bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Provenance of the Late Paleocene Sandstones of the Jaisalmer Basin, Western India
Authors: Patra A. , Singh B. P. , Srivastava V. K.
Published: June 2014

Provenance of the late Paleocene sandstone of the Jaisalmer basin has been determined by petrographic and heavy minerals analysis supported by paleocurrent study. Petrography of the quartzose-arenite sandstone reveals an abundance of sub-angular to sub-rounded monocrystalline non-undulatory quartz and some amount of feldspar and rock fragments. The rock fragments are dominated by argillites (slate, phyllite) and limestone. The heavy minerals suite of these sandstones comprises of angular to sub-angular grains of magnetite, zircon, tourmaline, kyanite and staurolite. The paleocurrent analysis indicates bipolar paleocurrent pattern with the dominance of NW flow suggesting that the provenance was in the SE direction of the depositional basin. Q-F-L and Qm-F-Lt diagrams suggest for a provenance at the margin of the craton interior and transitional continental. It is envisaged that the basic igneous rocks of the Deccan basalt, low- to medium-grade metamorphic rocks of the Aravalli belt and Jurassic limestones present in the vicinity are the source rocks for the late Paleocene sandstones of the Jaisalmer basin.
Mapping of Iodine, Lithium and Strontium in Oilfield Water of Cambay Basin, Gujarat
Authors: Rebary Babulal , Raichura Meera , Mangukia Sonal R , Patidar Rajesh
Published: June 2014

Abstract: The major oil and gas producing fields in Gujarat are found in Cambay basin. It is known that a huge amount of water is produced with oil and gas production which is called produced oilfield water. Some useful elements (iodine, lithium and strontium) are present with this oilfield water which may be extracted in case of their abundance. The investigation of iodine, lithium and strontium concentrations in produced oilfield water was accomplished by Ion chromatography while for other cations ICP instrument was used. In oilfield water, iodine content ranges from 0.08 to 1.89 mg/l, lithium content ranges from 0.06 to 2.90 mg/l and strontium content ranges from 0.24 to 73.5 mg/l. In addition to above element, Na, Mg, K, Ca, Al, Ba, Fe, Se, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Hg were also analyzed. The pH and TDS of all the samples were also measured. There is considerable variation in iodine, lithium and strontium in oilfield water samples collected from oil and gas producing fields of Gujarat. There is no definite pattern of variation in iodine, lithium and strontium content.
Time Lapse Tracer and SP Measurements to Characterize the Hydrodynamics of Fractured Granite Aquifer: A Case Study
Authors: Rangarajan R. , Muralidharan D. , Chandra Subash , Reddy D.V. , Andrade Rolland , Ahmad Shakeel
Published: June 2014

An attempt is made to identify and delineate the groundwater flow direction and rate in a fractured hard rock aquifer in Maheshwaram granite watershed in Andhra Pradesh using multiple tracers such as bromide, iodide and rhodamine-B under both natural and induced conditions. A main well in the center and three observation wells at 25 m in north-northwest, southeast and southwest directions respectively were constructed based on 222Rn anomalies and 4He measurements. Streaming potential survey was also carried out in the area before, during and after pumping test. The tracer tests indicated preferential groundwater flow in N-S direction. The groundwater flow velocity estimated based on arrival of tracer under natural and induced conditions are 0.52 m/d and 375 m/d respectively.
Social consequences of early socioeconomic adversity and youth BMI trajectories: Gender and race/ethnicity differences
Authors: Bae Dayoung , Wickrama K.A.S. , O'Neal Catherine Walker
Published: June 2014

The present study investigated the mediating effects of adolescent BMI trajectories on socioeconomic continuity over the early life course using a nationally representative sample of 11,075 respondents. This study considered both the initial severity as well as change over time in BMI as psycho‐physiological mediators. Consistent with the life course pathway model and the cumulative advantage and disadvantage principle, the results suggested that early socioeconomic adversity is associated with youth BMI trajectories over time, which in turn, impair young adult socioeconomic attainment. The results also revealed important gender and racial/ethnic differences in the hypothesized associations. These findings elucidate how early adversity exerts an enduring long‐term influence on social attainment in young adulthood. Further, the findings suggest that effective obesity intervention and prevention programs should focus not only on the severity of obesity but also on growth in BMI over the early years.
Diminished expression of h2‐calponin in prostate cancer cells promotes cell proliferation, migration and the dependence of cell adhesion on substrate stiffness
Authors: Moazzem Hossain M. , Wang Xin , Bergan Raymond C. , Jin J.-P.
Published: June 2014

Calponin is an actin filament‐associated protein and its h2 isoform inhibits cell motility. Here we report significant expression of h2‐calponin in prostate epithelial cells, which is diminished in cancerous cells. Comparison between a prostate cancer cell line PC3 and its metastatic derivative PC3‐M showed lower levels of h2‐calponin in PC3‐M, corresponding to faster rates of cell proliferation and migration. Substrate adhesion of PC3 and PC3‐M cells was positively correlated to the level of h2‐calponin and the adhesion of PC3‐M exhibited a higher dependence on substrate stiffness. Such effects of h2‐calponin on cell proliferation, migration and substrate adhesion were also seen in normal versus cancerous primary prostate cells. Further supporting the role of h2‐calponin in inhibiting cell motility, fibroblasts isolated from h2‐calponin knockout mice proliferated and migrated faster than that of wild type fibroblasts. Transfective over‐expression of h2‐calponin in PC3‐M cells effectively inhibited cell proliferation and migration. The results suggest that the diminished expression of h2‐calponin in prostate cancer cells increases cell motility, decreases substrate adhesion, and promotes adhesion on high stiffness substrates.
Wall to wall optimal transport
Authors: Hassanzadeh Pedram , Chini Gregory P. , Doering Charles R.
Published: June 2014

