bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Constituents of Michelia compressa var. formosana and Their Bioactivities
Authors: Chan Yu-Yi , Juang Shin-Hun , Huang Guan-Jhong , Liao Yu-Ren , Chen Yu-Fon , Wu Chia-Che , Chang Hui-Ting , Wu Tian-Shung
Published: June 2014

Phytochemical investigation of the heartwood of Michelia compressa afforded forty-four compounds, which were identified by comparison of experimental and literature analytical and spectroscopic data. Some compounds were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and anticancer bioactivities. The result showed that soemerine (1) and cyathisterol (2) exhibited significant nitric oxide (NO) inhibition, with IC50 values of 8.5 ± 0.3 and 9.6 ± 0.5 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, liriodenine (3) and oliveroline (4) exhibited cytotoxicity to human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC-TW01), non-small cell lung carcinoma (NCI-H226), T cell leukemia (Jurkat), renal carcinoma (A498), lung carcinoma (A549) and fibrosarcoma (HT1080) cell lines with IC50 values in the range of 15.7–3.68 μM.
Synthesis and Fungicidal Activity of Novel Chloro-Containing 1-Aryl-3-oxypyrazoles with an Oximino Ester or Oximino Amide Moiety
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Li Yi , Chen Nanqing , Lv Kunzhi , Zhou Chao , Xiong Xiaohui , Li Fangshi
Published: June 2014

Six novel chloro-containing 1-aryl-3-oxypyrazoles TMa–TMf with an oximino ester or an oximino amide moiety were prepared by the reaction of 1-aryl-1H-pyrazol-3-ols with benzyl bromide. Their structures were characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR, MS, and elemental analysis. A preliminary in vitro bioassay indicated that compounds TMa, TMe and TMf displayed excellent fungicidal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and could be used as potential lead compounds for further development of novel fungicides.
Inhibitory Activity of the Flower Buds of Lonicera japonica Thunb. against Histamine Production and L-Histidine Decarboxylase in Human Keratinocytes
Authors: Inami Yoshihiro , Matsui Yuko , Hoshino Tomoko , Murayama Chiaki , Norimoto Hisayoshi
Published: June 2014

In previous studies we found that anionic surfactants such as sodium laurate (SL) and/or sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) exert actions on epidermal keratinocytes rather than mast cells to give rise of histamine production and skin itching through increasing the expression of the 53-kDa active form of l-histidine decarboxylase (HDC). In addition, with treatment of SL in a three-dimensional human keratinocyte culture, increases in both the 53-kDa HDC and histamine production are detected and thus this culture assay is applied to screen anti-itching materials from natural resources. In this study, the inhibitory activity of “Kin-gin-ka” (flower buds of Lonicera japonica Thunb., FLJ) against histamine production and expression of the active form of HDC were examined in this culture assay. FLJ is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, being used to treat fevers, coughs and some infectious diseases. The result showed both FLJ and chlorogenic acid had inhibitory activities against the expression of 53-kDa HDC and histamine production. However, chlorogenic acid showed a weaker effect on histamine production than that of FLJ, suggesting that other chemical constituents besides chlorogenic acid could contribute to the inhibitory activities. Thus, a further chemical study of FLJ is now under investigation.
Has Austerity Succeeded in Ameliorating the Economic Climate? The Cases of Ireland, Cyprus and Greece
Authors: Végh Marcell
Published: June 2014

The Great Recession that began in 2008 hit the economy of the European Union extremely hard. The year 2009 brought decline to the majority of the member states, inducing a desperate crisis management process. The few common EU-level crisis management measures that were implemented have brought about little success due to the modest volume of the common budget and the inertia of decision making attempting to harmonize often contradicting interests. As there was no credible crisis management at the EU level, most member states introduced their own set of measures. The efficiency of these was influenced by the economic performance of primary trading and investing partners, and by the volatility of the bond markets. In terms of economic performance, member states of the EU followed various paths and experienced various levels of recession in 2009, then various levels of upswing in 2010–2011, only to be hit by a second wave of recession of various extents after 2011. Although many member states took their own measures, general tendencies in crisis management can be defined. At first, the restoration of the functioning of the markets was targeted by generating additional demand through fiscal stimulus, but was then gradually replaced by imperative fiscal consolidation and austerity measures. The effectiveness of austerity programs is questionable: while the bond markets’ volatility called for the correction of fiscal balances, tax hikes and governmental spending cuts tendentiously pushed back economic performance and postponed recovery, making economic growth possible only by increasing public debts. In this study, I present arguments in favour of the view that, in the current economic climate of the EU, prosperity could not be restored exclusively by austerity. Accordingly, I present case studies of the three member states with the largest increases in public debts: Ireland, Cyprus and Greece. My aim is to assess the efficiency of these member states’ crisis management procedures: whether state interventions financed by public debt could result in economic recovery. I also argue that, given the current economic situation, the recovery in these member states in times of crisis is not foreseen.
Development of a Continuous Phytoplankton Culture System for Ocean Acidification Experiments
Authors: Wynn-Edwards Cathryn , King Rob , Kawaguchi So , Davidson Andrew , Wright Simon , Nichols Peter , Virtue Patti
Published: June 2014

