bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bulk and Surface Properties of Liquid Al-Li and Li-Zn Alloys
Authors: Trybula Marcela , Gancarz Tomasz , Gasior Wladyslaw , Pasturel Alain
Published: August 2014

Physicochemical properties like density, surface tension, and viscosity of liquid binary Al-Li and Li-Zn alloys have been measured using draining crucible method. The experimentally measured surface-tension values have been compared to theoretical results based either on the Butler model or the compound formation model assuming the existence of the most favored A
1
B
2 and A
2
B
3 clusters. Several models for viscosity calculation have been also applied and discussed in confrontation with measured data. Finally, the clustering effects in the liquid Al-Li and Li-Zn alloys have been examined using two microscopic functions, i.e., the concentration fluctuation function in the long-wavelength limit and the Warren-Cowley short-range order parameter.
Does diagnosis affect the predictive accuracy of risk assessment tools for juvenile offenders: Conduct Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Shaw Jenny , Dolan Mairead , Lennox Charlotte
Published: August 2014

Studies have suggested an increased risk of criminality in juveniles if they suffer from co‐morbid Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) along with Conduct Disorder. The Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY), the Psychopathy Checklist Youth Version (PCL:YV), and Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) have been shown to be good predictors of violent and non‐violent re‐offending. The aim was to compare the accuracy of these tools to predict violent and non‐violent re‐offending in young people with co‐morbid ADHD and Conduct Disorder and Conduct Disorder only. The sample included 109 White‐British adolescent males in secure settings. Results revealed no significant differences between the groups for re‐offending. SAVRY factors had better predictive values than PCL:YV or YLS/CMI. Tools generally had better predictive values for the Conduct Disorder only group than the co‐morbid group. Possible reasons for these findings have been discussed along with limitations of the study.
QCA is of questionable value for policy research
Authors: Tanner Sean
Published: August 2014

Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) has been championed as a valuable tool for public policy research. Focusing on the field of policy evaluation, this research note assesses QCA by comparing research that uses this method to studies based on standard practices for quantitative policy analysis. While attention is centrally focused on causal inference, questions of measurement are also addressed. The analysis suggests that QCA adds little value to current methods of policy scholarship, and its contribution in fact falls far short, compared with present-day standard practices. For example, a properly defined “net effects” framework — which is pointedly rejected by QCA — provides valuable insights regarding the causal effects that are a central concern of policy evaluation. By contrast, as an approach to policy analysis, QCA suffers from severe limitations in both its framework and its findings.
The value of outside director experience to firm strategies: Evidence from joint ventures
Authors: Lai Jung-Ho , Chen Li-Yu , Chen I-Ju
Published: August 2014

This study investigates the effect of outside director experience on the performance of a firm's joint venture (JV) engagements, a type of strategic move where the influence of board remains under-investigated despite directors’ active participation in the decision-making process. By examining the direct linkage between director experience and strategic performance, our research presents the first direct evidence of the value outside director experience has for a firm's strategic engagements; this has previously been exclusively assessed by indirect indicators. We address this important issue in the following three ways. First, we explore what type of director experience contributes most to JV outcomes. Second, we investigate what circumstantial factors significantly influence the value of director experience. Lastly, we analyze whether incentive mechanisms moderate the relationship between director experience and firm performance. The results confirm the value of director experience gained from JV engagements but not from relevant industries. In addition, executive experience and the industry affiliation of the JV significantly moderate the value of director experience. Finally, experienced directors with large shareholdings outperform those with experience but limited stakes in the firms’ equity, justifying the necessity to motivate directors’ governance efforts despite their existing fiduciary obligation to shareholders. Our study contributes to agency theory by indicating that director experience holds a significant influence on a firm's strategic performance, an issue which has long been neglected in agency-based governance research. It also contributes to resource-dependence theory by providing a direct measurement of directors’ experiential assets, which have so far been exclusively assessed by indirect indicators. Finally, findings from this study can elucidate the long-standing question of how a firm can realize the purported benefits JVs provide by introducing a vital yet rarely explored factor: board experience.
Top executive pay in Spanish banking system
Authors: Ferrero-Ferrero Idoya , Fernández-Izquierdo María Ángeles , Muñoz-Torres María Jesús
Published: August 2014

This study examines consistency between compensation systems and corporate performance. The main purpose is to analyse how the performance has affected the short-term executive pay in Spanish banking system during the period 2004–2008. The main results reveal that pay-performance sensitivity is asymmetrical regarding the sign of the variation of the performance, since the pay-performance sensitivity is greater when the variation of the results is positive than when the variation of the results is negative. This finding is consistent with the managerial power theory and calls into question the role of the pay-performance incentives to align interest of executives and shareholders.
Dangerous frontiers in corporate governance
Authors: Clarke Thomas
Published: August 2014

The historical evolution of corporate governance is considered, highlighting the different eras of governance, the dominant theoretical and practical paradigms, the reformulation of paradigms and counter paradigms. Two alternative and sharply contrasting theorizations, one collective and collaborative (the work of Berle and Means), the other individualistic and contractual (agency theory and shareholder value) are focused upon. The explanatory potential of Blair and Stout's team production theory is elaborated, and its conception of the complexity of business enterprise, with a mediating hierarch (the board of directors) securing a balance between the interests of different stakeholders. The potential for reform of corporate purpose, corporate governance and directors’ duties is examined with reference to the UK Modern Company Law Review. The impact of the intensification of the financialization of corporations is analysed, with the increased emphasis upon short-termism. The origins of the global financial crisis in shareholder value orientations and the continuing reverberations of the crisis are explored. Finally, the imperative of the advance of sustainable enterprise is argued, and the critical changes necessitated in corporate purpose and directors’ duties.
Progressive, reversible sensorineural hearing loss caused by azathioprine
Authors: Jenkinson P W , Syed M I , Mcclymont L
Published: August 2014

Objective:

This paper describes the first reported case of progressive sensorineural hearing loss caused by azathioprine, which was reversed on stoppage of the drug.

