bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energetics of constant height level bounding in quadruped robots
Authors: P. Murali Krishna , R. Prasanth Kumar 
Published: June 2014

SUMMARYIn this paper, we investigate the energetics of constant height level bounding gaits in quadruped robots with asymmetric body-mass distribution along the longitudinal axis. Analytical expressions for mechanical specific resistance for two cases of bounding are derived: bounding with equal front and rear leg step lengths, and bounding with unequal front and rear leg step lengths. Specific resistance is found to be independent of mass distribution in the first case, and dependent in the second case. The quadruped robot has average nonzero acceleration/deceleration due to unsymmetric distribution of mass when front and rear leg step lengths are equal. Results show that lower body lengths, lower step lengths, and higher heights from the ground level give lower specific resistance. The effect of body-mass asymmetry is to accelerate in the first case, and to reduce specific resistance in the second case. This result provides some insight into why certain quadrupedal animals in nature evolved to have body-mass asymmetry.
Reliability and Validity of Composite Scores from the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery in Adults
Authors: Heaton Robert K. , Akshoomoff Natacha , Tulsky David , Mungas Dan , Weintraub Sandra , Dikmen Sureyya , Beaumont Jennifer , Casaletto Kaitlin B. , Conway Kevin , Slotkin Jerry , Gershon Richard 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis study describes psychometric properties of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) Composite Scores in an adult sample. The NIHTB-CB was designed for use in epidemiologic studies and clinical trials for ages 3 to 85. A total of 268 self-described healthy adults were recruited at four university-based sites, using stratified sampling guidelines to target demographic variability for age (20–85 years), gender, education, and ethnicity. The NIHTB-CB contains seven computer-based instruments assessing five cognitive sub-domains: Language, Executive Function, Episodic Memory, Processing Speed, and Working Memory. Participants completed the NIHTB-CB, corresponding gold standard validation measures selected to tap the same cognitive abilities, and sociodemographic questionnaires. Three Composite Scores were derived for both the NIHTB-CB and gold standard batteries: “Crystallized Cognition Composite,” “Fluid Cognition Composite,” and “Total Cognition Composite” scores. NIHTB Composite Scores showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s alphas=0.84 Crystallized, 0.83 Fluid, 0.77 Total), excellent test–retest reliability (r: 0.86–0.92), strong convergent (r: 0.78–0.90) and discriminant (r: 0.19–0.39) validities versus gold standard composites, and expected age effects (r=0.18 crystallized, r=−0.68 fluid, r=−0.26 total). Significant relationships with self-reported prior school difficulties and current health status, employment, and presence of a disability provided evidence of external validity. The NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery Composite Scores have excellent reliability and validity, suggesting they can be used effectively in epidemiologic and clinical studies. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–11)
Factor Structure, Convergent Validity, and Discriminant Validity of the NIH Toolbox Cognitive Health Battery (NIHTB-CHB) in Adults
Authors: Mungas Dan , Heaton Robert , Tulsky David , Zelazo Philip David , Slotkin Jerry , Blitz David , Lai Jin-Shei , Gershon Richard 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe objective of this study is to evaluate the construct validity of the NIH Neurobehavioral Toolbox Cognitive Health Battery (NIHTB-CHB) in adults. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to evaluate the dimensional structure underlying the NIHTB-CHB and Gold Standard tests chosen to serve as concurrent validity criteria for the NIHTB-CHB. These results were used to evaluate the convergent and discriminant validity of the NIHTB-CHB in adults ranging from 20 to 85 years of age. Five dimensions were found to explain the correlations among NIHTB-CHB and Gold Standard tests: Vocabulary, Reading, Episodic Memory, Working Memory and Executive Function/Processing Speed. NIHTB-CHB measures and their Gold Standard analogues defined factors in a pattern that broadly supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the NIHTB-CHB tests. This 5-factor structure was found to be invariant across 20–60 year old (N=159) and 65–85 year old (N=109) age groups that were included in the current validity study. Second order Crystallized Abilities (Vocabulary and Reading) and Fluid Abilities (Episodic Memory, Working Memory, Executive/Speed) factors parsimoniously explained correlations among the five first order factors. These results suggest that the NIHTB-CHB will provide both fine-grained and broad characterization of cognition across the adult age span. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–9)
NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery (NIHTB-CB): The NIHTB Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test
Authors: Carlozzi Noelle E. , Tulsky David S. , Chiaravalloti Nancy D. , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Weintraub Sandra , Conway Kevin , Gershon Richard C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe NIH Toolbox (NIHTB) Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test was developed to assess processing speed within the NIHTB for the Assessment of Neurological Behavior and Function Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB). This study highlights validation data collected in adults ages 18–85 on this measure and reports descriptive data, test–retest reliability, construct validity, and preliminary work creating a composite index of processing speed. Results indicated good test–retest reliability. There was also evidence for both convergent and discriminant validity; the Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test demonstrated moderate significant correlations with other processing speed tests (i.e., WAIS-IV Coding, Symbol Search and Processing Speed Index), small significant correlations with measures of working memory (i.e., WAIS-IV Letter-Number Sequencing and PASAT), and non-significant correlations with a test of vocabulary comprehension (i.e., PPVT-IV). Finally, analyses comparing and combining scores on the NIHTB Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test with other measures of simple reaction time from the NIHTB-CB indicated that a Processing Speed Composite score performed better than any test examined in isolation. The NIHTB Pattern Comparison Processing Speed Test exhibits several strengths: it is appropriate for use across the lifespan (ages, 3–85 years), it is short and easy to administer, and it has high construct validity. (JINS, 2014,20, 1–12)
Language Measures of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery
Authors: Gershon Richard C. , Cook Karon F. , Mungas Dan , Manly Jennifer J. , Slotkin Jerry , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Weintraub Sandra 
Published: June 2014

