bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the Desire for Control: a Spanish Version of Burger and Cooper's Scale
Authors: Calvo Jesús María De Miguel , Sanz Noemy Martín , Sánchez-Iglesias Iván , Díaz Miguel Ángel Ruiz
Published: October 2012

The following study will present findings on the validity of the adaptation of the Burger and Cooper's Desirability of Control Scale into Spanish. Two samples are present: the first involving 1,999 people to study their psychometric properties. In the second sample, 111 people were included to estimate test/ retest reliability. Cultural adaptation was performed using the translation & back-translation method. Item analysis, internal consistency and test/re-test reliability were assessed, then evidence of the validity of the internal structure was determined by using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Subject recruitment was performed to gather the 1,999 subjects stratified by age, gender quotas as designed in the sampling plan. Of the subjects, 51% were female, average age of 45 years old (SD = 17.5). All items from the original scale were understood correctly, while five items presented ceiling effect. Cronbach's alpha = .736 and a test-retest correlation r = .713 were obtained. The factor structure indicated the presence of four dimensions: forecast, autonomy, power and influence and reactance which were reassured in the confirmatory analysis (x2/df = 4.805, CFI =.932, TLI =.954, RMSEA = .062). The basic dimensions of the scale have shown to be stable and well-defined, though not perfect. The scope, possible applications of the scale and further research are later proposed and discussed.
Development and Validation of a Measuring Instrument for Burnout Syndrome in Teachers
Authors: Mantilla Jesús Miguel Rodríguez , Díaz Mª José Fernández
Published: October 2012

This paper is part of a research done on Burnout Syndrome, and its objective is to develop and validate an instrument for measuring the syndrome in Secondary School teachers, taking as a principal starting point Maslach, Schaufeli, and Leiter's theory (2001). After developing and testing the instrument on a sample of 794 teachers in the Community of Madrid (Spain), we analyzed the reliability, content and construct validity (the latter by means of Structural Equations Models implemented with Software AMOS 7.0). The reliability analysis (α = .911 for the total instrument; .849, .899 and .674 for the dimensions of Exhaustion, Reduced Personal Accomplishment and Depersonalization respectively) and the Confirmatory Factorial Analysis (CMIN/DF = 4.163, CFI = .904, RMSEA = .60, PRATIO = .874) showed highly satisfactory results. The discrimination coefficient scores for items in the final instrument ranged between .22 and .74. Thus, the instrument presented combines the necessary technical characteristics for it to be considered a valid and reliable tool for measuring the syndrome.
Spanish version of the Positive Expectancies for Drinking and Driving for Youth
Authors: Espada José P. , Griffin Kenneth W. , Carballo José L. , McCarthy Denis M.
Published: October 2012

In most developed countries, motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of death among young people, and a large proportion of motor vehicle accidents are alcohol-related. In Spain there are no currently available instruments for assessing positive expectancies related to drinking and driving behavior. Attempting to modify these expectancies may be an effective prevention approach, so there is a need for a valid and reliable scale to measure the construct. The aims of the present study were to translate, culturally adapt, and examine the psychometric properties of a Spanish-language version of the Positive Expectancies for Drinking and Driving for Youth (PEDD-Y) in a sample of Spanish young adults. A total of 352 college students with drivers licenses were recruited at a university in southeast Spain. We examined the factor structure, psychometric properties (reliability and validity) and temporal stability of the Spanish version of the PEDD-Y among Spanish young adult drivers. Findings indicated that the Spanish version of the PEDD-Y demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties and was shown to significantly predict lifetime prevalence and future intentions to drink and drive as well as riding with a drunk driver. The Convenience factor performed with the most consistent reliability and predictive validity. Limitations and future research questions are discussed.
A Revised Thai Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support
Authors: Wongpakaran Nahathai , Wongpakaran Tinakon
Published: October 2012

In order to ensure the construct validity of the three-factor model of the Multi-dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and based on the assumption that it helps users differentiate between sources of social support, in this study a revised version was created and tested. The aim was to compare the level of model fit of the original version of the MSPSS against the revised version - which contains a minor change from the original. The study was conducted on 486 medical students who completed the original and revised versions of the MSPSS, as well as the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965) and Beck Depression Inventory II (Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996). Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to compare the results, showing that the revised version of MSPSS demonstrated a good internal consistency - with a Cronbach's alpha of .92 for the MSPSS questionnaire, and a significant correlation with the other scales, as predicted. The revised version provided better internal consistency, increasing the Cronbach's alpha for the Significant Others sub-scale from 0.86 to 0.92. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an acceptable model fit: χ2 128.11, df 51, p < .001; TLI 0.94; CFI 0.95; GFI 0.90; PNFI 0.71; AGFI 0.85; RMSEA 0.093 (0.073-0.113) and SRMR 0.042, which is better than the original version. The tendency of the new version was to display a better level of fit with a larger sample size. The limitations of the study are discussed, as well as recommendations for further study.
A Method to Analyse Measurement Invariance under Uncertainty in Between-Subjects Design
Authors: Martínez José A. , Marin Manuel Ruiz , Molina Maria del Carmen Vivo
Published: October 2012

