bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topographic specializations in the retinal ganglion cell layer correlate with lateralized visual behavior, ecology, and evolution in cockatoos
Authors: Coimbra João Paulo , Collin Shaun P. , Hart Nathan S. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTCockatoos are a unique avian group inhabiting a diversity of arboreal and terrestrial microhabitats. Most species display strong lateralized visual behaviors using their left eye/foot to assist with food manipulation during foraging. In this study, we used retinal wholemounts and stereological methods to investigate whether the topographic distribution of retinal ganglion cells in cockatoos reflects their lateralized behaviors and microhabitat diversity. We found that all species studied possess a horizontal visual streak and a shallow central fovea that afford increased spatial resolution in the lateral visual field. Arboreal cockatoos have a well‐defined dorsotemporal area, in contrast to terrestrial cockatoos, in which this specialization is inconspicuous or absent. Terrestrial cockatoos also have a triangular extension of increased ganglion cell density directed toward the dorsotemporal retinal periphery. Both the dorsotemporal area and the triangular extension enhance spatial resolution in the frontal and inferior visual fields, which potentially assists with binocular coordination during foraging. We found significantly higher ganglion cell densities in the left (52,000–72,000 cells/mm2) compared with the right (42,500–50,000 cells/mm2) perifoveal region of species that have strong left eye–left foot lateralized behaviors. In contrast, cockatoo species that show no lateralized behaviors have equivalent retinal ganglion cell densities in both left and right perifoveal regions (42,500–52,500 cells/mm2). Retinal ganglion cell peak densities in the dorsotemporal area showed no significant difference between left and right eyes for any species, suggesting that cockatoos use both eyes to extract information in the binocular visual field, independent of the degree of lateralization. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:3363–3385, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An open‐label study to determine the pharmacokinetics and safety of migalastat HCl in subjects with impaired renal function and healthy subjects with normal renal function
Authors: Johnson Franklin K. , Mudd Paul N. , DiMino Tara , Vosk Jennie , Sitaraman Sheela , Boudes Pol , France Nicholas , Barlow Carrolee 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectivesRenal function may progressively decline in patients with Fabry disease. This study assessed pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of a single oral dose of migalastat HCl 150 mg in subjects with normal or mildly, moderately, or severely impaired renal function.MethodsVolunteers were enrolled into two cohorts stratified for renal function calculated using the Cockcroft–Gault equation for creatinine clearance. Pharmacokinetic parameters determined were: area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) from time zero to the last measurable concentration postdose (AUC0–t) and extrapolated to infinity (AUC0–∞), maximum observed concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax (tmax), concentration at 48 hours postdose (C48h), terminal elimination half‐life (t1/2), oral clearance (CL/F), and apparent terminal elimination rate constant (λz) (ClinicalTrials.gov registration: NCT01730469).ResultsThirty‐two subjects enrolled and completed the study (Cohort 1: n = 24; Cohort 2: n = 8). Migalastat clearance decreased with increasing renal impairment, resulting in increases in migalastat HCl plasma t1/2, AUC0–∞, and C48h compared with subjects with normal renal function. Incidence of adverse events was comparable across all renal function groups.ConclusionsPlasma migalastat clearance decreased as degree of renal impairment increased. Data from the migalastat HCl clinical program will guide dosing and intervals for patients with Fabry disease with renal impairment.
