bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new direction in design of bio‐based flame retardants for poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Laoutid F. , Vahabi H. , Shabanian M. , Aryanasab F. , Zarrintaj P. , Saeb M. R. 
Published: July 2018

SummaryA novel bio‐based nitrogen‐rich and phosphorus‐rich flame retardant (Phyt/PEI‐TA) was synthesized and characterized by Fourier transform infrared, inductively coupled plasma, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Thermal degradation and flame retardant properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) containing 20 wt% Phyt/PEI‐TA were investigated by TGA, cone calorimetry, and microcalorimeter of combustion (pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter) measurements. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed that introduction of newly developed Phyt/PEI‐TA to PLA significantly improved its thermal stability, as signaled by much more amount of PLA char formed compared to the reference sample. Surprisingly, the use of Phyt/PEI‐TA did not decrease the onset degradation temperature of PLA. In agreement with TGA results, the cone calorimetry results approved excellent flame retardancy of PLA upon addition of Phyt/PEI‐TA (36% reduction in peak of heat release rate compared to that of neat PLA). Based on the analysis performed on the remainder of char after cone calorimeter test as well as analyses on heat release rate curves, the condensed phase action by promoting the formation of char was identified as principal impact of the Phyt/PEI‐TA on flame retardancy of PLA. Finally, the performance of developed bio‐based flame retardant was compared with more than 60 flame retardant systems previously reported in the literature.
A coupled immersed boundary‐lattice Boltzmann method with smoothed point interpolation method for fluid‐structure interaction problems
Authors: Wang Shuangqiang , Cai Yunan , Zhang Guiyong , Quan Xiaobo , Lu Jianhua , Li Sheng 
Published: July 2018

SummaryThe immersed boundary‐lattice Boltzmann method has been verified to be an effective tool for fluid‐structure interaction simulation associated with thin and flexible bodies. The newly developed smoothed point interpolation method (S‐PIM) can handle the largely deformable solids owing to its softened model stiffness and insensitivity to mesh distortion. In this work, a novel coupled method has been proposed by combining the immersed boundary‐lattice Boltzmann method with the S‐PIM for fluid‐structure interaction problems with large‐displacement solids. The proposed method preserves the simplicity of the lattice Boltzmann method for fluid solvers, utilizes the S‐PIM to establish the realistic constitutive laws for nonlinear solids, and avoids mesh regeneration based on the frame of the immersed boundary method. Both two‐ and three‐dimensional numerical examples have been carried out to validate the accuracy, convergence, and stability of the proposed method in consideration of comparative results with referenced solutions.
Bias in Mendelian randomization due to assortative mating
Authors: Hartwig Fernando Pires , Davies Neil Martin , Davey Smith George 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMendelian randomization (MR) has been increasingly used to strengthen causal inference in observational epidemiology. Methodological developments in the field allow detecting and/or adjusting for different potential sources of bias, mainly bias due to horizontal pleiotropy (or “off‐target” genetic effects). Another potential source of bias is nonrandom matching between spouses (i.e., assortative mating). In this study, we performed simulations to investigate the bias caused in MR by assortative mating. We found that bias can arise due to either cross‐trait assortative mating (i.e., assortment on two phenotypes, such as highly educated women selecting taller men) or single‐trait assortative mating (i.e., assortment on a single phenotype), even if the exposure and outcome phenotypes are not the phenotypes under assortment. The simulations also indicate that bias due to assortative mating accumulates over generations and that MR methods robust to horizontal pleiotropy are also affected by this bias. Finally, we show that genetic data from mother–father–offspring trios can be used to detect and correct for this bias.
Associations of childhood socioeconomic status with mid‐life and late‐life cognition in Chinese middle‐aged and older population based on a 5‐year period cohort study
Authors: Sha Tingting , Yan Yan , Cheng Wenwei 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesA prospective study was performed to examine the relationship of childhood socioeconomic status (SES) with cognition and the rate of change in a nationally representative sample of community‐dwelling middle‐aged and older Chinese population.MethodsThis study mainly focused on 3 composite measures of cognitive function, including Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status, word recall, and drawing a figure successfully. Childhood SES was evaluated by parental occupation and education, childhood residence, and self‐evaluated financial status. We designed an analysis strategy adding predictors incrementally in different models to examine the changes of effects of childhood SES on cognition by latent growth curve models.ResultsFinally, a total of 10 533 respondents were prospectively studied, including 5980 respondents aged 45–59 and 4553 aged 60–90. Cognition in younger cohort showed a curvilinear change, while cognition in older cohort showed a linear decline. After controlling for covariates, middle‐aged respondents with higher self‐evaluated financial status (β: −0.22, P < .001), better health status (β: −0.13, P < .001), higher parental education (β: 0.17 and 0.10, P < .001), who had lived in city/town before 16 years (β: 0.69, P < .001), and whose fathers engaged in nonfarming work (β: 0.43, P < .001) were associated with the better baseline cognition. Similar results were found in older cohort. Additionally, early‐life SES was not associated with cognitive decline in both cohorts.ConclusionsThis study indicates that childhood SES is associated with mid‐life and late‐life baseline cognition, but it is not contributed to cognition decline. Interventions in early‐life focused on improving childhood SES might have positive impacts on baseline cognition in later‐life.