The calculus of variations is employed to find steady divergence-free velocity fields that maximize transport of a tracer between two parallel walls held at fixed concentration for one of two constraints on flow strength: a fixed value of the kinetic energy (mean square velocity) or a fixed value of the enstrophy (mean square vorticity). The optimizing flows consist of an array of (convection) cells of a particular aspect ratio $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\varGamma $. We solve the nonlinear Euler–Lagrange equations analytically for weak flows and numerically – as well as via matched asymptotic analysis in the fixed energy case – for strong flows. We report the results in terms of the Nusselt number ${\mathit{Nu}}$, a dimensionless measure of the tracer transport, as a function of the Péclet number ${\mathit{Pe}}$, a dimensionless measure of the strength of the flow. For both constraints, the maximum transport ${\mathit{Nu}}_{\mathit{MAX}}({\mathit{Pe}})$ is realized in cells of decreasing aspect ratio $\varGamma _{\mathit{opt}}({\mathit{Pe}})$ as ${\mathit{Pe}}$ increases. For the fixed energy problem, ${\mathit{Nu}}_{\mathit{MAX}} \sim {\mathit{Pe}}$ and $\varGamma _{\mathit{opt}} \sim {\mathit{Pe}}^{-1/2}$, while for the fixed enstrophy scenario, ${\mathit{Nu}}_{\mathit{MAX}} \sim {\mathit{Pe}}^{10/17}$ and $\varGamma _{\mathit{opt}} \sim {\mathit{Pe}}^{-0.36}$. We interpret our results in the context of buoyancy-driven Rayleigh–Bénard convection problems that satisfy the flow intensity constraints, enabling us to investigate how the transport scalings compare with upper bounds on ${\mathit{Nu}}$ expressed as a function of the Rayleigh number ${\mathit{Ra}}$. For steady convection in porous media, corresponding to the fixed energy problem, we find ${\mathit{Nu}}_{\mathit{MAX}} \sim {\mathit{Ra}}$ and $\varGamma _{\mathit{opt}} \sim {\mathit{Ra}}^{-1/2}$, while for steady convection in a pure fluid layer between stress-free isothermal walls, corresponding to fixed enstrophy transport, ${\mathit{Nu}}_{\mathit{MAX}} \sim {\mathit{Ra}}^{5/12}$ and $\varGamma _{\mathit{opt}} \sim {\mathit{Ra}}^{-1/4}$.
The coalescence of liquid drops in a viscous fluid: interface formation model
Authors: Sprittles James E. , Shikhmurzaev Yulii D.
Published: June 2014

The interface formation model is applied to describe the initial stages of the coalescence of two liquid drops in the presence of a viscous ambient fluid whose dynamics is fully accounted for. Our focus is on understanding (a) how this model’s predictions differ from those of the conventionally used one, (b) what influence the ambient fluid has on the evolution of the shape of the coalescing drops and (c) the coupling of the intrinsic dynamics of coalescence and that of the ambient fluid. The key feature of the interface formation model in its application to the coalescence phenomenon is that it removes the singularity inherent in the conventional model at the onset of coalescence and describes the part of the free surface ‘trapped’ between the coalescing volumes as they are pressed against each other as a rapidly disappearing ‘internal interface’. Considering the simplest possible formulation of this model, we find experimentally verifiable differences with the predictions of the conventional model showing, in particular, the effect of drop size on the coalescence process. According to the new model, for small drops a non-monotonic time dependence of the bridge expansion speed is a feature that could be looked for in further experimental studies. Finally, the results of both models are compared to recently available experimental data on the evolution of the liquid bridge connecting coalescing drops, and the interface formation model is seen to give a better agreement with the data.
Linear instability of the path of a freely rising spheroidal bubble
Authors: Tchoufag Joël , Magnaudet Jacques , Fabre David
Published: June 2014

Path and wake instabilities of buoyancy-driven oblate spheroidal bubbles with a prescribed shape rising freely in a viscous fluid otherwise at rest are studied using global stability analysis, following the technique recently developed for a coupled fluid $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}+$ body system by Tchoufag, Fabre & Magnaudet (J. Fluid Mech. vol. 740, 2014, pp. 278–311). The essential role of the wake on the path instability is evidenced by comparing the shape of the global stability diagram with that obtained in the case of a fixed bubble. However, dramatic differences are also found, since the critical curve of the coupled system mostly involves low- and high-frequency oscillating modes, whereas that of a fixed bubble only involves stationary modes. Comparison of the present predictions with results obtained through direct numerical simulation is achieved in several regimes, confirming the predictions of the linear approach but also highlighting some of its limitations when the system successively encounters several unstable modes.
Sinonasal malignancy: presentation and outcomes
Authors: Mahalingappa Y B , Khalil H S
Published: June 2014

Objective:

We wanted to identify the presentation, diagnostic work-up and treatment outcomes of patients with sinonasal malignancy at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, UK and compare these with the European Position Paper on Endoscopic Management of Tumours of the Nose, Paranasal Sinuses and Skull Base.

