bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treponemal Disease, Tuberculosis and Subsistence‐settlement Pattern in the Late Woodland Period West‐central Illinois
Authors: Mosher G. M. , Smith M. O. , Albrecht J. L. , Salaka V. P.
Published: August 2013

In later pre‐Columbian prehistory (post AD 1000), the adaptation and intensification of maize agriculture and its correlate of aggregate village settlement (i.e. Mississippianization) is temporally and geographically variable. In the Midwest, consequential to the florescence of the major ceremonial centre of Cahokia (AD 1050–1300), the Mississippi River Valley alluvial plain in Illinois, known as the American Bottom, became a core area of this subsistence‐settlement change. Much archaeological research has traced aspects of this transition in the Lower and Middle Illinois River Valley, but little is known outside of these areas. A skeletal sample from the remote hinterland area of the Upper Mississippi River in west‐central Illinois was examined for arguable paleopathological correlates of sedentism (treponemal disease) and Mississippianization (tuberculosis). The Schroeder Mounds (AD 900–1100) adult skeletal sample (N = 53) exhibited a high frequency of treponemal disease (13.2–15.1%). This result is consistent with paleopathological literature linking a 9+ % pre‐Columbian North American prevalence with sedentism, challenging archaeologically based inferences that the hinterland was occupied by mobile forager‐horticulturalists. A hallmark of Mississippianization is the presence of diagnostic cases of tuberculosis. No cases were observed in the Schroeder sample, suggesting a pre‐Mississippian subsistence‐settlement pattern. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The clinical utility of microarray technologies applied to prenatal cytogenetics in the presence of a normal conventional karyotype: a review of the literature
Authors: Callaway Jonathan L. A. , Shaffer Lisa G. , Chitty Lyn S. , Rosenfeld Jill A. , Crolla John A.
Published: August 2013

The clinical utility of microarray technologies when used in the context of prenatal diagnosis lies in the technology's ability to detect submicroscopic copy number changes that are associated with clinically significant outcomes. We have carried out a systematic review of the literature to calculate the utility of prenatal microarrays in the presence of a normal conventional karyotype. Amongst 12 362 cases in studies that recruited cases from all prenatal ascertainment groups, 295/12 362 (2.4%) overall were reported to have copy number changes with associated clinical significance (pCNC), 201/3090 (6.5%) when ascertained with an abnormal ultrasound, 50/5108 (1.0%) when ascertained because of increased maternal age and 44/4164 (1.1%) for all other ascertainment groups (e.g. parental anxiety and abnormal serum screening result). When additional prenatal microarray studies are included in which ascertainment was restricted to fetuses with abnormal ultrasound scans, 262/3730 (7.0%) were reported to have pCNCs. © 2013 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
The role of flow‐induced microstructure in rheological behavior and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics of polyethylene/organoclay nanocomposites
Authors: Nazari Behzad , Nazockdast Hossein , Katbab Ali Asghar
Published: August 2013

The evolution of polyethylene/organoclay nanocomposite microstructure via shear and extentional flow fields was studied by tracing rheological behavior and nonisothermal crystallization kinetics. Although studying microstructure formed through flow fields, two phenomena were noticed: the breaking of three‐dimensional (3D) network containing filler–filler, filler–matrix, and matrix–matrix interactions, and organoclay platelets orientation. Utilizing nonlinear viscoelastic measurements and thermal analyses, it was proven that clay alignment was present only in large enough shear flows and all elongational flows. It was observed that regardless of the type of flow field and its magnitude, due to the breaking of 3D network, the extent of crystallization can be increased. The half‐lives of the crystallization of film samples and those samples subjected to large enough shear rates for clay platelets to be aligned decreased, proving the effect of clay orientation on crystallization rate increment. Based on endotherms observed through melting behavior studies of samples, it was proven that in elongation and large amplitude shear flows, clay orientation had resulted in forming thicker crystalline lamellae, likely because of forcing the adjacent polymer chains to align with the clay platelets. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1839–1847, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
The terpolymer of neodymium‐catalyzed styrene, isoprene, and butadiene: Efficient synthesis of integral rubber containing atactic styrene–styrene sequences and high Cis‐1,4 polyconjugated olefins
Authors: Xu Qiang , Li Li , Guo Fang , Shi Zhenghai , Ma Hongwei , Wang Yanshai , Wang Yurong , Li Yang
Published: August 2013