AbstractLanguage facilitates communication and efficient encoding of thought and experience. Because of its essential role in early childhood development, in educational achievement and in subsequent life adaptation, language was included as one of the subdomains in the NIH Toolbox for the Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB). There are many different components of language functioning, including syntactic processing (i.e., morphology and grammar) and lexical semantics. For purposes of the NIHTB-CB, two tests of language—a picture vocabulary test and a reading recognition test—were selected by consensus based on literature reviews, iterative expert input, and a desire to assess in English and Spanish. NIHTB-CB’s picture vocabulary and reading recognition tests are administered using computer adaptive testing and scored using item response theory. Data are presented from the validation of the English versions in a sample of adults ages 20–85 years (Spanish results will be presented in a future publication). Both tests demonstrated high test–retest reliability and good construct validity compared to corresponding gold-standard measures. Scores on the NIH Toolbox measures were consistent with age-related expectations, namely, growth in language during early development, with relative stabilization into late adulthood. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–10)
Measuring Episodic Memory Across the Lifespan: NIH Toolbox Picture Sequence Memory Test
Authors: Dikmen Sureyya S. , Bauer Patricia J. , Weintraub Sandra , Mungas Dan , Slotkin Jerry , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Gershon Richard , Temkin Nancy R. , Heaton Robert K. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractEpisodic memory is one of the most important cognitive domains that involves acquiring, storing and recalling new information. In this article, we describe a new measure developed for the NIH Toolbox, called the Picture Sequence Memory Test (PSMT) that is the first to examine episodic memory across the age range from 3 to 85. We describe the development of the measure and present validation data for ages 20 to 85. The PSMT involves presentation of sequences of pictured objects and activities in a fixed order on a computer screen and simultaneously verbally described, that the participant must remember and then reproduce over three learning trials. The results indicate good test–retest reliability and construct validity. Performance is strongly related to well-established “gold standard” measures of episodic memory and, as expected, much less well correlated with those of a measure of vocabulary. It shows clear decline with aging in parallel with a gold standard summary measure and relates to several other demographic factors and to self-reported general health status. The PSMT appears to be a reliable and valid test of episodic memory for adults, a finding similar to those found for the same measure with children. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–9)
NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (CB): Validation of Executive Function Measures in Adults
Authors: Zelazo Philip David , Anderson Jacob E. , Richler Jennifer , Wallner-Allen Kathleen , Beaumont Jennifer L. , Conway Kevin P. , Gershon Richard , Weintraub Sandra 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis study describes psychometric properties of the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB) executive function measures in an adult sample. The NIHTB-CB was designed for use in epidemiologic studies and clinical trials for ages 3 to 85. A total of 268 self-described healthy adults were recruited at four university-based sites, using stratified sampling guidelines to target demographic variability for age (20–85 years), gender, education and ethnicity. The NIHTB-CB contains two computer-based instruments assessing executive function: the Dimensional Change Card Sort (a measure of cognitive flexibility) and a flanker task (a measure of inhibitory control and selective attention). Participants completed the NIHTB-CB, corresponding gold standard convergent and discriminant measures, and sociodemographic questionnaires. A subset of participants (N=89) was retested 7 to 21 days later. Results reveal excellent sensitivity to age-related changes during adulthood, excellent test–retest reliability, and adequate to good convergent and discriminant validity. The NIH Toolbox EF measures can be used effectively in epidemiologic and clinical studies. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–10)
Interfacial Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy Profile X-Ray Resolution Measurements in Variable Pressure SEM
Authors: Zoukel Abdelhalim , Khouchaf Lahcen , Di Martino Jean , Ruch David 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA procedure has been developed to follow degradation of energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) X-ray lateral resolution in a variable pressure scanning electron microscope. This procedure is based on evaluation of the EDS profile shape change for different experimental conditions. Some parameters affecting the X-ray resolution in high-vacuum mode have been taken into account. Good agreement between the simulated and experimental EDS profiles shows the reliability of the proposed procedure. A significant improvement in measurement of the EDS profile interfacial distance (DINT) has been achieved.
Intersections and Multiple ‘Candidacies’: Exploring Connections between Two Theoretical Perspectives on Domestic Abuse and Their Implications for Practicing Policy
Authors: Mackenzie Mhairi , Conway Ellie , Hastings Annette , Munro Moira , O’Donnell Catherine A. 
Published: June 2014

