bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analog and digital amplitude‐domain‐multiplexed signal transmission systems using DC‐balance mB‐nB codes
Authors: Ohue Kenji , Ohtake Kohhei
Published: October 2014

To realize analog and digital ADM (Amplitude Domain Multiplex) signal transmission systems which transmit analog and digital signals in the baseband domain by amplitude domain multiplexing, intersymbol interference caused by the low‐frequency cutoff of the transmission line is a serious problem and dc‐balancing of the signals becomes necessary. This problem has not yet been discussed. This paper describes a new ADM technique for dc‐balancing of the signals within a word by using dc‐balance mB‐nB codes for the digital signal and dc‐balance signal processing within a word for the analog signal; a practicable system design is also proposed. Moreover, dc‐balance mB‐nB codes with a small clock rate increase and RDS (running digital sum) are proposed and dc‐balance mB‐nB codes suitable for this system are specified. A method for defining the optimum amplitude ratio of the analog and digital signals, and simple word synchronization and line‐error detection by checking the digital word sum are illustrated. Finally, an example of the application to subscriber loop‐transmission systems is presented and the system effectiveness is defined.
Optimum quantization of laplace density signal and its characteristics
Authors: Yamaguchi Hirohisa
Published: October 2014

The distribution of prediction error at DPCM coding of audio or video signals can be approximated closely by Laplace distribution which, therefore, has been used widely for the determination of the quantization characteristics. The procedure for the practical determination of the quantizing characteristics for a given number of quantization levels, however, relies basically on the approximation methods chosen. Thus, considerable inconvenience is experienced during the theoretical analysis of the various characteristics corresponding to the different coding systems. In this paper, the optimum (Lloyd‐Max) quantization of Laplace density signals is considered and a recursive formula for the determination of the optimum quantization interval has been derived to show that the optimum quantization noise power is given as smin2/4 (smin is the minimum quantization interval length) when the number of the quantization levels is sufficiently large. Furthermore, the optimum quantization intervals (steps) have been determined by a digital computer with an accuracy of 8 digits and compared with the results of known approximations.
Analysis of partially metal‐clad and dielectric overlay‐loaded diffused optical waveguide
Authors: Hayata Kazuya , Koshiba Masanori , Suzuki Michio
Published: October 2014

The diffused optical waveguide is one of the most promising for use as an element of an integrated optical circuit, and optical functional devices such as an optical modulator and an optical switch can be composed of this waveguide. Analysis of this type of waveguide is difficult because the refractive index of the substrate is distributed continuously; there have been few studies on a waveguide with a metal cladding and a dielectric overlay and with the refractive index which is 2‐dimensionally inhomogeneous. We propose an approximate scalar finite‐element method which is applicable to a lossy diffused optical waveguide, and performed numerical analysis of a metal‐clad and dielectric overlay‐loaded diffused optical waveguide whose substrate has a 2‐dimensionally inhomogeneous refractive index profile. The results are presented in this paper.
Impact of Mesoporous and Microporous Materials on Performance of Nafion and SPEEK Polymer Electrolytes: A Comparative Study in DEFCs
Authors: Meenakshi S. , Manokaran A. , Bhat S. D. , Sahu A. K. , Sridhar P. , Pitchumani S.
Published: October 2014

Hybrid membranes are prepared from fluoro and non‐fluoro polymer membrane matrices with mesoporous and microporous inorganic materials. Nafion‐Si‐MSU‐F, Nafion‐Al‐MCM‐41, and zeolite 4A‐SPEEK‐MSA hybrid membranes are fabricated by solution casting method. The structural properties of the membranes are characterized using FE‐SEM and AFM techniques. Ion exchange capacity, sorption, proton conductivity, and thermal stability for the membranes have been extensively investigated. Ethanol permeability measurements for the membranes are performed using electrochemical as well as diffusion cell method. Among the membranes that are tested in direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFCs), Nafion‐Al‐MCM‐41 hybrid membrane delivered the highest peak power‐density of 44 mW cm–2 at 70 °C.
Pure psychiatric presentation of the Lewy body disease is depression—an analysis of 60 cases verified with myocardial meta‐iodobenzylguanidine study
Authors: Kobayashi Katsuji , Nakano Hiroyuki , Akiyama Noriko , Maeda Takashi , Yamamori Sanae
Published: October 2014

Objective

Parkinson's disease (PD), Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) were collectively termed Lewy body disease (LBD). Pure psychiatric presentation (PPP) of the LBD may be the fourth subtype in which psychiatric symptoms without definite parkinsonism and cognitive disturbance lasted for many years. The aim of this study is to localize the presence of the PPP in subjects with low uptake of myocardial meta‐iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG).

Methods

Sixty MIBG‐verified patients (28 women and 32 men) were classified into three psychiatric pictures; depression (Group D: 27 patients), isolated visual hallucinations (Group V: 16 patients) and psychosis (Group P: 17 patients). Fifty six cases were examined with single photon emission tomography (SPECT) study of the brains in which hypoperfusion lobes were identified in 37 cases and 19 cases showed no abnormality. After that, we determined final diagnoses; PD, PDD, DLB and PPP with an aid of the DSM‐IV, the unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS) and Mini‐mental state examination (MMSE).

