bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diterpene alcohol fraction of Cyperus rotundus Linn essential oil regulates Bcl-2 and Bax expression inducing apoptosis on HeLa in vitro and in silico
Authors: Susianti Susianti , Yanwirasti Yanwirasti , Darwin Eryati , Jamsari Jamsari , Setiawansyah Arif
Published: July 2024

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a crucial mechanism in preventing cancer growth, and one of the targets is reducing the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of fractions from nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) essential oil in inducing apoptosis and inhibiting the progression of cervical cancer. The researchers investigated the apoptosis-inducing activity of these fractions against the HeLa cervical cancer cell line using in vitro and in silico approaches. The cytotoxic effects were assessed through an MTT assay on HeLa cells cultured in 96-well plates. Additionally, flow cytometry with Annexin/PI staining was employed to analyze the induction of apoptosis by the fractions. The immunocytochemical staining of cells was also implemented to assess Bax and Bcl-2 expressions. The biologically active compound in fractions was screened using a molecular docking approach to Bcl-2 co-crystalized structure and their pharmacokinetics and toxicity profile were assessed. The cytotoxic activity differed significantly from each fraction. The highest cytotoxicity was observed in fraction 1 (IC50: 8.307 + 0.186 mcg/ml), and the lowest cytotoxicity was observed in fraction 4 (IC50:>500 mcg/ml). Fraction 1 decreased the Bcl-2 expression and increased the Bax expression. Molecular docking screening revealed that 5-(7a-isopropenyl-4,5-dimethyl-octahydro-inden-4-yl)-3-methyl-pent-2-en-1-ol was predicted as the main contributor to apoptosis-inducing activity of fraction 1. The supplementation of fraction 1 induces cell apoptosis on HeLa cells, indicating the potential of this fraction of nutsedge essential oil for developing an anti-cervical cancer agent.
Criminal policy and sanctions in the 2020s and onwards: Determinants of penal culture in Finland during the last 150 years
Authors: Lahti Raimo
Published: July 2024

This article provides a fragmentary overview of the developments of criminal law and criminal policy in Finland during the last 150 years. It reflects the author’s experiences as a criminal scientist and an expert in drafting criminal legislation over 50 years. This review uses the conclusions from Cesare Beccaria’s classic, centuries-old book as its starting point: a punishment may not be an act of violence, but should be public, immediate, necessary, as minimal as the case allows, proportional to the crime, and determined by law. The Finnish Penal Code of 1889 was originally thoroughly permeated by both the principles and the spirit of the classical school of penal law, wherein punishment was primarily regarded as retribution for an offence and the penal system was therefore tolerably harmonious with the demands of general deterrence. More weight was given to individual prevention when the Code was first drafted. Later on, the influence of the sociological school of penal law, which focused on the offender and individualized criminal sanctions, led to partial reforms of the penal system, such as the enactment of the Conditional Sentences Act of 1918, the Dangerous Recidivists Act of 1932, and the Young Offenders Act of 1940. The day fine system of 1921 and the fluctuations in the ideology regarding indeterminate penal sanctions are analyzed. The total reform of the Penal Code between 1972 and 2003 aimed to create a more rational penal system – one designed for efficient, just, and humane criminal justice. An ambitious attempt was made in as uniform and systematic a way as possible to assess the goals, interests, and values that the new Criminal Code should promote and protect. The existence of the criminal justice system was justified on utilitarian grounds. The structure and operation of a penal system, however, cannot be founded solely on the basis of utility; the criteria of justice and humaneness must also be applied. The penal system must be rational in regard to both its goals (utility) and its values (justice and humaneness). The developments since the 1990s have been characterized by the influence of human rights and basic rights on both criminal and procedural law, as well as by the effects of internationalizing and Europeanizing the criminal justice system. The latter tendencies have resulted in the diversification of criminal law.
The translation of humanity into prison design: How do the new, standardised “Model 2015” prison buildings meet normative demands in Norwegian crime policy?
Authors: Johnsen Berit , Bartoszko Aleksandra , Fransson Elisabeth , Pape Hilde , Giofrè Francesca
Published: July 2024

