bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Ancient Roman Aqueduct of Karales (Cagliari, Sardinia, Italy): Applicability of Geophysics Methods to Finding the Underground Remains
Authors: Trogu Antonio , Ranieri Gaetano , Calcina Sergio , Piroddi Luca
Published: January 2014

Detection of the buried antique Roman aqueduct, which supplied fresh water to the ancient town of Karales (Cagliari, Italy), is not a trivial problem because of the small size of its cross section, its depth (about 10 m), and of the presence of shallow conductive layers. In order to determine the best geophysical method to use in the research of the conduit, a test was carried out over a well‐known section of the underground aqueduct in its extra‐urban part. Taking into account the geological features of the site, time‐domain electromagnetic (TEM), very low‐frequency (VLF) and electrical tomography methods were chosen. The test was conducted over several profiles. The results showed that among the electrical resistivity arrays, the Wenner–Schlumberger is the most suitable for the detection of the conduit some metres in depth, whereas the other electrical methods did not have enough resolution to distinguish between the aqueduct and other non‐related anomalies at the requested depth. The TEM method also showed good capability to detect the presence of the aqueduct in spite of very conductive superficial layers. With the exception of one profile, all VLF profiles showed anomalies that could be correlated to the aqueduct. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining the factors that influence college students' adoption of smartphones
Authors: Kim Daejoong , Chun Heasun , Lee Hyunjoo
Published: January 2014

This study examines smartphone adoption behavior among American college students by combining all components of innovation diffusion theory (IDT), the technology acceptance model (TAM), the value‐based adoption model (VAM), and the social influence (SI) model. Data indicate that the smartphone adoption rates are beyond the early majority and are now approaching the late majority. The findings of analysis of variance tests revealed that all variables of TAM, VAM, and SI varied across the adopter groups: The current adopter's mean values of the variables were the highest, followed by those of potential and nonadoption groups. Multinomial logistic regression (MLR) analyses revealed that perceived value and affiliation mainly determine the different perceptions of adoption groups. Smartphone adoption, however, was relatively unaffected by perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness. Perceived popularity, perceived price, and ethnicity played a role in distinctive determinants between current adopters and nonadopters. The results imply that adopters perceive smartphones as not only a worthwhile device in which to invest money but also a symbolic device to signal their affiliation and timely technology adoption. Another intriguing finding is the differences of interest in contents between current adopters and nonadopters. Social interactions via social networking services, acquisition for lifestyle, information seeking, and entertainment via gaming were the main applications of interest.
Dynamic topic‐related tweet retrieval
Authors: Cotelo Juan M. , Cruz Fermin L. , Troyano Jose A.
Published: January 2014

Twitter is a social network in which people publish publicly accessible brief, instant messages. With its exponential growth and the public nature and transversality of its contents, more researchers are using Twitter as a source of data for multiple purposes. In this context, the ability to retrieve those messages (tweets) related to a certain topic becomes critical. In this work, we define the topic‐related tweet retrieval task and propose a dynamic, graph‐based method with which to address it. We have applied our method to capture a data set containing tweets related to the participation of the Spanish team in the Euro 2012 soccer competition, measuring the precision and recall against other simple but commonly used approaches. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our method, which significantly increases coverage of the chosen topic and is able to capture related but unknown à priori subtopics.
The corporate information agency: Do competitive intelligence practitioners utilize It?
Authors: Jin Tao , Ju Boryung
Published: January 2014

This article reports on a research study investigating the use and perceptions of corporate information agencies by competitive intelligence (CI) practitioners. The corporate information agency is a corporate library or an information/knowledge center.CIpractitionerrefers to those business professionals, in various organizations, who are particularly committed to strategic and competitive intelligence analysis and production activities. In this study, we administered a survey to a sample of 214CIpractitioners to ascertain the extent to which they utilize, are aware of, and perceive the usefulness of corporate information agencies provided by their organizations. With 63 valid responses, we observed high degrees of use, awareness, and perceived usefulness. Multiple regression results also show significant correlations between perceived usefulness and use of the corporate information agency among the respondingCIpractitioners. Supported by empirical evidence, these findings provide a benchmark of knowledge regarding the value of corporate information agencies inCIpractices.
Exploiting temporal characteristics of features for effectively discovering event episodes from news corpora
Authors: Wei Chih‐Ping , Lee Yen‐Hsien , Chiang Yu‐Sheng , Chen Chun‐Ta , Yang Christopher C.C.
Published: January 2014

An organization performing environmental scanning generally monitors or tracks various events concerning its external environment. One of the major resources for environmental scanning is online news documents, which are readily accessible on news websites or infomediaries. However, the proliferation of the World Wide Web, which increases information sources and improves information circulation, has vastly expanded the amount of information to be scanned. Thus, it is essential to develop an effective event episode discovery mechanism to organize news documents pertaining to an event of interest. In this study, we propose two new metrics, Term Frequency × Inverse Document FrequencyTempo (TF×IDFTempo) and TF×Enhanced‐IDFTempo, and develop a temporal‐based event episode discovery (TEED) technique that uses the proposed metrics for feature selection and document representation. Using a traditional TF×IDF‐based hierarchical agglomerative clustering technique as a performance benchmark, our empirical evaluation reveals that the proposed TEED technique outperforms its benchmark, as measured by cluster recall and cluster precision. In addition, the use of TF×Enhanced‐IDFTempo significantly improves the effectiveness of event episode discovery when compared with the use of TF×IDFTempo.
Evaluation of the navigation effectiveness of an organizational taxonomy built on a general classification scheme and domain thesauri
Authors: Wang Zhonghong , Khoo Christopher S.G. , Chaudhry Abdus Sattar
Published: January 2014

