bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced segregation of concurrent sounds with similar spectral uncertainties in individuals with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Lin I-Fan , Yamada Takashi , Komine Yoko , Kato Nobumasa , Kashino Makio
Published: May 2015

When acoustic signals from different sound sources are mixed upon arrival at the ears, the auditory system organizes these acoustic elements by their features. This study shows that individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) performed better in terms of hearing a target sequence among distractors that had similar spectral uncertainties. Their superior performance in this task indicates an enhanced discrimination between auditory streams with the same spectral uncertainties but different spectro-temporal details. The enhanced discrimination of acoustic components may be related to the absence of the automatic grouping of acoustic components with the same features, which results in difficulties in speech perception in a noisy environment. On the other hand, the ASD group and the control group had similar performance in hearing a target sequence among distractors that had different spatial cues defined by interaural intensity differences.
Regulation of Non-canonical DNA Structures by Small Molecules and Carbon Materials
Authors: Wang Chong , Zhang Jingyan , Guo Shouwu
Published: May 2015

DNA can form non-canonical structures under certain conditions, such as Z-DNA, A-motif, G-quadruplex, i-motif, triplex, hairpin, and cruciform. These structures are particularly seen in the human genome with repeat DNA sequences, and some of them have been proposed to participate in several biologically important processes, including gene regulation, expression, and evolution, and thus could be potential drug targets. The structures and physicochemical properties of non-canonical DNA are closely related to their biological functions. Due to their unique three-dimensional structures, small molecules can stabilize or alter their structures, and are thus possible able to regulate their biological functions. Small molecules that can regulate five typical non-canonical DNA structures are reviewed. In addition to small molecules, carbon materials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene oxides (GO), exhibited super ability at tuning the structures of typical helical DNA and non-canonical DNA structures due to their unique structural and chemical physical properties. Recent progress with these two types of materials in regulating DNA structures is described. Particular focus is given to the applications of CNTs and GO in gene delivery and as anticancer drugs. Finally, the perspectives related to the applications of CNTs and GO in these fields are highlighted.
Synchrotron DUV luminescence micro-imaging to identify and map historical organic coatings on wood
Authors: Echard Jean-Philippe , Thoury Mathieu , Berrie Barbara H. , Séverin-Fabiani Tatiana , Vichi Alessandra , Didier Marie , Réfrégiers Matthieu , Bertrand Loïc
Published: May 2015

Collagen-based materials in historical coatings were characterised and imaged at the sub-micrometer scale using synchrotron DUV luminescence microspectroscopy and spectro-imaging.
High-performance organic field-effect transistors based on single-crystalline microribbons of a two-dimensional fused heteroarene semiconductor
Authors: Wang Yingfeng , Zou Sufen , Gao Jianhua , Zhang Huarong , Lai Guoqiao , Yang Chengdong , Xie Hui , Fang Renren , Li Hongxiang , Hu Wenping
Published: May 2015

A remarkable high mobility of 17.9 cm2V−1s−1was obtained for single-crystalline OFET based on 2D molecule BTBTTBT microribbons.
A microfluidic dual-well device for high-throughput single-cell capture and culture
Authors: Lin Ching-Hui , Hsiao Yi-Hsing , Chang Hao-Chen , Yeh Chuan-Feng , He Cheng-Kun , Salm Eric M. , Chen Chihchen , Chiu Ing-Ming , Hsu Chia-Hsien
Published: May 2015

The dual-well device consists of two microwell array sets, in which the small microwells are used for single-cell capture whereas the large microwells are used for cell culture.
The synthesis and investigation of binding properties of a new water soluble hexadeca zinc(ii) phthalocyanine with bovine serum albumin and DNA
Authors: Kurt Özge , Özçeşmeci İbrahim , Şebnem Sesalan B. , Burkut Koçak M.
Published: May 2015

The synthesis and the interaction between water soluble, non-aggregated, hexadeca substituted phthalocyanine zinc(ii) pc with DNA and BSA were reported.
Gold and silver catalysis: from organic transformation to bioconjugation
Authors: Lo Vanessa Kar-Yan , Chan Anna On-Yee , Che Chi-Ming
Published: May 2015

A summary of gold (including AuNPs, Au(i) and Au(iii) complexes) and silver(i) catalysis and their application in bioconjugation reactions.
Preparation of functionalized castor oil derivatives with tunable physical properties using heterogeneous acid and base catalysts
Authors: Sankaranarayanan Sivashunmugam , Srinivasan Kannan
Published: May 2015

Functionalized castor oil derivatives are achieved from epoxidized castor oil through ring opening and transesterification reactions using heterogeneous catalysts.
Investigation into the temperature sensing behavior of Yb3+ sensitized Er3+ doped Y2O3, YAG and LaAlO3 phosphors
Authors: Liu Guofeng , Fu Linlin , Gao Zhiyi , Yang Xingxing , Fu Zuoling , Wang Zhiying , Yang Yanmin
Published: May 2015

The sensitivities (S) of Y2O3 (YAG/LaAlO3):Yb3+/Er3+ phosphors increased with increasing average bond covalency and the calculated values were basically in good agreement with our experimental results.
Anchoring cobalt oxide nanoparticles on to the surface multiwalled carbon nanotubes for improved supercapacitive performances
Authors: Sankapal Babasaheb R. , Gajare Hemant B. , Karade Swapnil S. , Dubal Deepak P.
Published: May 2015