Around one third of all anthropogenic CO2 emissions have been absorbed by the oceans, causing changes in seawater pH and carbonate chemistry. These changes have the potential to affect phytoplankton, which are critically important for marine food webs and the global carbon cycle. However, our current knowledge of how phytoplankton will respond to these changes is limited to a few laboratory and mesocosm experiments. Long-term experiments are needed to determine the vulnerability of phytoplankton to enhanced pCO2. Maintaining phytoplankton cultures in exponential growth for extended periods of time is logistically difficult and labour intensive. Here we describe a continuous culture system that greatly reduces the time required to maintain phytoplankton cultures, and minimises variation in experimental pCO2 treatments over time. This system is simple, relatively cheap, flexible, and allows long-term experiments to be performed to further our understanding of chronic responses and adaptation by phytoplankton species to future ocean acidification.
La TVA sociale : bonne ou mauvaise idée ?
Authors: Sahuc Jean-Guillaume , Matheron Julien , Fève Patrick
Published: June 2014

L’impact quantitatif et dynamique de la TVA sociale, i.e. une réforme fiscale consistant à substituer de la TVA aux charges patronales, est évalué à l’aide de deux modèles d’équilibre général dynamique. Le premier est un modèle walrasien sans autres distorsions que des taxes sur les revenus du travail et du capital et sur la consommation. Le second introduit en plus des frictions d’appariement sur le marché du travail. Deux scenarii de mise en œuvre de la TVA sociale sont envisagés. Dans tous les cas, la réforme fiscale se traduit par un effet de long terme de faible ampleur sur le niveau des variables agrégées et une amélioration modeste du bien-être. Dans le modèle sans frictions, ces gains sont substantiellement réduits lorsque la réforme est pré-annoncée six trimestres avant sa mise en oeuvre effective. L’effet d’une préannonce est moindre dans le modèle avec frictions sur le marché du travail.
Clinical Manifestations in Patients with Alpha-Fetoprotein–Producing Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lin H.J. , Hsieh Y.H. , Fang W.L. , Huang K.H. , Li A.F.Y.
Published: June 2014

Backgroud: Patients with alpha-fetoprotein (afp)–producing gastric cancer have a high incidence of liver metastasis and poor prognosis. There is some controversy about clinical manifestations in these patients. Methods: Our study enrolled patients who, before surgery, had gastric cancer with serum afp exceeding 20 ng/mL [afp>20 (n = 58)] and with serum afp 20 ng/mL or less [afp≤20 (n = 1236)]. Clinical manifestations were compared between the groups. Results: Early gastric cancer was more frequent (30.1% vs. 4%) and advanced gastric cancer was less frequent (69.9% vs. 96%) in the afp≤20 group than the afp>20 group (p < 0.001). Liver and lymph node metastasis occurred less frequently in the afp≤20 group (4.4% vs. 27.6%, p < 0.001, and 60.7% vs. 91.4%, p < 0.001, respectively). The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates of afp≤20 patients were 75.2%, 53.4%, 45.8%, and 34.6% respectively. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates of patients with afp greater than 20 ng/mL, but 300 ng/mL or less, were 46.7%, 28.9%, 17.8%, and 13.3% respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of patients with serum afp greater than 300 ng/mL were 15.4%, 7.7%, and 0% respectively. The independent predictors for survival time were afp concentration, age, peritoneal seeding, liver metastasis, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, TNM stage, curative surgery, serosal invasion, and Lauren classification. Conclusions: Patients with high serum afp had a high frequency of liver and lymph node metastasis and very poor prognosis. More aggressive management with multimodal therapy (for example, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) might be needed when treating such patients.
Cancer and Venous Thromboembolic Disease: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Management
Authors: Donnellan E. , Kevane B. , Bird B.R. Healey , Ni Ainle F.
Published: June 2014

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) represents a major challenge in the management of patients with cancer. The malignant phenotype is associated with derangements in the coagulation cascade that can manifest as thrombosis, hemorrhage, or disseminated intravascular coagulation. The risk of VTE is increased by a factor of approximately 6 in patients with cancer compared with non-cancer patients, and cancer patients account for approximately 20% of all newly diagnosed cases of VTE. Postmortem studies have demonstrated rates of VTE in patients with cancer to be as high as 50%. Despite that prevalence, VTE prophylaxis is underused in hospitalized patients with cancer. Studies have demonstrated that hospitalized patients with cancer are less likely than their non-cancer counterparts to receive VTE prophylaxis. Consensus guidelines address the aforementioned issues and emerging concepts in the area, including the use of risk-assessment models, biomarkers to identify patients at highest risk of VTE, and use of anticoagulants as anticancer therapy. Despite those guidelines, a gulf exists between current recommendations and clinical practice; greater efforts are thus required to ensure effective implementation of strategies to reduce the incidence of VTE in patients with cancer.
Evidence-Based Guidance on Venous Thromboembolism in Patients with Solid Tumours
Authors: Shea–Budgell M.A. , Wu C.M.J. , Easaw J.C.
Published: June 2014

