bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid adsorption for oil using superhydrophobic and superoleophilic polyurethane sponge
Authors: Li Beibei , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhang Xinying , Zou Junchen , Chai Wenbo , Lou Yanyan
Published: January 2015

BACKGROUND

Cleanup of oil spills is a worldwide task needed to avoid serious environmental pollution. Recently, polyurethane (PU) sponge has been used as an oil absorbent, however, its efficacy is limited by its hydrophilic property.

RESULTS

This work describes the modification of PU sponge with ZnO microrods and palmitic acid (PA). A coating of ZnO microrods made the surface of PU sponge rough, which improved the hydrophobicity and oil‐adsorption capacity of the sponge. Further immersion in PA solution reduced the surface energy, which enabled the rough surface to be superhydrophobic (water contact angle (CA) > 150°). The contact angles of water and oil on the prepared ZnO and PA modified (ZnO‐PA sponge) sponge were 168.9° and 0°, respectively. Adsorption capacities of ZnO‐PA sponge varied between 33 and 44 g g−1 for different oil samples, which were higher than those of the non‐modified PU sponge (21–23 g g−1). Adsorption equilibrium for the adsorption process of ZnO‐PA sponge was achieved within tens of seconds. Additionally, the ZnO‐PA sponge showed excellent selectivity for oil over water, and high reusability.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that the superhydrophobic PU sponge was a promising oil adsorbent for large‐scale oil‐spill collection. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing African Microfinance: An Exploratory Case Study of Ghana's Central Region
Authors: Reiter Bernd , Peprah James Atta
Published: January 2015

This article presents the findings from a 5‐week exploratory research project on microfinance in Ghana. The aim of this project was to develop initial hypotheses that can be tested in a follow‐up systematic research project. Our preliminary findings are that informality is a major roadblock to successful lending that lenders redirect loans to other, nonexplicit needs and wants thus indicating a different set of priorities than the lenders and that the most successful component of microfinance is not lending but saving. We also found that gender and religion constitute important factors interfering with and potentially distorting successful microfinance practices. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of oxidative stress in surgical cavernous nerve injury in a rat model
Authors: Wang Hui , Ding Xie‐Gang , Li Shi‐Wen , Zheng Hang , Zheng Xin‐Min , Navin Shrestha , Li Lu , Wang Xing‐Huan
Published: January 2015

This study investigates the role of oxidative stress in surgical cavernous nerve (CN) injury in a rat model. Eighty‐four male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: group 1, sham‐operated rats; group 2, bilateral CN‐crushed rats; and group 3, bilateral CN‐transection‐and‐sutured‐immediately rats. Oxidative stress was evaluated by malondialdehyde levels, super oxide dismutase (SOD) activities, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities in serum. Erectile function was assessed by CN electrostimulation at 3 months with mean maximal intracavernous pressure (ICP) and maximal ICP per mean arterial pressure. Nerve injury was assessed by toluidine blue staining of CNs and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)‐diaphorase staining of penile tissue. GPX protein expression and nitrotyrosine‐3 (NT‐3) levels in penile tissue were measured. Erectile function and the number of myelinated axons of CNs and NADPH‐diaphorase‐positive nerve fibers were statistically decreased between groups, from sham to crush to transection. For markers, both nerve‐injury groups showed increased oxidative stress markers at early time points, with the transection group showing greater oxidative stress than the crushed group and values normalizing to sham levels by week 12. GPX expression and NT‐3 levels in penile tissue were in concordance with the results of SOD and GPX. These results show that oxidative stress plays an important role in injured CNs, and different methods of CN injury can lead to different degrees of oxidative stress in a rat model. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Temporal changes in neurotrophic factors and neurite outgrowth in the major pelvic ganglion following cavernous nerve injury
Authors: Hannan Johanna L. , Albersen Maarten , Stopak Bernard L. , Liu Xiaopu , Burnett Arthur L. , Hoke Ahmet , Bivalacqua Trinity J.
Published: January 2015

Despite nerve‐sparing radical prostatectomy, nerve damage and erectile dysfunction (ED) prevail, and preventing neurodegeneration is of great importance. Neurotrophic factors and neurite outgrowth were characterized in major pelvic ganglia (MPG) following bilateral cavernous nerve injury (BCNI). Young male Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent sham or BCNI surgery, and the intracavernosal pressure to mean arterial pressure ratio was measured 2, 7, 14, 21, 30, and 60 days following injury (n = 8/group). MPG gene expression (qPCR) and Western blot were performed for glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), neurturin, neurotrophin (NT)−3, NT4, brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor, and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). Additional rats were injured, and MPGs were removed 24 hr, 48 hr, 3 days, and 7 days following BCNI (n = 3/group). MPGs were cultured in Matrigel, and neurite outgrowth was measured. Erections were impaired early and improved by 60 days in BCNI rats. GDNF, NGF, BDNF, and ATF3 gene expression was significantly increased and NT3 was decreased in MPGs following BCNI (48 hr to 21 days, P < 0.05). GDNF and NGF protein levels were elevated in 48‐hr BCNI rats. MPG neurite outgrowth from 24‐hr and 48‐hr BCNI was higher than sham (658 ± 19 μm, 607 ± 24 μm, 393 ± 23 μm, respectively, P < 0.05). Further studies examining the roles of neurotrophic factors in modulating signaling pathways may provide therapeutic avenues for neurogenically mediated ED. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method for plasma and cerebrospinal fluid pharmacokinetics of rhein in patients with traumatic brain injury after administration of rhubarb decoction
Authors: Wang Yang , Fan Rong , Luo Jiekun , Tang Tao , Xing Zhihua , Xia Zian , Peng Weijun , Wang Wenzhu , Lv Huiying , Huang Wei , Liang Yizeng , Yi Lunzhao , Lu Hongmei , Huang Xi
Published: January 2015