SEM and TEM images of Co3O4nanodots anchored on to the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes.
Preparation and characterization of new poly(dimethylsiloxane) membrane series via a ‘cross-linking’ reaction using monomolecular trichloro(alkyl)silane of different alkyl chain and type
Authors: Kansara Ankit M. , Aswal Vinod K. , Singh Puyam S.
Published: May 2015

A new PDMS membrane series prepared by direct cross-linking hydroxyl terminated PDMS pre-polymer liquid with RSiCl3, R = CH3or C8H18or C8H4F13or C18H37inn-heptane solvent under a nitrogen environment was studied.
Improved photo-luminescence behaviour of Eu3+ activated CaMoO4 nanoparticles via Zn2+ incorporation
Authors: Singh B. P. , Maheshwary Maheshwary , Ramakrishna P. V. , Singh Saurabh , Sonu V. K. , Singh Santosh , Singh P. , Bahadur A. , Singh R. A. , Rai S. B.
Published: May 2015

Zn2+ (0, 2, 5, 7 and 10 at%) co-doped CaMoO4:2Eu3+ nanophosphors have been synthesized via the polyol method using ethylene glycol (EG) as both capping agent and reaction medium at 150 °C.
Effect of PLGA/lecithin hybrid microspheres and β-tricalcium phosphate granules on the physicochemical properties, in vitro degradation and biocompatibility of calcium phosphate cement
Authors: Wu Tingting , Shi Haishan , Ye Jiandong
Published: May 2015

CPC with beta-TCP granules and PLGA/Lec microspheres reveals better degradability and cell affinity along with proper physicochemical properties.
Toward bioenergy recovery from waste activated sludge: improving bio-hydrogen production and sludge reduction by pretreatment coupled with anaerobic digestion–microbial electrolysis cells
Authors: He Zhangwei , Zhou Aijuan , Yang Chunxue , Guo Zechong , Wang Aijie , Liu Wenzong , Nan Jun
Published: May 2015

A novel and attractive technology for renewable bioenergy recovery from WAS and sludge reduction has been investigated.
Removal of dioxane pollutants from water by using Al-doped single walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Izakmehri Z. , Ardjmand M. , Ganji M. Darvish , Babanezhad E. , Heydarinasab A.
Published: May 2015

The detection and fast enrichment of toxic organic pollutants are challenging issues in the field of environmental science.
Novel Co–Ni–graphene composite electrodes for hydrogen production
Authors: Subramanya B. , Ullal Y. , Shenoy S. U. , Bhat D. K. , Hegde A. C.
Published: May 2015

A novel, highly efficient composite electrode containing earth-abundant elements (Co–Ni) and graphene has been developed for the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction in an alkaline medium.
Self-assembly, photoresponsive behavior and transport potential of azobenzene grafted dendronized polymeric amphiphiles
Authors: Kumari Meena , Billamboz Muriel , Leonard Estelle , Len Christophe , Böttcher Christoph , Prasad Ashok K. , Haag Rainer , Sharma Sunil K.
Published: May 2015

An azobenzene based light responsive polymeric system was developed to study the transport potential and photo-controlled release of encapsulated guests.
Maze solving using temperature-induced Marangoni flow
Authors: Lovass Petra , Branicki Michal , Tóth Rita , Braun Artur , Suzuno Kohta , Ueyama Daishin , Lagzi István
Published: May 2015

A temperature gradient can be utilized for maze solving using a temperature-induced Marangoni flow. Induced liquid flow drags passive tracers such as small dye particles, which dissolve in a water phase thus visualizing the shortest path.
Bidirectional photoswitching of magnetic properties at room temperature: ligand-driven light-induced valence tautomerism
Authors: Witt Alexander , Heinemann Frank W. , Khusniyarov Marat M.
Published: May 2015

A unique molecular switch – a cobalt dioxolene complex featuring photoisomerizable ligands – allows unprecedented control of magnetic properties with light at room temperature.
Integrating proteomics with electrochemistry for identifying kinase biomarkers
Authors: Amit Einav , Obena Rofeamor , Wang Yi-Ting , Zhuravel Roman , Reyes Aaron James F. , Elbaz Shir , Rotem Dvir , Porath Danny , Friedler Assaf , Chen Yu-Ju , Yitzchaik Shlomo
Published: May 2015

We present an integrated approach for highly sensitive identification and validation of substrate-specific kinases as cancer biomarkers.
Targeting virulence: salmochelin modification tunes the antibacterial activity spectrum of β-lactams for pathogen-selective killing of Escherichia coli
Authors: Chairatana Phoom , Zheng Tengfei , Nolan Elizabeth M.
Published: May 2015

New antibiotics are required to treat bacterial infections and counteract the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
Porous ionic liquids: synthesis and application
Authors: Zhang Shiguo , Dokko Kaoru , Watanabe Masayoshi
Published: May 2015

Porous ionic liquids combine the unique characteristics of ionic liquids with the common features of polymers and porous materials.
Biomimetic versus enzymatic high-potential electrocatalytic reduction of hydrogen peroxide on a functionalized carbon nanotube electrode
Authors: Reuillard Bertrand , Gentil Solène , Carrière Marie , Le Goff Alan , Cosnier Serge
Published: May 2015

