bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different Management Options for Transplant Ureteral Obstructions within an Inguinal Hernia
Authors: Cheung Felix , Debartolo Merrit Marion , Copertino Leonard Michael , Szafran April Adams , Estrada Chelsea Caron , Lynch Patrick Gerard , Darras Frank Sam
Published: April 2016

Ureteral obstruction secondary to an inguinal hernia with transplant ureteral component is an extremely rare entity with only several case reports found in literature. In all previously reported cases, management of the obstruction involved temporary drainage with ureteral stenting or nephrostomy tube placements followed by delayed definitive repair. We present two case reports, here one being the first one managed by immediate definitive repair via ureteral reimplant and herniorrhaphy and a second case by delayed definitive repair after percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement. Both patients continued to do well postoperatively with normalization of renal function on follow-up.
Discrete Weighted Pseudo Almost Automorphic Solutions of Nonautonomous Difference Equations
Authors: Wen Xiaoqing , Yin Hongwei
Published: April 2016

We introduce the concept of a discrete weighted pseudo almost automorphic function and prove some basic results. Further, we investigate the nonautonomous linear and semilinear difference equations and obtain the weighted pseudo almost automorphic solutions of both these kinds of difference equations, respectively. Our results generalize the ones by Lizama and Mesquita (2013).
Video Traffic Flow Analysis in Distributed System during Interactive Session
Authors: Kanrar Soumen , Mandal Niranjan Kumar
Published: April 2016

Cost effective, smooth multimedia streaming to the remote customer through the distributed “video on demand” architecture is the most challenging research issue over the decade. The hierarchical system design is used for distributed network to satisfy more requesting users. The distributed hierarchical network system contains all the local and remote storage multimedia servers. The hierarchical network system is used to provide continuous availability of the data stream to the requesting customer. In this work, we propose a novel data stream that handles the methodology for reducing the connection failure and smooth multimedia stream delivery to the remote customer. The proposed session based single-user bandwidth requirement model presents the bandwidth requirement for any interactive session like pause, move slowly, rewind, skip some of the frame, and move fast with some constant number of frames. The proposed session based optimum storage finding algorithm reduces the search hop count towards the remote storage-data server. The modeling and simulation result shows the better impact over the distributed system architecture. This work presents the novel bandwidth requirement model at the interactive session and gives the trade-off in communication and storage costs for different system resource configurations.
Best Possible Bounds for Yang Mean Using Generalized Logarithmic Mean
Authors: Qian Wei-Mao , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: April 2016

We prove that the double inequalityLp(a,b)<U(a,b)0witha≠bif and only ifp≤p0andq≥2and find several sharp inequalities involving the trigonometric, hyperbolic, and inverse trigonometric functions, wherep0=0.5451⋯is the unique solution of the equation(p+1)1/p=2π/2on the interval(0,∞),U(a,b)=(a-b)/[2arctan⁡((a-b)/2ab)], andLp(a,b)=[(ap+1-bp+1)/((p+1)(a-b))]1/p  (p≠-1,0),L-1(a,b)=(a-b)/(log⁡a-log⁡b)andL0(a,b)=(aa/bb)1/(a-b)/eare the Yang, andpth generalized logarithmic means ofaandb, respectively.
Long Noncoding RNAs as Novel Biomarkers Have a Promising Future in Cancer Diagnostics
Authors: Shi Ting , Gao Ge , Cao Yingli
Published: April 2016

Cancers have a high mortality rate due to lack of suitable specific early diagnosis tumor biomarkers. Emerging evidence is accumulating that lncRNAs (long noncoding RNAs) are involved in tumorigenesis, tumor cells proliferation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, extracellular lncRNAs can circulate in body fluids; they can be detected and strongly resist RNases. Many researchers have found that lncRNAs could be good candidates for tumor biomarkers and possessed high specificity, high sensitivity, and noninvasive characteristics. In this review, we summarize the detection methods and possible sources of circulating lncRNAs and outline the biological functions and expression level of the most significant lncRNAs in tissues, cell lines, and body fluids (whole blood, plasma, urine, gastric juice, and saliva) of different kinds of tumors. We evaluate the diagnostic performance of lncRNAs as tumor biomarkers. However, the biological functions and the mechanisms of circulating lncRNAs secretion have not been fully understood. The uniform normalization protocol of sample collection, lncRNAs extraction, endogenous control selection, quality assessment, and quantitative data analysis has not been established. Therefore, we put forward some recommendations that might be investigated in the future if we want to adopt lncRNAs in clinical practice.
Towards Acceptance Engineering in ICT for Older Adults
Authors: Kötteritzsch Anna , Gerling Kathrin , Stein Martin
Published: April 2016

Research on technology acceptance presents different theories and models to predict the intention to use and actual usage of a system. However, even when applying these concepts to the design of novel technology, there is still a lack of acceptance among many older individuals. In the past years, we gathered experience in developing and evaluating technology for older adults. Throughout multiple engineering cycles, we repeatedly encountered issues impacting user acceptance. Based on our research, we argue that low acceptance can be ascribed to all phases of the engineering process, and thus, should be systematically applied to technology engineering. By considering research on technology acceptance among older adults, and presenting our own experiences in how older adults accept ICT, we introduce 12 lessons learned when designing ICT for older adults (understanding acceptance, evaluating the importance of user acceptance, pursuing the own goals, consulting with the user, considering all available information, connecting potential benefits, balancing different views, considering mediating factors, making use of emerging artifacts, being sensitive to one’s own actions, avoiding misunderstanding, and communicating clearly). We conclude with a proposition on how to implement these lessons into acceptance engineering throughout the engineering lifecycle.
Theoretical Investigation of Optical WDM Network Performance in the Presence of FWM and ASE Noise
Authors: Iyer Sridhar , Joy Ambily
Published: April 2016