Results

Of Group D patients 40% remained depressive without parkinsonism and about 50% had or developed typical parkinsonism. Most Group P patients developed clinical pictures of PDD or DLB. Statistics provided four combinations: Group V‐DLB‐occipital lobe hypoperfusion, Group D‐PD without SPECT abnormality, Group P‐PDD with temporal lobe hypoperfusion and Group D‐PPP without SPECT abnormality.

Conclusions

PPP featured major depressive disorder and can be preparative of incidental LBD and prodromal depression of PD. Psychosis and dementia were of the same quality that characterizes the PDD. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical management of GIST and intra‐abdominal visceral leiomyosarcomas
Authors: Fairweather Mark , Raut Chandrajit P.
Published: October 2014

Intra‐abdominal visceral sarcomas are a rare group of mesenchymal tumors that require the use of distinct surgical principles and a multidisciplinary approach in order to optimize treatment. Surgery remains the only potentially curative treatment. Management and outcomes vary for the different sarcomas arising from viscera. This review will summarize the current treatment strategies for the two most common visceral sarcomas, leiomyosarcomas, and gastrointestinal stromal tumors. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:562–569. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Postmastectomy radiation therapy and immediate autologous breast reconstruction: Integrating perspectives from surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and plastic and reconstructive surgery
Authors: Rochlin Danielle H. , Jeong Ah‐Reum , Goldberg Leah , Harris Timothy , Mohan Kriti , Seal Stella , Canner Joe , Sacks Justin M.
Published: October 2014

Background and Objectives

The effect of postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) on immediately reconstructed abdominal wall‐based tissue remains imprecisely defined. We evaluated evidence from all fields involved in care of the breast cancer patient in order to advance a unified recommendation regarding this therapeutic sequence.

Methods

We performed a MEDLINE and manual reference search to identify studies of PMRT with immediate autologous breast reconstruction. Inclusion criteria required studies to describe patients, flaps, and complication rates. Analyses were based on a random effects model. Surgical and radiation oncology literature was reviewed.

Results

Eleven retrospective studies of 337 patients with an average follow‐up of 18–60 months (out of 268 patients) were selected for inclusion. Overall rates of fat necrosis, revisional surgery, volume loss, and fibrosis/contracture ranged from 16.9% to 35.4%. One out of 260 patients experienced total flap loss. There was an increased probability of fat necrosis in the irradiated breast (OR = 3.13, 95% CI = 1.42–6.89, P = 0.005) among three studies with non‐irradiated controls. Five studies evaluated aesthetics with variable outcomes.

Conclusions

There is mixed evidence for the utility of PMRT with immediate autologous abdominal wall breast reconstruction. Further investigation requires prospective studies with collaboration among surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and plastic surgeons. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:251–257. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring the Shared Use of World Heritage Sites: Residents and Domestic Tourists' Use and Perceptions of the Summer Palace in Beijing
Authors: Su Ming Ming , Wall Geoffrey
Published: October 2014

Many heritage sites are shared by tourists and local residents, who may have different motivations, preferences and experiences. These common areas offer a setting for understanding how the host and guest populations utilize, interact and perceive a heritage site. Results show that residents and domestic tourists differ in their use patterns but generally share motivations, perceptions and experiences at the Summer Palace. Use conflicts and interplay are examined in relation to their behaviours, perceptions and experiences. Practical implications are generated to inform management and planning decisions for the study site and other heritage sites shared by local users and tourists. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An extended Layerwise method for composite laminated beams with multiple delaminations and matrix cracks
Authors: Li D. H. , Liu Y. , Zhang X.
Published: October 2014

For the delamination and matrix crack prediction of composite laminated structures, the methods based on the damage mechanics and fracture mechanics are most commonly used. However, there are very few methods that can accurately simulate the delaminations together with matrix cracks, although the in‐plane matrix cracks always exist alongside the delaminations under impact loading. In this work, an extended layerwise method is developed to model the composite laminated beam with multiple delaminations and matrix cracks. In the displacement field, the nodes in the thickness direction are located at the middle surface of each single layer, the top surface and the bottom surface of the composite beams. The displacement field contains the linear Lagrange interpolation functions, the one‐dimensional weak discontinuous function and strong discontinuous function. The strong and weak discontinuous function are applied to model the displacement discontinuity induced by delaminations and the strain discontinuity induced by the interface between the layers, respectively. Because the nodes in the thickness direction are located at the middle surface of each single layer, the extended layerwise method can be conveniently employed to deal with the in‐plane matrix cracks combined with the extend FEM. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phosphoproteomic analysis of basal and therapy‐induced adaptive signaling networks in BRAF and NRAS mutant melanoma
Authors: Fedorenko Inna V. , Fang Bin , Munko Ana Cecelia , Gibney Geoffrey T. , Koomen John M. , Smalley Keiran S. M.
Published: October 2014