Domestic abuse policy increasingly uses language which indicates that abuse is patterned according to structural factors. However, practicing according to these structural accounts of abuse is problematic because of the policy and organisational contexts that practitioners work within and, we argue, because the implications of the structured nature of victims’ experiences is not fully understood by all practitioners.We ask whether women's differential use and experiences of services with a remit to address abuse can be illuminated using two theoretical perspectives – ‘candidacy’ and intersectionality. We report the findings of a literature synthesis that investigates how these improve our understanding of women's help-seeking and service utilisation and of the responses that they receive. Both concepts were highly congruent with the literature and we conclude that, together, candidacy and intersectionality offer a means of enhancing knowledge of how the political becomes enacted in the personal. Embedding such knowledge within practice repertoires offers the potential to develop more nuanced structural understandings of women's experiences and constraints.
Prodromal depression in pancreatic cancer: Retrospective evaluation on ten patients
Authors: Sebti Johan , Desseigne Françoise , Saltel Pierre 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjective:Since the description by Yaskin in 1931, it has been observed that pancreatic cancer and depression are two clinical entities that share a high affinity. This observation relies on the higher incidence of depressive syndromes associated with pancreatic cancer than in any other type of digestive tumor, and on the possible occurrence of depressive symptoms several months before the diagnosis of cancer. We present here a series of cases whose screening returned positive for depression-related diagnoses in the months prior to revelation of the cancer.Method:We employed a structured psychiatric interview based on DSM–IV criteria (SCID–I). The diagnoses considered were major depressive episode, minor depressive episode, and subsyndromal depression. All subjects were free of psychiatric history.Results:Some 15 patients were initially included: 10 presented compatible criteria for a past depressive episode, 2 presented a major depressive episode, 4 met the diagnosis of minor depression, and 4 evidenced subsyndromal depression over the one-year period prior to cancer diagnosis.Significance of results:This series of cases is consistent with previous work on the subject that suggested an increased vulnerability to depressive events in the premorbid phase of pancreatic cancer. If the possibility of depressive syndromes constituting the early stages of neoplastic disease is a common idea, it is still impossible to determine the natural history of these two disorders and therefore their causal linkage.
INCOHERENCE AND INCONSISTENCY
Authors: SCHIPPERS MICHAEL 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis paper scrutinizes the relationship between inconsistency and incoherence with a special focus on probabilistic measures of coherence. As is shown, while the majority of extant coherence measures face problems regarding the assessment of inconsistent sets of propositions, it is possible to adapt the measures in order to improve their performance. Furthermore, different intuitions regarding the degree of incoherence of inconsistent sets of propositions are surveyed and assessed with respect to extant measures. In this context, a refined approach to measuring coherence is introduced. As is argued, by means of this approach one can account for the diverging coherence intuitions regarding inconsistent sets independently of the discussion on the adequacy of different probabilistic explications of coherence. The last part of the paper is devoted to the question of whether there is a covariation between degrees of inconsistency and degrees of incoherence in the sense that the higher the degree of inconsistency of a set of propositions, the higher its degree of incoherence. Focusing on two straightforward measures of the degree of inconsistency, this latter question is answered in the negative.
Chronic inflammation induces telomere dysfunction and accelerates ageing in mice
Authors: Jurk Diana , Wilson Caroline , Passos João F. , Oakley Fiona , Correia-Melo Clara , Greaves Laura , Saretzki Gabriele , Fox Chris , Lawless Conor , Anderson Rhys , Hewitt Graeme , Pender Sylvia LF , Fullard Nicola , Nelson Glyn , Mann Jelena , van de Sluis Bart , Mann Derek A. , von Zglinicki Thomas 
Published: June 2014

