bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Komponist und Dirigent: Verdi und Mariani
Authors: Walter Michael
Published: July 2015

It is very likely that Verdi rehearsed the vocal parts of his first opera Oberto (1839) as maestro concertatore. However, he had no influence on the first performance, since the performances were led by the first violinist or direttore d’orchestra. In the 1840s began, especially with Pietro Romani and Angelo Mariani, the emergence of the modern conductor, who combined the maestro concertatore and direttore d’orchestrain one single person. In Verdi’s opinion such a conductor was the best way  to  realize  his  scores.  But  to  Verdi’s dismay it quickly turned out that the conductors of this new type, as Mariani and Toscanini, understood their conducting not only as realizing the will of the composer, but as a creative act in its own right which need not necessarily reflect the intentions of the composer.
Branches
Authors: Davidović Dalibor
Published: July 2015

Taking the conversation between John Cage and Geoffrey Barnard – published as Conversation without Feldman – as a starting point, the following article explores Cage’s notion of anarchy.
The Application of Bactericidal Silver Nanoparticles in Wound Treatment
Authors: Nam Geewoo , Rangasamy Sabarinathan , Purushothaman Baskaran , Song Joon Myong
Published: July 2015

Even with the prevalence of wounds, the medical technology for efficiently managing skin damage is still primitive. The disruption of any of the numerous healing processes can lead to problems in the time-sensitive healing actions of the dermal and epidermal layers. Bacterial infection is one of the major obstacles to proper wound healing as it poses a danger of causing long-term negative effects. Keeping the wound free of bacteria is imperative to the proper and hasty repair of dermal wounds. Silver has been widely used to treat wounds for its bactericidal properties. Although the mechanism of silver's antibacterial action is not fully understood, it exhibits a significant antimicrobial efficacy against a wide spectrum of bacterial species. A number of different approaches to the mechanism are reported and presented in this review. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported to exhibit enhanced antibacterial activity due to their increased surface-area-to-volume ratio. AgNPs are capable of various modifications, significantly broadening the therapeutic properties of the material as a result. This review explores the different aspects of silver and silver nanoparticles, and their antibacterial properties, which can be applied in the field of wound treatments.
Determination of Spatial Configuration of an Underwater Swarm with Minimum Data
Authors: dell'Erba Ramiro
Published: July 2015

This paper is the extension of work presented at the IARP Conference “Bio inspired robotics” held in Frascati (Italy), 14 May 2014.

The subject is the localization problem of an underwater swarm of autonomous underwater robots (AUV), in the frame of the HARNESS project; by localization, we mean the relative swarm configuration, i.e., the geometrical shape of the group. The result is achieved by using the signals that the robots exchange. The swarm is organized by rules and conceived to perform tasks, ranging from environmental monitoring to terrorism-attack surveillance.

Two methods of determining the shape of the swarm, both based on trilateration calculation, are proposed. The first method focuses on the robot's speed. In this case, we use our knowledge of the speeds and distances between the machines, while the second method considers only distances and the orientation angles of the robots. Unlike a trilateration problem, we do not know the position of the beacons and this renders the problem a difficult one. Moreover, we have very few data. More than one step of motion is needed to resolve the multiple solutions found, owing to the symmetries of the system and optimization process of one or more objective functions leading to the final configuration. We subsequently checked our algorithm using a simulator taking into account random errors affecting the measurements.
Avaliação das propriedades físico-mecânicas de polpas produzidas por novas sequências de branqueamento.
Authors: Pedrazzi Cristiane , Colodette Jorge Luiz , Oliveira Rubens Chaves de , Muguet Marcelo Coelho dos Santos , Gomide José Lívio
Published: July 2015

A eficiência da deslignificação com oxigênio (pré-O2) é muito baixa para polpas de baixo número kappa e que contêm altas concentrações de ácidos hexenurônicos, pois o oxigênio não reage com esses ácidos, sendo mínima a eliminação destes durante a deslignificação com oxigênio em simples ou duplo estágio. Neste estudo, investigaram-se as propriedades físico-mecânicas de polpas produzidas por cozimentos cineticamente modificados até número kappa 17 e 14 e branqueadas pelas técnicas AD(EO)D, para polpa de kappa 17 e DHT(EPO)DP, para polpa de kappa 14. O objetivo principal do estudo foi o de avaliar as propriedades físico-mecânicas das polpas submetidas a sequências de branqueamento sem o oxigênio, no início da sequência. Como referências, foram produzidas polpas de número kappa 17 e 14 as quais foram posteriormente deslignificadas com oxigênio e branqueadas com sequências convencionais: A/D(EO)D, para polpa de número kappa 17 e DHT(EPO)DP, para polpa de kappa 14. O branqueamento alternativo, sem a pré-O2, resultou em polpas branqueadas de maior integridade que as da referência, o que foi comprovado pelos valores significativamente mais altos de VEA (bulk), índice de rasgo, opacidade e resistência à passagem de ar (RPA) da polpa fracamente refinada (polpa para produzir papel tissue). Por outro lado, a alta integridade das fibras oriundas das polpas branqueadas por processos alternativos diminuiu suas conformabilidades e colapsabilidades, com consequente diminuição do índice de tração da polpa fracamente refinada. Porém, mediante um refino mais intenso (polpa para produzir papel de imprimir e escrever - P&W) o índice de tração foi recuperado. A alta integridade das polpas branqueadas sem a pré-O2 dificulta o seu refino. Para alcançar o grau de drenagem de 35oSR com as polpas provenientes dos processos alternativos de branqueamento, foi necessário aplicar cerca de 30% a mais de energia em relação à referência.
Vigor das sementes de Apeiba tibourbou Aubl. sob difrentes condições de armazenamento e embalagens.
Authors: Ferreira Elane Grazielle Borba de Sousa , Matos Valderez Pontes , Ferreira Rinaldo Luiz Caraciolo , Sales Anna Gorett de Figueiredo Almeida , Sena Lúcia Helena de Moura
Published: July 2015

