bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Dense Amorphous Si2BC3N Monoliths with Excellent Mechanical Properties Prepared by High Pressure Sintering
Authors: Liang Bin , Yang Zhihua , Rao Jiancun , Cai Delong , Duan Xiaoming , Jia Dechang , Zhou Yu , Yu Dongli , Tian Yongjun 
Published: August 2015

The fabrication of dense amorphous Si–B–C–N monoliths is a processing challenge given that it is hard to avoid crystallization at the sintering temperatures needed to attain full density up to 1900°C for conventional hot pressing and SPS methods. We report here successful densification of amorphous Si2BC3N monoliths achieved by heating at 1100°C and 5 GPa. The relationships between microstructure, types of chemical bonding, and mechanical properties were investigated. The strong amorphous 3‐D networks of Si–C, C–B, C‐N (sp3), N‐B (sp3), and C–B–N bonds provide high densities at high applied pressure and thus amorphous Si2BC3N monoliths show high hardness of 29.4 GPa and elastic modulus of 291 GPa. The amorphous structure is lost with crystallization of β‐SiC and BN(C) reducing contributions from Si–C, C‐N (sp3), and C–B–N bond networks thereby decreasing mechanical properties.
Why Keep a Dog and Bark Yourself? Making Choices for Non‐Human Animals
Authors: Yeates James W. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAnimals are usually considered to lack the status of autonomous agents. Nevertheless, they do appear to make ostensible choices. This article considers whether, and how, I should respect animals' choices. I propose a concept of volitionality which can be respected if, and insofar as, doing so is in the best interests of the animal. Applying that concept, I (we) will argue that an animals' choices be respected when the relevant human decision maker's capacities to decide are potentially challenged or compromised. For example, it will be best to respect the animals' choice when the human decision maker: (1) lacks accurate knowledge of the animal's subjective experiences; (2) does not know what will lead to desirable experiences or allow for the avoidance of undesirable ones; (3) is biased; (4) is less aware of the animal's specific situation; (5) cannot appreciate all elements comprehensively, including considering any (content‐neutral) value to the animal being allowed to make and implement a choice, such as where a lack of control or liberty would be unpleasant or where an animal would usefully learn from the process of choice‐making; and (6) when the animal's choice is achievable. This additionally suggests that we may often beneficially choose to set up situations that empower animals to make better choices.
Recovery of Flavonoids from Walnuts De‐Pellicle Wastewater with Macroporous Resins and Evaluation of Antioxidant Activities In Vitro
Authors: Zhu Yaxin , Song Hao , Zhang Xu , Chen Chaoyin , Zhao Shenglan , Ge Feng , Liu Diqiu 
Published: August 2015

AbstractWalnut de‐pellicle wastewater is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids that are significant to resource and environment. Enrichment and purification of flavonoids from walnut de‐pellicle wastewater were investigated by five macroporous resins. As static tests shown, AB‐8 resin was the most appropriate, and the adsorption data were fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Meanwhile, dynamic adsorption and desorption tests on packed columns of AB‐8 resin were optimized. The optimal adsorption parameters were found to be 0.34 mg/mL, 2.67 bed volume (BV), 7.0, 2 BV/h and 25C for initial concentrations in sample solution, loading amount, pH, flow rate and temperature, respectively. At the same time, the optimal desorption parameters were 80% ethanol each 2 BV. The recovery yield and purity of flavonoids were 81.73 and 61.35%, respectively. The results also indicated that AB‐8 resin had pretty good ability to achieve the enrichment of flavonoids from walnut milk wastewater. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities of purified flavonoids were evaluated in vitro, which revealed that the DPPH radical scavenging effect reached 83.47% at the concentration of 120 μg/mL, while the hydroxyl radical scavenging effect increased from 14.01 to 81.62% at different concentrations (0.2–1.6 mg/mL), and the superoxide anion scavenging effect changed from 14.81 to 85.03% at different concentrations (0.1–0.8 mg/mL). Moreover, the reducing ability appeared to be dose dependent of the flavonoids. In a word, the purified flavonoids could be used as a source of potential antioxidant.Practical ApplicationsTraditionally, the walnut de‐pellicle wastewater (WDW) rich in a lot of bioactive components is often poured directly to river, which causes serious pollution and the waste of resource. The method of enrichment and separation of flavonoids from WDW can not only improve the utilization of WDW but also create greater economic benefits, which provide some financial support for enterprise wastewater treatment because of the high content of flavonoids extracted from WDW. Meanwhile, the method of enrichment and separation of flavonoids from WDW is in accordance with the principles of green extraction, which makes the best use of renewable walnut resources to achieve a nondenatured and biodegradable extract without contaminants.