Stability of Noble‐Gas‐Bound SiH3+Clusters
Authors: Pan Sudip , Moreno Diego , Merino Gabriel , Chattaraj Pratim K. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe stability of noble gas (Ng)‐bound SiH3+clusters is explored by ab initio computations. Owing to a high positive charge (+1.53 e−), the Si center of SiH3+can bind two Ng atoms. However, the SiNg dissociation energy for the first Ng atom is considerably larger than that for the second one. As we go down group 18, the dissociation energy gradually increases, and the largest value is observed for the case of Rn. For NgSiH3+clusters, the Ar–Rn dissociation processes are endergonic at room temperature. For He and Ne, a much lower temperature is required for it to be viable. The formation of Ng2SiH3+clusters is also feasible, particularly for the heavier members and at low temperature. To shed light on the nature of SiNg bonding, natural population analysis, Wiberg bond indices computations, electron‐density analysis, and energy‐decomposition analysis were performed. Electron transfer from the Ng centers to the electropositive Si center occurs only to a small extent for the lighter Ng atoms and to a somewhat greater extent for the heavier analogues. The SiXe/Rn bonds can be termed covalent bonds, whereas the SiHe/Ne bonds are noncovalent. The SiAr/Kr bonds possess some degree of covalent character, as they are borderline cases. Contributions from polarization and charge transfer and exchange are key terms in forming SiNg bonds. We also studied the effect of substituting the H atoms of SiH3+by halide groups (X) on the Ng binding ability. SiF3+showed enhanced Ng binding ability, whereas SiCl3+and SiBr3+showed a lower ability to bind Ng than SiH3+. A compromise originates from the dual play of the inductive effect of the X groups and X→Si π backbonding (pz–pzinteraction).
Boron‐Double‐Ring Sheet, Fullerene, and Nanotubes: Potential Hydrogen Storage Materials
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhao Hui‐Yan , Liu Ying 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSimilar to carbon‐based graphene, fullerenes and carbon nanotubes, boron atoms can form sheets, fullerenes, and nanotubes. Here we investigate several of these novel boron structures all based on the boron double ring within the framework of density functional theory. The boron sheet is found to be metallic and flat in its ground state. The spherical boron cage containing 180 atoms is also stable and has I symmetry. Stable nanotubes are obtained by rolling up the boron sheet, and all are metallic. The hydrogen storage capacity of boron nanostructures is also explored, and it is found that Li‐decorated boron sheets and nanotubes are potential candidates for hydrogen storage. For Li‐decorated boron sheets, each Li atom can adsorb a maximum of 4 H2 molecules with gd=7.892 wt %. The hydrogen gravimetric density increases to gd=12.309 wt % for the Li‐decorated (0,6) boron nanotube.
Enhanced Penetration of Silver Nanocomposite Assemblies into Dentine Using Iontophoresis: Toward the Treatment of Dental Caries
Authors: Schwass Donald R. , Meledandri Carla J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractA strategy to prevent and treat tooth decay, which utilises electrophoretic movement of charged, antibacterial silver nanocomposite structures to infiltrate human dentine to target bacteria contained within the dentine tubules, has been developed and evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy have confirmed high affinity of the nanocomposite structures for tooth tissue, and enhanced penetration of the nanostructures into the tubules under the influence of direct current. It is anticipated that this strategy could be used to sterilise dentine prior to the placement of a dental restorative material.
Biomimetic Nanostructuring of Copper Thin Films Enhances Adhesion to the Negative Electrode Laminate in Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zheng Ziyan , Wang Zhihui , Song Xiangyun , Xun Shidi , Battaglia Vincent , Liu Gao 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThin films of copper are widely used as current collectors for the negative electrodes in lithium‐ion batteries. However, a major cause of battery failure is delamination between the current collector and the graphite anode. When silicon or tin is used as active material, delamination becomes a key issue owing to the large volume changes of these materials during lithation and delithation processes. Learning from Nature, we developed a new biomimetic approach based on the adhesion properties of the feet of geckos. The biomimetic approach improves adhesion between the laminate and the copper surface by introducing an array of Cu(OH)2 nanorods, which increases the surface area of the current collector. When graphite anode laminate is casted onto regular and a modified copper surfaces, the modified current collector displays superior adhesion to graphite and the PVDF binder‐based electrode. The electrochemical performance of the batteries using these electrodes is not compromised by the additional chemistry of the Cu(OH)2 on the copper surface. The technique can lead to enhanced battery lifetimes over long‐term cycling.
