bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanochemical Processing of Mn and Co Oxides: An Alternative Way to Synthesize Mixed Spinels for Protective Coating
Authors: Masi Andrea , Bellusci Mariangela , Carlini Maurizio , McPhail Stephen J. , Padella Franco , Reale Priscilla 
Published: September 2015

High‐Energy Ball Milling (HEBM) is proposed as a cost effective and environmental friendly technique to produce Co‐ and Mn‐ based oxides suitable for application as protective coating. Mixtures of manganese and cobalt oxides in different molar ratio (Co:Mn = 1:1 and Co:Mn = 2:1) were subjected to mechanochemical treatment up to 100 h and morpho‐structural evolution was evaluated. XRD analysis results show that the HEBM treatment promotes the solid‐state reaction of the starting compounds, with the formation of different crystalline phases when compared to high‐temperature solid‐state synthesis. SEM observations and N2 adsorption measurements suggest that all processed powders are composed by aggregates of nanometric particles. While long milling time is required to complete the reaction, 10 hours are enough to activate the powders to obtain the desired phases after a mild thermal treatment, as evidenced by in situ thermal XRD analysis. Electrical conductivity measures performed with the Van der Pauw method on sintered pellets evidence a significant difference between the two compositions, related to the dual‐phase nature of Co:Mn = 1:1 material at intermediate temperatures (i.e., T < 700°C), Co:Mn = 2:1 sample showing higher conductivity values in the whole tested range (500°C–800°C).
Rapid Sintering of Ceramics with Gradient Porous Structure by Asymmetric Thermal Radiation
Authors: Li Duan , Shen Zhijian 
Published: September 2015

In this study, thermal radiation was employed for sintering silicon carbide foams that achieved a gradient porous structure. The simultaneous use of graphite and carbon fiber reinforced carbon composite (Cf/C) radiators resulted in an axial temperature gradient of ~600°C along the cylindrical sample, as confirmed by both numerical simulation and experimental measurement. By sintering the cylinder top at 1600°C for 5 min, the porous SiC body achieved an axial pore size gradient from ~106 ± 36 μm to ~250 ± 84 μm and an open porosity from 41.4 to 79.8 vol%. This work indicates the potential of sintering by intense thermal radiation technique for rapid manufacturing functionally graded materials through asymmetric assembly of thermal radiators.
Influence of Microstructure and Surface Activation of Dual‐Phase Membrane Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ–FeCo2O4 on Oxygen Permeation
Authors: Ramasamy Madhumidha , Baumann Stefan , Palisaitis Justinas , Schulze‐Küppers Falk , Balaguer Maria , Kim Daejin , Meulenberg Wilhelm A. , Mayer Jochim , Bhave Ramesh , Guillon Olivier , Bram Martin 
Published: September 2015

Dual‐phase oxygen transport membranes are fast‐growing research interest for application in oxyfuel combustion process. One such potential candidate is CGO‐FCO (60 wt% Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ–40 wt% FeCo2O4) identified to provide good oxygen permeation flux with substantial stability in harsh atmosphere. Dense CGO‐FCO membranes of 1 mm thickness were fabricated by sintering dry pellets pressed from powders synthesized by one‐pot method (modified Pechini process) at 1200°C for 10 h. Microstructure analysis indicates presence of a third orthorhombic perovskite phase in the sintered composite. It was also identified that the spinel phase tends to form an oxygen deficient phase at the grain boundary of spinel and CGO phases. Surface exchange limitation of the membranes was overcome by La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) porous layer coating over the composite. The oxygen permeation flux of the CGO‐FCO screen printed with a porous layer of 10 μm thick LSCF is 0.11 mL/cm2 per minute at 850°C with argon as sweep and air as feed gas at the rates of 50 and 250 mL/min.