We report the non-covalent functionalization of a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrode with a biomimetic model of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) active site.
Double-walled pyr topology networks from a novel fluoride-bridged heptanuclear metal cluster
Authors: Chen Kai-Jie , Perry IV John J. , Scott Hayley S. , Yang Qing-Yuan , Zaworotko Michael J.
Published: May 2015

Two isostructural networks with double-walled pyr topology comprised of novel fluoride-bridged heptanuclear metal clusters and 3-connected ligands have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and gas sorption experiments.
A nitrogen-base catalyzed generation of organotin(ii) hydride from an organotin trihydride under reductive dihydrogen elimination
Authors: Sindlinger Christian P. , Stasch Andreas , Bettinger Holger F. , Wesemann Lars
Published: May 2015

Amine bases are shown to induce reductive elimination of dihydrogen from terphenyltin trihydride.
Anions make the difference: insights from the interaction of big cations and anions with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) chains and microgels
Authors: Pérez-Fuentes Leonor , Drummond Carlos , Faraudo Jordi , Bastos-González Delfi
Published: May 2015

Although big apparently identical cations and anions strongly interact with soft matter systems, the interaction of the anions is always much bigger than that of the cations.
Shape effects of Pt nanoparticles on hydrogen production via Pt/CdS photocatalysts under visible light
Authors: Luo Muhua , Yao Weifeng , Huang Cunping , Wu Qiang , Xu Qunjie
Published: May 2015

The photocatalytic activity of Pt/CdS photocatalysts strongly depends on both the shape and size of the Pt particles.
Controllable assembly of SnO2 nanocubes onto TiO2 electrospun nanofibers toward humidity sensing applications
Authors: Yang Zhaolin , Zhang Zhenyi , Liu Kuichao , Yuan Qing , Dong Bin
Published: May 2015

The humidity sensing performance of a 1D SnO2/TiO2 heterostructure is successfully optimized through adjusting the height of the surface potential barrier based on the heterojunction effect.
Correction: A computational study of tri-s-triazine-based molecules as ambipolar host materials for phosphorescent blue emitters: effective geometric and electronic tuning
Authors: Li Jing , Nie Zhaomin , Li Hai , Peng Yiming , Wang Ziyuan , Mai Zhirui , Zheng Wenxu
Published: May 2015

Correction for ‘A computational study of tri-s-triazine-based molecules as ambipolar host materials for phosphorescent blue emitters: effective geometric and electronic tuning’ by Jing Li et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2015, 3, 4859.
Akt/PKB: one kinase, many modifications
Authors: Risso Guillermo , Blaustein Matías , Pozzi Berta , Mammi Pablo , Srebrow Anabella
Published: May 2015

Akt/PKB, a serine/threonine kinase member of the AGC family of proteins, is involved in the regulation of a plethora of cellular processes triggered by a wide diversity of extracellular signals and is thus considered a key signalling molecule in higher eukaryotes. Deregulation of Akt signalling is associated with a variety of human diseases, revealing Akt-dependent pathways as an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. Since its discovery in the early 1990s, a large body of work has focused on Akt phosphorylation of two residues, Thr308 and Ser473, and modification of these two sites has been established as being equivalent to Akt activation. More recently, Akt has been identified as a substrate for many different post-translational modifications, including not only phosphorylation of other residues, but also acetylation, glycosylation, oxidation, ubiquitination and SUMOylation. These modifications could provide additional regulatory steps for fine-tuning Akt function, Akt trafficking within the cell and/or for determining the substrate specificity of this signalling molecule. In the present review, we provide an overview of these different post-translational modifications identified for Akt, focusing on their consequences for this kinase activity.
The oxygenase Jmjd6–a case study in conflicting assignments
Authors: Böttger Angelika , Islam Md. Saiful , Chowdhury Rasheduzzaman , Schofield Christopher J. , Wolf Alexander
Published: May 2015

The Jumonji domain-containing protein 6 (Jmjd6) is a member of the superfamily of non-haem iron(II) and 2-oxoglutarate (2OG)-dependent oxygenases; it plays an important developmental role in higher animals. Jmjd6 was initially assigned a role as the phosphatidylserine receptor responsible for engulfment of apoptotic cells but this now seems unlikely. Jmjd6 has been shown to be a nuclear localized protein with a JmjC domain comprising a distorted double-stranded β-helical structure characteristic of the 2OG-dependent oxygenases. Jmjd6 was subsequently assigned a role in catalysing N-methyl-arginine residue demethylation on the N-terminus of the human histones H3 and H4; however, this function is also subject to conflicting reports. Jmjd6 does catalyse 2OG-dependent C-5 hydroxylation of lysine residues in mRNA splicing-regulatory proteins and histones; there is also accumulating evidence that Jmjd6 plays a role in splicing (potentially in an iron- and oxygen-dependent manner) as well as in other processes regulating gene expression, including transcriptional pause release. Moreover, a link with tumour progression has been suggested. In the present review we look at biochemical, structural and cellular work on Jmjd6, highlighting areas of controversy and consensus.
Half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide omnidirectional slot antenna
Authors: Zou Xiong , Tong Chuang‐Ming , Li Xi‐Min , Yu Ding‐Wang
Published: May 2015