In this research we have introduced a new test (H-test) for analyzing scale invariance in between group designs, and considering uncertainty in individual responses, in order to study the adequacy of disparate rating and visual scales for measuring abstract concepts. The H-test is easy to compute and, as a nonparametric test, does not require any a priori distribution of the data nor conditions on the variances of the distributions to be tested. We apply this test to measure perceived service quality of consumers of a sports services. Results show that, without considering uncertainty, the 1-7 scale is invariant, in line with the related works regarding this topic. However, de 1-5 scale and the 1-7 scale are invariant when adding uncertainty to the analysis. Therefore, adding uncertainty importantly change the conclusions regarding invariance analysis. Both types of visual scales are not invariant in the uncertainty scenario. Implications for the use of rating scales are discussed.
Dislocation of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty and the Risk of Redislocation
Authors: Brennan Stephen A. , Khan Fahim , Kiernan Christine , Queally Joseph M. , McQuillan Janette , Gormley Isobel C. , O'Byrne John M.
Published: October 2012

6554 primary total hip arthroplasties were reviewed. Risk factors for dislocation were analysed to assess which were important in terms of predicting recurrent instability. The patients risk of having a second dislocation was independently associated with the surgical approach adopted (p = 0.03) and the time to first dislocation from the primary hip replacement (p = 0.002). Early dislocators whose surgery was performed through an anterolateral approach had less recurrence than late dislocators through a posterior or transtrochanteric approach. None of the other risk factors including head size (p = 0.59), modularity (p = 0.54), mechanism of dislocation (p = 0.23), leg length discrepancy (p = 0.69) and acetabular inclination (p = 0.31) were influential. The use of an abduction brace was not useful in preventing a further dislocation with 69.2% of those braced re-dislocating compared to 68.5% who were not braced (p = 0.96).
Morphological and functional changes in random donor platelets stored for seven days in platelet additive solution
Authors: Chandra Tulika , Gupta Ashish , Kumar Ashutosh , Afreen Sheeba
Published: October 2012

Aims: Platelets are small, anucleated cytoplasmic fragments that play an essential role in blood clotting and wound healing. Platelets are routinely stored in plasma for five days at 22°C. Aim: Our objective was to assess platelet morphology and function in random donor platelet stored for seven days in platelet additive solution.
Methods: The random donor platelet was prepared by PRP method. Platelet concentrates from 50 blood donor were stored in 100% plasma (n=24) and 20:80 (n=24) additive solution. The RDP were placed in incubator and agitator at 22°C.
Results: Out of total 50 samples, 48 samples were analyzed and two were discarded due to the bacterial contamination. On comparing the mean values of platelet count and MPV in both the groups with and without platelet additive solution, no significant difference was observed on day seven of storage period. A significant difference in PDW was observed on day seven (p < 0.001) in plasma. The mean values of LDH and pH showed no significant difference on day seven in both the groups with and without platelet additive solution. A significant difference was observed in the levels of glucose on day seven (p < 0.001) in plasma. In platelet aggregation, a significant decrease was seen in plasma (p < 0.001) on day seven at 22°C.
Conclusions: The platelet morphology and function was better maintained in additive solution on day seven as compared to platelets stored without additive solution.
Evaluation of a Low-Cost Strategy for Enumerating CD4 Lymphocyte Absolute Count and Percentage Using the FACSCalibur Flow Cytometer in HIV-Infected Patients from a Resource-Limited Setting
Authors: Alvarez-Uria Gerardo , Reddy Raghuprakash , Reddy Srinivasulu , Naik Praveen K. , Midde Manoranjan
Published: October 2012

Enumeration of CD4 lymphocytes is essential for the clinical management of HIV-infected patients, but it can be difficult to afford in developing countries. In this study we evaluated a reagent reduction strategy for reducing the cost of enumerating CD4 cell absolute count and percentage using the FACSCalibur flow cytometer (Becton Dickinson). We compared the protocol recommended by the manufacturer with a protocol that used half of the usual amount of CD3/CD4/CD45 monoclonal antibody reagent in 100 samples from HIV-infected patients in a rural hospital in India. The concordance correlation coefficient between the two protocols was 0.976 for CD4 cell count and 0.984 for CD4 cell percentage. We did not find significant bias when performing Deming regression or Bland-Altman analysis. Sensitivity and specificity were 97% and 98.5% for identifying patients with less than 200 CD4 cells/μL, 98.1% and 93.8% for identifying patients with less than 350 CD4 cells/μL, and 100% and 94.7% for identifying patients with less than 25% CD4 cells, respectively. This reagent reduction strategy can be used for reducing the cost of enumerating CD4 lymphocytes in high-volume laboratories from resource-limited settings.
Bound-State Solutions of the Klein-Gordon Equation with -Deformed Equal Scalar and Vector Eckart Potential Using a Newly Improved Approximation Scheme
Authors: Akpan Ita O. , Antia Akaninyene D. , Ikot Akpan N.
Published: October 2012

