bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Body size distributions of the pale grass blue butterfly in Japan: Size rules and the status of the Fukushima population
Authors: Taira Wataru , Iwasaki Mayo , Otaki Joji M. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe body size of the pale grass blue butterfly, Zizeeria maha, has been used as an environmental indicator of radioactive pollution caused by the Fukushima nuclear accident. However, geographical and temporal size distributions in Japan and temperature effects on size have not been established in this species. Here, we examined the geographical, temporal and temperature-dependent changes of the forewing size of Z. maha argia in Japan. Butterflies collected in 2012 and 2013 from multiple prefectures throughout Japan demonstrated an inverse relationship of latitude and forewing size, which is the reverse of Bergmann’s cline. The Fukushima population was significantly larger than the Aomori and Miyagi populations and exhibited no difference from most of the other prefectural populations. When monitored at a single geographic locality every other month, forewing sizes were the largest in April and the smallest in August. Rearing larvae at a constant temperature demonstrated that forewing size followed the temperature-size rule. Therefore, the converse Bergmann’s rule and the temperature-size rule coexist in this multivoltine species. Our study establishes this species as a useful environmental indicator and supports the idea that the size reduction observed only in Fukushima Prefecture in 2011 was caused by the environmental stress of radioactive pollution.
Blood pressure and mortality: using offspring blood pressure as an instrument for own blood pressure in the HUNT study
Authors: Wade Kaitlin H , Carslake David , Ivar Nilsen Tom , Timpson Nicholas J , Davey Smith George , Romundstad Pål 
Published: July 2015