The present study focuses on the terpolymer of styrene (St), isoprene (Ip), and butadiene (Bd) synthesized together in cyclohexane at 70°C with neodymium (Nd) compound, alkylaluminum, and chlorinating agent (Cl) rare earth cocatalyst system. The resultants possessed atactic St–St sequences and high cis‐1,4 polyconjugated olefins in macromolecular chains besides controllable composition. The composition of the St–Ip–Bd terpolymers and molecular weight (Mw), molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) were controlled through the adjustment of Nd compound, alkylalumium, monomers feed ratio (St/Ip/Bd), and [Nd]/[monomers]. With the inventory rating of St raised from 15% to 55%, the content of St in the terpolymers got increased from 2% to 15%. And the content of the Ip segments and Bd segments in the terpolymers increased from 33% to 56% and from 28% to 54%, respectively, with the proportion of Ip/Bd varied from 1/2 to 2/1. As the [Nd]/[monomers] varied from 1.0 × 10−3 to 5.0 × 10−4, the molecular weight increased from 1.3 × 104 to 2.7 × 104. According to the proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) and 13C‐NMR, it was proved that both microstructures of polybutadiene segments and polyisoprene segments were high cis‐1,4‐configuration. A single glass‐transition temperature was observed in the differential scanning calorimetry curve. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1858–1863, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl chloride)/acrylonitrile butadiene rubber blend using CuSO4·5H2O as cross‐linking agent
Authors: Liu Hai , Wang Jie , Wen Sheng , Dong Lijie , Xiong Chuanxi , Yao Junlong
Published: August 2013

Novel rigid poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/cross‐linked acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) blend using copper (II) sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O) as cross‐linking agent was prepared by melt mixing. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that the coordination cross‐linking occurred between NBR and CuSO4·5H2O in the PVC matrix, in which a novel morphology was first observed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The thermal stability and degradation behavior of the PVC/NBR/CuSO4·5H2O blend were examined by means of dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of the PVC/NBR/CuSO4·5H2O blend was enhanced by adding the coordination cross‐linked NBR into the PVC matrix. In spite of the onset decomposition temperature and the first rapidest decomposition temperature of the resultant blends reduced in comparison to neat PVC, the second rapidest decomposition temperature and the residues of the resultant blends were significantly enhanced. In addition, the thermal degradation kinetics and mechanical properties of the resultant blends were also investigated. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1864–1870, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhanced mobility and environmental stability in all organic field‐effect transistors: The role of high dipole moment solvent
Authors: Ukah Ndubuisi B. , Senanayak Satyaprasad P. , Adil Danish , Knotts Grant , Granstrom Jimmy , Narayan K. S. , Guha Suchi
Published: August 2013

Low‐operating voltage, high mobility, and stable organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) using polymeric dielectrics such as pristine poly(4‐vinyl phenol) (PVP) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), dissolved in solvents of high dipole moment, have been achieved. High dipole moment solvents such as propylene carbonate and dimethyl sulfoxide used for dissolving the polymer dielectric enhance the charge carrier mobilities by three orders of magnitude in pentacene OFETs compared with low dipole moment solvents. Fast switching circuits with patterned gate PVP‐based pentacene OFETs demonstrated a switching frequency of 75 kHz at input voltages of |5 V|. The frequency response of the OFETs is attributed to a high degree of dipolar‐order in dielectric films obtained from high‐polarity solvents and the resulting energetically ordered landscape for transport. Remarkably, these pentacene‐based OFETs exhibited high stability under bias stress and in air with negligible shifts in the threshold voltage. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1533–1542
A practical guide to Bayesian group sequential designs
Authors: Gsponer Thomas , Gerber Florian , Bornkamp Björn , Ohlssen David , Vandemeulebroecke Marc , Schmidli Heinz
Published: August 2013

Bayesian approaches to the monitoring of group sequential designs have two main advantages compared with classical group sequential designs: first, they facilitate implementation of interim success and futility criteria that are tailored to the subsequent decision making, and second, they allow inclusion of prior information on the treatment difference and on the control group. A general class of Bayesian group sequential designs is presented, where multiple criteria based on the posterior distribution can be defined to reflect clinically meaningful decision criteria on whether to stop or continue the trial at the interim analyses. To evaluate the frequentist operating characteristics of these designs, both simulation methods and numerical integration methods are proposed, as implemented in the corresponding R package gsbDesign. Normal approximations are used to allow fast calculation of these characteristics for various endpoints. The practical implementation of the approach is illustrated with several clinical trial examples from different phases of drug development, with various endpoints, and informative priors. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust output regulation and the preservation of polynomial closed‐loop stability
Authors: Paunonen Lassi , Pohjolainen S.
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we study the robust output regulation problem for distributed parameter systems with infinite‐dimensional exosystems. The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the several advantages of using a controller that achieves polynomial closed‐loop stability, instead of a one stabilizing the closed‐loop system strongly. In particular, the most serious unresolved issue related to strongly stabilizing controllers is that they do not possess any known robustness properties. In this paper, we apply recent results on the robustness of polynomial stability of semigroups to show that, on the other hand, many controllers achieving polynomial closed‐loop stability are robust with respect to large and easily identifiable classes of perturbations to the parameters of the plant. We construct an observer based feedback controller that stabilizes the closed‐loop system polynomially and solves the robust output regulation problem. Subsequently, we derive concrete conditions for finite rank perturbations of the plant's parameters to preserve the closed‐loop stability and the output regulation property. The theoretical results are illustrated with an example where we consider the problem of robust output tracking for a one‐dimensional heat equation.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Distribution‐free confidence intervals for the standardized median
Authors: Staudte Robert G.
Published: August 2013