Corporate political connections in global strategy
Authors: Cui Lin , Hu Helen Wei , Li Sali , Meyer Klaus E. 
Published: July 2018

Research Summary: The role of corporate political connections (CPC) in global strategy has been examined in a variety of institutional contexts and analyzed from different theoretical perspectives. This literature, along with the articles in this special issue, demonstrate the importance of contextualization in understanding the motivations, processes, and outcomes of firms developing and utilizing CPC in global strategy. We argue that context‐specific aspects of CPC, such as the political system in which the firm is operating, need to be incorporated more systematically to advance theory development globally. Future studies on CPC can advance this agenda through cross‐country comparative research, deeper engagement with political science literature, linking CPC with other nonmarket strategies, and configurational analysis of the multidimensional context of CPC.
Managerial Summary: Multinational companies not only compete in a market environment, they engage with political actors in both their home and host societies. This special issue brings together research that explores how companies use their corporate political connections (CPC) to achieve firm objectives. Each study takes a different approach to studying the phenomenon, informed by the national context of their empirical data. Together, these studies highlight the importance of CPC around the world. However, the variation in research approaches also highlights that the “how and why” of companies' development and utilization of CPC vary across cultures and political systems. In consequence, the development of managerial recommendations always needs to carefully consider the pertinent political context of the available empirical evidence.
A multivariate lesion symptom mapping toolbox and examination of lesion‐volume biases and correction methods in lesion‐symptom mapping
Authors: DeMarco Andrew T. , Turkeltaub Peter E. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLesion‐symptom mapping has become a cornerstone of neuroscience research seeking to localize cognitive function in the brain by examining the sequelae of brain lesions. Recently, multivariate lesion‐symptom mapping methods have emerged, such as support vector regression, which simultaneously consider many voxels at once when determining whether damaged regions contribute to behavioral deficits (Zhang, Kimberg, Coslett, Schwartz, & Wang, ). Such multivariate approaches are capable of identifying complex dependences that traditional mass‐univariate approach cannot. Here, we provide a new toolbox for support vector regression lesion‐symptom mapping (SVR‐LSM) that provides a graphical interface and enhances the flexibility and rigor of analyses that can be conducted using this method. Specifically, the toolbox provides cluster‐level family‐wise error correction via permutation testing, the capacity to incorporate arbitrary nuisance models for behavioral data and lesion data and makes available a range of lesion volume correction methods including a new approach that regresses lesion volume out of each voxel in the lesion maps. We demonstrate these new tools in a cohort of chronic left‐hemisphere stroke survivors and examine the difference between results achieved with various lesion volume control methods. A strong bias was found toward brain wide lesion‐deficit associations in both SVR‐LSM and traditional mass‐univariate voxel‐based lesion symptom mapping when lesion volume was not adequately controlled. This bias was corrected using three different regression approaches; among these, regressing lesion volume out of both the behavioral score and the lesion maps provided the greatest sensitivity in analyses.
Clinical subcategorization of minimally conscious state according to resting functional connectivity
Authors: Aubinet Charlène , Larroque Stephen Karl , Heine Lizette , Martial Charlotte , Majerus Steve , Laureys Steven , Di Perri Carol 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPatients in minimally conscious state (MCS) have been subcategorized in MCS plus and MCS minus, based on command‐following, intelligible verbalization or intentional communication. We here aimed to better characterize the functional neuroanatomy of MCS based on this clinical subcategorization by means of resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Resting state fMRI was acquired in 292 MCS patients and a seed‐based analysis was conducted on a convenience sample of 10 MCS plus patients, 9 MCS minus patients and 35 healthy subjects. We investigated the left and right frontoparietal networks (FPN), auditory network, default mode network (DMN), thalamocortical connectivity and DMN between‐network anticorrelations. We also employed an analysis based on regions of interest (ROI) to examine interhemispheric connectivity and investigated intergroup differences in gray/white matter volume by means of voxel‐based morphometry. We found a higher connectivity in MCS plus as compared to MCS minus in the left FPN, specifically between the left dorso‐lateral prefrontal cortex and left temporo‐occipital fusiform cortex. No differences between patient groups were observed in the auditory network, right FPN, DMN, thalamocortical and interhemispheric connectivity, between‐network anticorrelations and gray/white matter volume. Our preliminary group‐level results suggest that the clinical subcategorization of MCS may involve functional connectivity differences in a language‐related executive control network. MCS plus and minus patients are seemingly not differentiated by networks associated to auditory processing, perception of surroundings and internal awareness/self‐mentation, nor by interhemispheric integration and structural brain damage.