In this article, for an optical star wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) network, with quality factor (
Semiparametric Stationarity and Fractional Unit Roots Tests Based on Data-Driven Multidimensional Increment Ratio Statistics
Authors: Bardet Jean-Marc , Dola Béchir
Published: April 2016

In this paper, we show that the central limit theorem (CLT) satisfied by the data-driven Multidimensional Increment Ratio (MIR) estimator of the memory parameter
Peculiarities of Evaluation of Motor Abilities Development in 10th-11th-Grade Boys
Authors: Старченко В. М.
Published: April 2016

The purpose of the research is to determine the main indicators of motor abilities development in the 10th-11th-grade boys.

Materials and methods. To achieve the tasks set, the research relied on the following methods: analysis of scientific and methodological literature, pedagogical testing and methods of mathematical statistics. The participants in the study were 28 high-school boys (14 boys of the 10th-grade and 14 boys of the 11th-grade).

Conclusions. The general level of motor readiness of the 10th-11th-grade boys is evaluated as average. The 10th-11th-grade boys showed statistically significant deviations in the tests intended to reveal their coordination abilities, relative strength and speed-strength abilities (p <0.05), which indicates a certain tendency to improve the general level of motor readiness and influence of the age-related peculiarities on the motor abilities development in high-school boys. By the level of functional readiness, the 10th-11th-grade boys belong to a group of healthy untrained boys. The informative indicators of the motor abilities development and functional readiness for the 10th-grade boys are the following tests: “Standing long jump”, “Shuttle run 4×9”, “Bending and unbending of arms from the lying position”, “Stange’s test”. For the 11th-grade boys such tests are “Standing long jump without visual control with efforts 2/3, error %”, “Evaluation of movement time parameters (5 s running)”, “Bent suspension”, and “Stange’s test”.
I HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH LANGUAGE TEACHING – LANGUAGE PRACTICES, IDEOLOGIES AND LANGUAGE MANAGEMENT IN EDUCATION
Authors: Lazdiņa Sanita
Published: April 2016

The aim of this article is to identify links observable in social practice between the process of multilingualism and the teaching of language and other subjects in school, as well as associated opportunities and models which are supported by the strengthening of interdisciplinary aspects.

The article consists of five sections: the first two mainly theoretical, the last three – supported by empirical evidence. The first section is devoted to a theoretical explanation of the basic elements of language policy referenced by the title (language practices, ideology, and language management). Two approaches in modern education – the so-called monoglossic and heteroglossic approach – which reflect certain ideology about language teaching methods, are described in the second section. The third section provides insight into Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and the realization of this method in Latvia, while the fourth details the planning and practice of “Regional Studies” as a subject of study from the perspective of the heteroglossic approach. The fifth chapter outlines the experience of multilingual education in the European context, analyzing language education policies in the province of Friesland.

The questions raised in the article have been evaluated in practice by: 1) preparing a publication on the CLIL approach internationally and in Latvia, and cooperating with teachers in all Latvian regions who utilize this approach in their schools; 2) leading teacher training courses on the use of digital tools in the teaching of Regional Studies and other subjects (conducted in Rēzekne in March and April of 2015); 3) collecting evidence from trilingual schools in the Dutch province of Friesland (lessons in six schools were observed in October 2015; additionally, interviews were conducted with teachers, schoolchildren and principals).
In Latvian schools, both the monoglossic and heteroglossic approaches are observable. However, these different approaches are not mutually exclusive; rather, they exist on a continuum. It is recommended that schools in Latvia be given greater autonomy to choose their own language policies, in a similar fashion to the Frisian schools previously described in the ethnographic observations; this is not to speak against state language policy, but merely to highlight a need for school language policy to reflect regional specifics and context. 
DISCOURSES OF LATGALIAN REGIONAL DISTINCTIONS IN THE LATVIAN PRESS: A HISTORICAL OUTLOOK (1920–1934)
Authors: Malahovskis Vladislavs
Published: April 2016

Latgale is characterized by a number of distinctions shaped by historical developments: the uniqueness of the Latgalian language, the dominance of Catholicism and its influence on cultural processes (in contrast to Lutheranism in the rest of Latvia), the mixed ethnic composition of its inhabitants (especially the presence of Russians and Poles and their cultural influence), etc.

Even after the creation of an independent state, Latvians still lacked a unified national consciousness. The Latvians of Latgale were often seen in contrast to other Latvians in Latvia – the “Balts”. The aim of this article is to clarify the role and activities of Latvian newspapers to shape public perception of Latvia during the first Republican period (1920–1934). The article examines approximately 80 texts in the Latvian (Latgalian and the so-called, at the time, “Baltic”) press. These texts are taken from Latgalian papers „Latgolas Vōrds” ‘Latgale’s Word’, „Latgalits” ‘The Latgalian’, „Jaunō Straume” ‘The New Stream’, „Zemnīka Bolss” ‘The Farmer’s Voice’; as well as from the “Baltic” newspapers „Brīvā Zeme” ‘The Free Land’, „Latvijas Sargs” ‘The Latvian Guard’, „Latvis” ‘The Latvian’, „Latgales Ziņas” ‘The Latgalian News’; the journal „Ekonomists” ‘The Economist’; and the monthly periodical „Burtnieks” ‘The Soothsayer’.