This paper presents an evaluation study of the navigation effectiveness of a multifaceted organizational taxonomy that was built on the Dewey Decimal Classification and several domain thesauri in the area of library and information science education. The objective of the evaluation was to detect deficiencies in the taxonomy and to infer problems of applied construction steps from users' navigation difficulties. The evaluation approach included scenario‐based navigation exercises and postexercise interviews. Navigation exercise errors and underlying reasons were analyzed in relation to specific components of the taxonomy and applied construction steps. Guidelines for the construction of the hierarchical structure and categories of an organizational taxonomy using existing general classification schemes and domain thesauri were derived from the evaluation results.
Abstracting the core subnet of weighted networks based on link strengths
Authors: Zhao Star X. , Zhang Paul L. , Li Jiang , Tan Alice M. , Ye Fred Y.
Published: January 2014

Most measures of networks are based on the nodes, although links are also elementary units in networks and represent interesting social or physical connections. In this work we suggest an option for exploring networks, called the h‐strength, with explicit focus on links and their strengths. The h‐strength and its extensions can naturally simplify a complex network to a small and concise subnetwork (h‐subnet) but retains the most important links with its core structure. Its applications in 2 typical information networks, the paper cocitation network of a topic (the h‐index) and 5 scientific collaboration networks in the field of “water resources,” suggest that h‐strength and its extensions could be a useful choice for abstracting, simplifying, and visualizing a complex network. Moreover, we observe that the 2 informetric models, the Glänzel‐Schubert model and the Hirsch model, roughly hold in the context of the h‐strength for the collaboration networks.
Ontological realism and classification: Structures and concepts in the Gene Ontology
Authors: Mayor Charlie , Robinson Lyn
Published: January 2014

The Gene Ontology (GO), a scientific vocabulary widely used in molecular biology databases, is examined by an analysis of its structure, a comparison of its principles to those of traditional controlled vocabularies, and by a detailed analysis of a single concept within it. It is found that the GO deviates in some respects from its principles of ontological realism, and it is suggested the two forms of vocabulary could benefit from adopting good practice from the other.
Isolation of an organic solvent‐tolerant bacterium Bacillus licheniformis PAL05 that is able to secrete solvent‐stable lipase
Authors: Anbu Periasamy , Hur Byung Ki
Published: January 2014

In this study, seven lipase‐producing bacterial strains were isolated from salt‐enriched and cattle farm soil samples after incubation in toluene‐ and benzene‐enriched media. One strain (PAL05) showed significantly greater lipase activity on spirit blue agar medium and stability in organic solvents. The positive strain (PAL05) was identified as Bacillus licheniformis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Lipase production was optimized in a medium containing glycerol as the carbon source and Tween 80 as an inducer (0.5% glycerol + 0.5% Tween 80) at pH 8.0 and a temperature of 30 °C. In addition, the enzyme was moderately halotolerant as it exhibited increased activity in the presence of 2.5% NaCl. Optimized conditions increased the lipase production threefold. Crude lipase retained its activity for 14 days of incubation in the presence of various organic solvents at a level of 25% and 50%. The enzyme was stable at 25% in most solvents; some of the solvents such as hexane, benzene, and ethanol actually stimulated enzyme activity. The organic solvent stability of the lipase produced by the strain PAL05 enables the enzyme to be used as a potential biocatalyst for ester synthesis and other applications in nonaqueous conditions.
The construction of a bifunctional fusion protein consisting of SEC2 and EGFP
Authors: Liu Yanli , Xu Mingkai , Li Xu , Sun Jian , Zhang Chenggang , Zhang Huiwen
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to construct a bifunctional fusion protein consisting of staphylococcal enterotoxin C2 (SEC2) and enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP). We inserted EGFP and SEC2 fragments into the pET‐28a(+) vector to create the expression plasmid vector, pET‐28a(+)‐SEC2‐EGFP, using a two‐step method. After verification of the plasmid, successful isolation of the fusion protein, SEC2‐EGFP, was achieved by Ni+‐affinity chromatography. Fluorescence microscopy, methylthiazol tetrazolium, and flow cytometry assays demonstrated that the constructed fusion protein not only retained the fluorescence signal of EGFP but also exhibited SEC2 bioactivity. Therefore, SEC2‐EGFP is a promising tool for the study of the detailed temporal and spatial distributions of SEC2 in cells. Future studies with this vector may help uncover novel therapeutic strategies to treat or manage SEC2‐associated diseases and be a new clinical tool for exploiting SEC2 in immunotherapy.
Matrix‐assisted refolding and purification of placenta‐derived recombinant human interleukin‐6 produced in Escherichia coli
Authors: Ahmed Nadeem , Zafar Ahmad Usman , Khan Mohsin Ahmad , Tahir Saad , Khan Muhammad Islam , Bashir Hamid , Khan Faidad , Sarwar Samreen , Ilyas Sadaf , Husnain Tayyab
Published: January 2014

