bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancement of enantioselectivity in chiral capillary electrophoresis using hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector under molecular crowding conditions induced by dextran or dextrin
Authors: Fu Qifeng , Yang Fengqing , Chen Hua , Xia Zhining
Published: July 2014

Molecular crowding is a new approach to enhance the retention properties and selectivity of molecularly imprinted polymers. In this work, this concept was first applied to chiral CE to enhance its enantioselectivity. A model system, enantioseparation of salbutamol using hydroxypropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector in the presence of dextran or dextrin as crowding‐inducing agents, was chosen to demonstrate its potency. Some parameters, especially the concentration of crowding‐inducing agents and cyclodextrins were investigated intensively. Moreover, based on fluorescence spectroscopy and affinity CE, it was found that the presence of crowding‐inducing agents could promote the association of enantiomers with cyclodextrins and intensify the interacting differences of two enantiomers with cyclodextrins. As a result, the essential concentration of cyclodextrins to make the enantiomers reach baseline separation was significantly decreased with the aid of molecular crowding. This study shows that molecular crowding is an effective strategy to enhance the enantioselectivity of cyclodextrin in chiral CE.
A new enantioselective CE method for determination of oxcarbazepine and licarbazepine after fungal biotransformation
Authors: Bocato Mariana Zuccherato , Bortoleto Marcela Armelim , Pupo Mônica Tallarico , de Oliveira Anderson Rodrigo Moraes
Published: July 2014

The present work describes, for the first time, the simultaneous separation of oxcarbazepine (OXC) and its active metabolite 10‐hydroxy‐10,11‐dihydrocarbamazepine (licarbazepine, Lic) by chiral CE. The developed method was employed to monitor the enantioselective biotransformation of OXC into its active metabolite by fungi. The electrophoretic separations were performed using 10 mmol/L of a Tris‐phosphate buffer solution (pH 2.5) containing 1% w/v of β‐CD phosphate sodium salt (P‐β‐CD) as running electrolyte, −20 kV of applied voltage and a 15°C capillary temperature. The method was linear over the concentration range of 1000–30 000 ng/mL for OXC and 75–900 ng/mL for each Lic enantiomer (r ≥ 0.9952). Within‐day precision and accuracy evaluated by RSD and relative errors, respectively, were lower than 15% for all analytes. The validated method was used to evaluate the enantioselective biotransformation of OXC, mediated by fungi, into its active metabolite Lic. This study showed that the fungi Glomerella cingulata (VA1) and Beuveria bassiana were able to enantioselectively metabolize the OXC into Lic after 360 h of incubation. Biotransformation by the fungus Beuveria bassiana showed 79% enantiomeric excess for (S)‐(+)‐Lic, while VA1 gave an enantiomeric excess of 100% for (S)‐(+)‐Lic. This study opens a new route to the drug (S)‐(+)‐licarbazepine.
Electrophoretic separation of reptilian skeletal and cardiac muscle myosin heavy chain isoforms: Dependence on gel format
Authors: Reiser Peter J. , Bicer Sabahattin
Published: July 2014

This report provides a comparison of multiple gel formats to study myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms that are expressed in reptilian skeletal and cardiac muscles of five turtle species, water monitor, and prehensile tailed skink. Three gel formats were tested. The results identify one format that is superior, for the overall extent of electrophoretic separation and for the assessment of the number of MHC isoforms in reptilian striated muscles. The same format was shown previously to separate MHC isoforms that are expressed in American alligator. The results also show that another gel format reveals the distinct electrophoretic mobility of MHC isoforms in atrial, ventricular, and jaw adductor samples, compared to those expressed in skeletal muscles in the limbs and elsewhere in the body. In addition, the results reveal that the electrophoretic mobility of specific MHC isoforms, relative to other isoforms, depends on the gel format, as shown previously for mammalian and avian species. The discovery of the expression of masticatory MHC, which is abundantly expressed in jaw adductors of members of Carnivora and several other vertebrate orders, in the homologous muscles of prehensile tailed skink, an herbivore, and the carnivorous water monitor, was made during the course of this study.
Composites of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymers with modified magnesium hydroxide–thermo‐oxidative ageing
Authors: Wojtala A. , Szablicki D. , Semeniuk I. , Sudoł M. , Sabura E.
Published: July 2014

Flame retardant composites must perform their protective roles permanently, also under conditions of intermittent or long‐term exposure to sunlight, moisture or increased temperature. The aim of our work was characterization of the thermo‐oxidative ageing (90 °C) and the changes in flammability of ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymer composites with 40 and 60 wt.% of magnesium hydroxide. The neat polymer and its composites were investigated for their thermal (DSC) and structural (FTIR) characteristics as well as their density, melt flow index, tensile properties and combustibility during ageing test. As FTIR results identified the different carbonyl groups in copolymer were created, the highest oxidation intensity was observed for neat copolymer. That process was accompanied by the scission of the polymer macromolecules, especially for first 700 h of thermal ageing. Thermo‐oxidative ageing resulted also in the reduction of flammability of the test materials. The highest reduction was observed for neat polymer. The changes in some properties as analysed both for the copolymer and for its composites after over 700 h of ageing were indicative for initiation of cross‐linking of copolymer molecules after that time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the Relationship Between Green Consumption Value, Satisfaction, and Loyalty to Hybrid Car in Elderly Consumers
Authors: Hur Won‐Moo , Yoo Jeong‐Ju , Hur Jin
Published: July 2014