The research is supported by qualitative data analysis – historical discourse approach – using the discursive construction of the distinction between “us – them”. The construction of “us – them” is one usually based on stereotypes and prejudice. A negative experience with an “opponent/ enemy” is often seen to be representative of the whole group, whereas a positive experience is seen to be an exception. The article also examines linguistic techniques which are used to accent arguments.

In analyzing the discursive themes in Latgalian newspapers, it is possible to observe a constructed opposition between two societies/ cultural groups – “Balts” and Latgalians.
Distinguishing characteristics of the Latgale region according to the Latvian (and especially, national-conservative) press are presented as multifaceted; however, discourse is never focused upon cooperation, but, conversely – upon mutual cultural alienation.
APPROACH OF THE CARTOGRAPHICAL METHOD FOR THE RESEARCH OF THE ORIGINS OF PLACE NAMES AND SURNAMES OF SOUTHEASTERN LATGALE
Authors: Kovaļevska Otīlija
Published: April 2016

The prevailing majority of contemporary village names of Latgale in historical sources can be traced back to the 18th century at least, whereas surnames, many of which have been preserved up to now, were extensively mentioned already in the 18th century and even in earlier documents. The striking similarity between the village names and surnames evidently points to their relatedness and raises questions about their origin. Despite the large number of these onyms, many village names and surnames are unique, characterizing a certain region, parish, or even village. To some extent, surnames in Latgale are a geographical reality, and as well as place names, they can be investigated by means of the cartographic methods.

The aim of the article is to demonstrate the benefits of using maps in research of the origins of the place names and surnames in Latgale. Applying the maps, the attempt has been made to look at the formation of village names throughout the centuries as well as to find out what the relationship between the family names and place names is. For this purpose the oldest available sources of place names and surnames of Latgale were used, trying to project them on modern maps and searching for correlations. For the research southeastern Latgale has been chosen, since a relatively large number of the 16th–18th century documents, containing personal names and place names are available regarding this region. Since the field of the research is very wide and each name has its own individual history, only general correlations and traditions were searched for. Nevertheless, the examples mentioned in the article illustrate the opportunities that the projection of ancient sources on the modern map provides.

The main sources used in this research were various documents of revision and inventories from the 16th–18th centuries, partly digitized by the National Historical Archives metrics and materials of revision dated to 1772, as well as some other 16th–18th century documents, containing place names and surnames, as well as maps of various periods. To identificate place names on modern maps the Database of Geographical Names http://vietvardi.lgia.gov.lv/ and Map Browser http://kartes.lgia.gov.lv/karte/ maintained by the Latvian Geospatial Information Agency (LGIA) have been used.
Análisis del área sociofamiliar y laboral en las personas afectadas por el síndrome de Ardystil
Authors: Reig Botella Adela , Clemente Díaz Miguel
Published: April 2016

Se realiza una revisión teórica de la Psicología de las Organizaciones, desde los inicios históricos de la Psicología del Trabajo, analizando las distintas teorías, hasta llegar al concepto de Organización. Las estadísticas sobre siniestralidad laboral sitúan a España como uno de los países donde se producen más accidentes laborales en el ámbito de la Unión Europea. El artículo 40.2 de la Constitución Española encomienda a los poderes públicos, como uno de los principios rectores de la política social y económica, velar por la seguridad e higiene en el trabajo. Al cumplimiento de este mandato responde la Ley de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales 31/1995 de 8 de noviembre. En este estudio empírico se pretenden valorar aspectos relacionados con la vida diaria del sujeto y en qué modo se ve perjudicado éste por la presencia de la patología en el área sociofamiliar y laboral, después de producirse en 1992 un acontecimiento tan grave para la salud, debido a la exposición de trabajadores del sector textil a la enfermedad denominada como “Síndrome Ardystil”, que provocó muertes y graves secuelas. Este trabajo analiza dichas secuelas entre los antiguos trabajadores.
Textos y glosas nº 19
Authors: Administración Revista Barataria
Published: April 2016

Reseñas Bibliográficas correspondientes al número 19 de Barataria.

Para visualizar/descargar la reseña correspondiente diríjase al apartado texto completo (pdf).
Factors influencing antibacterial activity of chitosan against Aeromonas hydrophila and Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Erdem Belgin , Kariptas Ergin , Kaya Tayfun , Tulumoglu Sener , Görgülü Özkan
Published: April 2016

In this study, the effect of the incubation time, incubation temperature, pH, metal and sodium ions on the antibacterial activity of chitosan against food borne spoilage bacteria focused. Aeromonas hydrophila and Staphylococcus aureus were used as two food borne bacteria. Acetic acid was used dissolving of chitosan. Results showed that chitosan solution at 5 mg/mL significantly inhibited the growth of A. hydrophila and S. aureus in presence of time, pH and metal ions (p <0.01). However, temperature did not significantly affect the antibacterial activity (4°C, 25°C and 37°C) (p >0.01). Chitosan activity increased with increasing incubation time. The influence of below pH 6 on the antibacterial activity of chitosan was significantly influenced (p<0.01). The addition of Ba+2 reduced chitosan activity against A. hydrophila while the addition of Ca+2 have increased chitosan activity against S. aureus. Sodium ions at a concentration of 25 mM reduced chitosan activity against S. aureus. These results show that chitosan can be used food industry to prevent the development of spoilage bacteria.

