bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the PAS-SIM model using a passive air sampler calibration study for pesticides
Authors: Restrepo Andrés Ramírez , Hayward Stephen J. , Armitage James M. , Wania Frank
Published: June 2015

The performance of a model for simulating the accumulation of organic chemicals on XAD-2 passive air samplers under variable meteorological conditions is evaluated using a calibration study for pesticides.
Genome scale models of yeast: towards standardized evaluation and consistent omic integration
Authors: Sánchez Benjamín J. , Nielsen Jens
Published: June 2015

We review genome scale models of yeast, how are they typically evaluated, and how can they be integrated with omic data.
Direct determination (without chromatographic separation) of lithium isotopes in saline fluids using MC-ICP-MS: establishing limits on water chemistry
Authors: Macpherson G. L. , Phan Thai T. , Stewart Brian W.
Published: June 2015

Li isotopes can be measured on saline produced waters without chromatographic separation if certain matrix criteria are met.
Microscale extraction and phase separation using a porous capillary
Authors: Phillips Thomas W. , Bannock James H. , deMello John C.
Published: June 2015

A method is described for the inline separation of liquid–liquid segmented flows using a porous polytetrafluoroethylene capillary.
Facile construction of 3-indolochromenes and 3-indoloxanthenes via EDDF catalyzed one-pot three component reactions
Authors: Thakur Anuj , Linga Reddy P. , Tripathi Mohit , Rawat Diwan S.
Published: June 2015

EDDF–ethylene glycol, an ambiphilic catalytic system has been employed for the mild and rapid synthesis of various 3-indolochromenes and 3-indoloxanthenesviaa one-pot MCR. Besides recyclability of the catalyst, the present method circumvents the formation of any by-products.
Influence of the glycocalyx and plasma membrane composition on amphiphilic gold nanoparticle association with erythrocytes
Authors: Atukorale Prabhani U. , Yang Yu-Sang , Bekdemir Ahmet , Carney Randy P. , Silva Paulo J. , Watson Nicki , Stellacci Francesco , Irvine Darrell J.
Published: June 2015

Amphiphilic gold nanoparticles spontaneously insert into erythrocyte membranes; we characterize this association as a function of key plasma membrane components.
A silicon nanocrystal/polymer nanocomposite as a down-conversion layer in organic and hybrid solar cells
Authors: Svrcek V. , Yamanari T. , Mariotti D. , Mitra S. , Velusamy T. , Matsubara K.
Published: June 2015

Demonstration of silicon nanocrystal down-conversion enhancement in PTB7:[70]PCBM based solar cells.
O-GlcNAcylation of the human epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Stateva Silviya R. , Villalobo Antonio
Published: June 2015

The cartoon represents the EGFR at the plasma membrane where serine/threonine residues could be subjected to phosphorylation/dephosphorylation events by protein kinases (PK) and phospho-protein phosphatases (PPP) and toO-GlcNAcylation/deGlcNAcylation events byO-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) andO-linked β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (OGA).
The first asymmetric total synthesis of lycoposerramine-R
Authors: Ishida Hiroaki , Kimura Shinya , Kogure Noriyuki , Kitajima Mariko , Takayama Hiromitsu
Published: June 2015

The first asymmetric total synthesis of lycoposerramine-R was accomplished by a strategy featuring the stereoselective intramolecular aldol cyclization giving a cis-fused 5/6 bicyclic skeleton and a new method for the construction of the pyridone ring via the aza-Wittig reaction, thereby establishing the absolute configuration of the natural product.
A divergent approach to benzylisoquinoline-type and oxoaporphine alkaloids via regioselective direct ring metalation of alkoxy isoquinolines
Authors: Melzer Benedikt , Bracher Franz
Published: June 2015

Regioselective direct metalation of alkoxy isoquinolines with the Knochel–Hauser base, followed by trapping with aromatic aldehydes opens a new entry to benzylisoquinoline and oxoaporphine alkaloids.
Supramolecular polymers for organocatalysis in water
Authors: Neumann Laura N. , Baker Matthew B. , Leenders Christianus M. A. , Voets Ilja K. , Lafleur René P. M. , Palmans Anja R. A. , Meijer E. W.
Published: June 2015

An l-proline-functionalised benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide derivative self-assembles in water into well-defined, one-dimensional, helical, supramolecular polymers that efficiently catalyse aldol reactions.
Nickel-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura type cross-coupling reactions of (2,2-difluorovinyl)benzene derivatives with arylboronic acids
Authors: Xiong Yang , Huang Tao , Ji Xinfei , Wu Jingjing , Cao Song
Published: June 2015

An unprecedented highly stereoselective example of nickel-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura type cross-coupling reactions of (2,2-difluorovinyl)benzene derivatives with arylboronic acids was developed.
Rhenium-catalyzed C–H aminocarbonylation of azobenzenes with isocyanates
Authors: Geng Xiaoyu , Wang Congyang
Published: June 2015

The first C–H aminocarbonylation of azobenzenes with isocyanates is achieved by using rhenium-catalysis, which provides an atom-economical access too-azobenzamides.
Hydroxyl-functionalized poly(trimethylene carbonate) electrolytes for 3D-electrode configurations
Authors: Mindemark J. , Sun B. , Brandell D.
Published: June 2015