A half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide (HMSIW) omnidirectional slot antenna is proposed for the first time by integrating four narrow wall radiating slot antenna elements and a four‐way power divider. The slot antenna element realises energy radiation from the open side of the HMSIW by etching several pairs of transversal slots both on the upper and the lower surfaces of the HMSIW and alternately arranging the slot pairs. A novel HMSIW four‐way power divider is achieved to feed the slot antenna elements by loading four big metallic vias to guide the microwave into the HMSIW branches. This omnidirectional slot antenna has an efficiency of 86%, a gain of 5.8 dBi and an out‐of‐roundness of ±1.5 dB at 3 GHz, which makes it a good candidate for wireless communication applications.
Soft switching DC/DC converter with five resonant tanks for medium voltage applications
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren , Chen Kuan‐Hao
Published: May 2015

A zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) converter with five resonant circuits with shared switches is presented to achieve the functions of less switch counts, low switching losses and low current stress of passive components at low‐voltage side. For medium input voltage case, four split capacitors and four active switches with Vin/2 voltage stress are adopted at high‐voltage side. Two balance capacitors are used to automatically balance input capacitor voltages in every switching cycle. Five resonant circuits are adopted in the proposed converter to share load current and reduce the current stress of passive components. On the basis of the circuit characteristics of resonant converter, power switches are turned on at ZVS from zero to full load. Rectifier diodes can be turned off at zero‐current switching if the switching frequency is less than the series resonant frequency. Hence, the reverse recovery losses on the rectifier diodes are improved. Experimental verifications with a 1.92 kW prototype are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Adsorption and self-assembled structures of sexithiophene on the Si(111)-3×3-Ag surface
Authors: Yokoyama Takashi , Kawasaki Mitsunori , Asari Tomotaka , Ohno Shinya , Tanaka Masatoshi , Yoshimoto Yoshihide
Published: May 2015

The adsorption and self-assembled structures of α-sexithiophene (α-6T) have been investigated on a Si(111)-Ag surface using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low-energy electron diffraction, and density functional theory calculations. The adsorbed α-6T molecules are arranged into unidirectional molecular rows with a side-by-side orientation. The molecular rows reveal three kinds of appearances in the filled-state STM images, which reflect the distinct adsorption sites. From tunneling spectroscopy, we find that the filled-state STM images of α-6T should be influenced by the surface states of Si(111)-Ag. At one monolayer coverage, sequentially ordering of the triple molecular rows results in the close-packed arrangement of the α-6T overlayer.
Auroral electrostatic solitons and supersolitons in a magnetized nonthermal plasma
Authors: Rufai O. R.
Published: May 2015

Exploiting the spacecraft measurements in the auroral region, finite amplitude nonlinear low frequency electrostatic solitons and supersolitons in a magnetized plasma consisting of cold ions fluid, Boltzmann protons, and nonthermal hot electrons are studied by applying a pseudo-potential technique. The localized solution of the nonlinear structures is obtained through the charge neutrality condition. Further numerical investigation shows the existence of supersoliton solutions at supersonic Mach numbers regime. The amplitude of ion-acoustic structures decreased with an increase in nonthermal electrons and ion density ratio. For the plasma parameters relevant to the auroral zone of the Earth's magnetosphere, the electric field amplitude of supersolitons is found to be about 9 mV/m, which is in agreement with satellite observations.
Dimensions of local public attitudes towards invasive species management in protected areas
Authors: Ford-Thompson Adriana E. S. , Snell Carolyn , Saunders Glen , White Piran C. L.
Published: May 2015

Context Invasive species management is often a source of contention; therefore, understanding human dimensions is viewed increasingly as critical for management success. Aims Using invasive Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) in the Royal National Park (RNP), Sydney, as a case study, we sought to identify key dimensions of local public attitudes towards deer and associated management interventions, to identify the most divisive issues, and to assess the influence of experiences on attitudes. Methods We used a mixed-methods approach, using a questionnaire targeted at residents closest to the border of the RNP (n = 406, 30% response rate). The potential for conflict index (PCI2) was used to analyse 32 framing statements, generated through in-depth interviews with 18 key stakeholders from a range of stakeholder groups (e.g. conservation, hunting, animal welfare). We also tested for significant differences in attitudes between those who had or had not experienced deer impacts or received information on deer management. We conducted qualitative analysis of open comments to identify emergent themes and develop an attitudes framework. Key results We identified three overarching dimensions to local attitudes, namely, stakeholder, wildlife and management dimensions, each consisting of key themes and issues, forming the attitudes framework. The most divisive issues based on PCI2 analysis related to deer remaining in the park (PCI2 = 0.626), the heritage value of deer (PCI2 = 0.626), the need to remove deer (PCI2 = 0.531) and the need to kill non-natives in national parks (PCI2 = 0.535). Experience of deer–vehicle collisions and property damage were associated with significantly more negative attitudes towards deer and non-native species and more trust in ecological evidence (P < 0.001), whereas positive experience of deer had the opposite effect (P < 0.001). These experiences were also associated with attitudes towards aerial shooting (P < 0.05) but not hunting. Receiving information improved trust in ecological evidence and decreased belief in heritage value of deer (P < 0.05). Conclusions Attitudes of the local public were varied and complex; however, a mixed-methods bottom-up approach allowed us to identify specific key issues of divisiveness and make management recommendations. Implications The framework and analysis have the potential to facilitate conflict mitigation and develop invasive species management strategies that are inclusive of the local community.
Rewriting the AUSIT Code of Ethics – principles, practice, dispute
Authors: Ozolins Uldis
Published: May 2015