Erdem et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, April 2016, 5(5): 45-48
miR‐375 negatively regulates porcine preadipocyte differentiation by targeting BMPR2
Authors: Liu Siyuan , Sun Guangjie , Yuan Bao , Zhang Lianjiang , Gao Yan , Jiang Hao , Dai Lisheng , Zhang Jiabao
Published: April 2016

The differentiation of preadipocytes into adipose tissues is tightly regulated by various factors including miRNAs and cytokines. In this study, taking advantage of isolated porcine primary preadipocytes, we showed that ectopic expression of miR‐375 could change preadipocyte differentiation. In addition, bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) was identified as a direct target of miR‐375. Silencing BMPR2 had the same inhibition effects as overexpressing miR‐375 on the preadipocyte differentiation. Together, we demonstrated that miR‐375 is a negative regulator of adipogenic differentiation using porcine primary preadipocytes. These results clarified the role of miR‐375 in ex vivo adipogenic differentiation.
Where and when does reconnection occur in the tail?
Authors: McPherron Robert L.
Published: April 2016

We comment on the question of when and where reconnection begins in the tail and how it is related to the onset of auroral expansion. This question was addressed in a workshop dedicated to Unsolved Problems in Magnetospheric Physics held in Scarborough, UK, in September 2015. The answer is that it typically occurs first in the midtail a little beyond 20 Re somewhat before midnight about 55 min after a southward turning of the solar wind magnetic field. It appears to be a consequence of plasma sheet thinning down to the scale of an ion gyroradius. The onset of the activation and expansion of auroral activity and accompanying magnetic signatures typically occur within 1 or 2 min of the appearance of signatures of midtail reconnection. The unanswered question is which comes first and whether reconnection is the cause of the auroral expansion. We point out that older observations clearly established that plasmoids (flux ropes) are released from near 20 Re within a few minutes of the usual signatures of expansion onset. This is only possible if reconnection occurs close to the Earth. More detailed observations with modern spacecraft have led to the development of new explanations for the cause of the substorm expansion that appear to neglect older observations. We conclude that it is essential to carefully define the various terms used in the study of substorms and to develop quantitative methods that enable statistical studies of the various processes associated with auroral expansion onset.
Seismotectonics of a diffuse plate boundary: Observations off the Sumatra‐Andaman trench
Authors: Aderhold K. , Abercrombie R. E.
Published: April 2016

The actively deforming Indo‐Australian intraplate region off the Sumatra‐Andaman trench hosted the largest strike‐slip earthquake recorded by modern instruments, the 2012 Mw 8.6 Wharton Basin earthquake, closely followed by a Mw 8.2 aftershock. These two large events ruptured either parallel north‐south trending faults or a series of north‐south and nearly perpendicular east‐west fault planes. No active east‐west faults had been identified in the region prior to these earthquakes, and the seismic rupture for these two earthquakes extended past the 800°C isotherm for lithosphere of this age, deep into the oceanic mantle and possibly beyond the inferred transition to ductile failure. To investigate the seismic behavior of this region, we calculate moment tensors with teleseismic body waves for 6.0 ≤ Mw ≤ 8.0 intraplate strike‐slip earthquakes. The centroid depths are located throughout the seismogenic mantle and could extend through the oceanic crust, but are generally well constrained by the 600°C isotherm and do not appear to rupture beyond the 800°C isotherm. We conclude that while many earthquakes are consistent with a thermal limit to depth, large magnitude earthquakes may be able to rupture typically aseismic zones. We also perform finite‐fault modeling for Mw ≥ 7.0 earthquakes and find a slight preference for rupture on east‐west oriented faults for the 2012 Mw 7.2 and 2005 Mw 7.2 earthquakes. This lends support for the presence of active east‐west faults in this region, consistent with the majority of previously published models of the 2012 M8+ earthquakes.
Collision of oil droplets with marine aggregates: Effect of droplet size
Authors: Lambert Ruth A. , Variano Evan A.
Published: April 2016

Interactions between oil droplets and marine particle aggregates, such as marine snow, may affect the behavior of oil spills. Marine snow is known to scavenge fine particles from the water column, and has the potential to scavenge oil droplets in the same manner. To determine the degree to which such a process is important in the evolution of oil spills, we quantify the collision of oil droplets and marine aggregates using existing collision rate equations. Results show that interaction of drops and aggregates can substantially influence the drop size distribution, but like all such processes this result is sensitive to the local concentration of oil and aggregates. The analysis also shows that as the size distribution of oil droplets shifts toward larger droplets, a greater fraction of the total oil volume collides with marine aggregates. This result is robust to a variety of different assumptions in the collision model. Results also show that there is not always a dominant collision mechanism. For example, when droplets and aggregates are both close to 10 μm in radius, shear and differential settling contribute nearly equally to the collision rate. This overlap suggests that further research on the interaction of shear and differential settling could be useful.
A procedure for the reliability improvement of the oblique ionograms automatic scaling algorithm
Authors: Ippolito Alessandro , Scotto Carlo , Sabbagh Dario , Sgrigna Vittorio , Maher Phillip
Published: April 2016