Materials and methods:

This was a retrospective audit of all patients diagnosed with sinonasal malignancy over a five-year period. The clinical records and picture archiving and communications system data of the patients were reviewed.

Results:

Thirty patients with sinonasal malignancy were identified out of 570 head and neck cancer patients. The nasal cavity was the most common site for presentation, followed by the maxillary sinuses. Fifty per cent of patients had a squamous cell carcinoma and 27 per cent had a malignant melanoma. Half of the patients presented at stage IV of the cancer and 20 per cent at stage III. Thirty-seven per cent of patients underwent surgical management and only 20 per cent of the total patient group underwent endoscopic surgery. The mortality in our series was 30 per cent over the studied period.

Conclusion:

Late-stage presentation of sinonasal malignancy has resulted in increased patient mortality in our case series. Also, we found a high incidence of malignant melanoma with high recurrence and survival rates.
Clinical and biological acceptance of a fibrocollagen-coated mersylene patch for tracheal repair in growing dogs
Authors: Villegas-Alvarez F , Pérez-Guillé B , Soriano-Rosales R E , Jiménez-Bravo-Luna M A , Gonzalez-Maciel A , Elizalde-Velazquez S L , Aguirre-Hernández R , Ramos-Morales A , Reynoso-Robles R , González-Zamora J F
Published: June 2014

Background:

Collagen-covered prostheses can be used as a non-circumferential segmental tracheal replacement. However, the applicability of these implants in young subjects has not yet been reported.

Methods:

In this experimental, longitudinal study, dogs aged 29–32 days underwent limited segmental tracheal replacement with a polyester prosthesis or were allocated to a control, untreated group. The dogs were evaluated clinically, endoscopically and tomographically for up to one year.

Results:

Although there was evidence of tracheal growth in the experimental group, tomographic measurements were significantly smaller in this group than in the control group throughout the observation period. At the end of the study, there was no evidence of implant rejection, stenosis or collapse. Normal respiratory epithelium had grown across the implanted membrane in the experimental group.

Conclusion:

The homologous collagen mersylene membrane allowed for limited structural tracheal growth and was functionally integrated into the segmented tracheal wall in growing dogs.
A new sibling species of Notobryon (Gastropoda, Nudibranchia) from the Caribbean Sea
Authors: Caballer M. , Ortea J.
Published: June 2014

A new Scyllaeidae of the genus Notobryon is described from Guadeloupe, in the Lesser Antilles. Notobryon caribbaeus sp. nov. is characterized by having the anterior pair of body lobes remarkably bigger than the posterior pair, a stomach with eight triangular plates, a black and very wide ampulla, a lemon-shaped bursa copulatrix and a complex and well-differentiated sponge-like prostate. The first Caribbean records of Notobryon were provisionally assigned to the Australian species Notobryon cf. wardi and later transferred to Notobryon panamica. However, the structure of the male genital system is one of the main morphological characters to discriminate species in the genus and the presence of a prostate in N. caribbaeus sp. nov. distinguishes it from N. panamica, which remains confined to the eastern Pacific. Of the remaining four species in the world, only Notobryon bijecurum shares this character, but its external anatomy is different: it lacks a bursa copulatrix and the deferent duct is much shorter. Notobryon caribbaeus sp. nov. was captured in the context of an intensive expedition (‘Karubenthos’) organized by the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris and its description raises the total inventory of sea slugs in Guadeloupe to 150.
Spatio-temporal and ontogenetic changes in the diet of the Argentine hakeMerluccius hubbsi
Authors: Belleggia Mauro , Figueroa Daniel E. , Irusta Gabriela , Bremec Claudia
Published: June 2014

The diet and the trophic level of the Argentine hakeMerluccius hubbsiwas investigated in the south-west Atlantic Ocean. Stomachs from 3405 specimens, ranging from 10 to 94 cm total length, collected on three research cruises carried out during winter 2011 and summer 2012, were examined at the laboratory. Dietary shifts related to sex, maturity stage, size, age, season, region and hour were examined using generalized linear models. The Argentine hakeM. hubbsifed mainly on zooplankton crustaceans (Themisto gaudichaudii, Euphausia lucensandMunidaspp.), followed by fish and cephalopods. During summer, cephalopods (mainlyIllex argentinus) were the main prey ofM. hubbsi, indicating spatio-temporal changes in the diet. This work also revealed ontogenetic dietary changes associated with size, from zooplankton crustaceans during early life stages (E. lucens, T. gaudichaudiiandMunidaspp.) to fish and cephalopods. The trophic level ofM. hubbsiranged from 3.43 to 4.51 according to season and region. Cannibalism increased with predator length and contributed a maximum of 8.14% to the diet ofM. hubbsiduring winter on the inner Patagonian continental shelf.
Energetics of constant height level bounding in quadruped robots
Authors: P. Murali Krishna , R. Prasanth Kumar
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we investigate the energetics of constant height level bounding gaits in quadruped robots with asymmetric body-mass distribution along the longitudinal axis. Analytical expressions for mechanical specific resistance for two cases of bounding are derived: bounding with equal front and rear leg step lengths, and bounding with unequal front and rear leg step lengths. Specific resistance is found to be independent of mass distribution in the first case, and dependent in the second case. The quadruped robot has average nonzero acceleration/deceleration due to unsymmetric distribution of mass when front and rear leg step lengths are equal. Results show that lower body lengths, lower step lengths, and higher heights from the ground level give lower specific resistance. The effect of body-mass asymmetry is to accelerate in the first case, and to reduce specific resistance in the second case. This result provides some insight into why certain quadrupedal animals in nature evolved to have body-mass asymmetry.
Relationship between Expectation Management and Client Retention in Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Authors: Ekberg Stuart , Barnes Rebecca K. , Kessler David S. , Mirza Selman , Montgomery Alan A. , Malpass Alice , Shaw Alison R. G.
Published: June 2014

