bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tailoring in thermomechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer elastomer with silane functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Iqbal Sadia Sagar , Iqbal Nadeem , Jamil Tahir , Bashir Arshad , Khan Zaffer M. 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTThe incorporation of silane treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (S‐MWCNTs) is used as an effective path for tailoring thermomechanical properties of ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). In this study, S‐MWCNTs were introduced into EPDM using internal dispersion kneader and two roller mixing mill. By altering the mass ratio of S‐MWCNTs from 0 to 1, thermal conductivity, thermal stability and phase transition temperatures and their respective enthalpies are discussed of the fabricated nanocomposites. It is observed that silane modification improves their dispersion and increases the interfacial bonding between MWCNTs and polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy along energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis is performed to confirm the silane functionalized MWCNTs are selectively distributed in the host polymer. More importantly, an important increase in mechanical properties like ultimate tensile strength and hardness is achieved through introducing silane functionalized MWCNTs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43221.
Prediction of 1‐year mortality and impact of bivalirudin therapy according to level of baseline risk: A patient‐level pooled analysis from three randomized trials
Authors: Yu Jennifer , Mehran Roxana , Clayton Tim , Gibson C. Michael , Brodie Bruce R. , Witzenbichler Bernhard , Lincoff A. Michael , Deliargyris Efthymios N. , Gersh Bernard J. , Pocock Stuart J. , Stone Gregg W. , Dangas George D. 
Published: December 2015

Objectives: We aimed to construct a predictive model for one‐year mortality in patients undergoing invasive coronary evaluation and to examine the impact of bivalirudin on survival according to the level of baseline risk.Background: Compared to heparin plus GP IIb/IIIa inhibitors (HEP/GPI), bivalirudin decreases bleeding complications in a range of clinical presentations. The impact of preprocedural risk assessment on survival and whether this is modified by bivalirudin, has not been investigated in detail.Methods: We examined patient‐level data from the REPLACE‐2, ACUITY, and HORIZONS‐AMI trials (n = 18,819) to construct a risk‐adjusted mortality model using baseline clinical variables.Results: One‐year mortality occurred in 287 patients (3.1%) assigned to bivalirudin and 336 patients (3.6%) assigned to HEP/GPI (HR 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73–1.00; P = 0.048). Using 11 highly significant predictors of mortality, we developed an integer‐risk score to classify patients into risk tertiles. High‐risk patients had a rate of 1‐year mortality over 9‐fold greater than low‐risk patients. Consequently, the absolute mortality reduction attributed to bivalirudin was more marked in high‐risk patients: 3.1% (−0.8% to 7.0%) in the overall cohort, 4.8% (0.5% to 9.2%) in the PCI cohort (P‐interaction versus intermediate and low risk categories, 0.09 and P = 0.02, respectively).Conclusions: In patients undergoing invasive coronary evaluation, 1‐year mortality can be predicted using baseline variables. Bivalirudin treatment (versus HEP/GPI) conferred a survival benefit. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A case of primary biliary cirrhosis in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bekki Norifumi , Bae Sung Kwan , Yoshizawa Seiji , Shiota Ayaka , Gushima Toshifumi , Motoshita Junichi , Shimoda Shinji , Aiba Yoshihiro , Komori Atsumasa , Nakamura Minoru , Takahashi Kazuhiro 
Published: December 2015

Key Clinical MessageThe true prevalence of PBC in RA is not well known. Herein, we report an unusual case of a patient with PBC and RA, and discuss the association between these two diseases. PBC should be ruled out in the differential diagnosis of patients with RA having abnormal liver function tests.