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o vigor das sementes de pau-de-jangada (Apeiba tibourbou) quando estas foram submetidas a diferentes condições de armazenamento e embalagens durante 225 dias. Após o beneficiamento, as sementes de pau-de-jangada foram acondicionadas nas seguintes embalagens: vidro transparente, sacos de papel Kraft e sacos de polietileno transparente e armazenadas nos ambientes: natural de laboratório (24,8ºC a 28ºC; UR 68,9 a 82,5%), freezer (-20ºC; UR 90%) e câmara (18,5 ± 1ºC; UR 71 ± 3%). Para avaliação da qualidade inicial das sementes e a cada 45 dias, totalizando 225 dias de armazenamento, foi determinado o teor de água das sementes e realizados testes de vigor (porcentagem e velocidade de emergência, comprimento e massa seca das plântulas). Dentre as condições de armazenamento estudadas, a mais adequada para conservação das sementes de pau-de-jangada por 180 dias, com menor perda de vigor, foi o ambiente natural de laboratório, quando se utilizou a embalagem saco de polietileno.
Coleópteros coletados com armadilhas luminosas e etanólicas em plantio de Eucalyptus spp. no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Bernardi Oderlei , Garcia Mauro Silveira , Ely e Silva Eduardo José , Zazycki Luiza Cristiane Fialho , Bernardi Daniel , Miorelli Dinorvan , Ramiro Glodoaldo Arantes , Finkenauer Élder
Published: July 2015

O trabalho teve como objetivo coletar, identificar e estudar a flutuação populacional de espécies da ordem Coleoptera em plantio de Eucalyptus spp. no município de Pinheiro Machado, estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os insetos foram coletados com armadilhas luminosas e etanólicas a cada quinze dias, no período de fevereiro de 2006 a outubro de 2007. Os exemplares, após triagem, foram identificados por comparação com coleções entomológicas e literatura especializada. Foram coletados 6.172 indivíduos, distribuídos em 39 famílias e 249 espécies, dessas 130 foram identificadas em nível de espécie e 119 em família, representando 4.498 e 1.674 do total de indivíduos coletados respectivamente. As espécies mais abundantes foram Cyclocephala sp. 1, Cyclocephala sp. 2, Dyscinetus sp. 1, Euetheola humilis (Scarabaeidae) e Neoclytus curvatus (Cerambycidae) representando 49,28% dos indivíduos identificados por gênero e/ou espécie. Scarabaeidae apresentou o maior número de indivíduos (2.588), distribuídos em 37 espécies. As famílias Cerambycidae (47) e Scolytidae (40) apresentaram maior quantidade de espécies. Em todos os meses coletaram-se indivíduos da ordem Coleoptera, com maior número de exemplares em dezembro de 2006 e março de 2007.
Efeito da radiação ultravioleta na cor da madeira de freijó (Cordia goeldiana Huber) após receber produtos de acabamentos
Authors: Gonçalez Joaquim Carlos , Félix Tiago Leandro Freire , Gouveia Fernando Nunes , Camargos José Arlete Alves , Ribeiro Patrícia Gomes
Published: July 2015

A radiação ultravioleta é considerada a mais prejudicial ao uso da madeira afetando suas propriedades, sobretudo a sua cor superficial. A aplicação de produtos de acabamentos, como os vernizes, os stains, as tintas, podem minimizar a atuação dessa radiação. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da radiação ultravioleta, relativo ao envelhecimento artificial acelerado, na coloração da madeira de freijó (Cordia goeldiana Huber) tratadas com polisten e seladora (nitrocelulose), com monitoramento por meio de um espectrocolorimetrico. As amostras da madeira foram submetidas a ciclos de radiação ultravioleta em um reator fotoquímico, em tempos de 84 e 168 horas. Os parâmetros colorimétricos (L*, a*, b* C e h*) foram medidos antes a após os tratamentos. O tratamento com polisten foi o que ofereceu maior proteção às radiações ultravioletas, dando uma maior estabilidade aos parâmetros. O tratamento com seladora foi o que apresentou uma maior alteração da cor após a simulação de envelhecimento no reator fotoquímico.
Massa da amostra, substrato e temperatura para teste de germinação de sementes de Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden.
Authors: Cetnarski Filho Ricardo , Carvalho Ruy Inácio Neiva de
Published: July 2015

