bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐Cost Silicon Nitride from β‐Silicon Nitride Powder and by Low‐Temperature Sintering
Authors: Kondo Naoki , Hotta Mikinori , Ohji Tatsuki 
Published: August 2013

Aiming to manufacture low‐cost silicon nitride components, a low‐cost β powder was chosen as a raw powder and low‐temperature sintering at 1550–1600°C under atmospheric pressure nitrogen was carried out. The silicon nitride from β powder with 5 wt% Y2O3 and 5 wt% MgAl2O4 additives and sintered at 1600°C for 8 h was successfully densified, and it exhibited moderate strength and toughness of 553 MPa ± 22 and 3.5 MPa m1/2, respectively. The results indicate that the low‐temperature sintering of the low‐cost β powder has a potential to reduce cost of components.
Lithium Thiophosphate Glasses and Glass–Ceramics as Solid Electrolytes: Processing, Microstructure, and Properties
Authors: Berbano Seth S. , Mirsaneh Mehdi , Lanagan Michael T. , Randall Clive A. 
Published: August 2013

Lithium solid electrolytes are of major interest for solid‐state batteries and electrochemical capacitors (ECs). Currently, the material selection space of liquid electrolytes is dominated by lithium salts paired with organics. Improved safety, as well as the need for higher temperature and high voltage operation, opens up opportunities for glass and ceramic alternatives in these important solid‐state energy storage technologies. Lithium thiophosphates in the family x Li2S + (1−x) P2S5 (mol fraction) possess room temperature ionic conductivities greater than 10−3(Ω‐cm)‐1 in crystallized x = 0.70 (almost the highest in inorganic solid‐state electrolytes). Within this review article, we address recent progress made in this class of material. We consider the role of densification on the Li‐ion conductivity, as well as our recent data on the effect of densification on the electrochemical properties of the system. We cover the processing techniques of mechanical milling and pressure‐forming, discuss microstructure, bulk versus surface conduction, and device integration. The systematic improvement in ionic conductivity with increased density suggests that bulk conduction dominates surface conduction and demonstrates that dense, rather than porous, lithium thiophosphate solid electrolytes are important in the design of solid‐state batteries and ECs.
Effects of lysozyme on Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris under laboratory conditions
Authors: Bevilacqua Antonio , Ciuffreda Emanuela , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria R. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThis research was aimed at investigating the bioactivity of lysozyme towards Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris. Lysozyme (0.1–20 ppm) was tested towards five different strains; the experiments were performed on both spores and vegetative cells using a microdilution approach to assess the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Thereafter, spore viability of two selected strains was evaluated through the traditional plate count. Finally, an experiment was run to assess the role of lysozyme on the complex phenomenon of spore germination. The MIC of lysozyme towards vegetative cells varied from 0.1 to 6 ppm, while for the spores, it was from 0.1 to 3 ppm. Concerning spore viability, the effect of lysozyme relied upon its amount on the broth, as at MIC it caused a slight reduction in spores (approximately 1 log cfu ml−1) after 24 h; otherwise, higher concentrations caused a decrease in spore level below the detection limit. Concerning spore germination, lysozyme exerted a promoting effect on this phenomenon and reduced the optical density by 66%.
NetMHCstab – predicting stability of peptide–MHC‐I complexes; impacts for cytotoxic T lymphocyte epitope discovery
Authors: Jørgensen Kasper W. , Rasmussen Michael , Buus Søren , Nielsen Morten 
Published: August 2013

SummaryMajor histocompatibility complex class I (MHC‐I) molecules play an essential role in the cellular immune response, presenting peptides to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) allowing the immune system to scrutinize ongoing intracellular production of proteins. In the early 1990s, immunogenicity and stability of the peptide–MHC‐I (pMHC‐I) complex were shown to be correlated. At that time, measuring stability was cumbersome and time consuming and only small data sets were analysed. Here, we investigate this fairly unexplored area on a large scale compared with earlier studies. A recent small‐scale study demonstrated that pMHC‐I complex stability was a better correlate of CTL immunogenicity than peptide–MHC‐I affinity. We here extended this study and analysed a total of 5509 distinct peptide stability measurements covering 10 different HLA class I molecules. Artificial neural networks were used to construct stability predictors capable of predicting the half‐life of the pMHC‐I complex. These predictors were shown to predict T‐cell epitopes and MHC ligands from SYFPEITHI and IEDB to form significantly more stable MHC‐I complexes compared with affinity‐matched non‐epitopes. Combining the stability predictions with a state‐of‐the‐art affinity predictions NetMHCcons significantly improved the performance for identification of T‐cell epitopes and ligands. For the HLA alleles included in the study, we could identify distinct sub‐motifs that differentiate between stable and unstable peptide binders and demonstrate that anchor positions in the N‐terminal of the binding motif (primarily P2 and P3) play a critical role for the formation of stable pMHC‐I complexes. A webserver implementing the method is available at www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/NetMHCstab.
