bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Paired box 7 inhibits differentiation in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Izumi Wakana , Takuma Yuko , Ebihara Ryo , Mizunoya Wataru , Tatsumi Ryuichi , Nakamura Mako 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMyogenesis is precisely proceeded by myogenic regulatory factors. Myogenic stem cells are activated, proliferated and fused into a multinuclear myofiber. Pax7, paired box 7, one of the earliest markers during myogenesis. It has been reported that Pax7 regulates the muscle marker genes, Myf5 and MyoD toward differentiation. The possible roles of Pax7 in myogenic cells have been well researched. However, it has not yet been clarified if Pax7 itself is able to induce myogenic fate in nonmyogenic lineage cells. In this study, we performed experiments using stably expressed Pax7 in 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes to elucidate if Pax7 inhibits adipogenesis. We found that Pax7 represses adipogenic markers and prevents differentiation. These cells showed decreased expression of PDGFRα, PPARγ and Fabp4 and inhibited forming lipid droplets.
A critical sites network for freshwater biodiversity in the Lake Victoria Basin
Authors: Sayer Catherine A. , Carr Jamie A. , Darwall William R. T. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe Lake Victoria Basin (LVB) is known for its high levels of species richness and endemism. Freshwater ecosystems within this region are highly threatened, putting both biodiversity and human livelihoods at risk. Protected areas (PAs) should provide the foundation for conservation actions to tackle threats but currently poorly represent freshwater species. To address this issue, systematic conservation planning (Marxan) was used to identify networks of sites within the LVB for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity, based on existing Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and PAs, and with minimal cost in terms of area and human impact. Networks were identified separately for threatened species and/or those endemic to the LVB, and those susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Here, these were combined to present an overall sites network for the conservation of freshwater biodiversity. Site‐level recommendations are provided as a scientific basis for the development and expansion of the existing network.
Effects of infrared radiation drying and heat pump drying combined with tempering on the quality of long‐grain paddy rice
Authors: Zhou Xuxia , Liu Lin , Fu Pengcheng , Lyu Fei , Zhang Jianyou , Gu Saiqi , Ding Yuting 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to study the effects of two drying methods, infrared radiation (IR) drying and heat pump (HP) drying, combined with tempering in the glassy state on the quality of long‐grain paddies (O. sativa L. subsp. indica) and the effects of intermittent ratios (δ = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4) on the milling properties and texture profiles of the paddies. The tempering temperature was set at 60 °C, according to the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the paddy rice, which was determined to be 58 ± 2 °C using low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) technology. The results showed that, compared with HP drying, IR drying resulted in a higher drying rate and was more effective, but the rate of moisture reduction was more uniform under HP drying. The tempering process had positive effects on the milling and texture profile analysis (TPA) properties of the paddy rice. Overall, intermittent ratios of δ = 3 and δ = 2 are recommended for HP drying and IR drying, respectively. However, no significant differences in the effects of different drying methods and intermittent ratios on water diffusion in the paddy rice were found through MRI analysis.
Associations between community programmes and policies and children's physical activity: the Healthy Communities Study
Authors: Pate R. R. , Frongillo E. A. , McIver K. L. , Colabianchi N. , Wilson D. K. , Collie‐Akers V. L. , Schultz J. A. , Reis J. , Madsen K. , Woodward‐Lopez G. , Berrigan D. , Landgraf A. , Nagaraja J. , Strauss W. J. ,   on behalf of the Healthy Communities Study Team
Published: June 2018

SummaryBackgroundCommunity initiatives to promote physical activity in children are common, but evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited.ObjectivesThe objective of this study is to examine the relationships between community programmes and policies and children's physical activity in a large and diverse sample of US communities.MethodsProgrammes and policies to promote children's physical activity were assessed in 130 communities by key informant interviews, and physical activity behaviours were measured by self‐report and parental report in samples of children in each community (totaln = 5138). Associations between composite indices of community programmes and policies and indicators of total and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity were examined without and with adjustment for demographic factors.ResultsAn index reflecting the 6‐year history of the number of behaviour change strategies used in community programmes and policies was positively associated with children's moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity. This association was attenuated with adjustment for demographic factors. Effect modification analyses found that the association was positive among non‐Hispanic children but was negative for Hispanic children.ConclusionsCommunity initiatives to promote physical activity in children were positively associated with children's physical activity in non‐Hispanic children. Such initiatives were negatively associated with physical activity in Hispanic children, suggesting that future research should consider unique cultural factors when designing community initiatives to promote activity in this population sub‐group.
