bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and filtration property of hemp-based composite nonwoven
Authors: Jianyong Feng , Jianchun Zhang
Published: April 2014

Different hemp-based mono-layer and composite nonwovens were prepared to study the oil filtration properties and to select better product for practical application. Hemp/cotton spunlaced nonwoven, hemp/viscose spunlaced nonwoven, hemp/viscose spunlaced nonwoven impregnated polyacrylic adhesives, hemp woven fabric, and PA6 nanofiber collected on the surface of hemp/viscose spunlaced nonwoven were prepared to make a comparison of filtration properties. Then, two-layer/multi-layer composite nonwovens were also prepared to make a comparison of filtration properties and to research the effect of layer number on thickness, weight, mean pore diameter, maximum pore diameter, air permeability, filtration accuracy, and pressure drop. Lastly, the comparison of filtration properties between commonly used oil filtration two-layer/multi-layer composite nonwovens and our new two-layer/multi-layer composite nonwovens was respectively made to choose a better product for application. The results indicated that composite nonwoven which contained a two layer structure of hemp/viscose spunlaced nonwoven layer and PA6 nanofiber layer had better filtration properties for practical application.
Business Interests and the Party Coalitions
Authors: Gimpel James G. , Lee Frances E. , Parrott Michael
Published: April 2014

We identify the economic interests in the United States that have a partisan alignment. We disaggregate corporate and trade association political action committees by economic sector, using the most fine-grained classifications available. We then analyze the campaign contributions to House incumbents from each sector, controlling for the majority party, economic geography, committee membership, and electoral competition. We find wide variation in how economic sectors relate to the parties. More than one third have a clear party tilt, with far more leaning toward Republicans than to Democrats. The remainder have no discernible partisan preference, either giving without reference to party or opportunistically to the majority. Republican-leaning sectors concentrate in particular enterprises, especially natural resources extraction, while most professional service sectors are nonpartisan. Business is not a monolith, to be contrasted with “labor” or “ideological interest groups,” but embedded in economic sectors that are more or less politicized in partisan terms.
Comparing leaders across contexts, culture, and time: Computerized content analysis of leader–follower communications
Authors: Bligh Michelle C , Kohles Jeffrey C
Published: April 2014

Computer-aided text analysis (CATA) has enormous potential for expanding the study of leadership communications. Building on previous calls for more creative methodologies for studying leadership, scholars need to be continually innovative in utilizing textual data from diverse sources (e.g. emails, letters, memos, annual reports, statements to shareholders, executive speeches, interview and meeting transcripts, training materials, newsletters, websites, blogs, etc.) to move beyond the “typical” leadership study in management and organizational psychology. We review the use of CATA to compare leadership communications across different contexts and historical time periods, providing examples of studies that have utilized this approach. Given both its strengths and limitations, we argue that CATA represents an important tool to help unravel further illustrations of rhetorical leadership in a wide variety of leadership contexts, particularly in situations in which impartial comparisons of leaders across situations are of primary interest.
Volunteer leadership: The role of pride and respect in organizational identification and leadership satisfaction
Authors: Boezeman Edwin J , Ellemers Naomi
Published: April 2014

We introduce and test with structural equation modeling an identity-based model of volunteer leadership (Study 1: N = 109 volunteers; Study 2: N = 183 volunteers). Volunteers take pride in the organization, due to leader communication about the effectiveness of the volunteer work and leader prototypicality. Volunteers feel respected by their leaders due to supportive leadership and leader encouragements for expressing ideas within the non-profit organization. These aspects of volunteer leadership relate to identification with the non-profit organization and the satisfaction with the leadership among volunteers, via respectively pride in the non-profit organization and respect from the leadership of the non-profit organization. Implications for leadership and avenues for further research are discussed.
Destructive leader behaviour: A study of Iranian leaders using the Destructive Leadership Questionnaire
Authors: Shaw James B , Erickson Anthony , Nassirzadeh Farzaneh
Published: April 2014

This study examines destructive leader behaviours among a sample of Iranian leaders. Destructive leader behaviour was measured using the Destructive Leadership Questionnaire (DLQ) developed by Shaw et al. (2011). Data from 700 Iranian subordinates who completed the DLQ were used to identify the dimensions of destructive leadership using principle components factor analysis. The factor analytic data were used to develop an Iranian version of the DLQ. Behavioural scale scores were then used to identify a typology of destructive leaders in the Iranian sample.
The Hedgehog and the Fox: Leadership lessons from D-Day
Authors: Grint Keith
Published: April 2014

On 6 June 2014, it will be 70 years since D-Day. This article, drawn from my book on the topic (Grint, 2008), reconfigures the operation as a contest between two different approaches to war that embody different assumptions about the importance of leadership, management and command. Taking Archilocus’ phrase – ‘The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing’ – I suggest that the success of the Allies was dependent upon their greater attention to all three decision modes and their related problems than their German foes, whose penchant for the Cult of Combat led them to be more effective in battle but less effective in the pursuit of war. I relate this to the difference between Tame, Wicked and Critical problems and comment on the difference between Deficit and Asset models of organizations.
Water management in walls with direct-fixed claddings
Authors: Bassett Mark R , Overton Greg , McNeil Steven
Published: April 2014