Profiling depression in childhood and adolescence: the role of conduct problems
Authors: Riglin Lucy , Thapar Anita , Shelton Katherine H. , Langley Kate , Frederickson Norah , Rice Frances 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundDepression is typically more common in females and rates rise around puberty. However, studies of children and adolescents suggest that depression accompanied by conduct problems may represent a different subtype not characterised by a female preponderance, with differing risk factors and genetic architecture compared to pure‐depression. This study aimed to identify aetiologically distinct profiles of depressive symptoms, distinguished by the presence or absence of co‐occurring conduct problems.MethodsLatent profile analysis was conducted on a school sample of 1648 children (11–12 years) and replicated in a sample of 2006 twins (8–17 years).ResultsIn both samples pure‐depressive and conduct‐depressive profiles were identified. The pure‐depressive profile was associated with female gender, while the conduct‐depressive profile was associated with lower cognitive ability but not with gender. Twin analyses indicated possible differences in genetic aetiology.ConclusionsThere was evidence for aetiologically heterogeneous depression symptom profiles based on the presence or absence of co‐occurring conduct problems.
Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate prescriptions identified by Beers and STOPP criteria in co‐morbid older patients at hospital discharge
Authors: Hudhra Klejda , García‐Caballos Marta , Casado‐Fernandez Eloisa , Jucja Besnik , Shabani Driton , Bueno‐Cavanillas Aurora 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThe objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions (PIP) and the association with polypharmacy (more than six drugs prescribed) in co‐morbid older patients in a critical moment of care transition such as hospital discharge by means of two explicit criteria (Beers 2012 and STOPP 2008).MethodCross‐sectional study carried out in an older patients' population (≥65 years old) discharged from a university hospital in Spain. We recorded patients' information regarding demographics, diagnosis, drugs prescribed and associated pathological conditions and calculated the Charlson co‐morbidity index. Data were obtained from the electronic medical records of hospital discharge. Beers (2012) and STOPP criteria (2008) were applied for PIP detection. The strength of association between polypharmacy and the presence of PIP was assessed by calculating the crude and adjusted odds ratio and its 95% confidence interval.ResultsFrom 1004 patients of a 15% random sample, just 624 that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The number of prescribed drugs was a risk factor for PIP according to both criteria, even after adjusting for confounding variables. PIP frequency was higher in patients who received more than 12 medications (Beers: 34.8%, STOPP: 54.4%). Each additional medication increased the risk of PIP by 14 or 15% (Beers or STOPP).ConclusionsOur results suggest that the strategies used for PIP reduction in co‐morbid older patients should focus on the management of polypharmacy. Medication review at hospital discharge is highly recommended for patients taking more than six drugs.
Insulinoma as rare cause of severe post‐partum hypoglycemia
Authors: Holstein Andreas , Morgenstern Thomas , Dienst Henry , Hiller Wolfgang 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPost‐partum hypoglycemia in non‐diabetic women is a rare condition. We report the exceptional case of a 38‐year‐old obese woman who experienced recurrent neuroglycopenia 3 weeks after delivery. Corresponding to severe hypoglycemia with blood glucose levels of <30 mg/dL, there was no suppression of insulin or C‐peptide. Through endoscopic ultrasound we detected a hypoechoic lesion of 8 × 9 mm localized in the head of the pancreas. Thus, the diagnosis of insulinoma was most probable. Complete surgical enucleation of the insulinoma resulted in immediate and permanent resolution of hypoglycemia. The postoperative course was complicated by recurrent episodes of pancreatitis requiring endoscopic ultrasound‐guided punctures of pseudocysts and temporary stenting of the pancreatic duct. In conclusion, insulinoma is a very rare, nonetheless important, differential diagnosis of post‐partum hypoglycemia.