AbstractGiven that observational associations may be inaccurate, we used offspring blood pressure (BP) to provide alternative estimates of the associations between own BP and mortality. Observational associations between BP and mortality, estimated as hazard ratios (HRs) from Cox regression, were compared to HRs obtained using offspring BP as an instrumental variable (IV) for own BP (N = 32,227 mother-offspring and 27,535 father-offspring pairs). Observationally, there were positive associations between own BP and mortality from all-causes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and diabetes. Point estimates of the associations between BP and mortality from all-causes, CVD and CHD were amplified in magnitude when using offspring BP as an IV. For example, the HR for all-cause mortality per standard deviation (SD) increase in own systolic BP (SBP) obtained in conventional observational analyses increased from 1.10 (95% CI: 1.09–1.12; P < 0.0001) to 1.31 (95% CI: 1.19–1.43; P < 0.0001). Additionally, SBP was positively associated with diabetes and cancer mortality (HRs: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.12–3.35; P = 0.02 and 1.20; 95% CI: 1.02–1.42; P = 0.03, respectively) and diastolic BP (DBP) with stroke mortality (HR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.02–1.66; P = 0.03). Results support positive associations between BP and mortality from all-causes, CVD and CHD, SBP on cancer mortality and DBP on stroke mortality.
Specialised emission pattern of leaf trace in a late Permian (253 million-years old) conifer
Authors: Wei Hai-Bo , Feng Zhuo , Yang Ji-Yuan , Chen Yu-Xuan , Shen Jia-Jia , He Xiao-Yuan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractLeaf traces are important structures in higher plants that connect leaves and the stem vascular system. The anatomy and emission pattern of leaf traces are well studied in extant vascular plants, but remain poorly understood in fossil lineages. We quantitatively analysed the leaf traces in the late Permian conifer Ningxiaites specialis from Northwest China based on serial sections through pith, primary and secondary xylems. A complete leaf traces emission pattern of a conifer is presented for the first time from the late Palaeozoic. Three to five monarch leaf traces are grouped in clusters, arranged in a helical phyllotaxis. The leaf traces in each cluster can be divided into upper, middle and lower portions and initiate at the pith periphery and cross the wood horizontally. The upper leaf trace increases its diameter during the first growth increment and then diminishes completely, which indicates leaf abscission at the end of the first year. The middle trace immediately bifurcates once or twice to form two or three vascular bundles. The lower trace persists as a single bundle during its entire length. The intricate leaf trace dynamics indicates this fossil plant had a novel evolutionary habit by promoting photosynthetic capability for the matured plant.
Fish-seastar facilitation leads to algal forest restoration on protected rocky reefs
Authors: Galasso Nicola M. , Bonaviri Chiara , Trapani Francesco Di , Picciotto Mariagrazia , Gianguzza Paola , Agnetta Davide , Badalamenti Fabio 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAlthough protected areas can lead to recovery of overharvested species, it is much less clear whether the return of certain predator species or a diversity of predator species can lead to re-establishment of important top-down forces that regulate whole ecosystems. Here we report that the algal recovery in a Mediterranean Marine Protected Area did not derive from the increase in the traditional strong predators, but rather from the establishment of a previously unknown interaction between the thermophilic fish Thalassoma pavo and the seastar Marthasterias glacialis. The interaction resulted in elevated predation rates on sea urchins responsible for algal overgrazing. Manipulative experiments and field observations revealed that the proximity of the seastars triggered an escape response in sea urchins, extending their tube feet. Fishes exploited this behavior by feeding on the exposed tube feet, thus impairing urchin movement and making them vulnerable to predation by the seastars. These findings suggest that predator diversity generated by MPA establishment can activate positive interactions among predators, with subsequent restoration of the ecosystem structure and function through cascading consumer impacts.
Direct experimental observation of weakly-bound character of the attached electron in europium anion
Authors: Cheng Shi-Bo , Castleman A. W. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDirect experimental determination of precise electron affinities (EAs) of lanthanides is a longstanding challenge to experimentalists. Considerable debate exists in previous experiment and theory, hindering the complete understanding about the properties of the atomic anions. Herein, we report the first precise photoelectron imaging spectroscopy of europium (Eu), with the aim of eliminating prior contradictions. The measured EA (0.116 ± 0.013 eV) of Eu is in excellent agreement with recently reported theoretical predictions, providing direct spectroscopic evidence that the additional electron is weakly attached. Additionally, a new experimental strategy is proposed that can significantly increase the yield of the lanthanide anions, opening up the best opportunity to complete the periodic table of the atomic anions. The present findings not only serve to resolve previous discrepancy but also will help in improving the depth and accuracy of our understanding about the fundamental properties of the atomic anions.
Exploiting Non-Markovianity for Quantum Control
Authors: Reich Daniel M. , Katz Nadav , Koch Christiane P. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractQuantum technology, exploiting entanglement and the wave nature of matter, relies on the ability to accurately control quantum systems. Quantum control is often compromised by the interaction of the system with its environment since this causes loss of amplitude and phase. However, when the dynamics of the open quantum system is non-Markovian, amplitude and phase flow not only from the system into the environment but also back. Interaction with the environment is then not necessarily detrimental. We show that the back-flow of amplitude and phase can be exploited to carry out quantum control tasks that could not be realized if the system was isolated. The control is facilitated by a few strongly coupled, sufficiently isolated environmental modes. Our paradigmatic example considers a weakly anharmonic ladder with resonant amplitude control only, restricting realizable operations to SO(N). The coupling to the environment, when harnessed with optimization techniques, allows for full SU(N) controllability.
Kallistatin protects against sepsis-related acute lung injury via inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis
Authors: Lin Wei-Chieh , Chen Chang-Wen , Huang Yu-Wen , Chao Lee , Chao Julie , Lin Yee-Shin , Lin Chiou-Feng 
Published: July 2015