Case report:

A female patient with previously normal hearing presented with progressive sensorineural hearing loss after being started on azathioprine. Otological and neurological examination findings were unremarkable. After stopping the drug, the patient reported an improvement in hearing, which was confirmed on pure tone audiometry.

Conclusion:

This previously unreported side effect of azathioprine is highlighted in order to increase clinical awareness. Early recognition of this adverse effect is important to minimise the possibility of permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
Formal negativities, breakthroughs, ruptures and continuities in the music of Modest Mouse
Authors: Smith Kenneth M.
Published: August 2014

Indie-rock band Modest Mouse's earliest music connects aphoristic fragments into uniquely disjointed narratives that resist standard formal categorisation. The band's homespun narratives make us process dramatic interactions between drastically opposed musical paradigms as we search for new formal schema by which to classify them. This, I argue, is one answer to the ‘negative dialectic’ that Adorno thought was missing in popular music. In this paper I analyse three songs in particular depth, extending a methodology borrowed from the ‘classical tradition’ that extends Edward T. Cone's ‘stratification’ analyses of Igor Stravinsky. In Modest Mouse's later work, which seemingly signals a return to simpler strophic song forms, this dialectic is spread across entire albums such asGood News for People Who Love Bad News;but even in individual songs, despite a simplistic façade, my ‘stratification graphs’ reveal deep dialectical negativities.
Using population dynamics modelling to evaluate potential success of restoration: a case study of a Hawaiian vine in a changing climate – CORRIGENDUM
Authors: WONG TAMARA M. , TICKTIN TAMARA
Published: August 2014

In the article above two references were incomplete and the Acknowledgements section was missing.
Multistate foodborne disease outbreaks associated with raw tomatoes, United States, 1990–2010: a recurring public health problem
Authors: BENNETT S. D. , LITTRELL K. W. , HILL T. A. , MAHOVIC M. , BEHRAVESH C. BARTON
Published: August 2014

We examined multistate outbreaks attributed to raw tomatoes in the United States from 1990 to 2010. We summarized the demographic and epidemiological characteristics of 15 outbreaks resulting in 1959 illnesses, 384 hospitalizations, and three deaths. Most (80%) outbreaks were reported during 2000–2010; 73% occurred May–September. Outbreaks commonly affected adult (median age 34 years) women (median 58% of outbreak cases). All outbreaks were caused bySalmonella[serotypes Newport (n = 6 outbreaks), Braenderup (n = 2), Baildon, Enteritidis, Javiana, Montevideo, Thompson, Typhimurium (n = 1 each); multiple serotypes (n = 1)]. Red, round (69% of outbreaks), Roma (23%), and grape (8%) tomatoes were implicated. Most (93%) outbreaks were associated with tomatoes served predominantly in restaurants. However, traceback investigations suggested that contamination occurred on farms, at packinghouses, or at fresh-cut processing facilities. Government agencies, academia, trade associations, and the fresh tomato industry should consider further efforts to identify interventions to reduce contamination of tomatoes during production and processing.
Describing and predicting developmental profiles of externalizing problems from childhood to adulthood
Authors: Petersen Isaac T. , Bates John E. , Dodge Kenneth A. , Lansford Jennifer E. , Pettit Gregory S.
Published: August 2014

This longitudinal study considers externalizing behavior problems from ages 5 to 27 (N= 585). Externalizing problem ratings by mothers, fathers, teachers, peers, and self-report were modeled with growth curves. Risk and protective factors across many different domains and time frames were included as predictors of the trajectories. A major contribution of the study is in demonstrating how heterotypic continuity and changing measures can be handled in modeling changes in externalizing behavior over long developmental periods. On average, externalizing problems decreased from early childhood to preadolescence, increased during adolescence, and decreased from late adolescence to adulthood. There was strong nonlinear continuity in externalizing problems over time. Family process, peer process, stress, and individual characteristics predicted externalizing problems beyond the strong continuity of externalizing problems. The model accounted for 70% of the variability in the development of externalizing problems. The model's predicted values showed moderate sensitivity and specificity in prediction of arrests, illegal drug use, and drunk driving. Overall, the study showed that by using changing, developmentally relevant measures and simultaneously taking into account numerous characteristics of children and their living situations, research can model lengthy spans of development and improve predictions of the development of later, severe externalizing problems.
Obesity emergence in the Pacific islands: why understanding colonial history and social change is important
Authors: McLennan Amy K , Ulijaszek Stanley J
Published: August 2014

Objective

Between 1980 and 2008, two Pacific island nations – Nauru and the Cook Islands – experienced the fastest rates of increasing BMI in the world. Rates were over four times higher than the mean global BMI increase. The aim of the present paper is to examine why these populations have been so prone to obesity increases in recent times.

Design

Three explanatory frames that apply to both countries are presented: (i) geographic isolation and genetic predisposition; (ii) small population and low food production capacity; and (iii) social change under colonial influence. These are compared with social changes documented by anthropologists during the colonial and post-colonial periods.

Setting

Nauru and the Cook Islands.