Background: Engaging clients from the outset of psychotherapy is important for therapeutic success. However, there is little research evaluating therapists’ initial attempts to engage clients in the therapeutic process. This article reports retrospective analysis of data from a trial of online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for depression. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to evaluate how therapists manage clients’ expectations at the outset of therapy and its relationship with client retention in the therapeutic intervention. Aims: To develop a system to codify expectation management in initial sessions of online CBT and evaluate its relationship with retention. Method: Initial qualitative research using conversation analysis identified three communication practices used by therapists at the start of first sessions: no expectation management, some expectation management, and comprehensive expectation management. These findings were developed into a coding scheme that enabled substantial inter-rater agreement (weighted Kappa = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.52 to 0.94) and was applied to all trial data. Results: Adjusting for a range of client variables, primary analysis of data from 147 clients found comprehensive expectation management was associated with clients remaining in therapy for 1.4 sessions longer than those who received no expectation management (95% CI: -0.2 to 3.0). This finding was supported by a sensitivity analysis including an additional 21 clients (1.6 sessions, 95% CI: 0.2 to 3.1). Conclusions: Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods, this study suggests a relationship between expectation management and client retention in online CBT for depression, which has implications for professional practice. A larger prospective study would enable a more precise estimate of retention.
Reliability and Validity of Composite Scores from the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery in Adults
Authors: Heaton Robert K. , Akshoomoff Natacha , Tulsky David , Mungas Dan , Weintraub Sandra , Dikmen Sureyya , Beaumont Jennifer , Casaletto Kaitlin B. , Conway Kevin , Slotkin Jerry , Gershon Richard
Published: June 2014

This study describes psychometric properties of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) Composite Scores in an adult sample. The NIHTB-CB was designed for use in epidemiologic studies and clinical trials for ages 3 to 85. A total of 268 self-described healthy adults were recruited at four university-based sites, using stratified sampling guidelines to target demographic variability for age (20–85 years), gender, education, and ethnicity. The NIHTB-CB contains seven computer-based instruments assessing five cognitive sub-domains: Language, Executive Function, Episodic Memory, Processing Speed, and Working Memory. Participants completed the NIHTB-CB, corresponding gold standard validation measures selected to tap the same cognitive abilities, and sociodemographic questionnaires. Three Composite Scores were derived for both the NIHTB-CB and gold standard batteries: “Crystallized Cognition Composite,” “Fluid Cognition Composite,” and “Total Cognition Composite” scores. NIHTB Composite Scores showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alphas=0.84 Crystallized, 0.83 Fluid, 0.77 Total), excellent test–retest reliability (r: 0.86–0.92), strong convergent (r: 0.78–0.90) and discriminant (r: 0.19–0.39) validities versus gold standard composites, and expected age effects (r=0.18 crystallized, r=−0.68 fluid, r=−0.26 total). Significant relationships with self-reported prior school difficulties and current health status, employment, and presence of a disability provided evidence of external validity. The NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery Composite Scores have excellent reliability and validity, suggesting they can be used effectively in epidemiologic and clinical studies. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–11)
Factor Structure, Convergent Validity, and Discriminant Validity of the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Health Battery (NIHTB-CHB) in Adults
Authors: Mungas Dan , Heaton Robert , Tulsky David , Zelazo Philip David , Slotkin Jerry , Blitz David , Lai Jin-Shei , Gershon Richard
Published: June 2014

The objective of this study is to evaluate the construct validity of the NIH Neurobehavioral Toolbox Cognitive Health Battery (NIHTB-CHB) in adults. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the dimensional structure underlying the NIHTB-CHB and Gold Standard tests chosen to serve as concurrent validity criteria for the NIHTB-CHB. These results were used to evaluate the convergent and discriminant validity of the NIHTB-CHB in adults ranging from 20 to 85 years of age. Five dimensions were found to explain the correlations among NIHTB-CHB and Gold Standard tests: Vocabulary, Reading, Episodic Memory, Working Memory and Executive Function/Processing Speed. NIHTB-CHB measures and their Gold Standard analogues defined factors in a pattern that broadly supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the NIHTB-CHB tests. This 5-factor structure was found to be invariant across 20–60 year old (N=159) and 65–85 year old (N=109) age groups that were included in the current validity study. Second order Crystallized Abilities (Vocabulary and Reading) and Fluid Abilities (Episodic Memory, Working Memory, Executive/Speed) factors parsimoniously explained correlations among the five first order factors. These results suggest that the NIHTB-CHB will provide both fine-grained and broad characterization of cognition across the adult age span. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–9)
NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery (NIHTB-CB): The NIHTB Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test
Authors: Carlozzi Noelle E. , Tulsky David S. , Chiaravalloti Nancy D. , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Weintraub Sandra , Conway Kevin , Gershon Richard C.
Published: June 2014