Codes of ethics in translating and interpreting have become increasingly examined in recent literature, as practitioners in ever-widening fields of practice see such codes as essential in underpinning their professionalism. While such codes in various professions set standards for their association’s membership, codes in some sectors of translating and interpreting often have a wider function, detailing ground rules and techniques for practice and serving as educational documents, for users of services as much as for practitioners. The code of ethics developed by the Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators [AUSIT] has been often cited in international literature as a broad, comprehensive generic code for professional practice. When this code was recently rewritten by its association, the wider functions of the code, as well as core considerations of practitioners’ role, conduct and autonomy were extensively debated. This article examines the issues that arose in rewriting the AUSIT code, drawing on international comparisons of how other codes have defined their central tenets.
Ongoingly redesigning metacognitive questionnaires helping trainees to self-evaluate their translating
Authors: Fernandez Francesc , Arumi Ribas Marta
Published: May 2015

This paper presents a study of the redesign of metacognitive questionnaires carried out along a two-part German-Spanish translation course. The study focuses on post-translation questionnaires used by trainees to self-evaluate their translating, as a function of their strategic subcompetence. Post-translation questionnaires were redesigned ongoingly, as needed, in order to improve their effectiveness in meeting the trainees’ evolving needs. This redesign was based on the students’ feedback combined with the teacher’s perceptions, and led to three types of changes. Firstly, questions not optimally meeting the intended target were modified. As the mental action involved in these questions was not specific enough to prevent off-target answers, each was reworded accordingly and occasionally given an interpersonal dimension favouring intermental reflection. Secondly, certain questions were newly designed, so that they included such interpersonal dimension from the very beginning. These also presented the students with open tasks promoting learner autonomy and asked them to justify their answers, thereby enhancing their translational reflection. Thirdly, a group of questions were suppressed from one part of the course to the other, as the mental action involved in each no longer matched the trainees’ increased procedural knowledge.
Classification analysis on proximate contexts from graphic symbols
Authors: Hsu Tsu Fan , Yang Chao Ming
Published: May 2015

Graphic symbol recognition is influenced by proximate context. Hence, this study used card sorting to classify the proximate context and conducted a cluster analysis to compare the differences in clustering processes between participants divided into “design group” and “general group.” Results showed that a high commonality in classifying proximate context existed between the design group and general group. Proximate contexts were classified into seven categories: “icon,” “sign,” “direction,” “direction + icon,” “human + icon,” “sign + icon,” and “icon + icon.” Additionally, three types of clustering differences were found: agreement difference, assignment difference, and sub-cluster difference.
Engagement and resistance at Last Chance High: a case study of twenty‐first‐century literacies and identities in one English classroom
Authors: Hines Mary Beth , Kersulov Michael
Published: May 2015

This article investigates the nature of student resistance to and engagement with digital media and twenty‐first‐century literacies in the English classroom at Last Chance High, an alternative high school. It traces the dynamic interplay of literacy practices and identity performances with and around digital media, exploring one student's engagement, disengagement, and resistance to officially sanctioned classroom activities. Drawing from a larger project, we highlight the ways in which the classroom teacher, Becky, a national board‐certified English teacher and member of a digital media committee in the (US) National Writing Project, used digital media and twenty‐first‐century literacies in her classroom inquiry. While observing Terrin, a student at Last Chance High, over the course of a year, we identified key identity performances for her: ‘too cool for school,’ digital drama diva, and ‘driven mind.’ We explore her situated identity performances and digital practices as she fashioned overlapping and competing identities – from the resistant student intent on gaining social capital to the successful, savvy student who used digital tools to chart a different future.
Self-driven filter-based blood plasma separator microfluidic chip for point-of-care testing
Authors: Madadi Hojjat , Casals-Terré Jasmina , Mohammadi Mahdi
Published: May 2015

There is currently a growing need for lab-on-a-chip devices for use in clinical analysis and diagnostics, especially in the area of patient care. The first step in most blood assays is plasma extraction from whole blood. This paper presents a novel, self-driven blood plasma separation microfluidic chip, which can extract more than 0.1 μl plasma from a single droplet of undiluted fresh human blood (∼5 μl). This volume of blood plasma is extracted from whole blood with high purity (more than 98%) in a reasonable time frame (3 to 5 min), and without the need for any external force. This would be the first step towards the realization of a single-use, self-blood test that does not require any external force or power source to deliver and analyze a fresh whole-blood sample, in contrast to the existing time-consuming conventional blood analysis. The prototypes are manufactured in polydimethylsiloxane that has been modified with a strong nonionic surfactant (Silwet L-77) to achieve hydrophilic behavior. The main advantage of this microfluidic chip design is the clogging delay in the filtration area, which results in an increased amount of extracted plasma (0.1 μl). Moreover, the plasma can be collected in one or more 10 μm-deep channels to facilitate the detection and readout of multiple blood assays. This high volume of extracted plasma is achieved thanks to a novel design that combines maximum pumping efficiency without disturbing the red blood cells’ trajectory through the use of different hydrodynamic principles, such as a constriction effect and a symmetrical filtration mode. To demonstrate the microfluidic chip’s functionality, we designed and fabricated a novel hybrid microdevice that exhibits the benefits of both microfluidics and lateral flow immunochromatographic tests. The performance of the presented hybrid microdevice is validated using rapid detection of thyroid stimulating hormone within a single droplet of whole blood.
Bounded gaps between primes in special sequences
Authors: Chua Lynn , Park Soohyun , Smith Geoffrey
Published: May 2015

