bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thin and long silver nanowires self-assembled in ionic liquids as a soft template: electrical and optical properties
Authors: Chang Min-Hwa , Cho Hyun-Ah , Kim Youn-Soo , Lee Eun-Jong , Kim Jin-Yeol 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Thin and long silver nanowires were successfully synthesized using the polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-assisted polyol method in the presence of ionic liquids, tetrapropylammonium chloride and tetrapropylammonium bromide, which served as soft template salts. The first step involved the formation of Ag nanoparticles with a diameter of 40 to 50 nm through the reduction of silver nitrate. At the growing stage, the Ag nanoparticles were converted into thin and long one-dimensional wires, with uniform diameters of 30 ± 3 nm and lengths of up to 50 μm. These Ag nanowires showed an electrical conductivity of 0.3 × 105 S/cm, while the sheet resistance of a two-dimensional percolating Ag nanowire network exhibited a value of 20 Ω/sq with an optical transmittance of 93% and a low haze value.
Modeling and simulation of networked low-power embedded systems: a taxonomy
Authors: Du Wan , Mieyeville Fabien , Navarro David , O’Connor Ian , Carrel Laurent 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSimulation has been widely adopted for the evaluation of novel protocols or other designs for networked low-power embedded systems, especially for wireless sensor networks (WSNs). A large number of simulation tools have been developed for WSNs in the past few years. However, different tools may emphasize on different features. For example, general network simulators mainly focus on the high-level performance evaluation with certain assumptions, while some SystemC-based simulators have been developed recently to realize the hardware and software co-design of sensor node at the system level. Therefore, it is necessary to study the different modeling methodologies and to distinguish the various features of the existing WSN simulators. In this paper, we propose a taxonomy that categorizes the existing simulation tools into four groups, i.e., network simulators with node models, network simulators with node emulators, node system simulator with network models, and node emulators with network models. To demonstrate the rationality and usability of the proposed taxonomy, we use it to conduct a survey of the existing simulation tools. This study is intended to be comprehensive to cover all important simulation tools.
A T-DMB navigation system for seamless positioning in both indoor and outdoor environments
Authors: Moon Gong Bo , Chun Se Bum , Hur Moon Beom , Jee Gyu-In 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The conventional global positioning system (GPS) can often fail to provide position determination for a mobile user in indoor and urban environments. To cope with GPS failure in such environments, a new navigation system which utilizes a terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (T-DMB) signal to obtain the mobile user's position is presented. Since the T-DMB transmitters in Korea construct a single frequency network (SFN), which forces the transmitters to be synchronized, the mobile user can measure a time difference of arrival (TDOA) for all audible T-DMB transmitter pairs. The time difference between T-DMB transmitters is converted to a distance difference by multiplying the time difference by the speed of light. Using these measurements and a TDOA positioning method, the mobile user position can be estimated. An experiment with a T-DMB receiver and a data acquisition (DAQ) board is performed in Seoul to analyze the error characteristic of TDOA measurements. It is certified that the measurement error is bounded under 300 m and can be used to determine the mobile user's position with a small standard deviation.
Electronic bypass of spinal lesions: activation of lower motor neurons directly driven by cortical neural signals
Authors: Li Yan , Alam Monzurul , Guo Shanshan , Ting KH , He Jufang 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Lower motor neurons in the spinal cord lose supraspinal inputs after complete spinal cord injury, leading to a loss of volitional control below the injury site. Extensive locomotor training with spinal cord stimulation can restore locomotion function after spinal cord injury in humans and animals. However, this locomotion is non-voluntary, meaning that subjects cannot control stimulation via their natural “intent”. A recent study demonstrated an advanced system that triggers a stimulator using forelimb stepping electromyographic patterns to restore quadrupedal walking in rats with spinal cord transection. However, this indirect source of “intent” may mean that other non-stepping forelimb activities may false-trigger the spinal stimulator and thus produce unwanted hindlimb movements.

Methods
We hypothesized that there are distinguishable neural activities in the primary motor cortex during treadmill walking, even after low-thoracic spinal transection in adult guinea pigs. We developed an electronic spinal bridge, called “Motolink”, which detects these neural patterns and triggers a “spinal” stimulator for hindlimb movement. This hardware can be head-mounted or carried in a backpack. Neural data were processed in real-time and transmitted to a computer for analysis by an embedded processor. Off-line neural spike analysis was conducted to calculate and preset the spike threshold for “Motolink” hardware.