AbstractKallistatin, an endogenous plasma protein, exhibits pleiotropic properties in inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis, as evidenced in various animal models and cultured cells. Here, we demonstrate that kallistatin levels were positively correlated with the concentration of total protein in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (BALF) from patients with sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), indicating a compensatory mechanism. Lower ratio of kallistatin to total protein in BALF showed a significant trend toward elevated neutrophil counts (P = 0.002) in BALF and increased mortality (P = 0.046). In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice, expression of human kallistatin in lung by gene transfer with human kallistatin-encoding plasmid ameliorated acute lung injury (ALI) and reduced cytokine/chemokine levels in BALF. These mice exhibited attenuated lung epithelial apoptosis and decreased Fas/FasL expression compared to the control mice. Mouse survival was improved by kallistatin gene transfer or recombinant human kallistatin treatment after LPS challenge. In LPS-stimulated A549 human lung epithelial cells, kallistatin attenuated apoptosis, down-regulated Fas/FasL signaling, suppressed intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibited ROS-mediated NF-κB activation and inflammation. Furthermore, LPS-induced apoptosis was blocked by antioxidant N-acetylcysteine or NF-κB inhibitor via down-regulating Fas expression. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of kallistatin for sepsis-related ALI/ARDS.
Anisotropic bias dependent transport property of defective phosphorene layer
Authors: Umar Farooq M. , Hashmi Arqum , Hong Jisang 
Published: July 2015

AbstractPhosphorene is receiving great research interests because of its peculiar physical properties. Nonetheless, no systematic studies on the transport properties modified due to defects have been performed. Here, we present the electronic band structure, defect formation energy and bias dependent transport property of various defective systems. We found that the defect formation energy is much less than that in graphene. The defect configuration strongly affects the electronic structure. The band gap vanishes in single vacancy layers, but the band gap reappears in divacancy layers. Interestingly, a single vacancy defect behaves like a p-type impurity for transport property. Unlike the common belief, we observe that the vacancy defect can contribute to greatly increasing the current. Along the zigzag direction, the current in the most stable single vacancy structure was significantly increased as compared with that found in the pristine layer. In addition, the current along the armchair direction was always greater than along the zigzag direction and we observed a strong anisotropic current ratio of armchair to zigzag direction.
Magnetically tunable broadband transmission through a single small aperture
Authors: Bi Ke , Liu Wenjun , Guo Yunsheng , Dong Guoyan , Lei Ming 
Published: July 2015

AbstractExtraordinary transmission through a small aperture is of great interest. However, it faces a limitation that most of approaches can not realize the tunable transmission property, which is not benefit for the miniaturization of the microwave system. Here, we demonstrate a magnetically tunable broadband transmission through a small aperture. By placing two ferrite rods symmetrically on both sides of a single small aperture, the strongly localized electromagnetic fields are effectively coupled to the two ferrite rods. Both the simulated and experimental results indicate that such structure not only realizes a nearly total transmission through a small aperture, but also obtains a magnetically tunable property. This work offers new opportunities for the miniaturization of the microwave system.
An E-Platform for Rehabilitation of Persons With Hearing Problems
Authors: Vlaescu George , Carlbring Per , Lunner Thomas , Andersson Gerhard 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
The aim of this research forum article was to describe a feasible web-based solution for improving the quality of life of persons with hearing problems, such as hearing loss or tinnitus. The online platform was developed at the Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning at Linköping University, Sweden, and has been running for a number of years and used in numerous studies and treatments.

Method
The security aspects of the platform as well as the process flow for running a study or treatment are described, focusing primarily on the technical and practical considerations. Also presented are the design characteristics and the main features and functions available in the platform.

Results
We point out the many advantages of running Internet-assisted intervention treatments, the challenges that we have faced, and some intended developments. Many of our research colleagues, both from Sweden and other countries, have already implemented or intend to implement their own studies on this platform.

Conclusions
Audiological rehabilitation can be delivered via the Internet using a stable online platform. Security and usability are important factors to have in mind for the design as well as adaptability to the patients. A next development step is to implement and test blended treatments using video conferencing inside the platform.
Readability of Internet Information on Hearing: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Laplante-Lévesque Ariane , Thorén Elisabet Sundewall 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
This systematic literature review asks the following question: “What is the readability of Internet information on hearing that people with hearing impairment and their significant others can access in the context of their hearing care?”

