, following a simple technological schematic are shown, that is, deposition of metal nanoparticles on soluble powders of surfactants and subsequent dissolution of composites in water or other solvents. Directions of further research and development are proposed.
Splanchnic venous thrombosis is a marker of cancer and a prognostic factor for cancer survival
Authors: Søgaard Kirstine K. , Farkas Dóra K. , Pedersen Lars , Sørensen Henrik T.
Published: June 2015

Key Points

SVT is a marker of occult cancer, in particular myeloproliferative neoplasms, liver cancer, and pancreatic cancer. SVT is a prognostic factor for short-term survival in patients diagnosed with liver or pancreatic cancer.
The general traveling wave solutions of the Fisher type equations and some related problems
Authors: Yuan Wenjun , Xiao Bing , Wu Yonghong , Qi Jianming
Published: June 2015

In this article, we introduce two recent results with respect to the integrality and exact solutions of the Fisher type equations and their applications. We obtain the sufficient and necessary conditions of integrable and general meromorphic solutions of these equations by the complex method. Our results are of the corresponding improvements obtained by many authors. All traveling wave exact solutions of many nonlinear partial differential equations are obtained by making use of our results. Our results show that the complex method provides a powerful mathematical tool for solving a great number of nonlinear partial differential equations in mathematical physics. We will propose four analogue problems and expect that the answer is positive, at last.

MSC:30D35, 34A05.
Existence of a common solution of an integral equations system by "Equation missing" -weakly contractions
Authors: Lo’lo’ Parvaneh , Vaezpour Seiyed Mansour , Saadati Reza , Park Choonkil
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we consider a system of integral equations and apply the coincidence and common fixed point theorems for four mappings satisfying a

(
ψ
,
α
,
β
)

-weakly contractive condition in ordered metric spaces to prove the existence of a common solution to integral equations. Also we furnish suitable examples to demonstrate the validity of the hypotheses of our results.

MSC:54H25, 47H10.
Psychometric properties of the stagnation scale in medication overuse headache patients
Authors: Innamorati Marco , Pompili Maurizio , Erbuto Denise , Ricci Federica , Migliorati Monica , Lamis Dorian A , Amore Mario , Girardi Paolo , Martelletti Paolo
Published: June 2015

Background

Medication-overuse headache (MOH) is often comorbid with emotional disturbances, contributing to poorer outcomes. The aims of the present study were to assess the psychometric properties of the Stagnation Scale in a sample of MOH patients, and to compare two factor models: a three-factor model reported in previous studies and a proposed bi-factor model.

Methods

Consecutive adult outpatients (N = 310) admitted to the Regional Referral Headache Centre of the Sant’Andrea Hospital in Rome (Italy) were administered the Stagnation Scale and two questionnaires measuring depression and perceived disability.

Results

The original three-factor model demonstrated an adequate fit to the data (χ

2

101 = 238.70; p < 0.001; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation [RMSEA] = 0.07; 90% CI of RMSEA = 0.06 / 0.08; Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.98; Weighted Root Mean Square Residual [WRMR] = 0.75). However, the bi-factor model had a comparable or even better fit, with a RMSEA of 0.05 (90% CI: 0.04 / 0.07), providing strong evidence for an absolute fit to the data (χ

2

88 = 161.43; p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.05; 90% CI of RMSEA = 0.04 / 0.07; CFI = 0.99; WRMR = 0.56). The stagnation general factor and all the group factors correlated significantly and positively with convergent measures.

Conclusions

There is support for the use of the Stagnation Scale in MOH patients, with the goal of better understanding the role of psychological factors in the evolution and course of the disorder.
Cervicogenic headache: too important to be left un-diagnosed
Authors: Fredriksen Torbjørn A , Antonaci Fabio , Sjaastad Ottar
Published: June 2015

A comparison has been made between the cervicogenic headache criteria in the new IHS classification of headaches (3rd edition- beta version) and The Cervicogenic Headache International Study Group’s (GHISG) criteria from 1998. In a more recent version, the CHISG criteria consist of 7 different items. While “core cases” of cervicogenic headache (CEH) usually fulfill all 7 criteria, the IHS classification - 3rd edition beta version- fulfills only 3 criteria. Although the new three beta version represents an improvement from the previous one, it does not quite seem to live up to the expectations for a diagnostic system for routine, clinical use.
Propargylic substitution reactions with various nucleophilic compounds using efficient and recyclable mesoporous silica spheres embedded with FeCo/graphitic shell nanocrystals
Authors: Jang Seongwan , Kim A Young , Seo Won Seok , Park Kang Hyun
Published: June 2015