Effect of additive structure and size on SiO2 formation in polymer‐derived SiOC ceramics
Authors: Erb Donald , Lu Kathy 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSilicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramics with highly adjustable properties and microstructures have many promising applications in batteries, catalysis, gas separation, and supercapacitors. In this study, additive structures on the nucleation and growth of SiO2 within SiOC ceramics are investigated by adding cyclic tetramethyl‐tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane (TMTVS) or caged octavinyl‐polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) to a base polysiloxane (PSO) precursor. The effects of the 2 additives on the polymer‐to‐ceramic transformation and the phase formation within the SiOC are discussed. POSS encourages SiO2 nucleation and leads to more SiO2 formation with significantly increased ceramic yield, which subsequently leads to higher specific surface of 1557 m2/g with a larger pore size of ∼1.8 nm for the porous SiOC. High TMTVS content decreases both the specific surface area and pore volume of the resulting porous SiOCs. This study demonstrates a new approach of using Si‐rich additive POSS to increase the SiOC yield while maintaining or even increasing the specific surface area.
A single‐phase full‐color emitting phosphor Na3Sc2(PO4)3:Eu2+/Tb3+/Mn2+ with near‐zero thermal quenching and high quantum yield for near‐UV converted warm w‐LEDs
Authors: Liu Dong , Jin Yahong , Lv Yang , Ju Guifang , Wang Chuanlong , Chen Li , Luo Weiwei , Hu Yihua 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA single‐phase full‐color emitting phosphor Na3Sc2(PO4)3:Eu2+/Tb3+/Mn2+ has been synthesized by high‐temperature solid‐state method. The crystal structure is measured by X‐ray diffraction. The emission can be tuned from blue to green/red/white through reasonable adjustment of doping ratio among Eu2+/Tb3+/Mn2+ ions. The photoluminescence, energy‐transfer efficiency and concentration quenching mechanisms in Eu2+‐Tb3+/Eu2+‐Mn2+ co‐doped samples were studied in detail. All as‐obtained samples show high quantum yield and robust resistance to thermal quenching at evaluated temperature from 30 to 200°C. Notably, the wide‐gamut emission covering the full visible range of Na3Sc2(PO4)3:Eu2+/Tb3+/Mn2+ gives an outstanding thermal quenching behavior near‐zero thermal quenching at 150°C/less than 20% emission intensity loss at 200°C, and high quantum yield‐66.0% at 150°C/56.9% at 200°C. Moreover, the chromaticity coordinates of Na3Sc2(PO4)3:Eu2+/Tb3+/Mn2+ keep stable through the whole evaluated temperature range. Finally, near‐UV w‐LED devices were fabricated, the white LED device (CCT = 4740.4 K, Ra = 80.9) indicates that Na3Sc2(PO4)3:Eu2+/Tb3+/Mn2+ may be a promising candidate for phosphor‐converted near‐UV w‐LEDs.