Results
We identified correlated activities of primary motor cortex neurons during treadmill walking of guinea pigs with spinal cord transection. These neural activities were used to predict the kinematic states of the animals. The appropriate selection of spike threshold value enabled the “Motolink” system to detect the neural “intent” of walking, which triggered electrical stimulation of the spinal cord and induced stepping-like hindlimb movements.

Conclusion
We present a direct cortical “intent”-driven electronic spinal bridge to restore hindlimb locomotion after complete spinal cord injury.
Dry eye in LASIK patients
Authors: Azuma Mitsuyoshi , Yabuta Chiho , Fraunfelder Frederick W , Shearer Thomas R 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Increasing age is a known risk factor for developing dry eye. The specific aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of dry eye syndrome (DES) and use of post-operative dry eye medications in a relatively young population presenting for LASIK surgery at an academic ophthalmology clinic.

Findings
A retrospective, analysis of 948 de-identified patient charts (median age 39 years, not age stratified) was performed to extract pre-LASIK diagnoses and post-LASIK medication lists. Clinical evaluation for DES and the results of Schirmer’s reflex tear flow test were used to assign LASIK patients into Normal, Pre-dry eye (Pre-DES), and Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) groups; which were then compared for use of dry eye medications.
Based on pre-operative diagnoses, only 2% (CI: 1.3 – 3.1) of LASIK patients presented with overt DES. Unexpectantly, 25% (CI: 22.2 – 27.6) of LASIK patients labeled Pre-DES were not classified by the clinician as having overt DES, yet they showed poor reflex tear flow rates ≤ 5 mm before surgery, and frequently used post-operative lubricant dry eye medications.

Conclusions
Although the number of patients with pre-existing eye conditions was unknown, a sizable portion of relatively young LASIK patients displays poor reflex tear flow without overt DES. Such patients could go on to develop more serious consequences of poor tear flow, such as corneal abrasion and erosion. More specific, dry eye medications may be needed for ideal treatment.
Possible mechanism and clinical potentials of allostery
Authors: Huang Peixin , López Villar Elena 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAllostery is involved in the dynamic regulation of biological functions in proteins. Advances in allostery research have recently drawn great interest and brought allostery closer to the clinic. The present commentary describes the mechanism by which allostery may involve in from a cell‐wide view and its contribution to the discovery of new therapeutics to diseases.
Cloning, expression and purification of functionally active human angiopoietin-like protein 2
Authors: Farhat Nada , Mamarbachi Aida M , Thorin Eric , Allen Bruce G 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Angiopoietin-like protein 2 (Angptl2) is a secreted glycoprotein that has been implicated in angiogenesis, inflammation and atherosclerosis as well as enhancing the survival of human hematopoietic stem cells. Glycosylation of Angptl2 is required for biological activity and studies of angiopoietin-like protein 2 have been hindered by the lack of a source for the mature form of this protein. We describe a system that permits purification of the glycosylated form of human Angptl2 from conditioned media of stably transfected HEK 293 cells. To facilitate purification while retaining the integrity of Angptl2’s endogenous N-terminal secretion signal peptide, GST was fused downstream of the Angptl2 coding sequence. Secreted Angptl2-GST was purified using a one-step glutathione-affinity purification scheme. The purity and identity of the resulting protein were confirmed by SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting, and mass spectrometry. N-Glycosidase treatment reduced the apparent molecular mass of Angptl2-GST on SDS-PAGE, confirming its glycosylation state. Purified human Angptl2-GST stimulated both HUVEC migration and microtubule formation in vitro. The yield of Angptl2-GST obtained was in quantities suitable for multiple applications including functional in vitro and in vivo assays.
Dedication to David Dean
Authors: Ashley Joseph M , Pepper John V , Rowe Kirsten L , Schmidt Robert M , Stern Steven 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
This special volume is dedicated to David H. Dean who passed away on August 11th, 2013. This dedication describes David’s impact on the academic research on disability and, most notably, the vital interaction between research and policy. It discusses his influence in shaping perspectives on evaluating the effectiveness of programs to increase employment. Finally, it describes David as a person and why he was influential as a researcher and college professor.

