bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of magnetic extraction by experimental design methodology for the determination of antidepressants in biological samples
Authors: Ata Şevket , Berber Merve , Çabuk Hasan , Akyüz Mehmet
Published: June 2015

In this study, a novel and sensitive magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) method based on Fe3O4–MgSiO3 magnetic nanocomposites was developed for extraction and preconcentration of venlafaxine, escitalopram, paroxetine, sertraline and fluoxetine in biological samples followed by liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection (LC-UV).
A cryo-generated ferrous–superoxo porphyrin: EPR, resonance Raman and DFT studies
Authors: Ohta Takehiro , Liu Jin-Gang , Nagaraju Perumandla , Ogura Takashi , Naruta Yoshinori
Published: June 2015

Cryo-generated ferrous–superoxy heme was studied by EPR, resonance Raman spectroscopy and DFT calculations, providing new insights into the structure–reactivity correlation of O2 activating heme enzymes and catalysts.
A top-down methodology for ultrafast tuning of nanosized zeolites
Authors: Liu Zhendong , Nomura Naoki , Nishioka Daisuke , Hotta Yuusuke , Matsuo Takeshi , Oshima Kazunori , Yanaba Yutaka , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Ohara Koji , Kohara Shinji , Takewaki Takahiko , Okubo Tatsuya , Wakihara Toru
Published: June 2015

A top-down methodology to prepare nanosized zeolites with tunable size by combining post-synthesis milling and fast recrystallization of several minutes is developed.
Development of protein seed crystals reinforced with high-strength hydrogels
Authors: Sugiyama Shigeru , Shimizu Noriko , Kakinouchi Keisuke , Hiraoka Osamu , Matsumura Hiroyoshi , Yoshikawa Hiroshi Y. , Takahashi Yoshinori , Maruyama Mihoko , Yoshimura Masashi , Adachi Hiroaki , Takano Kazufumi , Murakami Satoshi , Inoue Tsuyoshi , Murata Michio , Mori Yusuke
Published: June 2015

Schematic diagram of the protocol for transporting seed crystals using a combination of high-strength hydrogel and macroseeding methods. Seeding experiments with hydrogel-grown seed crystals.
A computational study of the quantum transport properties of a Cu–CNT composite
Authors: Ghorbani-Asl Mahdi , Bristowe Paul D. , Koziol Krzysztof
Published: June 2015

Electron difference density maps through cross-sections of three differently oriented Cu–CNT (6,6) composites (top) and the electrostatic difference potential along the transport direction (bottom).
Targets, ripples and spirals in a precipitation system with anomalous dispersion
Authors: Ayass Mahmoud M. , Lagzi Istvan , Al-Ghoul Mazen
Published: June 2015

We report multiple three-dimensional wave phenomena in a heterogeneous system due to anomalous diffusion.
Functionalization of micromodels with kaolinite for investigation of low salinity oil-recovery processes
Authors: Song Wen , Kovscek Anthony R.
Published: June 2015

We present a clay-functionalized micromodel with structural and surface properties of Berea sandstones; methodology and experimental results are presented.
Controllable wettability of micro- and nano-dendritic structures formed on aluminum substrates
Authors: Cheng Yuanyuan , Lu Shixiang , Xu Wenguo
Published: June 2015

A stable superhydrophobic surface with excellent anti-corrosion, anti-icing and deicing properties has been fabricated via annealing treatment from a superhydrophilic surface.
Fabrication of functionalized SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposites via amidation for the fast and selective enrichment of phosphopeptides
Authors: Hu Yue , Shan Chen Xiao , Wang Jun , Zhu Jun-Ming , Gu Chao-Qian , Ni Wen-Ting , Zhu Dong , Zhang Ai-Hua
Published: June 2015

An effective system was developed for the fast and highly selective enrichment of phosphopeptides using functionalized SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposites as sorbents.
Electrochemical polymerization of 1,4-di(aryl)cyclopentadienes: thin-film optical and electronic properties
Authors: Vega M. E. , Chen L. , Khoshi M. R. , Casseus C. , Pietrangelo A.
Published: June 2015

A comparative study on the electrochemical generation and properties of (co)polymers prepared from 1,4-di(aryl)-5,5-dimethylcyclopentadienes is reported.
Anion-conducting sulfaminated aromatic polymers by acid functionalization
Authors: Pasquini L. , Knauth P. , Pelzer K. , Di Vona M. L.
Published: June 2015

A simple synthesis technique for anionic conducting membranes, based on sulfaminated PEEK with Cl−, Br−, NO3−, HSO4−, H2PO4−.
Design and synthesis of VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors as potential anticancer agents by virtual based screening
Authors: Patel Harun M. , Bari Pankaj , Karpoormath Rajshekhar , Noolvi Malleshappa , Thapliyal Neeta , Surana Sanjay , Jain Pritam
Published: June 2015