The study aimed to examine the relationship between green consumption value, satisfaction, and loyalty of driving hybrid cars among elderly consumers. Data were collected from a cross‐sectional survey of 314 elderly consumers who purchased hybrid cars in the United States. A partial least squares analysis revealed that elderly consumers’ social, price, and quality values positively influenced the satisfaction of their hybrid car experience, and their satisfaction significantly influenced their loyalty of hybrid car. The relationship between green consumption value, satisfaction, and loyalty toward driving hybrid cars among elderly consumers revealed insight into their value orientations toward the hybrid car. Special efforts are suggested in promoting hybrid car use to elderly consumer groups. Marketers should pay attention to changing beliefs and increasing perceived values of driving a hybrid car for consumers to encourage them to use green products.
Integrating ICTs and Supply Chain Management: The Case of Micro‐Sized Firms
Authors: Llach Josep , Alonso‐Almeida María del Mar
Published: July 2014

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have changed the relationship between suppliers and buyers, and the nature of supply chain management. Previous research has studied this topic, but not from the point of view of micro‐sized companies. Micro‐sized companies are of critical importance for economies worldwide. Thus, in Europe 90% of companies are micro‐enterprises and account for 53% of employment. This article presents a new perspective by studying the impact of the introduction of e‐supply chain management on such firms. Through a literature review, we identified four key supplier‐related factors, that is, the use of ICTs, process efficiency, workforce capabilities, and the introduction of e‐supply chain management. However, these factors could differ in the case of micro‐sized companies. The data used for the empirical analysis came from a survey of 405 micro‐sized companies in Spain. Using a structural equation modeling, the results indicate that ICTs have a positive direct effect on e‐supply chain performance. It is also found that this effect is accompanied by the improved development of human resource skills and enhanced process efficiency. In addition, a number of recommendations for improving managerial practices are also proposed.
Counterfactual thinking in patients with amnesia
Authors: Mullally Sinéad L. , Maguire Eleanor A.
Published: July 2014

We often engage in counterfactual (CF) thinking, which involves reflecting on “what might have been.” Creating alternative versions of reality seems to have parallels with recollecting the past and imagining the future in requiring the simulation of internally generated models of complex events. Given that episodic memory and imagining the future are impaired in patients with hippocampal damage and amnesia, we wondered whether successful CF thinking also depends upon the integrity of the hippocampus. Here using two nonepisodic CF thinking tasks, we found that patients with bilateral hippocampal damage and amnesia performed comparably with matched controls. They could deconstruct reality, add in and recombine elements, change relations between temporal sequences of events, enabling them to determine plausible alternatives of complex episodes. A difference between the patients and control participants was evident, however, in the patients' subtle avoidance of CF simulations that required the construction of an internal spatial representation. Overall, our findings suggest that mental simulation in the form of nonepisodic CF thinking does not seem to depend upon the hippocampus unless there is the added requirement for construction of a coherent spatial scene within which to play out scenarios. © 2014 The Authors. Hippocampus Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Intrinsic mechanisms stabilize encoding and retrieval circuits differentially in a hippocampal network model
Authors: Hummos Ali , Franklin Charles C. , Nair Satish S.
Published: July 2014

Acetylcholine regulates memory encoding and retrieval by inducing the hippocampus to switch between pattern separation and pattern completion modes. However, both processes can introduce significant variations in the level of network activity and potentially cause a seizure‐like spread of excitation. Thus, mechanisms that keep network excitation within certain bounds are necessary to prevent such instability. We developed a biologically realistic computational model of the hippocampus to investigate potential intrinsic mechanisms that might stabilize the network dynamics during encoding and retrieval. The model was developed by matching experimental data, including neuronal behavior, synaptic current dynamics, network spatial connectivity patterns, and short‐term synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, it was constrained to perform pattern completion and separation under the effects of acetylcholine. The model was then used to investigate the role of short‐term synaptic depression at the recurrent synapses in CA3, and inhibition by basket cell (BC) interneurons and oriens lacunosum‐moleculare (OLM) interneurons in stabilizing these processes. Results showed that when CA3 was considered in isolation, inhibition solely by BCs was not sufficient to control instability. However, both inhibition by OLM cells and short‐term depression at the recurrent CA3 connections stabilized the network activity. In the larger network including the dentate gyrus, the model suggested that OLM inhibition could control the network during high cholinergic levels while depressing synapses at the recurrent CA3 connections were important during low cholinergic states. Our results demonstrate that short‐term plasticity is a critical property of the network that enhances its robustness. Furthermore, simulations suggested that the low and high cholinergic states can each produce runaway excitation through unique mechanisms and different pathologies. Future studies aimed at elucidating the circuit mechanisms of epilepsy could benefit from considering the two modulatory states separately. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accommodating Employees With and Without Disabilities
Authors: Schur Lisa , Nishii Lisa , Adya Meera , Kruse Douglas , Bruyère Susanne M. , Blanck Peter
Published: July 2014