Biological activity of human interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is associated with a vast number of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, and severe inflammatory diseases. In this study, human IL‐6 cDNA was isolated from a cDNA library that was constructed with mRNA derived from human placental tissues. Subsequently, the complete human IL‐6 cDNA was cloned and expressed in BL21DE3 cells. The recombinant human IL‐6 (rhIL‐6) protein was expressed in a form of an insoluble inclusion body. Inclusion bodies were solubilized under denaturing conditions and purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography with gradual on‐column refolding by the gradient elution method (from 6 to 0 M urea). The protein was purified to apparent homogeneity of about 99% with a yield of 50 mg/L. The purity was assessed by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), size exclusion high‐performance liquid chromatography, and Western blotting analysis. The bioactivity was assessed by proliferation assay of TF‐1 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. The present study confirms the expression of the placenta‐derived IL‐6 gene in a prokaryotic expression system and matrix‐assisted on‐column refolding and purification of rhIL‐6 by immobilized metal affinity chromatography.
Ochratoxin A: Developmental and Reproductive Toxicity—An Overview
Authors: Malir Frantisek , Ostry Vladimir , Pfohl‐Leszkowicz Annie , Novotna Eva
Published: January 2014

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is nephrotoxic, hepatotoxic, reprotoxic, embryotoxic, teratogenic, neurotoxic, immunotoxic, and carcinogenic for laboratory and farm animals. Male and female reproductive health has deteriorated in many countries during the last few decades. A number of toxins in environment are suspected to affect reproductive system in male and female. OTA is one of them. OTA has been found to be teratogenic in several animal models including rat, mouse, hamster, quail, and chick, with reduced birth weight and craniofacial abnormalities being the most common signs. The presence of OTA also results in congenital defects in the fetus. Neither the potential of OTA to cause malformations in human nor its teratogenic mode of action is known. Exposure to OTA leads to increased embryo lethality manifested as resorptions or dead fetuses. The mechanism of OTA transfer across human placenta (e.g., which transporters are involved in the transfer mechanism) is not fully understood. Some of the toxic effects of OTA are potentiated by other mycotoxins or other contaminants. Therefore, OTA exposure of pregnant women should be minimized. OTA has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor and a reproductive toxicant, with abilities of altering sperm quality. Other studies have shown that OTA is a testicular toxin in animals. Thus, OTA is a biologically plausible cause of testicular cancer in man.
Luminescence enhancement of terbium(III) perchlorate by 2,2′‐dipyridyl on bis(benzylsulfinyl)methane complex and luminescence mechanism
Authors: Feng Shu‐Yan , Li Wen‐Xian , Guo Feng , Cao Xiao‐Fang
Published: January 2014

A novel ternary complex, Tb2L4·L′·(ClO4)6·8H2O, has been synthesized using bis(benzylsulfinyl)methane as the first ligand L and 2,2′‐dipyridyl as the second ligand L′. The ternary complex was characterized by element analysis, molar conductivity, coordination titration analysis, infrared, thermogravimetric‐differential scanning calorimetric and ultraviolet spectra. The results indicated that the composition of the complex was Tb2L4·L′·(ClO4)6·8H2O (L = C6H5CH2SOCH2SOCH2C6H5; L′ = Dipy). Fourier transform infrared results revealed that the perchlorate group was bonded with the Tb(III) ion by the oxygen atom, and the coordination was bidentate. The fluorescent spectra illustrated that the complex displayed characteristic fluorescence in the solid state. After the introduction of the second ligand, 2,2‐dipyridyl, the relative emission intensity and fluorescence lifetime of the ternary complex Tb2L4·L′·(ClO4)6·8H2O were enhanced compared to the binary complex TbL2.5(ClO4)3·3H2O. This indicated that the presence of both organic ligand bis(benzylsulfinyl)methane and the second ligand 2,2‐dipyridyl could sensitize the fluorescence intensity of Tb(III) ion, and introduction of the 2,2‐dipyridyl group resulted in an enhancement of the fluorescence of the Tb(III) ternary rare earth complex. The strongest characteristic fluorescence emission intensity of the ternary complex was 9.36 times that of the binary complex. The phosphorescence spectra and fluorescence lifetime of the complex were also measured. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cysteine inhibits amyloid fibrillation of lysozyme and directs the formation of small worm‐like aggregates through non‐covalent interactions
Authors: Takai Eisuke , Uda Ken , Matsushita Shuhei , Shikiya Yui , Yamada Yoichi , Shiraki Kentaro , Zako Tamotsu , Maeda Mizuo
Published: January 2014