Basal and kinase inhibitor driven adaptive signaling has been examined in a panel of melanoma cell lines using phosphoproteomics in conjunction with pathway analysis. A considerable divergence in the spectrum of tyrosine‐phosphorylated peptides was noted at the cell line level. The unification of genotype‐specific cell line data revealed the enrichment for the tyrosine‐phosphorylated cytoskeletal proteins to be associated with the presence of a BRAF mutation and oncogenic NRAS to be associated with increased receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation. A number of proteins including cell cycle regulators (cyclin dependent kinase 1, cyclin dependent kinase 2, and cyclin dependent kinase 3), MAPK pathway components (Extracellular signal regulated kinase 1 and Extracellular signal regulated kinase 2), interferon regulators (tyrosine kinase‐2), GTPase regulators (Ras‐Rasb interactor 1), and controllers of protein tyrosine phosphorylation (dual specificity tyrosine (Y) phosphorylation regulated kinase 1A and protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type A) were common to all genotypes. Treatment of a BRAF‐mutant/phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) null melanoma cell line with vemurafenib led to decreased phosphorylation of ERK, phospholipase C1, and β‐catenin with increases in receptor tyrosine kinase phosphorylation, signal transduction and activator of signaling 3, and glycogen synthase kinase 3α noted. In NRAS‐mutant melanoma, MEK inhibition led to increased phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway components, Src family kinases, and protein kinase Cδ with decreased phosphorylation seen in STAT3 and ERK1/2. Together these data present the first systems level view of adaptive and basal phosphotyrosine signaling in BRAF‐ and NRAS‐mutant melanoma.
Conductivity/activation energy relationships for cement-based materials undergoing cyclic thermal excursions
Authors: McCarter W. J. , Starrs G. , Chrisp T. M. , Basheer P. A. M. , Nanukuttan S. V. , Srinivasan S.
Published: October 2014

The electrical conductivity of a range of concrete mixes, with and without supplementary cementitious materials (SCM), is studied through multiple cycles of heating and cooling over the extended temperature range −30/+70 °C. When presented in an Arrhenius format, the experimental results display hysteresis effects at the low-temperature end of the thermal cycle and, in those concretes containing supplementary cementitious materials at higher water/binder ratios, hysteresis effects were evident over the entire temperature range becoming more discernible with increasing number of thermal cycles. The depression in both the freezing and thawing point could be clearly identified and was used to estimate pore-neck and pore-cavity radii. A simplified approach is presented to evaluate the volumetric ratio of frozen pore water in terms of conductivity measurements. The results also show that the conductivity and activation energy of the concrete specimens were related to the water/binder ratio, type of SCM, physical state of the pore water and the thermal cycling regime.
Tribology of rotating band and gun barrel during engraving process under quasi-static and dynamic loading
Authors: Wu Bin , Zheng Jing , Tian Qing-tao , Zou Zhi-qiang , Yu Xu-hua , Zhang Kai-shuan
Published: October 2014

The engraving process of a projectile rotating band is one of the most basic research aspects in interior ballistics, which has not been thoroughly understood thus far. An understanding of this process is of great importance from the viewpoints of optimal design, manufacturing, use, and maintenance of gun and projectile. In this paper, the interaction of copper and nylon rotating bands with a CrNiMo gun barrel during engraving was studied under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. The quasi-static engraving tests were performed on a CSS-88500 electronic universal testing machine (EUTM) and a special gas-gun-based test rig was designed for dynamic impact engraving of the rotating bands. The mechanical behaviors of copper and nylon were investigated under strain rates of 10−3 s−1 and 2 × 103 s−1 using an MTS 810 and a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB), respectively. Morphologies of the worn surfaces and cross-sectional microstructures were observed with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope (OM). It was found that large deformation and severe friction occur during engraving. The surface layer is condensed and correlated with a hardness gradient along the depth from the top worn surface. The structure of the rotating band and gun bore, band material, and loading rate have great effects on band engraving. The flow stress-strain of the copper strongly depends on the applied strain rate. It is suggested that strain rate and temperature play significant roles in the deformation mechanism of rotating bands.
Do parents in Saudi Arabia store medications safely?
Authors: Ruwaili N. Al , Balushi A. Al , Alharf A. , AlShaharani H. , Eldali A.
Published: October 2014

Background and objectives:

Safe storage of medications can prevent the accidental poisoning of children. How medications are stored in homes in the Saudi community is not known. The objective of this study was to assess the safety measures for drug storage that are employed by parents to avoid unintentional drug poisoning of children below the age of 6 years.

Materials and methods:

This was a cross-sectional survey study based on a validated question-naire created using the Survey Monkey online tool.

Results:

Ninety-three percent of the respondents did not store medications in secure and safe places such as locked boxes or locked drawers; however, more than half of the respondents (54.3%) stored medications at a level that was above the eye level of an adult. The majority of drugs (60.2%) were kept in the fridge; 45.9% were kept in kitchens, 45.1% in bedrooms, 8% in living rooms and 2% in bath-rooms. Thirty percent of the respondents stored medications in two places, and 10% stored medica-tion in three or more places. Eighty-nine percent disposed of unwanted medicines by throwing them in the trash, only 11% returned them to the pharmacy, and 11% flush them down the toilet.

Conclusions:

These results raise concerns about how drugs are stored and disposed of in the commu-nity. Additional community education and awareness programs regarding the safe storage of drugs in the home and the identification of useful and accessible methods of drug disposal are needed.
Encouraging the heart
Authors: al-Baradie Raidah S.
Published: October 2014

Because leaders influence others, a leader’s sincerity is essential to his ability to influence. Leaders can augment their influence through five leadership practices, including modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, enabling others to act, challenging the process, and encouraging the heart. Leaders have a tremendous opportunity to expand dignity, respect, and value and legitimately make the world a better place.

Encouraging the heart challenges leaders to care about their people while focusing on the team’s final goal: results. Truly caring about your people means setting lucid values and antic-ipating the best. Encouraging the heart challenges leaders to pay attention, personalize recog-nition, relate stories about success and values, celebrate together, and be an example for others to follow.