O objetivo do trabalho foi estabelecer a massa da amostra, o tipo de substrato e a temperatura mais adequados à realização de teste de germinação de sementes de Eucalyptus dunnii em laboratório. As sementes foram adquiridas da empresa Klabin Paraná Papéis, provenientes do município de Telêmaco Borba, PR. O trabalho se constituiu de dois experimentos realizados no Laboratório de Técnica de Sementes da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná. O primeiro experimento foi realizado para determinação da massa ideal da amostra para o teste de germinação utilizando-se cinco tratamentos representados por diferentes massas de amostras do lote (365, 730, 1.095, 1.460 e 1.825 mg), correspondentes a 50, 100, 150, 200 e 250 mg de sementes puras, com quatro repetições. Após 14 dias foi avaliado o número de sementes germinadas por grama de amostra. No segundo experimento, foi verificada a influência dos substratos papel, areia e vermiculita e das temperaturas de 20, 25 e 30ºC na germinação das sementes. Foram analisadas as variáveis germinação (%), tempo médio de germinação (dia), velocidade média de germinação (dia-1), índice de velocidade de germinação e entropia (bits). Concluiu-se que o teste de germinação de sementes de Eucalyptus dunnii pode ser realizado com massa equivalente a 50 mg de sementes puras. Os substratos areia ou papel devem ser utilizados e a temperatura de 20°C proporcionou melhor desempenho da população de sementes de Eucalyptus dunni no teste de germinação.
La réponse naturelle : une solution inadéquate au dilemme darwinien
Authors: Aubé Beaudoin Félix
Published: July 2015

Le dilemme darwinien, formulé par Sharon Street, somme les réalistes moraux d’expliquer pourquoi de nombreux jugements qui sont des candidats au statut de vérités morales indépendantes sont aussi ceux qui ont une grande valeur sélective. Les réalistes peuvent soit nier, soit affirmer l’existence d’un lien entre pressions évolutionnistes et vérités morales. Selon Street, la première option mène au scepticisme tandis que la seconde est indéfendable sur le plan scientifique. Peter Singer et Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek optent pour la première branche de ce dilemme. Dans cet article, la stratégie argumentative qu’ils adoptent — la réponse naturelle — sera soumise à un examen critique. Deux objections seront formulées. La première est d’ordre épistémologique : l’intuitionnisme philosophique défendu par les auteurs fait face à des difficultés majeures. La seconde, plus fondamentale, est que leur solution ne permet pas d’expliquer autrement que par un heureux hasard l’alignement entre les vérités morales et les jugements ayant une valeur sélective.
Le luxe et la vaporisation de l’art
Authors: Thériault Mélissa , Sirois-Rouleau Dominique
Published: July 2015

Bien connu pour ses prises de positions tranchées et polémiques sur le fonctionnement des institutions culturelles et des milieux artistiques, le philosophe français Yves Michaud est aussi un observateur assidu des nouvelles tendances de consommation. L’objectif de cette étude critique est d’ouvrir une discussion critique qui s’impose sur certaines affirmations dont le caractère polémique est aussi manifeste que fertile : la notion de vaporisation de l’art, le statut « orphelin » du design et son rapprochement avec l’art et le luxe et, finalement, la question de l’authenticité. Nous discuterons chacun de ces éléments afin de répondre aux zones grises de l’analyse présentée dans l’essai de Michaud. Nous conclurons par une discussion sur la possibilité même de considérer l’art comme un luxe en montrant dans quelle mesure la conception du luxe telle que défendue par Michaud correspond en fait à un concept bien différent.
Mycobacterium ulcerans dynamics in aquatic ecosystems are driven by a complex interplay of abiotic and biotic factors
Authors: Garchitorena Andrés , Guégan Jean-François , Léger Lucas , Eyangoh Sara , Marsollier Laurent , Roche Benjamin
Published: July 2015

Host–parasite interactions are often embedded within complex host communities and can be influenced by a variety of environmental factors, such as seasonal variations in climate or abiotic conditions in water and soil, which confounds our understanding of the main drivers of many multi-host pathogens. Here, we take advantage of a combination of large environmental data sets on Mycobacterium ulcerans (MU), an environmentally persistent microorganism associated to freshwater ecosystems and present in a large variety of aquatic hosts, to characterize abiotic and biotic factors driving the dynamics of this pathogen in two regions of Cameroon. We find that MU dynamics are largely driven by seasonal climatic factors and certain physico-chemical conditions in stagnant and slow-flowing ecosystems, with an important role of pH as limiting factor. Furthermore, water conditions can modify the effect of abundance and diversity of aquatic organisms on MU dynamics, which suggests a different contribution of two MU transmission routes for aquatic hosts (trophic vs environmental transmission) depending on local abiotic factors.
Stratospheric response to intraseasonal changes in incoming solar radiation
Authors: Garfinkel C. I. , Silverman V. , Harnik N. , Haspel C. , Riz Y.
Published: July 2015