Patterns of solid particle embolization during transcatheter aortic valve implantation and correlation with aortic valve calcification
Authors: Aggarwal Suneil K. , Delahunty RN Nicola , Menezes Leon J. , Perry Richard , Wong Bethany , Reinthaler Markus , Ozkor Muhiddin , Mullen Michael J. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate solid embolization during transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) and correlate this with aortic valve calcification.BackgroundThere is a known stroke risk with TAVI, thought partly to be due to dislodgement of native aortic valve particles during implantation. However, to date there is little evidence that aortic valve calcification actually impacts embolic risk.MethodsTranscranial Doppler (TCD) was performed on consecutive suitable patients undergoing TAVI, using hardware and software enabling differentiation between solid and gaseous emboli. Data was analyzed by time points during the TAVI procedure. These results were correlated with aortic valve calcification.ResultsTCD was successfully performed on 63 patients. The median number of solid emboli was 76.0. The most common time point for solid embolization was during valve positioning. Forty‐five of these patients had an appropriate CT scan which could be analyzed for an Agatston calcium score. The mean scores in the aortic valve and aortic root were 3382.4 and 754.9. There were significant correlations between the total number of solid emboli and valve calcium score (P = 0.033) and solid emboli during valve positioning and valve calcium score (P = 0.035). There was no relationship between gaseous emboli and valve calcium score.ConclusionsTAVI is associated with significant solid particle embolization, with the most common time point being during valve positioning. Solid embolization correlates with aortic valve calcium score, suggesting that valve calcification is a factor in embolic risk. This should be taken into consideration along with other clinical factors when assessing embolic risk.
Assessing the Validity of Data Synthesis Methods to Estimate Religious Populations
Authors: Magidin de Kramer Raquel , Tighe Elizabeth , Saxe Leonard , Parmer Daniel 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe present study tests the validity of a data synthesis approach to population estimates of religiously defined groups. This is particularly important in places like the United States, where there is no definitive source of official data on its population's religious composition, and researchers must rely on costly, large‐scale surveys, or congregational membership studies. Each approach has limitations, especially for estimation of small religious groups and for estimation within small geographic areas. Without official statistics, the degree of bias in estimates is unknown. Data synthesis, specifically Bayesian multilevel estimation with poststratification, offers a useful alternative that maximizes the utility of data across all sources to estimate multiple groups from the same sources of data. This method also facilitates comparison of groups. This study provides evidence of the validity of the approach by synthesizing data from Canada, a country that includes questions about religious identification in its national census.
Countries Mimicking Neighbors: The Spatial Diffusion of Governmental Restrictions on Religion
Authors: Mataic Dane R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractConceptualized as efforts to deny religious freedoms, previous research explains the presence of governmental restrictions on religion by isolating national governments, asserting that the primary determinant is a country's internal structural characteristics. These approaches overlook why the levels of governmental restriction on religion are spatially clustered and increasing in distinct patterns. Utilizing spatial analysis and data from the Religion and State Project, this article demonstrates that governmental restrictions on religion are spatially clustered, not independent from neighboring countries, and that increases in a country's level of restrictions reflect similar changes in bordering countries. Spatial clustering emerges through the diffusion of policies, where national governments mimic their neighbor's policies and practices even when accounting for internal structural characteristics. The article concludes that while a country's internal structure is clearly a predictor of policies, national governments are not isolated from neighbors where the level of restrictions are susceptible to external influence.
Long Working Hours Make Us Less Productive but Also Less Costly
Authors: Delmez Francoise , Vandenberghe Vincent 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper develops and assesses empirically a simple model of firms’ optimal decision regarding working hours, where productivity varies with hours and where the firm faces quasi‐fixed labour costs. Using Belgian firm‐level data on production, labour costs, workers, and hours, and focusing on the estimation of elasticities along the isoquant and the isocost, we find evidence of not only declining productivity of hours but also of quasi‐fixed labour costs in the range of 20 per cent of total labour costs. The tentative conclusion is that firms facing such costs are enticed to raise working hours, even if this results in lower productivity.
Does energy‐related aid affect emissions? Evidence from a global dataset
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sambit , Intartaglia Maurizio , McKay Andy 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDonor countries have been using international aid in the field of energy for at least three decades. The stated objective of this policy is to reduce emissions and promote sustainable development in the global South. In spite of the widespread use of this policy tool, very little is known about its effect on emissions. In this paper we perform an empirical audit of the effectiveness of energy‐related aid in tackling CO2 and SO2 emissions. Using a global panel dataset covering 128 countries over the period 1971–2011 and estimating a parsimonious model using the Anderson and Hsiao estimator, we do not find any evidence of a systematic effect of energy‐related aid on emissions. We also find that the non‐effect is not conditional on institutional quality or level of income. Countries located in Europe and Central Asia do better than others in utilizing this aid to reduce CO2 emissions. Our results are robust after controlling for the environmental Kuznets curve, country fixed effects, country‐specific trends, and time‐varying common shocks.