Effect of resveratrol on experimental non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease depends on severity of pathology and timing of treatment
Authors: Heebøll Sara , El‐Houri Rime Bahij , Hellberg Ylva Erika Kristina , Haldrup David , Pedersen Steen Bønløkke , Jessen Niels , Christensen Lars Porskjær , Grønbæk Henning 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackground and AimNon‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease with few therapeutic options. Resveratrol (RSV) prevents the development of steatosis in a number of experimental fatty liver (non‐alcoholic fatty liver [NAFL]) models, but the preventive or therapeutic effects on experimental NASH are not yet clarified, and clinical results on non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease are ambiguous. Thus, we aimed to compare the RSV‐mediated preventive and therapeutic effects on experimental NAFL and NASH.MethodsWe used a high‐fat (HF) diet to generate a rat NAFL model and a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol (HFC) diet to generate a rat NASH model. The preventive and therapeutic potential of RSV was tested by adding RSV to the HF and HFC diet from study start or after 1 week of the diets. Animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks with appropriate controls. Blood and liver were harvested for analysis, including measurement of RSV metabolites.ResultsResveratrol reduced the development of histological steatosis (P = 0.03) and partly triglyceride accumulation (fold change reduced from 3.6 to 2.4, P = 0.08) in the male NAFL model, although effects were moderate. In NASH prevention, RSV reduced the accumulation of triglyceride in hepatic tissue (P < 0.01), while there was no effect on biochemical, histopathological, or transcriptional NASH changes. Further, RSV had no therapeutic effect on established NASH. We found RSV metabolites but no parent RSV in serum or liver tissue, confirming low bioavailability.ConclusionsThese experimental findings suggest that a weak hepatic benefit of RSV treatment is seen in prevention of steatosis only.
Levels of Acculturation of Chinese Older Adults in the Greater Chicago Area — The Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago
Authors: Dong XinQi , Bergren Stephanie M. , Chang E‐Shien 
Published: August 2015

Acculturation is a difficult process for minority older adults for a variety of reasons, including access and exposure to mainstream culture, competing ethnic identities, and linguistic ability and preference. There is a paucity of research regarding overall level of acculturation for Chinese older adults in the United States. This study aimed to provide an overall estimate of level of acculturation of Chinese older adults in the United States and to examine correlations between sociodemographic characteristics, self‐reported health measures, and level of acculturation. Data were collected through the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago (PINE) study. This community‐based participatory research study surveyed 3,159 Chinese older adults aged 60 and older. The PINE Study Acculturation Scale was used to assess level of acculturation in three dimensions: language preference, media use, and ethnic social relations. Mean acculturation level for all items was 15.3 ± 5.1, indicating low levels of acculturation. Older age, more offspring, lower income, fewer years living in the United States, lower overall health status, and lower quality of life were associated with lower levels of acculturation. Level of acculturation was low in Chinese older adults, and certain subsets of the population were more likely to have a lower level of acculturation. Future research should investigate causality and effects of level of acculturation.