A First‐in‐Patient, Multicenter, Double‐Blind, 2‐Arm, Placebo‐Controlled, Randomized Safety and Tolerability Study of a Novel Oral Drug Candidate, CTP‐499, in Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Sabounjian LuAnn , Graham Philip , Wu Lijun , Braman Virginia , Cheng Changfu , Liu Julie , Shipley James , Neutel Joel , Dao Michael 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) related to type 2 diabetes is increasing worldwide. In addition to standard of care, treatment with anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic agents such as CTP‐499, a novel oral, multisubtype selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterases, may be important in CKD treatment. A phase 1b randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of CTP‐499 in CKD patients (25 active, 8 placebo) with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 30–59 mL/min/1.73 m2 was conducted to assess safety and tolerability. Secondary outcomes included pharmacokinetics and exploratory effects on inflammatory and hematology markers. Patients received 600 mg CTP‐499 or matching placebo tablets orally once daily for 2 weeks, then twice daily for 2 additional weeks. CTP‐499 was well tolerated with no serious or severe adverse events, or adverse events leading to discontinuation. CTP‐499 was rapidly absorbed and produced acceptable interpatient variability. Of the 5 metabolites (M1–M5), M5 was the most abundant in plasma and urine. Exposure to CTP‐499 and metabolites was higher in CKD patients than previously reported in healthy volunteers. No statistically significant differences were detected between the CTP‐499‐ and placebo‐treated groups for any of the biomarkers tested. This study provides data supporting further evaluation of CTP‐499 in CKD patients.
Feasibility and Effectiveness of Memory Specificity Training in Depressed Outpatients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Eigenhuis Eline , Seldenrijk Adrie , van Schaik Anneke , Raes Filip , van Oppen Patricia 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundResearch has shown that depressed patients suffer from reduced autobiographical memory specificity (rAMS). This cognitive phenomenon is associated with the maintenance and recurrence of depressive symptoms.ObjectivesThis pilot study aims to investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a relatively new group‐based intervention (Memory Specificity Training; MeST) that aims to reduce rAMS in an outpatient setting.MethodsTwenty‐six depressed outpatients received MeST during the waiting period prior to psychotherapy. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ‐8) was used to measure client satisfaction after the training. The Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) was used to measure memory specificity before and after the training. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II) and the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), before and after the training, and at a 3‐month follow‐up.ResultsParticipants as well as trainers were positive about the use of MeST. Participants also showed an increase in memory specificity and a decrease in depressive symptoms.ConclusionsThis study suggests that MeST is feasible in an outpatient setting, that it increases autobiographical memory specificity and that it may decrease depressive symptoms. A randomized controlled trial is recommended to examine MeST and its effects on autobiographical memory specificity, depressive symptoms and depressive relapse more extensively. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Message:

Research suggests that modification of rAMS can advance recovery and reduce the chance of developing a depression relapse. However, most existing psychotherapies for depression do not include these specific interventions.
This is the first study to show that MeST in an outpatient setting is feasible and can lead to an increase in autobiographical memory specificity and that it may decrease depressive symptoms.
A larger scale randomized controlled trial is required to examine whether the addition of MeST to care as usual decreases depressive symptoms more effectively than care as usual without MeST, and to examine whether subgroups of patients benefit specifically from this intervention (e.g. patients with more severely decreased memory specificity).
A simulation study of sample size for DNA barcoding
Authors: Luo Arong , Lan Haiqiang , Ling Cheng , Zhang Aibing , Shi Lei , Ho Simon Y. W. , Zhu Chaodong 
Published: December 2015

AbstractFor some groups of organisms,DNAbarcoding can provide a useful tool in taxonomy, evolutionary biology, and biodiversity assessment. However, the efficacy ofDNAbarcoding depends on the degree of sampling per species, because a large enough sample size is needed to provide a reliable estimate of genetic polymorphism and for delimiting species. We used a simulation approach to examine the effects of sample size on four estimators of genetic polymorphism related toDNAbarcoding: mismatch distribution, nucleotide diversity, the number of haplotypes, and maximum pairwise distance. Our results showed that mismatch distributions derived from subsamples of ≥20 individuals usually bore a close resemblance to that of the full dataset. Estimates of nucleotide diversity from subsamples of ≥20 individuals tended to be bell‐shaped around that of the full dataset, whereas estimates from smaller subsamples were not. As expected, greater sampling generally led to an increase in the number of haplotypes. We also found that subsamples of ≥20 individuals allowed a good estimate of the maximum pairwise distance of the full dataset, while smaller ones were associated with a high probability of underestimation. Overall, our study confirms the expectation that larger samples are beneficial for the efficacy ofDNAbarcoding and suggests that a minimum sample size of 20 individuals is needed in practice for each population.