This research examines the extent to which drainage and ventilation drying can remove water that has leaked through claddings on walls with no specific drainage cavity. Drainage and drying rates were measured in 18 walls with claddings direct-fixed to the timber frame. The goal was to allocate risk scores to different types of direct-fixed claddings that are consistent with the risk matrix that guides the selection of claddings in the New Zealand Building Code. Drainage performance was measured by introducing a controlled water leak and recording the quantities of water draining back outside or reaching the framing, insulation and cladding. Where a wall underlay was present, it kept the frame and insulation dry, but 40%–80% of the water leak was either absorbed by the cladding or trapped between the underlay and cladding. A subset of walls with no underlay (not uncommon in older houses being retrofitted with insulation) was used to investigate different options for maintaining some drainage when insulation was retrofitted. In these walls, pans of wall underlay and drainage mats were found to keep a drainage path open and protected the insulation but were unable to prevent water reaching the frame. Drying rates from the back of the cladding were also measured and compared with evaporative drying rates calculated from climate information and infiltration behind the cladding. A companion article provides ventilation rate data measured using a tracer gas to calculate ventilation drying rates, which were found to contribute significantly more to water management in weatherboard walls than in walls with barrier-type sheet claddings. In fact, ventilation drying behind weatherboard claddings was found to be of a similar magnitude to previously measured drying rates in vented cavity walls.
Best practice in the assessment of bladder function in infants
Authors: Guerra Luis , Leonard Michael , Castagnetti Marco
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this article is to review normal developmental bladder physiology in infants and bladder dysfunction in conditions such as neurogenic bladder, posterior urethral valves and high grade vesicoureteric reflux. We contrast the classical concept that bladder function in nontoilet-trained children is thought to be ‘reflexive’ or ‘uninhibited’, with the results of more recent research showing that infants most commonly have a stable detrusor. The infant bladder is physiologically distinct from the state seen in older children or adults. The voiding pattern of the infant is characterized by an interrupted voiding stream due to lack of proper urinary sphincter relaxation during voiding. This is called physiologic detrusor sphincter dyscoordination and is different from the pathologic ‘detrusor sphincter dyssynergy’ seen in patients with neurogenic bladder. Urodynamic abnormalities in neonates born with spina bifida are common and depend on the level and severity of the spinal cord malformation. Upper neuron lesions most commonly lead to an overactive bladder with or without detrusor sphincter dyssynergy while a lower neuron lesion is associated with an acontractile detrusor with possible denervation of the external urinary sphincter. In infants with neurogenic bladder, the role of ‘early prophylactic treatment (clean intermittent catheterization and anticholinergics)’ versus initial ‘watchful waiting and treatment as needed’ is still controversial and needs more research. Many urodynamic-based interventions have been suggested in patients with posterior urethral valves and are currently under scrutiny, but their impact on the long-term outcome of the upper and lower urinary tract is still unknown. Cumulative data suggest that there is no benefit to early intervention regarding bladder function in infants with high-grade vesicoureteric reflux.
Advanced-stage nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma compared with classical Hodgkin lymphoma: a matched pair outcome analysis
Authors: Xing Katharine H. , Connors Joseph M. , Lai Anky , Al-Mansour Mubarak , Sehn Laurie H. , Villa Diego , Klasa Richard , Shenkier Tamara , Gascoyne Randy D. , Skinnider Brian , Savage Kerry J.
Published: April 2014

Key Points

TTP is inferior in patients with advanced-stage NLPHL compared with CHL. Spleen involvement is associated with an increased risk of secondary aggressive lymphoma in patients treated with ABVD-like chemotherapy.
GGPPS1 predicts the biological character of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Yu De-cai , Liu Jia , Chen Jun , Shao Jiao-jiao , Shen Xiao , Xia Hong-guang , Li Chao-jun , Xue Bin , Ding Yi-tao
Published: April 2014

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been associated with diabetes and obesity, but a possible connection with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its potential interaction with hepatitis and cirrhosis are open to discussion. Our previous investigations have shown that GGPPS1 plays a critical role during hyperinsulinism. In this report, the expression and distribution of GGPPS1 in liver cancer, and its clinical significance were investigated.

Methods

70 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were included in this study. Three different types of tissues from each HCC patient were assembled immediately after surgical resection: tumor-free tissue >5 cm far from tumor edge (TF), adjacent nonmalignant tissue within 2 cm (AT), and tissue from the tumor (TT). Normal liver tissues from 10 liver transplant donors served as healthy control (HC) while 10 patients with liver cirrhosis as cirrhosis control (CC). The expression and distribution of GGPPS1 were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blots, or real-time PCR. The relationship between the expression of GGPPS1 and clinic pathologic index were analyzed.

Results

We found that GGPPS1 was intensified mainly in the cytoplasm of liver tumor cells. Both the expression of GGPPS1 mRNA and protein were upregulated in TT comparing to AT or TF. Meanwhile, HCC patients with cirrhosis had relative higher expression of GGPPS1. In addition, many pathologic characters show close correlation with GGPPS1, such as tumor stage, vessel invasion, and early recurrence.