Superposed epoch analysis of meteorological reanalysis data is used to demonstrate a significant connection between intraseasonal solar variability and temperatures in the stratosphere. Decreasing solar flux leads to a cooling of the tropical upper stratosphere above 7 hPa, while increasing solar flux leads to a warming of the tropical upper stratosphere above 7 hPa, after a lag of approximately 6–10 days. Late winter (February–March) Arctic stratospheric temperatures also change in response to changing incoming solar flux in a manner consistent with that seen on the 11 year timescale: 10–30 days after the start of decreasing solar flux, the polar cap warms during the easterly phase of the quasi‐biennial oscillation. In contrast, cooling is present after decreasing solar flux during the westerly phase of the quasi‐biennial oscillation (though it is less robust than the warming during the easterly phase). The estimated composite mean changes in Northern Hemisphere upper stratospheric (∼ 5 hPa) polar temperatures exceed 8 K and are potentially a source of intraseasonal predictability for the surface. These changes in polar temperature are consistent with the changes in wave driving entering the stratosphere.
Job Accommodations Availability and Utilization Among People With Lupus: An Examination of Workplace Activity Limitations and Work Context Factors
Authors: Al Dhanhani Ali M. , Gignac Monique A. M. , Beaton Dorcas E. , Su Jiandong , Fortin Paul R.
Published: July 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the availability of diverse job accommodations (or flexible working arrangements) and to describe their use among people with systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), as well as to examine factors associated with the use of job accommodations.

Methods

A mail survey was sent to adult lupus patients receiving care from a lupus clinic based in Toronto, Canada. The survey assessed demographic information, self‐reported disease activity, work history, workplace activity limitations, job strain, and the availability and use of job accommodations. Standard multivariable linear regression analysis was used to examine factors associated with the use of job accommodations.

Results

We received 362 responses of 604 mailed surveys (60% response rate). Participants who were employed within the last 5 years, but who were not currently working, were less likely than currently employed participants to report having had job accommodations available to them at their last place of employment. The use of job accommodations was reported by 70% of currently employed respondents and by 72% of those not currently employed. The most common job accommodation used was sick leave days. Factors positively associated with the use of job accommodations among those who were employed included higher levels of education, being diagnosed with fibromyalgia, at least 1 episode of short‐term work disability, not belonging to a union, greater workplace activity limitations, and greater job strain.

Conclusion

The use of job accommodations among people with lupus is common. Work context factors, such as workplace activity limitations and job strain, are the main factors associated with the use of job accommodations.
Freestanding Ultrathin Metallic Nanosheets: Materials, Synthesis, and Applications
Authors: Ling Tao , Wang Jing‐Jing , Zhang Hao , Song Shu‐Tao , Zhou Yu‐Zhu , Zhao Jiong , Du Xi‐Wen
Published: July 2015

Freestanding ultrathin metallic nanosheets (FUMNSs) with atomic thickness attract extensive attention because they display remarkable advantages over their bulk counterparts by virtue of their large specific area, high aspect ratio, and unsaturated surface coordination. The state of the art of research on FUMNSs is reviewed here, wherein the important progress from the aspects of material category, synthetic strategy, and practical application are introduced, and it is demonstrated that FUMNSs will play an important role in the fields of optoelectrics, catalysis, and magnetism.
Charge Accumulation and Hysteresis in Perovskite‐Based Solar Cells: An Electro‐Optical Analysis
Authors: Wu Bo , Fu Kunwu , Yantara Natalia , Xing Guichuan , Sun Shuangyong , Sum Tze Chien , Mathews Nripan
Published: July 2015

Organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells based on CH3NH3PbI3 have achieved great success with efficiencies exceeding 20%. However, there are increasing concerns over some reported efficiencies as the cells are susceptible to current–voltage (I–V) hysteresis effects. It is therefore essential that the origins and mechanisms of the I–V hysteresis can clearly be understood to minimize or eradicate these hysteresis effects completely for reliable quantification. Here, a detailed electro‐optical study is presented that indicates the hysteresis originates from lingering processes persisting from sub‐second to tens of seconds. Photocurrent transients, photoluminescence, electroluminescence, quasi‐steady state photoinduced absorption processes, and X‐ray diffraction in the perovskite solar cell configuration have been monitored. The slow processes originate from the structural response of the CH3NH3PbI3 upon E‐field application and/or charge accumulation, possibly involving methylammonium ions rotation/displacement and lattice distortion. The charge accumulation can arise from inefficient charge transfer at the perovskite interfaces, where it plays a pivotal role in the hysteresis. These findings underpin the significance of efficient charge transfer in reducing the hysteresis effects. Further improvements of CH3NH3PbI3‐based perovskite solar cells are possible through careful surface engineering of existing TiO2 or through a judicious choice of alternative interfacial layers.
Demand Side Change, Rurality, and Gender in the United States Veterinarian Market, 1990–2010
Authors: Wang Tong , Hennessy David A. , Park Seong C.
Published: July 2015

Little is known about how animal input sectors have been impacted by far‐reaching changes in global animal agriculture over recent decades. This paper explores the forces determining U.S. veterinarian practice location and how location choices have evolved over the past two decades. We provide a theoretical model of veterinarian market supply and demand with particular emphasis on rurality, gender, and demand side change. We also estimate bivariate Tobit models of location choice for 1990, 2000, and 2010. Results suggest that female veterinarians are less responsive to the presence of food animals than their male counterparts. For both genders, veterinarians are more responsive to animals of higher value. Using animal caretakers as a proxy for companion animals, we find that female veterinarians have become more responsive to this indicator over the 20 years. All else equal, female and male veterinarians tend not to locate in rural areas. Aversion to rural areas has remained fixed over time among males but has strengthened among females. [EconLit citations: J16, J43, Q13].
Determination of kinetics of CO2 absorption in solutions of 2‐amino‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol using a microfluidic technique
Authors: Zheng Chen , Zhao Bochao , Wang Kai , Luo Guangsheng
Published: July 2015