We present the analytical solutions of the Klein-Gordon equation for q-deformed equal vector and scalar Eckart potential for arbitrary -state. We obtain the energy spectrum and the corresponding unnormalized wave function expressed in terms of the Jacobi polynomial. We also discussed the special cases of the potential.
The Role of ECG-Gated CT in Patients with Bicuspid Aortic Valve Replacement: New Perspectives in Short- and Long-Term Followup
Authors: Sperandio Massimiliano , Arganini Chiara , Bindi Alessio , Fusco Armando , Olevano Carlo , Bertoldo Fabio , Romagnoli Andrea , Chiariello Luigi , Simonetti Giovanni
Published: October 2012

The aim of our study was to compare the results of the TTE (transthoracic echocardiography) with the results obtained by the ECG-gated 64 slices CT during the followup of patients with bicuspid aortic valve (BAV), after aortic valve replacement; in particular we evaluated the aortic root and the ascending aorta looking for a new algorithm in the followup of these patients. From January 1999 to December 2009 our attention was focused on 67 patients with isolated surgical substitution of aortic valve; after dismissal they were strictly observed. During the period between May and September 2010, these patients underwent their last evaluation, and clinical exams, ECG, TTE, and an ECG-gated-MDCT were performed. At followup TTE results showed an aortic root of 36.7±4 mm and an ascending aorta of 39.6±4.8 mm. ECG- gated CT showed an aortic root of 37.9±5.5 mm and an ascending aorta of 43.1±5.2. The comparison between preoperative and postoperative TTE shows a significant long-term dilatation of the ascending aorta while the aortic root diameter seems to be stable. ECG-gated CT confirms the stability of the aortic root diameter (38.2±5.3 mm versus 37.9±5.5  mm; <0.0001) and the increasing diameter value of the ascending aorta (40.2±3.9 mm versus 43.1±5.2 mm; P=0.0156). Due to the different findings between CT and TTE studies, ECG-gated CT should no longer be considered as a complementary exam in the followup of patients with BAV, but as a fundamental role since it is a real necessity.
Media Clips: The Burglar in the Suitcase – Climate History in an Ice Core
Authors: Wilson Kristyn K. , Achong Chris
Published: October 2012

Students analyze items from the media to answer mathematical questions related to the article. The first clip this month uses dimensional analysis and problem solving; the second involves fitting a sinusoid to global warming data.
Tasks That Make Connections through Representations
Authors: Garofalo Joe , Trinter Christine P.
Published: October 2012

Students think resiliently about using the quadratic formula, analyzing factors graphically, finding the shortest distance between two points, and finding margin of error.
Connecting Research to Teaching: Keys to Successful Group Work: Culture, Structure, Nurture
Authors: Allen Kasi C.
Published: October 2012

Collaboration in the mathematics classroom contributes to student learning as well as strengthened preparation for twenty-first-century professions. However, facilitating group work with teenage students can prove challenging. Three strategies for success are establishing a supportive classroom culture; structuring groups and tasks; and nurturing the effort.
Conventional DAF Meets Site‐Specific Requirements
Authors: Khuns Edward , Allen Glenn , Herzner Julie A. , Roumbas Christakis
Published: October 2012

The new Peekskill (New York) Water Treatment Plant faced several design complexities, including connecting the new facility and high‐service pumps to the existing clearwell without interrupting service; installing a new intake; and managing a project site underlain with bedrock, requiring costly excavation. An award‐winning approach was used to optimize the conventional dissolved air flotation (DAF) process and include a pump station that allowed the plant to be constructed at grade, minimizing excavation.
What Are the Basics of Water Quality Modeling and Monitoring?
Authors: Clark Robert M.
Published: October 2012

Obviously the quantity of water consumed is important, but water quality is equally significant, and water should be free of chemical and biological contaminants. Modeling and mapping systems are now being integrated into comprehensive, user‐friendly systems for analyzing and displaying hydraulic and water quality parameters in distribution systems.
Elevated Towers—The Height of Safety?
Authors: Hughes John R.
Published: October 2012

This article discusses standard operating procedures and safety guidelines for climbing any elevated structure.
Management of Injuries of Tendon Achilles at NMC Hospital NawabShah
Authors: Saeed Samo  , Zulfiqar Soomro  , Zamir Soomro  , Mehtab Pirwani
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Tendon Achilles is largest tendon of the body and is made of fibrous tissue, descends from calf & gets attached to calcaneum. The injuries of this strongest tendon are not only uncommon but disabling as well. Twenty one tendons in 20 patients were managed successfully using Bosworth repair in the | department of Orthopaedics NMC Hospital NawabShah during the period from March 2002 to April 2006. Patients & Method: All patients were male and age ranged from 25 years to 55. Thirteen injuries were caused due to direct trauma, 3 patients noticed sudden jerk during high jump while playing, 3 had fall while running on plain ground and use of prolong corticosteroids caused 2 bilateral tendon injuries in one patient (Figure 1). Eleven patients sustained right side injury while 9 had their left side tendon injury. All patients were admitted through OPD & Emergency | departments and were operated after their pre-op work & anesthetist’s fitness was completed. Period lapsed from injury to admission was one day to 3 months and surgery was performed within 1day to 6 days after their admissions (Figure 3). Results: All twenty patients healed completely. Out of these 20 patients 17 were farmers, one medical professional and two were agriculture mechanics (Figure 4). Follow-up period in all these patients was over 15 months and no patient lost to follow- ups.Conclusion: Public awareness service programs and interaction between Orthopaedic consultants and other health professionals including general practitioners of the areas can prevent not only delay in diagnosing such problems, but shall minimize the ailment suffered by these patients. Nevertheless, all injuries of tendon Achilles should be dealt immediately to restore the full function of this strongest tendon of body regardless the lapse of any length of time.
Critical Thinking Skills through Reflective Journal Writing Among Non – Science Majors: Basis for an Enhancement Guide
Authors: Talens Joy D.
Published: October 2012