The NIH Toolbox (NIHTB) Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test was developed to assess processing speed within the NIHTB for the Assessment of Neurological Behavior and Function Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB). This study highlights validation data collected in adults ages 18–85 on this measure and reports descriptive data, test–retest reliability, construct validity, and preliminary work creating a composite index of processing speed. Results indicated good test–retest reliability. There was also evidence for both convergent and discriminant validity; the Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test demonstrated moderate significant correlations with other processing speed tests (i.e., WAIS-IV Coding, Symbol Search and Processing Speed Index), small significant correlations with measures of working memory (i.e., WAIS-IV Letter-Number Sequencing and PASAT), and non-significant correlations with a test of vocabulary comprehension (i.e., PPVT-IV). Finally, analyses comparing and combining scores on the NIHTB Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test with other measures of simple reaction time from the NIHTB-CB indicated that a Processing Speed Composite score performed better than any test examined in isolation. The NIHTB Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test exhibits several strengths: it is appropriate for use across the lifespan (ages, 3–85 years), it is short and easy to administer, and it has high construct validity. (JINS, 2014,20, 1–12)
Language Measures of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery
Authors: Gershon Richard C. , Cook Karon F. , Mungas Dan , Manly Jennifer J. , Slotkin Jerry , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Weintraub Sandra
Published: June 2014

Language facilitates communication and efficient encoding of thought and experience. Because of its essential role in early childhood development, in educational achievement and in subsequent life adaptation, language was included as one of the subdomains in the NIH Toolbox for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB). There are many different components of language functioning, including syntactic processing (i.e., morphology and grammar) and lexical semantics. For purposes of the NIHTB-CB, two tests of language—a picture vocabulary test and a reading recognition test—were selected by consensus based on literature reviews, iterative expert input, and a desire to assess in English and Spanish. NIHTB-CB’s picture vocabulary and reading recognition tests are administered using computer adaptive testing and scored using item response theory. Data are presented from the validation of the English versions in a sample of adults ages 20–85 years (Spanish results will be presented in a future publication). Both tests demonstrated high test–retest reliability and good construct validity compared to corresponding gold-standard measures. Scores on the NIH Toolbox measures were consistent with age-related expectations, namely, growth in language during early development, with relative stabilization into late adulthood. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–10)
Measuring Episodic Memory Across the Lifespan: NIH Toolbox Picture Sequence Memory Test
Authors: Dikmen Sureyya S. , Bauer Patricia J. , Weintraub Sandra , Mungas Dan , Slotkin Jerry , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Gershon Richard , Temkin Nancy R. , Heaton Robert K.
Published: June 2014

Episodic memory is one of the most important cognitive domains that involves acquiring, storing and recalling new information. In this article, we describe a new measure developed for the NIH Toolbox, called the Picture Sequence Memory Test (PSMT) that is the first to examine episodic memory across the age range from 3 to 85. We describe the development of the measure and present validation data for ages 20 to 85. The PSMT involves presentation of sequences of pictured objects and activities in a fixed order on a computer screen and simultaneously verbally described, that the participant must remember and then reproduce over three learning trials. The results indicate good test–retest reliability and construct validity. Performance is strongly related to well-established “gold standard” measures of episodic memory and, as expected, much less well correlated with those of a measure of vocabulary. It shows clear decline with aging in parallel with a gold standard summary measure and relates to several other demographic factors and to self-reported general health status. The PSMT appears to be a reliable and valid test of episodic memory for adults, a finding similar to those found for the same measure with children. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–9)
NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (CB): Validation of Executive Function Measures in Adults
Authors: Zelazo Philip David , Anderson Jacob E. , Richler Jennifer , Wallner-Allen Kathleen , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Conway Kevin P. , Gershon Richard , Weintraub Sandra
Published: June 2014

This study describes psychometric properties of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) executive function measures in an adult sample. The NIHTB-CB was designed for use in epidemiologic studies and clinical trials for ages 3 to 85. A total of 268 self-described healthy adults were recruited at four university-based sites, using stratified sampling guidelines to target demographic variability for age (20–85 years), gender, education and ethnicity. The NIHTB-CB contains two computer-based instruments assessing executive function: the Dimensional Change Card Sort (a measure of cognitive flexibility) and a flanker task (a measure of inhibitory control and selective attention). Participants completed the NIHTB-CB, corresponding gold standard convergent and discriminant measures, and sociodemographic questionnaires. A subset of participants (N=89) was retested 7 to 21 days later. Results reveal excellent sensitivity to age-related changes during adulthood, excellent test–retest reliability, and adequate to good convergent and discriminant validity. The NIH Toolbox EF measures can be used effectively in epidemiologic and clinical studies. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–10)
Interfacial Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy Profile X-Ray Resolution Measurements in Variable Pressure SEM
Authors: Zoukel Abdelhalim , Khouchaf Lahcen , Di Martino Jean , Ruch David
Published: June 2014