Results

While islands are isolated, islanders are interconnected. Similarly, islands are small, but land use is socially determined. While obesity affects individuals, islanders are interdependent. New social values, which were rapidly propagated through institutions such as the colonial system of education and the cash economy, are today reflected in all aspects of islander life, including diet. Such historical social changes may predispose societies to obesity.

Conclusions

Colonial processes may have put in place the conditions for subsequent rapidly escalating obesity. Of the three frameworks discussed, social change under colonial influence is not immutable to further change in the future and could take place rapidly. In theorising obesity emergence in the Pacific islands, there is a need to incorporate the idea of obesity being a product of interdependence and interconnectedness, rather than independence and individual choice.
Self-reported advertising exposure to sugar-sweetened beverages among US youth
Authors: Kumar Gayathri , Onufrak Stephen , Zytnick Deena , Kingsley Beverly , Park Sohyun
Published: August 2014

Objective

According to the Federal Trade Commission, in 2009, the top food category with teen-directed marketing expenditures was sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). The present study reports on exposure to SSB advertisements using self-report data from adolescents.

Design

Cross-sectional study design using descriptive statistics to assess self-reported frequency of exposure to SSB advertisements and multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between frequency of SSB advertising exposure and sociodemographic variables.

Setting

Online survey conducted at home.

Subjects

US adolescents aged 12–17 years (n 847).

Results

Among the surveyed adolescents, 42 % to 54 % reported seeing/hearing SSB advertisements ≥1 time/d. Those aged 14–15 years were more likely to report seeing/hearing soda, sports drink and energy drink advertisements ≥1 time/d than 16- to 17-year-olds. Males were more likely to report seeing/hearing sports drink advertising ≥1 time/d than females. Non-Hispanic black adolescents were more likely to report seeing/hearing fruit drink and sports drink advertisements ≥1 time/d than non-Hispanic white adolescents. Adolescents whose parents had high-school education or less were more likely to report seeing/hearing soda, fruit drink and energy drink advertisements ≥1 time/d than adolescents whose parents were college graduates.

Conclusions

Almost half of the adolescents sampled reported daily SSB advertising exposure, with higher exposure among African Americans and adolescents with less educated parents. These data can help inform potential actions that decision makers might take, such as education of adolescents and their caregivers on the potential impact of beverage advertising, especially among groups at higher risk for obesity.
Dimensions of Family Empowerment in Work with So-Called ‘Troubled’ Families
Authors: Bond-Taylor Sue
Published: August 2014

The Troubled Families Programme has provided an impetus for interventions with families with multiple disadvantages. This article identifies the prevalence of a government discourse of ‘empowerment’ around such interventions, which fails to reflect the contested nature of the term. Qualitative interviews with families supported by the programme and their keyworkers offer an insight into their experiences and a valuable alternative to government rhetoric. It is argued that government discourses equate ‘family empowerment’ with responsibilisation, seeking to reduce the resources deployed in supporting families whilst strengthening state power to define acceptable forms of family life. By contrast, family and keyworker discourses of ‘empowerment’ are founded in the redistribution of resources towards such families, advocacy strategies, psychological support and an understanding of power relations within and beyond families, which enable families to resist specific attempts at the exercise of professional power, albeit remaining subject to a more general exercise of state control.
Effects of breastfeeding on the risk factors for metabolic syndrome in preterm infants
Authors: Ikeda N. , Shoji H. , Murano Y. , Mori M. , Matsunaga N. , Suganuma H. , Ikeno M. , Hisata K. , Hirayama S. , Ueno T. , Miida T. , Shimizu T.
Published: August 2014

Evidence suggests that breastfeeding during infancy lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its attendant risk factors in adult life. To investigate the influence of feeding type on the risk factors of MS, we assessed insulin sensitivity and lipid and apolipoprotein metabolism in preterm infants. Blood samples were collected from preterm infants at the time of discharge. Infants were separated into two groups: a breast milk (BM) group receiving ⩾90% of their intake from BM, and a mixed-fed (MF) group receiving ⩾50% of their intake from formula. The following indices were then compared between the two groups. Blood glucose and serum insulin levels were used to calculate the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI). We also measured serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLc), apolipoprotein-A1 (apoA1) and apolipoprotein-B (apoB) levels, and the ratios of TC/HDLc, LDLc/HDLc and apoB/apoA1. The mean gestational age was 32.9 weeks at birth, and blood samples were collected at a mean corrected age of 37.4 weeks. There were 22 infants in the BM group and 19 in the MF group. QUICKI was significantly higher in the BM group. TC, HDLc and apoA1 were not significantly different between the groups, but LDLc and apoB levels were significantly higher in the BM group. The TC/HDLc, LDLc/HDLc and apoB/apoA1 ratios were significantly higher in the BM group. In preterm infants, the type of feeding exposure in the early postnatal period may influence glucose, lipid and apolipoprotein metabolism, and affect markers of MS.
Einfluss einer Verbesserung des Körperkontakts auf Regulationsstörungen im Säuglingsalter
Authors: Streit Uta , Nantke Sabine , Jansen Fritz , Wolf Karina , Gallasch Marlene , Kohlmann Thomas
Published: August 2014