Age structure, sex ratios and survival rates in a south Swedish Sand martin (Riparia riparia) population, 1964 to 1984
Authors: Persson Christer 
Published: August 2013

Environmental ‘events' such as catastrophic winter mortality and reproduction failure influence age structure, sex ratios and survival rates of Sand martin populations in very specific ways. In order to recognize these influences we need to know normal or average values for these quantities, as well as normal disturbances likely to create sampling errors. Variance normal to Sand martins includes (1) that there is pronounced age segregation within colonies, (2) that survival rates of juveniles decrease with progressing fledging date, and (3) that adult survival rates vary by at least a factor of three in the course of 10–15 years.In addition to heavy overall mortality, catastrophic winter conditions create biased sex ratios among older birds: females of age ≥ 3y gradually disappear. Stress on older birds due to their higher breeding contributions (double broods) is the probable cause. This differential mortality—a characteristic of the population as a whole, not of one colony‐is compensated for by distinct, precisely timed (counter‐)biased sex ratios among first‐time breeders. So far there has been no reason to assume that these ratios are created by exclusion of members of either sex from breeding.The age structure of a population becomes compressed during periods (prolonged over some years) of adverse weather, and expands during favourable periods. This brings a shift from general vulnerability to general stamina in its train. All changes are remarkably continuous, in a sense never really ‘catastrophic’, because of the moderating influences of age structure and sex ratios.In south Sweden Sand martins are heavily preyed upon by badgers. Most of the predation occurs during periods of dry weather, when earthworms are difficult to procure. However, the observed oscillations (Persson, 1987a) cannot be the outcome of a predator‐prey relation: several prerequisites are not fulfilled. It is assumed, instead, that the population involved is self‐ regulating, although this self‐regulation may very well be accentuated by predation.
IRON DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Wittwer Iain 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundIron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) has been shown to be the most common cause of anaemia worldwide. It is accepted that people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) develop anaemia as their kidney function declines.MethodsTo better understand IDA in CKD, it is necessary to appreciate the normal iron metabolism and utilisation of iron and how these processes can be disordered in patients with CKD. The problems related to infection / inflammation and oxidative stress are examined. Whilst National and international guidelines recommend specific tests for IDA, these and alternative tests are reviewed.ConclusionsWhilst iron supplementation is necessary for CKD patients with IDA, iron metabolism and utilisation can be affected by factors such as infection or inflammation. Iron is essential element for all life, it can be toxic to cells through the process of oxidative stress. The recommended tests for IDA may be affected by factors such as infection and inflammation. Alternative tests are available, which may be a more accurate indicator of IDA as they are not affected by external factors.
Enhancement of Piezoelectric Performance of Lead‐Free NKN‐Based Ceramics via a High‐Performance Flux—NaF–Nb2O5
Authors: Liu Cheng , Liu Peng , Kobayashi Keisuke , Qu Wei‐guo , Randall Clive A. 