Treated Behavioral Symptoms and Mortality in Medicare Beneficiaries in Nursing Homes with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Authors: Huang Ting‐Ying , Wei Yu‐Jung , Moyo Patience , Harris Ilene , Lucas Judith A. , Simoni‐Wastila Linda 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesTo assess changes in behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRDs) after antipsychotic (AP) or antidepressant (AD) treatment and to estimate the effect of treatment response on mortality risk.DesignRetrospective cohort study using 2006–2009 Medicare administrative and prescription drug claims data linked to Minimum Data Set 2.0.SettingLong‐stay (≥101 days) nursing home residents.ParticipantsContinuously enrolled fee‐for‐service Medicare beneficiaries who had ADRDs, initiated (no use in prior 6 months) AP (n = 2,035) or AD (n = 1,661) treatment during or after one or more behavioral symptoms (verbally abusive, physically abusive, socially inappropriate or disruptive behavior) presented, and had reassessment of behavioral symptoms after 3 consecutive months of the initiated treatment.MeasurementsBehavioral symptom change was measured according to score (range 0–9, based on number and frequency of symptoms) change between baseline and reassessment (improved, <0; unchanged, 0; worsened, >0). Survival analyses were conducted on time to death after reassessment, comparing residents whose symptoms improved with those whose symptoms remained unchanged or worsened.ResultsAPs and ADs were comparable in treatment effectiveness, as evidenced by more than 85% of the behavioral symptom episodes in each cohort improving or remaining stable. Mortality risk was lower in both cohorts (AP: adjusted hazard ratio (aHRAP) = 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.81–1.07; AD: aHRAD = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.70–0.97) for residents whose symptoms improved than for those whose symptoms unchanged or worsened.ConclusionADs may be reasonable pharmacological alternatives to APs in clinical management of ADRD‐related behavioral symptoms. Initial treatment response may alter medication‐associated mortality risk. Further study is needed to confirm findings using other data and behavioral symptom–specific instruments.
Association Between Visuospatial Ability and Vestibular Function in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging
Authors: Bigelow Robin T. , Semenov Yevgeniy R. , Trevino Carolina , Ferrucci Luigi , Resnick Susan M. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Xue Qian‐Li , Agrawal Yuri 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate the relationship between vestibular loss associated with aging and age‐related decline in visuospatial function.DesignCross‐sectional analysis within a prospective cohort study.SettingBaltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA).ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling BLSA participants with a mean age of 72 (range 26–91) (N = 183).MeasurementsVestibular function was measured using vestibular‐evoked myogenic potentials. Visuospatial cognitive tests included Card Rotations, Purdue Pegboard, Benton Visual Retention Test, and Trail‐Making Test Parts A and B. Tests of executive function, memory, and attention were also considered.ResultsParticipants underwent vestibular and cognitive function testing. In multiple linear regression analyses, poorer vestibular function was associated with poorer performance on Card Rotations (P = .001), Purdue Pegboard (P = .005), Benton Visual Retention Test (P = 0.008), and Trail‐Making Test Part B (P = .04). Performance on tests of executive function and verbal memory were not significantly associated with vestibular function. Exploratory factor analyses in a subgroup of participants who underwent all cognitive tests identified three latent cognitive abilities: visuospatial ability, verbal memory, and working memory and attention. Vestibular loss was significantly associated with lower visuospatial and working memory and attention factor scores.ConclusionSignificant consistent associations between vestibular function and tests of visuospatial ability were observed in a sample of community‐dwelling adults. Impairment in visuospatial skills is often one of the first signs of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Further longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate whether the relationship between vestibular function and visuospatial ability is causal.