Efforts to recruit and retain employees with disabilities are often tempered by employers’ concerns over potential workplace accommodation costs. This study reports on accommodations requested and granted in intensive case studies of eight companies, based on more than 5,000 employee and manager surveys, and interviews and focus groups with 128 managers and employees with disabilities. Two unique contributions are that we analyze accommodations for employees without disabilities as well as for those with disabilities, and compare perspectives on accommodation costs and benefits among employees, their coworkers, and their managers. We find people with disabilities are more likely than those without disabilities to request accommodations, but the types of accommodations requested and the reported costs and benefits are similar for disability and non‐disability accommodations. In particular, fears of high accommodation costs and negative reactions of coworkers are not realized; all groups tend to report generally positive coworker reactions. Multilevel models indicate granting accommodations has positive spillover effects on attitudes of coworkers, as well as a positive effect on attitudes of requesting employees, but only when coworkers are supportive. Consistent with recent theorizing and other studies, our results suggest the benefits from a corporate culture of flexibility and attention to the individualized needs of employees. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The prognostic value of family history among patients with urinary bladder cancer
Authors: Egbers Lieke , Grotenhuis Anne J. , Aben Katja K. , Alfred Witjes J. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Vermeulen Sita H.
Published: July 2014

A history of urinary bladder cancer (UBC) in first‐degree relatives increases UBC risk by twofold. The influence of positive family history on UBC prognosis is unknown. Here, we investigated association of first‐degree UBC family history with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of UBC patients. Detailed clinical data of 1,465 non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and 250 muscle‐invasive or metastatic bladder cancer (MIBC) patients, diagnosed from 1995 to 2010, were collected through medical file review. Competing risk analyses were used to compare recurrence‐free survival (RFS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) of NMIBC patients according to self‐reported UBC family history. Overall survival in MIBC patients was estimated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. The added value of family history in prediction of NMIBC prognosis was quantified with Harrell's concordance‐index. Hundred (6.8%) NMIBC and 14 (5.6%) MIBC patients reported UBC in first‐degree relatives. Positive family history was statistically significantly associated with smaller tumor size and non‐significantly with more favorable distribution of other tumor characteristics. In univariable analyses, positive family history correlated with longer RFS (p = 0.11) and PFS (p = 0.04). Hazard ratios for positive vs. negative family history after adjustment for clinicopathological characteristics were 0.75 (95% CI = 0.53–1.07) and 0.45 (95% CI = 0.18–1.12) for RFS and PFS, respectively. Five familial and 48 sporadic MIBC patients (Kaplan‐Meier 10‐year risk: 41% and 25%) died within 10 years. Family history did not improve the c‐index of prediction models. This study shows that a first‐degree family history of UBC is not clearly associated with NMIBC prognosis. Family history does not aid in prediction of NMIBC recurrence or progression.
Individual and joint prevalence of three nonmotor symptoms of PD in the US general population
Authors: Chen Honglei , Huang Xuemei , Guo Xuguang , Peddada Shyamal
Published: July 2014

Background

Some nonmotor symptoms may precede the clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease (PD) by years.

Methods

We examined the individual and joint prevalence of depression, daytime sleepiness, and infrequent bowel movement among 10,477 participants of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys 2005‐2008.

Results

For all symptoms, the prevalence was higher in women than in men. Importantly, few participants had two or more symptoms: 1.3% at ages 20 to 29, 1.0% at 30 to 39, 1.2% at 40 to 49, 3.5% at 50 to 59, 1.7% at 60 to 69, 1.1% at 70 to 79, and 1.2% at ages 80 years or older in men; the corresponding prevalence in women was 3.1%, 5.2%, 5.7%, 4.1%, 3.1%, 2.3%, and 1.2%, respectively. In both men and women, depression was correlated with infrequent bowel movement and daytime sleepiness, but the latter two were mutually independent.

Conclusion

The presence of multiple nonmotor symptoms was uncommon in the general population and the prevalence was higher in women than in men. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Imaging modalities in children with vascular ring and pulmonary artery sling
Authors: Leonardi Benedetta , Secinaro Aurelio , Cutrera Renato , Albanese Sonia , Trozzi Marilena , Franceschini Alessio , Silvestri Valentina , Tomà Paolo , Carotti Adriano , Pongiglione Giacomo
Published: July 2014

Purpose

Our aim is to compare new non‐invasive imaging modalities in the evaluation of vascular ring (VR) and pulmonary artery sling (PAS) and to understand the role of bronchoscopy in comparison with them in assessing tracheobronchial tree.

Methods

We have retrospectively analyzed the data from 41 patients with a VR or a PAS diagnosed at Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital of Rome, between 2008 and 2012. Age, gender, presenting symptoms, clinical history, comorbidities, imaging modalities used for diagnosis (cardiac magnetic resonance [CMR], computed tomography [CT], tracheobronchoscopy [TB]) and surgical treatment were recorded.

Results

The vascular anatomy was completely defined in all patients, whether evaluated by CMR or CT, with a diagnostic accuracy of 100% based on surgical observation. All CT exams were performed without sedation with a mean dose‐length product (DLP32) of 29 ± 9 and an effective dose of 1.56 ± 0.6 mSv, range 0.5–2.5 mSv. CMR required general anesthesia in all patients but involved no exposure to ionizing radiation. CT performed better than CMR in assessing tracheal stenosis when compared to TB. It detected complete tracheal cartilage rings in 2/3 patients with PAS, besides tracheomalacia and/or bronchomalacia in 54% of patients.