We use Maynard’s methods to show that there are bounded gaps between primes in the sequence

{
⌊
n
α
⌋
}

\{\lfloor n\alpha \rfloor \}

, where

α
\alpha

is an irrational number of finite type. In addition, given a superlinear function

f
f

satisfying some properties described by Leitmann, we show that for all

m
m

there are infinitely many bounded intervals containing

m
m

primes and at least one integer of the form

⌊
f
(
q
)
⌋

\lfloor f(q)\rfloor

with

q
q

a positive integer.
The quantum Gromov-Hausdorff propinquity
Authors: Latrémolière Frédéric
Published: May 2015

We introduce the quantum Gromov-Hausdorff propinquity, a new distance between quantum compact metric spaces, which extends the Gromov-Hausdorff distance to noncommutative geometry and strengthens Rieffel’s quantum Gromov-Hausdorff distance and Rieffel’s proximity by making *-isomorphism a necessary condition for distance zero, while being well adapted to Leibniz seminorms. This work offers a natural solution to the long-standing problem of finding a framework for the development of a theory of Leibniz Lip-norms over C*-algebras.
Acylindrically hyperbolic groups
Authors: Osin D.
Published: May 2015

We say that a group

G
G

is acylindrically hyperbolic if it admits a non-elementary acylindrical action on a hyperbolic space. We prove that the class of acylindrically hyperbolic groups coincides with many other classes studied in the literature, e.g., the class

C

g
e
o
m

C_{geom}

introduced by Hamenstädt, the class of groups admitting a non-elementary weakly properly discontinuous action on a hyperbolic space in the sense of Bestvina and Fujiwara, and the class of groups with hyperbolically embedded subgroups studied by Dahmani, Guirardel, and the author. We also record some basic results about acylindrically hyperbolic groups for future use.
Predicting the impact of ocean acidification on coral reefs: evaluating the assumptions involved
Authors: Jokiel Paul L.
Published: May 2015

Predictions of future impact of climate change on coral reefs indicate that bleaching mortality due to higher temperature will be the major factor in the decline of coral reefs. Ocean acidification (OA) is increasingly considered to be an important contributing factor, but estimates of its importance vary widely in the literature. Models of future reef decline due to OA generally involve four simplifying assumptions that can lead to contradictions. The assumptions are: (i) Oceanic conditions of Ωarag control or are at least highly correlated with net calcification rate (Gnet) on coral reefs. (ii) Calcification rate is driven by bulk water carbonate ion concentration [CO32−] expressed as Ωarag. (iii) Changes in coral calcification rate can be used to estimate future changes in coral reef calcification rate. (iv) The impact of OA is additive and not synergistic with other environmental factors such as increased temperature. The assumption that aragonite saturation state (Ωarag) of seawater drives calcification is the most widely used and needs to be further evaluated. An alternate hypothesis is that calcification is limited by the ability of the system to rid itself of the protons generated by calcification. Recent studies allow further testing of the assumptions and point the way to resolving shortcomings in our understanding of how OA impacts coral reefs.
Factors Associated With Clopidogrel Adherence in Community-Dwelling Patients
Authors: Momary Kathryn M. , Kimble Laura P.
Published: May 2015

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to characterize predictors of adherence to clopidogrel therapy focusing on patients’ perceptions of clopidogrel and nuisance bleeding.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study of community-dwelling cardiovascular patients with a self-reported prescription for clopidogrel. Self-report questionnaires assessed depressive symptoms, social support, nuisance bleeding, perceptions of clopidogrel, and adherence to therapy. Low, moderate, and high adherence groups based on the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale were compared and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was used to predict adherence.

Results:

A total of 102 subjects were enrolled, and 55%, 28%, and 16% were classified as having low, moderate, and high adherence, respectively. Greater perceptions of clopidogrel necessity, lower perception of clopidogrel concern, and increased severity of nuisance bleeding were predictors of better adherence.

Conclusions:

Data from this cross-sectional study suggest that concerns about clopidogrel and feelings about its necessity play an important role in clopidogrel adherence.
Propofol‐Ketamine and Propofol‐Fentanyl Combinations for Nonanesthetist‐Administered Sedation
Authors: Chandar Rumesh , Jagadisan Barath , Vasudevan Arumugam
Published: May 2015

Objectives:

There is a need to compare propofol requirement between propofol‐ketamine (PK) and propofol‐fentanyl (PF) given as nonanesthetist‐administered propofol sedation during pediatric esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

Methods:

The study was a parallel‐group, randomized, double‐blind comparison of the need for additional doses of propofol in the first minute after sedation induction between PK and PF, administered by rotating trainees in pediatrics for sedation during pediatric EGD. A total of 95 children with American Society of Anesthesiologists class I to III between 3 and 12 years undergoing EGD were included and randomized to either of the groups. After midazolam premedication, children received either 0.5 mg/kg ketamine (PK) or 1 μg/kg of fentanyl (PF) followed by a mandatory 1 mg/kg of propofol. Additional doses of propofol of 0.5 mg/kg each were given to achieve sedation induction (modified Ramsay scale level 6), and further doses were administered during the procedure as required. A total of 92 children (PK, n = 47; PF, n = 45) were analyzed. P < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

There was no difference in the propofol dose required for successful scope introduction and also in the need for additional propofol doses and the total additional propofol doses required in the first minute after sedation induction. Propofol injection pain was higher in the PF group (odds ratio 1.78). The adverse events and recovery time were similar. There was no escalation of care, airway intubations, death, or disability.