In this article, we discuss the effects of amino acids on amyloid aggregation of lysozyme. l‐cysteine (Cys) dramatically inhibited fibrillation of lysozyme, whereas other amino acids (including l‐arginine) did not. In the presence of Cys, the aggregation pathway of lysozyme shifted from fibrillation to the formation of the small worm‐like aggregates with unfolding. The interaction between Cys and lysozyme was observed to be non‐covalent, suggesting that the thiophilic interaction between the thiol group on the side chain of Cys and the core sequence of lysozyme significantly contributes to the inhibition of amyloid aggregation. These findings provide a new basis for the design of a biocompatible additive to prevent amyloid fibrillation. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:470–478, 2014
Perfusion enhanced polydimethylsiloxane based scaffold cell culturing system for multi‐well drug screening platform
Authors: Tania Marshella , Hsu Myat Noe , Png Si Ning , Leo Hwa Liang , Toh Guoyang William , Birgersson Erik
Published: January 2014

Conventional two‐dimensional cultures in monolayer and sandwich configuration have been used as a model for in vitro drug testing. However, these culture configurations do not present the actual in vivo liver cytoarchitecture for the hepatocytes cultures and thus they may compromise the cells liver‐specific functions and their cuboidal morphology over longer term culture. In this study, we present a three‐dimensional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) scaffold with interconnected spherical macropores for the culturing of rat liver cells (hepatocytes). The scaffolds were integrated into our perfusion enhanced bioreactor to improve the nutrients and gas supply for cell cultures. The liver‐specific functions of the cell culture were assessed by their albumin and urea production, and the changes in the cell morphology were tracked by immunofluorescence staining over 9 days of culture period. N‐Acetyl‐Para‐Amino‐Phenol (acetaminophen) was used as drug model to investigate the response of cells to drug in our scaffold‐bioreactor system. Our experimental results revealed that the perfusion enhanced PDMS‐based scaffold system provides a more conducive microenvironment with better cell‐to‐cell contacts among the hepatocytes that maintains the culture specific enzymatic functions and their cuboidal morphology during the culturing period. The numerical simulation results further showed improved oxygen distribution within the culturing chamber with the scaffold providing an additional function of shielding the cell cultures from the potentially detrimental fluid induced shear stresses. In conclusion, this study could serve a crucial role as a platform for future preclinical hepatotoxicity testing. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:418–428, 2014
Enhanced genetic operators design for waveband selection in multivariate calibration based on NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Cernuda Carlos , Lughofer Edwin , Hintenaus Peter , Märzinger Wolfgang
Published: January 2014

Nowadays, the techniques employed in data acquisition provide huge amounts of data. Some parts of the information are related to the others, making dimensionality reduction desirable, and losing less information as much as possible, in order to decrease computational times and complexity when applying any ensuing data mining technique. Genetic algorithms offer the possibility of selecting which variables contain the most relevant information to represent all the original ones. The traditional genetic operators seem to be too general, leading to results that could be improved by means of designed genetic operators that employ some available problem‐specific information. Especially, when dealing with calibration by means of near‐infrared spectral data, which use to contain thousands of variables, it is known that not isolated wavelengths but wavebands allow a more robust model design. This aspect should be taken into account when crossing individuals. We propose three crossover operators specifically designed for calibration with near‐infrared spectral data, based on a pseudo‐random two‐point crossover, where the first point is chosen randomly, and the selection of the second point is guided by problem‐specific information. We compare their performance with that of state‐of‐the‐art operators. We combine these new genetic algorithm‐based variable selection designs with partial least squares regression and fuzzy systems based calibration.

Our benchmark consists of two real‐world high‐dimensional data sets, corresponding to polyetheracrylat, where hydroxyl number, viscosity, and acidity are on‐line monitored; and melamine resin production, where the chilling point (CP) is considered in order to regulate the condensation. We show that designed operators promote wavebands selection, achieve better‐quality solutions, and converge faster and smoother than state‐of‐the‐art operators. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing an objective marker to optimize patient selection and predict survival benefit in early‐phase cancer trials
Authors: Stavraka Chara , Pinato David J. , Turnbull Samantha J. , Flynn Michael J. , Forster Martin D. , O'Cathail Sean M. , Babar Sayed , Seckl Michael J. , Kristeleit Rebecca S. , Blagden Sarah P.
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

Several prognostic indices have been devised to optimize patient selection for phase 1 oncology trials with no consensus as to the optimal score and none qualifying as a marker of treatment response.

METHODS

Multivariate predictors of overall survival (OS) were tested on 118 referred patients to develop the Hammersmith Score (HS). The score's ability to predict OS, progression‐free survival (PFS), and 90‐day mortality (90DM) was compared with other prognostic indices. Changes in HS were recalculated during treatment.

RESULTS

Albumin < 35 g/L, lactate dehydrogenase > 450 U/L, and sodium < 135 mmol/L emerged as independent prognostic factors. These were used with equal weighting to devise the HS, a compound prognostic index ranging from 0 to 3. High (HS = 2‐3) score predicted worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.5,P < .001), PFS (HR = 2.8,P = .01), and 90DM (OR = 9.0,P < .001). HS was a more accurate multivariate predictor of OS (HR = 6.4,P < .001, C‐index = 0.72), PFS (HR = 2.7,P = .03), and 90DM (area under the ROC curve 0.703) compared with other scores. Worsening of the HS during treatment predicted for shorter OS (P < .001). HS retained prognostic and predictive ability following external validation.