Physical Science involves study of non – living things. Since it is being offered among non–majors, teachers surmount challenges particularly appreciation for scientific inquiry. Likewise, De la Salle Lipa exposes students to transformative learning approach to attain its expected La Sallian Graduate Attributes and one of which is being a critical thinker. Thus, this study assessed the extent by which critical thinking skills were enhanced through reflective journal writing. Using the descriptive instructional method of research, this study used the Provus Evaluation Model in its approach to assessment of major variables concerned. Purposive sampling technique was used among 80 Second Year Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Legal Management who were enrolled during the second semester of School Year 2011 – 2012. Data and other information needed were gathered through questionnaires, informal interviews, observations, documentary analysis and the use of triangulation of data. Results revealed that indicators of critical thinking skills have been found to have been “enhanced to a great extent” However, in consideration of the Total Quality Assurance (TQA), it was found that gap existed between the mean assessment of the respondents and the intent of TQA. In consideration of the findings, an enhancement guide has been proposed to introduce and implement reflective journal writing among non – majors in college or universities’ quest to continuously improve instructional program and attain total quality assurance.   Keywords - reflective journal writing, critical thinking skills, total quality assurance.
“Iraq Opportunities”: The New National Curriculum and Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Iraqi Primary Schools
Authors: Abbas Muna Mohammed
Published: October 2012

In 2007-2008, a new official curriculum was promulgated through which English is introduced in Grade 3 of primary schooling (generally age 8) as it is one of primary education objectives and the government policy in Iraq. So, the present work aims to investigate some of the problems associated with the implementation of this new curriculum, its nature, an understanding of the curriculum principles and philosophies, and its constituents in the Iraqi contexts. Research on the curriculum planning process and curriculum analysis has not been conducted on the Iraqi English language curriculum before this. The present work gives a clear picture about the implementation, the nature of the curriculum, an understanding of the curriculum principles and philosophies, and its constituents in the Iraqi contexts. The work has three foci: the curriculum, the implementation and teaching and learning. The findings came from questionnaires and interviews with school teachers and supervisors’ .A questionnaire based survey of a sample of 100 primary school English teachers was conducted. It is concluded that (1) the implementation of official policy on the teaching of English in primary schools is fraught with problems evident at every stage in the process, from Education policy, through materials design to lesson planning and delivery;(2) the curriculum has problems at the level of understanding and implementation and this has led to the difficulty of conveying the philosophy of Iraq education to the primary school level.   Keywords - curriculum implementation, Education policy, EFL, education philosophy, syllabus design, ENN(English New National ) Curriculum
Overview of Gene Delivery into Cells Using HSV‐1‐Based Vectors
Authors: Neve Rachael L.
Published: October 2012

This overview describes the considerations involved in the preparation and use of a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) amplicon as a vector for gene transfer into neurons. Strategies for gene delivery into neurons, either to study the molecular biology of brain function or for gene therapy, must utilize vectors that persist stably in postmitotic cells and that can be targeted both spatially and temporally in the nervous system in vivo. This unit describes the biology of HSV‐1 along with a discussion covering development of amplicon and genomic HSV‐1 vectors. Advantages and disadvantages of current HSV‐1 vectors are presented, and HSV‐1 vectors are compared with other vectors for gene transfer into neurons. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 61:4.12.1‐4.12.7. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Microdomain Transformations in Mosaic Mesocrystal Thin Films
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Gong Haofei , Grzywa Maciej , Volkmer Dirk , Gower Laurie , Cölfen Helmut
Published: October 2012

An easy design route via simple evaporation is reported for macroscopic mosaic thin films comprising the quaternary system ofdl‐lysine·HCl, poly(acrylic acid), water, and EtOH. By depositing droplets of the quaternary dispersions onto hydrophilic cover slips, the formation of macroscopic crack‐free mosaic mesocrystal thin films are produced. The formation follows a multistage crystallization process, which includes the formation of a polymer‐induced liquid‐precursor (PILP) phase, the formation of spherulitic thin films, and the recrystallization of mosaic mesocrystal thin films. A slow cooling rate is noted to be beneficial for the mesocrystal thin films, enabling the films to be crack‐free and to display low surface roughness at the nanoscale.
Coating of titanium plate by photocurable azidophenyl chitosan derivative for application to implants
Authors: Seo Si Yoong , Park Shin Hye , Lee Hyung Jae , Heo Yun , Na Ha Na , Kim Kwang Il , Han Jae Hong , Ito Yoshihiro , Son Tae Il
Published: October 2012