Damage of blood–brain barrier is a common result of traumatic brain injury. This damage can open the blood–brain barrier and allow drug passage. An ultraperformance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method was established to determine the concentration of rhein in the biofluids (plasma and cerebrospinal fluid) of patients with a compromised blood–brain barrier following traumatic brain injury after rhubarb administration. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic profiles were analyzed. A triple‐quadruple tandem mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization was used for rhein detection. The mass transition followed was m/z 283.06→239.0. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 10–8000 ng/mL for the biofluids. The intra‐ and interday precisions were less than 10%. The relative standard deviation of recovery was less than 15% in biological matrices. The pharmacokinetic data showed that rhein was rapidly transported into biofluids, and exhibited a peak concentration 1 h after rhubarb administration. The elimination rate of rhein was slow. The AUCcerebrospinal fluid/AUCplasma (AUC is area under curve) of rhein was approximately 17%, indicating that portions of rhein could pass the impaired blood–brain barrier. The method was successfully applied to quantify rhein in the biofluids of all patients. The data presented can help to guide clinical applications of rhubarb for treating traumatic brain injury.
Robust alignment of chromatograms by statistically analyzing the shifts matrix generated by moving window fast Fourier transform cross‐correlation
Authors: Zhang Mingjing , Wen Ming , Zhang Zhi‐Min , Lu Hongmei , Liang Yizeng , Zhan Dejian
Published: January 2015

Retention time shift is one of the most challenging problems during the preprocessing of massive chromatographic datasets. Here, an improved version of the moving window fast Fourier transform cross‐correlation algorithm is presented to perform nonlinear and robust alignment of chromatograms by analyzing the shifts matrix generated by moving window procedure. The shifts matrix in retention time can be estimated by fast Fourier transform cross‐correlation with a moving window procedure. The refined shift of each scan point can be obtained by calculating the mode of corresponding column of the shifts matrix. This version is simple, but more effective and robust than the previously published moving window fast Fourier transform cross‐correlation method. It can handle nonlinear retention time shift robustly if proper window size has been selected. The window size is the only one parameter needed to adjust and optimize. The properties of the proposed method are investigated by comparison with the previous moving window fast Fourier transform cross‐correlation and recursive alignment by fast Fourier transform using chromatographic datasets. The pattern recognition results of a gas chromatography mass spectrometry dataset of metabolic syndrome can be improved significantly after preprocessing by this method. Furthermore, the proposed method is available as an open source package at https://github.com/zmzhang/MWFFT2.
Coupling needle‐trap devices with comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography with high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry to rapidly reveal the chemical transformation of volatile components from sulfur‐fumigated ginseng
Authors: Cao Gang , Li Qinglin , Wu Xin , Zhang Jida , Zhang Hongyan , Jiang Jianping
Published: January 2015

Sulfur‐fumigation could alter the quality of white ginseng by damaging the bioactive compounds and generating sulfur‐containing materials. In the present study, coupling needle‐trap devices with comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography and high‐resolution time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry was applied to rapidly reveal chemical transformation of volatile components from sulfur‐fumigated ginseng. Thirty‐two volatile compounds were not in white ginseng samples after sulfur‐fumigation. Furthermore, 20 sulfur‐containing compounds were identified for the first time in volatile oil of sulfur‐fumigated white ginseng. The established approach could be applied to discriminate sulfur‐fumigated white ginseng among commercial samples and to control the quality of white ginseng.
Study of the Curing Process of DGEBA Epoxy Resin Through Structural Investigation
Authors: Alessi Sabina , Caponetti Eugenio , Güven Olgun , Akbulut Meshude , Spadaro Giuseppe , Spinella Alberto
Published: January 2015

In this work, a multi‐scale approach with different analytical methods is applied to study the curing process and the structural properties of a diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin. This monomer, thermally cured using 4,4′‐diaminodiphenilsulfone (DDS) as hardener, is analyzed after 10, 45, 90, and 120 min of reaction time at 180 °C to obtain information on samples with different cross‐linking densities. Samples are also characterized after extraction in acetone in order to obtain structural information on the insoluble parts. For this purpose, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (ss‐NMR), and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) are employed. The importance of this multi‐method approach lies in the possibility to obtain a more complete knowledge of the investigated system, overcoming the limits inherent to the use of a single technique, through the correlation among results obtained from different structural investigation methodologies.