CONCLUSIONS

HS is a simple, validated index to optimize patient selection and predict survival benefit from phase 1 oncology treatments. Prospective validation is ongoing.Cancer2014;120:262–270.©2013 American Cancer Society.
Modeling sustainability transitions on complex networks
Authors: Tran Martino
Published: January 2014

There has been renewed interest in sociotechnical systems in the context of transitioning to a more sustainable society. While gains have been made in the qualitative understanding of sustainable transitions and sociotechnical systems, these approaches have not been well‐operationalized. Given the importance of meeting future energy and environmental policy targets, there is need to develop predictive techniques and more robust methods to quantify and analyze sociotechnical systems undergoing rapid change and uncertainty due to sustainability pressures. Sustainability transitions depend on large‐scale diffusion of technological and behavioral innovations on physical and virtual networked systems. Transitions can therefore be viewed as a subclass of diffusion phenomenon and subject to a range of mathematical and computational methods. We review, categorize, and critically assess methodological and theoretical approaches that integrate different aspects of sustainability, innovation, and complexity. We argue that these approaches should be adapted to improve our understanding of the behavior and dynamics of a broad range of sociotechnical systems to meet sustainability objectives. We therefore also make the conceptual link between complexity and sustainability as complimentary fields of research to inform policy and decision making to achieve more sustainable outcomes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 19: 8–22, 2014
In Operando Spatiotemporal Study of Li2O2 Grain Growth and its Distribution Inside Operating Li–O2 Batteries
Authors: Shui Jiang‐Lan , Okasinski John S. , Chen Chen , Almer Jonathan D. , Liu Di‐Jia
Published: January 2014

Nanocrystalline lithium peroxide (Li2O2) is considered to play a critical role in the redox chemistry during the discharge–charge cycling of the Li–O2 batteries. In this report, a spatially resolved, real‐time synchrotron X‐ray diffraction technique was applied to study the cyclic formation/decomposition of Li2O2 crystallites in an operating Li–O2 cell. The evaluation of Li2O2 grain size, concentration, and spatial distribution inside the cathode is demonstrated under the actual cycling conditions. The study not only unambiguously proved the reversibility of the Li2O2 redox reaction during reduction and evolution of O2, but also allowed for the concentration and dimension growths of the peroxide nanocrystallites to be accurately measured at different regions within the cathode. The results provide important insights for future investigation on mass and charge transport properties in Li2O2 and improvement in cathode structure and material design.
Molybdenum‐Catalyzed Deoxydehydration of Vicinal Diols
Authors: Dethlefsen Johannes R. , Lupp Daniel , Oh Byung‐Chang , Fristrup Peter
Published: January 2014

The commercially available (NH4)6Mo7O24 and other molybdenum compounds are shown to be viable substitutes for the typically employed rhenium compounds in the catalytic deoxydehydration of aliphatic diols into the corresponding alkenes. The transformation, which represents a model system for the various hydroxyl groups found in biomass‐derived carbohydrates, can be conducted in an inert solvent (dodecane), under solvent‐free conditions, and in a solvent capable of dissolving biomass‐derived polyols (1,5‐pentanediol). The reaction is driven by the simultaneous oxidative deformylation of the diol resulting in an overall disproportionation of the substrate.
Sol–Gel Synthesis of Aliovalent Vanadium‐Doped LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Cathodes with Excellent Performance at High Temperatures
Authors: Kim Min Chul , Nam Kyung‐Wan , Hu Enyuan , Yang Xiao‐Qing , Kim Hyungsub , Kang Kisuk , Aravindan Vanchiappan , Kim Woo‐Seong , Lee Yun‐Sung
Published: January 2014

Extraordinary performance at elevated temperature is achieved for high‐voltage spinel‐phase LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathodes prepared using an adipic‐acid‐assisted sol–gel technique and doped with vanadium. V‐substitution in the Li sites (Wykoff position 8a) is confirmed by V K‐edge X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and Rietveld refinement (Li0.995V0.005Ni0.5Mn1.5O4). V‐doped LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 delivered a reversible capacity of approximately 130 and 142 mAh g−1 at ambient and elevated temperature conditions, respectively. Furthermore, the Li0.995V0.005Ni0.5Mn1.5O4 phase rendered approximately 94 % and 84 % of initial capacity compared to approximately 85 % and 3 % for the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 phase after 100 cycles in ambient and elevated temperature conditions, respectively. The enhancements are mainly because of the suppression of Mn dissolution and unwanted side reaction with electrolyte counterpart, and to the increase in conductivity, improving the electrochemical profiles for the V‐doped phase.
Selective Catalytic Production of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural from Glucose by Adjusting Catalyst Wettability
Authors: Wang Liang , Wang Hong , Liu Fujian , Zheng Anmin , Zhang Jian , Sun Qi , Lewis James P. , Zhu Longfeng , Meng Xiangju , Xiao Feng‐Shou
Published: January 2014