Conclusion

GGPPS1 may play a critical role during the development of HCC from cirrhosis and is of clinical significance for predicting biological character of HCC.
The situ preparation of silica nanoparticles on the surface of functionalized graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Li Jiani , Yu Kejing , Qian Kun , Cao Haijian , Lu Xuefeng , Sun Jie
Published: April 2014

A method for situ preparing a hybrid material consisting of silica nanoparticles (SiO2) attached onto the surface of functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (f-GNPs) is proposed. Firstly, polyacrylic acid (PAA) was grafted to the surface of f-GNPs to increase reacting sites, and then 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) KH550 reacted with abovementioned product PAA-GNPs to obtain siloxane-GNPs, thus providing reaction sites for the growth of SiO2 on the surface of GNPs. Finally, the SiO2/graphene nanoplatelets (SiO2/GNPs) hybrid material is obtained through introducing siloxane-GNPs into a solution of tetraethyl orthosilicate, ammonia and ethanol for hours' reaction. The results from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that SiO2 particles have situ grown on the surface of GNPs through chemical bonds as Si-O-Si. And the nanostructure of hybrid materials was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). All the images indicated that SiO2 particles with similar sizes were grafted on the surface of graphene nanoplatelets successfully. And TEM images also showed the whole growth process of SiO2 particles on the surface of graphene as time grows. Moreover, TGA traces suggested the SiO2/GNPs hybrid material had stable thermal stability. And at 900°C, the residual weight fraction of polymer on siloxane-GNPs was about 94.2% and that of SiO2 particles on hybrid materials was about 75.0%. However, the result of Raman spectroscopy showed that carbon atoms of graphene nanoplatelets became much more disordered, due to the destroyed carbon domains during the process of chemical drafting. Through orthogonal experiments, hybrid materials with various sizes of SiO2 particles were prepared, thus achieving the particle sizes controllable. And the factors’ level of significance is as follows: the quantity of ammonia > the quantity of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) > the reaction time.
Enhanced light absorption of amorphous silicon thin film by substrate control and ion irradiation
Authors: Yuan Fangda , Li Zhengcao , Zhang Tianci , Miao Wei , Zhang Zhengjun
Published: April 2014

Large-area periodically aligned silicon nanopillar (PASiNP) arrays were fabricated by magnetic sputtering with glancing angle deposition (GLAD) on substrates coated by a monolayer of close-packed polystyrene (PS) nanospheres. The structure of PASiNP arrays could be manipulated by changing the diameter of PS nanospheres. Enhanced light absorptance within a wavelength range from 300 to 1,000 nm was observed as the diameter of nanopillars and porosity of PASiNP arrays increased. Meanwhile, Xe ion irradiation with dose from 1 × 1014 to 50 × 1014 ions/cm2 was employed to modify the surface morphology and top structure of thin films, and the effect of the irradiation on the optical bandgap was discussed.

PACS code

81.15.Cd; 78.66.Jg; 61.80.Jh
Strong convergence of a splitting algorithm for treating monotone operators
Authors: Cho Sun Young , Qin Xiaolong , Wang Lin
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we investigate a splitting algorithm for treating monotone operators. Strong convergence theorems are established in the framework of Hilbert spaces.
Successful replantation of an amputated penis: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Riyach Omar , El Majdoub Aziz , Tazi Mohammed Fadl , El Ammari Jalal Eddine , El Fassi Mohammed Jamal , Khallouk Abdelhak , Farih Moulay Hassan
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Amputation of the penis is a rare traumatic injury reported from various parts of the world as isolated cases. A complete reconstruction of all penile structures should be attempted in one stage which provides the best chance for full rehabilitation of the patient.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 35-year-old Berber man who was admitted at the Emergency Department for incomplete criminal amputation of his penis, which was successfully reattached by using a macrosurgical technique. After surgery, near-normal appearance and function including a good urine flow and absence of urethral stricture, capability of erection and near normal sensitivity, were observed.

Conclusions

The importance of using macrosurgical reimplantation in incomplete penile amputation in order to achieve better functional and cosmetic results is discussed. In addition, we also highlight the potential anatomical role of corpus spongiosum in the arterial and venous blood supply to the penis.
Duplicate publication of articles used in meta-analysis in Korea
Authors: Choi Whan-Seok , Song Sang-Wook , Ock Sun-Myeong , Kim Chul-Min , Lee JungBok , Chang Woo-Jin , Kim Se-Hong
Published: April 2014

With the increasing use of meta-analysis, duplicate publication of original research is particularly problematic. Duplicate publication can result in an inappropriate weighting of the study results. The purpose of our study was to assess the incidence and characteristics of duplicate publications in Korea, and to estimate the impact of duplicate publication on meta-analyses. The meta-analysis literature written by Korean authors was searched using the online search engines PubMed, KMbase, and KoreaMed. Duplication patterns were classified into the following 4 combinations: identical samples and identical outcomes (copy), identical samples and different outcomes (fragmentation), increased samples and identical outcomes (imalas), and decreased samples and identical outcomes (disaggregation). To estimate the multiple publication bias, we performed a meta-analysis with and without duplicated data. We estimated that 6 (6.9%) of the 86 analyzed meta-analyses included duplicate publications, and 6 of the 1,194 articles (0.5%) used in the meta-analyses were duplicate publications. In this study, duplicate publications were usually due to disaggregation and overlapping (imalas) publications. Of 6 duplicated articles, 1 was considered a copy (16.6%); 1, a fragmentation (16.6%); 2, imalas (33.3%); and 2, disaggregations (33.3%). There was an increase in the mean effect size and fail-safe number with duplicated data. Our study found only 6 instances of duplicate publication after analyzing 1,194 articles used in meta-analyses written by Korean authors. However, 6.9% of the meta-analyses included duplicate publications. Our findings suggest that meta-analyses should be interpreted cautiously, taking into account the possibility of duplicated studies.
Reliability of the nitrogen washin-washout technique to assess end-expiratory lung volume at variable PEEP and tidal volumes
Authors: Richard Jean-Christophe , Pouzot Céline , Pinzón Alfredo Morales , González Juan Sebastian Torres , Orkisz Maciej , Neyran Bruno , Hoyos Marcela Hernández , Lavenne Franck , Guerin Claude
Published: April 2014