Conclusions

Both cross‐sectional imaging modalities (CT and CMR) can reliably and accurately diagnose these congenital vascular anomalies. While CT involves exposure to ionizing radiation, it avoids the risks related to anesthesia needed for CMR, and provides a more accurate assessment of tracheobronchial anatomy. TB remains a fundamental tool in tracheomalacia diagnosis in VR symptomatic patients and PAS. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:781–788. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coherence and squeezing in Z3‐graded spin coherent states
Authors: Chung W.S.
Published: July 2014

A new kind of spin coherent state called a Z3‐graded spin coherent state is constructed by using the complex solution of the equation q3 = 1. We explicitly find three kinds of Z3‐graded spin coherent states. The associated coherent property and spin squeezing are also examined.
Serotonin Enhances Megakaryopoiesis and Proplatelet Formation via p-Erk1/2 and F-Actin Reorganization
Authors: Ye Jie Yu , Liang En Yu , Cheng Yuan Shan , Chan Godfrey C. F. , Ding Yue , Meng Fanyi , Ng Margaret H. L. , Chong Beng H. , Lian Qizhou , Yang Mo
Published: July 2014

Our previous studies have shown that serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is a growth factor for hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells. In this study, we proposed a possible mechanism: 5-HT may enhance megakaryopoiesis and proplatelet formation via Erk1/2 pathway and cytoskeleton reorganization. Here, 5-HT2BR was first identified in megakaryocytic cells. 5-HT also promoted the megakaryocytes (MKs) proliferation and reduced the cell apoptosis via the activation of 5-HT2BR and Akt pathway. The effects were reduced by the 5-HT2BR inhibitor ketanserin. The effect of 5-HT on proplatelet formation in bone marrow MKs were further confirmed: the 5-HT treated group had more proplatelet bearing MKs compared with the control group. To determine whether 5-HT has effects on cytoskeleton reorganization of MKs, and whether these effects could be reduced by ketanserin or Erk1/2 inhibitor PD98059, MKs were stained with the F-actin specific binder rhodamine–phalloidin. The polymerized actin level was lower in the control group than the 5-HT group and was distributed throughout the cytoplasm with occasional aggregations. Our data demonstrated that Erk1/2 was activated in MKs treated with 5-HT. This study suggests that 5-HT has a potent effect on platelet formation and this effect is likely mediated via 5HT2BR with subsequent activation of p-Erk1/2 and consequent F-actin reorganization and proplatelet formation. We also demonstrated that melatonin, the metabolite of 5-HT, exerts a protective effect on MK and platelet recovery in the irradiated mouse model. This study suggested that 5-HT plays an important role in platelet formation via 5HT2BR, p-Erk1/2, and F-actin reorganization. Stem Cells  2014;32:2973–2982
Interface behavior of a bi‐material plate under dynamic loading. Cohesive interface debonding
Authors: Ivanova J. , Nikolova G. , Becker W. , Gambin B.
Published: July 2014

The paper deals with the elastic and cohesive interface behavior of pre‐cracked bi‐material ceramic‐metal structures under dynamic time harmonic load. The shear lag model as well as the Fourier method is applied to find the dynamic response of the considered bi‐material structure, assuming the cohesive interface behaviour, accompanied before of the elastic‐brittle one. In both cases, the growth of debond length is not considered, e.g. at a given loading condition the only corresponding debond length is found. The inertia forces of the already elastic debond parts of the bi‐material structure are neglected. Appropriate contact conditions are proposed in order to fit together both elastic and cohesive solutions. The numerical predictions for the cohesive debond length of the bi‐material structures is calculated by the aid of the corresponding value of the elastic debond length at the same loading condition. The influence of loading characteristics i.e. frequencies and amplitude fluctuations on the debond length and the interface shear stress distribution is discussed. The parametric analysis of the results obtained is illustrated by examples of the modern ceramic‐metal composites on metal substrates and is depicted in figures.
Prevention of Subcutaneous Seroma Formation in Open Ventral Hernia Repair Using a New Low‐Thrombin Fibrin Sealant
Authors: Köhler Gernot , Koch Oliver Owen , Antoniou Stavros A. , Lechner Michael , Mayer Franz , Emmanuel Klaus
Published: July 2014

Background

Seroma formation is a frequent postoperative complication following open ventral hernia repair (OVHR), especially in cases requiring wide subcutaneous dissection (WSD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new low‐thrombin fibrin sealant for seroma prevention.

Methods

A total of 60 consecutive patients with median incisional hernias who required OVHR with WSD of at least 100 cm2 were included in the prospective non‐randomized study. The fibrin glue group (FG) comprised 30 patients who had undergone OVHR with sublay mesh placement as well as subcutaneous application of low‐thrombin fibrin sealant. This cohort of patients was compared with a control group (CG) of 30 consecutive patients who had previously undergone OVHR without prevention of seroma formation with regard to outcome measures such as seroma formations and wound complications.