We need to feel linked to others and, in turn, they to us because greatness is never obtained completely by ourselves, all alone. Encouraging the heart is the leadership practice that con-nects us with one another. It documents that we are in "this” together-whatever the project, course, congregation, division, and so on, may be. When leaders praise their followers for achieving the values or goals of the group, the leaders are giving them courage and inspiring them to practice their own skills to deliver-even when under stress. When we recognize people for their participation, we increase their awareness of their value to the organization and to their co-workers, and thereby impart a sense of connectedness that, being social animals, all humans seek. While we may all be linked, leaders have the responsibility to ensure that we are in touch.

We strongly suggest encouraging the heart for leaders who want to enhance their care of people and for those who know that supporting others is not their strongest skill. Some people are born encouragers - if you are not one of them, this article is for you!
Hubris: The Recurring Pandemic
Authors: Koch Tom
Published: October 2014

The 2014 Ebola outbreak has been seen by many as a “perfect storm” and an “unprecedented” public health calamity. This article attempts to place this most current of epidemics, one currently struggling for pandemic status, in an historical frame. At least since the 1600s protocols and programs for the containment of epidemic disease have been known, and mapped. And yet it was almost six months after warnings about this epidemic were first sounded that incomplete programs of control and surveillance were instituted. In effect, we have forgotten the basics of what was once common knowledge in public health. Having placed our faith in bacteriology, virology, and pharmacology, we have forgotten the lessons learned, long ago. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-6)
Velopharyngeal incompetence in patients with cleft palate, flexible video pharyngoscopy and perceptual speech assessment: a correlational pilot study
Authors: Rajan S , Kurien M , Gupta A K , Mathews S S , Albert R R , Tychicus D
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

To assess the role of video endoscopy in evaluating velopharyngeal incompetence and investigate a possible relationship between velopharyngeal incompetence type and speech defect in cleft palate patients.

Methods:

A prospective study of 28 pre- or post-operative cleft palate patients with speech defects who attended Plastic Surgery–Cleft Palate and ENT out-patient clinics was performed. The velar defect type was determined using a flexible endoscope and findings were video recorded. Speech pathology was assessed using the cleft palate audit protocol for speech.

Results:

A significant, clinically relevant relationship was noted between the perceived characteristics of hypernasality and velopharyngeal insufficiency type. Hypernasal speech was a definite clinical indicator of velopharyngeal incompetence, and the type 1 velopharyngeal defect was most common. Type 1 velopharyngeal coronal-type dysfunction was strongly associated with hypernasality (p < 0.05). When speech substitution was noted, type 2 velopharyngeal (or sagittal) incompetence could be predicted (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

In the management of cleft palate patients, it is important that surgical correction of the defect and achieving velopharyngeal competency for speech are performed simultaneously. Pre-operative velopharyngeal endoscopy with speech assessment will define the anatomical and functional bases for velopharyngeal correction and assist in planning and tailoring the pharyngeal flap.
Antidepressant, antipsychotic and psychological interventions in subjects at high clinical risk for psychosis: OASIS 6-year naturalistic study
Authors: Fusar-Poli P. , Frascarelli M. , Valmaggia L. , Byrne M. , Stahl D. , Rocchetti M. , Codjoe L. , Weinberg L. , Tognin S. , Xenaki L. , McGuire P.
Published: October 2014

Background.

Recent randomized controlled trials suggest some efficacy for focused interventions in subjects at high risk (HR) for psychosis. However, treating HR subjects within the real-world setting of prodromal services is hindered by several practical problems that can significantly make an impact on the effect of focused interventions.

Method.

All subjects referred to Outreach and Support in South London (OASIS) and diagnosed with a HR state in the period 2001–2012 were included (n = 258). Exposure to focused interventions was correlated with sociodemographic and clinical characteristics at baseline. Their association with longitudinal clinical and functional outcomes was addressed at follow-up.

Results.

In a mean follow-up time of 6 years (s.d. = 2.5 years) a transition risk of 18% was observed. Of the sample, 33% were treated with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) only; 17% of subjects received antipsychotics (APs) in addition to CBT sessions. Another 17% of subjects were prescribed with antidepressants (ADs) in addition to CBT. Of the sample, 20% were exposed to a combination of interventions. Focused interventions had a significant relationship with transition to psychosis. The CBT + AD intervention was associated with a reduced risk of transition to psychosis, as compared with the CBT + AP intervention (hazards ratio = 0.129, 95% confidence interval 0.030–0.565, p = 0.007).

Conclusions.