Design and synthesis of VEGFR-2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors as potential anticancer agents has been done by a virtual based screening approach.
Discovery of a low affinity thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH)-like peptide that exhibits potent inhibition of scopolamine-induced memory impairment in mice
Authors: Meena Chhuttan L. , Ingole Shubdha , Rajpoot Satyendra , Thakur Avinash , Nandekar Prajwal P. , Sangamwar Abhay T. , Sharma Shyam S. , Jain Rahul
Published: June 2015

TRH-like peptides were synthesized in which the critical N-terminus residuel-pGlu was replaced with various heteroaromatic rings, and the central residue histidine with 1-alkyl-l-histidines.
Efficient synthesis of biofuel precursor with long carbon chains from fructose
Authors: Tan Jin , Liu Qiying , Cai Chiliu , Qiu Songbai , Wang Tiejun , Zhang Qi , Ma Longlong , Chen Guanyi
Published: June 2015

Long carbon biofuel precursors were efficiently synthesized via Aldol condensation of furans and their derivatives which were co-produced by fructose transformation in ethanol using acidic metal salt catalysts.
Hydrotelluration of acetylenic esters: structural characterization of stereoisomers of methyl/ethyl β-(aryltelluro)acrylates
Authors: Singh Bandana , Chauhan Ashok K. S. , Srivastava Ramesh C. , Duthie Andrew , Butcher R. J.
Published: June 2015

Synthesis of tellurated acrylates, ArTeCHCHCOOR and their solid state structures have been explored. The 125Te chemical shift and 2J(1H–125Te) are useful indicators of their geometry in solution.
Delamination of graphite in a high pressure homogenizer
Authors: Nacken T. J. , Damm C. , Walter J. , Rüger A. , Peukert W.
Published: June 2015

A scalable industrial method for graphene and Few-Layer-Graphene (FLG) production by graphite delamination in N-methylpyrrolidone and water–surfactant mixtures using a high pressure homogenizer is presented.
Deep eutectic solvent catalyzed Friedel–Crafts alkylation of electron-rich arenes with aldehydes
Authors: Wang Ailing , Xing Pengfei , Zheng Xueliang , Cao Hongyu , Yang Guang , Zheng Xuefang
Published: June 2015

In this study, six deep eutectic solvents were synthesized. Research shows that [ChCl][ZnCl2]2 can be used for catalyzing F–C alkylations of electron-rich arenes with aldehydes successfully. After five cycles, the yields remain about 89–94%.
A reversible rhodamine 6G-based fluorescence turn-on probe for Fe3+ in water and its application in living cell imaging
Authors: Liu Yaming , Shen Rong , Ru Jiaxi , Yao Xiang , Yang Yang , Liu Haile , Tang Xiaoliang , Bai Decheng , Zhang Guolin , Liu Weisheng
Published: June 2015

A reversible fluorescent probe L based on rhodamine 6G was synthesized for the optical detection of Fe3+ in water.
Highly stable and flexible Li-ion battery anodes based on TiO2 coated 3D carbon nanostructures
Authors: Wang Xing Hui , Guan Cao , Sun Lei Meng , Susantyoko Rahmat Agung , Fan Hong Jin , Zhang Qing
Published: June 2015

Hierarchical three-dimensional carbon nanowire arrays on carbon cloth have been developed as an efficient flexible nanostructure current collector for TiO2 based anodes.
Fine tuning of thermoelectric performance in phase-separated half-Heusler compounds
Authors: Rausch Elisabeth , Balke Benjamin , Stahlhofen Jana Marie , Ouardi Siham , Burkhardt Ulrich , Felser Claudia
Published: June 2015

An efficiently designed microstructure leads to a record ZT value in p-type half-Heusler compounds.
Selective reduction of SWCNTs – concepts and insights
Authors: Gebhardt Julian , Bosch Sebastian , Hof Ferdinand , Hauke Frank , Hirsch Andreas , Görling Andreas
Published: June 2015

Electronic type selective reduction of single-walled carbon nanotube mixtures: theoretical prediction experimentally confirmed.
Negative refraction, light pressure and attraction, equation E = mc2 and wave-particle dualism
Authors: Veselago Victor G.
Published: June 2015

This paper is aimed to illustrate the relation of concepts, such as negative refraction, light pressure and attraction, mass–energy equivalence and wave-particle dualism. At first glance, those physics concepts have nothing in common. However, on closer examination it appears that they are closely linked, although this relationship was clearly shown only relatively recently, when a scientific development introduced the concept of negative refraction.
Der freie osteofasziokutane Parascapularlappen
Authors: Peschel Cornelia , Raster Birgit , Wallner Britta
Published: June 2015

OP-ABLAUF Der freie mikrovaskuläre Gewebetransfer mit und ohne Knochen
bedeutet für viele Patienten mit ausgedehnten Weichteildefekten nach Trauma
und/oder septischem Krankheitsverlauf oft die einzige Chance auf den Erhalt der
entsprechenden Extremitäten. Er ermöglicht somit einen erheblichen Rückgewinn an
Lebensqualität.
Agar-polydimethylsiloxane devices for quantitative investigation of oviposition behaviour of adult Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Leung Jacob C. K. , Taylor-Kamall Rhodri W. , Hilliker Arthur J. , Rezai Pouya
Published: June 2015

Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) is a model organism and its behaviours including oviposition (egg-laying) on agar substrates have been widely used for assessment of a variety of biological processes in flies. Physical and chemical properties of the substrate are the dominant factors affecting Drosophila's oviposition, but they have not been investigated precisely and parametrically with the existing manual approaches. As a result, many behavioral questions about Drosophila oviposition, such as the combined effects of the aforementioned substrate properties (e.g., exposure area, sugar content, and stiffness) on oviposition and viability, and their threshold values, are yet to be answered. In this paper, we have devised a simple, easily implementable, and novel methodology that allows for modification of physical and chemical composition of agar substrates in order to quantitatively study survival and oviposition of adult fruit flies in an accurate and repeatable manner. Agar substrates have been modified by surface patterning using single and hexagonally arrayed through-hole polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membranes with various diameters and interspacing, as well as by substrate stiffness and sugar content modification via alteration of chemical components. While pure PDMS substrates showed a significant lethal effect on flies, a 0.5 mm diameter through-hole access to agar was found to abruptly increase the survival of adult flies to more than 93%. Flies avoided ovipositing on pure PDMS and on top of substrates with 0.5 mm diameter agar exposure areas. At a hole diameter of 2 mm (i.e., 0.25% exposure area) or larger, eggs were observed to be laid predominately inside the through-holes and along the edges of the PDMS-agar interface, showing a trending increase in site selection with 4 mm (i.e., 1% exposure area threshold) demonstrating natural oviposition rates similar to pure agar. The surface-modified agar-PDMS hybrid devices and the threshold values reported for the substrate physical and chemical conditions affecting oviposition are novel; therefore, we advocate their use for future in-depth studies of oviposition behaviour in Drosophila melanogaster with accuracy and repeatability. The technique is also useful for development of novel assays for learning and decision-making studies as well as miniaturized devices for self-assembly of eggs and embryonic developmental investigations.
On-chip three-dimensional cell culture in phaseguides improves hepatocyte functions in vitro
Authors: Jang Mi , Neuzil Pavel , Volk Thomas , Manz Andreas , Kleber Astrid
Published: June 2015

The in vitro study of liver functions and liver cell specific responses to external stimuli deals with the problem to preserve the in vivo functions of primary hepatocytes. In this study, we used the biochip OrganoPlateTM (MIMETAS) that combines different advantages for the cultivation of hepatocytes in vitro: (1) the perfusion flow is achieved without a pump allowing easy handling and placement in the incubator; (2) the phaseguides allow plating of matrix-embedded cells in lanes adjacent to the perfusion flow without physical barrier; and (3) the matrix-embedding ensures indirect contact of the cells to the flow. In order to evaluate the applicability of this biochip for the study of hepatocyte's functions, MatrigelTM-embedded HepG2 cells were cultured over three weeks in this biochip and compared to a static Matrigel culture (3D) and a monolayer culture (2D). Chip-cultured cells grew in spheroid-like structures and were characterized by the formation of bile canaliculi and a high viability over 14 days. Hepatocyte-specific physiology was achieved as determined by an increase in albumin production. Improved detoxification metabolism was demonstrated by strongly increased cytochrome P450 activity and urea production. Additionally, chip-cultured cells displayed increased sensitivity to acetaminophen. Altogether, the OrganoPlate seems to be a very useful alternative for the cultivation of hepatocytes, as their behavior was strongly improved over 2D and static 3D cultures and the results were largely comparable and partly superior to the previous reports on biochip-cultured hepatocytes. As for the low technical needs, this platform has the appearance of being highly applicable for further studies of hepatocytes' responses to external stimuli.
Ultra-short channel junctionless transistor with a one-dimensional nanodot array floating gate
Authors: Ban Takahiko , Uenuma Mutsunori , Migita Shinji , Okamoto Naofumi , Ishikawa Yasuaki , Yamashita Ichiro , Uraoka Yukiharu
Published: June 2015

The electrical properties of a junctionless field-effect transistor with a sub-10-nm scale channel and FeOx nanoparticles (NPs) were studied. The anisotropic wet etching of a silicon-on-insulator substrate was used to form V-grooves and define the nanometer-scale channel. The NPs were selectively placed on the bottom of the V-groove using the bio-nano process. Low-voltage operation and a wide threshold voltage (Vth) shift as memory behavior were confirmed in a device with a 3.6-nm channel length. These results indicate that the Vth is controlled by the single-nanodot floating gate along the channel length direction.
Ultrastructural and biochemical changes induced by salt stress in Jatropha curcas seeds during germination and seedling development
Authors: Alencar Nara L. M. , Gadelha Cibelle G. , Gallão Maria I. , Dolder Mary A. H. , Prisco José T. , Gomes-Filho Enéas
Published: June 2015