Background

End-expiratory lung volume measurement by the nitrogen washin-washout technique (EELVWI-WO) may help titrating positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Validation of this technique has been previously performed using computed tomography (EELVCT), but at mild PEEP levels, and relatively low fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), which may have insufficiently challenged the validity of this technique. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the reliability of EELVWI-WO measurements at different PEEP and V
T during experimental ARDS and (2) to evaluate trending ability of EELVWI-WO to detect EELV changes over time.

Methods

ARDS was induced in 14 piglets by saline lavage. Optimal PEEP was selected during a decremental PEEP trial, based on best compliance, best EELVWI-WO, or a PEEP-FiO2 table. Eight V
T (4 to 20 mL · kg-1) were finally applied at optimal PEEP. EELVWI-WO and EELVCT were determined after ARDS onset, at variable PEEP and V
T.

Results

EELVWI-WO underestimated EELVCT with a non-constant linear bias, as it decreased with increasing EELV. Limits of agreement for bias were ±398 mL. Bias between methods was greater at high PEEP, and further increased when high PEEP was combined with low V
T. Concordance rate of EELV changes between consecutive measurements was fair (79%). Diagnostic accuracy was good for detection of absolute EELV changes above 200 mL (AUC = 0.79).

Conclusions

The reliability of the WI-WO technique is critically dependent on ventilatory settings, but sufficient to accurately detect EELV change greater than 200 mL.
Genetic, clinical and radiographic signs in knee osteoarthritis susceptibility
Authors: Minafra Luigi , Bravatà Valentina , Saporito Michele , Cammarata Francesco P , Forte Giusi I , Caldarella Salvatore , D’Arienzo Michele , Gilardi Maria C , Messa Cristina , Boniforti Filippo
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is considered to be a multifactorial and polygenic disease and diagnosis is mainly clinical and radiological. Correlation between radiographic data and clinical status has been reported. However, very few studies, especially in Caucasian people, describe the association between the Kellgren and Lawrence OA grading scale (KL) and genetic alterations to better understand OA etiopathogenesis and susceptibility. In order to update the knee OA grading, in this study we assessed the associations between KL grade, clinical features such as American Knee Society Score (AKSS), age, and polymorphisms in the principal osteoarthritis susceptibility (OS) genes in Sicilian individuals.

Methods

In 66 Sicilian individuals affected by primary knee OA, the clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed using 2 sub-scores of AKSS (knee score (KS) and function score (FS)) and KL. The patients were also classified according to age. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) and Database of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (dbSNP) Short Genetic Variations databases were used to select gene regions containing the following polymorphisms to analyze: FRZB rs288326 and rs7775, MATN3 rs77245812, ASPN D14 repeats, PTHR2 rs76758470, GDF5 rs143383 and DVWA rs11718863. Patient genotypes were obtained using Sanger DNA sequencing analysis.

Results

In our cohort of patients a statistical association between the variables analyzed was reported in all associations tested (KL versus KS, FS and age). We observed that a mild to severe OA radiographic grade is related to severe clinical conditions and loss of articular function and that the severity of symptoms increases with age. Concerning the genotyping analysis, our results revealed a significant statistical association between KL grading and GDF5 rs143383 and DVWA rs11718863 genetic alterations. The latter was also associated with a more severe radiographic grade, displaying its predictive role as OA marker progression. Statistically significant association between clinical, radiographic and genetic signs observed, suggests extending the actual grading of knee OA based mainly on X-ray features.

Conclusions

This work represents a multidisciplinary and translational medicine approach to study OA where clinical, radiological, and OS5 and OS6 SNPs evaluation could contribute to better define grading and progression of OA and to the development of new therapies.
Quantitative trait locus analysis of resistance to panicle blast in the rice cultivar Miyazakimochi
Authors: Ishihara Takeaki , Hayano-Saito Yuriko , Oide Shinichi , Ebana Kaworu , La Nghia Tuan , Hayashi Keiko , Ashizawa Taketo , Suzuki Fumihiko , Koizumi Shinzo
Published: April 2014

Background

Rice blast is a destructive disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, and it has a large impact on rice production worldwide. Compared with leaf blast resistance, our understanding of panicle blast resistance is limited, with only one panicle blast resistance gene, Pb1, isolated so far. The japonica cultivar Miyazakimochi shows resistance to panicle blast, yet the genetic components accounting for this resistance remain to be determined.