Fragestellung: Es wurde überprüft, in wieweit sich eine Verbesserung des Körperkontakts positiv auf Regulationsstörungen im Säuglingsalter auswirkt. Zwei Interventionen wurden untersucht: 1. Elternberatung bezüglich Körperkontakt; 2. praktisches Üben von Körperkontakt in Verbindung mit Exposition. Beide Verfahren wurden durch eine videounterstützte Elternanleitung ergänzt. Methodik: Je Gruppe 20 Säuglinge mit Regulationsstörung. Vor und nach der Intervention Auswertung von Körper- und Blickkontakt über Videorating sowie Tagebuch bzgl. Schreien, Schlafen, Füttern, Unruhe, wach – ruhig oder spielt. Ergebnisse: a) Beide Interventionen führten zu einer Verbesserung des Körperkontakts, die jedoch nur in der Gruppe mit praktischem Üben auch noch nach 3 Monaten stabil war. b) Fasst man alle 40 teilnehmenden Säuglinge zusammen, so zeigen sich signifikante Veränderungen bezüglich der Regulationsbereiche «Unruhe/Quengeln», «Schlafen», «wach, ruhig oder spielt» sowie ein marginal signifikanter Effekt bezüglich des Schreiens. c) Für beide Verfahren zeigte sich: Diejenigen Kinder, deren Körperkontakt sich deutlich verbessert hatte, verbesserten sich auch bezüglich der Regulationsproblematik am deutlichsten. d) Das konkrete Üben des Körperkontakts mit Exposition ist bezüglich «Unruhe/Quengeln» und «Blickkontakt» der reinen Beratung überlegen. Schlussfolgerungen: Der Körperkontakt lässt sich über gezielte therapeutische Maßnahmen verbessern. Ein videounterstütztes Elterntraining, das mit Maßnahmen zur Verbesserung des Körperkontakts verbunden ist, wirkt sich positiv auf die Regulationsproblematik aus.
Wissen über Emotionsregulationsstrategien bei Vorschulkindern mit und ohne Migrationshintergrund
Authors: Gust Nicole , Petermann Franz , Koglin Ute
Published: August 2014

Fragestellung: Es wird untersucht, ob sich Kinder mit und ohne Migrationshintergrund in der Einschätzung der Effektivität von vorgegebenen behavioralen und mentalen Strategien und dem Generieren von Strategien (Wissen über Emotionsregulationsstrategien) unterscheiden. Methodik: Anhand von N = 210 Kindern (Alter 36–72 Monaten) mit und ohne Migrationshintergrund wurde das Wissen über Emotionsregulationsstrategien mit Bildgeschichten erhoben und miteinander verglichen. Ergebnisse: Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das Alter den größten Einfluss auf das Wissen über Emotionsregulationsstrategien im Vorschulalter ausübt. Der Migrationshintergrund erklärt auch nach der Kontrolle des Sprachentwicklungsstands einen bedeutsamen Teil der Varianz bei den vorgegebenen effektiven behavioralen Strategien. Der Effekt des Migrationshintergrunds auf andere Strategien fällt dagegen nicht signifikant aus. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse legen nahe, dass vermutlich weitere Faktoren neben dem Migrationshintergrund eine Rolle in der Entwicklung einzelner Bereiche des Wissens über Emotionsregulationsstrategien spielen.
Essstörungen
Authors: Knoll Susanne , Föcker Manuel , Hebebrand Johannes
Published: August 2014

Die fünfte Revision des Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) hat für den Bereich Essstörungen einige wesentliche Änderungen erbracht. Im DSM-5 werden erstmalig Fütter- und Essstörungen in einer Kategorie zusammengefasst. Zu den klassischen Essstörungen zählt neben Anorexia nervosa (AN) und Bulimia nervosa (BN) nun auch die Binge-Eating-Störung (BES) als eigenständige Diagnose. Die Kriterien für AN sind zum Teil wesentlich verändert worden, während nur wenige Kriterien der BN abgeändert wurden. Die Kriterien der BES unterscheiden sich nur marginal von den Forschungskriterien im DSM-IV. Unter einer neuen Kategorie «Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder» wurden einzelne Subdiagnosen für AN, BN und BES gefasst und spezifische Kriterien genannt. Die Restkategorie «Nicht näher bezeichnete Fütter- oder Essstörungen» wurde umbenannt in «Unspecified Feeding or Eating Disorder». Ob sich die DSM-5-Kriterien für Essstörungen und v. a. für AN in der Klinik und Forschung als klinisch praktikabel bewähren, bleibt abzuwarten.
Spezifische Lernstörungen
Authors: Schulte-Körne Gerd
Published: August 2014

Mit der Publikation des DSM-5 wurden Veränderungen in der Klassifikation und den Empfehlungen zur Diagnostik der spezifischen Lernstörungen vorgenommen. Die Störungskonzepte dyslexia und dyscalculia wurden wieder in das DSM aufgenommen. Drei spezifische Lernstörungen – die mit Beeinträchtigung im Lesen, mit Beeinträchtigung im schriftsprachlichen Ausdruck und mit Beeinträchtigung in Mathematik – werden unterschieden, die durch störungsrelevante Teilkomponenten näher beschrieben sind. Hierzu gehören bei der Lesestörung drei Teilkomponenten, die Lesegeschwindigkeit, die Lesegenauigkeit und das Leseverständnis. Bei der Störung des schriftsprachlichen Ausdrucks sind es die Rechtschreibfehler, Beeinträchtigung im Bereich der Grammatik und Zeichensetzung und die Beeinträchtigung in der Klarheit und Organisation der Textproduktion. Vier Teilkomponenten sind es bei der Rechenstörung: das eingeschränkte Zahlenverständnis, arithmetische Faktenwissen, schnelle und akkurate Grundrechenfertigkeiten und akkurates mathematisch schlussfolgerndes Denken. Es wird empfohlen, jede Störung einzeln zu kodieren und die Teilkomponenten zu beschreiben. Eine Schweregradbeschreibung wurde neu eingeführt. Die Diagnostik beruht auf einer Vielzahl von Methoden, hierzu gehören Anamnese, klinisches Interview, Schulbericht, Lehrerbewertung, Beurteilungsskalen und psychometrisches Tests. Das IQ-Diskrepanz-Kriterium wurde aufgegeben, das Alters- bzw. Klassen-Diskrepanzkriterium beibehalten. Zur Anwendung wird eine Diskrepanz von 1 bis 2.5 Standardabweichungen empfohlen. Bei allen drei spezifischen Lernstörungen handelt es sich um häufige (Prävalenz 5 %-15 %), früh mit der Unterrichtung beginnende Störungen, die bis ins Erwachsenenalter bestehen bleiben.
Spin-Wave Resonance Model of Surface Pinning in Ferromagnetic Semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As Thin Films
Authors: Puszkarski H. , Tomczak P.
Published: August 2014