Jatropha curcas L. is a multipurpose species of the Euphorbiaceae family that is widespread in arid and semiarid regions. This study investigated the ultrastructural and biochemical changes induced by salt stress during J. curcas seed germination and seedling development. Salt stress negatively affected seed germination and increased Na+ and Cl– contents in endosperms and embryo-axis. Lipids represented the most abundant reserves (64% of the quiescent seed dry mass), and their levels were strongly decreased at 8 days after imbibition (DAI) under salinity stress. Proteins were the second most important reserve (21.3%), and their levels were also reduced under salt stress conditions. Starch showed a transient increase at 5 DAI under control conditions, which was correlated with intense lipid mobilisation during this period. Non-reducing sugars and free amino acids were increased in control seeds compared with quiescent seeds, whereas under the salt-stress conditions, minimal changes were observed. In addition, cytochemical and ultrastructural analyses confirmed greater alterations in the cellular reserves of seeds that had been germinated under NaCl stress conditions. Salt stress promoted delays in protein and lipid mobilisation and induced ultrastructural changes in salt-stressed endosperm cells, consistent with delayed protein and oil body degradation.
Assessing niche width of endothermic fish from genes to ecosystem
Authors: Madigan Daniel J. , Carlisle Aaron B. , Gardner Luke D. , Jayasundara Nishad , Micheli Fiorenza , Schaefer Kurt M. , Fuller Daniel W. , Block Barbara A.
Published: June 2015

Significance

In large pelagic fish, as in birds and mammals, significant questions remain concerning the selective pressures that drove the evolution of endothermy. We examined cold tolerance and niche breadth on molecular, organism, and food web levels in three closely related tuna species. We show that energetic benefits of increased cold tolerance in fishes are context dependent: advantageous when quality prey is abundant, but not when such prey is scarce. We broaden our findings to the global level using published literature to show that endothermic bluefin species in all the world’s oceans specialize, to some degree, on high energy prey. Our multifaceted approach demonstrates the concept that the advantage of a “beneficial” adaptation is dependent on environmental and anthropogenic influences.
Climate-driven diversity loss in a grassland community
Authors: Harrison Susan P. , Gornish Elise S. , Copeland Stella
Published: June 2015

Significance

Whereas a dominant conservation paradigm proposes that species are being lost from ecological communities with a consequent loss of ecosystem function, recent analyses have concluded there is no globally consistent trend toward lower community diversity. In a study of Californian grassland communities, we show that 15 years of climatic drying—consistent with the forecasts for this and other semiarid regions under climate change—have led to directional losses of plant species richness, especially of native annual forb (“wildflower”) species with traits indicative of low drought tolerance. Although many anthropogenic impacts may increase or not affect community diversity, our result underlines that declining plant community diversity may be especially likely in climates that are becoming more arid and less productive.
Cooperative strings and glassy interfaces
Authors: Salez Thomas , Salez Justin , Dalnoki-Veress Kari , Raphaël Elie , Forrest James A.
Published: June 2015

Significance

According to Philip Anderson, the deepest and most interesting unsolved problem in solid-state physics is probably the glass transition. By extension, this includes the highly debated confinement effects in glassy polymer films. The present article introduces a minimal analytical model, which invokes only the ideas of molecular crowding and string-like cooperative rearrangement, before addressing the key effects of interfaces. The validity and simplicity of the approach make it ideal for application to various systems and geometries, and suggest that dynamics in glass-forming materials might be understood from elementary arguments.
The self-control consequences of political ideology
Authors: Clarkson Joshua J. , Chambers John R. , Hirt Edward R. , Otto Ashley S. , Kardes Frank R. , Leone Christopher
Published: June 2015

Significance

Surprisingly little is known about the self-control consequences of individuals’ political ideologies, given the centrality of political ideology to people’s self-identity and the vitality of self-control to human functioning. This research addresses this unexplored gap by offering insight into the processes (freewill beliefs) and factors (the value of freewill for effective self-control) that lead both conservatives and liberals to demonstrate greater self-control. In doing so, these findings provide a platform by which to broaden our understanding of the underlying mechanisms impacting self-control as well as an alternative perspective for interpreting previously documented differences between conservatives and liberals (e.g., intelligence, academic success).
From hostile humour to stereotyping in televised satire Les Guignols de l’Info
Authors: Scripnic Gabriela , Popa Diana Elena
Published: June 2015

Humour displayed by today’s media targets both individuals and communities and the degree to which it is perceived as a mere humoristic act or, more seriously, as an insult depends on a series of factors which point to: its creator (the goal he/she (c)overtly assumes to reach), its addressee (whether he/she is a witness or a target), and the context in which the act is performed (institutionalized vs non-institutionalized). This study takes into account several examples from the French show Les Guignols de l’Info in order to bring forth the language tools and discourse strategies by means of which the creators of the show build up a negative image of the Romanian people.
From joker to the butt and back
Authors: Takovski Aleksandar
Published: June 2015