JEL codes

H51, I13, J24
Rapid Photogelation of Amphiphilic Poly(N-vinylacetamide) Bearing Coumarin Moiety in Water and Organic Solvents
Authors: Ajiro Hiroharu , Akashi Mitsuru 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Copolymers of N-vinylacetamide (NVA) and its derivative (NVA-coumarin) were synthesized bearing photoresponsive moieties. The dimerization of NVA-coumarin was confirmed under irradiation with ultraviolet light (&gt;280 nm). Copolymers showed photoresponsiveness and amphiphilic characteristics, based on both poly(NVA) and coumarin.
Presumed Corneal Ulcer Following Topical Use of Diclofenac Sodium in One Eyed Patient with Keratoplasty
Authors: Cumurcu Tongabay , Gunduz Abuzer , Mutlu Kayhan , Cavdar Mufide 
Published: July 2014

Purpose: To report a case with corneal ulcer after keratoplasty connected to long-term use of topical 0.1% diclofenac sodium. Methods: A 81-year-old man presented with corneal ulceration. The patient’s clinical history showed that he had keratoplasy after ocular trauma for about 10 years ago. He was using topical dexamethasone sodium phosphate 0.1% and topical diclofenac sodium 0.1% for one year. Diclofenac sodium and dexamethasone sodium phosphate were discontinued, and amniotic membrane transplantation and bandage contact lens application were performed. Results: After the amniotic membrane transplantation; at the first month, melting area disappeared, increase in corneal transparency and improvement in visual acuity was recorded. Conclusion: Use of long-term diclofenac sodium may be responsible for the corneal ulceration in our patient, and we suggest that amniotic membrane transplantation may be a good choice in similar cases.
Clinical Investigation of Prevalence and Associated Factors of Visual Disability among the Elderly Agricultural and Fishing Population in Taiwan: Experience at a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Shen Hsi-Che , Liu Jorn-Hon , Hu Yi-Chun , Chen Yu-Fen , Tung Tao-Hsin 
Published: July 2014

Purpose: To discuss the prevalence and associated factors related to visual impairment and blindness amongst the elderly agricultural and fishing population. Methods: A total of 6542 healthy elderly adults voluntarily admitted to a teaching hospital for a physical check-up and eye disease in Taipei, Taiwan. Results: The overall prevalence of visual disability (the better eye visual acuity <0.5) was 13.2%, including 12.8% of visual impairment and 0.4% of blindness. From the logistic regression, the significantly independent factors of visual disability (visual impairment plus blindness) were sex (male vs. female, OR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.55-0.85), age (65-74 yrs vs. 60-64 yrs, OR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.18-1.89, 75-84 yrs vs. 60-64 yrs, OR=2.77, 95%CI: 2.11-3.65, ³85 yrs vs. 65-69 yrs, OR=4.76, 95%CI: 3.55-6.39), glaucoma (OR=1.51, 95%CI: 1.02-2.23), corneal diseases (OR=2.27, 95%CI: 1.69-3.05), myopic or diabetic retinopathy (OR=1.77, 95%CI: 1.29-2.42), age-related macular degeneration (OR=3.78, 95%CI: 2.36-6.05), and cataract (OR=3.22, 95%CI: 2.50-4.16). Conclusions: Our results revealed that visual impairment and blindness are important visual health problems in elderly agricultural and fishing population. Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, corneal diseases, myopic or diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, female, and increased age were the leading causes for the visual disability. Further organized preventive strategies to eye care are recommended in this sub-population.
Eine Normalform für eine spezielle Klasse flacher nichtlinearer Mehrgrößensysteme in Pfaffscher Systemdarstellung
Authors: Schöberl Markus , Schlacher Kurt 
Published: July 2014