Venous thromboembolism (vte) is a serious, life-threatening complication of cancer. Anticoagulation therapy such as low molecular weight heparin (lmwh) has been shown to treat and prevent vte. Cancer therapy is often complex and ongoing, making the management of vte less straightforward in patients with cancer. There are no published Canadian guidelines available to suggest appropriate strategies for the management of vte in patients with solid tumours. We therefore aimed to develop a clear, evidence-based guideline on this topic. A systematic review of clinical trials and meta-analyses published between 2002 and 2013 in PubMed was conducted. Reference lists were handsearched for additional publications. The National Guidelines Clearinghouse was searched for relevant guidelines. Recommendations were developed based on the best available evidence. In patients with solid tumours, lmwh is recommended for those with established vte and for those without established vte but with a high risk for developing vte. Options for lmwh include dalteparin, enoxaparin, and tinzaparin. No one agent can be recommended over another, but in the setting of renal insufficiency, tinzaparin is preferred. Unfractionated heparin can be used under select circumstances only (that is, when rapid clearance of the anticoagulant is desired). The most common adverse event is bleeding, but major events are rare, and with appropriate follow-up care, bleeding can be monitored and appropriately managed.
Utilization of Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy in the Management of Oligometastatic Disease
Authors: Broomfield J.A. , Greenspoon J.N. , Swaminath A.
Published: June 2014

In 2008, cancer overtook cardiovascular disease as the leading cause of death in Canada. [...]
Two Indicators of Hospital Resource Efficiency in Cancer Care
Authors: Rahal R. , Xu J. , Fung S. , Bryant H.
Published: June 2014

Acute inpatient hospital stays represent a major portion of cancer care costs. [...]
Growth-Employment Relationship and Leijonhufvud's Corridor
Authors: Le Page Jean-Marie
Published: June 2014

À partir de 2008, le taux de chômage de la zone euro n’a cessé d’augmenter alors que le PIB de cette zone était encore à la fin de 2012 au même niveau qu’en 2008. Cette évolution récente de l’activité globale illustre le risque couru par une économie de quitter le couloir de stabilité à l’intérieur duquel elle progresse d’une manière cyclique pour entrer dans une zone de turbulence. Dans cette zone, les stabilisateurs automatiques n’exercent qu’une faible force de rappel. Pour étudier à un niveau théorique ce type de situation, cet article présente un modèle qui associe le corridor de Leijonhufvud au principe d’instabilité de Harrod. Ce modèle met en évidence un seuil au-delà duquel l’économie risque de connaître un processus cumulatif de déclin simultané de la croissance et de l’emploi. Un tel mécanisme n’existe cependant que lorsque le chômage a une influence directe sur la demande globale comme cela semble être le cas dans la période actuelle. Classification JEL : B22, E12, E24.
Genetic Evidence Confirms the Presence of Pygmy Rabbits in Colorado
Authors: Estes-Zumpf Wendy A. , Zumpf Shane E. , Rachlow Janet L. , Adams Jennifer R. , Waits Lisette P.
Published: June 2014

The pygmy rabbit Brachylagus idahoensis is a sagebrush-obligate species of conservation concern that occurs in the Great Basin and adjacent intermountain areas in the western United States. The species is not known to occur in Colorado, despite proximity to existing populations of pygmy rabbits in Wyoming. We provide the first documentation of the pygmy rabbit in Colorado. Fecal pellets diagnostic of pygmy rabbits were collected in the Vermillion Bluffs area of northwestern Colorado. Samples from 16 pellet clusters were collected for species identification via genetic analyses, and we were able to extract and amplify sufficient DNA from 7 of 16 pellet samples. All seven samples were identified as originating from pygmy rabbits based on a species-specific mitochondrial DNA fragment analysis test. To verify species identification, we also sequenced 225 base pairs of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b region from all seven pellet samples. Presence of pygmy rabbits was confirmed from three locations separated by 2.4–7.7 km and pellets represented both adult and juvenile rabbits. Based on the sparseness of burrows in the area, density of pygmy rabbits in the area likely is low; however, systematic surveys by trained observers are needed to delineate the range and density of this species in Colorado. Given the conservation concern for pygmy rabbits across their current range, the newly confirmed presence of this species suggests that assessment of their conservation status in Colorado is warranted.
Data Modelling of a Multifaceted Electronic Card-Based Secure E-Governance System
Authors: Roy Abhishek , Karforma Sunil
Published: June 2014

In the current climate of global economic decline, the developing countries are facing severe challenges in maintaining an efficient administration within an affordable budget. If this economic slowdown continues, there will be serious difficulties which will hamper the socio-economic development of the entire region. To respond to the situation, the governments must reduce budget expenses and still maintain efficiency and openness. To do so, the administration must deploy ICT-based mechanisms to fulfil the desired objectives. In this chapter, the authors present the development of a multifaceted electronic card-based secured e-governance mechanism to attempt to redress the inherent issues and explore new dimensions of interdisciplinary research. The proposed system will also act as the all-purpose electronic identity of the Citizen and hopefully replace the existing identity instruments such as Voter Card, Permanent Account Number Card, Driving License, Ration Card, Below Poverty-Line Card, Employment Card, Health Card, Insurance Card, etc. Moreover, this electronic instrument will also enable Citizen to perform financial transactions. Clearly, the authentication procedure of the proposed mechanism must also exist otherwise the intruders will be able to breach the system and execute their ill intentions. To ensure appropriateness of security features of the mechanism, the authors have also implemented a user authentication technique using object-oriented modelling of RSA digital signature algorithm for a Government-Citizen (G2C) type of e-governance. For better management of such a huge amount of sensitive information, the authors also discuss data modelling techniques used during user authentication of the proposed model.
An Active Low Cost Mesh Networking Indoor Tracking System
Authors: Carlin Sean , Curran Kevin
Published: June 2014