The source of spin-wave resonance (SWR) in thin films of the ferromagnetic semiconductor (Ga,Mn)As is still under debate: does SWR stem from the surface anisotropy (in which case the surface inhomogeneity (SI) model would apply), or does it originate in the bulk inhomogeneity of the magnetic structure of the sample (and thus requires the use of the volume inhomogeneity (VI) model)? This paper outlines the ground on which the controversy arose and shows why in different conditions a resonance sample may meet the assumptions of either the SI or the VI model.
Copper-mediated intramolecular oxidative C–H/N–H cross-coupling of α-alkenoyl ketene N,S-acetals to synthesize pyrrolone derivatives
Authors: Huang Fei , Wu Ping , Wang Liandi , Chen Jiping , Sun Chenglin , Yu Zhengkun
Published: August 2014

CuCl2 and CuBr2-mediated intramolecular oxidative C–H/N–H cross-coupling/halogenation of β-thioalkyl-α-alkenoyl ketene N,S-acetals provides a new concise synthetic route to pyrrolones.
The synthesis of 5-alkyl[3,4-c]thienopyrrole-4,6-dione-based polymers using a Pd-catalyzed oxidative C–H/C–H homopolymerization reaction
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Wan Xiangjian , Lu Yan , Li Yandong , Li Yuefeng , Li Chenxi , Wu Hao , Chen Yongsheng
Published: August 2014

A simple, mild, atom economical homopolymerization method through Pd-catalyzed oxidative C–H/C–H coupling was developed for the preparation of a series of 5-alkyl[3,4-c]thienopyrrole-4,6-dione-based conjugated polymers.
Structures and properties of coordination polymers involving asymmetric biphenyl-3,2′,5′-tricarboxylate
Authors: Zhao Jie , Xie Li-Qiong , Ma Ying-Ming , Zhou Ai-Ju , Dong Wen , Wang Jing , Chen Yan-Cong , Tong Ming-Liang
Published: August 2014

The conformation stability and coordination modes of an asymmetric polycarboxylate ligand (H3bptc) and the properties of its compounds have been investigated.
Effects of fixed pattern noise on single molecule localization microscopy
Authors: Long F. , Zeng S. Q. , Huang Z. L.
Published: August 2014

Fixed pattern noise leads to almost no effect on localization precision, but introduces small (<2 nm) localization bias.
Distinguishing isobaric phosphated and sulfated carbohydrates by coupling of mass spectrometry with gas phase vibrational spectroscopy
Authors: Schindler Baptiste , Joshi Janhavi , Allouche Abdul-Rahman , Simon Daniel , Chambert Stéphane , Brites Vincent , Gaigeot Marie-Pierre , Compagnon Isabelle
Published: August 2014

The coupling of mass spectrometry and IR laser spectroscopy is used to distinguish functionalized saccharides of the same nominal mass.
Resonant Raman spectra of molecules with diradical character: multiconfigurational wavefunction investigation of neutral viologens
Authors: Romanova Julia , Liégeois Vincent , Champagne Benoît
Published: August 2014

In search for a relationship between the diradical character and resonance Raman signatures of neutral viologens by multiconfigurational methods.
The structure and activation of substrate water molecules in Sr2+-substituted photosystem II
Authors: Chatterjee Ruchira , Milikisiyants Sergey , Coates Christopher S. , Koua Faisal H. M. , Shen Jian-Ren , Lakshmi K. V.
Published: August 2014

An EPR spectroscopy study with direct evidence that the Ca2+ ion plays a structural role in maintaining the hydrogen-bond network in photosystem II.
Structure, fragmentation patterns, and magnetic properties of small cobalt oxide clusters
Authors: Aguilera-del-Toro R. H. , Aguilera-Granja F. , Vega A. , Balbás L. C.
Published: August 2014

Spin isomers of stoichiometric cobalt oxide clusters and planar ring-like to three dimensional cobalt subcluster transition.
Retracted Article: Two-dimensional nanosheets associated with one-dimensional single-crystalline nanorods self-assembled into three-dimensional flower-like Mn3O4 hierarchical architectures
Authors: Wang Mei , Cheng Liming , Li Quanbao , Chen Zhiwen , Wang Shilong
Published: August 2014

In this work, three-dimensional flower-like Mn3O4 hierarchical architectures have been successfully synthesized by a novel chemical reaction route.
Optical excitation of MgO nanoparticles; a computational perspective
Authors: Wobbe Milena C. C. , Kerridge Andrew , Zwijnenburg Martijn A.
Published: August 2014

The optical absorption spectra of magnesium oxide nanoparticles, along with the atomic centres responsible for the absorption, are studied using time-dependent density functional theory.
Coordination chemistry of Co complexes containing tridentate SNS ligands and their application as catalysts for the oxidation of n-octane
Authors: Soobramoney Lynette , Bala Muhammad D. , Friedrich Holger B.
Published: August 2014