A procedure made by the combined use of the Oblique Ionogram Automatic Scaling Algorithm (OIASA) and Autoscala program is presented. Using Martyn's equivalent path theorem, 384 oblique soundings from a high‐quality data set have been converted into vertical ionograms and analyzed by Autoscala program. The ionograms pertain to the radio link between Curtin W.A. (CUR) and Alice Springs N.T. (MTE), Australia, geographical coordinates (17.60°S; 123.82°E) and (23.52°S; 133.68°E), respectively. The critical frequency foF2 values extracted from the converted vertical ionograms by Autoscala were then compared with the foF2 values derived from the maximum usable frequencies (MUFs) provided by OIASA. A quality factor Q for the MUF values autoscaled by OIASA has been identified. Q represents the difference between the foF2 value scaled by Autoscala from the converted vertical ionogram and the foF2 value obtained applying the secant law to the MUF provided by OIASA. Using the receiver operating characteristic curve, an appropriate threshold level Qt was chosen for Q to improve the performance of OIASA.
Crystal structure of human nucleosome core particle containing enzymatically introduced CpG methylation
Authors: Fujii Yoshifumi , Wakamori Masatoshi , Umehara Takashi , Yokoyama Shigeyuki
Published: April 2016

Cytosine methylation, predominantly of the CpG sequence in vertebrates, is one of the major epigenetic modifications crucially involved in the control of gene expression. Due to the difficulty of reconstituting site‐specifically methylated nucleosomal DNA at crystallization quality, most structural analyses of CpG methylation have been performed using chemically synthesized oligonucleotides, There has been just one recent study of nucleosome core particles (NCPs) reconstituted with nonpalindromic human satellite 2‐derived DNAs. Through the preparation of a 146‐bp palindromic α‐satellite‐based nucleosomal DNA containing four CpG dinucleotide sequences and its enzymatic methylation and restriction, we reconstituted a ‘symmetric’ human CpG‐methylated nucleosome core particle (NCP). We solved the crystal structures of the CpG‐methylated and unmodified NCPs at 2.6 and 3.0 Å resolution, respectively. We observed the electron densities of two methyl groups, among the eight 5‐methylcytosines introduced in the CpG‐fully methylated NCP. There were no obvious structural differences between the CpG‐methylated ‘symmetric NCP’ and the unmodified NCP. The preparation of a crystallization‐grade CpG‐methylated NCP provides a platform for the analysis of CpG‐methyl reader and eraser proteins.
The Launching and Ensnaring Effects of Construing a Traumatic Event as Central to One's Identity and Life Story
Authors: Blix Ines , Birkeland Marianne Skogbrott , Solberg Øivind , Hansen Marianne Bang , Heir Trond
Published: April 2016

Construing a traumatic event as central to one's life story and identity is associated with posttraumatic stress. The longitudinal relationship between centrality of event and trajectories of posttraumatic stress was examined. Data from ministerial employees were collected 10 months, 2 years, and 3 years after the 2011 Oslo bombing (N = 259). Using structural equation modeling, the launch and the snare hypotheses were tested. Support for the launch hypothesis was found; higher levels of event centrality 10 months after the attack were associated with higher levels of posttraumatic stress across time. Support for the snare hypothesis was also found; higher levels of centrality 10 months and 2 years after the bombing were related to higher levels of posttraumatic stress, beyond what could be anticipated based on the individual's general trajectory. This suggests that event centrality can influence the overall trajectory, and may also have additional time‐specific effects on posttraumatic stress.Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytically Doped Semiconductors for Chemical Gas Sensing: Aerogel‐Like Aluminum‐Containing Zinc Oxide Materials Prepared in the Gas Phase
Authors: Hagedorn Kay , Li Wenyu , Liang Qijun , Dilger Stefan , Noebels Matthias , Wagner Markus. R. , Reparaz Juan S. , Dollinger Andreas , Schmedt auf der Günne Jörn , Dekorsy Thomas , Schmidt‐Mende Lukas , Polarz Sebastian
Published: April 2016

Atmospheric contamination with organic compounds is undesired in industry and in society because of odor nuisance or potential toxicity. Resistive gas sensors made of semiconducting metal oxides are effective in the detection of gases even at low concentration. Major drawbacks are low selectivity and missing sensitivity toward a targeted compound. Acetaldehyde is selected due to its high relevance in chemical industry and its toxic character. Considering the similarity between gas‐sensing and heterogeneous catalysis (surface reactions, activity, selectivity), it is tempting to transfer concepts. A question of importance is how doping and the resulting change in electronic properties of a metal‐oxide support with semiconducting properties alters reactivity of the surfaces and the functionality in gas‐sensing and in heterogeneous catalysis. A gas‐phase synthesis method is employed for aerogel‐like zinc oxide materials with a defined content of aluminum (n‐doping), which were then used for the assembly of gas sensors. It is shown that only Al‐doped ZnO represents an effective sensor material that is sensitive down to very low concentrations (<350 ppb). The advance in properties relates to a catalytic effect for the doped semiconductor nanomaterial.
Multifunctional Carbon–Silica Nanocapsules with Gold Core for Synergistic Photothermal and Chemo‐Cancer Therapy under the Guidance of Bimodal Imaging
Authors: Li Linlin , Chen Chuanfang , Liu Huiyu , Fu Changhui , Tan Longfei , Wang Shunhao , Fu Shiyan , Liu Xi , Meng Xianwei , Liu Hong
Published: April 2016