Titanium (Ti) is widely used as an implant material. There are various kinds of Ti surface modification methods to facilitate effective osseointegration. In this study, UV‐curable azido‐LMC (azidophenyl low molecular weight chitosan) was used to modify the Ti surface. Here we suggest a novel Ti coating material that confers complex, diverse improvements to the Ti surface through a simple process. First, a cytotoxicity test of azido‐LMC against osteoblast MG‐63 was performed. The curing ratio dependent on UV irradiation time and concentration was determined by a comparison of weight. A 5% azido‐LMC solution, which showed a wide curing ratio range, was used to investigate the surface properties. The contact angle value was measured to compare hydrophilicity, and osteoblast MG‐63 cells were cultured on the coating surface. The Bradford assay was used to assess the protein immobilization capability. Hydroxyapatite, which has a beneficial influence on osseointegration, was included on the coating surface and observed by scanning electron microscopy. Surface roughness was measured by atomic force microscopy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Constrained parametric model for simultaneous inference of two cumulative incidence functions
Authors: Shi Haiwen , Cheng Yu , Jeong Jong‐Hyeon
Published: October 2012

We propose a parametric regression model for the cumulative incidence functions (CIFs) commonly used for competing risks data. The model adopts a modified logistic model as the baseline CIF and a generalized odds‐rate model for covariate effects, and it explicitly takes into account the constraint that a subject with any given prognostic factors should eventually fail from one of the causes such that the asymptotes of the CIFs should add up to one. This constraint intrinsically holds in a nonparametric analysis without covariates, but is easily overlooked in a semiparametric or parametric regression setting. We hence model the CIF from the primary cause assuming the generalized odds‐rate transformation and the modified logistic function as the baseline CIF. Under the additivity constraint, the covariate effects on the competing cause are modeled by a function of the asymptote of the baseline distribution and the covariate effects on the primary cause. The inference procedure is straightforward by using the standard maximum likelihood theory. We demonstrate desirable finite‐sample performance of our model by simulation studies in comparison with existing methods. Its practical utility is illustrated in an analysis of a breast cancer dataset to assess the treatment effect of tamoxifen, adjusting for age and initial pathological tumor size, on breast cancer recurrence that is subject to dependent censoring by second primary cancers and deaths.
Increasing activity and thermal resistance of Bacillus gibsonii alkaline protease (BgAP) by directed evolution
Authors: Martinez Ronny , Jakob Felix , Tu Ran , Siegert Petra , Maurer Karl‐Heinz , Schwaneberg Ulrich
Published: October 2012

Bacillus gibsonii Alkaline Protease (BgAP) is a recently reported subtilisin protease exhibiting activity and stability properties suitable for applications in laundry and dish washing detergents. However, BgAP suffers from a significant decrease of activity at low temperatures. In order to increase BgAP activity at 15°C, a directed evolution campaign based on the SeSaM random mutagenesis method was performed. An optimized microtiter plate expression system in B. subtilis was established and classical proteolytic detection methods were adapted for high throughput screening. In parallel, the libraries were screened for increased residual proteolytic activity after incubation at 58°C. Three iterative rounds of directed BgAP evolution yielded a set of BgAP variants with increased specific activity (Kcat) at 15°C and increased thermal resistance. Recombination of both sets of amino acid substitutions resulted finally in variant MF1 with a 1.5‐fold increased specific activity (15°C) and over 100 times prolonged half‐life at 60°C (224 min compared to 2 min of the WT BgAP). None of the introduced amino acid substitutions were close to the active site of BgAP. Activity‐altering amino acid substitutions were from non‐charged to non‐charged or from sterically demanding to less demanding. Thermal stability improvements were achieved by substitutions to negatively charged amino acids in loop areas of the BgAP surface which probably fostered ionic and hydrogen bonds interactions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 711–720. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engineering hyperthermostability into a mesophilic family 11 xylanase from Aspergillus oryzae by in silico design of N‐terminus substitution
Authors: Gao Shu‐Juan , Wang Jun‐Qing , Wu Min‐Chen , Zhang Hui‐Min , Yin Xin , Li Jian‐Fang
Published: October 2012

A mesophilic xylanase from Aspergillus oryzae CICC40186 (abbreviated to AoXyn11A) belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 11. The thermostability of AoXyn11A was significantly improved by substituting its N‐terminus with the corresponding region of a hyperthermostable family 11 xylanase, EvXyn11TS. The suitable N‐terminus of AoXyn11A to be replaced was selected by the comparison of B‐factors between AoXyn11A and EvXyn11TS, which were generated and calculated after a 15 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation process. Then, the predicted hybrid xylanase (designated AEx11A) was modeled, and subjected to a 2 ns MD simulation process for calculating its total energy value. The N‐terminus substitution was confirmed by comparing the total energy value of AEx11A with that of AoXyn11A. Based on the in silico design, the AEx11A was constructed and expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115. After 72 h of methanol induction, the recombinant AEx11A (reAEx11A) activity reached 82.2 U/mL. The apparent temperature optimum of reAEx11A was 80°C, much higher than that of reAoXyn11A. Its half‐life was 197‐fold longer than that of reAoXyn11A at 70°C. Compared with reAoXyn11A, the reAEx11A displayed a slight alteration in Km but a decrease in Vmax. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1028–1038. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New insights into the impact of digital signage as a retail atmospheric tool
Authors: Dennis Charles , Michon Richard , Brakus J. JoŠko , Newman Andrew , Alamanos Eleftherios
Published: October 2012