Fully characterized cobalt complexes of tridentate SNS ligands were selective (up to 90%) for the oxidation of n-octane to octanones.
High-performance p-Cu2O/n-TaON heterojunction nanorod photoanodes passivated with an ultrathin carbon sheath for photoelectrochemical water splitting
Authors: Hou Jungang , Yang Chao , Cheng Huijie , Jiao Shuqiang , Takeda Osamu , Zhu Hongmin
Published: August 2014

The p-type Cu2O/n-type TaON heterojunction nanorod array passivated with ultrathin carbon sheath as a surface protection layer is excellent in photoelectrochemical water splitting.
A low content Au-based catalyst for hydrochlorination of C2H2and its industrial scale-up for future PVC processes
Authors: Zhou Kai , Jia Jinchao , Li Chunhua , Xu Hao , Zhou Jun , Luo Guohua , Wei Fei
Published: August 2014

China has the world's largest polyvinyl chloride (PVC) production capacity, comprising over 20 Mt a−1and occupying 41% of the world production capacity.
Estimating the shape and size of supramolecular assemblies by variable temperature diffusion ordered spectroscopy
Authors: Schulze Benjamin M. , Watkins Davita L. , Zhang Jing , Ghiviriga Ion , Castellano Ronald K.
Published: August 2014

Reported is characterization of the self-assembly of π-conjugated oligomers, molecules studied recently in photovoltaic devices, using variable temperature diffusion ordered spectroscopy; the approach has allowed estimation of assembly size, shape, and molecularity.
HBTU mediated 1-hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) conjugate addition: synthesis and stereochemical analysis of β-benzotriazole N-oxide substituted γ-amino acids and hybrid peptides
Authors: Mali Sachitanand M. , Ganesh Kumar Mothukuri , Katariya Mona M. , Gopi Hosahudya N.
Published: August 2014

Synthesis and conformational analysis of β-benzotriazole N-oxide (β-BtO) substituted γ-amino acids by direct conjugate addition of HOBt to E-vinylogous γ-amino acids are reported.
Influence of aging on in situ hydrothermally synthesized Cu-SSZ-13 catalyst for NH3-SCR reaction
Authors: Wang Jiancheng , Peng Zhaoliang , Qiao Hui , Han Lina , Bao Weiren , Chang Liping , Feng Gang , Liu Wei
Published: August 2014

Cu-SSZ-13 crystallized for 72 h shows excellent hydrothermal stability, NOx removal activity and N2 selectivity even under high space velocity (640 000 h−1). Aging treatments lead to the transform of some Cu species from isolated Cu2+ to new complexes and dealuminization of the zeolites framework, contributing to catalyst deactivation.
Sulfuric acid functionalized MCM-41 coated on magnetite nanoparticles as a recyclable core–shell solid acid catalyst for three-component condensation of indoles, aldehydes and thiols
Authors: Khorshidi Alireza , Shariati Shahab
Published: August 2014

Sulfuric acid functionalized MCM-41 coated on magnetite nanoparticles as a recyclable core–shell catalyst in preparation of 3-[(aryl)(arylthio)methyl]-1H-indoles.
Simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of ceftazidime and sulbactam using multivariate calibration methods
Authors: Mahramyari Shiva , Pourbasheer Eslam , Banaei Alireza , Ganjali Mohammad Reza , Norouzi Parviz
Published: August 2014

The simultaneous spectrophotometric determination of ceftazidime (CTZ) and sulbactam (SBT) in the presence of the overlapping spectra were accomplished with the partial least squares (PLS) and genetic algorithm-partial least square (GA-PLS) approaches.
Phase separation in a PSf/DMF/water system: a proposed mechanism for macrovoid formation
Authors: Yu Lei , Yang Feng , Xiang Ming
Published: August 2014

The formation of polysulfone (PSf) membranes from the PSf/N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)/water system was studied with optical microscopic observations.
Fluorescent topographic nanopatterns by fluorophore-functionalized diblock copolymers
Authors: Lee Jin-Kyung , Kang Heejung , Lee Sanghwa , Choi Inho , Sohn Byeong-Hyeok
Published: August 2014

Topographic nanopatterns of fluorescent cylinders with hexagonal order and in parallel lines are demonstrated with the utilization of fluorophore-functionalized diblock copolymers.
Kinetics of hydrodeoxygenation of octanol over supported nickel catalysts: a mechanistic study
Authors: Chandra Sekhar Palla Venkata , Shee Debaprasad , Maity Sunil K.
Published: August 2014

HDO of 1-octanol was studied by varying various process parameters over nickel catalysts supported on γ-Al2O3, SiO2, and HZSM5. The n-octane, n-heptane, di-n-octyl ether, 1-octanal, heptenes and octenes, tetradecane, and hexadecane were identified as products. A comprehensive reaction mechanism of HDO of 1-octanol was delineated based on products distribution.
2,4,7-Triphenylbenzimidazole: the monomeric unit of supramolecular helical rod-like transmembrane transporters
Authors: Kempf J. , Noujeim N. , Schmitzer A. R.
Published: August 2014

Supramolecular compact helical rod as transmembrane anion transporter.
Asymmetric Michael/hemiketalization of 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one to β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters catalyzed by a bifunctional rosin–indane amine thiourea catalyst
Authors: Reddy B. V. Subba , Swain Manisha , Reddy S. Madhusudana , Yadav J. S. , Sridhar B.
Published: August 2014