A procedure has been developed to follow degradation of energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) X-ray lateral resolution in a variable pressure scanning electron microscope. This procedure is based on evaluation of the EDS profile shape change for different experimental conditions. Some parameters affecting the X-ray resolution in high-vacuum mode have been taken into account. Good agreement between the simulated and experimental EDS profiles shows the reliability of the proposed procedure. A significant improvement in measurement of the EDS profile interfacial distance (DINT) has been achieved.
Intersections and Multiple ‘Candidacies’: Exploring Connections between Two Theoretical Perspectives on Domestic Abuse and Their Implications for Practicing Policy
Authors: Mackenzie Mhairi , Conway Ellie , Hastings Annette , Munro Moira , O’Donnell Catherine A.
Published: June 2014

Domestic abuse policy increasingly uses language which indicates that abuse is patterned according to structural factors. However, practicing according to these structural accounts of abuse is problematic because of the policy and organisational contexts that practitioners work within and, we argue, because the implications of the structured nature of victims’ experiences is not fully understood by all practitioners.

We ask whether women's differential use and experiences of services with a remit to address abuse can be illuminated using two theoretical perspectives – ‘candidacy’ and intersectionality. We report the findings of a literature synthesis that investigates how these improve our understanding of women's help-seeking and service utilisation and of the responses that they receive. Both concepts were highly congruent with the literature and we conclude that, together, candidacy and intersectionality offer a means of enhancing knowledge of how the political becomes enacted in the personal. Embedding such knowledge within practice repertoires offers the potential to develop more nuanced structural understandings of women's experiences and constraints.
Prodromal depression in pancreatic cancer: Retrospective evaluation on ten patients
Authors: Sebti Johan , Desseigne Françoise , Saltel Pierre
Published: June 2014

Objective:

Since the description by Yaskin in 1931, it has been observed that pancreatic cancer and depression are two clinical entities that share a high affinity. This observation relies on the higher incidence of depressive syndromes associated with pancreatic cancer than in any other type of digestive tumor, and on the possible occurrence of depressive symptoms several months before the diagnosis of cancer. We present here a series of cases whose screening returned positive for depression-related diagnoses in the months prior to revelation of the cancer.

Method:

We employed a structured psychiatric interview based on DSM–IV criteria (SCID–I). The diagnoses considered were major depressive episode, minor depressive episode, and subsyndromal depression. All subjects were free of psychiatric history.

Results:

Some 15 patients were initially included: 10 presented compatible criteria for a past depressive episode, 2 presented a major depressive episode, 4 met the diagnosis of minor depression, and 4 evidenced subsyndromal depression over the one-year period prior to cancer diagnosis.

Significance of results:

This series of cases is consistent with previous work on the subject that suggested an increased vulnerability to depressive events in the premorbid phase of pancreatic cancer. If the possibility of depressive syndromes constituting the early stages of neoplastic disease is a common idea, it is still impossible to determine the natural history of these two disorders and therefore their causal linkage.
INCOHERENCE AND INCONSISTENCY
Authors: SCHIPPERS MICHAEL
Published: June 2014

This paper scrutinizes the relationship between inconsistency and incoherence with a special focus on probabilistic measures of coherence. As is shown, while the majority of extant coherence measures face problems regarding the assessment of inconsistent sets of propositions, it is possible to adapt the measures in order to improve their performance. Furthermore, different intuitions regarding the degree of incoherence of inconsistent sets of propositions are surveyed and assessed with respect to extant measures. In this context, a refined approach to measuring coherence is introduced. As is argued, by means of this approach one can account for the diverging coherence intuitions regarding inconsistent sets independently of the discussion on the adequacy of different probabilistic explications of coherence. The last part of the paper is devoted to the question of whether there is a covariation between degrees of inconsistency and degrees of incoherence in the sense that the higher the degree of inconsistency of a set of propositions, the higher its degree of incoherence. Focusing on two straightforward measures of the degree of inconsistency, this latter question is answered in the negative.
Desirability Associated with the Expression of Self-Consciousness in a French Population
Authors: Auzoult Laurent , Hardy-Massard Sandrine
Published: June 2014

The most frequently used scale for measuring self-consciousness is Fenigstein et al.’s Self-Consciousness Questionnaire (SCQ; 1975) , which measures dispositional self-consciousness along three dimensions: private self-consciousness, public self-consciousness, and social anxiety. This study is a replication of a previous study ( Davies, 1985 ), which investigated the dimensions of private and public self-consciousness. In particular, we were interested in the effects of impression-management response biases associated with the SCQ. Our participants, who were students in technical training or nursing school, completed the SCQ after having received instructions to give a good impression of themselves, a bad impression, or to respond honestly. The results highlight the desirability associated with the expression of various dimensions of self-consciousness.
A Longitudinal Study of Mental Health in Emerging Adults
Authors: Bachmann Monica S. , Znoj Hansjörg , Haemmerli Katja
Published: June 2014