Genetic differentiation of the regional Plutella xylostella populations across the Taiwan Strait based on identification of microsatellite markers
Authors: Ke Fushi , You Shijun , He Weiyi , Liu Tiansheng , Vasseur Liette , Douglas Carl J. , You Minsheng 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMovement of individuals through events, such as storms or crop transportation, may affect survival and distribution of insect pests, as well as population genetic structure at a regional scale. Understanding what factors contribute to gene flow in pest populations remains very important for sustainable pest management. The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is an insect pest well known for its capacity of moving over short to long distances. Here, we used newly isolated microsatellite markers to analyze the genetic structure of nine populations across the Taiwan Strait of China (Taiwan and Fujian). A total of 12,152 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were initially identified from the P. xylostella transcriptome (~94 Mb), with an average of 129 SSRs per Mb. Nine SSRs were validated to be polymorphic markers, and eight were used for this population genetic study. Our results showed that the P. xylostella populations could be divided into distinct two clusters, which is likely due to the year‐round airflows in this region. A pattern of isolation by distance among the local populations within Fujian was found, and may be related to vegetable transportation. Considering the complexity of the P. xylostella population genetic structure from local and regional to global levels, we propose that developing ecologically sound strategies for managing this pest will require knowledge of the link between behavioral and population ecology and its genetic structure.
Optimizing Carbon Nanotubes Dispersing Agents from the Point of View of Ion‐selective Membrane Based Sensors Performance – Introducing Carboxymethylcellulose as Dispersing Agent for Carbon Nanotubes Based Solid Contacts
Authors: Jaworska Ewa , Maksymiuk Krzysztof , Michalska Agata 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe influence of dispersing agent used to prepare carbon nanotubes solid‐contact on the performance of all‐solid state ion‐selective electrodes has been evaluated. It is shown that excess of surfactant dispersing agent is leading to deterioration of sensor performance, however, removal of dispersing agent – a typically applied approach – is resulting in substantial change of transducer layer physical properties, which can influence sensor performance. As remedy we propose application of a polymeric dispersing agent – carboxymethylcellulose. Thus obtained ion‐selective electrodes are characterized by high potential readings stability both within day and between days.
A Putative Association of COMT Val(108/158)Met with Impulsivity in Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: Leehr Elisabeth J. , Schag Kathrin , Brückmann Christof , Plewnia Christian , Zipfel Stephan , Nieratschker Vanessa , Giel Katrin E. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the influence of the COMT Val(108/158)Met polymorphism on trait and behavioural impulsivity in binge eating disorder (BED). COMT Val(108/158)Met has been related to impulsivity in previous studies, but so far no study has investigated the role of this polymorphism in the context of BED.MethodImpulsivity was assessed via a questionnaire (trait) and on a behavioural level via the antisaccade task in a sample of 69 participants classified into one out of three age‐matched groups: (1) obese individuals with BED according to DMS‐IV (BED+); (2) obese individuals without BED, matched with the BED+ sample according to body weight (OBED–); and (3) normal‐weight healthy controls (NWC). The COMT Val(108/158)Met polymorphism was genotyped in all samples.ResultsAs expected, the BED+ sample showed higher trait and behavioural impulsivity. Furthermore, within the BED+ group, COMT Met/Met homozygous individuals showed stronger deficits in inhibitory control.DiscussionCOMT Met/Met homozygous individuals with BED might represent a specific group in the BED spectrum, which shows a higher behavioural impulsivity. The association between COMT Val(108/158)Met with inhibitory control should be interpreted with caution because of the small sample size. Larger replication studies are needed to further elucidate the role of the COMT Val(108/158)Met polymorphism in the regulation of disordered eating behaviour.