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Glucose Oxidase and Glucose for Redox‐Initiating the Free Radical Copolymerization of N‐(ferrocenoylmethyl)acrylamide in Aqueous Cyclodextrin Solution
Authors: Szillat Florian , Shamout Fadi , Ritter Helmut
Published: January 2015

The glucose oxidase and glucose mediated formation of amphipilic copolymers of N‐(ferrocenoylmethyl)acrylamide (NFMA) and N,N‐diethylacrylamide (DEA) in aqueous cyclodextrin solution is presented. Thereby, NFMA is not only a comonomer but also part of the redox initiation system. The obtained copolymers contain NFMA units between 1 and 10 mol%. The molecular masses of the copolymers are dependent on the ferrocene content, whereupon molecular weights between 38 000 and 71 000 g mol−1 are achieved.

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Consequences of weak Allee effect on prey in the May–Holling–Tanner predator–prey model
Authors: González‐Olivares Edward , Gallego‐Berrío Lina M. , González‐Yañez Betsabé , Rojas‐Palma Alejandro
Published: January 2015

In this work, a modified Holling–Tanner predator–prey model is analyzed, considering important aspects describing the interaction such as the following: the predator growth function is of a logistic type, and a weak Allee effect acting in the prey growth function and the functional response is of hyperbolic type.

By making a change of variables and a time rescaling, we obtain a polynomial differential equations system topologically equivalent to the original one, in which the nonhyperbolic equilibrium point (0,0) is an attractor for all parameter values.

An important consequence of this property is the existence of a separatrix curve dividing the behavior of trajectories in the phase plane, and the system exhibits the bistability phenomenon, because the trajectories can have different ω‐limit sets, as an example, the origin (0,0) or a stable limit cycle surrounding an unstable positive equilibrium point.

We show that, under certain parameter conditions, a positive equilibrium may undergo saddle‐node, Hopf, and Bogdanov–Takens bifurcations; the existence of a homoclinic curve on the phase plane is also proved, which breaks in an unstable limit cycle.

Some simulations to reinforce our results are also shown. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Esophageal versus surface recording of diaphragm compound muscle action potential
Authors: Ackermann Karin A. , Brander Lukas , Tuchscherer Daniel , Schröder Ralph , Jakob Stephan M. , Takala Jukka , Z'graggen Werner J.
Published: January 2015

Introduction: Repeated diaphragm compound muscle action potential (CMAP) recordings may help to understand the pathophysiology of respiratory muscle weakness. Neurally adjusted ventilator assist (NAVA) uses esophageal EMG electrodes to drive the ventilator. We evaluated the feasibility of CMAP recordings using these electrodes and established normal values.Methods: Bilateral cervical phrenic nerve electrical stimulation was performed in 15 healthy volunteers. CMAP recordings with esophageal NAVA electrodes were compared with surface electrode recordings during inspiratory and expiratory pause.Results: Compared with surface recordings, esophageal CMAP amplitudes were higher with increased latencies. Differences between the 2 techniques were most prominent in inspiration. For both recording techniques, amplitudes were higher, and latencies were longer during inspiration. Latencies were also longer when measured on the left side.Conclusions: Diaphragm CMAPs can be measured using the commercially available esophageal NAVA probe. This may facilitate repeated diaphragm CMAP studies in mechanically ventilated patients.Muscle Nerve51: 598–600, 2015
Influence of spinal cord lesion level and severity on H‐reflex excitability and recovery curve
Authors: Kumru Hatice , Albu Sergiu , Valls‐Sole Josep , Murillo Narda , Tormos Josep Maria , Vidal Joan
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Changes in spinal reflexes can result from alterations in the spinal cord and descending pathways. We studied whether H‐reflex excitability and its recovery depend on the level and/or severity of spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods

The soleus Hmax and Mmax responses and the H‐reflex recovery curve (HRC) at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) ranging from 50 to 1,000 ms were recorded in 38 SCI individuals and 18 healthy subjects.

Results

Amplitude of Mmax correlated with level and severity of lesion (smaller amplitude correlated with more severe SCI or with more caudal lesion). Hmax/Mmax correlated only with age in the SCI group. HRC was increased significantly in complete SCI at ISIs < 500 ms and in incomplete SCI at ISIs > 200 ms with respect to healthy subjects.

Conclusions

The changes in spinal reflexes as measured by the H‐reflex and its recovery curve after SCI depend on the severity, but not on the level of the lesion. Muscle Nerve 52: 616–622, 2015
Synthesis, stereocomplex crystallization and properties of poly(l‐lactide)/four‐armed star poly(d‐lactide) functionalized carbon nanotubes nanocomposites
Authors: Jing Zhanxin , Shi Xuetao , Zhang Guangcheng , Qin Jianbin
Published: January 2015