There were differential associations with transition outcome for AD v. AP interventions in addition to CBT in HR subjects. These effects were not secondary to baseline differences in symptom severity.
Real Presence in the Eucharist and time-travel
Authors: PICKUP MARTIN
Published: October 2014

This article aims to bring some work in contemporary analytic metaphysics to discussions of the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. I will show that some unusual claims of the Real Presence doctrine exactly parallel what would be happening in the world if objects were to time-travel in certain ways. Such time-travel would make ordinary objects multiply located, and in the relevantly analogous respects. If it is conceptually coherent that objects behave in this way, we have a model for the behaviour of the Eucharist which shows the doctrine to be coherent, at least with respect to the issues discussed.
Low and high repetition frequency femtosecond lasers processing of tungsten-based thin film
Authors: Gaković B. , Petrović S. , Krmpot A. , Pantelić D. , Jelenković B. , Stratakis E. , Fotakis C.
Published: October 2014

In this work we reported low and high repetition frequency femtosecond laser-induced modifications of tungsten-based thin film. The tungsten-titanium (WTi) thin film, thickness of 190 nm, was deposited by sputtering on single crystal Si (100) wafer. Irradiations were performed in air by linearly polarized and focused femtosecond laser beams with following parameters: (1) pulse duration 160 fs, wavelength 800 nm, laser repetition frequency (LRF) 75 MHz — high LRF, and (2) duration 40 fs, wavelength 800 nm, LRF of 1 kHz — low LRF. The results of femtosecond lasers processing of the WTi thin film revealed laser induced periodical surface structures (LIPSS) in the case of low LRF regime. LIPSSs were formed with different periodicity and different orientation to the laser polarization at the surface: micro-scale LIPSSs with orientation perpendicular to the laser polarization and nano-scale LIPSSs parallel and perpendicular to the laser polarization. After processing of the WTi/Si system in high LRF regime ablation and nano-particles formation were registered.
Ergebnisqualität in der Mental Health Rehabilitation für Kinder und Jugendliche
Authors: Winkler Roman , Piso Brigitte
Published: October 2014

Das Angebot an Mental Health Rehabilitation (MHR) für Kinder und Jugendliche mit psychischen Erkrankungen gestaltet sich international unterschiedlich. Während etwa in Deutschland bereits entsprechende MHR-Programme existieren, befinden sich in Österreich solche Angebote noch in der Planungsphase. Im Hinblick auf die Qualitätssicherung von potentiellen MHR-Programmen werden jedoch bereits im Zuge der Programmkonzeption begleitende Evaluierungsansätze benötigt. Die Übersichtsarbeit beschäftigte sich daher mit Indikatoren und Messverfahren, die im Zuge von Programmevaluierungen zu MHR für Kinder und Jugendliche verwendet werden. Mittels einer systematischen Literatursuche wurden sechs Studien identifiziert, die Aufschluss zu fünf Evaluierungsindikatoren (klinische Symptomatik, Lebensqualität, Funktionalität, Reha-Verlauf und Reha-Zufriedenheit) geben. Bei der Messung dieser Endpunkte wurden vor allem Verfahren verwendet, die über verschiedene Indikationsgruppen hinweg zum Einsatz kommen («generische Instrumente»). Neben Kindern und Jugendlichen mit psychischen Erkrankungen wurden zumeist auch deren Eltern in die Evaluierungen miteinbezogen. Dadurch wurden die Selbsteinschätzungen der RehabilitandInnen (etwa in Bezug auf die Entwicklung von Verhaltensproblemen und -stärken) durch Fremdeinschätzungen ergänzt. Grundsätzlich zeigte sich bei den meisten Studien, dass die Evaluierungen mehrere Messzeitpunkte umfassten («Längsschnittstudien»). In zukünftigen Evaluierungsprojekten können die Indikatoren eine zentrale Rolle einnehmen, da ihre Themenbreite umfassende Aufschlüsse zu Reha-Ergebnissen liefert. Hinsichtlich der Messverfahren sind jedenfalls die psychometrischen Gütekriterien zu überprüfen und zu berücksichtigen.
Human Apolipoprotein E ε4 Expression Impairs Cerebral Vascularization and Blood—Brain Barrier Function in Mice
Authors: Alata Wael , Ye Yue , St-Amour Isabelle , Vandal Milène , Calon Frédéric
Published: October 2014

Human apolipoprotein E ( APOE) exists in three isoforms ε2, ε3, and ε4, of which APOE4 is the main genetic risk factor of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As cerebrovascular defects are associated with AD, we tested whether APOE genotype has an impact on the integrity and function of the blood—brain barrier (BBB) in human APOE-targeted replacement mice. Using the quantitative in situ brain perfusion technique, we first found lower (13.0% and 17.0%) brain transport coefficient (Clup) of [3H]-diazepam in APOE4 mice at 4 and 12 months, compared with APOE2 and APOE3 mice, reflecting a decrease in cerebral vascularization. Accordingly, results from immunohistofluorescence experiments revealed a structurally reduced cerebral vascularization (26% and 38%) and thinner basement membranes (30% and 35%) in 12-month-old APOE4 mice compared with APOE2 and APOE3 mice, suggesting vascular atrophy. In addition, APOE4 mice displayed a 29% reduction in [3H]-d-glucose transport through the BBB compared with APOE2 mice without significant changes in the expression of its transporter GLUT1 in brain capillaries. However, an increase of 41.3% of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) was found in brain capillaries of 12-month-old APOE4 mice. In conclusion, profound divergences were observed between APOE genotypes at the cerebrovascular interface, suggesting that APOE4-induced BBB anomalies may contribute to AD development.
Dynamic DNA methylation orchestrates cardiomyocyte development, maturation and disease
Authors: Gilsbach Ralf , Preissl Sebastian , Grüning Björn A. , Schnick Tilman , Burger Lukas , Benes Vladimir , Würch Andreas , Bönisch Ulrike , Günther Stefan , Backofen Rolf , Fleischmann Bernd K. , Schübeler Dirk , Hein Lutz
Published: October 2014