Hydrogen-bonding hydroxyl side groups in a polycarbonate solid polymer electrolyte lead to improved surface adhesion and enable the application of thin, conformal electrolyte films onto complex 3D-structured electrode substrates.
A versatile strategy for uniform hybrid nanoparticles and nanocapsules
Authors: Feng Chaowei , Pang Xinchang , He Yanjie , Chen Yihuang , Zhang Guangzhao , Lin Zhiqun
Published: June 2015

A novel and versatile strategy for uniform organo-silica hybrid nanoparticles and nanocapsules was developed. The key to our strategy is the implementation of spherical star-like homopolymers and diblock copolymers with well-controlled molecular weights that form unimolecular micelles in solution as nanoreactors.
Composite flocculants based on magnesium salt–polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride: characterization and flocculation behaviour
Authors: Leng C. H. , Razali M. A. A. , Rosdi M. R. H. , Ariffin A.
Published: June 2015

This study describes preparation, characterization and examines the flocculation behavior of novel magnesium salt– polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (polyDADMAC) composite flocculants.
A high-performance n-butanol gas sensor based on ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by a low-temperature solvothermal route
Authors: Liu Xu , Chen Nan , Xing Xinxin , Li Yuxiu , Xiao Xuechun , Wang Yude , Djerdj Igor
Published: June 2015

Solvothermally synthesized ZnO nanoparticles applied as a sensing layer for an n-butanol gas sensor show a very good gas response performance.
Fabrication of carbon black coated flexible polyurethane foam for significantly improved fire safety
Authors: Wang Wei , Pan Haifeng , Yu Bin , Pan Ying , Song Lei , Liew Kim Meow , Hu Yuan
Published: June 2015

Fire resistant coatings, composed of nanosized carbon black (CB) and polyurethane acrylate (PUA), were synthesized through a facile and low-cost method to improve the fire safety and thermal stability of flexible polyurethane foam (FPU).
Single-cell intracellular nano-pH probes
Authors: Özel Rıfat Emrah , Lohith Akshar , Mak Wai Han , Pourmand Nader
Published: June 2015

Within a large clonal population cells are not identical, and the differences between intracellular pH levels of individual cells may be important indicators of heterogeneity that can be relevant in clinical practice, such as personalized medicine.
Chitosan coated curcumin nanocrystals augment pharmacotherapy via improved pharmacokinetics and interplay of NFκB, Keap1 and Nrf2 expression in Gram negative sepsis
Authors: Shukla Prashant , Verma Ajeet K. , Dewangan Jayant , Rath Srikanta K. , Mishra Prabhat R.
Published: June 2015

Chi-CUR-NC provides a viable approach for reducing mortality in cIAI associated Gram negative sepsis.
Influence of the alloying elements Re, Co and W on the propagation of the Ni/Ni3Al interface crack
Authors: Liu Shu-Lan , Wang Chong-Yu , Yu Tao
Published: June 2015

Re and W have advantages to mitigate the Ni/Ni3Al interface crack propagation at low and high temperatures.
Inducting effects of ionic liquid crystal modified-PEDOT:PSS on the performance of bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells
Authors: Wang Xiaofeng , Hu Siwei , Li Qiujuan , Li Fan , Yao Kao , Shi Meiying
Published: June 2015

Photovoltaic performance was improved in P3HT/PCBM bulk-heterojunction solar cells induced by ionic liquid crystals modified PEDOT:PSS anode buffer layer.
NOx storage and soot combustion over well-dispersed mesoporous mixed oxides via hydrotalcite-like precursors
Authors: Wang Zhongpeng , Lu Peng , Zhang Xiaomin , Wang Liguo , Li Qian , Zhang Zhaoliang
Published: June 2015

Partial substitution of Mg in hydrotalcite layers with transition metal ions leads to well-dispersed mesoporous mixed oxides exhibiting high performances on NOx storage and soot combustion.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of Au/CdS nanorods for a visible-light responsive photocatalyst
Authors: Park Jihong , Park Sungmook , Selvaraj Rengaraj , Kim Younghun
Published: June 2015

Au/CdS nanorods prepared by a microwave-assisted method showed successufully high photoactivity, compared to conventional photocatalysts.
Enhanced amoxicillin treatment using the electro-peroxone process: key factors and degradation mechanism
Authors: Guo Wanqian , Wu Qu-Li , Zhou Xian-Jiao , Cao Hai-Ou , Du Juan-Shan , Yin Ren-Li , Ren Nan-Qi
Published: June 2015

Proposed degradation pathway of AMX by E-peroxone.
Synthesis, electrochemical, fluorescence and antimicrobial studies of 2-chloro-3-amino-1,4-naphthoquinone bearing mononuclear transition metal dithiocarbamate complexes [M{κ2S,S-S2C–piperazine–C2H4N(H)ClNQ}n]
Authors: Verma Sanjay K. , Singh Vinay K.
Published: June 2015

A new series of transition metal dithiocarbamate complexes displayed medium to very strong fluorescence bands, redox and interesting antimicrobial properties.
An exceptional functionalization of doped fullerene observed via theoretical studies on the interactions of sulfur-doped fullerenes with halogens and halides
Authors: Saadat Kayvan , Tavakol Hossein
Published: June 2015