Indoor radio frequency tracking systems are generally quite expensive and can vary in accuracy due to interference, equipment quality or other environmental factors. Due to these limiting factors of the technology, many businesses today find it hard to justify investing in RFID tracking technologies to improve the safety, efficiency and security of their working environments. The aim of this project was to provide a budget RFID tracking system that was capable of tracking a person or object through an indoor environment. To minimize the cost of the RFID tracking system, the components of the system were built from existing electronic equipment and hardware. The software was also written to minimize licensing and support fees allowing a cost effective budget RFID tracking system to be developed. The tracking system consists of a tag, reader nodes and a PC reader which utilize synapse RF 100 engines with python scripts embedded on to the chips. The tracking system software operates through a web portal utilizing web technologies such as HTML, JavaScript and PHP to allow the tags location to be represented on a two dimensional map using scalable vector graphics. During development of the system a new trilateration algorithm was developed and used convert the signals received from the tag to a virtual position on the map correlating to the actual physical position of the tag. A unique contribution of this system is the low cost of building which we estimate as less than £200 UK sterling for a five node system.
Solution of “Hard” Knapsack Instances Using Quantum Inspired Evolutionary Algorithm
Authors: Patvardhan C. , Bansal Sulabh , Srivastav Anand
Published: June 2014

Knapsack Problem (KP) is a popular combinatorial optimization problem having application in many technical and economic areas. Several attempts have been made in past to solve the problem. Various exact and non-exact approaches exist to solve KP. Exact algorithms for KP are based on either branch and bound or dynamic programming technique. Heuristics exist which solve KP non-exactly in lesser time. Heuristic approaches do not provide any guarantee regarding the quality of solution whereas exact approaches have high worst case complexities. Quantum-inspired Evolutionary Algorithm (QEA) is a subclass of Evolutionary Algorithm, a naturally inspired population based search technique. QEA uses concepts of quantum computing. An engineered Quantum-inspired Evolutionary Algorithm (QEA-E), an improved version of QEA, is presented which quickly solves extremely large spanner problem instances (e.g. 290,000 items) that are very difficult for the state of the art exact algorithm as well as the original QEA.
Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm with Strategies for Dying of Solution
Authors: Patel Rahila , Raghuwanshi M. M. , Malik Latesh
Published: June 2014

Genetic Algorithm (GA) mimics natural evolutionary process. Since dying of an organism is important part of natural evolutionary process, GA should have some mechanism for dying of solutions just like GA have crossover operator for birth of solutions. In nature, occurrence of event of dying of an organism has some reasons like aging, disease, malnutrition and so on. In this work we propose three strategies of dying or removal of solution from next generation population. Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA) takes decision of removal of solution, based on one of these three strategies. Experiments were performed to show impact of dying of solutions and dying strategies on the performance of MOGA.
Conformance Testing of Preemptive Real-Time Systems
Authors: Adjir Noureddine , de Saqui-Sannes Pierre , Rahmouni Kamel Mustapha
Published: June 2014

The paper presents an approach for model-based black-box conformance testing of preemptive real-time systems using Labeled Prioritized Time Petri Nets with Stopwatches (LPrSwTPN). These models not only specify system/environment interactions and time constraints. They further enable modelling of suspend/resume operations in real-time systems. The test specification used to generate test primitives, to check the correctness of system responses and to draw test verdicts is an LPrSwTPN made up of two concurrent sub-nets that respectively specify the system under test and its environment. The algorithms used in the TINA model analyzer have been extended to support concurrent composed subnets. Relativized stopwatch timed input/output conformance serves as the notion of implementation correctness, essentially timed trace inclusion taking environment assumptions into account. Assuming the modelled systems are non deterministic and partially observable, the paper proposes a test generation and execution algorithm which is based on symbolic techniques and implements an online testing policy and outputs test results for the (part of the) selected environment.
Visualizing Information Science Knowledge by Modelling Domain Ontology (OIS)
Authors: Sawsaa Ahlam F. , Lu Joan
Published: June 2014

Information Science (IS) is one of the areas that need a unified ontology model to facilitate information in order to access the heterogeneous data resources, and share a common understanding of the domain knowledge. The aim of the study is to develop a generic model of ontology that serves as a foundation of knowledge modelling for applications and aggregation with other ontologies. This study adopts the Methontology methodology to develop an Ontology of Information Science (OIS). To support ontology development, the virtual community of practice of Information science (Ontocop) was employed. The Ontology was coded using Protégé and the OWL web ontology language. The main achievement of the study is that a new model of Information Science Ontology (OIS) has been constructed, which is a generic model that contains only the key objects and associated attributes with their relationships. The model defines the 706 concept, which will be widely used in Information Science applications. The research reveals that OIS ontology is a model that meets the ontology quality criteria for the subject area. It is concluded that OIS ontology unifies information science knowledge, which is composed of Library, Computer, and Archival science, by creating a theoretical base that is useful for further practical systems. The OIS ontology can be reused as the basis for any domain development.
Ticket-Based Fast Handover Authentication Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Kumar D. Sathish , Nagarajan N. , Begum S. Asifa
Published: June 2014