AbstractChronic inflammation is associated with normal and pathological ageing. Here we show that chronic, progressive low-grade inflammation induced by knockout of the nfkb1 subunit of the transcription factor NF-κB induces premature ageing in mice. We also show that these mice have reduced regeneration in liver and gut. nfkb1−/− fibroblasts exhibit aggravated cell senescence because of an enhanced autocrine and paracrine feedback through NF-κB, COX-2 and ROS, which stabilizes DNA damage. Preferential accumulation of telomere-dysfunctional senescent cells in nfkb1−/− tissues is blocked by anti-inflammatory or antioxidant treatment of mice, and this rescues tissue regenerative potential. Frequencies of senescent cells in liver and intestinal crypts quantitatively predict mean and maximum lifespan in both short- and long-lived mice cohorts. These data indicate that systemic chronic inflammation can accelerate ageing via ROS-mediated exacerbation of telomere dysfunction and cell senescence in the absence of any other genetic or environmental factor.
Zero‐current switching series loaded resonant converter insensitive to resonant component tolerance for battery charger
Authors: Park Junsung , Kim Minjae , Choi Sewan 
Published: June 2014

This study proposes an electric vehicle (EV) battery charger with a fixed frequency zero‐current‐switching (ZCS) series loaded resonant converter (SRC). Owing to the proposed fixed frequency operation the SRC is capable of operating under ZCS turn on and turn off regardless of voltage variation or load variation, and the magnetic components and the electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters can be optimised. The proposed battery charger has minimum component count, which makes it possible to achieve low cost and high reliability. Also, it is insensitive to resonant component tolerances and therefore suitable for high volume manufacturing. Experimental results are provided from a 3.3 kW prototype which was built for 2011 Future Energy Challenge Competition.
Amplitude scintillation effects on SAR
Authors: Belcher David P. , Cannon Paul S. 
Published: June 2014