This article investigates the previously little‐researched role of digital signage (DS) in retail atmospherics, using an environmental psychology framework, drawing support from the Limited Capacity Model of Mediated Message Processing (LCM). DS consists of screen displays in public spaces showing video. The method consisted of a structured questionnaires quasi‐experiment (n = 357), comparing before and after DS installation against an unchanged control mall. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of DS, which has a positive effect on shoppers' approach behaviors such as spending, mediated by perceptions of the retail environment and positive affect.

Results are limited as the DS screens content was information based, whereas according to LCM, people pay more attention to emotion‐eliciting communications. The results have practical implications as DS appeals to employed shoppers. This study contributes to theory by providing a rare longitudinal environmental psychology study of the effects of an atmospheric stimulus on real shoppers in a real retail context. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assembly of Graphene Nanosheets and SiO2 Nanoparticles Towards Transparent, Antireflective, Conductive, and Superhydrophilic Multifunctional Hybrid Films
Authors: Zhu Jiayi , Xu Ligang , He Junhui
Published: October 2012

A new approach for the fabrication of transparent, antireflective, conductive and superhydrophilic multifunctional hybrid films through the layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets and SiO2 nanoparticles is reported. The RGO nanosheets, SiO2 nanoparticles and films were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy, UV/Vis absorption spectrophotometry, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle/interface system, and a four‐point probe. It was found that the graphene/SiO2 hybrid films exhibited a significant increase in transmittance as compared with RGO films. The optical, electronic and wetting properties of hybrid films could be manipulated by rational design of the film structure and variation of the cycle number of the LbL assembly. The obtained transparent, conductive, and superhydrophilic graphene/SiO2 hybrid films showed excellent antireflective, antistatic, and antifogging behaviors. The remarkable performance could be attributed to the combination of electrical conductivity of RGO nanosheets and superhydrophilic antireflective surface derived from SiO2 nanoparticles.
Synthesis, Bioactivities and Structure Activity Relationship of N‐4‐Methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole‐5‐carbonyl‐N′‐phenyl Ureas
Authors: Guo Dandan , Wang Zhiwen , Fan Zhijin , Zhao Hui , Zhang Wei , Cheng Jiagao , Yang Jiaqiang , Wu Qingjun , Zhang Youjun , Fan Qian
Published: October 2012

Twenty nine novel N‐4‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole‐5‐carbonyl‐N′‐phenyl ureas were designed and synthesized, and their structures were confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), infra red spectroscopy (IR) and high‐resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS). Compounds V‐9, V‐11, V‐12, V‐15, V‐19, V‐21, V‐22 and V‐24 exhibit excellent activity against Culex pipiens pallens. Compounds V‐12 and V‐22 present good insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella L. Their median lethal concentrations (LC50) are 164.15 and 89.69 mg·L−1, respectively. Compound V‐11 also has potential wide spectrum of fungicide activity. Its median effective concentrations (EC50) detected from 3.82 µg·mL−1 against Physalospora piricola to 31.60 µg·mL−1 against Cercospora arachidicola. Compounds V‐15 and V‐24 show outstanding induction activities as same as positive controls TDL and ningnanmycin, furthermore V‐24 has the highest induction activity of 41.85%±4.43%. To elucidate the structure activity relationship in these compounds, a 3D‐QSAR model has been built. The established model showed a reliable predicting ability with q2 values of 0.643 and r2 values of 0.982.
Immobilization of Antibodies on Magnetic Carbonaceous Microspheres for Selective Enrichment of Lysine‐acetylated Proteins and Peptides
Authors: Wang Yingyin , Yao Jun , Yang Pengyuan , Deng Chunhui , Fan Huizhi
Published: October 2012

Lysine acetylation is a dynamic and reversible modification, which has been proved to be a key posttranslational modification in cellular regulation. However, the low amounts of the acetylated proteins could hardly be detected before enrichment. In this study, for the first time, antibody‐immobilized magnetic carbonaceous microspheres were developed for selective enrichment of acetylated proteins and peptides. At first, standard proteins composed of acetylated bovine serum albumin, myoglobin, α‐casein and ovalbumin were used as model proteins to verify the enrichment efficiency. Then, the synthesized peptide was employed to confirm the selectivity of the method. Besides, the antibody‐immobilized magnetic particles were successfully applied to analyze mouse mitochondrial proteins. After database search, 29 acetylated sites in 26 proteins were identi?ed.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Anticancer Activities of Tetrahydropyrido[4,3‐d]dihydropyrimidine‐2‐thiones
Authors: Ding Li , Xue Sijia , Li Jing , Xiao Di , Wang Jing , Hao Zhibing , Pang Chuncheng
Published: October 2012