Ethnic humour research has mostly conceived and studied ethnic humour as a humour that sets boundaries between jokers and joke targets and that ridicules the targeted ethnicities by assigning them (non) ethnic, universal qualities like stupidity, cunningness or asexuality. By relying on such universal categories this approach has not produced a satisfactory account of how humour can function as a mode of expressing, negotiating and even questioning ethnic identity. This can be accomplished by considering ethnically specific joke texts and focusing on the discourse of the joke target and his response to joking, rather than the joke text itself. To validate the claim, the study will first draws on theories of ethnic and national identity as to establish a workable understanding of ethnic identity constituents to be able to recognize and discuss their emergence in the material selected. It will then examine how and to what success the question of ethnic identity enactment through humour has been dealt by the ethnic humour theory and by some newer studies of the identity humour relation. After which, I will present the research carried out towards testing the hypothesis that is the discourse of the joke target that provides a more comprehensible insight into the question of ethnic identity display through humour. For this purpose, a corpus of little over than two hundred ethnic jokes coming from several Balkan countries was collected and two questionnaires were conducted in the neighbouring countries of Macedonia and Bulgaria.
Communicative effects of mira ‘look’ and a ver ‘let’s see’ in oral argumentative discourse
Authors: Hanegreefs Hilde , González Melón Eva
Published: June 2015

This paper analyzes the communicative effects of the discourse markers mira ‘look’ and a ver ‘let’s see’ in two subgenres of oral argumentative discourse, viz. tertulia and debate, where the expression of a proper opinion and the formulation of arguments is often accompanied and reinforced by appellative markers, such as the ones we study. Although in the literature both markers are classified as ‘focus markers of alterity’ (Martín Zorraquino and Portolés Lázaro 1999, 4171–4190), corpus analysis shows how they both activate different communicative functions and strategies to appeal to the hearer. Instead of focusing on their resemblance, we will argue how these differences, which we will formulate in terms of communicative divergence versus convergence, tie in with the conceptual meaning structure of mirar ‘to look’ and ver ‘to see’ and the proper perspective attached to each of them.
Más allá de la epistemicidad
Authors: Cornillie Bert
Published: June 2015

El presente artículo trata sobre las funciones discursivas de los adverbios epistémicos y evidenciales en el español conversacional. En él se muestra que estos adverbios no solo varían en modo y en frecuencia relativa, sino que también juegan distintos papeles en la organización del proceso de alternancia del turno de palabra. Al hacer esto, estos adverbios van más allá de las calificaciones tradicionalmente consideradas como epistémicas y evidenciales en la bibliografía existente.A lo mejoreigualparecen invitar al interlocutor o interlocutores a confirmar o rechazar el punto de vista del estado de cosas presentado (o parte de él). Es decir, los adverbios juegan un importante papel en el proceso de alternancia del turno de palabra. El adverbio epistémicoquizá, por el contrario, carece de las funciones típicas dea lo mejor. Finalmente, el análisis indica que los hablantes usan adverbios evidenciales comoevidentementepara mantener su turno de palabra.
A review on avian tuberculosis (
Avian mycobacteriosis
).
Authors: Kwaghe A. V. , Ndahi M. D. , Usman J. G. , Vakuru C. T. , Iwar V. N. , Ameh J. A. , Ambali A. G.
Published: June 2015

Avian tuberculosis is a chronic disease caused mainly by
Mycobacterium avium
in birds. The disease has a worldwide distribution affecting primarily adult birds because of its long incubation period, making it a common disease in zoo and breeding establishments.
Mycobacterium avium
is highly resistant to environmental challenges and can survive in soil for up to 4 years. It is spread by ingestion of food or water contaminated by faeces from birds which shed the organism. Despite the low zoonotic risk, the disease is more likely to affect human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients and other immunocompromised individuals.
Mycobacterium avium
causes serious disseminated bacterial infection in up to 40% of patients with advanced HIV infection indicating its public health importance as a disease. Control of the disease poses a serious challenge, owing to the presence of the disease in wildlife. This review covers the general knowledge on avian tuberculosis, diagnostic methods, zoonotic implications and challenges faced in the control and eradication of the disease.
Zoonotic diseases in pigs.
Authors: Selbitz H. J. , Gotter V. , Fricke R.
Published: June 2015

As pigs are present in almost every country in the world, they are one of the most important species in the transmission of zoonotic diseases. Based on the form of transmission, zoonotic diseases can roughly be divided into two categories: the ones transmitted via direct contact (for example, Influenza A virus) and those that are food-borne (for example,
Salmonella
spp.). Many different viruses, bacteria and even parasites found in the pigs are zoonotic pathogens, although the risk of human infection varies considerably among them. Using the situation in the European Union as a basis, this review provides an overview about the current situation of zoonotic diseases in pigs, with a special focus on
Salmonella
spp. and Influenza A virus as representatives of their respective forms of transmission. The future of diagnostics for zoonotic diseases and the use of vaccines in prevention are also addressed.
Rehabilitation Stocking of Walleyes and Lake Trout: Restoration of Reproducing Stocks in Michigan Waters of Lake Huron
Authors: Johnson James E , He Ji X , Fielder David G
Published: June 2015

Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush and Walleye Sander vitreus, native keystone predators of the upper Great Lakes, were nearly extirpated from Lake Huron in the 1940s. Efforts to restore these species in the Great Lakes constitute one of North American's largest-scaled native keystone predator recovery projects. From 1973 to 2012 nearly 49 million yearling-equivalent Lake Trout and 21 million spring-fingerling Walleyes were stocked in western Lake Huron. We used assessment catch rates and biological data, statistical catch-at-age models, and harvest statistics to evaluate whether the objectives of rehabilitation stocking and management have been achieved in the Main Basin of Lake Huron, with emphasis on the period from 2003 to 2012. Key measures of progress were the biomass of older, spawning stock and evidence of natural reproduction. Until 2000, excessive Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus– and fishing-induced mortality caused few Lake Trout to survive to spawning age. Lake Trout broodstock biomass rose after 2000 as these issues were more effectively addressed. Until 2004, Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus dominated the diets of Lake Trout, leading to low egg thiamine levels, which reduced the viability of Lake Trout fry. Adult Alewives were abundant enough to have limited reproduction by feeding on Walleye and Lake Trout fry. By 2004, Alewife had collapsed. The Walleye population is now rehabilitated in western Lake Huron and Walleye stocking ceased in 2006. Wild-origin fish now compose nearly half of Lake Trout less than 8 years old. A combination of factors contributed these positive changes. Beginning in 2000, more effective Sea Lamprey and fishing controls were implemented. Seneca strain Lake Trout survived to spawning age better than other upper Great Lakes strains and became the principal strain stocked after about 1995. Removal of impediments to reproduction, combined with judicious stocking led to the Walleye recovery and improved prospects for the rehabilitation of Lake Trout in western Lake Huron.
Fragmented Cities in the Later Middle Ages: Italy and the Near East Compared
Authors: Lantschner Patrick
Published: June 2015

This article investigates cities and their political cultures in Italy and the Near East in the later Middle Ages. Cities in these two regions have traditionally been viewed in diverging ways. European cities have been understood as unitary entities which stood out on account of their urban governments and the political order of which foreshadowed the rise of modern states. The absence of comparable institutions has meant that Near Eastern cities have often been seen as very unlike their European counterparts. Focusing on the political cultures of Damascus and Bologna in the eighth/fourteenth and ninth/fifteenth centuries, this article suggests that a different understanding of cities is necessary. Partly as a result of demographic growth and the breakdown of larger political structures in earlier centuries, these cities can be understood as polycentric arenas in which public life took place around multiple units of political organisation which ranged from neighbourhoods to parties. Conflicts, including civil war and revolt, were an ordinary part of their political cultures: they were expressive of fragmentation, but equally of a shared public arena in which contending groups were stake-holders.As arenas, cities on either side of the Mediterranean world gave rise to a distinctive form of political order. They did not foreshadow forms of order associated with the modern state and, particularly in the Mediterranean regions under analysis here, often remained among its greatest obstacles.
Provider and Patient Perceptions of an External Medication History Function
Authors: Wolver Susan E. , Stultz Jeremy S , Aggarwal Arpita , Thacker Leroy , Banas Colin
Published: June 2015

Objectives

To determine the awareness and use of an external medication history (EMH) function within an electronic health record and its impact on patient perception of medication adherence.

Methods

Two self-administered surveys were given: one to providers and one to patients. Participants included providers from an academic medical center and patients from 2 general internal medicine clinics.

Results

Of 154 completed provider surveys, 61% were aware the EMH existed. More of the respondents aware of the EMH were primary care and medicine subspecialty providers (79.1%) when compared with surgical providers (20.9%, P < 0.0001). The most common reasons chosen for looking at the EMH included checking for medication adherence (44%), questions about a specific medication (40%), and checking controlled substance prescription history (37%). Of those aware of the EMH, 65% found medications on the EMH that they were not aware their patient was getting filled. Of the 94 patient surveys, 34% felt the EMH feature might change their medication taking behavior, and 48% responded that it already had. Patients with a history of depression and/or anxiety were less likely to report the intent to change their medication taking behavior, OR, 0.34 [95% CI, 0.13-0.87].

Conclusion

An external medication history function can provide further insight about a patient’s medication profile and prescription filling. Knowledge attained from the EMH may improve patient safety by helping to uncover nonadherence, dosing discrepancies, and medications prescribed by other providers. Additionally, patient knowledge of this feature might improve medication adherence. Although further studies are needed to obtain objective data, the external medication history function may have significant impact on both providers and patients, and its benefit should be widely publicized.
Crystal structures of two triazola-dioxola-benzenacyclononaphanes
Authors: Viswanathan Vijayan , Rao Naga Siva , Raghunathan Raghavachary , Velmurugan Devadasan
Published: June 2015