Episodic memory and executive functions in cognitively healthy individuals display distinct neuroanatomical correlates which are differentially modulated by aging
Authors: Cacciaglia Raffaele , Molinuevo José Luis , Sánchez‐Benavides Gonzalo , Falcón Carles , Gramunt Nina , Brugulat‐Serrat Anna , Grau Oriol , Gispert Juan Domingo ,   for the ALFA Study
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe neuroanatomical bases of episodic memory (EM) and executive functions (EFs) have been widely addressed in patients with brain damage and in individuals with neurologic disorders. These studies reported that larger brain structures support better outcomes in both cognitive domains, thereby supporting the “bigger is better” account. However, relatively few studies have explored the cerebral morphological properties underlying EM and EFs in cognitively healthy individuals and current findings indicate no unitary theoretical explanation for the structure–function relationship. Moreover, existing studies have typically restricted the analyses to a priori defined regions of interest. Here we conducted unbiased voxel‐wise analysis of the associations between regional gray as well as white matter volumes (GMv; WMv) and performance in both cognitive domains in a sample of 463 cognitively intact individuals. We found that efficiency in EM was predicted by lower GMv in brain areas belonging to the default‐mode network (DMN). By contrast, EFs performance was predicted by larger GMv in a distributed set of regions, which overlapped with the executive control network (ECN). Volume of white matter bundles supporting both cross‐cortical and interhemispheric connections was positively related to processing speed. Furthermore, aging modulated the relationship between regional volumes and cognitive performance in several areas including the hippocampus and frontal cortex. Our data extend the critical role of the DMN and ECN by showing that variability in their morphological properties, and not only their activation patterns, affects EM and EFs, respectively. Moreover, our finding that aging reverts these associations supports previously advanced theories of cognitive neurodevelopment.
Superior explicit memory despite severe developmental amnesia: In‐depth case study and neural correlates
Authors: Jonin Pierre‐Yves , Besson Gabriel , La Joie Renaud , Pariente Jérémie , Belliard Serge , Barillot Christian , Barbeau Emmanuel J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe acquisition of new semantic memories is sometimes preserved in patients with hippocampal amnesia. Robust evidence for this comes from case reports of developmental amnesia suggesting that low‐to‐normal levels of semantic knowledge can be achieved despite compromised episodic learning. However, it is unclear whether this relative preservation of semantic memory results from normal acquisition and retrieval or from residual episodic memory, combined with effortful repetition. Furthermore, lesion studies have mainly focused on the hippocampus itself, and have seldom reported the state of structures in the extended hippocampal system. Preserved components of this system may therefore mediate residual episodic abilities, contributing to the apparent semantic preservation. We report an in‐depth study of Patient KA, a 27‐year‐old man who had severe hypoxia at birth, in which we carefully explored his residual episodic learning abilities. We used novel speeded recognition paradigms to assess whether KA could explicitly acquire and retrieve new context‐free memories. Despite a pattern of very severe amnesia, with a 44‐point discrepancy between his intelligence and memory quotients, KA exhibited normal‐to‐superior levels of knowledge, even under strict time constraints. He also exhibited normal‐to‐superior recognition memory for new material, again under strict time constraints. Multimodal neuroimaging revealed an unusual pattern of selective atrophy within each component of the extended hippocampal system, contrasting with the preservation of anterior subhippocampal cortices. A cortical thickness analysis yielded a pattern of thinner but also thicker regional cortices, pointing toward specific temporal lobe reorganization following early injury. We thus report the first case of superior explicit learning and memory in a severe case of amnesia, raising important questions about how such knowledge can be acquired.
Who wants to pay more taxes to improve public health care?
Authors: Habibov Nazim , Auchynnikava Alena , Luo Rong , Fan Lida 
Published: July 2018

SummaryWe study the factors that influence willingness to pay to improve public health care in 29 post‐communist countries, Eastern and Southern Europe, and Eurasia using 2 up‐to‐date cross‐sectional surveys conducted in 2010 and 2016 (N = 34 768). Three hypotheses received full degree of support through empirical analysis: increase in satisfaction with health care, university education, and higher level of wealth positively associated with willingness to pay in all regions. In comparison, having a higher level social trust and adhering to left‐leaning ideological position strengthens support for public health care in Southern Europe and Eurasia only, while having a higher level of institutional trust strengthens support for public health care in Eastern Europe and Eurasia only.