Results

Though the median extent of subcutaneous dead space was larger in the FG than in the CG (229 vs.174 cm2; p = 0.012), seroma formation occurred in three of the FG versus 16 of the CG patients (p = 0.003). Postoperative wound complications occurred in two of the FG versus nine of the CG patients (p = 0.002). Four patients in the CG and none in the FG required re‐operation within 30 days (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The use of a new low‐thrombin fibrin glue demonstrated a protective effect against formation of seromas and decreased the rate of wound complications in OVHR, with consecutive shorter length of hospital stay (5.8 vs. 10.4 days; p = 0.04).
Opportunities to Meet: Occupational Education and Marriage Formation in Young Adulthood
Authors: McClendon David , Kuo Janet Chen-Lan , Raley R. Kelly
Published: July 2014

Explanations for the positive association between education and marriage in the United States emphasize the economic and cultural attractiveness of having a college degree in the marriage market. However, educational attainment may also shape the opportunities that men and women have to meet other college-educated partners, particularly in contexts with significant educational stratification. We focus on work—and the social ties that it supports—and consider whether the educational composition of occupations is important for marriage formation during young adulthood. Employing discrete-time event-history methods using the NLSY-97, we find that occupational education is positively associated with transitioning to first marriage and with marrying a college-educated partner for women but not for men. Moreover, occupational education is positively associated with marriage over cohabitation as a first union for women. Our findings call attention to an unexplored, indirect link between education and marriage that, we argue, offers insight into why college-educated women in the United States enjoy better marriage prospects.
Law and Social Theory: Three Problems
Authors: TEUBNER Gunther
Published: July 2014

This paper explores the relationship between law and social theory through a discussion of the shifting views over the last century. The conversation is framed by the example of publication bias in private-public partnership networks, and the inability of a single social theory, including theories of morality and economic utility, to explain the situation’s complexities. The paper argues that where social theory meets law an added value can be generated in terms of legal doctrine if the precarious relationship between autonomy and interconnectedness is respected in terms of transversality, responsiveness, and self-normativity.
Laser-induced damage tests based on a marker-based watershed algorithm with gray control
Authors: Guo Yajing , Tang Shunxing , Jiang Xiuqing , Peng Yujie , Zhu Baoqiang , Lin Zunqi
Published: July 2014

An effective damage test method based on a marker-based watershed algorithm with gray control (MWGC) is proposed to study the properties of damage induced by near-field laser irradiation for large-aperture laser facilities. Damage tests were performed on fused silica samples and information on the size of damage sites was obtained by this new algorithm, which can effectively suppress the issue of over-segmentation of images resulting from non-uniform illumination in dark-field imaging. Experimental analysis and results show that the lateral damage growth on the exit surface is exponential, and the number of damage sites decreases sharply with damage site size in the damage site distribution statistics. The average damage growth coefficients fitted according to the experimental results for Corning-7980 and Heraeus-Suprasil 312 samples at 351 nm are

$\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}1.10 \pm 0.31$

and

$0.60 \pm 0.09$

, respectively.
The ‘feel like’ construction in Russian and its kin: Implications for the structure of the lexicon
Authors: SMIRNOVA ANASTASIA
Published: July 2014

Russian has a family of reflexive constructions that have non-canonical syntax and express a variety of meanings that range from disposition (‘I feel like working’) to ability (‘I cannot work here’) and generic assessment of quality (‘I work well here’). Previous analyses assume that these constructions are derived by a regular syntactic rule and postulate a null modal in the structure to account for their semantics (Benedicto 1995, Franks 1995, Rivero & Arregui 2012). Focusing on the ‘feel like’ construction, I show that derivational analyses have difficulty explaining its idiosyncratic properties, including non-canonical agreement (independent of the structural subject), as well as the interpretation of aspect. Moreover, derivational analyses overgeneralize, since only a subset of predicates occur in the ‘feel like’ construction in Russian, as the data from the Russian National Corpus indicate. In order to account for their idiosyncratic properties and semi-productivity, I propose that the ‘feel like’ construction and its kin are stored in the lexicon asconstructions(Goldberg 1995; Jackendoff 1997, 2008). The proposed analysis clarifies the status of reflexive constructions in Russian and establishes the scope of cross-linguistic semantic variation by comparing reflexives in Russian to that in other Slavic languages.
Genomics of ageing in twins
Authors: Mangino Massimo
Published: July 2014

Ageing is a complex multifactorial process, reflecting the progression of all degenerative pathways within an organism. Due to the increase of life expectancy, in recent years, there is a pressing need to identify early-life events and risk factors that determine health outcomes in later life. So far, genetic variation only explains ~20–25 % of the variability of human survival to age 80+. This clearly implies that other factors (environmental, epigenetic and lifestyle) contribute to lifespan and the rate of healthy ageing within an individual. Twin studies in the past two decades proved to be a very powerful tool to discriminate the genetic from the environmental component. The aim of this review is to describe the basic concepts of the twin study design and to report some of the latest studies in which high-throughput technologies (e.g. genome/epigenome-wide assay, next generation sequencing, MS metabolic profiling) combined with the classical twin design have been applied to the analysis of novel ‘omics’ to further understand the molecular mechanisms of human ageing.
Conservation status of the Endangered Nubian dragon tree Dracaena ombet in Gebel Elba National Park, Egypt
Authors: Kamel M. , Ghazaly U. M. , Callmander M. W.
Published: July 2014

The Nubian dragon tree Dracaena ombet, which is categorized as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, is found on the highest slopes of Gebel Elba National Park in Egypt, with scattered populations in Sudan, Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia. The Gebel Elba population is threatened by drought. Surveys were conducted in the Park to assess the condition and document the distribution of the species to prepare a baseline for conservation efforts. Eight sites were surveyed during 2007–2009: trees were tagged and their locations were recorded using a global positioning system, and tree density, diameter at breast height and population status were estimated. Of 353 trees recorded only 46% (161 individuals) were alive and only 27% (96 individuals) were in a healthy condition. Only 1% (2 individuals) were young trees, indicating a low regeneration level. Field-based observations suggest that 80% of the D. ombet population in Gebel Elba may soon be extinct. A conservation action plan is needed for this flagship species in Egypt and throughout its range.
The impacts of a community forestry program on forest conditions, management intensity and revenue generation in the Dang district of Nepal
Authors: Poudel Narayan Raj , Fuwa Nobuhiko , Otsuka Keijiro
Published: July 2014