On the use of Darcy's law and invasion‐percolation approaches for modeling large‐scale geologic carbon sequestration
Authors: Oldenburg Curtis M. , Mukhopadhyay Sumit , Cihan Abdullah 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMost large‐scale flow and transport simulations for geologic carbon sequestration (GCS) applications are carried out using simulators that solve flow equations arising from Darcy's law. Recently, the computational advantages of invasion‐percolation (IP) modeling approaches have been presented. We show that both the Darcy's‐law‐ and the gravity‐capillary balance solved by IP approaches can be derived from the same multiphase continuum momentum equation. More specifically, Darcy's law arises from assuming creeping flow with no viscous momentum transfer to stationary solid grains, while it is assumed in the IP approach that gravity and capillarity are the dominant driving forces in a quasi‐static two‐phase (or more) system. There is a long history of use of Darcy's law for large‐scale GCS simulation. However, simulations based on Darcy's law commonly include significant numerical dispersion as users employ large grid blocks to keep run times practical. In contrast, the computational simplicity of IP approaches allows large‐scale models to honor fine‐scale hydrostratigraphic details of the storage formation which makes these IP models suitable for analyzing the impact of small‐scale heterogeneities on flow. However, the lack of time‐dependence in the IP models is a significant disadvantage, while the ability of Darcy's law to simulate a range of flows from single‐phase‐ and pressure‐gradient‐driven flows to buoyant multiphase gravity‐capillary flow is a significant advantage. We believe on balance that Darcy's law simulations should be the preferred approach to large‐scale GCS simulations. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Recalibration of the earthworm tier 1 risk assessment of plant protection products
Authors: Christl Heino , Bendall Julie , Bergtold Matthias , Coulson Mike , Dinter Axel , Garlej Barbara , Hammel Klaus , Kabouw Patrick , Sharples Amanda , von Mérey Georg , Vrbka Silvie , Ernst Gregor 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In the first step of earthworm risk assessment for plant protection products (PPPs), the risk is assessed by comparing the no-observed effect levels (NOELs) from laboratory reproduction tests with the predicted exposure of the PPP in soil, while applying a trigger value (assessment factor [AF]) to cover uncertainties. If this step indicates a potential risk, field studies are conducted. However, the predicted environmental concentration in soil, which can be calculated, for example, for different soil layers (ranging from 0–1 cm to 0–20 cm), and the AF determine the conservatism that is applied in this first step. In this review paper, the tier 1 earthworm risk assessment for PPPs is calibrated by comparing the NOEL in earthworm reproduction tests with effect levels on earthworm populations under realistic field conditions. A data set of 54 pairs of studies conducted in the laboratory and in the field with the same PPP was compiled, allowing a direct comparison of relevant endpoints. The results indicate that a tier 1 AF of 5 combined with a regulatory relevant soil layer of 0 to 5 cm provides a conservative tier 1 risk assessment. A risk was identified by the tier 1 risk assessment in the majority of the cases at application rates that were of low risk for natural earthworm populations under field conditions. Increasing the conservatism in the tier 1 risk assessment by reducing the depth of the regulatory relevant soil layer or by increasing the tier 1 AF would increase the number of false positives and trigger a large number of additional field studies. This increased conservatism, however, would not increase the margin of safety for earthworm populations. The analysis revealed that the risk assessment is conservative if an AF of 5 and a regulatory relevant soil layer of 0 to 5 cm is used. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:643–650. © 2015 SETAC
Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging of cervical spinal cord and lumbosacral enlargement in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Chen Xueming , Kong Chao , Feng Shiqing , Guan Hua , Yu Zhenshan , Cui Libin , Wang Yanhui 
Published: December 2015

PurposeTo identify the correlations of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) indices between the cervical spinal cord and lumbosacral enlargement in healthy volunteers and patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).Materials and MethodsDTI was performed at the cervical spinal cord and lumbosacral enlargement in 10 CSM patients and 10 volunteers at 1.5T. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and fractional anisotropy (FA) values of were measured and compared between CSM patients and volunteers. DTI indices of different cervical segments in volunteers were compared. DTI indices of the cervical spinal cord were correlated with those of the lumbosacral enlargement.ResultsIn healthy subjects, DTI indices of different cervical cord sections showed no significant difference (ADC: F = 0.62; P = 0.65; FA: F = 1.228; P = 0.312); there was no correlation between the DTI indices of the cervical spinal cord and those of the lumbosacral enlargement (ADC: r = 0.442, P = 0.201; FA: r = −0.054, P = 0.881). In the CSM patients, the ADC value significantly increased, while the FA value significantly decreased in the cervical spinal cord (ADC: P = 0.002; FA: P < 0.001) and lumbosacral enlargement (ADC: P = 0.003; FA: P < 0.001) compared with the healthy group. Both DTI indices showed no correlation between the cervical spinal cord and those of the lumbosacral enlargement in the CSM group (ADC: r = −0.052, P = 0.887; FA: r = 0.129, P = 0.722).ConclusionThe ADC value of the cervical spinal cord and lumbosacral enlargement in CSM patients showed significant increase compared with healthy volunteers, while the FA value significantly decreased. Both DTI indices of the cervical spinal cord had no linear correlation with those of the lumbosacral enlargement. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1484–1491.