Functionalized carbon nanotubes (F‐CNTs) were synthesized through the nucleophilic substitution reaction between four‐armed star poly(d‐lactide) (4PDLA) and acryl chloride of carbon nanotubes and were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The results indicated that the 4PDLA was successfully grafted onto carbon nanotubes, and it contained 45.5 wt% of 4PDLA. Poly(l‐lactide) (PLLA) nanocomposites with different F‐CNTs content were prepared by solution casting. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy results showed that F‐CNTs were uniformly dispersed in the nanocomposites. Crystallization behavior and crystal structure of PLLA nanocomposites were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing microscope and X‐ray diffraction. The results found that poly(lactide) stereocomplex crystal could be formed between PLLA and F‐CNTs. F‐CNTs played different roles in the process of solution casting and melting crystallization. Polarizing microscope also revealed that crystallization temperature had a significant effect on the nucleation and spherulites growth of PLLA. Thermal stability and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were also investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. These results demonstrated that the addition of F‐CNTs obviously improved thermal stability and tensile strength of PLLA. The results showed that PLLA/F‐CNTs would have potential values in engineering fields. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization, metal sorption, and biological activities of organosoluble and thermally stable azoxanthone‐based polyester
Authors: Lakouraj Moslem mansour , Rahpaima Ghasem , Mohseni Mojtaba
Published: January 2015

The aim of this work was to develop functionalized polyxanthones, poly(azoxanthone‐ester)s (PAXEs), with biological activities and heavy metal sorption abilities. For this purpose, at first, new xanthone‐based diol moiety was synthesized and then used for polymerization with commercial dicarboxylic acids via polycondensation reaction by Vilsmeier adducts. The monomer and all polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, and the physical properties of these PAXEs including solution viscosity, solubility properties, thermal stability, and thermal behavior were studied. The prepared polyesters showed excellent thermal stability and good solubility in polar aprotic solvents. In addition, evaluation of antioxidant activity of the PAXEs by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay revealed that synthesized polymers have higher antioxidant activity than xanthone nucleus. Also, evaluation of the antibacterial activities of the diol monomer and polymer showed good antibacterial activity against some bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The results showed that these PAXEs can be used in pharmaceutical and food industry (food packaging). Furthermore, these functionalized polyesters were utilized for extraction of environmentally harmful metal cations such as Cr (VI), Co (II), Ni (II), Cu (II), Pb (II), and Cd (II) from aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic effect of aluminum hypophosphite and intumescent flame retardants in polylactide
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Li Juan , Wu Yonggang
Published: January 2015

Aluminum hypophosphite (AHP) was introduced into polylactide/intumescent flame retardant (PLA/IFR) systems by melt blending. The flame retardant and thermal properties of the PLA composites were investigated. The results suggest that a synergistic effect exists between IFR and AHP on the char formation and anti‐dripping behavior of PLA composites. The PLA/IFR composites containing 10 wt% IFR can pass the UL‐94 V‐0 rating but the test is accompanied by heavy melt dripping. For the PLA/AHP a UL‐94 V‐2 rating is obtained for the same loading of IFR. However, the composites containing 7 wt% IFR and 3 wt% AHP pass the UL‐94 V‐0 rating with modified dripping behavior. Moreover, the char from combustion of PLA/IFR is flexible but of poor quality. That for PLA/AHP is brittle with many cracks. In contrast, that for PLA/IFR/AHP is strong and compact. Thus it can resist the erosion due to heat and gas formation and protect the inside of the matrix. In addition, AHP causes the crosslinking among APP, which promotes the char formation and prevents the melt dripping. This is the main reason for the good flame retardant properties of PLA composites. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersion on ignition of poly(dimethylsiloxane)–MWCNT composites
Authors: Sonnier Rodolphe , Bokobza Liliane , Concha‐Lozano Nicolas
Published: January 2015

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) filled with low contents of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was prepared using different ways to monitor the dispersion of MWCNT. The influence of the dispersion on thermal conductivity and transmittance was measured. High degree of transparence can be achieved with 0.02 phr of well dispersed MWCNT. Time‐to‐ignition (TTI) was also measured on 2‐ or 4‐mm‐thick specimens heated using radiative unidirectional source. Time‐to‐ignition was found to decrease with the incorporation of MWCNT because more heat is absorbed at the surface. Higher time‐to‐ignition was observed for partially translucent composites, due to different absorption in‐depth profiles. It can be assumed that time‐to‐ignition can be controlled by the dispersion of MWCNT into the polymeric matrix. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Left ventricular obstruction with restrictive inter‐atrial communication leads to retardation in fetal lung maturation
Authors: Goltz Diane , Lunkenheimer Jean‐Marc , Abedini Mojtaba , Herberg Ulrike , Berg Christoph , Gembruch Ulrich , Fischer Hans‐Peter
Published: January 2015

Objective

Intact atrial septum or highly restrictive inter‐atrial communication (I/HRAS) combined with either severe aortic stenosis (SAS) or hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), respectively, is associated with adverse outcome. This study focusses on changes in alveolo‐septal lung parenchyma due to increased left atrial pressure.

Method

In a retrospective cross‐sectional autoptic study, we investigated fetal/neonatal lung specimens of 18 patients with SAS/HLHS with I/HRAS, 11 patients with SAS/HLHS and unrestrictive inter‐atrial communications and 18 controls. Pulmonary maturation was investigated by means of morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses.

Results

In a comparison of all three groups, alveolo‐capillary membrane maturation was significantly disturbed in I/HRAS fetuses from week 23 of pregnancy on. I/HRAS lungs showed angiomatoid hyper‐capillarisation and significantly wider inter‐airspace mesenchyme. Differences in width ranged between 34.58 µm (95% CI: 11.41–57.75 µm) and 46.74 µm (95% CI: 13.97–79.50 µm) in the second and third trimesters. In I/HRAS infants with HLHS, inter‐airspace mesenchymal diameters steadily normalised with age; however, significant fibroelastosis of alveolar septae developed.