Older south Asian women sharing their perceptions of health and social care services and support: A participatory inquiry
Authors: Bailey Cathy , Sattar Zeibeda , Akhtar Parveen 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe needs of older people in Black Minority and Ethnic (BAME) communities require culturally appropriate services provision, but little is known about how BAME older people support themselves and others, what they perceive to be their “needs”, and, critically, the extent to which they feel such needs are being appropriately met.ObjectiveTo enable older women from a BAME community to work with health and social care professionals and organisations, to support independent living.MethodsIn 2016, all 15 members of a BAME older women's social group attached to a Women's Centre in the North East of England, approached the research team to support achieving this objective. They did not wish to be co‐researchers. A collaborative participatory inquiry was carried out. The research team and the older social group designed, together, 4 workshops that explored (1) health and well‐being; (2) home and housing; and (3) services and support. There was also an evaluative session with stakeholders, and the research team managed research processes.FindingsMost of the women described living with mobility and health challenges requiring change and adaptation. Language and literacy might be barriers to building confidential professional relationships with primary care professionals. The women emphasised needing a “little bit of help” in the home, that is affordable, culturally appropriate, and on their terms. They stressed such help would make them less reliant on busy family members and restore status, purpose, and standing.ConclusionFindings do not address all BAME older people's needs. They do, however, have implications for how health and social care services can work with older people from BAME communities, to promote and maintain meaningful independence, on their terms.
Organic Mitoprobes based on Fluorogens with Aggregation‐Induced Emission
Authors: Cai Xiaolei , Hu Fang , Feng Guangxue , Kwok Ryan Tsz Kin , Liu Bin , Tang Ben Zhong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractFluorescence imaging of mitochondria is of great interest to understand its functions and roles in various critical bioprocesses. Conventional fluorescence reagents for mitochondrial imaging and tracking suffer from various problems such as poor photostability and high cytotoxicity. The emerging of fluorogens with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) property provides great opportunities to develop mitoprobes with high specificity, good photostability and multiple functions for mitochondrial imaging and tracking. This review summarizes the recent advance of AIE mitoprobes, including the design principle for AIE mitoprobes, the applications of AIE mitoprobes for super‐resolution mitochondrial imaging and tracking, as well as the therapeutic functions of AIE mitoprobes for cancer cell ablation.
Review and Case Studies on Biodrainage: An Alternative Drainage System to Manage Waterlogging and Salinity
Authors: Singh Gurbachan , Lal Khajanchi 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWaterlogging and its associated soil salinity are a major impediment to the sustainability of irrigated agriculture. Although conventional engineering drainage technologies such as subsurface or vertical drainage combat the problem, they are costly and generate huge quantities of effluent which is difficult to dispose of. Biodrainage, which removes excess soil water by deep‐rooted fast‐growing trees through evapotranspiration using bioenergy, is an appropriate alternative. Plant consumptive water use varies between 6500 and 28 000 m3 ha‐1 yr‐1 and an ideal tree plantation lowers groundwater tables by 1–2 m over a time period of 3–5 years. Trees such as Eucalyptus, Populus, Casuarina, Dalbergia, Syzigium, Acacia, Prosopis, Leucaena, etc. are found to be effective in lowering shallow groundwater tables and reversing salinity trends. Integration of trees such as Eucalyptus and Populus along with crops in a unified agroforestry system, on approach roads, field bunds or on dykes of ponds in an integrated farming system, is another viable proposition. Irrigation of highly transpiring trees has also been proposed for reuse of wastewater and conservation of nutrient energy into biomass, leading to carbon sequestration, environmental sanitation and eco‐restoration. For effective understanding and implementation, several case studies on the role of biodrainage for managing waterlogging and salinity are discussed in this paper. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding the relationship between alcohol outlet density and life expectancy in Baltimore City: The role of community violence and community disadvantage
Authors: Furr‐Holden C. Debra M. , Nesoff Elizabeth D. , Nelson Victoria , Milam Adam J. , Smart Mieka , Lacey Krim , Thorpe Roland J. , Leaf Philip J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis research investigated the relationship between alcohol outlet density (AOD) and life expectancy, as mediated by community violence and community disadvantage. We used linear regression models to assess bivariate and multivariate relationships. There was a negative bivariate association between liquor store density and average life expectancy (β = −7.3370, p < 0.001). This relationship was partially attenuated when controlling for community disadvantage and fully attenuated when controlling for community violence. Bars/taverns (i.e., on‐premise) were not associated with average life expectancy (β = −0.589, p = 0.220). Liquor store density is associated with higher levels of community disadvantage and higher rates of violence, both of which are associated with lower life expectancies. Future research, potential intervention, and current related policies are discussed.