The kinetics for the reactions of carbon dioxide with 2‐amine‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanol (AMP) and carbon dioxide (CO2) in both aqueous and nonaqueous solutions were measured using a microfluidic method at a temperature range of 298–318 K. The mixtures of AMP‐water and AMP‐ethylene glycol were applied for the working systems. Gas‐liquid bubbly microflows were formed through a microsieve device and used to determine the reaction characteristics by online observation of the volume change of microbubbles at the initial flow stage. In this condition, a mathematical model according to zwitterion mechanism has been developed to predict the reaction kinetics. The predicted kinetics of CO2 absorption in the AMP aqueous solution verified the reliability of the method by comparing with literatures’ results. Furthermore, the reaction rate parameters for the reaction of CO2 with AMP in both solutions were determined. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 4358–4366, 2015
Zirconium oxide complex‐functionalized MCM‐41 nanostructure: an efficient and reusable mesoporous catalyst for oxidation of sulfides and oxidative coupling of thiols using hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Hajjami Maryam , Shiri Lotfi , Jahanbakhshi Azar
Published: July 2015

Zirconium oxide complex‐functionalized mesoporous MCM‐41 (Zr‐oxide@MCM‐41) as an efficient and reusable catalyst is reported for the oxidation of sulfides into sulfoxides using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as the oxidant, with short reaction times in good to excellent yields at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions. Also, a simple and efficient method is reported for the oxidative coupling of thiols into corresponding disulfides in good to high yields using H2O2 as oxidant in the presence of Zr‐oxide@MCM‐41 as recoverable catalyst in ethanol at room temperature. A series of sulfides and thiols possessing functional groups was successfully converted into corresponding products. After completion of reactions the catalyst was easily separated with simple filtration from the reaction mixture and reused for several consecutive runs without significant loss of catalytic efficiency. The mesoporous catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurements, X‐ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermodynamic analysis of sol–gel transition of gelatin in terms of water activity in various solutions
Authors: Miyawaki Osato , Omote Chiaki , Matsuhira Keiko
Published: July 2015

Sol–gel transition of gelatin was analyzed as a multisite stoichiometric reaction of a gelatin molecule with water and solute molecules. The equilibrium sol–gel transition temperature, Tt, was estimated from the average of gelation and melting temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry. From Tt and the melting enthalpy, ΔHsol, the equilibrium sol‐to‐gel ratio was estimated by the van't Hoff equation. The reciprocal form of the Wyman–Tanford equation, which describes the sol‐to‐gel ratio as a function of water activity, was successfully applied to obtain a good linear relationship. From this analysis, the role of water activity on the sol–gel transition of gelatin was clearly explained and the contributions of hydration and solute binding to gelatin molecules were separately discussed in sol–gel transition. The general solution for the free energy for gel‐stabilization in various solutions was obtained as a simple function of solute concentration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 103: 685–691, 2015.
Folate‐decorated Polysaccharide‐doxorubicin Polymer: Synthesis, Characterization, and Activity in HeLa Cells
Authors: Zhang Lei , Guo Lulu , Ding Jingna , Lu Yongming , Zhang Yaping , Chen Yan
Published: July 2015

In order to develop the application of the natural polysaccharide lentinan (LNT) and decrease the side effects of doxorubicin, we successfully synthesized a novel folate‐modified maleilated lentinan‐doxorubicin (FA‐M.LNT‐DOX) polymer and used it for tumor‐targeted drug delivery. The release efficiency and cytotoxicity of the prodrugs were evaluated in vitro. Although DOX release from FA‐M.LNT‐DOX was quite slow in a neutral buffer, it was particularly fast in an acidic solution with a pH of 5.0. Compared with DOX, FA‐M.LNT‐DOX showed higher cytotoxicity in HeLa cells and significantly lower cytotoxicity in normal cells. These results suggested that FA‐M.LNT‐DOX could be considered as a potential drug delivery candidate for folate receptor‐positive cancer therapy.
Microwave‐Assisted Methyl Ester Production from Palm Fatty Acid Distillate over a Heterogeneous Carbon‐Based Solid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Lokman Ibrahim M. , Rashid Umer , Taufiq‐Yap Yun Hin
Published: July 2015

An efficient microwave‐pulse width modulation (microwave‐PWM) batch reactor with controlled temperature and power was fabricated for biodiesel production. Microwave‐assisted acceleration of the esterification rate of palm fatty acid distillate using a sulfonated‐glucose solid acid catalyst (glucose‐SO3H) is described. Glucose‐SO3H was prepared by simple sulfonation of incomplete carbonized glucose. Parametric studies were performed in order to determine the optimum operating conditions of the reaction process. The radio frequency microwave energy could enhance the reaction rate by eight times compared to the conventional heating techniques under mild conditions. The results reveal the potential of microwave irradiation, which offers a faster esterification rate, improves the yield of fatty acid methyl esters, and reduces the production cost.
i‐Chemometrics
Authors: Vandeginste Bernard G. M.
Published: July 2015