In the title compounds, C25H29BrN5O7, (I) [systematic name: (Z)-15-bromo-32,32-dimethyl-21-nitro-22,23,25,26,27,27a,33a,35,36,36a-decahydro-21H,61H-4,9-dioxa-2(3,2)-pyrrolizina-6(4,1)-triazola-3(5,6)-furo[2,3-d][1,3]dioxola-1(1,2)-benzenacyclononaphane], and C24H29N5O7S, (II) [systematic name: (Z)-32,32-dimethyl-27-nitro-25,26,27,27a,33a,35,36,36a-octahydro-21H,23H,61H-4,9-dioxa-2(5,6)-pyrrolo[1,2-c]thiazola-6(4,1)-triazola-3(5,6)-furo[2,3-d][1,3]dioxola-1(1,2)-benzenacyclononaphane], the triazole rings adopt almost planar conformations. In (I), the fused pyrrolidine rings adopt envelope conformations with the C atoms opposite the fused N—C bond as the flap in each ring, and their mean planes are inclined to one another by 52.8 (3)°. In (II), the pyrrolidine and thiazole rings are both twisted on the fused N—C bond, and their mean planes are inclined to one another by 70.8 (2)°. In both (I) and (II), the furan ring adopts an envelope conformation with the adjacent C atom of the macrocycle as the flap. In the crystal of (I), molecules are linkedviaC—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming sheets parallel to (10-1), while in (II), molecules are linkedviaC—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming helical chains propagating along [010], which are linkedviaC—H...S hydrogen bonds, forming slabs parallel to (001).
Crystal structure of (2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl)(3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-b]pyridin-5-yl)methanone
Authors: Raja Rajamani , Poomathi Nataraj , Perumal Paramasivam T. , SubbiahPandi A.
Published: June 2015

In the title compound, C21H17N3O2, the 2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl ring and the phenyl ring are inclined to the mean plane of the pyrazolopyridine moiety (r.m.s. deviation = 0.013 Å) by 52.89 (9) and 19.63 (8)°, respectively, and to each other by 42.83 (11)°. In the molecule, there are intramolecular O—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, both enclosing anS(6) ring motif. In the crystal, molecules stack along thec-axis direction, forming columns within which there are a number of π–π interactions [the inter-centroid distances vary from 3.5278 (10) to 3.8625 (10) Å]. The columns are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming slabs parallel to (100).
Review of empirical research on intellectual capital and firm performance
Authors: Inkinen Henri
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The basis of value creation has shifted from tangible factors of production towards intangible resources such as intellectual capital (IC) (e.g. Grant, 1996). The average organisation’s IC has been estimated to be three to four times over its book value (Edvinsson and Malone, 1997); thus, it is vital for companies to understand how it is created, managed, measured and evaluated. However, there are still many debated and complex issues, and the empirical measurement of IC is one of those. The purpose of this paper is to determine if IC systematically influences firm performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic review procedure was utilised as this study’s research design.

Findings

– The findings demonstrate that IC influences firm performance mainly through interactions, combinations and mediations. Also, there is a great deal of evidence on the significant relationship between IC and firm’s innovation performance.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper reviews only empirical studies based on survey data and statistical methods of analysis.

Practical implications

– The research points to some focal aspects of IC that are associated with firm performance.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to review empirical literature on IC and firm performance. It increases the current understanding by bringing together the research related to the issue and drawing meta-level analysis.
Intellectual capital based performance improvement, study in insurance firms
Authors: Zakery Amir , Afrazeh Abbas
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Intangible resources are the most distinctive firms’ assets in competitive environments especially in service businesses. Insurance firms seeking more efficient performance than competitors should improve their intellectual capital (IC) strategies in both aspects of IC creation and utilization. The purpose of this paper is to investigate and improves IC participation in insurance firms’ efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

– A two-phase framework: “explaining IC role in efficiency” and “measuring efficiencies of IC creation and application” is developed in order to find IC strategies increasing firms’ efficiency and though competitiveness. Efficiency is measured using data envelopment analysis and the generalized estimating equations is used as the regression method in order to explain efficiency with IC measures.

Findings

– Empirical results in Iran insurance sector (during a seven-year period for 17 Iranian insurers) show some IC components influence firms’ efficiency and could be intervention points for performance improvement. Then the firms are categorized into four zones in terms of IC efficiency and strategies are recognized for each category.

Research limitations/implications

– Although the research is initiated by the need to embed intangible resources in performance improvement in insurance sector, the research framework could be strongly applied in other knowledge-based industries.

Originality/value

– This paper embeds an innovative link between classic efficiency and IC which aligns resource management with competitiveness strategies.
Where there is a will there is a way
Authors: Massaro Maurizio , Dumay John , Bagnoli Carlo
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether strategic intent influences developing intellectual capital (IC) and if IC affects performance measured in terms of product and service diversification within small and medium enterprises over time.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study discusses if and how structural equation models can be located within the third stage of IC research, and subsequently presents an analysis developed using 1,392 questionnaire responses through a temporal lens.

Findings

– Empirical results show how relational, human and structural capital strongly connects to support a firm’s performance measured in terms of product and service diversification. Additionally, IC and strategic intent influence each other creating a constraint effect on one side and an ambition effect on the other. Interestingly, the constraint effect is much higher than the ambition effect, and this falls in line with a contingency approach to strategic intent.