Phosphomolybdic acid (PMA, H3PMo12O40) functioned as a catalyst for reactions of secondary propargylic alcohols and nucleophiles. Highly stable and magnetically recyclable mesoporous silica spheres (MMS) embedded with FeCo-graphitic carbon shell nanocrystals (FeCo/GC@MSS) were fabricated by a modified Stöber process and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. The FeCo/GC@MSS were loaded with phosphomolybdic acid (PMA@FeCo/GC@MSS), and their catalytic activity was investigated. Propargylic reactions of 1,3-diphenyl-2-propyn-1-ol with a wide range of nucleophiles bearing activating substituents were catalyzed under mild conditions. It was found that the MMS possess mesoporosities and have enough inner space to load FeCo and phosphomolybdic acid. The FeCo/GC@MSS were found to be chemically stable against acid etching and oxidation. This suggests that the nanocrystals can be used as a support for an acid catalyst. Moreover, the magnetic property of the nanocrystals enabled the facile separation of catalysts from the products.
Galvanic synthesis of three-dimensional and hollow metallic nanostructures
Authors: Park Sun Hwa , Son Jin Gyeong , Lee Tae Geol , Kim Jongwon , Han Sang Yun , Park Hyun Min , Song Jae Yong
Published: June 2015

We report a low-cost, facile, and template-free electrochemical method of synthesizing three-dimensional (3D) hollow metallic nanostructures. The 3D nanoporous gold (3D-NPG) nanostructures were synthesized by a galvanic replacement reaction (GRR) using the different reduction potentials of silver and gold; hemispherical silver nanoislands were electrochemically deposited on cathodic substrates by a reverse-pulse potentiodynamic method without templates and then nanoporous gold layer replicated the shape of silver islands during the GRR process in an ultra-dilute electrolyte of gold(III) chloride trihydrate. Finally, the wet etching process of remaining silver resulted in the formation of 3D-NPG. During the GRR process, the application of bias voltage to the cathode decreased the porosity of 3D-NPG in the voltage range of 0.2 to -0.62 V. And the GRR process of silver nanoislands was also applicable to fabrication of the 3D hollow nanostructures of platinum and palladium. The 3D-NPG nanostructures were found to effectively enhance the SERS sensitivity of rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules with a concentration up to 10-8 M.
RRAM characteristics using a new Cr/GdOx/TiN structure
Authors: Jana Debanjan , Dutta Mrinmoy , Samanta Subhranu , Maikap Siddheswar
Published: June 2015

Resistive random access memory (RRAM) characteristics using a new Cr/GdOx/TiN structure with different device sizes ranging from 0.4 × 0.4 to 8 × 8 μm2 have been reported in this study. Polycrystalline GdOx film with a thickness of 17 nm and a small via-hole size of 0.4 μm are observed by a transmission electron microscope (TEM) image. All elements and GdOx film are confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Repeatable resistive switching characteristics at a current compliance (CC) of 300 μA and low operating voltage of ±4 V are observed. The switching mechanism is based on the oxygen vacancy filament formation/rupture through GdOx grain boundaries under external bias. After measuring 50 RRAM devices randomly, the 8-μm devices exhibit superior resistive switching characteristics than those of the 0.4-μm devices owing to higher recombination rate of oxygen with remaining conducting filament in the GdOx film as well as larger interface area, even with a thinner GdOx film of 9 nm. The GdOx film thickness dependence RRAM characteristics have been discussed also. Memory device shows repeatable 100 switching cycles, good device-to-device uniformity with a switching yield of approximately 80%, long read endurance of >105 cycles, and good data retention of >3 × 104 s at a CC of 300 μA.
Electric field enhancement and far-field radiation pattern of the nanoantenna with concentric rings
Authors: Chen Shih-Wen , Huang Yi-Han , Chao Bo-Kai , Hsueh Chun-Hway , Li Jia-Han
Published: June 2015

The optical antennas have the potential in various applications because of their field enhancement and directivity control. The directivity of a dipole antenna can be improved by directivity-enhanced Raman scattering structure, which is a combination of a dipole antenna and a ring reflector layer on a ground plane. The concentric rings can collect the light into the center hole. Depending upon the geometry of the antenna inside the hole, different electric field enhancements can be achieved. In this paper, we propose to combine the concentric rings with the directivity-enhanced Raman scattering structure in order to study its electric field enhancement and the far-field radiation pattern by finite-difference time-domain simulations. Compared with the structure without the concentric rings over the ground plane, it is found that our proposed structure can obtain stronger electric field enhancements and narrower radiation beams because the gold rings can help to couple the light into the nanoantenna and they also scatter light into the far field and modify the far-field radiation pattern. The designed structures were fabricated and the chemical molecules of thiophenol were attached on the structures for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. The measured results show that the structure with concentric rings can have stronger SERS signals. The effects of the dielectric layer thickness in our proposed structure on the near-field enhancements and far-field radiation are also investigated. The proposed structure can be useful for several nanoantenna applications, such as sensing or detecting.
Evaluation of self-assembled HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA nanoparticles by comparing with HCPT-loaded PLA nanoparticles
Authors: Yang Xiangrui , Wu Shichao , Wang Yange , Li Yang , Chang Di , Luo Yin , Ye Shefang , Hou Zhenqing
Published: June 2015