Published: August 2013

x(NaF−0.5Nb2O5)−(1 − x)[(Na0.5K0.5)(Nb0.8Ta0.2)O3] (100xNN−NKNT) piezoelectric ceramics were fabricated to high densities above 97% when sintering at temperatures ~1200°C. Compared with pure (Na,K)NbO3 (NKN), dielectric constants of the NaF–Nb2O5 flux‐doped NKNT ceramics were increased whereas dielectric losses remained low. High field polarization switching showed very square hysteresis loops, but the coercive fields were decreased through a “softening” doping effect induced by the flux. A Rayleigh analysis inferred that the extrinsic contribution from the domain wall dynamics was increased with the flux addition. Collectively, all the experimental observations suggested that NaF–Nb2O5 was, in part, soluble in the structure and highly suitable for obtaining a stable NKN system with improved piezoelectric performance.
Dielectric Breakdown of Polycrystalline Alumina: A Weakest‐Link Failure Analysis
Authors: Block Benjamin , Kim Youngjin , Shetty Dinesh K. 
Published: August 2013

The effects of varying electrode geometry (ball and ring) and size (radius), dielectric liquid (castor oil and Diala® oil), and specimen thickness on the dielectric breakdown of a commercial‐grade alumina were investigated. The breakdown strength was expressed in terms of the maximum electric field in the ceramic calculated by finite element analysis (FEA) at the breakdown voltage. The breakdown strength decreased systematically with increasing electrode radius and specimen thickness, and the strength was higher in the Diala® oil (dielectric constant, εr = 2.3 ± 0.06) as compared to the castor oil (εr = 4.6 ± 0.13). These effects of the electrode geometry, specimen thickness, and of the dielectric liquid on the breakdown strength of the alumina were analyzed with a weakest‐link failure model employing Laplace and Weibull distributions for a population of defects in the material. The measured size or scaling effects of the electrodes, specimen thickness, and of the dielectric liquid on breakdown strength were in better agreement with the Laplace distribution for a population of surface defects. The dielectric breakdown is likely initiated at surface pits produced by grain pullout. The measured area concentration of surface pits agreed with the defect density analyzed from the weakest‐link failure theory. FEA of specimens containing surface and subsurface cavities revealed that electric field concentrations were always greater for surface pits as compared to subsurface cavities. There is, in fact, no electric field concentration at a subsurface cavity located more than about 100–800 μm below the surface depending on the top electrode size.
Prospective Dynamic Assessment of Risk of Sexual Reoffending in Individuals with an Intellectual Disability and a History of Sexual Offending Behaviour
Authors: Lofthouse Rachael E. , Lindsay William R. , Totsika Vasiliki , Hastings Richard P. , Boer Douglas P. , Haaven James L. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to add to the literature on the predictive accuracy of a dynamic intellectual disability specific risk assessment tool.MethodA dynamic risk assessment for sexual reoffending (ARMIDILO‐S), a static risk assessment for sexual offending (STATIC‐99), and a static risk assessment for violence (Violence Risk Appraisal Guide [VRAG]) were completed for a sample of 64 adult males with an intellectual disability.ResultsThe dynamic risk assessment for sexual offenders with an intellectual disability resulted in the best prediction of sexual reoffending (ARMIDILO‐S area under the curve (AUC) = 0.92) this was better than an established sexual offending static risk assessment (STATIC‐99 AUC = 0.75). A static tool for violent reoffending, did not perform as well in this group (VRAG AUC = 0.58).ConclusionsResults suggest that dynamic variables are useful in predicting sexual reoffending with individuals with an intellectual disability, confirming previous findings. The ARMIDILO‐S is a promising dynamic risk assessment for individuals with an intellectual disability.
Pathways into the Criminal Justice System for Individuals with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Raina Poonam , Arenovich Tamara , Jones Jessica , Lunsky Yona 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundStudies focusing on pathways in the criminal justice system for individuals with intellectual disability are limited in that they only study individuals once they are involved in the system and do not consider the pathways into it. The purpose of this study is to examine predisposing factors that lead to various outcomes for individuals with intellectual disability when police are called to respond to their behavioural crises.MethodThe current study examined the outcome of police response to 138 individuals with intellectual disability in crisis. Following police intervention, 15 individuals were arrested, 76 were taken to the emergency department and 47 received on‐scene resolution. Comparisons between the three groups were conducted.ResultsThe three groups differed in terms of residence at the time of crisis, history of forensic involvement and type of crisis. Police intervention with adults with intellectual disability can happen for different reasons. Both individual and situational predictors explained this outcome.