Assuming that data can be modeled by an unknown location‐scale family of continuous distributions, the aim is to robustly estimate an effect size defined as the median divided by an interquantile range, where the symmetric quantiles are fixed and to be chosen. It is shown that the sample version of this effect size can be variance stabilized, assuming only that the location family density is continuous and positive at the median and the quantiles defining the interquantile range. Confidence intervals for this effect size, which do not require knowledge of the underlying population, are derived and assessed for coverage. These methods are highly resistant to outliers and simple to implement on freely available software. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Transforming Nursing Practice: Barriers and Solutions
Authors: Kunic Russell J. , Jackson Denise
Published: August 2013

All nurses should practice to the full extent of their education and training. This key message from the Institute of Medicine report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, applies to all RNs. Barriers need to come down that prevent nurses from reaching their full potential at a time when the US health care system needs to be operating at full capacity. With the focus of US health care shifting toward promoting wellness, preventing disease, and managing chronic conditions better, the role that nurses play in coordinating care will increase. As key members of health care provider teams, nurses’ contributions to the delivery of safe, high‐quality, cost‐effective, and patient‐centered care must be recognized and valued. For nurses to realize their full potential in new models of health care delivery, a transformation of nursing practice will need to occur. This overview demonstrates how professional nurses should prepare and contribute to critical changes needed in health care reform.
Perioperative Nursing and Education: What the IOM Future of Nursing Report Tells Us
Authors: Battié Renae N.
Published: August 2013

Changes in the current health care system have rendered the system unprepared to support new demands. Similarly, nursing education both before and after licensure is no longer adequate. Four of the eight recommendations in the Institute of Medicine's Future of Nursing report involve changes to nursing education and pose significant goals to achieve. This makes creating innovative ways to meet the demand for educating RNs a necessity. This article discusses the Institute of Medicine's recommendations, how they relate to perioperative nursing, and ways in which nurses and educators can help promote expectations.
The IOM Report on the Future of Nursing: What Perioperative Nurses Need to Know
Authors: Battié Renae N.
Published: August 2013

The 2010 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report, The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health, continues to be the most‐viewed report in IOM history. Nearly three years after its publication, there are action coalitions of nursing and non‐nursing agencies in 50 states and the District of Columbia collaborating to move the eight recommendations for action forward. There is much work to do to reshape health care delivery in the United States, and the IOM has identified nurses as key leaders in driving the reform. Every nurse must be educated on the key messages of the IOM report and become involved in moving these recommendations forward as well as in educating others on what needs to be done. AORN and perioperative nurses have a key role in voicing the unique needs of perioperative patients and in ensuring that perioperative patient care is represented in reform activities.
High apolipoprotein E in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with Lewy body disorders is associated with dementia
Authors: Vijayaraghavan Swetha , Maetzler Walter , Reimold Matthias , Lithner Christina Unger , Liepelt‐Scarfone Inga , Berg Daniela , Darreh‐Shori Taher
Published: August 2013

Apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE ε4) increases the apolipoprotein E (apoE) protein levels in Alzheimer's disease (AD) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Thus, we hypothesized that apoE levels were also associated with the APOE genotype, and amyloid‐β (Aβ)‐associated clinical, functional, and imaging parameters in patients with Lewy body‐associated disorders (LBD). Indeed, similar to AD, patients with LBD displayed high CSF apoE levels (greatest in patients with dementia with LBD), and this was linked to APOE ε4. High CSF apoE protein correlated positively with CSF soluble amyloid precursor protein, total tau, and cortical and striatal Pittsburgh compound B retention; and correlated negatively with CSF Aβ42, cognitive tests scores, and glucose uptake ratio in the temporal and parietal cortices. APOE ε4‐triggered accumulation of apoE in CSF is related to Aβ‐associated clinical and functional imaging parameters in LBD. Accordingly, therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing apoE levels in the brain should be explored not only in AD but also in LBD, particularly when accompanied with dementia.
A platform for discovery: The University of Pennsylvania Integrated Neurodegenerative Disease Biobank
Authors: Toledo Jon B. , Van Deerlin Vivianna M. , Lee Edward B. , Suh EunRan , Baek Young , Robinson John L. , Xie Sharon X. , McBride Jennifer , Wood Elisabeth M. , Schuck Theresa , Irwin David J. , Gross Rachel G. , Hurtig Howard , McCluskey Leo , Elman Lauren , Karlawish Jason , Schellenberg Gerard , Chen‐Plotkin Alice , Wolk David , Grossman Murray , Arnold Steven E. , Shaw Leslie M. , Lee Virginia M.‐Y. , Trojanowski John Q.
Published: August 2013