A highly efficient enantioselective Michael-hemiketalization cascade process is reported using a chiral bifunctional rosin–indane amine thiourea catalyst.
Magneto-structural correlation, antioxidant, DNA interaction and growth inhibition activities of new chloro-bridged phenolate complexes
Authors: Gurumoorthy Perumal , Mahendiran Dharmasivam , Prabhu Durai , Arulvasu Chinnasamy , Rahiman Aziz Kalilur
Published: August 2014

The consistent stability constants as well as antioxidant, DNA interaction and cytotoxicity efficacy of chloro-bridged complexes have been established.
Intrinsically conducting polyaminoanthraquinone nanofibrils: interfacial synthesis, formation mechanism and lead adsorbents
Authors: Huang Shaojun , Min Chungang , Liao Yaozu , Du Ping , Sun Hui , Zhu Yanqin , Ren Aimin
Published: August 2014

Water-dispersible and self-stabilized conductive polyaminoanthraquinone nanofibirls synthesizedviainterfacial polymerization showed high adsorption capacities toward toxic lead.
Metal-free one-pot synthesis of amides using graphene oxide as an efficient catalyst
Authors: Kumari Shweta , Shekhar Amiya , Mungse Harshal P. , Khatri Om P. , Pathak Devendra D.
Published: August 2014

Graphene oxide was found to be a highly efficient carbocatalyst for one-pot synthesis of amides from aromatic aldehydes and secondary amine.
Plasmonic Z-scheme α/β-Bi2O3–Ag–AgCl photocatalyst with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic performance
Authors: Cheng Huijie , Hou Jungang , Zhu Hongmin , Guo Xing-Min
Published: August 2014

The plasmonic Z-scheme α/β-Bi2O3–Ag–AgCl photocatalysts were successfully synthesized and their photocatalytic performance for the degradation of Rhodamine B and acid orange 7 dyes were systematically investigated.
The convenient aqueous synthesis and biological evaluation of ortho-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-acetanilides as novel anti-cancer agents
Authors: Sheng Jianfei , Mao Fei , Yan Jun , Huang Ling , Li Xingshu
Published: August 2014

A series of newortho-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoyl)-acetanilides were synthesised by the cross-coupling reaction catalyzed with Pd catalyst in aqueous medium, with polyethylene glycol as additive under very mild conditions.
Computational19F NMR. 2. Organic compounds
Authors: Saielli Giacomo , Bini Riccardo , Bagno Alessandro
Published: August 2014

DFT calculations allow to model and predict19F NMR chemical shift in a wide variety of organofluorine molecules.
A durable SWCNT/PET polymer foil based metal free counter electrode for flexible dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Hashmi Syed Ghufran , Moehl Thomas , Halme Janne , Ma Ying , Saukkonen Tapio , Yella Aswani , Giordano Fabrizio , Decoppet Jean David , Zakeeruddin Shaik. M. , Lund Peter , Grätzel Michael
Published: August 2014

A mechanically durable, conductive PET foil is fabricated by depositing aqueous SWCNT ink and is used in CE application for DSSCs.
Enhancing visible-light photoelectrochemical water splitting through transition-metal doped TiO2 nanorod arrays
Authors: Wang Chengzhi , Chen Zhuo , Jin Haibo , Cao Chuanbao , Li Jingbo , Mi Zetian
Published: August 2014

Transition metal doping substantially improves the performance of TiO2 nanorods for photoelectrochemical water splitting in the visible light region.
Gold-modified silver nanorod arrays for SERS-based immunoassays with improved sensitivity
Authors: Song Chunyuan , Chen Jing , Zhao Yiping , Wang Lianhui
Published: August 2014

Silver nanorod arrays and Au-modified AgNR arrays are fabricated for SERS immunoassays with improved sensitivity.
Testosterone increases renal anti-aging klotho gene expression via the androgen receptor-mediated pathway
Authors: Hsu Shih-Che , Huang Shih-Ming , Lin Shih-Hua , Ka Shuk-Man , Chen Ann , Shih Meng-Fu , Hsu Yu-Juei
Published: August 2014

Gender is known to be associated with longevity and oestrogen administration induced longevity-associated gene expression is one of the potential mechanisms underlying the benefits of oestrogen on lifespan, whereas the role of testosterone in the regulation of longevity-associated gene expressions remains largely unclear. The klotho gene, predominantly expressed in the kidney, has recently been discovered to be an aging suppressor gene. In the present study, we investigated the regulatory effects of testosterone on renal klotho gene expression in vivo and in vitro. In testosterone-administered mouse kidney and NRK-52E cells, increased klotho expression was accompanied by the up-regulation of the nuclear androgen receptor (AR). Overexpression of AR enhanced the expression of klotho mRNA and protein. Conversely, testosterone-induced klotho expression was attenuated in the presence of flutamide, an AR antagonist. A reporter assay and a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay demonstrated that AR directly binds to the klotho promoter via androgen response elements (AREs) which reconfirmed its importance for AR binding via the element mutation. In summary, our study demonstrates that testosterone up-regulates anti-aging klotho together with AR expression in the kidney in vivo and in vitro by recruiting AR on to the AREs of the klotho promoter.
Conductive Component After Cochlear Implantation in Patients With Residual Hearing Conservation
Authors: Chole Richard A. , Hullar Timothy E. , Potts Lisa G.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

Changes in auditory thresholds following cochlear implantation are generally assumed to be due to damage to neural elements. Theoretical studies have suggested that placement of a cochlear implant can cause a conductive hearing loss. Identification of a conductive component following cochlear implantation could guide improvements in surgical techniques or device designs. The purpose of this study is to characterize new-onset conductive hearing losses after cochlear implantation.