Interactions of sulfur-doped fullerenes with halogens and halides have been explored for possible applications such as sensor fabrication and adsorption processes.
Effect of the reduction process on the field emission performance of reduced graphene oxide cathodes
Authors: Sygellou Labrini , Viskadouros George , Petridis Costas , Kymakis Emmanuel , Galiotis Costas , Tasis Dimitrios , Stratakis Emmanuel
Published: June 2015

The effect of the reduction process and oxygen-contained functional groups on the field emission performance of reduced graphene oxide cathodes.
[Et3NH][HSO4]-mediated functionalization of hippuric acid: an unprecedented approach to 4-arylidene-2-phenyl-5(4H)-oxazolones
Authors: Parveen Mehtab , Ahmad Faheem , Malla Ali Mohammed , Azaz Shaista , Silva Manuela Ramos , Silva P. S. Pereira
Published: June 2015

Facile, sustainable and economical synthesis of Erlenmeyer azlactones.
Synthesis and characterization of rare-earth metal guanidinates stabilized by amine-bridged bis(phenolate) ligands and their application in the controlled polymerization of rac-lactide and rac-β-butyrolactone
Authors: Zeng Tinghua , Qian Qinqin , Zhao Bei , Yuan Dan , Yao Yingming , Shen Qi
Published: June 2015

Eight rare-earth metal guanidinates supported by a versatile family of bridged bis(phenolate) ligands were synthesized, and their application in initiating stereoselective ROP of rac-lactide and rac-β-butyrolactone were investigated and compared.
Correction: Easy extraction of water-soluble graphene quantum dots for light emitting diodes
Authors: Kumar Gundam Sandeep , Thupakula Umamahesh , Sarkar Piyush Kanti , Acharya Somobrata
Published: June 2015

Correction for ‘Easy extraction of water-soluble graphene quantum dots for light emitting diodes’ by Gundam Sandeep Kumar et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 27711–27716.
Perceived autonomy-support, expectancy, value, metacognitive strategies and performance in chemistry: a structural equation model in undergraduates
Authors: González Antonio , Paoloni Paola-Verónica
Published: June 2015

Research in chemistry education has highlighted a number of variables that predict learning and performance, such as teacher–student interactions, academic motivation and metacognition. Most of this chemistry research has examined these variables by identifying dyadic relationships through bivariate correlations. The main purpose of this study was to simultaneously investigate students' perceptions of teacher–student interactions (autonomy support), motivation (expectancy, importance, utility and interest), metacognitive strategies for problem solving (planning, monitoring and evaluation), and performance in chemistry. Measures were collected from 503 Spanish undergraduates (53.13% females) aged 18 to 36 years. Structural equation modeling (SEM) tested the hypothesized direct and mediated relations between these variables. First, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) provided evidence of the robustness of the evaluation instruments. Second, perceived autonomy support positively predicted expectancy, importance, utility, interest, planning, monitoring, evaluation and performance in chemistry; motivational variables positively predicted metacognitive strategies and performance; and metacognitive strategies positively predicted performance. Moreover, all hypothesized mediated effects between variables were also supported. We conclude discussing the main findings of this study, highlighting their educational implications, acknowledging their limitations, and proposing lines of future research on chemistry education.
Diagnostic assessment of student misconceptions about the particulate nature of matter from ontological perspective
Authors: Özalp Dilek , Kahveci Ajda
Published: June 2015

Student conceptions related with matter and the particulate nature of matter (PNM), are vital for advanced understanding in chemistry, and have been a research area of significant attention. Lacking in the literature are studies addressing chemical misconceptions from an ontological point of view. The purpose of the current study was to develop a diagnostic instrument by utilizing ontological categories as theoretical lens and to evaluate student understanding on the topic PNM through assessment based on the relationship between ontology and misconceptions. Aligned with content in the middle school curricula, an assessment instrument of 25 distractor-driven, multiple-choice items, 15 of which were two-tier, was constructed. Subsequent to content validity work, to utilize student feedback for the improvement of the items and the validity of the inferences, we pilot tested our instrument with 178 students. Cross-sectional survey methodology was employed for the larger assessment work across Grades 6–11. Data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 696 students attending primary and secondary schools. The overall trend emerged to be improved student knowledge with increasing grade level. The students most often tended to attribute the properties of macroscopic matter to its microscopic particles and had most difficulty in explaining dissolution at the particle level, confirming previous national and international findings. An understanding of misconceptions from an ontology perspective may further assist educators to enhance a radical conceptual change. Distractor-driven, two-tier multiple-choice items are envisioned to aid stakeholders in curriculum development and implementation by illuminating student conceptions and ways of thinking.
Bioinspired design of redox-active ligands for multielectron catalysis: effects of positioning pyrazine reservoirs on cobalt for electro- and photocatalytic generation of hydrogen from water
Authors: Jurss Jonah W. , Khnayzer Rony S. , Panetier Julien A. , El Roz Karim A. , Nichols Eva M. , Head-Gordon Martin , Long Jeffrey R. , Castellano Felix N. , Chang Christopher J.
Published: June 2015