Emerging adulthood is a time of instability. This longitudinal study investigated the relationship between mental health and need satisfaction among emerging adults over a period of five years and focused on gender-specific differences. Two possible causal models were examined: (1) the mental health model, which predicts that incongruence is due to the presence of impaired mental health at an earlier point in time; (2) the consistency model, which predicts that impaired mental health is due to a higher level of incongruence reported at an earlier point in time. Emerging adults (N = 1,017) aged 18–24 completed computer-assisted telephone interviews in 2003 (T1), 2005 (T2), and 2008 (T3). The results indicate that better mental health at T1 predicts a lower level of incongruence two years later (T2), when prior level of incongruence is controlled for. The same cross-lagged effect is shown for T3. However, the cross-lagged paths from incongruence to mental health are marginally associated when prior mental health is controlled for. No gender differences were found in the cross-lagged model. The results support the mental health model and show that incongruence does not have a long-lasting negative effect on mental health. The results highlight the importance of identifying emerging adults with poor mental health early to provide support regarding need satisfaction.
A Hierarchical Structure of Basic Human Values in a Third-Order Confirmatory Factor Analysis
Authors: Cieciuch Jan , Davidov Eldad , Vecchione Michele , Schwartz Shalom H.
Published: June 2014

This study investigates the hierarchical structure of Schwartz et al.’s (2012) refined theory of basic human values. Data were collected using a revised version of the Portrait Values Questionnaire, which measures the 19 more narrowly defined values. Respondents from nine countries participated (N = 3,261): Finland, Germany, Israel, Italy, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland, and Turkey. Third-order confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the 19 refined values load on values from the earlier catalog of values. Moreover, these values, together with the two new values introduced in the refined theory, load, in turn, on the theoretically postulated four higher-order values that form the third-order level of analysis. Findings support the proposition that the more narrowly defined values in the refined theory of basic human values are subdimensions of the more broadly defined values in the original theory.
Diagnosis and Repair?
Authors: Jucks Regina , Brummernhenrich Benjamin , Becker Bettina-Maria , Bromme Rainer
Published: June 2014

Responding to misconceptions is an essential part of adaptive instruction. Nevertheless, research on both tutoring and expert–layperson communication has identified at least two problems that online counselors share with both face-to-face and online tutors. First, they generally do not notice when laypersons’ understanding differs from correct content knowledge. Second, even when they do notice this discrepancy, they do not handle misconceptions appropriately (e.g., they simply present the correct information instead of explaining why the layperson’s understanding is incorrect). This paper presents two studies on experts’ responses to laypersons’ misconceptions in online medical counseling. The results indicate that experts do not address the misconceptions communicated by laypersons, even when they are aware that such misunderstandings exist. The discussion concentrates on two explanations for these results: One is related to the differences between reflection and speech production and the cognitive processes underlying the two operations, while the other concerns the role of face-threatening acts in instructional contexts.
The Change-Deafness Phenomenon in Harmonic Chords
Authors: Schnuerch Robert , Kreitz Carina , Heil Martin , Lange Kathrin
Published: June 2014

Previous research has demonstrated surprisingly poor performance in participants who are asked to detect changes in briefly disrupted auditory scenes. So far, this change-deafness phenomenon has been found in naturalistic sound scenes and random pure-tone stacks. We now present evidence for this effect in harmonic chords, that is, in a different, yet fundamental aspect of human auditory experience. We investigated the influence of the type of disruption and its duration on change detection. Change deafness was observed regardless of whether white noise or silence had disrupted the chords and was stronger for deleted than for added tones. Crucially, the change-deafness effect was only observed for gaps exceeding 60 ms, and increased with gap durations up to 2000 ms. The present data, in line with previous studies using different stimuli, support the view that the effect is due to a masking of the change-related transient and to the decay of a time-dependent process. For the stimuli at hand, the decay of neural-adaptation-based auditory enhancement is suggested.
Posttraumatische Belastungsstörungen nach Geburt
Authors: König Julia
Published: June 2014

Die Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung (PTBS) wird vor allem im Zusammenhang mit sexueller oder körperlicher Gewalt, Krieg, Naturkatastrophen und Unfällen diskutiert. Allerdings gibt es auch Ergebnisse, die besagen, dass ein kleiner Prozentsatz der Frauen nach der Geburt eines Kindes eine klinisch relevante posttraumatische Symptomatik entwickeln kann. Die epidemiologische Forschung zur PTBS nach Geburtsereignissen wird zusammenfassend dargestellt und mögliche Gründe für die divergierenden Ergebnisse diskutiert. Mit diesem Störungsbild verbundene Schwierigkeiten werden angerissen und der Stand der Forschung zum Thema Einflussfaktoren und Prädiktoren zusammenfassend dargestellt. Individuelle Vulnerabilitätsfaktoren und Merkmale der Geburt selbst beeinflussen die Störungsentwicklung.
ADHS und sexueller Missbrauch
Authors: Retz-Junginger Petra , Retz Wolfgang , Koch Ann-Kathrin , Rösler Michael
Published: June 2014