When I was a young scientist, it was rare for me to read publications that were over 10 years old. How does one know what interesting information lies in publications older than oneself? A great deal of people investigate the roots of their family, likewise a scientist may also be interested in the roots of their science. This account attempts to achieve both: to provide some direction toward old and interesting literature and to share my passion of Chemometrics. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MicroRNAs in Bone Balance and Osteoporosis
Authors: Chen Junying , Qiu Min , Dou Ce , Cao Zhen , Dong Shiwu
Published: July 2015

Preclinical Research

Bone is a rigid and dynamic organ that undergoes continuous turnover. Bone homeostasis is maintained by osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption and osteoblast‐mediated bone formation. The interruption of this balance can cause various diseases, including osteoporosis a public health issue due to the rate of hip fracture, the most serious outcome of osteoporosis. The bone loss in osteoporosis results from an increase in bone resorption versus bone formation. Thus, regulation of osteoblast and osteoclast activity is a main focus in the treatment of osteoporosis. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of single stranded noncoding RNAs consisting of 18–22 nucleotides that have an important role in cell differentiation, cell fate, apoptosis, and pathogenesis in various disease states. The potential therapeutic and biomarker function of miRNAs in treating bone disorders is receiving more attention. The current review summarizes the role of miRNAs in bone function at a cellular level in the context of their therapeutic potential. Drug Dev Res 76 : 235‐245, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seasonal variation of river and tide energy in the Yangtze estuary, China
Authors: Zhang Min , Townend Ian , Zhou Yunxuan , Cai Huayang
Published: July 2015

In many large estuaries there are significant variations in flow conditions due to the interaction between tide (with spring–neap changes) and river discharge (with wet–dry seasons), which is key to understanding the evolution of the morphology and the resultant equilibrium state. To explore whether there exists an equilibrium state, and what might control such a state in such a dynamic environment, both numerical and analytical methods have been used to investigate the relative importance of tide and river contributions to the work done locally and globally over a wide range of discharge conditions in the Yangtze estuary. In particular, we have quantified the contributions from the tidal flow, the river flow and the tide–river interaction in terms of energy and its dissipation under different river discharge conditions. Model results suggest that there is a state of minimum tidal work for the case representing the wet season, when river and tide are doing uniform work locally and minimum work globally, within the bi‐directional tidal reach for tide and along the whole estuary for river. We also observe that the system is not optimized for other conditions (peak discharge and low flows during the dry season), but the system would tend to do the minimum work possible given the constraints on the system (e.g. imposed forcing conditions and available sediment supply). Results, therefore, are consistent with the use of these two energetic optimization principles, and the proposed method could be applicable to other alluvial estuaries. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cognitive state following mild stroke: A matter of hippocampal mean diffusivity
Authors: Kliper Efrat , Ben Assayag Einor , Korczyn Amos D. , Auriel Eitan , Shopin Ludmila , Hallevi Hen , Shenhar‐Tsarfaty Shani , Mike Anat , Artzi Moran , Klovatch Ilana , Bornstein Natan M. , Ben Bashat Dafna
Published: July 2015

The hippocampus is known to play a vital role in learning and memory and was demonstrated as an early imaging marker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, its role as a predictor for mild cognitive impairment and dementia following stroke is unclear. The main purpose of this study was to examine the associations between hippocampal volume, mean diffusivity (MD) and connectivity and cognitive state following stroke. Eighty three consecutive first ever mild to moderate stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) survivors from our ongoing prospective TABASCO (Tel Aviv Brain Acute Stroke Cohort) study underwent magnetic resonance imaging scans within 7 days of stroke onset. Hippocampal volume was measured from T1 weighted images, hippocampal mean diffusivity was calculated from diffusion tensor imaging and connectivity was calculated from resting state fMRI. Global cognitive assessments were evaluated during hospitalization and 6 and 12 months later using a computerized neuropsychological battery. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to test which of the hippocampi measurements best predict cognitive state. All three imaging parameters were significantly correlated to each other (|r's| >0.3, P's < 0.005), and with cognitive state 6 and 12 months after the event. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated the predictive role of hippocampal mean diffusivity (β = −0.382, P = 0.026) on cognitive state, above and beyond that of volume and connectivity of this structure. To our knowledge, the combination of hippocampal volume, mean diffusivity and connectivity in first ever post stroke or TIA patients has not yet been considered in relation to cognitive state. The results demonstrate the predictive role of hippocampal mean diffusivity, suggesting that these changes may precede and contribute to volumetric and connectivity changes in the hippocampi, potentially serving as a marker for early identification of patients at risk of developing cognitive impairment or dementia. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bis(azulene) “submarine” metal dimer sandwich compounds (C10H8)2M2 (M = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni): Parallel and opposed orientations
Authors: Wang Hongyan , Wang Hui , King R. Bruce , Schaefer Henry F.
Published: July 2015