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are defined by the accumulation of abnormal protein deposits in the central nervous system (CNS), and only neuropathological examination enables a definitive diagnosis. Brain banks and their associated scientific programs have shaped the actual knowledge of NDs, identifying and characterizing the CNS deposits that define new diseases, formulating staging schemes, and establishing correlations between neuropathological changes and clinical features. However, brain banks have evolved to accommodate the banking of biofluids as well as DNA and RNA samples. Moreover, the value of biobanks is greatly enhanced if they link all the multidimensional clinical and laboratory information of each case, which is accomplished, optimally, using systematic and standardized operating procedures, and in the framework of multidisciplinary teams with the support of a flexible and user‐friendly database system that facilitates the sharing of information of all the teams in the network. We describe a biobanking system that is a platform for discovery research at the Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research at the University of Pennsylvania.
Initial Physical Grades and Cognitive Stages After Acute Stroke: Who Receives Comprehensive Rehabilitation Services?
Authors: Stineman Margaret G. , Bates Barbara E. , Kurichi Jibby E. , Kwong Pui L. , Ripley Diane Cowper , Vogel W. Bruce , Xie Dawei
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To study the degree to which initial physical grades and cognitive stages of independence assessed by physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) staff early after hospitalization for acute stroke relate to the decision to either provide rehabilitation in consultation or admission to a specialized rehabilitation unit (SRU) for comprehensive, high‐intensity, multidisciplinary rehabilitation.

Design

An observational study.

Setting

Early rehabilitation assessment by PM&R staff during patients' acute hospitalization for stroke in 112 Veterans Affairs facilities.

Patients

The sample included 8,783 veterans who were assessed by PM&R staff.

Methods

Shortly after hospital admission, functional status was determined according to 7 physical grades and 7 cognitive stages of increasing independence. Patients' physical grades and cognitive stages ranged at initial PM&R assessment from the lowest and most dependent “I” through intermediate “II, III, IV, V, or VI,” and ended with the highest at total independence “VII.” To assess the statistically independent effects of physical grade and cognitive stage, a multivariable generalized estimating equation was applied to account for within Veterans Affairs facilities correlation and to adjust for demographics, stroke type, comorbidities, clinical events before PM&R assessment, and facility‐related factors.

Main Outcome Measurements

The decision to admit patients to an SRU for comprehensive rehabilitation.

Results

Only 11.2% of those patients assessed after stroke were admitted to an SRU after the acute management phase. After statistical adjustment, patients at the lowest physical grade (I) of independence had a 9‐fold increased odds of admission to an SRU compared with those at the highest combined physical grades VI/VII (adjusted odds ratio 9.15, 95% confidence interval 4.31‐19.39). In contrast, patients at intermediate cognitive stages of independence were the most likely to be admitted to an SRU. The presence of an SRU within the treating Veterans Affairs facility was strongly related to admission.

Conclusions

Patients' physical grades and cognitive stages assessed early after stroke are strong determinants of referral for comprehensive rehabilitation.
Triassic stratigraphy of the Eastern Laptev Sea coast and New Siberian Islands
Authors: Konstantinov A.G. , Sobolev E.S. , Yadrenkin A.V.
Published: August 2013

Studies of the paleontology and stratigraphy of the Triassic strata from the Lena–Olenek interfluve area and Kotelny Island have important implications for improving the accuracy of interregional and global correlations, refining the Boreal standard and international stratigraphic scale for the Triassic System. The importance of this study is also underlined by the necessity of refining the stratigraphic basis for regional geological exploration in Arctic zone that now became the focus for building the country’s strategic resource base. Analysis of recent paleontological and stratigraphic data from key Triassic sections in the Laptev Sea coastal region provides new age constraints for the Triassic strata based on different faunal groups. The Triassic stratigraphic scheme for the region has been refined using new data on the paleontology, thickness variations, and boundaries of local stratigraphic subdivisions.
Jurassic and Cretaceous stratigraphy of the Anabar area (Arctic Siberia, Laptev Sea coast) and the Boreal zonal standard
Authors: Nikitenko B.L. , Shurygin B.N. , Knyazev V.G. , Meledina S.V. , Dzyuba O.S. , Lebedeva N.K. , Peshchevitskaya E.B. , Glinskikh L.A. , Goryacheva A.A. , Khafaeva S.N.
Published: August 2013

Recent integrated studies of Mesozoic reference sections of the Anabar area (northern Middle Siberia, Laptev Sea coast) and the reinterpretation of all the previous data on a modern stratigraphic basis permit considerable improvement of the bio- and lithostratigraphic division and facies zoning of Jurassic and Cretaceous sediments in the region. Analysis of abundant paleontological data allows the development or considerable improvement of zonal scales for ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, foraminifers, ostracods, dinocysts, and terrestrial palynomorphs from several Jurassic and Cretaceous intervals. All the zonal scales have been calibrated against one another and against regional ammonite scale. Reference levels of different scales useful for interregional correlation have been defined and substantiated based on the analysis of lateral distribution of fossils in different regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It provides the possibilities to propose and consider parallel zonal scales within the Boreal zonal standard for the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. A combination of these scales forms an integrated biostratigraphic basis for a detailed division of Boreal-type sediments regardless of the place of their formation and for the comparison with the international stratigraphic standard as far as a possible use of a set of reference levels for correlation.
Concerning tectonics and the tectonic evolution of the Arctic
Authors: Vernikovsky V.A. , Dobretsov N.L. , Metelkin D.V. , Matushkin N.Yu. , Koulakov I.Yu.
Published: August 2013