The development of highly‐efficient catalysts for conversion of glucose and fructose to 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is of great importance. In this work, theoretical simulations form the basis for rational design and synthesis of a superhydrophobic mesoporous acid, that can completely prevent HMF hydration, giving HMF as sole product from full conversion of fructose. Interestingly, the combined superhydrophobic solid acid and superhydrophilic solid base catalysts are very efficient for one‐pot conversion of glucose to HMF, giving a yield as high as 95.4 %. The excellent catalytic data in the conversion of glucose to HMF is attributed to the unique wettabilities of the solid acid and base catalysts.
Energy spectral efficiency tradeoff in downlink OFDMA network
Authors: Li Zhihang , Jiang Huilin , Pan Zhiwen , Liu Nan , You Xiaohu
Published: January 2014

Spectral efficiency (SE) is an important metric in traditional wireless network design. However, as the development of high‐data rate services and rapidly increase of energy consumption, energy efficiency (EE) has received more and more attention. In this paper, we investigate the EE–SE tradeoff in downlink OFDMA network. Different from previous researches, we try to optimize EE and SE simultaneously. First, the problem is formulated as a multiobjective optimization problem (MOP), and its Pareto optimal set is characterized. Then, we convert the MOP to a single‐objective optimization problem (SOP) by the weighted linear sum method and show that it is neither quasi‐convex nor quasi‐concave. After that, a novel algorithm using particle swarm optimization is proposed to solve the SOP. Simulation results validate that the proposed algorithm can efficiently reduce total transmit power and improve EE, although the cost is sacrificing some SE, which could be used to design an flexible energy efficient network in the future.Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor 2 mRNA-Binding Protein 1 (IGF2BP1) Is an Important Protumorigenic Factor in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Gutschner Tony , Hämmerle Monika , Pazaitis Nikolaos , Bley Nadine , Fiskin Evgenij , Uckelmann Hannah , Heim Andreas , Groβ Matthias , Hofmann Nina , Geffers Robert , Skawran Britta , Longerich Thomas , Breuhahn Kai , Schirmacher Peter , Mühleck Britta , Hüttelmaier Stefan , Diederichs Sven
Published: January 2014

Hepatocarcinogenesis is a stepwise process. It involves several genetic and epigenetic alterations, e.g., loss of tumor suppressor gene expression (

TP53, PTEN, RB

) as well as activation of oncogenes (c-
MYC, MET, BRAF, RAS

). However, the role of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs), which regulate tumor suppressor and oncogene expression at the posttranscriptional level, are not well understood in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we analyzed RBPs induced in human liver cancer, revealing 116 RBPs with a significant and more than 2-fold higher expression in HCC compared to normal liver tissue. We focused our subsequent analyses on the Insulin-like growth factor 2 messenger RNA (mRNA)-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) representing the most strongly up-regulated RBP in HCC in our cohort. Depletion of IGF2BP1 from multiple liver cancer cell lines inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis

in vitro

. Accordingly, murine xenograft assays after stable depletion of IGF2BP1 reveal that tumor growth, but not tumor initiation, strongly depends on IGF2BP1

in vivo

. At the molecular level, IGF2BP1 binds to and stabilizes the c-MYC and MKI67 mRNAs and increases c-Myc and Ki-67 protein expression, two potent regulators of cell proliferation and apoptosis. These substrates likely mediate the impact of IGF2BP1 in human liver cancer, but certainly additional target genes contribute to its function.

Conclusion :

The RNA-binding protein IGF2BP1 is an important protumorigenic factor in liver carcinogenesis. Hence, therapeutic targeting of IGF2BP1 may offer options for intervention in human HCC. (Hepatology 2014;59:1900–1911)
Professional Identity Development: A Grounded Theory of Transformational Tasks of Counselors
Authors: Moss Julie M. , Gibson Donna M. , Dollarhide Colette T.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this qualitative grounded theory study was to investigate practicing counselors' professional identity development at nodal points during their career. Through the use of 6 focus groups of beginning, experienced, and expert counselors, 26 participants shared their experiences, and 6 themes emerged to form a theory of transformational tasks of professional identity development. Through these tasks, counselors encountered issues of idealism toward realism, burnout toward rejuvenation, and compartmentalization toward congruency.
Counseling Outcomes for Youth With Oppositional Behavior: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Erford Bradley T. , Paul Lauren E. , Oncken Conor , Kress Victoria E. , Erford Matthew R.
Published: January 2014

This meta‐analysis of clinical trials explored the effectiveness of treatments targeted at changing oppositional behavior. The meta‐analysis included 31 peer‐reviewed treatment studies with school‐age youth ages 6–17 years identified as having oppositional defiant disorder. Results were synthesized using a random effects model for mean difference and mean gain effect size estimates. Findings suggest that counseling/psychotherapy is effective in treating oppositional behavior in school‐age youth at termination, but the long‐term efficacy of such treatment is less stable.
Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Treating Eating Disorders
Authors: Lenz A. Stephen , Taylor Rebecca , Fleming Molly , Serman Nina
Published: January 2014

This study evaluated the effectiveness of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for treating eating disorder episodes and co‐occurring depression symptoms among individuals diagnosed with eating disorders. Separate meta‐analytic procedures for between‐groups and single‐group studies were conducted and yielded large effect sizes, indicating that DBT may be efficacious for decreasing disordered episodes among women diagnosed with eating disorders; medium to large effect sizes were noted for treating depression symptoms. Implications for evidence‐supported practice and study limitations are discussed.
Influential Factors in Academic and Career Self‐Efficacy: Attachment, Supports, and Career Barriers
Authors: Wright Stephen L. , Perrone‐McGovern Kristin M. , Boo Jenelle N. , White Aarika Vannatter
Published: January 2014