Carbon‐based nanomaterials have been developed for photothermal cancer therapy, but it is still a great challenge to fabricate their multifunctional counterparts with facile methods, good biocompatibility and dispersity, and high efficiency for cancer theranostics. In this work, an alternative multifunctional nanoplatform is developed based on carbon–silica nanocapsules with gold nanoparticle in the cavity (Au@CSN) for cancer theranostics. The encapsulated chemodrug doxorubicin can be released from the Au@CSN with mesoporous and hollow structure in a near‐infrared light and pH stimuli‐responsive manner, facilitating spatiotemporal therapy to decrease off‐target toxicity. The nanocapsules with efficient photothermal conversion and excellent biocompatibility achieve a synergistic effect of photothermal and chemotherapy. Furthermore, the nanocapsules can act as a multimodal imaging agent of computed tomography and photoacoustic tomography imaging for guiding the therapy. This new design platform can provide a promising strategy for precise cancer theranostics.
New Electron Transport Materials for High Performance Organic Solar Cells: Synthesis and Properties of Symmetrical and Asymmetrical 1,4,5,8‐Naphthalenetetracarboxylic Dianhydride Derivatives
Authors: Kukhta Nadzeya A. , Zeika Olaf , Widmer Johannes , Koerner Christian , Meerheim Rico , Petrich Annette , Behrnd Norwid‐Rasmus , Leo Karl , Grazulevicius Juozas Vidas
Published: April 2016

Two series – symmetrical and asymmetrical – of electron‐transporting 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride derivatives are designed and synthesized. The compounds show high thermal stability with initial destruction temperatures reaching 481 °C. The materials absorb light in UV–visible region, however, avoiding parasitic absorption that makes them suitable for the usage in high performance solar cells. Cyclic voltammetry deduces relatively high electron affinity (3.84–4.10 eV) indicating strong electron accepting nature of the molecules. The synthesized compounds have remarkable electrical properties such as high conductivity (up to 4 × 10−5 S cm−1) and electron mobility (up to 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1). The highest solar cell efficiency is obtained for asymmetrical adduct of 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride, pyridine‐3‐amine, and pyridin‐3,4‐diamine, and exceeds the efficiency of the reference material C60. A comparative study of the experimentally estimated and theoretically calculated by means of density functional theory method characteristics of the electron‐transporting materials is presented. The control of the symmetry of the molecular structures is responsible for the high performance of compounds in the target devices.
Monitoring disease burden in chronic myeloid leukemia: Past, present, and future
Authors: Egan Daniel , Radich Jerald
Published: April 2016

Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy yields sustained cytogenetic remissions in most patients with chronic‐phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Peripheral blood quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) monitoring of the chimeric BCR‐ABL1 mRNA transcript levels is a very sensitive method to measure disease burden in patients with cytogenetic remission. qRT‐PCR allows identification of patients (1) at high risk of progression early (3–6 months) after treatment initiation, (2) with no response to TKI therapy, (3) with undetectable disease who could be eligible for TKI discontinuation trials. Molecular monitoring is a minimally invasive method to optimize treatment and outcomes in CML. Am. J. Hematol. 91:742–746, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence for Interfacial Halogen Bonding
Authors: Swords Wesley B. , Simon Sarah J. C. , Parlane Fraser G. L. , Dean Rebecca K. , Kellett Cameron W. , Hu Ke , Meyer Gerald J. , Berlinguette Curtis P.
Published: April 2016

A homologous series of donor–π–acceptor dyes was synthesized, differing only in the identity of the halogen substituents about the triphenylamine (TPA; donor) portion of each molecule. Each Dye‐X (X=F, Cl, Br, and I) was immobilized on a TiO2 surface to investigate how the halogen substituents affect the reaction between the light‐induced charge‐separated state, TiO2(e−)/Dye‐X+, with iodide in solution. Transient absorption spectroscopy showed progressively faster reactivity towards nucleophilic iodide with more polarizable halogen substituents: Dye‐F < Dye‐Cl < Dye‐Br < Dye‐I. Given that all other structural and electronic properties for the series are held at parity, with the exception of an increasingly larger electropositive σ‐hole on the heavier halogens, the differences in dye regeneration kinetics for Dye‐Cl, Dye‐Br, and Dye‐I are ascribed to the extent of halogen bonding with the nucleophilic solution species.
Emergent Molecular Recognition through Self‐Assembly: Unexpected Selectivity for Hyaluronic Acid among Glycosaminoglycans
Authors: Noguchi Takao , Roy Bappaditya , Yoshihara Daisuke , Sakamoto Junji , Yamamoto Tatsuhiro , Shinkai Seiji
Published: April 2016