Results

In this study, we evaluated the panicle blast resistance of populations derived from a cross between Miyazakimochi and the Bikei 22 cultivar, which is susceptible to both leaf and panicle blast. The phenotypic analyses revealed no correlation between panicle blast resistance and leaf blast resistance. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of 158 recombinant inbred lines using 112 developed genome-wide and 35 previously reported polymerase chain reaction (PCR) markers revealed the presence of two QTLs conferring panicle blast resistance in Miyazakimochi: a major QTL, qPbm11, on chromosome 11; and a minor QTL, qPbm9, on chromosome 9. To clarify the contribution of these QTLs to panicle blast resistance, 24 lines homozygous for each QTL were selected from 2,818 progeny of a BC2F7 backcrossed population, and characterized for disease phenotypes. The panicle blast resistance of the lines harboring qPbm11 was very similar to the resistant donor parental cultivar Miyazakimochi, whereas the contribution of qPbm9 to the resistance was small. Genotyping of the BC2F7 individuals highlighted the overlap between the qPbm11 region and a locus of the panicle blast resistance gene, Pb1. Reverse transcriptase PCR analysis revealed that the Pb1 transcript was absent in the panicles of Miyazakimochi, demonstrating that qPbm11 is a novel genetic component of panicle blast resistance.

Conclusions

This study revealed that Miyazakimochi harbors a novel panicle blast resistance controlled mainly by the major QTL qPbm11. qPbm11 is distinct from Pb1 and could be a genetic source for breeding panicle blast resistance, and will improve understanding of the molecular basis of host resistance to panicle blast.
Early-onset age-related changes in dendritic cell subsets can impair antigen-specific T helper 1 (Th1) CD4 T cell priming
Authors: Farazi Michelle , Cohn Zachary , Nguyen Justine , Weinberg Andrew D , Ruby Carl E
Published: April 2014

Decline in CD4 T cell immune responses is associated with aging. Although a number of immunological defects have been identified in elderly mice (>18 months old), a key early-onset immune defect at middle age could be a driver or contributor to defective CD4 T cell responses. Our studies demonstrate that age-related alterations in DC subsets within the priming environment of middle-aged mice (12 months old) correlate with and can directly contribute to decreases in antigen-specific CD4 T cell Th1 differentiation, which measured by T-bet and IFN-γ expression, was decreased significantly in T cells following VSV infection or s.c. immunization with a protein antigen in the context of immune stimulation via OX40. The deficient Th1 phenotype, observed following protein antigen challenge, was found to be the result of an age-related decrease in an inflammatory DC subset (CD11b+ Gr-1/Ly6C+) in the dLN that corresponded with T cell dysfunction. In the virus model, we observed significant changes in two DC subsets: mDCs and pDCs. Thus, different, early age-related changes in the DC profile in the priming environment can significantly contribute to impaired Th1 differentiation, depending on the type of immunological challenge.
Improvement of the Photochromic Properties of WO3-Based Composite Films by Phosphorus Addition
Authors: Miyazaki Hidetoshi , Ishigaki Takumi , Suzuki Hisao , Ota Toshitaka
Published: April 2014

Phosphorus tungstic heteropolyacid was synthesized by mixing P2O5 and peroxoisopolytungstic acid (W-IPA) in methanol solution. WO3-based composite films fabricated from phosphorus tungstic heteropolyacid and transparent urethane resin showed reversible photochromic properties. The coloring reaction rate constants of the films with P/W ratios of 0, 0.05, 0.083, and 0.20 were 1.55 × 10−2, 1.29 × 10−2, 1.88 × 10−2, and 1.76 × 10−2 min−1, respectively, while the bleaching half-life periods τ were 21.5, 14.9, 12.6, and 10.2 h, respectively; thus, the bleaching speed of the composite films was accelerated by phosphorus addition.
Development of Green-Emitting Iron Complex-Based Fluorescent Probes for Intracellular Hydrogen Peroxide Imaging
Authors: Hitomi Yutaka , Takeyasu Toshiyuki , Kodera Masahito
Published: April 2014

We previously reported the synthesis of the metal-based fluorescent probes MBFh1 and MBFh2 for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) imaging, which release the red-emitting fluorophore resorufin, whose response rate is significantly faster than that of other nonmetal-based H2O2 probes, upon reacting with H2O2. In this study, we have synthesized the new fluorescent probe MBFh3 1 and its ester derivatives 2 and 3, in which a mononuclear nonheme iron(III)–monoamido complex and a 3′-O-methyldihydrofluorescein derivative are connected via a propane linker. Probes 2 and 3 are methyl and 1-(ethoxycarbonyloxy)ethyl ester derivatives of 1, respectively. These probes rapidly react with H2O2 to release green-emitting 3′-O-methylfluoresceins. Fluorescent microscopy studies using HeLa and A431 cells showed that intracellular H2O2 can be visualized using probes 1 and 2, but not 3.
A Dansyl–Diethylenetriamine–Thiourea Conjugate as a Fluorescent Chemodosimeter for Hg2+ Ions in Water Media
Authors: Hien Nguyen Khoa , Quy Phan Tu , Trung Nguyen Tien , Vien Vo , Van Khanh Dang , Nhung Nguyen Thi Ai , Quang Duong Tuan
Published: April 2014