We report the effects of installing redox-active pyrazines at distinct positions in a series of isostructural Co catalysts.
Tertiary amine mediated aerobic oxidation of sulfides into sulfoxides by visible-light photoredox catalysis on TiO2
Authors: Lang Xianjun , Hao Wei , Leow Wan Ru , Li Shuzhou , Zhao Jincai , Chen Xiaodong
Published: June 2015

The selective aerobic oxidation of sulfides into sulfoxides on TiO2 under visible-light irradiation was accomplished through synergistic catalysis with triethylamine.
Porous hollow α-Fe2O3@TiO2 core–shell nanospheres for superior lithium/sodium storage capability
Authors: Fu Yanqing , Wei Qiliang , Wang Xianyou , Shu Hongbo , Yang Xiukang , Sun Shuhui
Published: June 2015

Porous hollow α-Fe2O3@TiO2 core–shell nanospheres with hollow inner cavity and porous outer shell exhibit outstanding electrochemical properties for LIBs/SIBs.
Energy harvesting and storage devices fused into various patterns
Authors: Sun Hao , Jiang Yishu , Qiu Longbin , You Xiao , Yang Jiahua , Fu Xuemei , Chen Peining , Guan Guozhen , Yang Zhibin , Sun Xuemei , Peng Huisheng
Published: June 2015

Novel integrated energy harvesting and storage devices that are fused into various patterns at room temperature are developed. A range of flexible device patterns are designed and formed to satisfy various applications.
A bio-process inspired synthesis of vaterite (CaCO3), directed by a rationally designed multifunctional protein, ChiCaSifi
Authors: Wang X.-L. , Xie H. , Su B.-L. , Cheng Y.-B. , Xie J.-J. , Ping H. , Wang M.-H. , Zhang J.-Y. , Zhang F. , Fu Z.-Y.
Published: June 2015

A bio-process inspired synthesis of vaterite (CaCO3) is achieved under the functions of a rationally designed multifunctional protein, ChiCaSifi.
A novel legumain protease-activated micelle cargo enhances anticancer activity and cellular internalization of doxorubicin
Authors: Lin Sen , Deng Fangfang , Huang Ping , Li Lingli , Wang Lei , Li Qing , Chen Ling , Chen Hao , Nan Kaihui
Published: June 2015

A novel legumain-responsive micelle was prepared to encapsulate doxorubicin, which increased cellular uptake and anticancer activity of doxorubicin.
Fabrication of calcium phosphate microcapsules using emulsion droplets stabilized with branched copolymers as templates
Authors: Bell Robert V. , Rochford Luke A. , de Rosales Rafael T. M. , Stevens Molly , Weaver Jonathan V. M. , Bon Stefan A. F.
Published: June 2015

An efficient emulsion templating route using branched copolymers as droplet stabilizers for the synthesis of fluorescently labelled calcium phosphate capsules.
Highly selective palladium-catalyzed Stille coupling reaction toward chlorine-containing NIR electroluminescent polymers
Authors: Zhang Yubao , Gao Xiang , Li Junli , Tu Guoli
Published: June 2015

Chlorine-containing conjugated polymers were obtained by the optimized Stille coupling reaction; non-doped PLEDs of the polymers exhibited NIR emission.
Ultra‐wideband transition from stripline to conductor‐backed coplanar waveguide
Authors: Kim In‐Bok , Choi Hyun‐Chul , Kim Kang Wook
Published: June 2015

A design of an ultra‐wideband transition from a stripline (SL) to a conductor‐backed coplanar waveguide (CBCPW) is presented. The proposed transition provides smooth field transformation between adjacent transmission lines. The transition in a back‐to‐back configuration is measured to have <1.5 dB insertion loss and >10 dB return loss up to 25 GHz. The proposed transition can be easily integrated with SL‐based circuits for various applications.
I‐Q imbalance correction of microwave displacement sensors
Authors: Pieraccini M. , Papi F. , Donati N.
Published: June 2015

Microwave displacement sensors are becoming increasingly popular as vital sign detectors and structural vibration detectors. Until now there is not any method known for calibrating them that does not require accessing the electronic board by inserting and probing test signals or does not require cumbersome equipment that is able to provide large linear displacements. Hence, proposed is a calibration method for I‐Q correction that makes use only of an external mechanical oscillator (a metallic bar fixed at an edge). As a test device, a low‐quality X‐band transceiver with a strong imbalance has been used. The calibrated sensor is compared successfully with a high‐performance seismic accelerometer.
Wireless interference power estimation for inter‐cell interference coordination
Authors: Wigren Torbjörn
Published: June 2015

To enable uplink inter‐cell interference coordination in cellular networks, estimates of the powers generated by the own serving cell, the neighbour cells and the thermal noise processes need to be made available. An algorithm for such high‐bandwidth interference power splitting is derived in the study. The algorithm does not require inter‐base station communication. The resulting estimates support self‐organising network interference management and coordinated scheduling, both technologies being important in new heterogeneous networks. A new method for G‐matrix tracking is also outlined, based on the estimates obtained from the proposed algorithm. The performance evaluation, performed for a 3G wideband code division multiple access setup of the algorithm, shows that the estimation inaccuracy's of the proposed algorithm is below 10–15% in the relevant operating region.
Addressing the illumination challenge in two‐dimensional face recognition: a survey
Authors: Ochoa‐Villegas Miguel A. , Nolazco‐Flores Juan A. , Barron‐Cano Olivia , Kakadiaris Ioannis A.
Published: June 2015