Anti‐Social Behaviour and Police Contact among 13‐ to 15‐Year‐old English Adolescents with and Without Mild/Moderate Intellectual Disability
Authors: Emerson Eric , Halpin Sarah 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesTo describe the rates of anti‐social behaviour (ASB) among adolescents with/without mild/moderate intellectual disability (MMID). To estimate whether any differences could be attributable to differences in exposure to extraneous risk factors.DesignSecondary analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Young People in England.MethodsParticipants with MMID were identified through data linkage with educational records.ResultsParents of children with MMID were more likely to report police contact, children with MMID were more likely to self‐report fighting/public disturbance, shoplifting and graffiti. When controlling for differences in exposure to extraneous risk factors, MMID was associated with increased rates of police contact and self‐reported graffiti, no difference in self‐reported shoplifting, reduced rates of self‐reported fighting/public disturbance and vandalism.ConclusionsDifferences in the rates of exposure to extraneous risk factors play an important role in accounting for the differences in the prevalence of self‐reported ASB among adolescents with and without MMID.
Geographical variation in reproductive capacity of sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) northern peripheral populations
Authors: Graignic Noémie , Tremblay Francine , Bergeron Yves 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimSeveral models have predicted that, with climate change, Northern Hemisphere species will migrate northwards from their present distribution ranges. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marshall) reaches its northern continuous distributional limit in north‐eastern North America at the transition between boreal mixed‐wood and temperate deciduous forest. Our objective was to determine whether lower sugar maple recruitment potential accounts for this gradual transition between the continuous and discontinuous zones of the distribution.LocationThe northern limit of sugar maple in eastern Canada.MethodsWe analysed the reproductive capacity of sugar maple populations along three latitudinal transects (located in the west, centre and east of Québec) in 24 sites located between 45°51′–48°59′ N and 70°21′–79°27′ W. The study area was divided into two zones, continuous and discontinuous, based on sugar maple stand abundance. We examined stand structure, sugar maple seed abundance and germination, and sugar maple seedling density and age structure.ResultsSugar maple regeneration was uneven‐aged and similar between continuous (south) and discontinuous (north) zones. For the western transect, more filled seeds and more seedlings were recorded in the continuous zone than in the discontinuous zone. Sugar maple seedling density was positively influenced by (1) basal area of mature sugar maple and saplings of all species, and (2) July mean temperature and precipitation. Four mast seed years were identified that were well synchronized across all sites; mast seeding covaried significantly with July mean temperature and July mean precipitation of the previous year.Main conclusionsOur study clearly demonstrated an effect of climatic variables and stand characteristics on sugar maple regeneration. However, these factors did not explain the transition from a continuous to a discontinuous distribution for this species. Most of our northern sites exhibited constant sugar maple recruitment over time. These results highlight the importance of including non‐climatic factors in models predicting species change in abundance.
Assessment of coronary microvascular resistance in the chronic infarcted pig heart
Authors: Koudstaal Stefan , Jansen of Lorkeers Sanne J. , van Slochteren Frebus J. , van der Spoel Tycho I.G. , van de Hoef Tim P. , Sluijter Joost P. , Siebes Maria , Doevendans Pieter A. , Piek Jan J. , Chamuleau Steven A.J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPre‐clinical studies aimed at treating ischemic heart disease (i.e. stem cell‐ and growth factor therapy) often consider restoration of the impaired microvascular circulation as an important treatment goal. However, serial in vivo measurement hereof is often lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the applicability of intracoronary pressure and flow velocity as a measure of microvascular resistance in a large animal model of chronic myocardial infarction (MI). Myocardial infarction was induced in Dalland Landrace pigs (n = 13; 68.9 ± 4.1 kg) by a 75‐min. balloon occlusion of the left circumflex artery (LCX). Intracoronary pressure and flow velocity parameters were measured simultaneously at rest and during adenosine‐induced hyperemia, using the Combowire (Volcano) before and 4 weeks after MI. Various pressure‐ and/or flow‐derived indices were evaluated. Hyperemic microvascular resistance (HMR) was significantly increased by 28% in the infarct‐related artery, based on a significantly decreased peak average peak flow velocity (pAPV) by 20% at 4 weeks post‐MI (P = 0.03). Capillary density in the infarct zone was decreased compared to the remote area (658 ± 207/mm2 versus 1650 ± 304/mm2, P = 0.017). In addition, arterioles in the infarct zone showed excessive thickening of the alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) positive cell layer compared to the remote area (33.55 ± 4.25 μm versus 14.64 ± 1.39 μm, P = 0.002). Intracoronary measurement of HMR successfully detected increased microvascular resistance that might be caused by the loss of capillaries and arteriolar remodelling in the chronic infarcted pig heart. Thus, HMR may serve as a novel outcome measure in pre‐clinical studies for serial assessment of microvascular circulation.