Wireless sensor Network (WSN) is an emerging technology that widely used for secure communication purpose. In a fast moving world of communication obtaining service from the access point of transmission is necessary. Whenever mobile user moves from one site to another site Provision of secure handover process is a major considerable thing. In case of achieving secure handover authentication process the delay occurrences is possible in network communication. There is a conflict between security requirements and communication, computation overhead. To overcome this problem a Novel approach of Handover Mechanism is proposed namely credential Ticket based fast handover mechanism using pair hand protocols functions which resolves conflicts and reduced network latency to obtain rapid handover among access points in the network.
Business Alignment Methodology
Authors: Zacarias Marielba , Martins Paula Ventura
Published: June 2014

Current business process modeling methodologies offer little guidance regarding how to discover and maintain business process models aligned with their actual execution. This paper describes how to achieve this goal by uncovering, supervising and improving business process models based on actual work practices, using the Business Alignment Methodology (BAM). BAM aims at enabling business process modeling, supervision and improvement through the distinction of two dimensions; (1) business processes and (2) work practices. BAM encompasses three phases; (1) Business Process Discovery, (2) Business Process Supervision and (3) Business Process Assessment and Improvement. This paper illustrates the business discovery phase of BAM with a case study in a real organizational setting.
Enabling Quality Assurance Analytics through the Use of Information Systems
Authors: Vo Au , Bhaskar Rahul
Published: June 2014

The juice manufacturing industry is a nascent industry. The increased pace of life and focus on a healthy life style has given rise to the industry. Orange Juice Company (OCJ), based in California, is one of the leading juice co-packers in the nation. However, despite their excellence in manufacturing, their technology adoption is behind that of their competition, especially in quality assurance. Because quality assurance plays an essential part in their businesses, they want to improve the processes by digitization and enable quality assurance analytics. They hope that by investing in quality assurance, they would be able to gain competitive advantage in juice manufacturing.
Current and Future Trends in Human Resources Analytics Adoption
Authors: Kapoor Bhushan , Kabra Yaggeta
Published: June 2014

While many organizations use business intelligence and analytics in business functions including Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting and Marketing, they have taken little advantage of this in the Human Resources (HR) management area. Seeing tremendous opportunities in the use of analytics, businesses are taking big measures, such as creating a culture of making critical decisions validated by data driven approaches and hiring analytics professionals in areas that promises high rates of return. Experts continue to emphasize the importance of analytics for HR to transform itself into a more effective resource for the organization. In this paper the authors study the current and the near future states of analytics in Human Resources area. With information collected from leading job search engines, SimplyHired.com and Indeed.com, the authors have modeled trends in hiring analytics professionals in different functional areas of business. The authors compared the HR analytics trend with trends in hiring analytics professionals in Supply Chain, Finance, Accounting and Marketing functions. The extent to which companies are hiring analytics professionals now should be a good indication of analytics adoptions in the future.
Using Pattern Recognition in Decoding Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) for Quality Assurance
Authors: Bhaskar Rahul , Vo Au
Published: June 2014

Jack Grealish is an aspiring entrepreneur. During his undergraduate in UCLA, he worked in his father's business, which focused on selling specialized foods. He became fascinated with the food industry and find out more what it entails. His investigation has unveiled the landscape of the food industry. Furthermore, he discovered that the hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) system implemented in the food industry was rather disjointed and could benefit from automation. He conducted a preliminary research about current HACCP development and determine to plunge ahead. Jack ponders about the possibility of integrating different pattern recognition methodologies in HACCP processes to improve the effectiveness of overall quality control at his company.
Engagement with Social Media Platforms via Mobile Apps for Improving Quality of Personal Health Management
Authors: Mitra Sinjini , Padman Rema
Published: June 2014

Patient engagement in self health and wellness management has been identified as an important goal in improving health outcomes. As a result, the use of mobile and social media for health and wellness promotion is gathering considerable momentum. Several early adopting health plans and provider organizations have begun to design and pilot social and mobile media platforms to empower members to enhance self management of health and wellness goals. Based on a member survey of a large health plan in Pennsylvania, the authors identify factors that are significantly associated with member interest in adopting such technology platforms for obtaining health related information and services. Analysis of relevant data from more than 4,000 responses from health plan members indicate significant effects of several factors such as age, gender, general health condition (including presence of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure), level of computer and social media usage and frequency of engaging in different online activities such as banking, shopping, and emailing. This analysis allows us to identify important consumer segments that are correlated with professed willingness to use applications and programs offered by the health plan. Besides, the authors also develop statistical models to predict people's odds of adopting health-related mobile apps and identify the significant predictors thereof. The authors anticipate that these insights can assist health plans to develop and deploy targeted services and tools through integration of mobile and social media platforms for health and wellness management.
Multi-Attention and the Horcrux Logic
Authors: Wellner Galit ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2014