Uncontrolled illumination is one of the most widely researched and most encountered face recognition challenges in recent years. In this study, the authors propose the division of algorithms into two categories: (i) relighting and (ii) unlighting. Relighting methods try to match the probe's illumination conditions using a subset of representative gallery images, while unlighting methods seek to suppress the variations. A total of 64 state‐of‐the‐art methods are summarised and categorised in each of the groups. To make this work concise and easy to follow, they restricted themselves to selected conferences/journals and they limited the number of approaches reviewed. Also, eight past state‐of‐the‐art approaches are used in both identification and verification experiments. However, only significant reported results from all methods were compared and organised in tables. The author's main objective is not to provide an exhaustive analysis of each category, but to present a collection of papers that can be useful in identifying research directions. Results indicate that unlighting methods are a better and a practical solution to address illumination challenges.
Optimisation of reactive power compensation of HVAC cable in off‐shore wind power plant
Authors: Guiping Zhu , Xiaowei Dui , Chen Zhang
Published: June 2015

High voltage AC (HVAC) transmission system is preferred to be used in off‐shore wind power plant which is located within 40km from the seashore. Capacitance of HVAC cables is naturally higher than that of overhead lines, and it should be properly compensated. P model of three‐core XLPE cable which is widely used in off‐shore wind power plant was applied in the paper. Based on this model, impacts of reactive power compensation on HVAC transmission system, including capacity and location of compensation equipment, were analyzed and simulated then. Research showed that inductive compensation at off‐shore side of the cable is more effective to decrease power loss along the cable and increase its transmission capacity than that at onshore side, while the latter is more appropriate to improve the power factor at onshore access point of the wind power plant to grid. Compensation capacity was optimized to realize the best economy with designated certain parameters of HVAC system by Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) method. Finally by SQP costs of 35kV and 220kV HVAC transmission system were compared, critical distance and transmission capacity of these two systems adoption were found. These results can be a reference of HVAC transmission system design of off‐shore wind power plant.
Optimal scheduled power flow for distributed photovoltaic/wind/diesel generators with battery storage system
Authors: Kusakana Kanzumba
Published: June 2015

In this study, two control strategies involving ‘continuous’ and ‘ON/OFF’ operation of the diesel generator in the solar photovoltaic (PV)‐wind‐diesel‐battery hybrid systems are modelled. The main purpose of these developed models is to minimise the hybrid system's operation cost while finding the optimal power flow considering the intermittent solar and wind resources, the battery state of charge and the fluctuating load demand. The non‐linearity of the load demand, the non‐linearity of the diesel generator fuel consumption curve as well as the battery operation limits have been considered in the development of the models. The simulations have been performed using ‘fmincon’ for the continuous operation and ‘intlinprog’ for the ON/OFF operation strategy implemented in Matlab. These models have been applied to two test examples; the simulation results are analysed and compared with the case where the diesel generator is used alone to supply the given load demand. The results show that using the developed PV‐diesel‐battery optimal operation control models, significant fuel saving can be achieved compared with the case where the diesel is used alone to supply the same load requirements.
Identifying Generative Mechanisms through Affordances: A Framework for Critical Realist Data Analysis
Authors: Bygstad Bendik , Munkvold Bjørn Erik , Volkoff Olga
Published: June 2015

Critical realism has attracted increasing attention as an alternative to positivist and interpretive research for explaining contemporary phenomena. There are now several sources for information systems' (IS) scholars providing guidance on conducting critical realist studies. However, the most challenging step of a critical realist data analysis, the identification of causal mechanisms, is still insufficiently described. Identifying mechanisms is challenging. Drawing on the concept of affordances as an analytical construct offers the researcher a tool to identify and analyse mechanisms. We present a stepwise framework for identifying structural components of a mechanism, how these components interact to produce an outcome and contextual influences on this outcome. We illustrate the application of the framework through an example of the identification of IS innovation mechanisms in a case study in the airline industry. In doing so, we argue that the approach offers a methodological tool for identifying generative mechanisms, helping the researcher in conducting a more precise data analysis in empirical research.
Long-term application of olive-mill wastewater affects soil chemical and microbial properties
Authors: Kavvadias V. , Doula M. , Papadopoulou M. , Theocharopoulos Sid.
Published: June 2015