The heart is a highly specialized organ with essential function for the organism throughout life. The significance of DNA methylation in shaping the phenotype of the heart remains only partially known. Here we generate and analyse DNA methylomes from highly purified cardiomyocytes of neonatal, adult healthy and adult failing hearts. We identify large genomic regions that are differentially methylated during cardiomyocyte development and maturation. Demethylation of cardiomyocyte gene bodies correlates strongly with increased gene expression. Silencing of demethylated genes is characterized by the polycomb mark H3K27me3 or by DNA methylation. De novo methylation by DNA methyltransferases 3A/B causes repression of fetal cardiac genes, including essential components of the cardiac sarcomere. Failing cardiomyocytes partially resemble neonatal methylation patterns. This study establishes DNA methylation as a highly dynamic process during postnatal growth of cardiomyocytes and their adaptation to pathological stress in a process tightly linked to gene regulation and activity.
A comprehensive database of the geographic spread of past human Ebola outbreaks
Authors: Mylne Adrian , Brady Oliver J. , Huang Zhi , Pigott David M. , Golding Nick , Kraemer Moritz U.G. , Hay Simon I.
Published: October 2014

Ebola is a zoonotic filovirus that has the potential to cause outbreaks of variable magnitude in human populations. This database collates our existing knowledge of all known human outbreaks of Ebola for the first time by extracting details of their suspected zoonotic origin and subsequent human-to-human spread from a range of published and non-published sources. In total, 22 unique Ebola outbreaks were identified, composed of 117 unique geographic transmission clusters. Details of the index case and geographic spread of secondary and imported cases were recorded as well as summaries of patient numbers and case fatality rates. A brief text summary describing suspected routes and means of spread for each outbreak was also included. While we cannot yet include the ongoing Guinea and DRC outbreaks until they are over, these data and compiled maps can be used to gain an improved understanding of the initial spread of past Ebola outbreaks and help evaluate surveillance and control guidelines for limiting the spread of future epidemics.
Microwave assisted extraction of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) from soil/sediments combined with ion exchange separation and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry detection
Authors: Mamatha P. , Venkateswarlu G. , Swamy A. V. N. , Sahayam A. C.
Published: October 2014

An analytical methodology has been developed for the speciation of Cr(iii) and Cr(vi) in soil/sediments.
Biodegradable stimuli-responsive polypeptide materials prepared by ring opening polymerization
Authors: Shen Yong , Fu Xiaohui , Fu Wenxin , Li Zhibo
Published: October 2014

This tutorial review summarizes the most recent progress in stimuli-responsive polypeptides over the past decade.
Electronic excitations in molecular solids: bridging theory and experiment
Authors: Skelton Jonathan M. , Lora da Silva E. , Crespo-Otero Rachel , Hatcher Lauren E. , Raithby Paul R. , Parker Stephen C. , Walsh Aron
Published: October 2014

As the spatial and temporal resolution accessible to experiment and theory converge, computational chemistry is an increasingly powerful tool for modelling and interpreting spectroscopic data. However, the study of molecular processes, in particular those related to electronic excitations (e.g. photochemistry), frequently pushes quantum-chemical techniques to their limit. The disparity in the level of theory accessible to periodic and molecular calculations presents a significant challenge when modelling molecular crystals, since accurate calculations require a high level of theory to describe the molecular species, but must also take into account the influence of the crystalline environment on their properties. In this article, we briefly review the different classes of quantum-chemical techniques, and present an overview of methods that account for environmental influences with varying levels of approximation. Using a combination of solid-state and molecular calculations, we quantitatively evaluate the performance of implicit-solvent models for the [Ni(Et4dien)(η2-O,ON)(η1-NO2)] linkage-isomer system as a test case. We focus particularly on the accurate reproduction of the energetics of the isomerisation, and on predicting spectroscopic properties to compare with experimental results. This work illustrates how the synergy between periodic and molecular calculations can be exploited for the study of molecular crystals, and forms a basis for the investigation of more challenging phenomena, such as excited-state dynamics, and for further methodological developments.
Chelate stabilized metal oxides for visible light photocatalyzed water oxidations
Authors: Walsh Dominic , Sanchez-Ballester Noelia M. , Ariga Katsuhiko , Tanaka Akihiro , Weller Mark
Published: October 2014

Lactate-stabilized calcium manganese oxide and cobalt hydroxide nanoparticles were utilized as catalysts in visible light photocatalyzed water oxidations. Chelated bi-metallic catalysts captured decomposed cobalt based electron acceptor and gave prolonged two stage reactions. Hydroxylated Co–lactates gave high TOF and O2 yields. Chelation produced extended reactions, higher yields and reduced waste.
Organocatalytic 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of α,β-unsaturated ketones with azides through iminium catalysis
Authors: Li Wenjun , Du Zhiyun , Zhang Kun , Wang Jian
Published: October 2014

We report a new 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of α,β-unsaturated ketones with azides through iminium catalysis in DMSO.
Avoiding pitfalls in L1-regularised inference of gene networks
Authors: Tjärnberg Andreas , Nordling Torbjörn E. M. , Studham Matthew , Nelander Sven , Sonnhammer Erik L. L.
Published: October 2014

L1regularisation methods fail to infer the correct network even when the data are so informative that all existing links can be proven to exist.
Efficient and scalable Pd-catalyzed double aminocarbonylations under atmospheric pressure at low catalyst loadings
Authors: Liu Shuangliang , Deng Qinyue , Fang Weiwei , Gong Jun-Fang , Song Mao-Ping , Xu Mizhi , Tu Tao
Published: October 2014