Attention has been addressed either as a distinction of a figure from background or as a searchlight scanning of a surface. In both ways, attention is limited to a single object. The aim of this article is to suggest a platform for an interpretation of multi-attention, that is, attention based on a multiplicity of objects and spaces. The article describes how attention can be given to more than one object, based on the experiences of pilots, parents and car drivers.
Do you have an early detection plan for tank leaks?
Authors: Henderson Erika N.
Published: June 2014

Informal tank inspections initiated through an early leak detection program can bridge the gap between formal inspections and serve to collect more detailed information on tank environment, malfunctioning equipment, and maintenance ‐ all factors that should be considered when creating a plan for leak prevention, early detection, and repairs.
Using the RNAstructure Software Package to Predict Conserved RNA Structures
Authors: Mathews David H.
Published: June 2014

The structures of many non‐coding RNA (ncRNA) are conserved by evolution to a greater extent than their sequences. By predicting the conserved structure of two or more homologous sequences, the accuracy of secondary structure prediction can be improved as compared to structure prediction for a single sequence. This unit provides protocols for the use of four programs in the RNAstructure suite for prediction of conserved structures, Multilign, TurboFold, Dynalign, and PARTS. These programs can be run via Web servers, on the command line, or with graphical interfaces. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 46:12.4.1‐12.4.22. © 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Polysaccharides
Authors: BeMiller James N
Published: June 2014

Polysaccharides are natural carbohydrate polymers containing from approximately 35 (usually more than 100) to as many as 60 000 monosaccharide units. Polysaccharides have a range of general structures (from linear to various branched structures) and shapes. They are structural components of cell walls of bacteria, fungi, algae and higher plants and of the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans, are energy‐ and carbon‐storage substances, or may serve various other functions as intra‐ or extracellular materials of plants, animals and microorganisms. They are the most abundant (by mass) of all organic substances in living organisms, comprising approximately two‐thirds of the dry weight of the total biomass. Some have commercial value as isolated substances.

Key Concepts:

Polysaccharides are polymers of sugar (carbohydrate) units.

Polysaccharides are ubiquitous in nature. They are present in all plant tissues.

Polysaccharides compose at least 75% of the dry weight of the total biomass.

Polysaccharides comprise approximately three‐fourths of the total biomass on the Earth.

Polysaccharides serve as structural materials, as reserve food materials, and in other functions.

Polysaccharide molecules may be linear or branched.

Polysaccharides occur in a wide range of shapes and sizes.

Polysaccharides are hydrophilic and either dissolve in or absorb water.

Polysaccharides are produced and used commercially in large volumes.
Biased Gene Conversion and Its Impact on Genome Evolution
Authors: Bhérer Claude , Auton Adam
Published: June 2014

In most eukaryotes, genetic information is exchanged between homologous chromosomes via the process of recombination. As part of this process, short
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
tracts of less than 1 kb in length are exchanged between chromosomes in an asymmetric fashion in a process known as gene conversion. When such gene conversion events occur within the vicinity of heterozygous loci, this asymmetric exchange of DNA can result in the non‐Mendelian transmission of alleles. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that this non‐Mendelian transmission is biased in favour of G and C alleles at the expense of A and T alleles. This process, known as biased gene conversion, has a number of important implications for understanding the behaviour of alleles within a population and the base composition of the genome itself.

Key Concepts:

Biased gene conversion is the preferential transmission of certain alleles to the next generation, arising from asymmetries in the gene conversion process.

Biased gene conversion appears to preferentially favour GC alleles over AT alleles, resulting in the overtransmission of GC alleles in regions of high recombination.

Biased gene conversion can increase the frequency of an allele in a population.

Consistent biased gene conversion can ultimately influence the base composition of the genome, leading to increased levels of GC content.

Although a difficult phenomenon to measure, multiple lines of experimental and evolutionary evidence support the existence of biased gene conversion.
Thermoelectric Power Properties of Graphite‐Loaded Nitrile Rubber/Poly(vinyl chloride) Blends Above the Percolation Threshold
Authors: Mansour S.A. , Hussein M. , Moharram A.H.
Published: June 2014

Electrical conductivity, thermoelectric power (TEP), and thermal measurements were used to characterize acrylonitrile butadiene rubber/poly(vinyl chloride) blends loaded with graphite above the percolation threshold as thermoelectric materials. Low thermal conductivities and high electrical conductivities accompanied with relatively high Seebeck coefficients lead to relatively high thermoelectric performances (ZT = 2.24 × 10−6). The TEP of composites is (9.5–16.2) μV/°C near room temperature. Two conduction mechanisms have been identified in composites above the percolation: the metallic‐like mechanism in the temperature range of 308–363 K and variable range hopping mechanism due to delocalized electrons at the Fermi level above 363 K. Using the values of the dc electrical conductivity and TEP, the values of the charge carrier concentration and the charge carrier mobility were calculated.
Synthesis and characterization of an associative polymer with an octylphenyl polyoxyethylene side chain as a potential enhanced‐oil‐recovery chemical
Authors: Ye Zhongbin , Zhang Xuan , Chen Hong , Han Lijuan , Lv Chao , Su Zheng , Song Jiarong
Published: June 2014