Conclusions:

Nonanesthetist‐administered propofol sedation is feasible in teaching hospitals. Propofol requirement is similar in both PK and PF combination regimens, but the lower frequency of propofol injection pain may favor the use of PK.
Attitudes Toward Patient Safety and Tendencies to Medical Error Among Turkish Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery Nurses
Authors: Ozer Serap , Sarsilmaz (Kankaya) Hülya , Aktas (Toptas) Hikmet , Aykar Fisun Senuzun
Published: May 2015

Background

Patient safety and medical errors are among the most discussed topics in recent years. Identifying and reporting medical errors is one of the most significant steps toward the adoption of measures to increase patient safety.

Objectives

The goal of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to evaluate attitudes toward patient safety and the tendencies to medical error among cardiology and cardiovascular surgery nurses in Turkey.

Methods

The study sample consisted of nurses who worked in the cardiology and cardiovascular surgery departments of a University Hospital in Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey. A total of 103 nurses working in the day shift of the mentioned departments volunteered and participated in the study. A “Nurse Information Form,” a “Patient Safety Attitude Questionnaire (PSAQ),” and a “Malpractice Tendency Scale in Nursing-(MTSN)” were used as data collection instruments.

Results

The mean ± 1 standard deviation of the nurses’ PSAQ scores were 141.86 ± 18.39, whereas their MTSN scores were 237.20 ± 18.12. Although no statistically significant difference could be evidenced between cardiology and cardiovascular surgery nurses in their total MTSN scores (t = −0.99, P = 0.32), their PSAQ scores showed a significant difference (t = 2.34, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

This study showed that the tendencies to medical error among cardiology and cardiovascular surgery nurses working in a Turkish facility were low, whereas their attitudes toward patient safety were not at a particularly satisfactory level. The cardiology nurses were found to have a more positive attitude toward patient safety than their colleagues in cardiovascular surgery.
Shifts in diversification rates linked to biogeographic movement into new areas, an example of disparate continental distributions and a recent radiation in the Andes
Authors: Uribe-Convers Simon , Tank David C
Published: May 2015

Premise of the study: Clade specific bursts in diversification are often associated with the evolution of key innovations. However, in groups with no obvious morphological innovations, observed upticks in diversification rates have also been attributed to the colonization of a new geographic environment. In this study, we explore the systematics, diversification dynamics, and historical biogeography of the plant clade Rhinantheae in the Orobanchaceae, with a special focus on the Andean clade of the genus Bartsia L.. Methods: We sampled taxa from across Rhinantheae, including a representative sample of Andean Bartsia species. Using standard phylogenetic methods, we reconstructed evolutionary relationships, inferred divergence times among the clades of Rhinantheae, elucidated their biogeographic history, and investigated diversification dynamics. Key results: We confirmed that the South American Bartsia species form a highly supported monophyletic group. The median crown age of Rhinantheae was determined to be ca. 30 Ma, and Europe played an important role in the biogeographic history of the lineages. South America was first reconstructed in the biogeographic analyses around 9 Ma, and with a median age of 2.59 Ma, this clade shows a significant uptick in diversification. Conclusions: Increased net diversification of the South American clade corresponds with biogeographic movement into the New World. This happened at a time when the Andes were reaching the necessary elevation to host an alpine environment. Although a specific route could not be identified with certainty, we provide plausible hypotheses to how the group colonized the New World.
Structural characterization of a novel subfamily of leucine-rich repeat proteins from the human pathogen Leptospira interrogans
Authors: Miras Isabelle , Saul Frederick , Nowakowski Mireille , Weber Patrick , Haouz Ahmed , Shepard William , Picardeau Mathieu
Published: May 2015

Pathogenic Leptospira spp. are the agents of leptospirosis, an emerging zoonotic disease. Analyses of Leptospira genomes have shown that the pathogenic leptospires (but not the saprophytes) possess a large number of genes encoding proteins containing leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains. In other pathogenic bacteria, proteins with LRR domains have been shown to be involved in mediating host-cell attachment and invasion, but their functions remain unknown in Leptospira. To gain insight into the potential function of leptospiral LRR proteins, the crystal structures of four LRR proteins that represent a novel subfamily with consecutive stretches of a 23-amino-acid LRR repeat motif have been solved. The four proteins analyzed adopt the characteristic α/β-solenoid horseshoe fold. The exposed residues of the inner concave surfaces of the solenoid, which constitute a putative functional binding site, are not conserved. The various leptospiral LRR proteins could therefore recognize distinct structural motifs of different host proteins and thus serve separate and complementary functions in the physiology of these bacteria.
Crystal structure of aqua{μ-N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-N′-2-(oxidophenyl)oxamidato}(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione)dicopper(II) perchlorate hemihydrate
Authors: Zhang Xin , Li Yan-Tuan , Wu Zhi-Yong
Published: May 2015