A scalable approach to access various pharmaceutical and structurally intriguingN-substituted phthalimidesviadouble aminocarbonylations has been established under atmospheric CO pressure with a robust Pd-NHC complex at a low catalyst loading.
Synthesis and electrochemical performances of maricite-NaMPO4(M = Ni, Co, Mn) electrodes for hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Senthilkumar Baskar , Sankar Kalimuthu Vijaya , Vasylechko Leonid , Lee Yun-Sung , Selvan Ramakrishnan Kalai
Published: October 2014

Sodium metal phosphates, NaMPO4(M = Mn, Co and Ni) were successfully synthesized by a solution combustion synthesis (SCS) method using glycine-nitrate as a precursor.
Imprinting of bovine serum albumin in a nonwoven polypropylene membrane supported polyacrylamide/calcium alginate interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel
Authors: Kan Bohong , Lin Beibei , Zhao Kongyin , Zhang Xinxin , Feng Lingzhi , Wei Junfu , Fan Yingchang
Published: October 2014

A non-woven polypropylene supported bovine serum albumin imprinted calcium alginate/polyacrylamide hydrogel film with good regeneration performance.
Facile shape design and fabrication of ZnFe2O4 as an anode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhong Xiao-Bin , Jin Bo , Yang Zhi-Zheng , Wang Cheng , Wang Hui-Yuan
Published: October 2014

Functional materials with exposed highly reactive planes have attracted considerable attention with respect to their enhanced electrochemical energy storage.
Ring closure dynamics for a chemically active polymer
Authors: Sarkar Debarati , Thakur Snigdha , Tao Yu-Guo , Kapral Raymond
Published: October 2014

Our studies on ring closure of polymer showed how the long-range nature of the chemical concentration gradients, self-generated by the presence of a catalytic bead on which a chemical reaction occurs, could cause a distant bead to chemotactically move towards to the source of the gradient. Such chemically-active polymers hence undergo ring closure or loop formation more rapidly than inactive polymer chains.
Thermoelectric properties of pulsed current sintered nanocrystalline Al-doped ZnO by chemical vapour synthesis
Authors: Gautam Devendraprakash , Engenhorst Markus , Schilling Carolin , Schierning Gabi , Schmechel Roland , Winterer Markus
Published: October 2014

ZnO is a promising n-type oxide thermoelectric material, which is stable in air at elevated temperatures.
Mesoporous NaTi2(PO4)3/CMK-3 nanohybrid as anode for long-life Na-ion batteries
Authors: Pang Gang , Nie Ping , Yuan Changzhou , Shen Laifa , Zhang Xiaogang , Li Hongsen , Zhang Cunliang
Published: October 2014

NASICON-type NaTi2(PO4)3nanoparticles with a size of ∼5 nm homogeneously embedded in mesoporous CMK-3 have been synthesized. Due to the unique structures, the electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performances as a potential anode for NIBs.
High voltage in hole conductor free organo metal halide perovskite solar cells
Authors: Dymshits Alex , Rotem Amit , Etgar Lioz
Published: October 2014

High voltage hole conductor free perovskite solar cell achieved 1.35 V.
Gelation properties of self-assembling N-acyl modified cytidine derivatives
Authors: Skilling K. J. , Ndungu A. , Kellam B. , Ashford M. , Bradshaw T. D. , Marlow M.
Published: October 2014

A new design for a self-assembling gelator of cytidine containing a binary mixture of organic solvent and water, shown to provide a suitable delivery platform for high and lowMwmolecules.
Targeted CT imaging of human hepatocellular carcinoma using low-generation dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles modified with lactobionic acid
Authors: Cao Yiyun , He Yao , Liu Hui , Luo Yu , Shen Mingwu , Xia Jindong , Shi Xiangyang
Published: October 2014

Dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles formed using low-generation dendrimers modified with PEGylated lactobionic acid as templates enable targeted CT imaging of human hepatocellular carcinoma.
Thermoresponsive PNIPAAm hydrogel scaffolds with encapsulated AuNPs show high analyte-trapping ability and tailored plasmonic properties for high sensing efficiency
Authors: Manikas A. C. , Aliberti A. , Causa F. , Battista E. , Netti P. A.
Published: October 2014

The preparation of thermoresponsive PNIPAAm hydrogel scaffolds with encapsulated AuNPs showed high analyte-trapping ability and tailored plasmonic properties with high sensing efficiency.
KNN–NTK composite lead-free piezoelectric ceramic
Authors: Matsuoka T. , Kozuka H. , Kitamura K. , Yamada H. , Kurahashi T. , Yamazaki M. , Ohbayashi K.
Published: October 2014