A novel nonionic surfmer, AGE‐TX‐100, was synthesized by the epoxide ring‐opening reaction of allyl glycidyl ether and polyoxyethylene (10) octylphenyl ether (TX‐100). Then a novel copolymer, acrylamide (AM)/acrylic acid (AA)/AGE‐TX‐100, was synthesized with AM, AA, and AGE‐TX‐100 in aqueous solution through free‐radical random polymerization. The structures of the novel surfmer and copolymer were characterized by IR and 1H‐NMR. The results of the salt‐resistance tests and the rheological tests indicate that the copolymer had good salt tolerance, thermal stability at high temperatures, and shearing resistance under high shear rates. The environmental scanning electron micrographs showed that the copolymer could form a tighter three‐dimensional network structure than partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) in aqueous solution. Compared with the HPAM solution, the copolymer solution showed a good ability to emulsify organic components. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41024.
Formation of a Nanoparticulate Birnessite‐Like Phase in Purported Molecular Water Oxidation Catalyst Systems
Authors: Hocking Rosalie K. , Malaeb Rafah , Gates Will P. , Patti Antonio F. , Chang Shery L. Y. , Devlin Glyn , MacFarlane Douglas R. , Spiccia Leone
Published: June 2014

The fate of [MnIII/IV2(μ‐O)2(terpy)2(H2O)2]3+ (1) under conditions typically applied to test its ability to catalyze water oxidation was studied by X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and UV/Vis spectrophotometry by using [MnIII/IV2(μ‐O)2(bipy)4]3+ (2) and Mn2+ as controls (terpy=2,2′:6′,2“‐terpyridine, bipy=2,2′‐bipyridine). The sample matrix, pH and choice of oxidizing agent were found to have a significant effect on the species formed under catalytic conditions. At low range pH values (4–6), homogeneous catalysis testing in oxone implied that 1 remains intact, whereas in clay intercalate there is strong evidence that 1 breaks down to a birnessite‐like phase. In homogeneous solutions at higher pH, the results are consistent with the same birnessite‐like structure identified in the clay intercalate. The use of the molecular complexes, as a source of manganese instead of simple MnII salts, was found to have the effect of slowing down oxide formation and particle aggregation in solution. The original analytical results that implied the systems are molecular are discussed in the context of these new observations.
Highly Chemo‐, Enantio‐, and Regioselective Synthesis of α,α‐Disubstituted Furanones by Cu‐Catalyzed Conjugate Addition
Authors: Endo Kohei , Yakeishi Sayuri , Takayama Ryotaro , Shibata Takanori
Published: June 2014

A highly chemo‐, enantio‐, and regioselective synthesis of furanones bearing an α,α‐disubstituted quaternary stereogenic center is reported. The Cu‐catalyzed enantioselective conjugate addition of organoaluminum reagents to unsaturated ketoesters at room temperature and subsequent lactonization took place. Synthetic transformations of furanones represent facile approaches to various cyclic or acyclic compounds bearing a quaternary stereogenic center.
Oriented Circular Dichroism Analysis of Chiral Surface‐Anchored Metal–Organic Frameworks Grown by Liquid‐Phase Epitaxy and upon Loading with Chiral Guest Compounds
Authors: Gu Zhi‐Gang , Bürck Jochen , Bihlmeier Angela , Liu Jinxuan , Shekhah Osama , Weidler Peter G. , Azucena Carlos , Wang Zhengbang , Heissler Stefan , Gliemann Hartmut , Klopper Wim , Ulrich Anne S. , Wöll Christof
Published: June 2014

Oriented circular dichroism (OCD) is explored and successfully applied to investigate chiral surface‐anchored metal–organic frameworks (SURMOFs) based on camphoric acid (D‐ and Lcam) with the composition [Cu2(Dcam)2x(Lcam)2−2x(dabco)]n (dabco=1,4‐diazabicyclo‐[2.2.2]‐octane). The three‐dimensional chiral SURMOFs with high‐quality orientation were grown on quartz glass plates by using a layer‐by‐layer liquid‐phase epitaxy method. The growth orientation, as determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), could be switched between the [001] and [110] direction by using either OH‐ or COOH‐terminated substrates. These SURMOFs were characterized by using OCD, which confirmed the ratio as well as the orientation of the enantiomeric linker molecules. Theoretical computations demonstrate that the OCD band intensities of the enantiopure [Cu2(Dcam)2(dabco)]n grown in different orientations are a direct result of the anisotropic nature of the chiral SURMOFs. Finally, the enantiopure [Cu2(Dcam)2(dabco)]n and [Cu2(Lcam)2(dabco)]n SURMOFs were loaded with the two chiral forms of ethyl lactate [(+)‐ethyl‐D‐lactate and (−)‐ethyl‐L‐lactate)]. An enantioselective enrichment of >60 % was observed by OCD when the chiral host scaffold was loaded from the racemic mixture.
Design, Synthesis and Bioactivities Evaluation of Novel Quinazoline Analogs Containing Oxazole Units
Authors: Hou Xuehui , Zhang Jingyu , Zhao Xuan , Chang Liming , Hu Ping , Liu Hongmin
Published: June 2014