Prison architecture reflects the ideas and values of a penal policy, providing insights into punishment philosophies. In Norway, normalisation, resettlement and dynamic security norms have shaped correctional care. Based on a mixed method study, this article examines how these norms are translated into “Model 2015” prisons. Despite spaces for positive prisoner relationships, the design faces challenges in escaping pervasive systems of control and discipline. Architectural boundaries obstruct dynamic security and impede the staff’s involvement in resettlement. Inadequate facilities for prisoner progression and daytime activities further undermines these processes. While some architectural and technological initiatives aimed at normalising prison life have proved successful, they tend to normalise not only the prison environment, but also the prisoners. The study demonstrates architecture’s critical role in realising humane prison conditions and emphasises the need for humane design.
Theoretical framework for an analysis of the recent criminal law reforms in Poland
Authors: Utrat-Milecki Jarosław
Published: July 2024

In the article, I analyse certain aspects of recent criminal law reforms in Poland from the perspective of criminal punishment being a complex legal and social institution of a processual nature. It is intended to enable a critical examination of the punitiveness of the penal system, which can hardly be explained by its effectiveness or even by penal populism. In the study I use the following methods: historical legal, comparative legal, formal logical, dialectical, analytical, synthetical and inductive/deductive. The synthesis and triangulation of the methods follow the principles of culturally integrated social and legal studies (Królikowska, Utrat-Milecki 2010).
The Dealing with “dangerous” life-sentence inmates around the world and in Poland: Theoretical and practical problems
Authors: Niełaczna Maria
Published: July 2024

Perpetrators of murder sentenced to life imprisonment are usually considered dangerous because of the crime they committed. The prison administration classifies many of them as “dangerous” prisoners and places them under higher security, in line with “supermax prisons”. This is an interesting research topic since supermax conditions raise legitimate controversies, not only among researchers. The article presents an analysis of previous research on prisoners placed in supermaxes, the practice of dealing with dangerous prisoners in Poland and the results of research conducted on a group of 98 life-sentence prisoners classified as dangerous between 1995 and 2014.
Structural and dynamic changes in P-Rex1 upon activation by PIP3 and inhibition by IP4
Authors: Ravala Sandeep K , Adame-Garcia Sendi Rafael , Li Sheng , Chen Chun-Liang , Cianfrocco Michael A , Silvio Gutkind J , Cash Jennifer N , Tesmer John JG
Published: July 2024

PIP3-dependent Rac exchanger 1 (P-Rex1) is abundantly expressed in neutrophils and plays central roles in chemotaxis and cancer metastasis by serving as a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for Rac. The enzyme is synergistically activated by PIP3 and heterotrimeric Gβγ subunits, but mechanistic details remain poorly understood. While investigating the regulation of P-Rex1 by PIP3, we discovered that Ins(1,3,4,5)P4 (IP4) inhibits P-Rex1 activity and induces large decreases in backbone dynamics in diverse regions of the protein. Cryo-electron microscopy analysis of the P-Rex1·IP4 complex revealed a conformation wherein the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain occludes the active site of the Dbl homology (DH) domain. This configuration is stabilized by interactions between the first DEP domain (DEP1) and the DH domain and between the PH domain and a 4-helix bundle (4HB) subdomain that extends from the C-terminal domain of P-Rex1. Disruption of the DH–DEP1 interface in a DH/PH-DEP1 fragment enhanced activity and led to a more extended conformation in solution, whereas mutations that constrain the occluded conformation led to decreased GEF activity. Variants of full-length P-Rex1 in which the DH–DEP1 and PH–4HB interfaces were disturbed exhibited enhanced activity during chemokine-induced cell migration, confirming that the observed structure represents the autoinhibited state in living cells. Interactions with PIP3-containing liposomes led to disruption of these interfaces and increased dynamics protein-wide. Our results further suggest that inositol phosphates such as IP4 help to inhibit basal P-Rex1 activity in neutrophils, similar to their inhibitory effects on phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase.
HCGAN: hierarchical contrast generative adversarial network for unpaired sketch face synthesis
Authors: Du Kangning , Wang Zhen , Cao Lin , Guo Yanan , Tian Shu , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2024

Transforming optical facial images into sketches while preserving realism and facial features poses a significant challenge. The current methods that rely on paired training data are costly and resource-intensive. Furthermore, they often fail to capture the intricate features of faces, resulting in substandard sketch generation. To address these challenges, we propose the novel hierarchical contrast generative adversarial network (HCGAN). Firstly, HCGAN consists of a global sketch synthesis module that generates sketches with well-defined global features and a local sketch refinement module that enhances the ability to extract features in critical areas. Secondly, we introduce local refinement loss based on the local sketch refinement module, refining sketches at a granular level. Finally, we propose an association strategy called “warmup-epoch” and local consistency loss between the two modules to ensure HCGAN is effectively optimized. Evaluations of the CUFS and SKSF-A datasets demonstrate that our method produces high-quality sketches and outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods in terms of fidelity and realism. Compared to the current state-of-the-art methods, HCGAN reduces FID by 12.6941, 4.9124, and 9.0316 on three datasets of CUFS, respectively, and by 7.4679 on the SKSF-A dataset. Additionally, it obtained optimal scores for content fidelity (CF), global effects (GE), and local patterns (LP). The proposed HCGAN model provides a promising solution for realistic sketch synthesis under unpaired data training.
Drums and Colours: metateatralidad y re-escritura histórica
Authors: León Rosario
Published: July 2024