The particularities of the current tectonic structure of the Russian part of the Arctic region are discussed with the division into the Barents–Kara and Laptev–Chukchi continental margins. We demonstrate new geological data for the key structures of the Arctic, which are analyzed with consideration of new geophysical data (gravitational and magnetic), including first seismic tomography models for the Arctic. Special attention is given to the New Siberian Islands block, which includes the De Long Islands, where field work took place in 2011. Based on the analysis of the tectonic structure of key units, of new geological and geophysical information and our paleomagnetic data for these units, we considered a series of paleogeodynamic reconstructions for the arctic structures from Late Precambrian to Late Paleozoic. This paper develops the ideas of L.P. Zonenshain and L.M. Natapov on the Precambrian Arctida paleocontinent. We consider its evolution during the Late Precambrian and the entire Paleozoic and conclude that the blocks that parted in the Late Precambrian (Svalbard, Kara, New Siberian, etc.) formed a Late Paleozoic subcontinent, Arctida II, which again “sutured” the continental masses of Laurentia, Siberia, and Baltica, this time, within Pangea.
Mesozoic–Cenozoic volcanism and geodynamic events in the Central and Eastern Arctic
Authors: Dobretsov N.L. , Vernikovsky V.A. , Karyakin Yu.V. , Korago E.A. , Simonov V.A.
Published: August 2013

The patterns and history of Mesozoic–Cenozoic plume magmatism in the Arctic is considered in relation with suprasubduction volcanism and geodynamic events. The Mesozoic–Cenozoic magmatic history of the area includes seven stages, distinguished by correlation of ages and compositions of volcanics associated with mid-ocean rifting, plumes, and subduction; three of seven stages correspond to global events at 230–200 Ma, 130–120 Ma, and 40–30 Ma. The reported study supports the inferred inverse correlation between plate velocities and amount of subduction-related volcanism. The gained knowledge is used for paleotectonic reconstructions in the Arctic.
Dynamics of the Arctic and adjacent petroleum basins: a record of plume and rifting activity
Authors: Dobretsov N.L. , Polyansky O.P. , Reverdatto V.V. , Babichev A.V.
Published: August 2013

The Late Paleozoic and Mesozoic history of high-latitude petroleum and coal basins is investigated and compared with the history of plume magmatism in the same areas. The sedimentation rates in all discussed cases are proven to be the fastest (more than 100 m per 1 Myr) during rifting events. Other peaks of rapid deposition may be associated with collisional mountain growth and/or climate change.
Mineralogical criteria for the diamond potential of Upper Triassic placers on the northeastern margin of the Siberian Platform
Authors: Sobolev N.V. , Logvinova A.M. , Nikolenko E.I. , Lobanov S.S.
Published: August 2013

Representative sampling of a diamond-bearing basal horizon in the Carnian Stage (Upper Triassic) on the northeastern margin of the Siberian Platform revealed a wide spectrum of indicator minerals, first of all, garnets, whose compositions are the same as in the inclusions in the regional diamonds. Of special interest are garnets of potential eclogite paragenesis with an abnormally high impurity of MnO (0.5–3.2 wt.%), which was earlier detected in more than 20% of garnets present as inclusions in diamonds of northern Quaternary placers and recommended as a new mineralogical criterion for diamond presence. Subcalcic Cr-pyropes of dunite–harzburgite paragenesis were also found in variable amounts, from 0.7 to 3.9 rel.%, in the sample of 973 grains of pyropes of lherzolite and websterite parageneses. Three grains contain 11.9, 12.6, and 16 wt.% Cr2O3, which corresponds to the presence of 30–34% of Mg–Cr-knorringite component. Such pyropes have been revealed for the first time in the study region. Cr-spinels are a mixture of compositions typical of kimberlites and the regional alkali-ultrabasic rocks. All studied samples contain picroilmenites with a variable content of Cr2O3 impurity. Since Mg–Fe–Ca-garnets with Mg# < 35 can be partly hosted in metamorphic rocks of the Anabar Shield, the elevated content of Na2O impurity (>0.09 wt.%) was also taken into account. The different contents of indicator minerals in the samples might be due to the variable composition of the diamond orebodies. The Carnian placers call for new systematic sampling. Special attention should be given to estimation of the composition of garnets of presumably eclogite paragenesis with elevated contents of TiO2, MnO, CaO, and Na2O and to search for perovskite and Nb-containing rutile. These minerals, together with zircons, are of interest for determining the U–Pb isotopic age of probable diamond orebodies—kimberlites.
Initial geologic hydrocarbon resources of the Laptev Sea shelf
Authors: Safronov A.F. , Sivtsev A.I. , Chalaya O.N. , Zueva I.N. , Sokolov A.N. , Fradkin G.S.
Published: August 2013

Formation of the passive continental margin of the Laptev Sea (Laptev Plate), which was part of the Siberian Platform till the Late Cretaceous, was related to the Late Mesozoic–Cenozoic rifting of the Arctic geodepression. The regime of the passive continental margin still continues. The maximum thickness of the deposits of this age seems to exceed 6 km in the northeastern part of the shelf. The hydrocarbon resources of the Late Precambrian–Cenozoic deposits forming the Laptev Plate cover are evaluated. Based on the concept of the similar evolution of the Laptev Plate and Vilyui syneclise, the geochemical characteristics of dispersed organic matter of the coeval deposits of the Vilyui syneclise are used.
Amplitude of Fluctuations and Temporal Dependency in Intraindividual Variability
Authors: Ghisletta Paolo , Fagot Delphine , Lecerf Thierry , de Ribaupierre Anik
Published: August 2013