The opposed and parallel structures for the binuclear bis(azulene) “submarine” sandwiches (C10H8)2M2 (M = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) have been optimized using density functional theory. The lowest energy (C10H8)2M2 structures of the early transition metals Ti, V, Cr, and Mn have the azulene units functioning as bis(pentahapto) ligands to each metal atom similar to the azulene ligand in the long‐known molybdenum carbonyl complex (η5,η5‐C10H8)Mo2(CO)6. The metal–metal bonds in these early transition metal structures have distances and Wiberg bond indices consistent with the formal bond orders required to give each metal atom an 18‐electron configuration for the singlet structures and a 17‐electron configuration for the triplet structures. For the later transition metals Fe, Co, and Ni, the lowest energy (C10H8)2M2 structures contain pentahapto‐trihapto azulene ligands with an uncomplexed CC double bond, similar to that in the long‐known iron carbonyl complex (η5,η3‐C10H8)Fe2(CO)5. The parallel (η5,η3‐C10H8)2M2 (M = Fe, Co, Ni) structures contain metallocene subunits with their metal atoms at long nonbonding distances of 3.5–3.9 Å from the other metal atom, which is located between the azulene C7 rings. Higher energy opposed (C10H8)2Fe2 structures contain an unprecedented distorted η6,η4‐azulene ligand using six carbon atoms for bonding to one iron atom as a hexahapto fulvene ligand and the remaining four carbon atoms for bonding to the other iron atom as a tetrahapto diene ligand. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional imaging of the lungs with gas agents
Authors: Kruger Stanley J. , Nagle Scott K. , Couch Marcus J. , Ohno Yoshiharu , Albert Mitchell , Fain Sean B.
Published: July 2015

This review focuses on the state‐of‐the‐art of the three major classes of gas contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—hyperpolarized (HP) gas, molecular oxygen, and fluorinated gas—and their application to clinical pulmonary research. During the past several years there has been accelerated development of pulmonary MRI. This has been driven in part by concerns regarding ionizing radiation using multidetector computed tomography (CT). However, MRI also offers capabilities for fast multispectral and functional imaging using gas agents that are not technically feasible with CT. Recent improvements in gradient performance and radial acquisition methods using ultrashort echo time (UTE) have contributed to advances in these functional pulmonary MRI techniques. The relative strengths and weaknesses of the main functional imaging methods and gas agents are compared and applications to measures of ventilation, diffusion, and gas exchange are presented. Functional lung MRI methods using these gas agents are improving our understanding of a wide range of chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and cystic fibrosis in both adults and children. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:295–315.
Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ion from Aqueous Solution by Using Cellulose Based Hydrogel Composite
Authors: Astrini Nuri , Anah Lik , Haryadi Hari Rom
Published: July 2015

Batch experiments of adsorption of heavy metals cations from aqueous solution by using carboxymethyl cellulose‐graft‐poly(acrylic acid)/monmorilonite (CMC‐g‐PAA/MT) hydrogel composite were carried out. The parameter such as different pH and the presence of other ions as competitor were studied to observe their effects on the adsorption capacity of the hydrogel composite. The results showed that the adsorption of metal ions by the hydrogels was higly pH dependent, and maximum adsorption was obtained at pH 5.0. At this pH, the adsorption capacities of hydrogels for the Pb2+ and Zn2+ ions were 146.19 mg/g and 286.67 mg/g, respectively. The hydrogels can be regenerated after releasing metal ions by washing with low pH solution and reused two times. Based on the scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra before and after adsorption by the hydrogels revealed that the complex formation between heavy metal ions and carboxyl groups of the hydrogels was the main adsorption mechanism.
Synthesis of LiFePO4 in the Presence of Organic Reductant by Hydrothermal Method and its Characterization
Authors: Gunawan Indra , Wagiyo H.
Published: July 2015

Lithium iron phosphate, LiFePO4, was prepared in the presence of sucrose or citric acid as organic reductant by the hydrothermal treatment at 150 °C for 5 h and its characterization was done by thermo gravimetry/ differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA), X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The overall analysis indicate that the reductant plays an important role in controlling the size and the growth direction of the LiFePO4 crystals under hydrothermal conditions. Larger crystals up to mm in size could be formed by using citric acid as the reductant. Purity of the LiFePO4 prepared in the presence of citric acid was higher than that of sucrose. As a summary, citric acid was found to be an effective agent as reductant and carbon source.
Recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp treated with serial free flaps: A case report
Authors: Ikander Peder , Sørensen Jens Ahm
Published: July 2015

Reconstruction of large full thickness scalp defects is always a challenge. Many different techniques can be used, but larger defects often call for a free tissue transfer. The purpose of this report is to present one successful way of treating multiple large scalp defects. A 61‐year‐old man was seen with recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp. The lesions were of full thickness, about 10–15 cm in diameter and included the calvarial bone and the dura layer. The reconstruction process included split‐thickness skin grafting, local flaps, and three free microvascular flaps; two latissimus dorsi flaps and one anterolateral thigh flap. No total flap loss was seen, but partial flap necrosis called for secondarily reconstruction. The final result was cosmetically acceptable and the patient is of good health. In conclusion, serial free microvascular flaps may be used with good results when dealing with large difficult and recurrent scalp defects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 35:481–484, 2015.
Dense, shape‐optimized posterior 32‐channel coil for submillimeter functional imaging of visual cortex at 3T
Authors: Farivar Reza , Grigorov Filip , van der Kouwe Andre J. , Wald Lawrence L. , Keil Boris
Published: July 2015

Purpose

Functional neuroimaging of small cortical patches such as columns is essential for testing computational models of vision, but imaging from cortical columns at conventional 3T fields is exceedingly difficult. By targeting the visual cortex exclusively, we tested whether combined optimization of shape, coil placement, and electronics would yield the necessary gains in signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) for submillimeter visual cortex functional MRI (fMRI).