The integration of attachment theory with social cognitive career theory provided a clear and comprehensive theoretical framework for this study. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that perceived support and career barriers mediated the relationship between attachment and efficacy in students (N = 486). Participants who were more securely attached perceived greater social supports and fewer career barriers and had higher efficacy in both academic and career domains. Theoretical, practice, and research implications are discussed.
Effects of Adlerian Play Therapy on Reducing Students' Disruptive Behaviors
Authors: Meany‐Walen Kristin K. , Bratton Sue C. , Kottman Terry
Published: January 2014

This randomized controlled study examined the effectiveness of Adlerian play therapy (AdPT) with 58 elementary school students (48% Latino, 33% European American, 19% African American) exhibiting disruptive classroom behaviors. Teachers and raters blinded to treatment group assignment reported that children in the experimental group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in behavior problems and that AdPT demonstrated moderate to large treatment effects. Teachers also reported a statistically significant reduction in stress in their relationships with students receiving AdPT.
The Impact of Racial Microaggressions on Mental Health: Counseling Implications for Clients of Color
Authors: Nadal Kevin L. , Griffin Katie E. , Wong Yinglee , Hamit Sahran , Rasmus Morgan
Published: January 2014

This study examined the relationship between racial microaggressions (subtle and unintentional forms of racial discrimination) and mental health. Results from a large sample (N = 506) indicated that higher frequencies of racial microaggressions negatively predicted participants' mental health and that racial microaggressions were significantly correlated with depressive symptoms and negative affect. Differences in the types of microaggressions experienced by various racial groups (Asian, Latina/o, Black, White, and multiracial) and counseling implications are discussed.
Differentiation of Self and Social Justice Commitment Mediated by Hope
Authors: Sandage Steven J. , Crabtree Sarah , Schweer Maria
Published: January 2014

This study tested a theoretical model of hope mediating the relationship between differentiation of self and social justice commitment among graduate students (N = 202) in the helping professions. The theory was based primarily on the social justice philosophies of Martin Luther King Jr., Cornel West, and Paulo Freire using a cultural psychology approach. Results generally supported the theoretical model. Implications are considered for both training and future research on social justice.
Resilience Mediates the Relations Between Perfectionism and College Student Distress
Authors: Klibert Jeffrey , Lamis Dorian A. , Collins Walt , Smalley K. Bryant , Warren Jacob C. , Yancey C. Thresa , Winterowd Carrie
Published: January 2014

This study examined the relations among perfectionism dimensions, resilience, and distress. Participants were 413 undergraduate students. All 3 of Hewitt and Flett's (2004) dimensions of perfectionism were associated with greater reports of depression and anxiety; however, only socially prescribed perfectionism was significantly associated with resilience. Results indicated that resilience partially mediated the relations between socially prescribed perfectionism and distress. Implications for counselors in the prevention, assessment, and treatment of depression and anxiety are discussed.
Gene expression profile of brain regions reflecting aberrations in nervous system development targeting the process of neurite extension of rat offspring exposed developmentally to glycidol
Authors: Akane Hirotoshi , Saito Fumiyo , Shiraki Ayako , Imatanaka Nobuya , Akahori Yumi , Itahashi Megu , Wang Liyun , Shibutani Makoto
Published: January 2014

We previously found that exposure to glycidol at 1000 ppm in drinking water caused axonopathy in maternal rats and aberrations in late‐stage hippocampal neurogenesis, targeting the process of neurite extension in offspring. To identify the profile of developmental neurotoxicity of glycidol, pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were given drinking water containing glycidol from gestational day 6 until weaning on day 21 after delivery, and offspring at 0, 300 and 1000 ppm were subjected to region‐specific global gene expression profiling. Four brain regions were selected to represent both cerebral and cerebellar tissues, i.e., the cingulate cortex, corpus callosum, hippocampal dentate gyrus and cerebellar vermis. Downregulated genes in the dentate gyrus were related to axonogenesis (Nfasc), myelination (Mal, Mrf and Ugt8), and cell proliferation (Aurkb and Ndc80) at ≥ 300 ppm, and upregulated genes were related to neural development (Frzb and Fzd6) at 1000 ppm. Upregulation was observed for genes related to myelination (Kl, Igf2 and Igfbp2) in the corpus callosum and axonogenesis and neuritogenesis (Efnb3, Tnc and Cd44) in the cingulate cortex, whereas downregulation was observed for genes related to synaptic transmission (Thbs2 and Ccl2) in the cerebellar vermis; all of these changes were mostly observed at 1000 ppm. Altered gene expression of Cntn3, which functions on neurite outgrowth‐promotion, was observed in all four brain regions at 1000 ppm. Gene expression profiles suggest that developmental exposure to glycidol affected plasticity of neuronal networks in the broad brain areas, and dentate gyrus neurogenesis may be the sensitive target of this type of toxicity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of electric arc furnace‐processed steel slag for dermal corrosion, irritation, and sensitization from dermal contact
Authors: Suh Mina , Troese Matthew J. , Hall Debra A. , Yasso Blair , Yzenas John J. , Proctor Debora M.
Published: January 2014