Method
Searches were completed in three databases: CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus. Seventy-eight records were identified and systematically screened for eligibility: 8 records were included that contained data on the readability of Internet information on hearing that people with hearing impairment and their significant others can access in the context of their hearing care.

Results
Records reported mean readability levels from 9 to over 14. In other words, people with hearing impairment and their significant others need 9 to 14 years of education to read and understand Internet information on hearing that they access in the context of their hearing care.

Conclusion
The poor readability of Internet information on hearing has been well documented; it is time to focus on valid and sustainable initiatives that address this problem.
Apps for Hearing Science and Care
Authors: Paglialonga Alessia , Tognola Gabriella , Pinciroli Francesco 
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Our research aims at the identification and assessment of applications (referred to as
apps
) in the hearing health care domain. This research forum article presents an overview of the current availability, affordability, and variety of hearing-related apps.

Method

The available apps were reviewed by searching on the leading platforms (iOS, Android, Windows Phone stores) using the keywords
hearing, audiology, audio, auditory, speech, language, tinnitus, hearing loss, hearing aid, hearing system, cochlear implant, implantable device, auditory training, hearing rehabilitation,
and
assistive technology/tool/device.
On the basis of the offered services, apps were classified into 4 application domains: (a) screening and assessment, (b) intervention and rehabilitation, (c) education and information, and (d) assistive tools.

Conclusions
A large variety of apps are available in the hearing health care domain. These cover a wide range of services for people with hearing or communication problems as well as for hearing professionals, families, or informal caregivers. This evolution can potentially bring along considerable advantages and improved outcomes in the field of hearing health care. Nevertheless, potential risks and threats (e.g., safety, quality, effectiveness, privacy, and regulation) should not be overlooked. Significant research—particularly in terms of assessment and guidance—is still needed for the informed, aware, and safe adoption of hearing-related apps by patients and professionals.
Internet Interventions for Hearing Loss
Authors: Thorén Elisabet Sundewall , Öberg Marie , Andersson Gerhard , Lunner Thomas 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
The purpose of the two studies presented in this research forum article was to develop audiological rehabilitation programs for experienced hearing aid users and evaluate them in online versions. In this research forum article, the differences between the two studies are discussed.

Method
Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed evaluating the efficacy of online rehabilitation, including professional guidance by an audiologist. In each RCT, the effects of the online programs were compared with the effects measured in a control group.

Results
The results from the first RCT showed a significant increase in activity and participation for both groups with participants in the intervention group improving more than those in the control group. At the 6-month follow-up, after the study, the significant increase was maintained; however, amounts of increase in the two groups were no longer significantly different. The results from the second RCT showed significant increase in activity and participation for the intervention group, although the control group did not improve.

Conclusions
The results from the RCTs provide evidence that the Internet can be used to deliver rehabilitation to hearing-aid users and that their problems are reduced by the intervention; however, the content of the online rehabilitation program requires further investigation.
Language Ability Groups in Bilingual Children: A Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Kapantzoglou Maria , Restrepo M. Adelaida , Gray Shelley , Thompson Marilyn S. 
Published: July 2015

Purpose
Classifying children into two language ability groups, with and without language impairment, may underestimate the number of groups with distinct language ability patterns, or, alternatively, there may be only a single group characterized by a continuum of language performance. The purpose of the current study was to identify the number and characteristics of latent (unobservable) language ability groups in an unclassified sample of predominantly Spanish-speaking children.

Method
An unclassified sample of 431 predominantly Spanish-speaking 5- to 7-year-olds learning English participated in the study. The groups were identified on the basis of (a) language sample analyses (semantic, grammatical, and sentence-length measures); (b) language processing tasks (phonological working memory and processing speed measures); and (c) nonverbal cognitive abilities assessed using a standardized measure. All tasks were administered in Spanish. Latent profile analysis was used to examine the number and nature of distinct language ability groups in the unclassified sample.