Oligophenylenevinylene (OPV)‐based fluorescent (FL) chemosensors exhibiting linear FL responses toward polyanions were designed. Their application to FL sensing of glycosaminoglycans (heparin: HEP, chondroitin 4‐sulfate: ChS, and hyaluronic acid: HA) revealed that the charge density encoded as the unit structure directs the mode of OPV self‐assembly: H‐type aggregate for HEP with 16‐times FL increase and J‐type aggregate for HA with 93‐times FL increase, thus unexpectedly achieving the preferential selectivity for HA in contrast to the conventional HEP selective systems. We have found that the integral magnitude of three factors consisting of binding mechanism, self‐assembly, and FL response can amplify the structural information on the target input into the characteristic FL output. This emergent property has been used for a novel molecular recognition system that realizes unconventional FL sensing of HA, potentially applicable to the clinical diagnosis of cancer‐related diseases.
Regulating the Rate of Molecular Self‐Assembly for Targeting Cancer Cells
Authors: Zhou Jie , Du Xuewen , Xu Bing
Published: April 2016

Besides tight and specific ligand–receptor interactions, the rate regulation of the formation of molecular assemblies is one of fundamental features of cells. But the latter receives little exploration for developing anticancer therapeutics. Here we show that a simple molecular design of the substrates of phosphatases—tailoring the number of phosphates on peptidic substrates—is able to regulate the rate of molecular self‐assembly of the enzyme reaction product. Such a rate regulation allows selective inhibition of osteosarcoma cells over hepatocytes, which promises to target cancer cells in a specific organ. Moreover, our result reveals that the direct measurement of the rate of the self‐assembly in a cell‐based assay provides precise assessment of the cell targeting capability of self‐assembly. This work, as the first report establishing rate regulation of a multiple‐step process to inhibit cells selectively, illustrates a fundamentally new approach for controlling the fate of cells.
Preparation and performance of aramid nanofiber membrane for separator of lithium ion battery
Authors: Li Jinglong , Tian Wenting , Yan Hongchen , He Lianyuan , Tuo Xinlin
Published: April 2016

Stable and uniform dispersions of para‐aramid nanofibers have been prepared by adding methoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) in the polymerization process, followed by strong shear and dispersion. Aramid membranes are fabricated by vacuum‐assisted filtration of the nanofiber dispersion and assembled into batteries as separator. The membrane properties and battery performances are characterized in detail and the effect of mPEG content on these properties is explored. It is demonstrated that aramid membranes possess good electrolyte wettability, excellent mechanical properties, and superior thermal stability, which improve the safety of lithium ion batteries. The mPEG is critical to the formation of aramid nanofibers and improves the porosity and ionic conductivity of the membranes. These fascinating characteristics and facile papermaking method endow aramid membrane potential application as separator in lithium ion batteries with superior safety. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43623.
Miscibility, UV resistance, thermal degradation, and mechanical properties of PMMA/SAN blends and their composites with MWCNTs
Authors: Parameswaranpillai Jyotishkumar , Joseph George , Sidhardhan Sisanth Krishnan , Jose Seno , Hameed Nishar
Published: April 2016

Poly(methyl methacrylate)/poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (PMMA/SAN) blends, with varying concentrations, were prepared by melt‐mixing technique. The miscibility is ensured by fixing the acrylonitrile (AN) content of styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) as 25% by weight. The blends were transparent as well. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) studies did not reveal any specific interactions, supporting the well accepted ‘copolymer repulsion effect’ as the driving mechanism for miscibility. Addition of SAN increased the stability of PMMA towards ultraviolet (UV) radiations and thermal degradation. Incorporation of even 0.05% by weight of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) significantly improved the UV absorbance and thermal stability. Moreover, the composites exhibited good strength and modulus. However, at higher concentrations of MWCNTs (0.5 and 1% by weight) the thermo‐mechanical properties experienced deterioration, mainly due to the agglomeration of MWCNTs. It was observed that composites with 0.05% by weight of finely dispersed and well distributed MWCNTs provided excellent protection in most extreme climatic conditions. Thus, PMMA/SAN/MWCNTs composites can act as excellent light screens and may be useful, as cost‐effective UV absorbers, in the outdoor applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43628.
Carboxymethyl sago pulp/carboxymethyl sago starch hydrogel: Effect of polymer mixing ratio and study of controlled drug release
Authors: Tan Hui Li , Wong Yeon Yin , Muniyandy Saravanan , Hashim Kamaruddin , Pushpamalar Janarthanan
Published: April 2016

Carboxymethyl sag o pulp (CMSP)/carboxymethyl sago starch (CMSS) hydrogel was synthesized by electron beam irradiation. In the series of hydrogels prepared, 40%/20% CMSP/CMSS hydrogel had the highest gel fraction. The swelling capacity of CMSP/CMSS hydrogel was found to be highest in distilled water, followed by pH 11, pH 7.4, and pH 1.2. Scanning Electron Microscope photographs revealed that the drug‐loaded hydrogel had a smoother surface than unloaded hydrogel. Fourier Transform Infrared and Differential Scanning Calorimetry analysis showed the absence of interaction between the hydrogels and the drug. All drug‐loaded hydrogels had drug encapsulation efficiency between 63% and 69%. CMSP/CMSS hydrogel swelled and allowed the release of drug at pH 7.4. These properties qualify the hydrogel as a potential candidate for controlled drug release at the ocular and colonic regions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43652.
Social media and anatomy education: Using twitter to enhance the student learning experience in anatomy
Authors: Hennessy Catherine M. , Kirkpatrick Emma , Smith Claire F. , Border Scott
Published: April 2016