Conclusion

Fetal lung maturation with respect to alveolo‐capillary membrane formation is severely disordered in patients with SAS/HLHS with I/HRAS. Our findings indicate that, from a morphological point of view, timing of fetal invention in fetuses with I/HRAS should be fixed within the second trimester of pregnancy. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local Analysis of Pet Surface Functionalization by an Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Jet
Authors: Onyshchenko Iuliia , Yu Nikiforov Anton , De Geyter Nathalie , Morent Rino
Published: January 2015

In this work, space‐resolved analysis of polyethylene terephthalate surface functionalization induced by an atmospheric pressure argon plasma jet has been conducted. In particular, the plasma jet footprint has been determined by examining radial water contact angle profiles. For the first time, space‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron measurements have also been carried out and have been correlated with the results of the water contact angle profiles. Different plasma treatment conditions, like discharge power, exposure time, sample distance and gas flow, have been varied to observe their effect on the plasma jet radial profiles. From this investigation, it has become clear that variations in exposure time and sample distance can strongly influence the radial hydrophilic region, while changes in gas flow rate and discharge power only result in small differences.
Efficiency Improvement in Polymer Light‐Emitting Diodes by “Far‐Field” Effect of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Wu Xiaoyan , Liu Linlin , Deng Zhicong , Nian Li , Zhang Wenzhuo , Hu Dehua , Xie Zengqi , Mo Yueqi , Ma Yuguang
Published: January 2015

The “far‐field” effect of metal nanoparticles (NPs), when chromophores localized nearby metal NPs (typically the distance >λ/10), is an important optical effect to enhance emission in photoluminescence. The far‐field effect originates mainly from the interaction between origin emission and mirror‐reflected emission, resulting in the increased irradiative rate of chromophores on the mirror‐type substrate. Here, the far‐field effect is used to improve emission efficiency of polymer light‐emitting diodes (PLEDs). A universal performance improvement is achieved for the full visible light (red, green, blue) PLEDs, utilizing gold (Au) NPs to modify the indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates; this is shown by experimental and theoretical simulation to mainly come from the far‐field effect. The optimized distance, between the NPs and chromophores with visible light emission ranging from 400 to 700 nm, is 80–120 nm. Thus the scope of the far‐field may overlap the light‐emitting profile very well to enhance the efficiency of optoelectronic devices. The 30–40% enhancement is obtained for different color‐emitting materials through distance optimization. The far‐field effect is demonstrated to enhance device performance for materials in the full‐visible spectral range, which extends the optoelectric applications of Au NPs.
The Anti‐Osteoporosis and Antioxidant Activities of Chemical Constituents from Chrysanthemum indicum Flowers
Authors: Luyen Bui Thi Thuy , Tai Bui Huu , Thao Nguyen Phuong , Lee Young Mi , Lee Sang Hyun , Jang Hae Dong , Kim Young Ho
Published: January 2015

Two new compounds, chrysinoneside A (1) and (−)‐trans‐chrysanthenol‐6‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (2), along with 17 known compounds (3–19) were isolated from Chrysanthemum indicum flowers. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of various fractions were determined. The EtOAC fraction had the highest total phenolic content (525.84 ± 23.51 mg GAE/g DR) and the total flavonoid content (63.49 ± 3.32 mg QE/g DR). The EtOAc and water fractions showed the greatest peroxyl radical‐scavenging capacity and the ability to reduce Cu(I) ions, with ORAC and CUPRAC values ranging from 24.00 ± 0.44 to 28.06 ± 1.35 and 16.90 ± 0.51 to 49.77 ± 0.97 μM, respectively. Compounds 5–11, 18, and 19 displayed strong effects in both peroxyl radical‐scavenging and reducing capacity assays at a concentration of 10 μM. The anti‐osteoporosis activity of these compounds was also evaluated. Compounds 10, 13, and 19 exhibited the most potent tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase activity in receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand‐induced osteoclastic RAW 264.7 cells with values of 105.95 ± 1.18, 110.32 ± 3.95, and 112.58 ± 6.42%, respectively. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐invasive prenatal testing for trisomies 21, 18 and 13: clinical experience from 146 958 pregnancies
Authors: Zhang H. , Gao Y. , Jiang F. , Fu M. , Yuan Y. , Guo Y. , Zhu Z. , Lin M. , Liu Q. , Tian Z. , Zhang H. , Chen F. , Lau T. K. , Zhao L. , Yi X. , Yin Y. , Wang W.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To report the clinical performance of massively parallel sequencing‐based non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in detecting trisomies 21, 18 and 13 in over 140 000 clinical samples and to compare its performance in low‐risk and high‐risk pregnancies.

Methods

Between 1 January 2012 and 31 August 2013, 147 314 NIPT requests to screen for fetal trisomies 21, 18 and 13 using low‐coverage whole‐genome sequencing of plasma cell‐free DNA were received. The results were validated by karyotyping or follow‐up of clinical outcomes.