CD44high/ALDH1high head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells exhibit mesenchymal characteristics and GSK3β‐dependent cancer stem cell properties
Authors: Seino Sayaka , Shigeishi Hideo , Hashikata Miho , Higashikawa Koichiro , Tobiume Kei , Uetsuki Ryo , Ishida Yoko , Sasaki Kazuki , Naruse Takako , Rahman Mohammad Zeshaan , Ono Shigehiro , Simasue Hiroshi , Ohta Kouji , Sugiyama Masaru , Takechi Masaaki 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundCD44 and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) have been shown to be useful markers for identification of cancer stem cells (CSCs). We previously reported that glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) is involved in regulation of the self‐renewal ability of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) CSCs. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the role of GSK3β in CD44high/ALDH1high HNSCC cells.MethodsCells with greater expression of CD44 and higher ALDH1 enzymatic activity were FACS sorted from the OM‐1 HNSCC cell line. The self‐renewal ability of CD44high/ALDH1high cells was then examined using a tumor sphere formation assay. mRNA expressions of the stem cell markers Sox2, Oct4, and Nanog, as well as GSK3β were evaluated by real‐time RT‐PCR.ResultsCD44high/ALDH1high cells exhibited higher tumor sphere forming ability and increased expression of stem cell markers as compared with CD44high/ALDH1low cells. Interestingly, spindle‐shaped cells positive for vimentin were found in the CD44high/ALDH1high but not the CD44high/ALDH1low cell population. In addition, the ALDH1 activity and sphere forming ability of CD44high/ALDH1high cells was significantly inhibited by GSK3β knockdown. On the other hand, CD44high/ALDH1low cells exhibited high epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and increased cell growth.ConclusionsOur results show that GSK3β plays a major role in maintenance of stemness of CD44high/ALDH1high HNSCC cells. Additionally, they indicate a close relationship between CSC and mesenchymal characteristics in HNSCC.
Patent Litigation Insurance
Authors: Duchêne Anne 
Published: September 2015

AbstractEmpirical studies have found that high litigation costs often discourage small firms from investing in R&D, as they fear their patent will be infringed and they will not be able to afford litigation. As a solution, firms have been encouraged to purchase insurance policies that, by covering legal costs in the event of a trial, serve as a commitment to litigate so that settlement terms are more favorable to the insured, and potential infringement is less likely to occur. However, very few firms are purchasing insurance and the market remains poorly developed throughout the world. I show that firms might be discouraged from buying insurance because of information asymmetries, not only with insurance companies but also with their competitors. I study the situation of a patent holder, who perfectly knows the validity and enforceability (“strength”) of her patent, which has been infringed by a competitor with less information on the patent. The patent holder can purchase insurance to have a credible threat to litigate and increase the infringer's settlement offer. But the decision to buy insurance conveys information about the patent strength to the infringer. As a result the patent holder may prefer not to be insured rather than transmitting this information. This signaling effect can yield different equilibriums, in particular, a pooling equilibrium “no insurance” where no patent holder purchases insurance. I study if this situation might be improved by imposing mandatory insurance or by giving the insurer a share of litigation proceeds.
Risk Management of Policyholder Behavior in Equity‐Linked Life Insurance
Authors: MacKay Anne , Augustyniak Maciej , Bernard Carole , Hardy Mary R. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe financial guarantees embedded in variable annuity contracts expose insurers to a wide range of risks, lapse risk being one of them. When policyholders’ lapse behavior differs from the assumptions used to hedge variable annuity contracts, the effectiveness of dynamic hedging strategies can be significantly impaired. By studying how the fee structure and surrender charges affect surrender incentives, we obtain new theoretical results on the optimal surrender region and use them to design a marketable contract that is never optimal to lapse.