Der sexuelle Missbrauch von Kindern stellt ein weltweites Phänomen mit hoher gesellschaftlicher Bedeutung dar. Die ermittelten Prävalenzraten für sexuellen Missbrauch variieren erheblich. Übereinstimmend wird festgestellt, dass Mädchen häufiger von Übergriffen betroffen sind als Jungen. In der Folge sind bei zahlreichen Betroffenen Verhaltensauffälligkeiten zu registrieren, die jedoch weder spezifisch noch eineindeutig für einen sexuellen Missbrauch sind. Häufig werden als Folgen Symptome einer akuten Belastungsstörung und/oder posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung registriert sowie Depression, Angststörungen, Substanzmissbrauch oder -abhängigkeit oder andere psychiatrische Störungen. Neben dem weiblichen Geschlecht stellt ein höheres Kindesalter einen Risikofaktor für sexuellen Missbrauch in der Kindheit dar. Es liegen Untersuchungsergebnisse vor, die auf einen Zusammenhang zwischen ADHS und sexuellem Missbrauch schließen lassen, indem einerseits die Rate an ADHS-Diagnosen bei sexuell Missbrauchten im Vergleich zur Normalpopulation erhöht ist und andererseits ADHS-Patientinnen häufig sexuelle Übergriffe in Kindheit oder Jugend schildern. Die bislang vorliegenden Studienergebnisse weisen jedoch nicht konsistent in eine Richtung. Es ist bei der Interpretation der vorliegenden Daten die Abhängigkeit der Ergebnisse von der jeweiligen Untersuchungsmethodik zu berücksichtigen und weitere systematische Untersuchungen an ausreichend großen Stichproben sollten folgen.
The deficiency of Gαq leads to enhanced T‐cell survival
Authors: Wang Dashan , Zhang Yugao , He Yan , Li Yan , Lund Frances E , Shi Guixiu
Published: June 2014

We have previously reported that Gαq, the α subunit of the Gq protein, had important roles in dendritic cell migration, B‐cell survival and autoimmunity. In this study, we showed that the deficiency of Gαq led to enhanced T‐cell survival. Cultured Gnaq−/− T cells exhibited survival advantages both in medium alone and in the presence of anti‐CD3 stimulation. Gnaq−/− T cells still exhibited a survival advantage when they were cultured in the presence of interleukin (IL)‐2 or IL‐7. Gnaq−/− T cells were more resistant to activation‐induced cell death (AICD) in vitro. The survival advantage of Gnaq−/− T cells was further confirmed by transferring T cells into syngeneic hosts in vivo. Gαq deficiency might promote T‐cell survival by upregulated Bcl‐xL expression and downregulated Fas and FasL expressions. Furthermore, upon T‐cell receptor (TCR) ligation, Akt activity was increased in Gnaq−/− T cells in comparison with wild‐type (WT) T cells. The survival advantage of Gnaq−/− T cells was significantly attenuated after adding Akt inhibitor. Taken together, our data demonstrated a negative role of Gαq in regulating T‐cell survival.
Chronic inflammation induces telomere dysfunction and accelerates ageing in mice
Authors: Jurk Diana , Wilson Caroline , Passos João F. , Oakley Fiona , Correia-Melo Clara , Greaves Laura , Saretzki Gabriele , Fox Chris , Lawless Conor , Anderson Rhys , Hewitt Graeme , Pender Sylvia LF , Fullard Nicola , Nelson Glyn , Mann Jelena , van de Sluis Bart , Mann Derek A. , von Zglinicki Thomas
Published: June 2014

Chronic inflammation is associated with normal and pathological ageing. Here we show that chronic, progressive low-grade inflammation induced by knockout of the nfkb1 subunit of the transcription factor NF-κB induces premature ageing in mice. We also show that these mice have reduced regeneration in liver and gut. nfkb1−/− fibroblasts exhibit aggravated cell senescence because of an enhanced autocrine and paracrine feedback through NF-κB, COX-2 and ROS, which stabilizes DNA damage. Preferential accumulation of telomere-dysfunctional senescent cells in nfkb1−/− tissues is blocked by anti-inflammatory or antioxidant treatment of mice, and this rescues tissue regenerative potential. Frequencies of senescent cells in liver and intestinal crypts quantitatively predict mean and maximum lifespan in both short- and long-lived mice cohorts. These data indicate that systemic chronic inflammation can accelerate ageing via ROS-mediated exacerbation of telomere dysfunction and cell senescence in the absence of any other genetic or environmental factor.
Simultaneous analysis of nanoparticles and small molecules by high-performance liquid chromatography using a silica monolithic column
Authors: Itoh Naoki , Sano Akira , Santa Tomofumi , Kato Masaru
Published: June 2014

The bimodal structure of the monolithic column is promising for the simultaneous separation, because nanoparticles and small molecules were separated by micrometer- and nanometer-sized pores, respectively.
Enhancement of (stereo)selectivity in dynamic kinetic resolution using a core–shell nanozeolite@enzyme as a bi-functional catalyst
Authors: Wang Wanlu , Li Xiang , Wang Zhoujun , Tang Yi , Zhang Yahong
Published: June 2014

The (stereo)selectivity of products in dynamic kinetic resolution is greatly improved by using a core–shell nanozeolite@enzyme catalyst compared with mixed catalysts.
Electrochemiluminescent swimmers for dynamic enzymatic sensing
Authors: Sentic Milica , Arbault Stéphane , Goudeau Bertrand , Manojlovic Dragan , Kuhn Alexander , Bouffier Laurent , Sojic Neso
Published: June 2014

We present herein the combined local enzymatic sensing and dynamic ECL reporting of a glucose concentration gradient explored by a bipolar swimmer.