Results

NIPT was performed and results obtained in 146 958 samples, for which outcome data were available in 112 669 (76.7%). Repeat blood sampling was required in 3213 cases and 145 had test failure. Aneuploidy was confirmed in 720/781 cases positive for trisomy 21, 167/218 cases positive for trisomy 18 and 22/67 cases positive for trisomy 13 on NIPT. Nine false negatives were identified, including six cases of trisomy 21 and three of trisomy 18. The overall sensitivity of NIPT was 99.17%, 98.24% and 100% for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, respectively, and specificity was 99.95%, 99.95% and 99.96% for trisomies 21, 18 and 13, respectively. There was no significant difference in test performance between the 72 382 high‐risk and 40 287 low‐risk subjects (sensitivity, 99.21% vs 98.97% (P = 0.82); specificity, 99.95% vs 99.95% (P = 0.98)). The major factors contributing to false‐positive and false‐negative NIPT results were maternal copy number variant and fetal/placental mosaicism, but fetal fraction had no effect.

Conclusions

Using a stringent protocol, the good performance of NIPT shown by early validation studies can be maintained in large clinical samples. This technique can provide equally high sensitivity and specificity in screening for trisomy 21 in a low‐risk, as compared to high‐risk, population. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Where are the strongest associations between autistic traits and traits of ADHD? evidence from a community-based twin study
Authors: Taylor Mark J. , Charman Tony , Ronald Angelica
Published: January 2015

Autism spectrum conditions (ASC) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) regularly co-occur. Twin studies increasingly indicate that these conditions may have overlapping genetic causes. Less is known about the degree to which specific autistic traits relate to specific behaviours characteristic of ADHD. We hence tested, using the classical twin design, whether specific dimensional autistic traits, including social difficulties, communication atypicalities and repetitive behaviours, would display differential degrees of aetiological overlap with specific traits of ADHD, including hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention. Parents of approximately 4,000 pairs of 12-year-old twins completed the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test and Conners’ Parent Rating Scale. These measures were divided into subscales corresponding to different types of autistic and ADHD behaviours. Twin model fitting suggested that the degree of genetic overlap was particularly strong between communication difficulties and traits of ADHD (genetic correlations = .47−.51), while repetitive behaviours and social difficulties showed moderate (genetic correlations = .12−.33) and modest (.05−.11) genetic overlap respectively. Environmental overlap was low across all subscales (correlations = .01−.23). These patterns were also apparent at the extremes of the general population, with communication difficulties showing the highest genetic overlap with traits of ADHD. These findings indicate that molecular genetic studies seeking to uncover the shared genetic basis of ASC and ADHD would benefit from taking a symptom-specific approach. Furthermore, they could also help to explain why studies of the communication abilities of individuals with ASC and ADHD have produced overlapping findings.
Comparing the conservatism of ecological interactions in plant–pollinator and plant–herbivore networks
Authors: Fontaine Colin , Thébault Elisa
Published: January 2015

Conservatism in species interaction, meaning that related species tend to interact with similar partners, is an important feature of ecological interactions. Studies at community scale highlight variations in conservatism strength depending on the characteristics of the ecological interaction studied. However, the heterogeneity of datasets and methods used prevent to compare results between mutualistic and antagonistic networks. Here we perform such a comparison by taking plant–insect communities as a study case, with data on plant–herbivore and plant–pollinator networks. Our analysis reveals that plants acting as resources for herbivores exhibit the strongest conservatism in species interaction among the four interacting groups. Conservatism levels are similar for insect pollinators, insect herbivores and plants as interacting partners of pollinators, although insect pollinators tend to have a slightly higher conservatism than the two others. Our results thus clearly support the current view that within antagonistic networks, conservatism is stronger for species as resources than for species as consumer. Although the pattern tends to be opposite for plant–pollinator networks, our results suggest that asymmetry in conservatism is much less pronounced between the pollinators and the plant they interact with. We discuss these differences in conservatism strength in relation with the processes structuring plant–insect communities.
Spinal deformity progression after posterior segmental instrumentation and fusion for idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Upasani Vidyadhar V. , Hedequist Daniel J. , Hresko M. Timothy , Karlin Lawrence I. , Emans John B. , Glotzbecker Michael P.
Published: January 2015

Study design

Retrospective chart and radiographic review.

Purpose

To assess the incidence of and variables associated with spinal deformity progression after posterior segmental instrumentation and fusion at a single institution. Progression of the scoliotic deformity after posterior instrumented spinal fusion has been described. Recent studies have concluded that segmental pedicle screw constructs are better able to control deformity progression.

Methods

Retrospective review of a consecutive series of idiopathic scoliosis patients ( n = 89) with major thoracic curves (Lenke types 1–4) treated with posterior segmental instrumentation and fusion. Deformity progression was defined as a 10° increase in Cobb angle between the first-erect and 2-year post-operative radiographs. Clinical and radiographic data between the two cohorts (deformity progression versus stable) were analyzed to determine the variables associated with deformity progression.