Electric arc furnace (EAF) steel slag is alkaline (pH of ~11–12) and contains metals, most notably chromium and nickel, and thus has potential to cause dermal irritation and sensitization at sufficient dose. Dermal contact with EAF slag occurs in many occupational and environmental settings because it is used widely in construction and other industrial sectors for various applications including asphaltic paving, road bases, construction fill, and as feed for cement kilns construction. However, no published study has characterized the potential for dermal effects associated with EAF slag. To assess dermal irritation, corrosion and sensitizing potential of EAF slag, in vitro and in vivo dermal toxicity assays were conducted based on the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) guidelines. In vitro dermal corrosion and irritation testing (OECD 431 and 439) of EAF slag was conducted using the reconstructed human epidermal (RHE) tissue model. In vivo dermal toxicity and delayed contact sensitization testing (OECD 404 and 406) were conducted in rabbits and guinea pigs, respectively. EAF slag was not corrosive and not irritating in any tests. The results of the delayed contact dermal sensitization test indicate that EAF slag is not a dermal sensitizer. These findings are supported by the observation that metals in EAF slag occur as oxides of low solubility with leachates that are well below toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) limits. Based on these results and in accordance to the OECD guidelines, EAF slag is not considered a dermal sensitizer, corrosive or irritant. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Further studies toward a mouse model for biochemical assessment of neuropathic potential of organophosphorus compounds
Authors: Makhaeva Galina F. , Rudakova Elena V. , Hein Nichole D. , Serebryakova Olga G. , Kovaleva Nadezhda V. , Boltneva Natalia P. , Fink John K. , Richardson Rudy J.
Published: January 2014

Inhibition and aging of neuropathy target esterase (NTE) by neuropathic organophosphorus (OP) compounds triggers OP compound‐induced delayed neuropathy (OPIDN), whereas inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) produces cholinergic toxicity. The neuropathic potential of an OP compound is defined by its relative inhibitory potency toward NTE vs. AChE assessed by enzyme assays following dosing in vivo or after incubations of direct‐acting compounds or active metabolites with enzymes in vitro. The standard animal model of OPIDN is the adult hen, but its large size and high husbandry costs make this species a burdensome model for assessing neuropathic potential. Although the mouse does not readily exhibit clinical signs of OPIDN, it displays axonal lesions and expresses brain AChE and NTE. Therefore, the present research was performed as a further test of the hypothesis that inhibition of mouse brain AChE and NTE could be used to assess neuropathic potential using mouse brain preparations in vitro or employing mouse brain assays following dosing of OP compounds in vivo. Excellent correlations were obtained for inhibition kinetics in vitro of mouse brain enzymes vs. hen brain and human recombinant enzymes. Furthermore, inhibition of mouse brain AChE and NTE after dosing with OP compounds afforded ED50 ratios that agreed with relative inhibitory potencies assessed in vitro. Taken together, results with mouse brain enzymes demonstrated consistent correspondence between in vitro and in vivo predictors of neuropathic potential, thus adding to previous studies supporting the validity of a mouse model for biochemical assessment of the ability of OP compounds to produce OPIDN. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tissue repair strength using chitosan adhesives with different physical‐chemical characteristics
Authors: Barton Matthew J. , Morley John W. , Mahns David A. , Mawad Damia , Wuhrer Richard , Fania David , Frost Samuel J. , Loebbe Christian , Lauto Antonio
Published: January 2014

A range of chitosan–based biomaterials have recently been used to perform sutureless, laser‐activated tissue repair. Laser‐activation has the advantage of bonding to tissue through a non‐contact, aseptic mechanism. Chitosan adhesive films have also been shown to adhere to sheep intestine strongly without any chemical modification to chitosan. In this study, we continue to investigate chitosan adhesive films and explore the impact on the tissue repair strength and tensile strength characteristics of four types of adhesive film based on chitosan with different molecular weight and degree of deacetylation. Results showed that adhesives based on chitosan with medium molecular weight achieved the highest bonding strength, tensile strength and E‐modulus when compared to the other adhesives. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
It's in your blood: spectral biomarker candidates for urinary bladder cancer from automated FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Ollesch Julian , Heinze Margot , Heise H. Michael , Behrens Thomas , Brüning Thomas , Gerwert Klaus
Published: January 2014

Blood samples of urinary bladder cancer (UBC) patients and patients with urinary tract infection were analysed with advanced automated high throughput Fourier transform infrared (HT‐FTIR)‐spectroscopy. Thin dried film samples were robotically prepared on multi‐well titer plates (MTP) for absorbance measurements in transmission mode. Within the absorbance, 1st and 2nd derivative spectra of serum and two plasma preparations, discriminative patterns were identified and validated using bioinformatic tools. The optimal spectral resolution for data acquisition was determined. An accurate discrimination of the patient groups was achieved with three different independent spectral variable sets. The HT‐FTIR blood test may support future clinical diagnostics. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)