A (K,Na)NbO3-based lead-free piezoelectric ceramic was successfully densified. It exhibited an enhanced electromechanical coupling factor of kp = 0.52, a piezoelectric constant d33 = 252 pC/N, and a frequency constant Np = 3170 Hz m because of the incorporation of an elaborate secondary phase composed primarily of KTiNbO5. The ceramic's nominal composition was 0.92K0.42Na0.44Ca0.04Li0.02Nb0.85O3–0.047K0.85Ti0.85Nb1.15O5–0.023BaZrO3–0.0017Co3O4–0.002Fe2O3–0.005ZnO, abbreviated herein as KNN–NTK composite. The KNN–NTK ceramic exhibited a dense microstructure with few microvoids which significantly degraded its piezoelectric properties. Elemental maps recorded using transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (TEM–EDS) revealed regions of high concentrations of Co and Zn inside the NTK phase. In addition, X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed that a small portion of the NTK phase was converted into K2(Ti,Nb,Co,Zn)6O13 or CoZnTiO4 by a possible reaction between Co and Zn solutes and the NTK phase during a programmed sintering schedule. TEM studies also clarified a distortion around the KNN/NTK interfaces. Such an NTK phase filled voids between KNN particles, resulting in an improved chemical stability of the KNN ceramic. The manufacturing process was subsequently scaled to 100 kg per batch for granulated ceramic powder using a spray-drying technique. The properties of the KNN–NTK composite ceramic produced using the scaled-up method were confirmed to be identical to those of the ceramic prepared by conventional solid-state reaction sintering. Consequently, slight changes in the NTK phase composition and the distortion around the KNN/NTK interfaces affected the KNN–NTK composite ceramic's piezoelectric characteristics.
Effects of impurity-band conduction on thermoelectric properties of lightly doped p-type CoSb3
Authors: Kajikawa Y.
Published: October 2014

Experimental data on the thermoelectric properties of lightly doped p-type CoSb3 reported by Mandrus et al. [Phys. Rev. B 52, 4926 (1995)], Arushanov et al. [Phys. Rev. B 56, 1911 (1997)], and Dyck et al. [Phys. Rev. B 65, 115204 (2002)] have been analyzed, incorporating both the impurity-band conduction and the nonparabolicity of the valence band. The concentrations of a resonant acceptor, a deep acceptor, and a compensating donor level have been considerably corrected from those obtained in the original studies by Arushanov et al. and Dyck et al. The impurity-band conduction in the deep acceptor level has been proved to be the dominant conduction mechanism at low temperatures in the sample of Dyck et al. while that in the resonant acceptor level has been proved to be the dominant one in the other samples. Especially, the impurity-band conduction has been proved to be predominant up to as high as 400 K in the sample of Mandrus et al. As a result of incorporating the effects of both the impurity-band conduction and the nonparabolicity, the agreement of the simulated Seebeck coefficient with the experimental one has been excellently improved.
Analysis and evaluation of short-circuit current of doubly fed induction generation under rotor excitation control
Authors: Ouyang Jinxin , Xiong Xiaofu , Zeng XingXing
Published: October 2014

The transient fault characteristics of power systems undergo profound changes with the large-scale application of doubly fed wind turbines. Thus, the short-circuit current (SCC) contributed by doubly fed induction generation (DFIG) should be fully understood for the operation of power systems. However, the SCC of DFIG is difficult to analyze under excitation control when the voltage drops partially. A requisite analysis of the coupling between excitation control and the electromagnetic process under symmetric fault is conducted in this study. The transient disturbances in the control loop under fault are analyzed by constructing a vector dynamic model of rotor current. The simplified expressions of SCCs under different control modes are deduced. The characteristics of the SCCs are obtained from these simplified expressions. The effects of excitation control on transient behavior are analyzed considering that controls are usually designed under normal conditions. The theoretical analyses are validated by simulations.
Domain wall pinning for racetrack memory using exchange bias
Authors: Polenciuc I. , Vick A. J. , Allwood D. A. , Hayward T. J. , Vallejo-Fernandez G. , O'Grady K. , Hirohata A.
Published: October 2014

The pinning of domain walls in ferromagnetic (F) wires is one possible technique for the creation of a solid state magnetic memory. Such a system has been under consideration for some time but one of the main limitations is the control of, and non-uniformity of the domain wall pinning. Techniques such as the lithographic definition of notches and steps in the substrate have had some success in creating local pins but have the disadvantage of being expensive to fabricate and the reproducibility of the domain wall pinning strength is limited. In this letter, we report on an alternative strategy to create pins of reproducible strength using crossed ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic (AF) wires such that exchange bias can be introduced at the crossing points. Such a system has the advantage of ease of fabrication and creating domain wall pins of controlled strength by varying the width of the AF wire. We have achieved domain wall pinning field strengths of up to 37 Oe in a system where the AF wire is deposited above the F wire which is comparable to the values achieved using notches.
Transplant experiment to evaluate the feeding behaviour of the Atlantic ribbed mussel, Geukensia demissa, moved to a high inorganic seston area
Authors: Galimany E. , Rose J. M. , Dixon M. S. , Wikfors G. H.
Published: October 2014

In 2011–12, a field study demonstrated that ribbed mussels from two locations in the north-east Atlantic Coast of the USA used different feeding strategies to adapt to widely differing seston characteristics and achieve the same absorption efficiency. To investigate whether there was local, genetic adaptation of mussels in the two contrasting sites, we conducted a transplant experiment in 2012 in which mussels were moved from the high-plankton, low-inorganic waters of Milford Harbor, CT, to the high-inorganic, low-plankton waters of Hunts Point, Bronx, NY. Results showed that mussels from Milford adapted to the new, poorer-quality seston within 6 days of submersion in Hunts Point waters, which indicates that phenotypic plasticity in the species is sufficient to account for adaptability of the ribbed mussel to Hunts Point conditions. This adaptability makes the ribbed mussel a good candidate for environmental remediation technologies, such as nutrient bioextraction.