A new series of tetrahydropyrido[4,3‐d]dihydropyrimidine‐2‐thiones (3a–3x) were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis, and the conformation of compound 3j was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Preliminary bioassays indicated that most of the target compounds presented good antiproliferative activities against leukemic K562 cells, ovarian cancer HO‐8910 cells and liver cancer SMMC‐7721 cells in vitro. Among them the compounds 3i and 3m afford the best activity, the IC50 of them were 3.22 and 3.65 µg/mL against leukemic K562 cells, respectively, which were lower than the anticancer drug of clinical practice 5‐FU (IC50=8.56 µg/mL). Preliminary mechanism of action studies revealed that compound 3i caused DNA fragmentation and activated caspase‐3/7 in leukemic K562 cells.
Syntheses, Characterizations and Adsorption Properties of MIL‐101/Graphene Oxide Composites
Authors: Liu Xiaoqing , Zhou Hu , Zhang Ying , Liu Yuanjun , Yuan Aihua
Published: October 2012

Composites of the Cr3+‐based metal‐organic framework (MIL‐101) and graphene oxide (GO) have been synthesized with different ratios of MIL‐101 and GO. The composites and the parent material MIL‐101 were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption. The results indicated that the incorporation of large amounts of GO (10 and 20 wt%) almost did not prevent the formation of MIL‐101 units, but had an obvious impact on the size of MIL‐101 crystals. On the contrary, small amounts of GO added (2 and 5 wt%) prevented significantly the proper assembly of MIL‐101 units, thus resulting in a pronounced decrease in the porosities of composites.
Cinchona Alkaloid‐catalyzed Asymmetric Direct Mannich Reaction of Malononitrile to Imine for Synthesis of β‐Amino Malononitrile
Authors: Lu Zhijin , Xie Chen , Zhou Wei , Duan Zhiqiang , Han Jianlin , Pan Yi
Published: October 2012

The first direct asymmetric Mannich reaction of malononitrile to N‐Boc‐protected imines has been developed with cinchona alkaloid as catalyst. The procedure could tolerate a relatively wide range of substrates, and results in excellent yields and good enantioselectivities even in the presence of only 1 mol% of catalyst loading. The present work provides an easy access to β‐amino malononitrile derivatives.
Synthesis of CdTe Quantum Dots with Tunable Photoluminescence Using Tellurium Dioxide as Tellurium Source
Authors: Liu Shengyan , Wang Yilin , Yang Kun , Zhou Liya
Published: October 2012

A simple and convenient method has been developed for synthesis of water‐soluble CdTe quantum dots (QDs) under ambient atmospheric conditions. In contrast to the traditional aqueous synthesis, green to red emitting CdTe QDs were prepared by using TeO2 to replace Te or Al2Te3 as tellurium source in this method. The influences of experimental variables, including pH value, 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA)/Cd and Te/Cd molar ratios, on the emission peak and photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY) of the obtained CdTe QDs have been systematically investigated. Experimental results indicate that green to red emitting CdTe QDs with a maximum photoluminescence quantum yield of 35.4% can be prepared at pH 11.3 and n(Cd):n(Te):n(MPA)=1:0.1:1.7.
Gas‐phase Smiles Rearrangement of Sulfonylurea Herbicides in Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Jia , Chai Yunfeng , Wang Wei , Shang Wei , Pan Yuanjiang
Published: October 2012

In the negative ion mode of electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS) of four sulfonylurea herbicides, Smiles rearrangements were observed in rimsulfuron and nicosulfuron. In the case of rimsulfuron, two competitive gas‐phase Smiles rearrangements initiated by nitrogen anion and oxygen anion respectively were witnessed. The ion‐neutral complex was proposed as the reactive intermediate in the course of this unimolecular dissociation reaction of the oxygen attack Smiles rearrangement route. The density functional theory (DFT) was carried out to elucidate the mechanism as well as to show the possible transition states and the intermediates.
Studies toward the Synthesis of (R)‐(+)‐Harmicine
Authors: Mo Fanyang , Li Fei , Qiu Di , Zhang Yan , Wang Jianbo
Published: October 2012

The study toward the total synthesis of (R)‐(+)‐harmicine is reported in this paper. The enantioselective synthesis of pyrrolidinone, the main backbone of of (R)‐(+)‐harmicine, has been completed by the methodology based on photo‐induced Wolff rearrangement of α‐diazo‐β‐carbonyl compounds.
Design, Synthesis and Antiproliferative Activities of Diaryl Thiourea Derivatives as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Yao Jianwen , He Zuopeng , Chen Jing , Chen Daquan , Sun Wei , Xu Wenfang
Published: October 2012

Two new series of diaryl thiourea containing sorafenib derivatives 9a–9t were designed and synthesized, and their antiproliferative activities against PC‐3, HCT116 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines were evaluated. All compounds generally showed antiproliferative activity to PC‐3 cells, most of the analogs exhibited potent antiproliferative activity to HCT116 cells, and compounds 9e, 9f, 9o and 9p demonstrated inhibitory activities against all three cell lines. The structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were determined by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and HRMS.
Sugar‐fiber Imprinting to Generate Microgrooves on Polymeric Film Surfaces for Contact Guidance of Cells
Authors: Qu Zehua , Ding Jiandong
Published: October 2012