Results
Results indicated that a three-group model best represented the data, characterized by low grammaticality in one group, low phonological working memory in another group, and average skills in a third group.

Conclusion
Classifying children into two groups, those with and without language impairment, may lead to misidentification of language impairment.
Inter‐module state‐of‐charge balancing and fault‐tolerant operation of cascaded H‐bridge converter using multi‐dimensional modulation for electric vehicle application
Authors: Kandasamy Karthik , Vilathgamuwa Mahinda , Tseng King Jet 
Published: July 2015

This study presents a method for module‐level state‐of‐charge (SOC) balancing and fault‐tolerant operation of the cascaded H‐bridge (CHB) converter‐based battery energy storage system for electric vehicle (EV) application. The proposed methods are based on the multi‐dimensional pulse‐width modulation (MD‐PWM) strategy. It is shown that the proposed methods are conveniently integrated with the PWM generation algorithm. A conceptual design of modular battery pack (or micro‐pack) system using lithium‐ion cells for the CHB converter is described to show its feasibility for EV application. A brief review on the MD‐PWM strategy and a detailed explanation on the method to integrate the inter‐module SOC balancing and fault‐tolerant control with the PWM generation are presented. Experimental results from the laboratory setup of a five‐level CHB converter driving an induction motor with a battery system consisting of six 52.8 V 60 Ah (16 lithium‐ion cells in series) modules are presented to verify the system operation for fault‐tolerant control and the proposed SOC balancing method. The results demonstrate the need of SOC balancing, and efficacy of the proposed methods in achieving fault‐tolerant as well as SOC‐balanced operation to prolong the system operation.
Häufigkeit und psychiatrische Komorbiditäten von selbstberichtetem diagnostiziertem Burnout-Syndrom
Authors: Maske Ulrike , Riedel-Heller Steffi , Seiffert Ingeburg , Jacobi Frank , Hapke Ulfert 
Published: July 2015

Korrigierte Zusammenfassung
Ziel: Darstellung der Häufigkeit von selbstberichtetem diagnostiziertem Burnout-Syndrom und psychiatrische Komorbiditäten.
Methode: Bundesweite Studie, n = 7987. Burnout-Syndrom: selbstberichtete ärztl./psychother. Diagnose. Psychische Störungen: diagnostisches Interview, n = 4483.
Ergebnisse: Prävalenz: Lebenszeit 4,2 %, 12 Monate 1,5 %. Irgendeine psychische Störung: 70,9 % derer mit Burnout-Diagnose. Assoziierte Störungen: somatoforme, affektive, Angststörungen.
Schlussfolgerung: Burnout-Diagnosen werden seltener berichtet als erwartet. Betroffene haben häufig eine manifeste psychische Störung.
Outcome Prediction of Treatment of Graves’ Hyperthyroidism with Antithyroid Drugs
Authors: Piantanida E. , Lai A. , Sassi L. , Gallo D. , Spreafico E. , Tanda M. L. , Bartalena L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractGraves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in iodine-replete areas and is ultimately due to antibodies interacting with the TSH receptor on thyroid follicular cells [TSH-receptor antibody (TRAb)]. Antithyroid drugs (ATDs) belonging to the family of thionamides are the first-line treatment in Europe. ATD treatment is commonly continued for 18–24 months. Its major limitation is the high rate of relapses after drug withdrawal. Factors particularly bound to subsequent relapses are the large thyroid volume, smoking habit, persistence of TRAb in the circulation at the end of treatment, and the post-partum period. Under these conditions, consideration should be given to a definitive therapy for hyperthyroidism (radioiodine treatment, thyroidectomy), particularly if the patient is at risk of cardiovascular complications that might be exacerbated by persistence or recurrence of hyperthyroidism.