In a sample of 165 older individuals assessed twice at a 2-year interval on tasks of fluid and crystallized intelligence, and intensively (120 trials) on a simple reaction time task, we applied an autoregressive model to estimate both (1) amplitude and (2) time dependency in intraindividual variability (IIV). Results indicate that both IIV features are stronger predictors than the overall mean of intelligence scores 2 years later. Individuals that produced more (1) variable but also (2) erratic latencies of responses at baseline had lower intelligence scores 2 years later. We speculate that weaker time dependency in latency of response in simple reaction time tasks in older adults may be symptomatic of reduced brain integrity or more advanced degeneracy in functional brain circuitry.
Modeling Intraindividual Change in Nonlinear Growth Models with Latent Change Scores
Authors: Grimm Kevin J. , Castro-Schilo Laura , Davoudzadeh Pega
Published: August 2013

Three central goals of longitudinal research are the modeling of intraindividual change, the examination of interindividual differences in intraindividual change, and the evaluation of determinants of intraindividual change ( Baltes & Nesselroade, 1979 ). The latent growth model is a commonly fit statistical model to examine these goals. However, the latent growth model has difficulty in this examination when change trajectories are nonlinear with respect to time and multiple latent variables impact intraindividual change. We consider a latent growth modeling approach based upon latent change scores ( McArdle, 2001 , 2009 ), which yields information related to these goals of longitudinal research when change trajectories are nonlinear. We illustrate this approach with longitudinal data from the Berkeley Guidance Study regarding lifespan changes in verbal ability.
Cognitive Inconsistency and Practice-Related Learning in Older Adults
Authors: Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Marsiske Michael , Aiken Morgan Adrienne T. , Buman Matthew P. , Giacobbi Peter R. , Roberts Beverly L. , McCrae Christina S.
Published: August 2013

The current study examined predictors of individual differences in the magnitude of practice-related improvements achieved by 87 older adults (mean age 63.52 years) over 18 weeks of cognitive practice. Cognitive inconsistency, as measured in both baseline trial-to-trial reaction times and week-to-week accuracy scores, was included as a predictor of practice-related gains in two measures of processing speed. Conditional growth models revealed that both reaction time and accuracy level, as well as rate-of-change in functioning, were related to inconsistency, even after controlling for mean-level, but that increased inconsistency was negatively associated with accuracy versus positively associated with reaction time improvement. Cognitive inconsistency may signal dysregulation in the ability to control cognitive performance or may be indicative of adaptive attempts at functioning.
Strontium-incorporated mesoporous bioactive glass scaffolds stimulatingin vitroproliferation and differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells andin vivoregeneration of osteoporotic bone defects
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Wei Lingfei , Chang Jiang , Miron Richard J. , Shi Bin , Yi Siqi , Wu Chengtie
Published: August 2013

Sr-containing mesoporous bioactive glass scaffolds significantly enhanced the regeneration of osteoporotic bone defects.
Elderly driver retraining using automatic evaluation system of safe driving skill
Authors: Tada Masahiro , Noma Haruo , Utsumi Akira , Segawa Makoto , Okada Masaya , Renge Kazumi
Published: August 2013

In Japan, although the rapid aging of the population has caused serious traffic problems, only a few studies have investigated the behaviour of elderly drivers in real traffic conditions. The authors have been developing a system to automatically evaluate safe‐driving skill through small wireless wearable sensors that directly measure the driver's behaviour. The authors aim is to promote safe driving by providing a personalised training program according to the individual's own shortcomings in driving behaviour. By employing the sensors together with GPS and driving instructors’ knowledge, our system can automatically identify shortcomings in driving skill with an accuracy of over 80%. In February 2010, the Kyoto Prefecture Public Safety Commission, in Japan, certified our system as the first and only support tool for its ‘mandatory retraining course for elderly drivers’ that all elderly drivers, aged over 70 years, are required to take when renewing their driver's license. In this study, the authors discuss the effectiveness of our system and investigate elderly drivers’ behaviour through a large‐scale demonstration experiment, involving 749 elderly drivers, in the mandatory driver‐retraining course on public roads. The authors results reveal that although elderly drivers are able to maintain a safe vehicle speed, their tendency to not scan around their vehicle to ensure safety makes their driving risky.
Real‐time detecting and tracking of traffic shockwaves based on weighted consensus information fusion in distributed video network
Authors: Yang Deliang , Chen Yangzhou , Xin Le , Zhang Yuan
Published: August 2013