A growing literature documents the positive impact of community management on non-timber forest conservation but not on the condition of timber forests, which require higher management intensity than do non-timber forests. Using ground-level data of the age composition of trees and the management activities of timber forests and applying a rigorous econometric technique to deal with the endogeneity of handing over forest use rights to the community, we find that a longer period of community management is associated with a higher density of pole-size trees, indicating that community management facilitates the rehabilitation of timber forests. We also find that population pressure leads to deforestation under state management but encourages forest management under community management.
Fragebogen zu Gründen akademischer Prokrastination
Authors: Patrzek Justine , Grunschel Carola , König Nina , Fries Stefan
Published: July 2014

Zusammenfassung. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird die Konstruktion und erste Validierung des Fragebogens zu Gründen akademischer Prokrastination (FGAP) vorgestellt. Die Fragebogenentwicklung orientierte sich am exploratory design, in dem qualitative und quantitative Studien kombiniert werden. Die Ableitung der Gründeskalen sowie die Itemformulierung erfolgten auf Grundlage aktueller Forschungsbefunde sowie zweier qualitativer Interviewstudien. Anhand einer ersten quantitativen Studie mit 270 Studierenden wurde die Faktorenstruktur des FGAP mittels Hauptachsenanalysen untersucht. In der zweiten Studie mit 554 Studierenden wurde mittels konfirmatorischer Faktorenanalysen bestätigt, dass der FGAP 13 Gründeskalen (z. B. mangelndes Zeitmanagement) mit jeweils drei Items umfasst. Weiterhin zeigte sich in dieser Studie, dass der FGAP über zufriedenstellende bis sehr gute Item- und Skalenkennwerte verfügt. Daneben konnten erste Hinweise auf die konvergente und konkurrente Validität gewonnen werden.
The human‐specific invariant chain isoform Iip35 modulates Iip33 trafficking and function
Authors: Sand Kine Marita , Landsverk Ole J B , Berg‐Larsen Axel , Bakke Oddmund , Gregers Tone F
Published: July 2014

The invariant chain (Ii) is a multifunctional protein, which has an essential role in the assembly and transport of major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) molecules. From a single gene, Ii is synthesized as four different isoforms: Iip33, Iip35, Iip41 and Iip43. Iip35 and Iip43 are specific to humans, and are formed due to an upstream alternative translation site, resulting in an N‐terminal extension of 16 amino acids. This extension harbors a strong endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention motif. Consequently, Iip35 or Iip43 expressed alone are retained in the ER, whereas Iip33 and Iip41 rapidly traffic to the endosomal pathway. Endogenously expressed, the four isoforms form mixed heterotrimers in the ER; however, mainly due to the absence of the Iip35/p43 isoforms in mice, little is known about how they influence general Ii function. In this study, we have co‐expressed Iip33 and Iip35 in human cells with and without MHC II to gain a better understanding of how Iip35 isoform influences the cellular properties of Iip33. We find that Iip35 significantly affects the properties of Iip33. In the presence of Iip35, the transport of Iip33 out of the ER is delayed, its half‐life is dramatically prolonged and its ability to induce enlarged endosomes and delayed endosomal maturation is abrogated.
Warming climate extends dryness-controlled areas of terrestrial carbon sequestration
Authors: Yi Chuixiang , Wei Suhua , Hendrey George
Published: July 2014

At biome-scale, terrestrial carbon uptake is controlled mainly by weather variability. Observational data from a global monitoring network indicate that the sensitivity of terrestrial carbon sequestration to mean annual temperature (T) breaks down at a threshold value of 16°C, above which terrestrial CO2 fluxes are controlled by dryness rather than temperature. Here we show that since 1948 warming climate has moved the 16°C T latitudinal belt poleward. Land surface area with T > 16°C and now subject to dryness control rather than temperature as the regulator of carbon uptake has increased by 6% and is expected to increase by at least another 8% by 2050. Most of the land area subjected to this warming is arid or semiarid with ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to drought and land degradation. In areas now dryness-controlled, net carbon uptake is ~27% lower than in areas in which both temperature and dryness (T < 16°C) regulate plant productivity. This warming-induced extension of dryness-controlled areas may be triggering a positive feedback accelerating global warming. Continued increases in land area with T > 16°C has implications not only for positive feedback on climate change, but also for ecosystem integrity and land cover, particularly for pastoral populations in marginal lands.
Cisplatin modulates B-cell translocation gene 2 to attenuate cell proliferation of prostate carcinoma cells in both p53-dependent and p53-independent pathways
Authors: Chiang Kun-Chun , Tsui Ke-Hung , Chung Li-Chuan , Yeh Chun-Nan , Feng Tsui-Hsia , Chen Wen-Tsung , Chang Phei-Lang , Chiang Hou-Yu , Juang Horng-Heng
Published: July 2014