Zusammenfassung
In diesem Beitrag betrachten wir nichtlineare Mehrgrößensysteme und benutzen die sogenannte Pfaffsche Systemdarstellung zur Analyse von Normalformen. Es ist bekannt, dass für
Systeme, welche mittels statischer Rückführung exakt linearisierbar sind, eine spezielle Dreiecksdarstellung basierend auf den adaptierten Koordinaten entsprechender involutiver Distributionen existiert.
Auch für Systeme, die mittels statischer Rückführung nicht exakt linearisierbar sind, aber welche flach sind und einen flachen Ausgang zulassen, der nicht von Ableitungen der Eingänge abhängt, bietet sich
eine ähnliche Normalform an. In diesem Beitrag stellen wir diese Normalform, welche ebenfalls eine Dreiecksstruktur besitzt, vor und geben ein konstruktives Verfahren an, welches flache Systeme (wenn möglich) schrittweise auf diese
Dreiecksform transformiert. Diese Normalform beruht nicht auf einer dynamischen Erweiterung sondern ist durch die Verwendung impliziter Differentialgleichungen gekennzeichnet. Drei Beispiele veranschaulichen diese Methodik.
Convergence of Adaptive BEM and Adaptive FEM-BEM Coupling for Estimators Without
h-Weighting Factor
Authors: Feischl Michael , Führer Thomas , Mitscha-Eibl Gregor , Praetorius Dirk , Stephan Ernst P. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
We analyze adaptive mesh-refining algorithms in the frame of boundary
element methods (BEM) and the coupling of finite elements and boundary
elements (FEM-BEM). Adaptivity is driven by the two-level error
estimator proposed by Ernst P. Stephan, Norbert Heuer, and coworkers in
the frame of BEM and FEM-BEM or by the residual error estimator introduced
by Birgit Faermann for BEM for weakly-singular integral equations. We prove that in either case
the usual adaptive algorithm drives the associated error estimator to
zero. Emphasis is put on the fact that the error estimators considered
are not even globally equivalent to weighted-residual error
estimators for which recently convergence with quasi-optimal algebraic rates has been derived.
Grid Stabilization with Decentralized Controllable Loads using Fuzzy Control and Droop Characteristics
Authors: Palmer Michael , Tachibana Masato , Senjyu Tomonobu , Funabashi Toshihisa , Saber Ahmed Y. , Datta Manoj 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In recent years, the amount of distributed generators in the power grid has increased. Most of these distributed generators are renewable energy facilities using wind turbine generators or photovoltaic power systems. The increase in distributed generators is mostly due to environmental issues, growing concern of resource depletion, and economic benefits for residents and homeowners. Along with the increase in distributed generators, all-electric apartment buildings and residential homes with electric vehicles are on the rise. This trend is beneficial for both the environment and the residents; however, the fluctuating power from renewable energy sources and unstable loads causes fluctuations in grid frequency and distributed voltage which become problematic. This paper presents a methodology to control system frequency and distributed voltage using distributed controllable loads such as the heat pump water heater (HP) and large capacity batteries such as those of the electric vehicle (EV). By applying a power consumption controller using decentralized control for heat pump water heaters and droop characteristics for batteries, fluctuations of grid frequency and voltage are suppressed to a desired value. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed system, MATLAB/Simulink is used for simulations.
Studies on polyimides containing thermoplastic-thermosetting merged segments
Authors: Patel Yogesh S. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Polyimides (PIs) containing thermoplastic and thermosetting merged segments in a chain were developed via Diels-Alder (DA) polymerization of a bisfuran (BF), namely 2,5-bis(furan-2-ylmethylcarbamoyl)terephthalic acid and bismaleimides (BMI1 and BMI2). The intermediate DA polyadducts thus obtained, DAA1 and DAA2, were aromatized and imidized (cyclized) through carboxylic and amide groups in the presence of acetic anhydride, to afford PI1 and PI2. Synthesized DA polyadducts and PIs were characterized by elemental analysis, spectral features, number average molecular weight (Mn), degree of polymerization (Dp) and thermal analysis. Bulk polymerization was also carried out. The obtained bulk polymerization products (BPP1 and BPP2) were characterized by elemental analyses and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The “in situ” void-free glass fiber reinforced composites GFRC1 and GFRC2 were prepared from the produced system and characterized by chemical, mechanical and electrical analysis. All of the composites depicted good mechanical and electrical properties and good resistance to organic solvents and mineral acids.
High-Resolution Mapping of Two Types of Spontaneous Mitotic Gene Conversion Events in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Yim Eunice , O’Connell Karen E , St. Charles Jordan , Petes Thomas D 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Gene conversions and crossovers are related products of the repair of double-stranded DNA breaks by homologous recombination. Most previous studies of mitotic gene conversion events have been restricted to measuring conversion tracts that are &lt;5 kb. Using a genetic assay in which the lengths of very long gene conversion tracts can be measured, we detected two types of conversions: those with a median size of ∼6 kb and those with a median size of &gt;50 kb. The unusually long tracts are initiated at a naturally occurring recombination hotspot formed by two inverted Ty elements. We suggest that these long gene conversion events may be generated by a mechanism (break-induced replication or repair of a double-stranded DNA gap) different from the short conversion tracts that likely reflect heteroduplex formation followed by DNA mismatch repair. Both the short and long mitotic conversion tracts are considerably longer than those observed in meiosis. Since mitotic crossovers in a diploid can result in a heterozygous recessive deleterious mutation becoming homozygous, it has been suggested that the repair of DNA breaks by mitotic recombination involves gene conversion events that are unassociated with crossing over. In contrast to this prediction, we found that ∼40% of the conversion tracts are associated with crossovers. Spontaneous mitotic crossover events in yeast are frequent enough to be an important factor in genome evolution.
Unintended Consequences of Lowering Disclosure Thresholds
Authors: Fanning Kirsten , Agoglia Christopher P. , Piercey M. David 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACT
In recent years, regulators have considered several initiatives to lower the threshold for disclosing risks to investors. We examine two ways in which disclosing more risks can actually lower investors' perceptions of risk. Utilizing an experiment, we find evidence of two unintended consequences on different types of investors. First, we demonstrate that the addition of low-probability risks to a disclosure can dilute (rather than add to) more probable losses, leading certain investors to lower their perceptions of overall risk. Second, since lowering the threshold changes the overall composition of the disclosure by adding low-probability losses, firms could adopt a tactic of minimization that characterizes the entire disclosure as unimportant, presenting the lowest risks most saliently, using compliance with the low threshold as a plausible reason for giving a lengthy disclosure of generally unimportant risks. Our findings suggest that such a tactic can be persuasive.
Data Availability: Contact the authors.
Contributors to Mortality in High-Risk Diabetic Patients in the Diabetes Heart Study
Authors: Cox Amanda J. , Hsu Fang-Chi , Freedman Barry I. , Herrington David M. , Criqui Michael H. , Carr J. Jeffrey , Bowden Donald W. 
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE
Not all individuals with type 2 diabetes and high coronary artery calcified plaque (CAC) experience the same risk for adverse outcomes. This study examined a subset of high-risk individuals based on CAC &gt;1,000 mg (using a total mass score) and evaluated whether differences in a range of modifiable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors provided further insights into risk for mortality.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We assessed contributors to all-cause mortality among 371 European American individuals with type 2 diabetes and CAC &gt;1,000 from the Diabetes Heart Study (DHS) after 8.2 ± 3.0 years (mean ± SD) of follow-up. Differences in known CVD risk factors, including modifiable CVD risk factors, were compared between living (n = 218) and deceased (n = 153) participants. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to quantify risk for all-cause mortality.