Results

Patients in the deformity progression group ( n = 13) tended to be younger (median 13.7 vs. 14.7 years) and experienced a significant change in height ( p = 0.01) during the post-operative period compared to the stable group ( n = 76). At 2-years post-op, the patients in the deformity progression group had experienced a significantly greater change in upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) angulation, lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) angulation, and apical vertebral translation (AVT). Two-year post-op Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire (SRS-22) scores in the appearance domain were also significantly worse in the deformity progression group. Patients in the deformity progression group had a significantly greater difference between the lowest instrumented vertebra and stable vertebra compared to patients in the stable group ( p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Deformity progression after posterior spinal fusion does occur after modern segmental instrumentation. Segmental pedicle screw constructs do not prevent deformity progression. Skeletally immature patients with a significant growth potential are at the highest risk for deformity progression. In immature patients, extending the fusion distally to the stable vertebra may minimize deformity progression.

Level of evidence

Level III.
Ordre social, légitimité et violence la violence physique comme fait social
Authors: Hartmann Eddie
Published: January 2015

Il s'agit avant tout de discuter des enjeux théoriques et méthodologiques d'une sociologie générale de la violence qui place au cœur de sa réflexion le rapport dynamique entre ordre social, légitimité et violence physique. L'objectif est de soutenir une approche relationnelle consistant à développer une approche réaliste (au sens épistémologique) sur le long terme pour élaborer, du point de vue de la théorie de l'action, une sociologie générale de la violence susceptible d'étayer l'analyse des phénomènes physiques de violence en tant que fait social, au sens néo-durkheimien.
Which psychotic experiences are associated with a need for clinical care?
Authors: Brett C.M.C. , Peters E.R. , McGuire P.K.
Published: January 2015

Background

The aims of this study were to identify (1) the factor structure of anomalous experiences across the psychosis continuum; (2) qualitative and quantitative differences in psychotic experiences (PEs) between “non need-for-care” and two clinical groups: psychosis patients and individuals at ultra high risk (UHR) of psychosis. We aimed to distinguish which types of experiences would be related to malign (need-for-care and/or help-seeking) versus benign outcomes.

Methods

Component scores obtained from a Principal Components Analysis of PEs from lifetime scores on the Appraisals of Anomalous Experience Inventory (Brett et al., 2007) were compared across 96 participants: patients diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (n = 37), help-seeking UHR people (n = 21), and non-clinical individuals presenting with enduring PEs (n = 38).

Results

A five-component structure provided the best solution, comprising dissociative-type experiences, subjective cognitive deficits, and three separate components relating to “positive” symptoms. All groups reported “positive” experiences, such as ideas of reference and hallucinations, with the non-clinical group displaying more PEs in the Paranormal/Hallucinatory component than both clinical groups. “Cognitive/Attentional anomalies” was the only component where the clinical groups reported significantly more anomalies than the non-clinical group. However psychosis patients reported more frequent first-rank type symptoms and “hypomanic” type PEs than the other groups.

Discussion

“Positive” PEs were common across the psychosis spectrum, although first-rank type symptoms were particularly marked in participants diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. Help-seeking and need-for-care were associated with the presence of subjective cognitive disturbances. These findings suggest that anomalies of cognition and attention may be more relevant to poorer outcomes than the presence of anomalous experiences.
Cerebral venous etiology of intracranial hypertension and differentiation from idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Authors: Iencean Stefan Mircea , Poeata Ion , Iencean Andrei Stefan , Tascu Alexandru
Published: January 2015

This study presents the characteristics that distinguish between idiopathic intracranial hypertension (ICH) and ICH caused by intracranial vascular damage. Twenty‐one patients with ICH were included in this study. The analysis of the symptomatology correlated with the values of intracranial pressure, and the imaging findings revealed significant differences between these two types of ICH. ICH caused by intracranial venous vascular damage is named vascular ICH. Vascular ICH has a known etiology, such as cerebral vascular illness, and a relatively rapid increase in intracranial pressure of approximately 21 cmH2O and imaging findings show characteristic images of thrombosis or stenosis of the intracranial venous system, while all brain images (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, angio‐magnetic resonance imaging) are normal in idiopathic ICH. The treatment of vascular ICH is etiologic, pathogenic, and symptomatic, but that of idiopathic ICH is only symptomatic.
Conceptual design of the Kumgang laser: a high-power coherent beam combination laser using SC-SBS-PCMs towards a Dream laser
Authors: Kong Hong Jin , Park Sangwoo , Cha Seongwoo , Ahn Heekyung , Lee Hwihyeong , Oh Jungsuk , Lee Bong Ju , Choi Soungwoong , Kim Jom Sool
Published: January 2015

In this review paper, we introduce a self-phase controlled stimulated Brillouin scattering phase conjugate mirror (SC-SBS-PCM) and the Kumgang laser. The SC-SBS-PCM was proposed and demonstrated its success at the academic low power level,

${\sim}100~\text{mJ}@10~\text{Hz}$

. The Kumgang laser is under development to verify whether the SC-SBS-PCM is operable at the kW level. It is a 4 kW beam combination laser combining four 1 kW beams using the SC-SBS-PCM. If the Kumgang laser functions successfully, it will be the most important step towards a Dream laser, a hypothetical laser with unlimited power and a high repetition rate.
Beyond the walls: the mentally ill in Ireland outside the institutions in 1901
Authors: Kelly B. D. , Sherrard N.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

Ireland’s rates of psychiatric institutionalisation increased rapidly throughout the 1800s and early 1900s. This paper provides a systematic analysis of individuals with mental illness who were not resident in psychiatric hospitals, workhouses or other institutions in 1901.