We present a dialysis technique to prepare the 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT)-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) using methoxypolyethylene glycol-poly(d,l-lactide) (PEG-b-PLA) and PLA, respectively. Both HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs and HCPT-loaded PLA NPs were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results showed that the HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs and HCPT-loaded PLA NPs presented a hydrodynamic particle size of 120.1 and 226.8 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.057 and 0.207, a zeta potential of −31.2 and −45.7 mV, drug encapsulation efficiency of 44.52% and 44.94%, and drug-loaded content of 7.42% and 7.49%, respectively. The HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs presented faster drug release rate compared to the HCPT-loaded PLA NPs. The HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs presented higher cytotoxicity than the HCPT-loaded PLA NPs. These results suggested that the HCPT-loaded PEG-b-PLA NPs presented better characteristics for drug delivery compared to HCPT-loaded PLA NPs.
High-purity Cu nanocrystal synthesis by a dynamic decomposition method
Authors: Jian Xian , Cao Yu , Chen Guozhang , Wang Chao , Tang Hui , Yin Liangjun , Luan Chunhong , Liang Yinglin , Jiang Jing , Wu Sixin , Zeng Qing , Wang Fei , Zhang Chengui
Published: June 2015

Cu nanocrystals are applied extensively in several fields, particularly in the microelectron, sensor, and catalysis. The catalytic behavior of Cu nanocrystals depends mainly on the structure and particle size. In this work, formation of high-purity Cu nanocrystals is studied using a common chemical vapor deposition precursor of cupric tartrate. This process is investigated through a combined experimental and computational approach. The decomposition kinetics is researched via differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis using Flynn-Wall-Ozawa, Kissinger, and Starink methods. The growth was found to be influenced by the factors of reaction temperature, protective gas, and time. And microstructural and thermal characterizations were performed by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Decomposition of cupric tartrate at different temperatures was simulated by density functional theory calculations under the generalized gradient approximation. High crystalline Cu nanocrystals without floccules were obtained from thermal decomposition of cupric tartrate at 271°C for 8 h under Ar. This general approach paves a way to controllable synthesis of Cu nanocrystals with high purity.
Impact of device size and thickness of Al2O3 film on the Cu pillar and resistive switching characteristics for 3D cross-point memory application
Authors: Panja Rajeswar , Roy Sourav , Jana Debanjan , Maikap Siddheswar
Published: June 2015

Impact of the device size and thickness of Al2O3 film on the Cu pillars and resistive switching memory characteristics of the Al/Cu/Al2O3/TiN structures have been investigated for the first time. The memory device size and thickness of Al2O3 of 18 nm are observed by transmission electron microscope image. The 20-nm-thick Al2O3 films have been used for the Cu pillar formation (i.e., stronger Cu filaments) in the Al/Cu/Al2O3/TiN structures, which can be used for three-dimensional (3D) cross-point architecture as reported previously Nanoscale Res. Lett.9:366, 2014. Fifty randomly picked devices with sizes ranging from 8 × 8 to 0.4 × 0.4 μm2 have been measured. The 8-μm devices show 100% yield of Cu pillars, whereas only 74% successful is observed for the 0.4-μm devices, because smaller size devices have higher Joule heating effect and larger size devices show long read endurance of 105 cycles at a high read voltage of -1.5 V. On the other hand, the resistive switching memory characteristics of the 0.4-μm devices with a 2-nm-thick Al2O3 film show superior as compared to those of both the larger device sizes and thicker (10 nm) Al2O3 film, owing to higher Cu diffusion rate for the larger size and thicker Al2O3 film. In consequence, higher device-to-device uniformity of 88% and lower average RESET current of approximately 328 μA are observed for the 0.4-μm devices with a 2-nm-thick Al2O3 film. Data retention capability of our memory device of >48 h makes it a promising one for future nanoscale nonvolatile application. This conductive bridging resistive random access memory (CBRAM) device is forming free at a current compliance (CC) of 30 μA (even at a lowest CC of 0.1 μA) and operation voltage of ±3 V at a high resistance ratio of >104.