A new dansyl–diethylenetriamine–thiourea conjugate (DT) was prepared as a highly selective and sensitive fluorescent chemodosimeter for Hg2+ ions. A Hg2+-induced desulfurization reaction followed by the cyclic guanylation of the thiourea moiety of DT is responsible for distinct fluorescence quenching. However, no changes were found for other ions including Zn2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Ag+, Fe2+, Cr3+, Co3+, Ni2+, Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+. Remarkably, the response rate of DT to Hg2+ is very fast (within 20 s), whereas other similar fluorescent chemodosimeters generally require 30 min or more to complete the reaction.
FeatureViewer, a BioJS component for visualization of position-based annotations in protein sequences
Authors: Garcia Leyla , Yachdav Guy , Martin Maria-Jesus
Published: April 2014

Summary: FeatureViewer is a BioJS component that lays out, maps, orients, and renders position-based annotations for protein sequences. This component is highly flexible and customizable, allowing the presentation of annotations by rows, all centered, or distributed in non-overlapping tracks. It uses either lines or shapes for sites and rectangles for regions. The result is a powerful visualization tool that can be easily integrated into web applications as well as documents as it provides an export-to-image functionality.

Availability: https://github.com/biojs/biojs/blob/master/src/main/javascript/Biojs.FeatureViewer.js; http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7719
What Do Credit Markets Tell Us About the Speed of Leverage Adjustment?
Authors: Elkamhi Redouane , Pungaliya Raunaq S. , Vijh Anand M.
Published: April 2014

This paper proposes a new methodology to infer investors' expectations about the speed of leverage adjustment implicit in the prices of credit instruments. On average, the credit markets imply a fairly rapid annual speed of adjustment of 26% toward a firm's predicted leverage. The speed varies considerably across partitions formed by the differential implications of the pecking order, market timing, and trade-off theories of capital structure. This finding suggests that investors' expectations are formed in accordance with all three theories. We also show that the addition of firm fixed effects in the predicted leverage model gives noisier estimates of investors' expectations of future leverage, and that a firm's initial leverage is a poor estimate of its future leverage.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1871 .

This paper was accepted by Jerome Detemple, finance.
Postcolonial Recycling of the Oriental Vampire in Habiby's Saraya, the Ghoul's Daughter and Mukherjee's Jasmine
Authors: Ahmed Gamal
Published: April 2014

This article examines Emile Habiby's Saraya, The Ghoul's Daughter (1991) and Bharati Mukherjee's Jasmine (1989) as two postcolonial novels seeking to rewrite the history of Palestinian and Indian diaspora according to their respective myths of Oriental vampires. Habiby's recycling of the Palestinian folktale of the ghoul and Mukherjee's recuperation of the Hindu myth of Lord Shiva aim to spotlight the classical vampiric topoi of otherness, unspeakableness, foreignness, and border existences in colonial and postcolonial contexts. Postcolonial Gothic writing is thus shown to foreground gender, nationality, and ethnicity as sites of both power conflict and cultural exchange. Adopting a counter-Orientalist approach, the study sheds light on the different strategies these two postcolonial texts employ to deconstruct the demonic and ghostly constructions of Arabs and Indians.
Denys Johnson-Davies: The Translator Who Rushed in Where Angels Feared to Tread
Authors: Musa Al-Halool
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this article is to outline Denys Johnson-Davies's translation career as told in his autobiography, give a general appreciation of his unparalleled role in translating and promoting Arabic literature in the English-speaking world, shed light on his adapting numerous Arabic folktales for children, and touch upon his translations of canonical Islamic texts. However, it would not be possible to fully appreciate his monumental contributions in this intercultural dialogue without examining, albeit briefly, some of the intractable odds against which he strove. In other words, had he been a French- or German-English translator, his would have been a completely different story, and perhaps not worth being voluble about. To achieve this goal, I will highlight certain relevant incidents in his career that illustrate both his tireless efforts and his attachment to Arabic literature, Arab authors, and Arab customs, for it is through this “spiritual affinity” that Johnson-Davies fulfills Schlegel's condition for a good authentic translation.
Palestinian Literature: Occupation and Exile
Authors: Salam Mir
Published: April 2014

This article explores the origins of Palestinian literature vis-à-vis the historical, political and literary backgrounds of Palestine. It argues that understanding the forces that informed Palestinian writers is necessary to appreciate this literature. From the British Mandate to 1948 and its aftermath to the 1967 War and the continued Occupation, the article looks at major themes as writers search for imaginative forms to reconstruct their history and voice their identity. Going beyond the imposed legacy of history, Palestinian writers reclaim their loss and dispossession in miraculous words. The emergence of “Poetry of Resistance” in the 1950s and thereafter is a witness to the resilience of Palestinians inside Israel. Moreover, as Palestinian writing continues to flourish, it builds on early writing, rejecting the “nightmare of history.” Palestinian literature is at the heart of the Palestinian struggle.
Overcoming the Secular Suspicion? State Secularity and its Impact on Societal Relations in Turkey and Egypt
Authors: Birol Baskan
Published: April 2014