Tracking traffic shockwaves (queuing shockwave and discharge shockwave) in a road section between intersections can be applied to obtain various traffic parameters, such as the queue length, stop delay etc. In video processing of a distributed low‐angle video network installed above the road section, various factors affect the accuracies of positioning of vehicles and tracking of traffic shockwaves. To overcome these effects, they propose a method of weighted consensus information fusion to track the traffic shockwaves in real time. In the visible region between opposite cameras, the cameras detect the shockwaves through the duplex flexible window fused with AdaBoost cascade classifiers and meanwhile dynamically estimate the weight of the measurement noise. In the blind region between contrary cameras, the cameras use the speed changes of the vehicles entering and leaving the blind region to estimate the shockwaves’ positions. Thus, by exchanging the information among the cameras through communication and dynamically adjusting the confidence level of the detected results, the algorithm of weighted consensus information fusion effectively obtains globally optimal estimation of the shockwaves. Experimental results show finer tracking results of the shockwaves during morning and evening rush hours by the proposed method.
Laddered multilevel DC/AC inverters used in Solar Panel Energy systems
Authors: Luo Fang Lin , Ye Hong
Published: August 2013

Multilevel DC/AC inverters have various structures. They have many advantages. Unfortunately, most existing inverters content too many components (independent/floating batteries/sources, diodes, capacitors and switches). The author introduces the ‘laddered multilevel DC/AC inverters’ in this study, that is new approach of the development in this area. These inverters use much less components. Their simple structure and clear operation are obviously different from the existing inverters. Its application in Solar Panel Energy systems is successful. The simulation and experimental results strongly support our design. The measured total harmonic distortion illustrates the good quality of output sine wave. The authors believe that these inverters will draw much attention, and be applied in other renewable energy systems.
Two‐stage micro‐grid inverter with high‐voltage gain for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Ahmed Mahrous El‐Sayed , Orabi Mohamed , AbdelRahim Omar Mohamed
Published: August 2013

This study proposes a new two‐stage high voltage gain boost grid‐connected inverter for AC‐module photovoltaic (PV) system. The proposed system consists of a high‐voltage gain switched inductor boost inverter cascaded with a current shaping (CS) circuit followed by an H‐bridge inverter as a folded circuit and its switches operate at line frequency. The switched inductor boost converter (SIBC) has one switch operates like a continuous conduction mode. The maximum power of the PV module is achieved through the SIBC circuit whereas the grid connection requirements are accomplished using the CS circuit with the H‐bridge inverter. The switch of the CS circuit is controlled with a sine wave modulation control scheme. The main advantages of the new proposed system are high boosting gain, lower switching losses and reduces the ground leakage current as all H‐bridge switches operate at the line frequency. A 120 W prototype has been built and experimentally tested. It has been found that experimental results have a good matching with the proposed analysis and simulation results.
Analysis and design of a multi‐channel constant current light‐emitting diode driver based on high‐frequency AC bus
Authors: Luo Quanming , Zhi Shubo , Zou Can , Zhao Bo , Zhou Luowei
Published: August 2013

To obtain sufficient luminance and achieve higher reliability, light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are usually arranged in parallel strings in many high‐power applications. Since current imbalance should be avoided among the parallel LED strings, a multi‐channel constant current LED driver based on high‐frequency AC bus is proposed in this study. The proposed driver is composed of one resonant inverter followed by passive resonant rectifiers according to the number of LED strings. The amplitude of the high‐frequency AC bus voltage is regulated by the resonant inverter and each LED string is individually powered with constant current by its corresponding passive resonant rectifier. The proposed driver is characterised by low cost and high efficiency. Finally, a prototype is built to verify the performance of the proposed driver.
Interleaved non‐isolated high step‐up DC/DC converter based on the diode–capacitor multiplier
Authors: Zhou Luo‐wei , Zhu Bin‐xin , Luo Quan‐ming , Chen Si
Published: August 2013

A kind of interleaved non‐isolated high step‐up DC/DC converter is presented in this study. The converter consists of two basic Boost cells and some diode–capacitor multiplier (DCM) cells as needed. Because of the DCM cells, the voltage conversion ratio is enlarged and the extreme large duty ratio can be avoided in the high step‐up applications. Moreover, the voltage stress of all the power devices is greatly lower than the output voltage. As a result, lower‐voltage‐rated power devices can be employed, and higher efficiency can be expected. Since the two basic Boost cells are controlled by the interleaving method, which means the phase difference between the two pulse width moderlation (PWM) signals is 180° and the input current is the sums of the two inductor currents, the input current ripple is decreased and the size of the input filter could be reduced, which make it a suitable choice in the photovoltaic power generation system and hybrid electric vehicles, etc. Finally, the experimental results from a 300 W, 30–400 V laboratory prototype are presented to validate the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of α1-antitrypsin without inhibition of elastase
Authors: Jonigk Danny , Al-Omari Mariam , Maegel Lavinia , Müller Meike , Izykowski Nicole , Hong Jaewoo , Hong Kwangwon , Kim Soo-Hyun , Dorsch Martina , Mahadeva Ravi , Laenger Florian , Kreipe Hans , Braun Armin , Shahaf Galit , Lewis Eli C. , Welte Tobias , Dinarello Charles A. , Janciauskiene Sabina
Published: August 2013