The title compound, [Cu2(C13H16N3O3)(C12H6N2O2)(H2O)]ClO4·0.5H2O, consists of acis-oxamide-bridged binuclear CuIIcomplex cation, a perchlorate anion and half a solvent water molecule. One CuIIcation isN,N′,N",O-chelated by anN-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-N′-(2-hydroxyphenyl)oxamide trianion in a distorted square-planar geometry, whereas the other CuIIcation isO,O′-chelated by the oxamide moiety of the anion andN,N′-chelated by a 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione molecule, and a water molecule further coordinates the second CuIIcation, completing a distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry. In the crystal, classical O—H...O hydrogen bonds, weak C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions and π–π stacking interactions link the complex cations, anions and solvent water molecules into a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. In the crystal, the dimethylaminopropyl unit of the oxamide anion is disordered over two positions with an occupancy ratio of 0.561 (11):0.439 (11); the solvent water molecule is also disordered over two positions, the occupancy ratio being 0.207 (10):0.293 (10).
Crystal structure of NH4[La(SO4)2(H2O)]
Authors: Benslimane Meriem , Redjel Yasmine Kheira , Merazig Hocine , Daran Jean-Claude
Published: May 2015

The principal building units in the crystal structure of ammonium aquabis(sulfato)lanthanate(III) are slightly distorted SO4tetrahedra, LaO9polyhedra in the form of distorted tricapped trigonal prisms, and NH4+ions. The La3+cation is coordinated by eight O atoms from six different sulfate tetrahedra, two of which are bidentate coordinating and four monodentate, as well as one O atom from a water molecule; each sulfate anion bridges three La3+cations. These bridging modes result in the formation of a three-dimensional anionic [La(SO4)2(H2O)]−framework that is stabilized by O—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions. The disordered ammonium cations are situated in the cavities of this framework and are hydrogen-bonded to six surrounding O atoms.
Crystal structures of (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-κ4N)bis(tricyanomethanido-κN)nickel and (1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-κ4N)(tricyanomethanido-κN)copper tricyanomethanide
Authors: Luo Jun , Zhang Xin-Rong , Qiu Li-Juan , Yang Feng , Liu Bao-Shu
Published: May 2015

The structures of two mononuclear transition-metal complexes with tricyanomethanide (tcm−) and 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (cyclen) ligands, [Ni(C4N3)2(C8H20N4)], (I), and [Cu(C4N3)(C8H20N4)](C4N3), (II), are reported. In the neutral complex (I), the nickel cation is coordinated by one cyclen ligand and two monodentate N-bound tcm−anions in a distorted octahedral geometry. The tcm−ligands are mutuallycis. The CuIIatom in (II) displays a distorted tetragonal–pyramidal geometry, with the four N-donor atoms of the cyclen ligand in the equatorial plane, and one tcm−anion bound through a single N atom in an axial site, forming a monocation. The second tcm−molecule acts as a counter-ion not directly coordinating to the copper cation. In both (I) and (II), extensive series of N—H...N and C—H...N hydrogen bonds generate three-dimensional network structures.
Crystal structure of (E)-2-benzylidene-4-[(3-phenyl-4,5-dihydroisoxazol-5-yl)methyl]-2H-benzo[b][1,4]thiazin-3(4H)-one
Authors: Sebbar Nada Kheira , Ellouz Mohamed , Essassi El Mokhtar , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: May 2015

In the title compound, C25H20N2O2S, the dihydroisoxazole ring exhibits an envelope conformation with the methine atom being the flap, while the 1,4-thiazine ring displays a screw-boat conformation. The six-membered ring fused to the 1,4-thiazine ring makes dihedral angles of 63.04 (2) and 54.7 (2)° with the mean planes through the five-membered heterocycle and the attached phenyl ring, respectively. The phenyl group connected to the 1,4-thiazine ring is disordered over two sites [major component = 0.57 (2)]. The most prominent interactions in the crystal structure are C—H...O hydrogen bonds that link molecules, forming inversion dimers, and C—H...N hydrogen bonds that link the dimers into columns parallel to thebaxis.
An analytic hierarchy process (AHP) approach to training typology selection based on student perspective
Authors: Venkadasalam Saravanan
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to distinguish the typology of marine education and training and explore the student preference of the best typology which develop their competencies. This paper will tabulate some recommendations for the marine education and training provider to further enhance their training.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research adopt and adapt the Satty’s analytic hierarchy process method to weight and rank the typology of training. A group of student who completed their study and currently works at operational level voluntarily participated in this survey. A pairwise matrix used to compute the weights within the typology of training.

Findings

– The outcome of the study shows that all typology of training are not equally weighted. The best typology of training was identified. Marine academicians drawn some recommendations.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample size may not appropriate for generalizable. The same study can be expandable to large size.

Practical implications

– The study was conducted at one marine education and training provider. A panel analysis required for framework development.

Originality/value

– The paper contributed some recommendation for the marine education and training provider on their operational strategy and initiative.