Up‐regulation of A20 gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with acute‐on‐chronic hepatitis B liver failure
Authors: Fan Y.‐C. , Sun Y.‐Y. , Wang N. , Xiao X.‐Y. , Wang K. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryAberrant immunity contributes to the pathogenesis of acute‐on‐chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF), and A20 is a newly identified negative regulatory molecule of the immune response. However, no data have been reported for the role of A20 in ACHBLF. This study aimed to investigate A20 mRNA expression in ACHBLF and to determine the potential of A20 as a biomarker for the prognosis of ACHBLF. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to measure the mRNA expression of A20 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 137 ACHBLF patients, 105 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 35 healthy controls (HCs). A secondary cohort with 37 ACHBLF patients was set up as validation data set. The plasma levels of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐10 were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to determine the predictive value of A20 for the prognosis of ACHBLF patients. A20 mRNA expression in ACHBLF was significantly higher compared with CHB and HCs. In ACHBLF patients, A20 mRNA was closely associated with total bilirubin, albumin, international normalized ratio, prothrombin time activity and model for end‐stage liver disease. Furthermore, A20 mRNA was significantly correlated with IL‐6 and IL‐10. An optimal cut‐off value of 12.32 for A20 mRNA had significant power in discriminating survival or death in ACHBLF patients. In conclusion, our results suggest that the up‐regulation of the A20 gene might contribute to the severity of ACHBLF and A20 mRNA level might be a potential predictor for the prognosis of ACHBLF.
Still Not ‘Good’ in Terms of ‘Better’
Authors: Gustafsson Johan E. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractErik Carlson puts forward a new way of defining monadic value predicates, such as ‘good’, in terms of dyadic value relations, such as ‘better’. Earlier definitions of this kind have the unwanted feature that they rule out some reasonable axiologies by conceptual fiat. Carlson claims that his definitions do not have this drawback. In this paper, I argue that they do.
Host and virus effects on reversion in cassava affected by cassava brown streak disease
Authors: Mohammed I. U. , Ghosh S. , Maruthi M. N. 
Published: September 2015

The phenomenon of virus‐infected plants naturally recovering health is known as ‘reversion’, and is a type of resistance mechanism exploited in some crop plants for disease control. Various parameters were investigated that affect reversion from cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) in three cassava varieties (Albert, Kaleso and Kiroba) that differ in levels of resistance to the disease. Cassava plants were inoculated by grafting with two virus species (Ugandan cassava brown streak virus, UCBSV and Cassava brown streak virus, CBSV) that cause CBSD, and the plants grown from them were subsequently assessed for reversion. The rate of reversion depended on the cassava variety, virus species, and the length and position of the stem cuttings used. A significantly high proportion of progenies were virus‐free (reverted) for the resistant variety Kaleso (64·1% for UCBSV and 54·9% of CBSV), compared to the tolerant variety Kiroba (56·7 and 45·5%) and the susceptible control Albert (38·9 and 35·1%). The highest number of virus‐free plants was generated from short 10 cm long cuttings (e.g. 60·1% for Kaleso for CBSV) compared to 20 cm long stem cuttings (e.g. 21·4% for Albert). Cuttings taken from upper stems of diseased plants produced most virus‐free progenies compared to middle and lower parts. More than 50% virus‐free plants were obtained in the resistant and tolerant varieties. This is a highly valuable finding and could be exploited for developing strategies to control the current CBSD epidemic in eastern and central Africa.
Prediction and perception: Defensive startle modulation
Authors: Sege Christopher T. , Bradley Margaret M. , Lang Peter J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPrevious research indicates that predictive cues can dampen subsequent defensive reactions. The present study investigated whether effects of cuing are specific to aversive stimuli, using modulation of the blink startle reflex as a measure of emotional reactivity. Participants viewed pictures depicting violence, romance/erotica, or mundane content. On half of all trials, a cue (color) predicted the content of the upcoming picture; on the remaining trials, scenes were presented without a cue. Acoustic startle probes were presented during picture viewing on trials with predictive cues and trials without a cue. Replicating previous studies, blink reflexes elicited when viewing violent pictures that had not been preceded by a cue were potentiated compared to uncued mundane scenes, and reflexes were attenuated when viewing scenes of erotica/romance that had not been cued. On the other hand, reflex potentiation when viewing scenes of violence (relative to mundane scenes) was eliminated when these pictures were preceded by a predictive cue, whereas scenes of romance prompted reliable reflex attenuation regardless of whether pictures were cued or not. Taken together, the data suggest that cuing elicits an anticipatory coping process that is specific to aversive stimuli.