An efficient parameter extraction method for GaN HEMT small‐signal equivalent circuit model
Authors: Wen Zhang , Xu Yuehang , Wang Changsi , Zhao Xiaodong , Xu Ruimin 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThis paper proposes an efficient parameter extraction algorithm for GaN high electron mobility transistors small‐signal equivalent circuit model. The algorithm combines parameter scanning and iteration methods to solve the problem of error accumulation in conventional methods and is implemented in matlab programming. By using the iteration method, the algorithm each time uses more accurate element values thus makes the results converge to the optimal value faster. A 20‐element small‐signal equivalent circuit model of GaN high electron mobility transistors is used to validate the proposed algorithm, and the results show that the calculated S‐parameters agree well with the measured S‐parameters within the frequency range of 0.1 to 40 GHz. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of Ku‐band GaN HEMT power amplifier based on multi‐bias statistical model
Authors: Chen Zhikai , Xu Yuehang , Wang Changsi , Wen Zhang , Xu Ruimin 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA design method for microwave GaN high‐electron mobility transistor (HEMT) power amplifier based on equivalent circuit parameters multi‐bias statistical models is presented. The statistical modeling method includes principal component analysis, factor analysis, and multiple regressions modeling techniques. The statistical model is validated by comparing original and Monte Carlo‐simulated means, standard deviations, correlation matrix, and S‐parameters. A Ku‐band GaN HEMT power amplifier is designed with high drain efficiency by using the established statistical model for demonstration purpose. The simulated results are statistically indistinguishable from the measured results. This method is suitable for GaN HEMT power amplifier design and yield analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predictors of Initiation and Engagement of Cognitive Processing Therapy Among Veterans With PTSD Enrolled in Collaborative Care
Authors: Grubbs Kathleen M. , Fortney John C. , Pyne Jeffrey M. , Hudson Teresa , Moore William Mark , Custer Paul , Schneider Ronald , Schnurr Paula P. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractCollaborative care (CC) increases access to evidence‐based pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. The study aim was to identify the characteristics of rural veterans receiving a telemedicine‐based CC intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who initiated and engaged in cognitive processing therapy (CPT) delivered via interactive video. Veterans diagnosed with PTSD were recruited from 11 community‐based outpatient clinics (N = 133). Chart abstraction identified all mental health encounters received during the 12‐month study. General linear mixed models were used to identify characteristics that predicted CPT initiation and engagement (attendance at 8 or more sessions). For initiation, higher PTSD severity according to the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (d = −0.39, p = .038) and opt‐out recruitment (vs. self‐referral; d = −0.49, p = .010) were negative predictors. For engagement, major depression (d = −1.32, p = .006) was a negative predictor whereas a pending claim for military service connected disability (d = 2.02, p = .008) was a positive predictor. In general, veterans enrolled in CC initiated and engaged in CPT at higher rates than usual care. Those with more severe symptoms and comorbidity, however, were at risk of not starting or completing CPT.