Methods

We examined the online census records of all individuals described as ‘lunatics’ on the island of Ireland, not resident in psychiatric hospitals, workhouses or other institutions on census night, 1901.

Results

There were 482 individuals described as ‘lunatics’ and not resident in psychiatric hospitals, workhouses or other institutions on 31 March 1901, yielding a point prevalence of 10.6 per 100 000 population. The lowest prevalence (7.8) was in Leinster (possibly owing to provision of workhouses and asylums); the highest prevalence was in Connaught (17.5) (p=0.013). A majority of them (60.4%) were women. Mean age was 45.7 years. In addition, a majority were single (never married) (63.7%); 33.3% of women were married, compared with 14.1% of men (p<0.001). The most common relationship to the head of the household was child (32.8%), although some were boarders or lodgers. The majority were Roman Catholic (82.0%) and could ‘read and write’ (64.5%). Among those for whom ability to speak Irish was recorded, 74.4% spoke both Irish and English.

Conclusion

There were significant geographical and gender differences within the population recorded in the 1901 census as mentally ill and outside institutions. This group merits further study, especially with regard to their distribution in relation to asylum locations, and the extent to which they were cared for in communities, possibly prefiguring later models of community care.
Dissolution of a vertical solid surface by turbulent compositional convection
Authors: Kerr Ross C. , McConnochie Craig D.
Published: January 2015

We examine the dissolution of a vertical solid surface in the case where the heat and mass transfer is driven by turbulent compositional convection. A theoretical model of the turbulent dissolution of a vertical wall is developed, which builds on the scaling analysis presented by Kerr (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 280, 1994, pp. 287–302) for the turbulent dissolution of a horizontal floor or roof. The model has no free parameters and no dependence on height. The analysis is tested by comparing it with laboratory measurements of the ablation of a vertical ice wall in contact with salty water. The model is found to accurately predict the dissolution velocity for water temperatures up to approximately 5–$6\,^{\circ }\text{C}$, where there is a transition from turbulent dissolution to turbulent melting. We quantify the turbulent convective dissolution of vertical ice bodies in the polar oceans, and compare our results with some field observations.
Chrono- and archaeostratigraphy and development of the River Amstel: results of the North/South underground line excavations, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: Kranendonk P. , Kluiving S.J. , Troelstra S.R.
Published: January 2015

Since 2003 extensive archaeological research has been conducted in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, connected with the initial phase of the new underground system (Noord/Zuidlijn). Research has mainly focused on two locations, Damrak and Rokin, in the centre of Medieval Amsterdam. Both sites are situated around the (former) River Amstel, which is of vital importance for the origin and development of the city of Amsterdam. Information on the Holocene evolution of the river, however, is relatively sparse. This project has provided new evidence combining archaeological and geological data, and allowed the reconstruction of six consecutive landscape phases associated with the development of the River Amstel. The course of the present-day Amstel is the result of a complex interaction of processes that started with an early prehistoric tidal gully within the Wormer Member of the Naaldwijk Formation, including Late Neolithic (2400–2000 BC) occupation debris in its fill that was subsequently eroded. Next, this system developed into a later prehistoric Amstel river course that was part of the Angstel–Vecht–Oer-IJ system (1020–350 BC), meandering through a peat-dominated landscape. Later on the processes included intensive reclamation of land, drainage and canalisation, although the Amstel was also strongly influenced by natural storm tides. After intense land reclamation, starting around 1200 AD, the meandering Amstel from Nes to Kalverstraat, which was originally 150 m wide, became the rather straight 20–50 m wide tamed, canalised river of today.
Burnout and Engagement in Health Profession Students: The Relationships Between Study Demands, Study Resources and Personal Resources
Authors: Robins Tamara G. , Roberts Rachel M. , Sarris Aspa
Published: January 2015

Burnout has been related to increased suicidal thoughts, lower self-esteem and dropout in university students. Engagement in students, however, has been underexplored. This study uses the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model and the Conservational of Resources (COR) model to contribute to the knowledge about burnout and engagement in health profession university students. In particular, the role of personal resources, including psychological flexibility, was examined. Participants were 260 nursing, social work, occupational therapy and psychology students from 10 Australian universities. Regression analyses were used to test the JD-R model with a health profession student sample. The model was extended by including personal resources and testing mediation and moderation hypotheses. Personal resources contributed significant additional variance to the model. Mediation effects of study demands and resources with psychological flexibility were found, while moderation effects were not. The results indicate the validity of the JD-R model in a health profession student population and the important role of personal resources. Further design and evaluation of interventions targeting personal resources and study demands and resources are indicated.
The Middle Palaeolithic in China a review of current interpretations
Authors: Kei Yee Mei
Published: January 2015

The author makes the case for cultural change during the period traditionally assigned to the Middle Palaeolithic in China (140–30 kya), challenging an earlier proposal (Antiquity 2002) that the period saw little change and the term should be abandoned.