Anisotropic surface topography is known to induce the contact guidance of cells, and facile and biocompatible approaches of the physical modification of the pertinent matrix surfaces are thus meaningful for biomaterials. Herein, we put forward a sugar‐fiber imprinting technique to generate microgrooves on hydrophobic polymers demonstrated by the poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) films. Microgrooves were conveniently generated after removing sugar fibers simply by water. The resulting locally anisotropic microgrooves were confirmed to elongate the cells cultured on the surface.
Electromagnet design allowing explicit and simultaneous control of minimum wire spacing and field uniformity
Authors: Harris Chad T. , Handler William B. , Chronik Blaine A.
Published: October 2012

An adaptive algorithm is presented that works to independently and explicitly control both local power deposition and magnetic field uniformity in a robust, automated manner. The only inputs to the algorithm are the minimum allowable wire spacing, the maximum allowable field error, and the geometry over which to produce the coil. To highlight the function of the algorithm, two examples are investigated: a transverse gradient coil insert, designed for imaging the head and neck; and a highly uniform, low‐power, B0 field coil. Both examples require highly optimized relative weighting between power dissipation and field uniformity. The algorithm is described and implemented in terms of the boundary element method for coil design. The algorithm is shown to produce acceptable designs; conforming to engineering constraints, for both instances within a matter of minutes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 41B: 120–129, 2012
A resonated coil driver for rapid scan EPR
Authors: Quine Richard W. , Mitchell Deborah G. , Tseitlin Mark , Eaton Sandra S. , Eaton Gareth R.
Published: October 2012

A resonated coil driver designed for rapid scan electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is described. Rapid scan EPR requires larger magnetic field coils and a more powerful magnetic field modulation than those designed for conventional continuous wave EPR. There are two advantages of a resonated coil driver: i) by resonating the scan coils the reactive components are removed, which allows the coils to be driven with much lower voltages, and ii) by resonating the coils a near‐perfect sinusoidal scan is ensured. Performance of the coil driver is improved when Litz wire coils are used. With coil diameters between 3 and 3.5 inches, sweeps can be generated with widths up to about 80 G peak‐to‐peak and frequencies up to about 150 kHz, which permits sweep rates of more than 8 MG/s. The magnetic field is uniform over the sample length of a Bruker dielectric resonator. Enough detail has been presented for other laboratories toimplement this design to perform rapid scan EPR. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 41B: 95–110, 2012
The impact of dose‐escalated radiotherapy plus androgen deprivation for prostate cancer using 2 linked nomograms
Authors: Stoyanova Radka , Pahlajani Niraj H. , Egleston Brian L. , Buyyounouski Mark K. , Chen David Y. T. , Horwitz Eric M. , Pollack Alan
Published: October 2012

BACKGROUND:

Randomized trials have demonstrated that escalated‐dose external‐beam radiotherapy (EDRT) is better than standard‐dose radiotherapy (SDRT) for patients with prostate cancer and that adding androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) to SDRT is better than SDRT alone; however, no trials have compared EDRT versus SDRT plus ADT or EDRT versus EDRT plus ADT. The authors designed a model to estimate the results of various doses of radiotherapy (RT) combined with various durations of ADT.

METHODS:

From 1989 to 2007, 3215 men consecutively received definitive EDRT with or without ADT. In total, 2012 patients had complete records available for creating the nomogram. The duration of ADT varied for patients who received no RT (n = 1562), ≤6 months of RT (n = 145), from >6 months to <24 months of RT (n = 140), and ≥24 months of RT (n = 165) with a median follow‐up of 65.7 months, 66.2 months, 60.1 months, and 63 months, respectively. The model included the following covariates: palpation T‐category, biopsy Gleason score, the percentage of tumor cells with a Gleason pattern of 4 or 5, the percentage of tumor tissue, initial pretreatment prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level, ADT duration, and RT dose. Two nomograms, for outcomes with and without ADT, were created from a single competing‐risks model. Biochemical failure was defined as a rise in serum PSA of 2 ng/mL over the post‐treatment PSA nadir.

RESULTS:

According to the results from analyzing representative intermediate‐risk to high‐risk patient parameters, the gains from increasing the RT dose from 70 Gray (Gy) to 80 Gy were far less than the gains from adding ≥3 months of ADT.

CONCLUSIONS:

The nomograms provided unique patient‐specific estimates of the effects of various doses and durations of RT and ADT. The results indicated that adding ADT to treatment for intermediate‐risk and high‐risk prostate cancer is far more beneficial than a modest RT dose escalation. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Convergence of a Force‐Based Hybrid Method in Three Dimensions
Authors: Lu Jianfeng , Ming Pingbing
Published: October 2012

We study a force‐based hybrid method that couples an atomistic model with the Cauchy‐Born elasticity model. We show that the proposed scheme converges to the solution of the atomistic model with second‐order accuracy, since the ratio between lattice parameter and the characteristic length scale of the deformation tends to 0. Convergence is established for the three‐dimensional system without defects, with general finite‐range atomistic potential and simple lattice structure. The proof is based on consistency and stability analysis. General tools for stability analysis are developed in the framework opseudodifference operators in arbitrary dimensions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.