Disposal of untreated olive-mill wastewater (OMW) is a major environmental problem in many Mediterranean countries. This study assessed the impact of OMW application on soil microbiological properties and explored the relationship to soil chemical properties during a 9-month, periodical soil-sampling campaign in a pilot study area in Crete, South Greece. Cases studied involved: direct application of OMW on soil; OMW disposal in active evaporation ponds; sites hosting evaporation ponds that have been inactive for the past 9 years; sites downstream of active evaporation ponds; and control soils, upstream of the waste-disposal ponds. Long-term OMW disposal on land affected the main soil chemical properties. Applicability of the results from the systematic monitoring was confirmed by results obtained in other OMW disposal sites around the pilot area. Soil microbial properties (microbial activity, microbial biomass carbon, and metabolic quotient) were considerably affected by OMW disposal. Moreover, seasonal changes of soil properties revealed short- and long-term residual effects due to OMW disposal. Significant correlations were observed among soil microbial characteristics and soil chemical properties, clearly indicating a close relationship between chemical properties and the transformation of microbial communities in soil after OMW land spreading. The determination of a key set of chemical and microbiological parameters that can be used as indicators for monitoring soil quality at olive-mill waste-disposal areas will verify the efficiency of the techniques used for the land disposal of OMW and will consequently promote their sustainable management.
Improvement in antiproliferative activity of Angelica gigas Nakai by solid dispersion formation via hot-melt extrusion and induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in HeLa cells
Authors: Jiang Yunyao , Piao Jingpei , Cho Hyun-Jong , Kang Wie-Soo , Kim Hye-Young
Published: June 2015

Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) is one of the most popular herbal medicines and widely used as a functional food product. In this study, AGN was firstly processed by a low-temperature turbo mill and a hot melting extruder to reduce particle size and form solid dispersion (SD). Anticancer activity against HeLa cells was then examined. AGN-SD based on Soluplus was formed via hot-melt extrusion (HME) and showed the strongest cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells. In addition, the possible mechanism of cell death induced by AGN-SD on HeLa cells was also investigated. AGN-SD decreased cell viability, induced apoptosis, increased the production of reactive oxygen species, regulated the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax, and induced G2/M phase arrest in HeLa cells. This study suggested that AGN-SD based on Soluplus and the method to improve antiproliferative effect by SD formation via HME may be suitable for application in the pharmaceutical industry.
Oxidative DNA demethylation mediated by Tet enzymes
Authors: Xu Guo-Liang , Wong Jiemin
Published: June 2015

DNA modification, methylation of cytosine (5mC), and oxidation of 5mC to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), 5-formylcytosine (5fC), and 5-carboxylcytosine (5caC) can have profound effects on genome function in animals. These modifications are intricately involved in DNA methylation reprograming dynamics during mammalian development. Together, they contribute to cell lineage restriction and maintenance, while also undergoing dynamic changes during cellular transitions and induced reprograming. The last five years have seen an intense research focus on enzymatic DNA demethylation, triggered by the discovery of 5hmC and Tet dioxygenases. In this review, we evaluate recent findings that have provided new insights into the mechanisms underlying DNA demethylation and its effect on developmental regulation.
Activation of Mst11 and Feedback Inhibition of Germ Tube Growth in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Qi Linlu , Kim Yangseon , Jiang Cong , Li Yang , Peng Youliang , Xu Jin-Rong
Published: June 2015

Appressorium formation and invasive growth are two important steps in the infection cycle of Magnaporthe oryzae that are regulated by the Mst11-Mst7-Pmk1 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the activation of Mst11 MAPK kinase kinase is not clear in the rice blast fungus. In this study, we functionally characterized the regulatory region of Mst11 and its self-inhibitory binding. Deletion of the middle region of Mst11, which contains the Ras-association (RA) domain and two conserved phosphorylation sites (S453 and S458), blocked Pmk1 activation and appressorium formation. However, the MST11ΔRA transformant MRD-2 still formed appressoria, although it was reduced in virulence. Interestingly, over 50% of its germ tubes branched and formed two appressoria by 48 h, which was suppressed by treatments with exogenous cAMP. The G18V dominant active mutation enhanced the interaction of Ras2 with Mst11, suggesting that Mst11 has stronger interactions with the activated Ras2. Furthermore, deletion and site-directed mutagenesis analyses indicated that phosphorylation at S453 and S458 of Mst11 is important for appressorium formation and required for the activation of Pmk1. We also showed that the N-terminal region of Mst11 directly interacted with its kinase domain, and the S789G mutation reduced their interactions. Expression of the MST11S789G allele rescued the defect of the mst11 mutant in plant infection and resulted in the formation of appressoria on hydrophilic surfaces, suggesting the gain-of-function effect of the S789G mutation. Overall, our results indicate that the interaction of Mst11 with activated Ras2 and phosphorylation of S453 and S458 play regulatory roles in Mst11 activation and infection-related morphogenesis, possibly by relieving its self-inhibitory interaction between its N-terminal region and the C-terminal kinase domain. In addition, binding of Mst11 to Ras2 may be involved in the feedback inhibition of cAMP signaling and further differentiation of germ tubes after appressorium formation.
Developmental Morphology in Childhood Patellar Instability: Age-dependent Differences on Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Düppe Katarina , Gustavsson Nicole , Edmonds Eric W.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been used to define pathologic morphology of patellar instability primarily in adults, but few studies have evaluated skeletally immature patients. The purpose of this study was to delineate differences in morphologic parameters between normal children and children with patellar instability.

Methods:

A retrospective review of knee MRIs, ages 8 to 18 years, using a “normal” cohort without evidence of patella instability (normal group, NG) and a cohort with unstable patella (unstable group, UG). Thirty-four measurements were made on patellar characteristics, trochlear morphology, limb alignment, and the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Spearman’s rho correlations were calculated between age and MRI measures.