Dairy Consumption and Risk of Frailty in Older Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Lana Alberto , Rodriguez‐Artalejo Fernando , Lopez‐Garcia Esther 
Published: August 2015

ObjectivesTo examine the association between consumption of dairy products and risk of frailty in community‐dwelling older adults.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingGeneral population from the older cohort of the Study on Nutrition and Cardiovascular Risk in Spain.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling adults aged 60 and older free of frailty at baseline (N = 1,871).MeasurementsFrom 2008 to 2010, food consumption was assessed using a validated diet history. Participants were examined again in 2012 to assess incident frailty, defined as at least three of the five Fried criteria (exhaustion, weakness, low physical activity, slow walking speed, unintentional weight loss). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) for the main confounders were obtained using logistic regression.ResultsDuring follow‐up, 134 new cases of frailty were identified. Participants consuming seven or more servings per week of low‐fat milk and yogurt had lower incidence of frailty (OR = 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.29–0.90; P for trend = .03) than those consuming less than one serving per week. Specifically, consumers of seven or more servings per week of low‐fat milk and yogurt had less risk of slow walking speed (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.44–0.92, P trend = .01) and of weight loss (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.33–0.87, P trend = .02). Consuming seven or more servings per week of whole milk or yogurt (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 0.90–2.60, P trend = .10) or of cheese (OR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.52–1.61; P trend = .61) was not associated with incident frailty.ConclusionHigher consumption of low‐fat milk and yogurt was associated with lower risk of frailty and, specifically, of slow walking speed and weight loss. Current recommendations to prevent frailty include protein supplementation; thus, although experimental research is needed, increasing the consumption of low‐fat yogurt and milk might prevent frailty in older adults.
A Novel Approach to Characterize Data Uncertainty in Material Flow Analysis and its Application to Plastics Flows in Austria
Authors: Laner David , Feketitsch Julia , Rechberger Helmut , Fellner Johann 
Published: August 2015

SummaryMaterial flow analysis (MFA) is widely used to investigate flows and stocks of resources or pollutants in a defined system. Data availability to quantify material flows on a national or global level is often limited owing to data scarcity or lacking data. MFA input data are therefore considered inherently uncertain. In this work, an approach to characterize the uncertainty of MFA input data is presented and applied to a case study on plastics flows in major Austrian consumption sectors in the year 2010. The developed approach consists of data quality assessment as a basis for estimating the uncertainty of input data. Four different implementations of the approach with respect to the translation of indicator scores to uncertainty ranges (linear‐ vs. exponential‐type functions) and underlying probability distributions (normal vs. log‐normal) are examined. The case study results indicate that the way of deriving uncertainty estimates for material flows has a stronger effect on the uncertainty ranges of the resulting plastics flows than the assumptions about the underlying probability distributions. Because these uncertainty estimates originate from data quality evaluation as well as uncertainty characterization, it is crucial to use a well‐defined approach, building on several steps to ensure the consistent translation of the data quality underlying material flow calculations into their associated uncertainties. Although subjectivity is inherent in uncertainty assessment in MFA, the proposed approach is consistent and provides a comprehensive documentation of the choices underlying the uncertainty analysis, which is essential to interpret the results and use MFA as a decision support tool.
Life Cycle Water Use of Ford Focus Gasoline and Ford Focus Electric Vehicles
Authors: Kim Hyung Chul , Wallington Timothy J. , Mueller Sherry A. , Bras Bert , Guldberg Tina , Tejada Francisco 
Published: August 2015

SummaryLiterature data for vehicle life cycle water consumption are limited and contradictory; there are no published estimates of vehicle life cycle water withdrawal. To place future discussions of sustainable mobility on a firmer technical basis, we report the results of a cradle‐to‐grave assessment of water withdrawal and water consumption for the gasoline internal combustion engine vehicle (ICEV) and battery electric vehicle (BEV) variants of the 2012 Ford Focus. U.S. average life cycle water withdrawal and consumption of 531 and 131 cubic meters (m3), respectively, for a lifetime driving distance of 160,000 miles are estimated for the Focus ICEV using E10 gasoline. Employing our upper bound of water use in oil refinery operations and corn and ethanol production increases the life cycle withdrawal and consumption to 1,570 and 761 m3, respectively. The U.S. average life cycle water withdrawal for the Focus BEV is 3,770 m3 (7 times that for the ICEV, reflecting the large volume of cooling water required during electricity generation), whereas the water consumption is 170 m3 (comparable to that for the ICEV). Vehicle use is the most significant phase of the life cycle with fuel production, accounting for 49% of water withdrawal and 82% of water consumption for the ICEV. For the BEV, fuel (electricity) production accounts for 92% of life cycle water withdrawal and 85% of consumption. The results highlight the importance of renewable and sustainable fuels and increased vehicle energy efficiency in providing sustainable mobility.