Cisplatin is a widely used anti-cancer drug. The B-cell translocation gene 2 (BTG2) is involved in the cell cycle transition regulation. We evaluated the cisplatin effects on prostate cancer cell proliferation and the expressions of BTG2, p53, androgen receptor (AR) and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in prostate carcinoma, p53 wild-type LNCaP or p53-null PC-3, cells. Cisplatin treatments attenuated cell prostate cancer cell growth through inducing Go/G1 cell cycle arrest in lower concentration and apoptosis at higher dosage. Cisplatin treatments enhanced p53 and BTG2 expression, repressed AR and PSA expression and blocked the activation of androgen on the PSA secretion in LNCaP cells. BTG2 knockdown in LNCaP cells attenuated cisplatin-mediated growth inhibition. Cisplatin enhanced BTG2 gene expression dependent on the DNA fragment located within -173 to -82 upstream of BTG2 translation initiation site in prostate cancer cells. Mutation of the p53 response element from GGGCAGAGCCC to GGGCACC or mutation of the NFκB response element from GGAAAGTCC to GGAAAGGAA by site-directed mutagenesis abolished the stimulation of cisplatin on the BTG2 promoter activity in LNCaP or PC-3 cells, respectively. Our results indicated that cisplatin attenuates prostate cancer cell proliferation partly mediated by upregulation of BTG2 through the p53-dependent pathway or p53-independent NFκB pathway.
Quantification of arsenic(iii) in aqueous media using a novel hybrid platform comprised of radially porous silica particles and a gold thin film
Authors: Choi Y. , Kwak H. , Hong S.
Published: July 2014

A highly sensitive and anion-selective method for the detection of arsenic based on a signal-enhanced SPR sensor using a novel hybrid platform of radially porous silica particles and a gold thin film.
Facile synthesis of a peptidic Au(i)-metalloamphiphile and its self-assembly into luminescent micelles in water
Authors: Kemper Benedict , Hristova Yana R. , Tacke Sebastian , Stegemann Linda , van Bezouwen Laura S. , Stuart Marc C. A. , Klingauf Jürgen , Strassert Cristian A. , Besenius Pol
Published: July 2014

We report a short synthetic route for the preparation of a peptidic Au(i)-metalloamphiphile which, in buffered environments of physiological ionic strength, self-assembles into luminescent micellar nanostructures of 14 nm in diameter.
An anatomy of intramolecular atomic interactions in halogen-substituted trinitromethanes
Authors: Bartashevich Ekaterina V. , Pendás Ángel Martín , Tsirelson Vladimir G.
Published: July 2014

The intramolecular interactions in substituted trinitromethanes, XC(NO2)3(X = F, Cl, I, H) are studied and clarified by using a combination of the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM), the non-covalent interaction analysis and the Interacting Quantum Atoms (IQA) methods.
A review of mineral carbonation technologies to sequester CO2
Authors: Sanna A. , Uibu M. , Caramanna G. , Kuusik R. , Maroto-Valer M. M.
Published: July 2014

Mineral carbonation is a promising and at the same time challenging option for the sequestration of anthropogenic CO2.
Optical characterization of single plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Olson Jana , Dominguez-Medina Sergio , Hoggard Anneli , Wang Lin-Yung , Chang Wei-Shun , Link Stephan
Published: July 2014

This review surveys the optical properties of plasmonic nanoparticles, and describes techniques used in the optical measurements of single nanoparticles.
Asn-Trp dipeptides improve the oxidative stress and learning dysfunctions ind-galactose-induced BALB/c mice
Authors: Han Chuan-Hsiao , Lin Yin-Shiou , Lee Tai-Lin , Liang Hong-Jen , Hou Wen-Chi
Published: July 2014

Asn-Trp (NW) interventions for 4 weeks can attenuate the oxidative stress and learning dysfunctions induced by dailyd-galactose subcutaneous injection for 8 weeks.
N-Arylalkylbenzo[d]thiazole-2-carboxamides as anti-mycobacterial agents: design, new methods of synthesis and biological evaluation
Authors: Shah Parth , Dhameliya Tejas M. , Bansal Rohit , Nautiyal Manesh , Kommi Damodara N. , Jadhavar Pradeep S. , Sridevi Jonnalagadda Padma , Yogeeswari Perumal , Sriram Dharmarajan , Chakraborti Asit K.
Published: July 2014

Benzothiazole-2-carboxyarylalkylamides are reported as a new class of potent anti-mycobacterial agents.
Sunlight-promoted photocatalytic hydrogen gas evolution from water-suspended cellulose: a systematic study
Authors: Speltini Andrea , Sturini Michela , Dondi Daniele , Annovazzi Enrico , Maraschi Federica , Caratto Valentina , Profumo Antonella , Buttafava Armando
Published: July 2014

This work presents a systematic study of cellulose (CLS) as a sacrificial biomass for photocatalytic H2 evolution from water. The idea is indeed to couple a largely available and not expensive biomass, and water, with a renewable energy like solar radiation. An aqueous CLS suspension irradiated either at 366 nm (UV-A) or under sunlight in the presence of Pt/TiO2 behaves as a H2 evolving system. The effects of irradiation time, catalyst and CLS concentrations, pH and water salinity are studied. Addition of CLS to the sample significantly improved H2 evolution from water splitting, with yields up to ten fold higher than those observed in neat water. The mechanism of the photocatalytic process relies on the TiO2-mediated CLS hydrolysis, under irradiation. The polysaccharide depolymerisation generates water-soluble species and intermediates, among them 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) was identified. These intermediates are readily oxidized following the glucose photoreforming, thus enhancing water hydrogen ion reduction to give gas-phase H2. The formation of “colored” by-products from HMF self-polymerization involves a sort of “in situ dye sensitization” that allows an effective photoreaction even under solar light. The procedure is evaluated and successfully extended on cellulosic biomasses, i.e. rice husk and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) stems, not previously investigated for this application.
Microwave breast phantom measurements with a cavity‐backed Vivaldi antenna
Authors: Abbak Mehmet , Çayören Mehmet , Akduman İbrahim
Published: July 2014