Practical implications

– Several practical implications are developed. First, results show that high regulation where firms can offer mandatory product/services can limit IC development. Therefore the findings contribute to the dialogue between policy makers, managers and businesses. Second, business schools should consider how strategic intent contributes to developing IC in order to design future curricula for accounting and management studies. Third, firms that operate in similar contexts should pay attention to managerial myopia due to low competition where a significant part of firms’ revenues is from mandatory product/services.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the existing literature by investigating how IC affects strategic intent and how strategic intent fosters IC development. Additionally, findings build on existing theory, helping to understand how IC affects performance measured in terms of portfolio diversification.
The “Fairness Paradox” and “Small-Firm Growth Resistance Strategies”
Authors: Ullah Farid , Smith Robert
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine and explore why “Small-Businesses” resist employing outside the immediate family and investigate the employee as an outsider and entrepreneurial resource.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors review the literature on barriers to small-business growth concentrating on key empirical and theoretical studies. The authors use empirical data from the Federation of Small Business in which informants commented on growth and employing outside the family.

Findings

– The findings suggest that small business owners adopt a polemical stance, arguing that a barrage of employment regulations deters them from employing outsiders because doing so brings trouble in terms of costs such as insurance, taxes, paperwork, leave (maternity and paternity) entitlement, etc. They argue that employing from inside the family or ones peer group is much cheaper, convenient and less hassle. This ignores the entrepreneurial employee as a potential ingredient of growth and points to a paradox whereby the very values and emotions characterized by fairness of which of “smallness” and “familialness” is composed compound the issues of discrimination central to the debate.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper offer important insights for growth issues among small businesses and challenge the contemporary equilibrium in terms of small “family-orientated” business philosophy relating to employment practices. Ideologically, the entrepreneur is an “outsider” fighting the establishment, yet paradoxically, in a small-business context s/he becomes the establishment by employing outsiders. This results in the fairness vs unfairness paradox.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the existing knowledge and understanding on growth issues among small businesses by illuminating a paradoxical insider vs outsider tension.
Testing predator–prey theory using broad‐scale manipulations and independent validation
Authors: Serrouya Robert , McLellan Bruce N. , Boutin Stan
Published: June 2015

A robust test of ecological theory is to gauge the predictive accuracy of general relationships parameterized from multiple systems but applied to a new area. To address this goal, we used an ecosystem‐level experiment to test predator–prey theory by manipulating prey abundance to determine whether predation was density dependent, density independent, compensatory or depensatory (inversely density dependent) on prey populations.

Understanding the nature of predation is of primary importance in community ecology because it establishes whether predation has little effect on prey abundance (compensatory), whether it promotes coexistence (density dependent) and reduces the equilibrium of prey (density independent) or whether it can be destabilizing (depensatory).

We used theoretical predictions consisting of functional and numerical equations parameterized independently from meta‐analyses on wolves (Canis lupus) and moose (Alces alces), but applied to our specific wolf–moose system. Predictions were tested by experimentally reducing moose abundance across 6500 km2 as a novel way of evaluating the nature of predation.

Depensatory predation of wolves on moose was the best explanation of the population dynamic – a mechanism that has been hypothesized to occur but has rarely been evaluated. Adding locally obtained kill rates and numerical estimates to the independent data provided no benefit to model predictions, suggesting that the theory was robust to local variation.

These findings have critical implications for any organism that is preyed upon but that also has, or will be, subject to increased human exploitation or perturbations from environmental change. If depensatory predation is not accounted for in harvest models, predicted yields will be excessive and lead to further population decline.
REVIEW: Predictive ecology in a changing world
Authors: Mouquet Nicolas , Lagadeuc Yvan , Devictor Vincent , Doyen Luc , Duputié Anne , Eveillard Damien , Faure Denis , Garnier Eric , Gimenez Olivier , Huneman Philippe , Jabot Franck , Jarne Philippe , Joly Dominique , Julliard Romain , Kéfi Sonia , Kergoat Gael J. , Lavorel Sandra , Le Gall Line , Meslin Laurence , Morand Serge , Morin Xavier , Morlon Hélène , Pinay Gilles , Pradel Roger , Schurr Frank M. , Thuiller Wilfried , Loreau Michel
Published: June 2015

In a rapidly changing world, ecology has the potential to move from empirical and conceptual stages to application and management issues. It is now possible to make large‐scale predictions up to continental or global scales, ranging from the future distribution of biological diversity to changes in ecosystem functioning and services. With these recent developments, ecology has a historical opportunity to become a major actor in the development of a sustainable human society. With this opportunity, however, also comes an important responsibility in developing appropriate predictive models, correctly interpreting their outcomes and communicating their limitations. There is also a danger that predictions grow faster than our understanding of ecological systems, resulting in a gap between the scientists generating the predictions and stakeholders using them (conservation biologists, environmental managers, journalists, policymakers).

Here, we use the context provided by the current surge of ecological predictions on the future of biodiversity to clarify what prediction means, and to pinpoint the challenges that should be addressed in order to improve predictive ecological models and the way they are understood and used.

Synthesis and applications. Ecologists face several challenges to ensure the healthy development of an operational predictive ecological science: (i) clarity on the distinction between explanatory and anticipatory predictions; (ii) developing new theories at the interface between explanatory and anticipatory predictions; (iii) open data to test and validate predictions; (iv) making predictions operational; and (v) developing a genuine ethics of prediction.