Emotion Regulation Deficits and Nonsuicidal Self‐Injury Prospectively Predict Suicide Ideation in Adolescents
Authors: Brausch Amy M. , Woods Sherry E. 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThe relationship between emotion regulation deficits and nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is well established. Many studies have documented the strong relationship between NSSI and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The relationship between emotion regulation deficits and suicide is less understood, but recent studies indicate a moderate association. This study aimed to examine the relationship between emotion regulation deficits, NSSI behavior, and suicide ideation in an unselected community sample of adolescents. It was expected that NSSI history would moderate the relationship between emotion regulation and future suicide ideation.MethodsData were collected from 367 unselected, community adolescents (mean age = 13). Self‐report questionnaires assessed NSSI behavior, emotion regulation deficits, and suicide ideation at two time points, 6 months apart.ResultsAfter controlling for suicide ideation at baseline, emotion regulation deficits (experiential avoidance and interoceptive deficits) significantly predicted suicide ideation severity at follow‐up, and interactions with NSSI engagement showed support for moderation.ConclusionsResults of this study provide insight into the mechanisms of these relationships and have significant clinical implications for the identification of adolescents at risk for suicide behaviors.
Somatic Symptoms of Anxiety and Suicide Ideation Among Treatment‐Seeking Youth With Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Crawford Erika A. , Burke Taylor A. , Siegel David , Jager‐Hyman Shari , Alloy Lauren B. , Kendall Philip C. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveThe severity of anxiety, in general, has been associated with suicide ideation (SI) among youth, but research has yet to examine the specific anxiety symptoms that may contribute to SI among youth. This study examined the severity of specific anxiety symptom clusters (i.e., tense/restless, somatic/autonomic symptoms, humiliation/rejection, performing in public, separation anxiety, perfectionism, and anxious coping) and SI in youth who met diagnostic criteria for an anxiety disorder.MethodParticipants (N = 87) were treatment‐seeking children and adolescents ages 6–17 (M = 11.1 years, SD = 3.06; 52.9% male) diagnosed with a principal anxiety disorder. Youth and their parents completed measures of youth anxiety symptom severity, depression, and SI.ResultsHierarchical linear regressions revealed that when anxiety symptom clusters were entered simultaneously, only youth self‐reported (and not parent‐reported) somatic/autonomic symptoms of anxiety significantly predicted SI, after controlling for depression and sex. Importantly, the relationship between somatic/autonomic symptoms of anxiety and SI was stronger than that between depression and SI.ConclusionsThese results suggest that assessing somatic symptoms of anxiety is especially important when quantifying suicide risk among anxiety‐disordered youth.
Investigation of Broken Cut Spikes on Elastic Fastener Tie Plates Using an Integrated Simulation Method
Authors: Gao Yin , McHenry Mike , Kerchof Brad 
Published: June 2018

Cut spike fasteners, used with conventional AREMA rolled tie plates and solid sawn timber ties, are the most common tie and fastener system used on North American freight railroads. Cut spikes are also used to restrain tie plates that incorporate an elastic rail fastener — that is, an elastic clip that fastens the rail to the tie plate. Elastic fasteners have been shown to reduce gage widening and decrease the potential for rail roll compared to cut spike-only systems. For this reason, elastic fastener systems have been installed in high degree curves on many railroads. Recent observations on one Class I railroad have noted broken cut spikes when used with these types of tie plates in mountainous, high degree curve territory. Broken screw spikes and drive spikes on similar style plates have also been observed.