A novel type of quinazoline derivatives, which were designed by the combination of quinazoline as the backbone and oxazole scaffold as the substituent, have been synthesized and their biological activities were evaluated for anti‐proliferative activities and EGFR inhibitory potency. Compound 12b demonstrated the most potent inhibitory activity (IC50=0.95 µmol/L for EGFR), which could be optimized as a potential EGFR inhibitor in the further study. The structures of the synthesized quinazoline analogs and all intermediates were comfirmed by 1H and 13C NMR, 2D NMR spectra, IR spectra and MS spectra.
Detection and characterization of emerging psychoactive substances by ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Armenta Sergio , Garrigues Salvador , de la Guardia Miguel , Brassier Judit , Alcalà Manel , Blanco Marcelo , Perez‐Alfonso Clara , Galipienso Nieves
Published: June 2014

Rapid detection and identification of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) continues to present significant analytical challenges to forensic and analytical chemists. Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has been traditionally considered as the analytical technique of choice to detect illicit drugs in security points in airports, borderlines and customs. Databases of the reduced mobility (K0) values of illicit drugs are available in the scientific literature and they should be completed with data of emerging designer drugs. In this paper, we have evaluated the effect of different measurement conditions and determined the K0 values of an important number of NPS including different families; such as phenethylamines, cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids and tryptamines among others to be incorporated to the existing data to provide a rapid detection and identification of this emerging threat. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Migration of sea urchin primordial germ cells
Authors: Campanale Joseph P. , Gökirmak Tufan , Espinoza Jose A. , Oulhen Nathalie , Wessel Gary M. , Hamdoun Amro
Published: June 2014

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: EMT and migration of sea urchin PGCs. Live‐cell confocal micrographs of 34 and 43 hour old purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, gastrulae. The germline marker, Sp‐Vasa, is yellow and the apical marker, Sp‐ABCG2a, is cyan. From Campanale et al., Developmental Dynamics 243:917–927.
Detection of short tandem repeat polymorphisms from human nails using direct polymerase chain reaction method
Authors: Tie Jian , Uchigasaki Seisaku
Published: June 2014

Human nail is an important forensic material for parental testing and individual identification in large‐scale disasters. Detection of STR polymorphism from hard tissues generally requires DNA purification, which is technically complicated and time consuming. In the present study, we attempted to detect STR polymorphisms from untreated human nail samples by direct PCR amplification method using the primer mixture supplied with the GenePrint® SilverSTR® III System or the AmpFℓSTR® Identifiler® PCR Amplification Kit, and Tks Gflex DNA polymerase known to be effective for amplification from crude samples. A nail fragment measuring approximately 1.5 mm in breadth and 0.5 mm in length was placed directly into a PCR tube, and various PCR conditions were tested. The PCR products were analyzed by denaturing acrylamide gel electrophoresis or CE. Multiple STR polymorphisms were detected successfully. This method that detects STR polymorphisms not only from fresh human fingernails, but also from old nail fragments stored at room temperature for up to 10 years is expected to become a novel DNA analytical method in forensic medicine and genetic studies.
Endogenous inhibition of hippocampal LTD and depotentiation by vasoactive intestinal peptide VPAC1 receptors
Authors: Cunha‐Reis Diana , Aidil‐Carvalho Maria de Fatima , Ribeiro Joaquim A.
Published: June 2014

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), an important modulator of hippocampal synaptic transmission, influences exploration and hippocampal‐dependent learning in rodents. Homosynaptic long‐term depression (LTD) and depotentiation are two plasticity phenomena implicated in learning of behavior flexibility and spatial novelty detection. In this study, we investigated the influence of endogenous VIP on LTD and depotentiation induced by low‐frequency stimulation (1 Hz, 900 pulses) of the hippocampal CA1 area in vitro in juvenile and young adult rats, respectively. LTD and depotentiation were enhanced by the VIP receptor antagonist Ac‐Tyr1, D‐Phe2 GRF (1–29), and the selective VPAC1 receptor antagonist, PG 97–269, but not the selective VPAC2 receptor antagonist, PG 99–465. This action was mimicked by an anti‐VIP antibody, suggesting that VIP, and not pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide (PACAP), is the endogenous mediator of these effects. Selective inhibition of PAC1 receptors with PACAP (6–38) enhanced depotentiation, but not LTD. VPAC1 receptor blockade also revealed LTD in young adult rats, an effect abolished by the GABAA antagonist bicuculline, evidencing an involvement of GABAergic transmission. We conclude that inhibition of LTD and depotentiation by endogenous VIP occurs through VPAC1 receptor‐mediated mechanisms and suggest that disinhibition of pyramidal cell dendrites is the most likely physiological mechanism underlying this effect. As such, VPAC1 receptor ligands may be considered promising pharmacological targets for treatment of cognitive dysfunction in diseases involving altered GABAergic circuits and pathological saturation of LTP/LTD like Down's syndrome and temporal lobe epilepsy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.