Using balance statistics to determine the optimal number of controls in matching studies
Authors: Linden Ariel , Samuels Steven J. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWhen a randomized controlled trial is not feasible, investigators typically turn to matching techniques as an alternative approach to evaluate the effectiveness of health care interventions. Matching studies are designed to minimize imbalances on measured pre‐intervention characteristics, thereby reducing bias in estimates of treatment effects. Generally, a matching ratio up to 4:1 (control to treatment) elicits the lowest bias. However, when matching techniques are used in prospective studies, investigators try to maximize the number of controls matched to each treated individual to increase the likelihood that a sufficient sample size will remain after attrition. In this paper, we describe a systematic approach to managing the trade‐off between minimizing bias and maximizing matched sample size. Our approach includes the following three steps: (1) run the desired matching algorithm, starting with 1:1 (one control to one treated individual) matching and iterating until the maximum desired number of potential controls per treated subject is reached; (2) for each iteration, test for covariate balance; and (3) generate numeric summaries and graphical plots of the balance statistics across all iterations in order to determine the optimal solution. We demonstrate the implementation of this approach with data from a medical home pilot programme and with a simulation study of populations of 100 000 in which 1000 individuals receive the intervention. We advocate undertaking this methodical approach in matching studies to ensure that the optimal matching solution is identified. Doing so will raise the overall quality of the literature and increase the likelihood of identifying effective interventions.
Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in typical and atypical GERD: Roles of gastroesophageal acid refluxes and esophageal motility
Authors: Patcharatrakul Tanisa , Gonlachanvit Sutep 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground/AimTo determine the roles of gastroesophageal acid reflux (GER) and esophageal dysmotility on typical and atypical GERD symptoms.MethodsTwo hundred thirty‐six patients (159 females, age 47 ± 14 years) with typical and atypical GERD symptom(s) for > 3 months underwent standard water perfused esophageal manometry (EM) and 24 h esophageal pH studies during off therapy.ResultsEighty seven and 93 patients had positive lower esophageal pH tests and abnormal EM, respectively. Patients with positive lower esophageal pH test were significantly older (50 ± 13 vs 45 ± 13 years, P < 0.005) and had higher prevalence of acid regurgitation symptoms than patients with negative test (56/87 vs 72/149, P < 0.05). Patients with positive upper esophageal pH test (n = 67) also had significantly higher prevalence of acid regurgitation symptoms (43/67 vs 74/152, P < 0.05). Prevalence of other upper gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms were similar between patients with positive and negative upper and lower pH test. Patients with abnormal EM were significantly older (49 ± 14 vs 45 ± 13 years, P < 0.05) and had higher prevalence of chronic cough than patients with normal EM(30/93 vs 26/143, P < 0.05). In patients with positive pH tests, the prevalence of dysphagia, chronic cough, and hoarseness of voice were significantly higher in patients with abnormal than those with normal EM (18/31 vs 18/56, P < 0.05; 12/31 vs 6/56, P < 0.005 and 19/31 vs 18/56, P < 0.01, respectively). Whereas in patients with negative lower pH tests, only the prevalence of heartburn was significantly lower in patients with normal than those with abnormal EM (26/87 vs 30/62, P < 0.05).ConclusionsAcid regurgitation but not heartburn was associated with GER. Esophageal dysmotility had no significant effect on acid regurgitation symptom but associated with chronic cough, hoarseness of voice, and dysphagia only in patients with abnormal esophageal acid exposure.