The authors design a cavity‐backed Vivaldi antenna (CBVA) for microwave breast measurements. The design criteria for the antenna is shaped by the requirements of the free‐space measurement scenario where the receiving and the transmitting antennas are rotated by a mechanical scanner. Later, the authors have performed various breast phantom measurements with the CBVA to reveal its feasibility for microwave tomography.
Triple band‐notched ultra‐wideband antenna using a pair of novel symmetrical resonators
Authors: Wang Junhui , Yin Yingzeng , Liu Xianglong
Published: July 2014

In this study, a novel microstrip‐fed planar antenna with triple notched bands is presented for various ultra‐wideband (UWB) applications. The antenna comprises a circular radiating patch, a 50 Ω microstrip feed line, a partially slotted ground plane, and a couple of modified capacitance loaded loop (MCLL) resonators. The novel MCLL resonators are symmetrically located near the feed line to achieve the triple band‐notched characteristics, such as 3.4–3.7 GHz for WiMAX, 5.15–5.825 GHz for wireless local area network and 7.25–8.395 GHz for X‐band satellite communication. The good performance of triple notched bands, stable gain and omnidirectional radiation patterns in the operating bands make the proposed antenna a good candidate for UWB utilisation.
Operation of an ungated diamond field-emission array cathode in a L-band radiofrequency electron source
Authors: Piot P. , Brau C. A. , Choi B. K. , Blomberg B. , Gabella W. E. , Ivanov B. , Jarvis J. , Mendenhall M. H. , Mihalcea D. , Panuganti H. , Prieto P. , Reid J.
Published: July 2014

We report on the operation of a field-emitter-array cathode in a conventional L-band radio-frequency electron source. The cathode consisted of an array of ∼106 diamond tips on pyramids. Maximum current on the order of 15 mA was reached and the cathode did not show appreciable signs of fatigue after weeks of operation. The measured Fowler-Nordheim characteristics, transverse beam density, and current stability are discussed.
Output characteristics of organic distributed feedback lasers with varying grating heights
Authors: Döring Sebastian , Rabe Torsten , Stumpe Joachim
Published: July 2014

In this study, we examine the influence of the corrugation height of surface relief gratings on the output characteristics of organic distributed feedback (DFB) lasers. A series of surface relief gratings with a constant corrugation period (410 nm) and variable corrugation heights ranging from 20 and 80 nm are fabricated by the illumination of a new developed photosensitive azobenzene containing material with an interference pattern. A blend of poly[(9,9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7-diyl)-co-(1,4-benzo{2,1′,3}-thiadiazol)] and poly[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene vinylene] is used as organic laser active material which is deposited by spin-coating onto the grating array. The investigation of the laser output characteristics reveals an increase of the slope efficiency by a factor of 4 from 0.8% to 3.7% due to an increase of the grating height. The laser threshold decreases only slightly from 8.5 μJ/cm2 to 6.0 μJ/cm2 with increasing corrugation height. We interpret this as a result of the change of coupling between light mode and grating. The study helps to relate this to loss mechanisms of the DFB lasing process. This enables a further optimization of the DFB laser design.
Sr2MgMoO6−δ thin films fabricated using pulsed-laser deposition with high concentrations of oxygen vacancies
Authors: Shigematsu K. , Chikamatsu A. , Fukumura T. , Toyoda S. , Ikenaga E. , Hasegawa T.
Published: July 2014

We fabricated epitaxial thin films of oxygen-vacant Sr2MgMoO6−δ using pulsed laser deposition. The films showed low resistivity of the order of 10−2 Ω cm at 300 K. X-ray diffraction analyses revealed that Mg and Mo ions in the Sr2MgMoO6−δ films were considerably disordered, compared to those in bulk Sr2MgMoO6−δ. The proportion of oxygen vacancies estimated through hard x-ray photoemission measurements was as large as 0.37, and correlated well with the Mg/Mo ordering.
Concentric rings of polystyrene and titanium dioxide nanoparticles patterned by alternating current signal guided coffee ring effect
Authors: Mu Jinhua , Lin Peng , Xia Qiangfei
Published: July 2014

The authors studied the surface deposition of nanoparticles by introducing an alternating current (AC) signal into the millimeter-sized nanoparticle droplet. For both polystyrene (PS) in deionized (DI) water and titanium dioxide (TiO2) in toluene, the nanoparticles self-assembled into regular concentric rings over a larger area on the substrate during the droplet drying process. The patterned area decreased, and the inter-ring spacing increased with higher AC frequencies for the TiO2/toluene system, while those for the PS/DI water system only changed slightly. The frequency dependent pattern formation was interpreted by the interaction between different factors such as capillary flow and the AC signal introduced dielectrophoresis force.