What conditions are the most conducive for religious and secular groups to overcome their mutual fears and suspicions towards each other? This article addresses this question through a comparative historical analysis of two major cases from the Middle East: Turkey and Egypt. The article argues that institutional differences in state-religion relations explain why Turkish religious groups, but not their Egyptian counter-parts, could better alleviate the fears and suspicions of the other secular groups. In summary, Turkey and Egypt instituted their state-religion relations in different ways while building their modern states and therefore entered the highly politicized environment of the 1970s under different state-religion relations. Institutional state-religion relations in Egypt have provided a venue for Islamic groups to Islamize the state and society using state power if necessary. This came at great cost, however. Religious groups in fact pushed further away the other societal groups, deepening their fears and suspicions. Institutional state-religion relations have not provided a venue for Islamic groups in Turkey to Islamize the state and society from top to bottom. Lacking state power to correct practices and norms deemed un-Islamic helped the Islamists and Islamic groups in the long run. Their relations with other societal groups have not deteriorated to the extent they have done in Egypt.
The Arab Spring and the Uncivil State
Authors: Jacqueline S. Ismael  , Shereen T. Ismael
Published: April 2014

This article examines the ongoing Arab Spring uprisings. The Arab Spring is characterized as a fundamental challenge to the postcolonial political order of the Arab world. The postcolonial Arab world has been defined by its oppressive nature and its subjugation within the international system. This autocratic and peripheral order represents the political legacy of colonial rule, where the postcolonial regimes inherited and refined the repressive techniques of the colonial regimes while, owing to international developments, reinforcing their subjugated status within the international system. The Arab Spring has, thus, represented an attempt to chart an independent path in Arab politics, marked by efforts towards democracy and civil rights. The successes and failures of the Arab Spring are critically evaluated, paying special attention to the role played by Islamist political actors. Beyond an evaluation of the domestic factors behind the various protests, the regional significance of the uprisings is evaluated, providing discussion of counterrevolutionary forces and political-sectarian developments.
Social Movement Theory and the Onset of the Popular Uprising in Syria
Authors: Reinoud Leenders
Published: April 2014

This article takes stock of my attempt to scrutinize the onset of the Syrian uprising with the
help of some key analytical concepts derived from social movement theory, including
“opportunity” and “threat,” “social networks,”
“repertoires of contention,” “framing,” and “diffusion.” These
tools allow me to identify and disentangle the mechanisms of early mobilization and the uprising and
explain why they commenced in relatively peripheral areas. Social networks and framing processes are
argued to have been key in mobilization, by transmitting opportunities derived from the “Arab
Spring,” by mediating the nexus between repression and mobilization, by creating and feeding a
rich new repertoire of defiant protest acts and claims-making, and by aiding the diffusion or
agglomeration of mobilization throughout the country.
Unusual Suspects: “Ultras” as Political Actors in the Egyptian Revolution
Authors: Robbert Woltering
Published: April 2014

The Egyptian revolution that started on January 25 engaged many people who theretofore had not been considered political actors. Among them were the Ultras, a particular group of football fans who are widely credited to have played a part in the more physical aspects of the uprising. In this article the Ultras are studied by means of an analysis of their own written material, their internet presence, and fieldwork conducted in Cairo. It is argued that the Ultras have quite naturally developed into a revolutionary social movement.
The Arab Upheavals and the Turkish Perception vis-à-vis the West
Authors: S. Gülden Ayman
Published: April 2014

The article argues that Turkey's perception of the West has been heavily influenced by its idealized identity. After evaluating the circumstances under which this idealized identity began to weaken, it shows how the images of the US and Europe have started to get compartmentalized and Israel separated from the image of the West. The article explains the relationship between the continuing process redefining Turkey's “personal identity” and its growing interest in the Middle East. The transformation process that Turkey is passing through is critically important in understanding the way in which Turkey has been affected by the upheavals and is reacting to the new developments in the region. In this vein the article highlights the interaction between power considerations and aspirations to re-define identity at home and abroad.
Political Engagement: The Palestinian Confessional Genre
Authors: Salam Mir
Published: April 2014

The personal struggle and creative achievement of Fadwa Tuqan (1917–2003), one of the most celebrated poets in the Arab world, signify the plight of the Palestinian people in the twentieth century. Her autobiography, A Mountainous Journey, An Autobiography, integrates the personal and collective struggle within the context of Arab-Muslim history. This article will explore the established poet's shift to the confessional genre as the Palestinian Muslim woman writer investigates the historical events that befell her people. Inspired by “Poets of Resistance,” I argue that the underpinnings of Tuqan's investigation of the Arab-Muslim tradition proffer an authentic, commanding voice that constructs an alternative history, challenging the dominant patriarchal paradigms. What emerges is a singular feminine voice that forges an identity that goes beyond the nightmare of history. In both the poetry and personal memoir, Tuqan's career and groundbreaking voice signify an early empowerment of women agents in the cultural production of the Arab-Muslim world.
Edward Al-Kharrat, a Pioneer of Innovative Narrative Prose Writing: Beginnings
Authors: Yaseen Kittani
Published: April 2014

This study deals with the short stories of Edward al-Kharrat (b. 1926) during the early stages of his writing career, which officially began at the end of the 1950s. The article will deal with the atmosphere, the contents and the novel aspects of his writing as reflected in his first three story collections,Hitan aliya (High Walls, 1959),Saat al-kibriyaa (Hours of Pride, 1972) andMahattat al-sikka al-hadeed(The Train Station, 1955–84), against the background of the changes that were taking place in the Arab world at the time, as well as changes that occurred in the concepts and functions of literature and in the strategies of narration.