Neuroanatomy is a difficult subject in medical education, with students often feeling worried and anxious before they have even started, potentially decreasing their engagement with the subject. At the University of Southampton, we incorporated the use of Twitter as a way of supporting students' learning on a neuroanatomy module to evaluate how it impacted upon their engagement and learning experience. The #nlm2soton hashtag was created and displayed (via a widget) on the university's virtual learning environment (VLE) for a cohort of 197 Year 2 medical students studying neuroanatomy. Student usage was tracked to measure levels of engagement throughout the course and frequency of hashtag use was compared to examination results. Student opinions on the use of Twitter were obtained during a focus group with eleven students and from qualitative questionnaires. The hashtag was used by 91% of the student cohort and, within this, more students chose to simply view the hashtag rather than make contributions. The completed questionnaire responses (n = 150) as well as focus group outcomes revealed the value of using Twitter. A negligible correlation was found between student examination scores and their viewing frequency of the hashtag however, no correlation was found between examination scores and contribution frequency. Despite this, Twitter facilitated communication, relieved anxieties and raised morale, which was valued highly by students and aided engagement with neuroanatomy. Twitter was successful in creating and providing a support network for students during a difficult module. Anat Sci Educ 9: 505–515. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists.
Graphene Oxide/Polyacrylamide/Aluminum Ion Cross‐Linked Carboxymethyl Hemicellulose Nanocomposite Hydrogels with Very Tough and Elastic Properties
Authors: Kong Weiqing , Huang Danyang , Xu Guibin , Ren Junli , Liu Chuanfu , Zhao Lihong , Sun Runcang
Published: April 2016

Development of high‐strength hydrogels has recently attracted ever‐increasing attention. In this work, a new design strategy has been proposed to prepare graphene oxide (GO)/polyacrylamide (PAM)/aluminum ion (Al3+)‐cross‐linked carboxymethyl hemicellulose (Al‐CMH) nanocomposite hydrogels with very tough and elastic properties. GO/PAM/Al‐CMH hydrogels were synthesized by introducing graphene oxide (GO) into PAM/CMH hydrogel, followed by ionic cross‐linking of Al3+. The nanocomposite hydrogels were characterized by means of FTIR, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis (SEM‐EDX) along with their swelling and mechanical properties. The maximum compressive strength and the Young's modulus of GO3.5/PAM/Al‐CMH0.45hydrogel achieved values of up to 1.12 and 13.27 MPa, increased by approximately 6488 and 18330 % relative to the PAM hydrogel (0.017 and 0.072 MPa). The as‐prepared GO/PAM/Al‐CMH nanocomposite hydrogels possess high strength and great elasticity giving them potential in bioengineering and drug‐delivery system applications.
Ternary Flexible Electro‐resistive Memory Device based on Small Molecules
Authors: Zhang Qi‐jian , He Jing‐hui , Zhuang Hao , Li Hua , Li Na‐jun , Xu Qing‐feng , Chen Dong‐yun , Lu Jian‐mei
Published: April 2016

Flexible memory devices have continued to attract more attention due to the increasing requirement for miniaturization, flexibility, and portability for further electronic applications. However, all reported flexible memory devices have binary memory characteristics, which cannot meet the demand of ever‐growing information explosion. Organic resistive switching random access memory (RRAM) has plenty of advantages such as simple structure, facile processing, low power consumption, high packaging density, as well as the ability to store multiple states per bit (multilevel). In this study, we report a small molecule‐based flexible ternary memory device for the first time. The flexible device maintains its ternary memory behavior under different bending conditions and within 500 bending cycles. The length of the alkyl chains in the molecular backbone play a significant role in molecular stacking, thus guaranteeing satisfactory memory and mechanical properties.
Biliary excretion of pravastatin and taurocholate in rats with bile salt export pump (Bsep) impairment
Authors: Cheng Yaofeng , Freeden Chris , Zhang Yueping , Abraham Pamela , Shen Hong , Wescott Debra , Humphreys W. Griffith , Gan Jinping , Lai Yurong
Published: April 2016

The bile salt export pump (BSEP) is expressed on the canalicular membrane of hepatocytes regulating liver bile salt excretion, and impairment of BSEP function may lead to cholestasis in humans. This study explored drug biliary excretion, as well as serum chemistry, individual bile acid concentrations and liver transporter expressions, in the SAGE Bsep knockout (KO) rat model. It was observed that the Bsep protein in KO rats was decreased to 15% of that in the wild type (WT), as quantified using LC–MS/MS. While the levels of Ntcp and Mrp2 were not significantly altered, Mrp3 expression increased and Oatp1a1 decreased in KO animals. Compared with the WT rats, the KO rats had similar serum chemistry and showed normal liver transaminases. Although the total plasma bile salts and bile flow were not significantly changed in Bsep KO rats, individual bile acids in plasma and liver demonstrated variable changes, indicating the impact of Bsep KO. Following an intravenous dose of deuterium labeled taurocholic acid (D4‐TCA, 2 mg/kg), the D4‐TCA plasma exposure was higher and bile excretion was delayed by approximately 0.5 h in the KO rats. No differences were observed for the pravastatin plasma concentration–time profile or the biliary excretion after intravenous administration (1 mg/kg). Collectively, the results revealed that these rats have significantly lower Bsep expression, therefore affecting the biliary excretion of endogenous bile acids and Bsep substrates. However, these rats are able to maintain a relatively normal liver function through the remaining Bsep protein and via the regulation of other transporters. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.