RESULTS
Deceased participants had a longer duration of type 2 diabetes (P = 0.02) and reduced use of cholesterol-lowering medications (P = 0.004). Adjusted analyses revealed that vascular calcified plaque scores were associated with increased risk for mortality (hazard ratio 1.31–1.63; 3.89 × 10−5 &lt; P &lt; 0.03). Higher HbA1c, lipids, and C-reactive protein and reduced kidney function also were associated with a 1.1- to 1.5-fold increased risk for mortality (3.45 × 10−6 &lt; P &lt; 0.03) after adjusting for confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS
Even in this high-risk group, vascular calcification and known CVD risk factors provide useful information for ongoing assessment. The use of cholesterol-lowering medication seemed to be protective for mortality.
Influence of Chemical Composition on Porosity in Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Kucharčík L. , Brůna M. , Sládek A. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Porosity is one of the major defects in aluminum castings, which results is a decrease of a mechanical properties. Porosity in aluminum alloys is caused by solidification shrinkage and gas segregation. The final amount of porosity in aluminium castings is mostly influenced by several factors, as amount of hydrogen in molten aluminium alloy, cooling rate, melt temperature, mold material, or solidification interval. This article deals with effect of chemical composition on porosity in Al-Si aluminum alloys. For experiment was used Pure aluminum and four alloys: AlSi6Cu4, AlSi7Mg0, 3, AlSi9Cu1, AlSi10MgCu1.