Multiple displacement amplification of the DNA from single flow–sorted plant chromosome
Authors: Cápal Petr , Blavet Nicolas , Vrána Jan , Kubaláková Marie , Doležel Jaroslav 
Published: September 2015

SummaryA protocol is described for production of micrograms of DNA from single copies of flow‐sorted plant chromosomes. Of 183 single copies of wheat chromosome 3B, 118 (64%) were successfully amplified. Sequencing DNA amplification products using an Illumina HiSeq 2000 system to 10× coverage and merging sequences from three separate amplifications resulted in 60% coverage of the chromosome 3B reference, entirely covering 30% of its genes. The merged sequences permitted de novo assembly of 19% of chromosome 3B genes, with 10% of genes contained in a single contig, and 39% of genes covered for at least 80% of their length. The chromosome‐derived sequences allowed identification of missing genic sequences in the chromosome 3B reference and short sequences similar to 3B in survey sequences of other wheat chromosomes. These observations indicate that single‐chromosome sequencing is suitable to identify genic sequences on particular chromosomes, to develop chromosome‐specific DNA markers, to verify assignment of DNA sequence contigs to individual pseudomolecules, and to validate whole‐genome assemblies. The protocol expands the potential of chromosome genomics, which may now be applied to any plant species from which chromosome samples suitable for flow cytometry can be prepared, and opens new avenues for studies on chromosome structural heterozygosity and haplotype phasing in plants.
Efficacy of plasmapheresis for the treatment of pure red blood cell aplasia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Dellacasa Chiara Maria , D'Ardia Stefano , Allione Bernardino , Aydin Semra , Tassi Valter , Francisci Tiziana , Pecoraro Clara , Busca Alessandro 
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUNDPure red blood cell aplasia (PRCA) is a complication of ABO major‐incompatible stem cell transplantation, likely due to the persistence of memory B lymphocytes of recipient origin, which produce hemagglutinins against ABO antigens on donor RBCs. At present no standard of care is established for this complication.CASE REPORTWe report a case of PRCA after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation, successfully treated with plasma exchange (PEX) after failing erythropoietin administration.RESULTSThe patient fully recovered from RBC aplasia.CONCLUSIONThis case suggests a role for PEX in the treatment of PRCA after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Blaeser Susan B. , Struck Christopher J. 
Published: September 2015

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes a catalog of Acoustical American National Standards. To receive a copy of the latest Standards catalog, please contact Susan B. Blaeser.
Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.
This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the National Catalog of Acoustical Standards and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.
Epidemiology of Nontuberculous Mycobacteria in French Polynesia
Authors: Phelippeau Michael , Aboubaker Osman Djaltou , Musso Didier , Drancourt Michel 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTAs few data are available in the Pacific countries and territories of the Oceania region regarding nontuberculous mycobacteria, we retrospectively identified 87 such isolates from French Polynesia from 2008 to 2013 by hybridization using DNA-strip, matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and partialrpoBgene sequencing. PartialrpoBgene sequencing classified 42/87 (48.3%) isolates in theMycobacterium fortuitumcomplex, 28 (32.2%) in theMycobacterium abscessuscomplex, 8 (9.2%) in theMycobacterium mucogenicumcomplex, and 5 (5.7%) in theMycobacterium aviumcomplex. Two isolates were identified asMycobacterium acapulcensisandMycobacteriumcosmeticumby partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. One isolate, unidentified by MALDI-TOF MS and yielding less than 92% and 96% sequence similarity withrpoBandhsp65reference sequences, respectively, was regarded as a potentially new species. Samples from three patients exhibiting ≥2Mycobacterium porcinumisolates and from one patient with emphysema and a lung abscess exhibiting 2Mycobacterium senegalenseisolates fulfilled the American Thoracic Society microbiological criteria for nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infection. Remote geographic areas, such as French Polynesia, are potential sources for the discovery of new mycobacterial species.