High‐Performance Photoelectrochemical Cells Based on a Binuclear Ruthenium Catalyst for Visible‐Light‐Driven Water Oxidation
Authors: Zhang Linlin , Gao Yan , Ding Xin , Yu Ze , Sun Licheng 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTwo photoanodes based on a binuclear (2) and a mononuclear ruthenium (3) water oxidation catalysts were assembled in combination with a molecular photosensitizer (1) by using a co‐adsorption method. The anodes were used in dye‐sensitized photoelectrochemical cells (DS‐PECs) for visible‐light‐driven water splitting. A DS‐PEC device using TiO2(1+2) as working electrode (WE) exhibits better performance than TiO2(1+3) as WE in light‐driven water splitting. Detailed photoelectrochemical studies on these DS‐PEC devices are discussed.
Gate‐level body biasing for subthreshold logic circuits: analytical modeling and design guidelines
Authors: Albano D. , Lanuzza M. , Taco R. , Crupi F. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryGate‐level body biasing provides an attractive solution to increase speed and robustness against process and temperature variations while maintaining energy efficiency. In this paper, the behavior of basic logic gates, designed according to the proposed design technique, is analytically examined with the main purpose of furnishing important guidelines to design efficient subthreshold digital circuits. Our modeling has been fully validated by comparing the predicted results with SPICE simulations performed for a commercial 45‐nm complementary metal oxide semiconductor technology. Considering process, temperature and loading capacitance variations, the delay of an inverter is predicted with a maximum error lower than 16.5%. Even better results are obtained when our modeling is applied to more complex logic gates. Under process, loading capacitance and temperature variations, the delay of NAND2 and NOR2 logic gates is always predicted with an error below 10%. Good agreement between the predicted and simulated results makes our modeling a valuable support during the circuit design phase. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic and metal analyses of fragmented populations of Betula papyrifera (Marsh) in a mining reclaimed region: identification of population–diagnostic molecular marker
Authors: Theriault Gabriel , Nkongolo Kabwe K. , Michael Paul 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWhite birch (Betula papyrifera) is an open pollinate species that is, dominant in the Northern Ontario after land reclamation. In fact, this species represents 65% of all trees in the region. We hypothesized that the exchange of genetic information between fragmented populations by range‐wide paternal introgression is possible in wind‐pollinated species such as B. papyrifera. On the other hand, the effects of heavy metal contamination from the mining activities on plant growth and population dynamics are well documented. The main objectives of this study were (1) to assess the level of genetic variation, gene flow, and population sustainability of B. papyrifera after land reclamation; and (2) to determine the level of phytoavailable metals in soil and their accumulation in trees. We found that B. papyrifera is a Ni and Zn accumulator with a translocation factor of 6.4 and 81, respectively, and an indicator of Cu and Pb. The level of polymorphic loci, Shannon index, Nei's genetic diversity, observed number of alleles, and gene flow were determined for the fragmented populations within the targeted region. The percent of polymorphic loci ranged from 28% to 56%; the gene flow was also low with a value of 0.89, and the population differentiation was very high with a value of 0.36. Two population–diagnostic ISSR markers were identified. They were cloned, sequenced, and converted to SCAR markers. Overall, the fragmented populations of B. papyrifera in Northern Ontario are genetically sustainable based on the moderate level of intrapopulation variability.