In his move away from traditional narratives that were represented at that time by the novelist Naguib Mahfouz (1911–2006), al-Kharrat's stories tended more and more to delve into the depths of the soul and to focus on existentialist and metaphysical issues, and, as a result, he was forced into changing his storytelling strategies and reducing external narratives in favor of introspection, dreams and imagination, as well as using language that relied on metaphor and attained a nearly poetic character. All these elements together contributed to convulsing “reality,” which in al-Kharrat's writings became different, discontinuous and unclear.
The Poetic Voices of Ahmad Abd Al-Mu'ti Hijazi: 1950–2011
Authors: Waed Athamneh
Published: April 2014

This article examines the poetic voices of Egyptian poet Ahmad Abd al-Mu'ti Hijazi in five representative poems written between 1950 and 2011. It investigates the role of major political events in the Arab world on his trajectory and poetic voice. The article argues that Hijazi changes his poetic voice in relation to the status quo in Egypt. The article concludes that these voices conflict and clash with one another. Hijazi publishes a collection of poetry after the eruption of the Egyptian Revolution in January 2011, to inspire his people, protest against Mubarak's regime, and regain his poetic voice.
Comparative analysis of populational structure of the Hermit Crab Dardanus insignis (Anomura: Diogenidae) in a Subtropical Area of the Brazilian Coast
Authors: Frameschi Israel Fernandes , Andrade Luciana Segura , Fransozo Vivian , Fernandes-Goés Lissandra Corrêa , Cobo Valter José
Published: April 2014

The goal of this paper was the comparison of the population structure and the reproductive period of Dardanus insignis from two sites in a subtropical area of the Brazilian coast. A total of 795 hermit crabs were obtained at Couves Island, being 56.4% males, 27.3% non-ovigerous females, 3.8% ovigerous females, and 12.5% juveniles; at Mar Virado Island a total of 336 specimens were captured, being 59.5% males, 31.8% non-ovigerous females, 4.7% ovigerous females, and 4.5% juveniles. The sex-ratio was statistically different from 1:1 in favor of males all study period in both sites. The reproductive period is seasonal in both sites and the juveniles’ recruitment occurred at first two winter months. Only males were found in the largest size classes. Despite of the distance and environmental and biological features of each site, both populations of D. insignis showed similar characteristics.
Vector bundles associated to Lie algebras
Authors: Carlson Jon F. , Friedlander Eric M. , Pevtsova Julia
Published: April 2014

We introduce and investigate a functorial construction which associates
coherent sheaves to finite dimensional (restricted) representations of
a restricted Lie algebra

𝔤

$\mathfrak{g}$

. These are sheaves
on locally closed subvarieties of the projective variety

𝔼
⁢

(
r
,
𝔤
)

$\mathbb{E}(r,\mathfrak{g})$

of
elementary subalgebras of

𝔤

$\mathfrak{g}$

of dimension r. We show that
representations of constant radical or socle rank studied in [5]
which generalize modules of constant Jordan type
lead to algebraic vector bundles on

𝔼
⁢

(
r
,
𝔤
)

$\mathbb{E}(r,\mathfrak{g})$

. When

𝔤

$\mathfrak{g}$

is the Lie algebra
of an algebraic group G, rational representations of G enable us to realize
familiar algebraic vector bundles on G-orbits of

𝔼
⁢

(
r
,
𝔤
)

$\mathbb{E}(r,\mathfrak{g})$

.
Cord blood galectin-1 and -3 concentrations in term pregnancies with normal restricted and increased fetal growth
Authors: Boutsikou Theodora , Giotaki Maria , Boutsikou Maria , Briana Despina D. , Baka Stavroula , Piatopoulou Despoina , Hassiakos Demetrios , Gourgiotis Demetrios , Malamitsi-Puchner Ariadne
Published: April 2014

Objective: To determine levels of galectins (gal)-1 and -3 (implicated in angiogenesis/immunologic mechanisms) in intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR), large (LGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) pregnancies, as these groups differ in fat mass, angiogenic patterns and immune responses.

Methods: Cord-blood (UC) gal-1 and -3 concentrations were measured in 30 IUGR, 30 LGA and 20 AGA singleton full-term infants and their mothers (MS).

Results: IUGR, LGA and AGA groups did not differ in gal-1 and -3 concentrations. UC gal-1 levels were lower when mothers were older [b=–0.651, CI 95% –1.186 (–0.116), P=0.018] and UC gal-3 levels were increased when mothers presented gestational diabetes [b=9.836, CI 95% 3.833- (15.839), P=0.002].

In IUGRs MS gal-3 and in LGAs UC gal-1 were decreased in multiparas [b=–5.372, CI 95% -9.584- (–1.161), P=0.014], and [b=–7.540, CI 95% -14.606- (–0.473), P=0.037], respectively.

No correlations were found between MS or UC gal-1 and gal-3 concentrations.

Conclusions: Lower UC gal-1 levels, when mothers were older, and increased UC gal-3 levels in cases of gestational diabetes, possibly reflect angiogenic activity. In multiparas, decreased MS gal-3 and UC gal-1 levels in IUGR/LGA, respectively, might imply inflammatory response against immunosuppression expected in subsequent pregnancies, as compared to the first one.