Safety and efficacy of ranirestat in patients with mild‐to‐moderate diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy
Authors: Polydefkis Michael , Arezzo Joseph , Nash Marshall , Bril Vera , Shaibani Aziz , Gordon Robert J. , Bradshaw Kate L. , Junor Roderick W. J. ,   on behalf of the Ranirestat Study Group
Published: August 2015

AbstractWe examined the efficacy and safety of ranirestat in patients with diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSPN). Patients (18–75 years) with stable type 1/2 diabetes mellitus and DSPN were eligible for this global, double‐blind, phase II/III study (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00927914). Patients (n = 800) were randomized 1 : 1 : 1 to placebo, ranirestat 40 mg/day or 80 mg/day (265 : 264 : 271). Change in peroneal motor nerve conduction velocity (PMNCV) from baseline to 24 months was the primary endpoint with a goal improvement vs. placebo ≥1.2 m/s. Other endpoints included symptoms, quality‐of‐life, and safety. Six hundred thirty‐three patients completed the study. The PMNCV difference from placebo was significant at 6, 12, and 18 months in both ranirestat groups, but <1.2 m/s. The mean improvement from baseline at 24 months was +0.49, +0.95, and +0.90 m/s for placebo, ranirestat 40 mg and 80 mg, respectively (NS). The treatment difference vs. placebo reached significance when ranirestat groups were combined in a post hoc analysis (+0.44 m/s; p = 0.0237). There was no effect of ranirestat on safety assessments, secondary or exploratory endpoints vs. placebo. Ranirestat was well tolerated and improved PMNCV, but did not achieve any efficacy endpoints. The absence of PMNCV worsening in the placebo group underscores the challenges of DSPN studies in patients with well‐controlled diabetes.
Pregnancy outcomes among mothers aged 15 years or less
Authors: Traisrisilp Kuntharee , Jaiprom Jedsada , Luewan Suchaya , Tongsong Theera 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine pregnancy outcomes among early adolescent women (aged ≤ 15 years) compared with those in late adolescence (16–19 years) and adults aged 20–30 years.Material and MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted on singleton pregnancies with maternal age ≤15 years (early adolescent), 16–19 years (late adolescent), and 20–30 years (adult). The primary outcomes for comparison were the rates of preterm birth, low birthweight, growth restriction and cesarean section.ResultsA total of 33 777 pregnancies, 298 early adolescent, 4456 late adolescent, and 29 023 adults, were enrolled. Most baseline characteristics were comparable but rates of pregnancy complicated by medical diseases were significantly higher in the adults, especially diabetes mellitus and chronic hypertension. When compared to the adult group, the early adolescent group had significantly higher rates of preterm birth (31.9% vs 14.5%, P < 0.001), growth restriction (11.7% vs 7.1%, P = 0.002), low birthweight (28.9% vs 14.7%, P < 0.001), while maternal morbidity, such as pre‐eclampsia and placenta previa, was similar. Likewise, most of the main outcomes in early adolescents were also significantly higher than those in late adolescents, but with lesser degrees. Interestingly, the primary cesarean rate was significantly lower in early adolescent women (6.7% vs 12.3%, P = 0.005).ConclusionEarly adolescent pregnancy was associated with higher risks of adverse pregnancy outcomes, in particular preterm birth and growth restriction, though most maternal morbidity was comparable with that in the control groups. Cesarean rate was significantly lower in early adolescent mothers. This information should be provided to women and their families.