Space‐based low‐frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is affected by the ionosphere, which induces both phase and amplitude fluctuations, known as scintillation, into the radar signal. This paper describes the effect of amplitude scintillation on SAR imagery. The two‐way amplitude and intensity probability density functions (pdf) for both monostatic and bistatic SAR are derived from the one‐way Nakagami‐m distribution. The moments are then used to determine the SAR radiometric calibration error and image contrast from the one‐way S4 index. It is also shown that monostatic SAR experiences an S4‐dependent radar cross‐section (RCS) enhancement that is not experienced by bistatic SAR. The anisotropy of the ionospheric irregularities strongly affects the degree to which amplitude scintillation will be visible in SAR imagery. The description of anisotropic effects is reviewed and extended to cover SAR. The variation over the Earth is illustrated, showing that a sun‐synchronous satellite will experience the strongest effect near Brazil. Two PALSAR images of the same area of Brazilian rainforest are compared, one of which shows azimuthal streaking, corresponding to an amplitude modulation of ± 1 dB. The one‐way S4 index is determined from this imagery using both the RCS enhancement and image contrast measures of S4, which produce similar results.
Nonlinear permanent migration response to climatic variations but minimal response to disasters
Authors: Bohra-Mishra Pratikshya , Oppenheimer Michael , Hsiang Solomon M. 
Published: June 2014

Significance
In the context of global climate change and increasing impact of some types of natural disasters, there has been significant interest in investigating the influence of climatic factors on human migration. We explore a more comprehensive set of climatic factors than used in most previous work to predict the effects of sudden natural disasters and climatic variations on migration. By following province-to-province movement of more than 7,000 households in Indonesia over a decade and a half, this study reveals that an increase in temperature (e.g., due to natural variations or global warming) and, to a lesser extent, variations in rainfall are likely to have a greater effect on permanent outmigration of households than natural disasters.
Blockade of EphA4 signaling ameliorates hippocampal synaptic dysfunctions in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Fu Amy K. Y. , Hung Kwok-Wang , Huang Huiqian , Gu Shuo , Shen Yang , Cheng Elaine Y. L. , Ip Fanny C. F. , Huang Xuhui , Fu Wing-Yu , Ip Nancy Y. 
Published: June 2014

Significance
Synaptic loss and dysfunction is associated with cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying synaptic impairment are largely unknown. Here, we reveal a previously unidentified signaling pathway whereby activation of a receptor tyrosine kinase EphA4 is critical for synaptic dysfunctions in AD. Proof-of-concept studies undertaken in both in vitro and in vivo systems demonstrate its importance in mediating the deficit of synaptic transmission and hippocampal long-term potentiation in AD models. Specifically, blocking the EphA4-dependent pathway through knockdown studies or the use of small-molecule inhibitors effectively rescues the impaired synaptic transmission induced by Aβ and reverses impaired synaptic plasticity in AD mouse models. Thus, this study reveals a new disease-modifying therapeutic intervention for AD.
Direct observation of electrogenic NH
4
+
transport in ammonium transport (Amt) proteins
Authors: Wacker Tobias , Garcia-Celma Juan J. , Lewe Philipp , Andrade Susana L. A. 
Published: June 2014

Significance
We have detected and analyzed electrogenic transport of ammonium and methylammonium by members of the ammonium transport (Amt) family of membrane proteins using solid-supported membrane electrophysiology. Amt transport is pH-dependent and occurs at a rate of 30–300 ions per s per trimer, well in the range of other transport proteins. The study establishes, to our knowledge, the first in vitro assay system for Amt transport in a fully controlled setup and settles debate about whether Amt proteins function as passive ammonia channels or active ammonium transporters.
Initial bridges between two ribosomal subunits are formed within 9.4 milliseconds, as studied by time-resolved cryo-EM
Authors: Shaikh Tanvir R. , Yassin Aymen S. , Lu Zonghuan , Barnard David , Meng Xing , Lu Toh-Ming , Wagenknecht Terence , Agrawal Rajendra K. 
Published: June 2014

Significance
The protein-synthesizing machinery of the cell, the ribosome, is made up of two subunits, which in bacteria are held together by 12 molecular bridges. Understanding the mechanism and timeline of bridge formation is crucial to understanding the mechanism of bacterial translation initiation. To study the timeline of bridge formation, we developed microfluidic devices that mix two interacting components, spray the mixture onto an electron microscopy grid, and flash freeze the grid for a minimum reaction time of 9.4 ms. This study shows for the first time to the authors' knowledge that eight of the 12 bridges form within 9.4 ms, whereas the remaining four bridges take longer than 43 ms to form.