In this paper, a simulation method that integrates a vehicle-track system dynamics model, NUCARS®, with a finite element analysis model is used to investigate the root causes of the broken spikes. The NUCARS model consists of a detailed multibody train, wheel-rail contact parameters, and track model that can estimate the dynamic loading environment of the fastening system. For operating conditions in tangent and curve track, this loading environment is then replicated in a finite element model of the track structure — ties, tie plates, and cut spikes. The stress contours of the cut spikes generated in these simulations are compared to how cut spikes have failed in revenue service. The tuning and characterization of both the vehicle dynamics multibody model and the finite element models are presented. Additionally, the application of this approach to other types of fastening systems and spike types is discussed.
Preliminary results have identified a mechanism involving the dynamic unloading of the tie plate-to-tie interface due to rail uplift ahead of the wheel and the resulting transfer of net longitudinal and lateral forces into the cut spikes. Continued analysis will attempt to confirm this mechanism and will focus on the severity of these stresses, the effect of increased grade, longitudinal train dynamics, braking forces, and curvature.
Full-Scale Test and Simulation of Fittings Performance of a Current Crude Oil Tank Car
Authors: Gonzalez Francisco , Trent Robert , Gantoi Florentina M. , Prabhakaran Anand 
Published: June 2018

A full-scale rollover crash test was performed on a CPC-1232 specification, crude oil tank car to document the base-case safety performance of the car top-fittings in a roll-over scenario. The specimen tank car was placed into a test fixture designed to roll the entire loaded and un-trucked carbody about a fixed pivot. A concrete surface target was used as the impacting surface of the top-fittings manway bonnet. At an impact speed of 7.8 mph, the manway bonnet deformed inward and sheared off completely. In addition, the vacuum relief valve sheared off and caused leakage of water through the connection. Reasonable correlation was observed between the pre-test simulations and the test results, which were further improved post-test.
The effort has highlighted an alternate failure mode, bolt shear, which seems to be initiated when the top fittings bonnet structures are strengthened by the use of thicker or higher strength materials, i.e., strengthening the bonnet structure moves the weakest link to the bolted connections, resulting in failure and lading release. The railroad industry can use the test generated structural performance and behavior data to improve top-fittings protection.
Dynamic Calibration of a Weigh in Motion System
Authors: Ding Yi , Cheng Li R. 
Published: June 2018

The dynamic nature of a train in operation is caused by variables in rail condition, track smoothness, wheel defects, truck hunting and skewing, and coupler effects. These conditions can each cause perturbations that may affect the accuracy of the weight measured by a Weigh In Motion (WIM) system. China is the only country that has mandatory requirements to calibrate a WIM system dynamically after it is initially installed and every year after it’s in revenue service.
This paper talks about the importance of both static and dynamic calibrations to achieve the highest accuracy of a WIM system. This paper also describes the process of conducting a dynamic calibration, and the lessons learned in the past several years in the effort to improve the weight accuracy of a WIM system.
Improving the Safety Performance of Passenger Rail Car Glazing Systems
Authors: Gordon Jeffrey , Tyrell David , Llana Patricia , Radovich Matthew , Gantoi Florentina M. , Robitaille Andrew , Prabhakaran Anand 
Published: June 2018

A review of past accident data shows that several fatalities have been attributed to passenger ejection through window openings during passenger train accidents. To study and address this issue, literature review and accident analyses were performed to investigate the safety aspects of passenger rail window glazing. A common failure mode is when the external gaskets that hold the glazing pane in place shear off and the windows are pushed inside the carbody during rollover derailments. This leads to passengers being ejected, often fatally, out of the train. Passenger containment was identified as the main improvement to be made to glazing systems. New or updated retention methods are thought to be necessary in the pursuit of safety.
Considering feasibility, implementation time, likelihood of success, and the potential for retrofit, a few concepts including various methods of zip-strip protection, a revised zip-strip location, and recessed window glazing have been ideated and the top rated concepts are being developed further.
In the next phase of work, field tests and additional analyses will help determine the efficacy of the proposed solutions and the necessity for additional engineering design requirements.