Results:

There were 132 NG and 66 UG children that met criteria. The majority of parameters considered diagnostically relevant in adults, also seem to be statistically relevant for children. A new measure, MPFL insertion site to the physis distance, was also significantly different (NG: −1.8±3.5 vs. UG: 0±3.4 mm). More importantly, some measurements demonstrated both a difference between the 2 groups and an age correlation: osseous sulcus angle (NG: 133.4±12.4 vs. UG: 145.2±11.2 degrees, age correlation P=0.01) and cartilaginous sulcus angle (NG: 138.2±9.5 vs. UG: 152.5±11.7 degrees, age correlation P=0.03).

Conclusions:

Several end-stage adult parameters are significant as good predictors of patellar instability when seen on a child’s MRI; but, some parameters, such as sulcus angle, are dependent on the age of the child. The most significant variation in regards to age is seen with sulcus angles. Moreover, there is a significant change in the location of the MPFL attachment on the femur as it relates to the physis with age, as well as stability.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—prognostic study, case-control study.
Combined Medial Cuneiform Osteotomy and Multiple Metatarsal Osteotomies For Correction of Persistent Metatarsus Adductus in Children
Authors: Feng Lin , Sussman Michael
Published: June 2015

Background:

Metatarsus adductus may occur in children after otherwise successful clubfoot treatment or may be an isolated deformity. There are various bony procedures currently in use for treatment of this problem. The purpose of this study was to review our experience with medial cuneiform opening-wedge osteotomy along with transmetatarsal osteotomy through the base of the second to fifth for treatment of the forefoot adductus in children.

Methods:

From 1992 to 2008, we found 16 patients, 25 feet who underwent the procedure by a single surgeon (MDS) at the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Portland. All preoperative and postoperative radiographs were measured and analyzed and all clinic notes were reviewed.

Results:

Major improvements were seen in the configuration of the foot. Significant differences were found between preoperative and postoperative anteroposterior standing radiographs by measuring the talo-first metatarsal angle, the talo-calcaneal angle, the calcaneal-second metatarsal angle, and the calcaneal-fifth metatarsal angle (P<0.005). On the lateral view the talo-first metatarsal, the talo-calcaneal, the tibio-talar, the tibio-calcaneal, and the pitch angle did not show any change. An unexpected finding was that after the surgery, the lateral subluxation of talo-navicular joint was partially corrected.

Conclusions:

This retrospective study suggests that combined medial cuneiform opening-wedge osteotomy with transmetatarsal osteotomy through the base of second to fifth can effectively correct this deformity regardless of the underlying cause. In our cases, we achieved good clinical and radiographic results. We have used this procedure for patients 6 years and older who have moderate to severe forefoot adductus.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—therapeutic studies.
Reducing Cost and Radiation Exposure During the Treatment of Pediatric Greenstick Fractures of the Forearm
Authors: Ting Beverlie L. , Kalish Leslie A. , Waters Peter M. , Bae Donald S.
Published: June 2015

Background:

We hypothesize that after successful closed reduction of pediatric greenstick fractures of the forearm, there is a low rate of lost reduction requiring intervention. By reducing the frequency of clinical and radiographic follow-up, we can reduce costs and radiation exposure.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients aged 2 to 16 years treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization for greenstick fractures of the forearm at our institution between 2003 and 2013. The primary endpoint was a healed fracture with acceptable alignment at the final radiographic evaluation. Time-derived activity-based costing was used for cost analysis. We estimated radiation exposure in consultation with our hospital’s radiation safety office.

Results:

One hundred and nine patients with an average age of 6.9 years (range, 2 to 15 y) met the inclusion criteria. The initial maximal fracture angulation of the affected radius and/or ulna averaged 19.3 (SD=±8.7) degrees (range, 2 to 55 degrees). Patients were followed for an average of 60 days (range, 19 to 635 d). On average, patients received 3.6 follow-up clinical visits and 3.5 sets of radiographs following immediate emergency department care. Ninety-four percent of patients met criteria for acceptable radiographic alignment. Only 1 patient (0.9%; 95% confidence interval, 0.2%-5.0%) underwent rereduction, as determined by the treating physician. If clinical follow-up were limited to 2 visits and 3 sets of radiographs total, there would be a 14.3% reduction in total cost of fracture care and a 41% reduction in radiation exposure.

Conclusions:

This retrospective study suggests that pediatric greenstick fractures of the forearm rarely require intervention after initial closed reduction. We propose that 2 clinical follow-up visits and 3 sets of radiographs would reduce overall care costs and radiation exposure without compromising clinical results.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV—economic and decision analyses.
Habitat features and long‐distance dispersal modify the use of social information by a long‐distance migratory bird
Authors: Rushing Clark S. , Dudash Michele R. , Marra Peter P.
Published: June 2015

The processes by which individuals select breeding sites have important consequences for individual tness as well as population‐ and community‐dynamics. Although there is increasing evidence that many animal species use information acquired from conspecics to assess the suitability of potential breeding sites, little is known about how the use of this social information is modified by biotic and abiotic conditions.

We used an automated playback experiment to simulate two types of social information, post‐breeding public information and pre‐breeding location cues, to determine the relative importance of these cues for breeding site selection by a migratory songbird, the American redstart (Setophaga ruticilla). In addition, we used stable hydrogen isotopes to determine the dispersal status of individuals that responded to our experimental treatments and quantify whether long‐distance dispersers use different social cues to select breeding sites compared to philopatric individuals.