The rationale of α1-antitrypsin (AAT) augmentation therapy to treat progressive emphysema in AAT-deficient patients is based on inhibition of neutrophil elastase; however, the benefit of this treatment remains unclear. Here we show that clinical grade AAT (with elastase inhibitory activity) and a recombinant form of AAT (rAAT) without anti-elastase activity reduces lung inflammatory responses to LPS in elastase-deficient mice. WT and elastase-deficient mice treated with either native AAT or rAAT exhibited significant reductions in infiltrating neutrophils (23% and 68%), lavage fluid levels of TNF-α (70% and 80%), and the neutrophil chemokine KC (CXCL1) (64% and 90%), respectively. Lung parenchyma TNF-α, DNA damage-inducible transcript 3 and X-box binding protein-1 mRNA levels were reduced in both mouse strains treated with AAT; significantly lower levels of these genes, as well as IL-1β gene expression, were observed in lungs of AAT-deficient patients treated with AAT therapy compared with untreated patients. In vitro, LPS-induced cytokines from WT and elastase-deficient mouse neutrophils, as well as neutrophils of healthy humans, were similarly reduced by AAT or rAAT; human neutrophils adhering to endothelial cells were decreased by 60–80% (P< 0.001) with either AAT or rAAT. In mouse pancreatic islet macrophages, LPS-induced surface expression of MHC II, Toll-like receptor-2 and -4 were markedly lower (80%,P< 0.001) when exposed to either AAT or rAAT. Consistently, in vivo and in vitro, rAAT reduced inflammatory responses at concentrations 40- to 100-fold lower than native plasma-derived AAT. These data provide evidence that the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties of AAT can be independent of elastase inhibition.
Variability and stability in Chinese syntax
Authors: Huang Shuanfan
Published: August 2013

In this study I examine a large number of verbalizations in the Chinese Pear narratives and find that for each scene examined there is usually one or at most two favored and stabilized verbalizations, with variability around the stabilized forms. These favored verbalizations are the preferred states of the system for expressing concurrent events, transfer of objects, perfectivity in event construal etc., and they may be thought of as strong attractors in the behavior space in terms of complexity theory. These attractors exert a force on the grammatical system, and impose a frame on them and model the development of new forms. Further research in Chinese grammar into the wide ranging, dynamic and systematic variability as well as stability within and across individuals is urged.
Subjectivity and result marking in Mandarin
Authors: Li Fang , Evers-Vermeul Jacqueline , Sanders Ted J.M.
Published: August 2013

Recent corpus studies have shown that differences in subjectivity − the degree to which speakers express themselves in an utterance − can account for the usage of causal connectives (because, so) in major European languages. If the notion of subjectivity is a basic cognitive principle, it ought to play a role in the description of connectives in other languages. In this paper, we present a corpus analysis of five Mandarin result connectives, kĕjiàn, suŏyĭ, yīncĭ, yīn’ér, and yúshì. We used four subjectivity indicators: modality, domain (following Sweetser 1990), and the presence and identity of a Subject of Consciousness – the person responsible for constructing the causal relation. Results show that kĕjiàn, suŏyĭ, yīncĭ, yīn’ér, and yúshì display different degrees of subjectivity. To a large degree, our findings corroborate previous observations in the literature (e.g. the ones in Xing 2001). However, our analysis also shows that while kĕjiàn, yúshì, and yīn’ér have robust profiles across genres, the subjective meanings of suŏyĭ and yīncĭ, two common connectors, are genre sensitive.
Focus on form and vocabulary acquisition in the Spanish L2 classroom
Authors: Plonsky Luke , Loewen Shawn
Published: August 2013

This study examined lexical development from an interactionist perspective. More specifically, we investigated student gains in seven specific vocabulary words as a function of their frequency of occurrence and the type and amount of focus on form episodes related to them. Pretests and posttests were given to an intact class of second-year Spanish students to assess their gains for the seven words. Each day of class was recorded and transcribed to enable corpus- and interaction-based analyses of target word use whether in isolation or within focus on form episodes. We present the results of overall (quantitative) and more finely-grained, word-by-word (qualitative) analyses, both of which indicate the insufficiency of any single variable to predict lexical development, thus providing support for multifaceted and mixed-method approaches to the understanding and research of vocabulary acquisition. Finally, the results are discussed in relation to models of L2 vocabulary learning, within the interactionist framework in particular.
Number problems in monolingual and bilingual French-speaking children
Authors: Ågren Malin , van de Weijer Joost
Published: August 2013

The present study focuses on the acquisition of subject–verb agreement in number in spoken French. We compare production and comprehension of singular and plural verb forms in French monolingual and French-Swedish bilingual children (n = 58) aged five to ten. Overall, the results demonstrate that subject–verb agreement in number is a challenge to all French-speaking children, be it monolingual or bilingual, due to its heterogeneous, partial and lexically restricted nature. Furthermore, in production, bilingual children omit plural verb forms significantly more often than monolinguals. However, in comprehension, they pattern with their monolingual peers. The data also illustrate an asymmetric pattern: Plural verb forms are more easily comprehended than produced whereas singular verb forms are more easily produced than comprehended. The reasons for this asymmetry are discussed from a usage-based perspective, focusing on the frequency of verb forms and agreement patterns in the French input.