Physics‐based numerical modelling of large braided rivers dominated by suspended sediment
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Lin Binliang , Zhou Jianjun 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPhysics‐based models have been increasingly developed in recent years and applied to simulate the braiding process and evolution of channel units in braided rivers. However, limited attention is given to lowland braided rivers where the transport of suspended sediment plays a dominant role. In the present study, a numerical model based on the basic physics laws of hydrodynamics and sediment transport is used to simulate the evolution process of a braided river dominated by suspended load transport. The model employs a fractional method to simulate the transport of graded sediments and uses a multiple‐bed‐layer approach to represent the sediment sorting process. An idealized braided river has been produced, with the hydrodynamic, sediment transport and morphological processes being analysed. In particular, the formation process of local pool–bar units in the predicted river has been investigated. A sensitivity analysis has also been undertaken to investigate the effects of grid resolution and an upstream perturbation on the model prediction. A variety of methods are applied to analyse the geometrical and topographical properties of the modelled river. Self‐organizing characteristics related to river geometry and topography are analysed by state‐space plots, which indicate a close relationship with the periodical erosion and deposition cycles of braiding. Cross‐sectional topography and slope frequency display similar geometries to natural rivers. Scaling characteristics are found by correlation analysis of bar parameters. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Yeast studies reveal moonlighting functions of the ancient actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Sattlegger Evelyn , Chernova Tatiana A. , Gogoi Neeku M. , Pillai Indu V. , Chernoff Yury O. , Munn Alan L. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractClassic functions of the actin cytoskeleton include control of cell size and shape and the internal organization of cells. These functions are manifest in cellular processes of fundamental importance throughout biology such as the generation of cell polarity, cell migration, cell adhesion, and cell division. However, studies in the unicellular model eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker's yeast) are giving insights into other functions in which the actin cytoskeleton plays a critical role. These include endocytosis, control of protein translation, and determination of protein 3‐dimensional shape (especially conversion of normal cellular proteins into prions). Here, we present a concise overview of these new “moonlighting” roles for the actin cytoskeleton and how some of these roles might lie at the heart of important molecular switches. This is an exciting time for researchers interested in the actin cytoskeleton. We show here how studies of actin are leading us into many new and exciting realms at the interface of genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology. While many of the pioneering studies have been conducted using yeast, the conservation of the actin cytoskeleton and its component proteins throughout eukaryotes suggests that these new roles for the actin cytoskeleton may not be restricted to yeast cells but rather may reflect new roles for the actin cytoskeleton of all eukaryotes. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(8):538–545, 2014
DIMENSIONS OF EXECUTIVE POSITIONS: A STUDY OF THE BASIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POSITIONS OF NINETY‐THREE BUSINESS EXECUTIVES
Authors: Hemphill John K. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTA research form of an Executive Position Description questionnaire, containing 575 items or positions elements, was completed by 93 business executives. Each respondent utilized a seven‐point response scale to describe his position in terms of the degree each element was a “part of the position.” The executives were from five companies and were selected from three management levels and five functional areas of business.The interrelationship among the descriptions of their positions was determined by correlating the response of pairs of the 93 respondents over the 575 items. Tucker's inter‐battery factor analysis method was applied to an off‐diagonal sub‐matrix of these intercorrelations which was defined by designating 47 positions in the function areas of Research and Development, Manufacturing, and Industrial Relations as Battery “1” and 46 positions in Sales, and General Administration as Battery “2.”Ten factors were obtained for each battery and then were rotated toward orthogonal simple structure. The ten factors were identified as follows:
Providing a Staff Service in a Non‐Operations Area.
Supervision of Work
Business Control
Technical – Markets and Products
Human, Community and Social Affairs
Long Range Planning
Exercise of Broad Power and Authority
Business Reputation
Personal Demands
Preservation of AssetsThe factor analysis was based on correlations between positions but the position titles alone proved to be inadequate to reveal the basic nature of factors that were extracted. In order to identify the factor it was necessary to compute a set of weights for each battery which when applied to the responses of the 575 items would best estimate the loadings on each of the ten factors. The weights were also used to select 50 items for each dimension for purposes of factor scoring.The factor scores resulting from the use of 50 item scoring keys were found to have reliabilities ranging from .74 to .89. Low intercorrelations among the ten scores indicated their relative independence.It is suggested that the revised questionnaire will serve a distinct purpose in research on the abilities or personal qualities required in executive work by making it possible to conduct studies on more homogeneous classes of positions. This method of executive position description also may find practical application in (1) clarification of the nature of specific positions for the incumbent and his superior (2) planning systematic job rotations for the purpose of executive development and (3) providing an objective base for executive salary administration.