Method

We optimized the shape of the housing to a population‐averaged atlas. The shape was comfortable without cushions and resulted in the maximally proximal placement of the coil elements. By using small wire loops with the least number of solder joints, we were able to maximize the Q factor of the individual elements. Finally, by planning the placement of the coils using the brain atlas, we were able to target the arrangement of the coil elements to the extent of the visual cortex.

Results

The combined optimizations led to as much as two‐fold SNR gain compared with a whole‐head 32‐channel coil. This gain was reflected in temporal SNR as well and enabled fMRI mapping at 0.75 mm resolutions using a conventional GRAPPA‐accelerated gradient echo echo planar imaging.

Conclusion

Integrated optimization of shape, electronics, and element placement can lead to large gains in SNR and empower submillimeter fMRI at 3T. Magn Reson Med 76:321–328, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Embedded beam element with interaction surface for lateral loading of piles
Authors: Turello Diego F. , Pinto Federico , Sánchez Pablo J.
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a numerical formulation of a three dimensional embedded beam element for the modeling of piles, which incorporates an explicit interaction surface between soil and pile. The formulation is herein implemented for lateral loading of piles but is able to represent soil–pile interaction phenomena in a general manner for different types of loading conditions or ground movements. The model assumes perfect adherence between beam and soil along the interaction surface. The paper presents a comparison of the results obtained by means of the present formulation and by means of a previously formulated embedded pile element without interaction surface, as well as reference semi‐analytical solutions and a fully 3D finite element (FE) model. It is seen that the proposed embedded element provides a better convergence behavior than a previously formulated embedded element and is able to reproduce key features of a full 3D FE model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated scheduling of loading and transportation with tractors and semitrailers separated
Authors: Tang Lixin , Li Feng , Liu Jiyin
Published: July 2015

Motivated by some practical applications, we study a new integrated loading and transportation scheduling problem. Given a set of jobs, a single crane is available to load jobs, one by one, onto semitrailers with a given capacity. Loaded semitrailers are assigned to tractors for transportation tasks. Subject to limited resources (crane, semitrailers, and tractors), the problem is to determine (1) an assignment of jobs to semitrailers for loading tasks, (2) a sequence for the crane to load jobs onto semitrailers, (3) an assignment of loaded semitrailers to tractors for transportation tasks, and (4) a transportation schedule of assigned tractors such that the completion time of the last transportation task is minimized. We first formulate the problem as a mixed integer linear programming model (MILPM) and prove that the problem is strongly NP‐hard. Then, optimality properties are provided which are useful in establishing an improved MILPM and designing solution algorithms. We develop a constructive heuristic, two LP‐based heuristics, and a recovering beam search heuristic to solve this problem. An improved procedure for solutions by heuristics is also presented. Furthermore, two branch‐and‐bound (B&B) algorithms with two different lower bounds are developed to solve the problem to optimality. Finally, computational experiments using both real data and randomly generated data demonstrate that our heuristics are highly efficient and effective. In terms of computational time and the number of instances solved to optimality in a time limit, the B&B algorithms are better than solving the MILPM. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 62: 416–433, 2015
The Cancer Stories Project: narratives of encounters with cancer in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Authors: Egan Richard , Llewellyn Rebecca , Wood Sarah , Doherty Joanne , Albert Tira , Walsh Chris , Atkinson Kelly , Kerslake Phil
Published: July 2015

Objective

The Cancer Stories Study aimed to identify the factors that empower people who have experienced cancer. More specifically the project sought to explore the coping and support mechanisms people adopted to help understand and manage their cancer experience.

Methods

A participatory research approach involved researchers and consumers working in partnership on the project. This research team agreed on a qualitative method that focused on cancer survivors' personal stories. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 38 cancer survivors in the lower half of the North Island, New Zealand (NZ). Generic qualitative analysis methods were employed including the recording, transcribing and thematic coding of interview narratives.

Results

Seven distinct themes were classified under the overarching theme of empowerment: attitude, change, family/whānau and friends, healthcare professionals and services, sources of support, employment and tangata whenua (NZ's indigenous peoples). The unique needs of each individual were strongly emphasised throughout all the themes indicating a ‘one‐size‐fits‐all’ approach has its limitations. The need for improvements in communication, cultural and spiritual care was highlighted by many participants.

Conclusions

It is anticipated that this project will contribute to a greater understanding of the factors that might empower people in their cancer journey. An empowerment lens, that asks how those affected by cancer may be further enabled at an individual, family/whānau, employer and healthcare professional level may be useful in assisting people navigate and manage their cancer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.