We found that points that received pre‐breeding location cue treatments were signi cantly more likely to be settled by redstarts than control points that received no playback. However, we found no evidence the redstarts used post‐breeding public information gathered during one season to select breeding sites the following year. Breeding site habitat structure was also a strong predictor of settlement probability, indicating that redstarts modi ed the use of social information based on habitat cues. Furthermore, stable hydrogen isotope signatures from individuals that responded to location cue treatments suggest that long‐distance dispersers may rely more heavily on these cues than local recruits.

Collectively, these results indicate that redstarts use multiple sources of information to select breeding sites, which could buffer individuals from selecting suboptimal sites when they breed in unfamiliar locations or when habitat quality becomes decoupled from social cues.
March Market Madness: The Impact of Value‐Irrelevant Events on the Market Pricing of Earnings News
Authors: Drake Michael S. , Gee Kurt H. , Thornock Jacob R.
Published: June 2015

Each year, the NCAA basketball tournament (March Madness) is a daytime distraction for millions of people, providing a largely exogenous shock to investor attention. We investigate whether March Madness influences the market response to earnings by diverting investor attention away from earnings news. We find that the price reaction to earnings news released during March Madness is muted. This result generally holds across several samples and additional analyses. We also find that the result is more muted for low institutional ownership firms, consistent with the effect being driven by less‐sophisticated investors. Furthermore, we find that it takes the market 30 to 60 days to correct for the distraction effect. Overall, we provide a unique test of the theory of limited attention by documenting that extraneous events can have a significant impact on the pricing of earnings.
Elevated background TV exposure over time increases behavioural scores of 18‐month‐old toddlers
Authors: Chonchaiya Weerasak , Sirachairat Chalermpol , Vijakkhana Nakul , Wilaisakditipakorn Tanaporn , Pruksananonda Chandhita
Published: June 2015

Aim

To investigate whether trends of TV exposure from age six to 18 months and adult TV programmes were associated with behavioural concerns of 18‐month‐old Thai toddlers.

Methods

There were 194 healthy infants recruited at age six months and followed up until 18 months of age in this present cohort. TV exposure variables were assessed by interviewing in depth at both six‐ and 18‐month‐old visits. A mother of each participant rated the child's behaviours using the Child Behaviour Checklist.

Results

Infants who were increasingly exposed to TV from age six to 18 months with adult programmes since six months of age had higher pervasive developmental problems and oppositional defiant behaviours scores. Exposure to adult TV programmes at age six months was also associated with emotionally reactive problems, aggression and externalising behaviours in the final regression models.

Conclusion

To promote appropriate toddlers' behaviours at age 18 months, elevated background TV exposure over time should be discouraged. Furthermore, paediatricians should emphasise such effects of TV exposure on child behaviours with parents at health supervision visits. As such, parents will be aware of the detrimental effect of increased background TV exposure over time on their children's behaviours.
Randomised trial of early neonatal hydrocortisone demonstrates potential undesired effects on neurodevelopment at preschool age
Authors: Peltoniemi Outi M. , Lano Aulikki , Yliherva Anneli , Kari M Anneli , Hallman Mikko ,   for The Neonatal Hydrocortisone Working Group
Published: June 2015

Aim

We evaluated the neurodevelopment and growth of five‐ to seven‐year‐old children who had participated in a randomised trial of early low‐dose hydrocortisone treatment to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Methods

The 51 infants in the original study had birthweights of 501–1250 g and gestational ages of 23–30 weeks, required mechanical ventilation during the first 24 hours and received hydrocortisone or a placebo for 10 days. The majority (80%) of the 90% who survived to five‐ to seven years of age participated in this follow‐up study and their growth, neuromotor, cognitive and speech development were evaluated.

Results

Some neurodevelopment impairment was observed in 61% of the hydrocortisone group and 39% of the placebo group, ranging from minor neurological dysfunction to severe neurological conditions (p = 0.182). The mean full‐scale intelligence quotient (IQ) was 87.8 (15.3) in the hydrocortisone group and 95.7 (15.0) in the placebo group (p = 0.135), and the mean performance IQ was 88.3 (14.5) and 99.1 (14.0) (p = 0.034), respectively. A fifth (22%) of the hydrocortisone group required physiotherapy, but none of the placebo group did (p = 0.034). The age‐standardised growth was comparable between both groups.

Conclusion

Early hydrocortisone treatment may have undesired effects on neurodevelopment at preschool age, and further safety studies are required.
Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activity of Silybin Conjugates with Salinomycin and Monensin
Authors: Antoszczak Michał , Klejborowska Greta , Kruszyk Monika , Maj Ewa , Wietrzyk Joanna , Huczyński Adam
Published: June 2015

Aiming at development of multitarget drugs for the anticancer treatment, new silybin (SIL) conjugates with salinomycin (SAL) and monensin (MON) were synthesized, in mild esterification conditions, and their antiproliferative activity was studied. The conjugates obtained exhibit anticancer activity against HepG2, LoVo and LoVo/DX cancer cell lines. Moreover, MON‐SIL conjugate exhibits higher anticancer potential and better selectivity than the corresponding SAL‐SIL conjugate.