ON THE DIMENSIONALITY OF THE WAIS BATTERY FOR TWO GROUPS OF NORMAL MALES1
Authors: Saunders D. R. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTFactor analysis is applied to two 19 by 19 intercorrelation matrices of Wechsler split‐half subtest scores, in order to estimate the dimensionality of the basic battery. All of the WAIS tests except Vocabulary were given. The subjects were 228 male college or college‐preparatory students.Evidence is adduced supporting the statistical significance of 10 orthogonal dimensions within the 10‐test battery studied, but the factors are not perfectly congruent with the subtest structure of the battery. Comprehension is found to involve two distinct factors, while no distinctive and significant factor is found for Object Assembly; the reliability of the latter can be accounted for by the Block Design and Picture Completion factors. An eleventh factor which can be interpreted as a weak doublet for Object Assembly is of questionable significance.The results are consistent with the efforts of some clinical psychologists to interpret the Wechsler “psychogram” as a personality measure, provided attention is given to the individual items of the Comprehension and Picture Completion tests. The results are also consistent with prior factor studies of the Wechsler which have found only three to five factors; the large superficial difference in the results may be attributed to a limiting feature implicit in the methodology of most prior studies.
Influence of fluorescent dye on physical–mechanical properties of luting cements for confocal microscopy analysis
Authors: Oliveira Dayane , Prieto Lúcia , Araújo Cíntia , Coppini Erick , Pereira Gisele , Paulillo Luís 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTAims: To evaluate the influence of a fluorescent dye (rhodamine B) on the physical and mechanical properties of three different luting cements: a conventional adhesive luting cement (RelyX ARC, 3M/ESPE), a self‐adhesive luting cement (RelyX U‐200, 3M/ESPE), and a self‐etching and self‐adhesive luting cement (SeT PP, SDI). Materials and Methods: The cements were mixed with 0.03 wt% rhodamine B, formed into bar‐shaped specimens (n = 10), and light cured using an LED curing unit (Radii, SDI) with a radiant exposure of 32 J/cm2. The Knoop hardness (KHN), flexural strength (FS), and Young's modulus (YM) analyses were evaluated after storage for 24 h. Results: Outcomes were subjected to two‐way ANOVA and Tukey's test (P = 0.05) for multiple comparisons. No significant differences in FS or YM were observed among the tested groups (P ≥ 0.05); the addition of rhodamine B increased the hardness of the luting cements tested. Conclusion: The addition of a fluorescent agent at 0.03 wt% concentration does not negatively affect the physical–mechanical properties of the luting cement polymerization behavior. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:986–988, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accuracy of semiquantitative dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI for differentiating type II from type I endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Fukunaga Takeru , Fujii Shinya , Inoue Chie , Kato Ayumi , Chikumi Jun , Kaminou Toshio , Ogawa Toshihide 
Published: August 2014

PurposeTo investigate type II endometrial carcinoma characterization using dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of semiquantitative DCE‐MRI in differentiating type II from type I tumors.Materials and MethodsSeventy‐seven patients with endometrial carcinoma were retrospectively evaluated using 3T DCE‐MRI. The maximum absolute enhancement of signal intensity (SImax), maximum relative enhancement (SIrel), wash‐in rate (WIR), and the SImax/SI (piriformis) ratio were analyzed. To differentiate type I from type II tumors, optimal threshold criteria were established. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used for statistical comparison and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine optimal cutoff values.ResultsThe SIrel (P < 0.001), WIR (P < 0.0001), and SImax/SI (piriformis) ratio (P < 0.0001), but not SImax, differed significantly between type I and type II carcinomas. Cutoff values of SIrel ≥58.8, WIR ≥37.0, and SImax/SI (piriformis) ratio ≥1.55 had sensitivities of 93%, 93%, and 67%, specificities of 60%, 60%, and 79%, accuracies of 66%, 66%, and 67%, respectively, for predicting type II endometrial carcinoma.ConclusionEndometrial carcinoma with strong (high level) enhancement on DCE‐MRI is suggestive of type II endometrial carcinoma. Semiquantitative evaluation of DCE‐MRI may be useful for differentiating type II from type I tumors. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1662–1668. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.