Method

In a prospective study, air- and bone-conduction audiometric testing were completed on cochlear implant recipients. An air–bone gap equal to or greater than 15 dB HL at 2 frequencies determined the presence of a conductive component.

Results

Of the 32 patients with preoperative bone-conduction hearing, 4 patients had a new-onset conductive component resulting in a mixed hearing loss, with air-conduction thresholds ranging from moderate to profound and an average air–bone gap of 30 dB HL. One had been implanted through the round window, 2 had an extended round window, and 1 had a separate cochleostomy.

Conclusions

Loss of residual hearing following cochlear implantation may be due in part to a conductive component. Identifying the mechanism for this conductive component may help minimize hearing loss. Postoperative hearing evaluation should measure both air- and bone-conduction thresholds.
Magnetic nanoparticles solid phase extraction based on the formation of supramolecular mixed hemimicelle aggregates for the determination of naproxen in biological fluids using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐UV
Authors: Pourghazi Kamyar , Amoli‐Diva Mitra
Published: August 2014

A novel, fast, sensitive and practically solvent‐free solid phase extraction method based on the adsorption of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide onto the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticle adsorbent was developed for the quantitative determination of naproxen in biological fluids. The adsorbent was characterised by a transmission electron microscope, an X‐ray diffractometer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy techniques. The main factors affecting the adsorption efficiency of the analyte such as the surfactant amount, pH value, desorption conditions, extraction and desorption time, sample volume, amount of Fe3O4 nanoparticles and ionic strength were evaluated and optimised. No clean‐up steps were necessary for the determination of the drug in biological matrices because of the direct analysis of the eluate by liquid chromatography/UV, which is matrix‐effect free. Under optimum conditions, naproxen was quantitatively determined and the linear range of the method was 0.1–700 ng ml−1 with a correlation coefficient of 0.9993. An enrichment factor of 198 was obtained by extracting 200 ml of the sample solution. The detection limit was 0.01 ng ml−1 and relative standard deviations (RSD %) for 20 and 150 ng ml−1 were obtained as 2.9 and 2.3%, respectively. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of naproxen in human plasma and urine samples.
Optimal Duration of Conservative Management Prior to Surgery for Cervical and Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Literature Review
Authors: Alentado Vincent J. , Lubelski Daniel , Steinmetz Michael P. , Benzel Edward C. , Mroz Thomas E.
Published: August 2014

Study Design

Literature review.

Objective

Since the 1970s, spine surgeons have commonly required 6 weeks of failed conservative treatment prior to considering surgical intervention for various spinal pathologies. It is unclear, however, if this standard has been validated in the literature. The authors review the natural history, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness studies relating to the current standard of 6 weeks of nonoperative care prior to surgery for patients with spinal pathologies.

Methods

A systematic Medline search from 1953 to 2013 was performed to identify natural history, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness studies relating to the optimal period of conservative management prior to surgical intervention for both cervical and lumbar radiculopathy. Demographic information, operative indications, and clinical outcomes are reviewed for each study.

Results

A total of 5,719 studies were identified; of these, 13 studies were selected for inclusion. Natural history studies demonstrated that 88% of patients with cervical radiculopathy and 70% of patients with lumbar radiculopathy showed improvement within 4 weeks following onset of symptoms. Outcomes and cost-effectiveness studies supported surgical intervention within 8 weeks of symptom onset for both cervical and lumbar radiculopathy.

Conclusions

There are limited studies supporting any optimal duration of conservative treatment prior to surgery for cervical and lumbar radiculopathy. Therefore, evidence-based conclusions cannot be made. Based on the available literature, we suggest that an optimal timing for surgery following cervical radiculopathy is within 8 weeks of onset of symptoms. A shorter period of 4 weeks may be appropriate based on natural history studies. Additionally, we found that optimal timing for surgery following lumbar radiculopathy is between 4 and 8 weeks. A prospective study is needed to explicitly identify the optimal duration of conservative therapy prior to surgery so that costs may be reduced and patient outcomes improved.
AXIS: An instrument for imaging Compton radiographs using the Advanced Radiography Capability on the NIF
Authors: Hall G. N. , Izumi N. , Tommasini R. , Carpenter A. C. , Palmer N. E. , Zacharias R. , Felker B. , Holder J. P. , Allen F. V. , Bell P. M. , Bradley D. , Montesanti R. , Landen O. L.
Published: August 2014

Compton radiography is an important diagnostic for Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF), as it provides a means to measure the density and asymmetries of the DT fuel in an ICF capsule near the time of peak compression. The AXIS instrument (ARC (Advanced Radiography Capability) X-ray Imaging System) is a gated detector in development for the National Ignition Facility (NIF), and will initially be capable of recording two Compton radiographs during a single NIF shot. The principal reason for the development of AXIS is the requirement for significantly improved detection quantum efficiency (DQE) at high x-ray energies. AXIS will be the detector for Compton radiography driven by the ARC laser, which will be used to produce Bremsstrahlung X-ray backlighter sources over the range of 50 keV–200 keV for this purpose. It is expected that AXIS will be capable of recording these high-energy x-rays with a DQE several times greater than other X-ray cameras at NIF, as well as providing a much larger field of view of the imploded capsule. AXIS will therefore provide an image with larger signal-to-noise that will allow the density and distribution of the compressed DT fuel to be measured with significantly greater accuracy as ICF experiments are tuned for ignition.