La obra del poeta y dramaturgo Derek Walcott, Drums and Colours (1958), pone en escena una serie de momentos históricos del Caribe, que son representados en el marco del carnaval, donde una banda decide revivir la historia de la región. Es esta banda la que abre el marco para narrar y actuar la historia del Caribe, desde una perspectiva propia, con un lenguaje propio y a través de elementos escénicos y estéticos pertenecientes a la tradición caribeña. En el siguiente artículo se analizará el significado de la incorporación de los elementos propios recién señalados a la hora de realizar una reapropiación de la historia del Caribe, analizando los mecanismos dramáticos y metateatrales que están en relación con los elementos incorporados desde la tradición del carnaval y el lugar central que ocupa en la obra el hito de la Revolución Haitiana. De esta manera, este artículo plantea que a través de una revisión crítica de la historia caribeña y del uso de recursos metateatrales, la obra se construye como una re-escritura y re-presentación de la Historia haciendo un llamado a la participación activa del pueblo en la escritura de una nueva etapa histórica en el contexto de la independencia.
Potential of Gridded Precipitation Estimate Products for Hydrological Modelling: The Case of Small Watersheds in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Kouakou Christopher J. , Kouakou Koffi E. , Tivoli Lou M. S. , Issombo Probe D.
Published: July 2024

Rainfall information measured on the ground is not sufficiently representative the watershed scale in Côte d'Ivoire due to a low density of the rain gauge network. Many watersheds are ungauged or present a high rate of missing data on flow record since 1990s. The use of gridded precipitation estimate products is an alternative to remedy this lack of information. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of CHIRPS, GPCC, MSWEP, PERSIANN-CDR, PERSIANN-CCS-CDR, TAMSAT, WFDE5-CRU, and WFDE5-CRU-GPCC precipitation estimates for hydrological modelling in Côte d'Ivoire over the period from 1984 to 2004. A continuous-based flow simulation was made for 14 small watersheds using GR4J lumped model. The methodology was based on a global analysis to identify the products that gave the best scores in both calibration and validation over the selected watersheds. KGE2 was the major metric considered along with NSE, VE, PBIAS, and ME. The performance of these gridded precipitation estimate products was then evaluated according to the different climatic zones of Côte d'Ivoire. The results showed that WFDE5-CRU-GPCC performed well in all climatic zones with KGE2 > 0.6 for at least the half watersheds for each climatic zone. CHIRPS and PERSIANN-CDR exhibited the best performance in the transitional tropical and mountainous zones (KGE2mean > 0,7), whereas WFDE5-CRU was good, mainly in the mountainous zone with KGE2 > 0,7 for 2 watersheds out of 3.
Enhancement of Drought Tolerance and Plant Growth in Tomato by Trichoderma harzianum Seed Treatment
Authors: Gaikwad Narayan , Verma Shikha
Published: July 2024

The proficiencies of soil microorganisms to drought tolerance have been known for many years, but their use as crop inoculants was not explored in agriculture commercially. One possibility to increase the drought tolerance is to use beneficial microorganisms as seed treatment. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Trichoderma harzianum on the growth and development of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant under water stress condition. Trichoderma harzianum is applied to the seeds by treating seeds with Trichoderma harzianum before sowing. Parameters including germination percentage, chlorophyll content, leaf area, number of leaves, plant height, root length, plant fresh and dry weight and yield were recorded in all the treatments along with the untreated control. Tomato seeds treated with Trichoderma harzianum had higher seed germination percentage and chlorophyll content 95.50%, (2.41%), 42.59 SAPAD units (13.83%) respectively than untreated seed. Maximum leaf area and number of leaves 11.71 cm² (19.40%), 190.75 (15.43%) respectively recorded in the plants of Trichoderma harzianum treated seeds in water stress condition as compared to untreated seeds. Under extreme water stress condition plant height and root length of tomato plant increased significantly 98.25 cm, (19.45%), 41.25 cm (42.24%) respectively in Trichoderma harzianum treated seeds as compare to untreated seed. Also, Trichoderma harzianum seed treatment in tomato showed a significantly higher plant fresh and dry weight 189.43 g (8.65%) and 31.98 g (47.57%) respectively in drought condition as compared to untreated seeds. Trichoderma harzianum seed treatment played critical role in drought condition by increasing yield 731.25 g/plant (27.62%) increase over untreated seeds. Taken together, the study recommends that in drought condition for enhanced tomato growth Trichoderma harzianum should be used as eco-friendly solutions by seed treatment.
Perception of Regarding Water Conservation Products and Identification of Problem Faced by Groundnut Farmers in Dhanera Taluka of Banaskantha District, Gujarat, India
Authors: Chaudhary Malabhai , Lad Yogeshkumar A.
Published: July 2024

Insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides are among the crop protection chemicals that are expected to drive the worldwide agrochemicals market, which is expected to reach USD 308.92 billion by 2025. Recent decades have seen a rise in agricultural activity in India as a result of the country's growing population and the need for more food supply. The Indian agrochemicals market was valued at around USD 6 billion in 2022. The study was conducted in Dhanera Taluka of Banas Kantha district, Gujarat, and examined five villages with 150 farmers, focusing on the groundnut crop, which has a significant need for insecticides and pesticides. The study aimed to achieve two objectives: to understand farmer perceptions regarding water conservation products, and to identify problems faced by groundnut farmers. The primary data was collected through semi-structured schedules, and secondary data was collected from different reliable sources.  The majority of respondents were involved in both agriculture and livestock farming and had annual earnings between 5 and 10 lakhs. They primarily farmed during both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Key problems faced by groundnut farmers included high input costs, pest and weed infestations, labor shortages, water scarcity, and Sclerotium wilt.
Reproduction and Follow-up of Embryonic Development of Achatina fulica
Authors: Abd Ahmed Hussein , Ghulam Israa Naser
Published: July 2024

Although Achatina fulica is hermaphrodite, the fertilization process in this type of snail occurs internally and in conjunction, and the mechanism of reproduction is to place the eggs in groups in a hole and then cover them with dirt. The stages of embryonic development from laying the eggs until the hatching process took ten days and after hatching. A small individual similar to the parents emerges. The criterion for embryonic development in this study focused on the noticeable increase in the size of the fetus with the progression of time or the age of the fetus during the egg incubation period.
In situ observations of density cavities extending above the auroral acceleration region
Authors: Alm L. , Marklund G. T. , Karlsson T.
Published: June 2014

The uppermost part of a stable potential structure in the auroral acceleration region was studied using simultaneous observations of Cluster satellites C1 and C3. Both satellites observe a monotonically decreasing electron density as they ascend through the auroral acceleration region. As C1 exits the top of the auroral acceleration region, the electron densities continue to decrease, and the minimum electron density is reached 14 km above the upper edge of the auroral acceleration region. The electron density does not return to noncavity values until the spacecraft exits the potential structure's flux tube. The data indicate that the auroral density cavity is not confined by the potential structure and may extend above the auroral acceleration region.
Mutagenesis: Site‐Specific
Authors: Walquist Mari , Kjeldsen Buvang Elisabeth , El‐Gewely M Raafat
Published: June 2014

Site‐specific mutagenesis techniques, also known as site‐directed mutagenesis (SDM), aim to introduce precise alterations in any coding or noncodingdeoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)sequence, usuallyin vitro. These modifications could be as small as a nucleotide or several hundreds; in one site or in multisite in the same DNA sequence. Recently, these alterations have been also developedin vivo. SDM success depends on how changes are introduced and mutant selection is done. DNA sequence analysis has to be made to verify change(s) before any biochemical or biological experiments are done. Recent methods for SDM and most used commercial kits are discussed. A list of companies offering SDM service is included. The authors have also listed software used for mutagenic oligonucleotide primer‐design. These techniques are revolutionising our understanding of the genetic and molecular mechanisms, protein structure–function relationship, protein–protein interaction, binding sites in any biological system. In addition to the academic benefits of SDM, SDM techniques have impacted biotechnology and the applied field such as engineering new enzymes, drug development, optimisation of heterologous gene expression and secretion.

Key Concepts:

All site‐specific alterations requiring site‐directed mutagenesis technique are done at the DNA level making it heritable modifications. Modifications done at the protein levels are not heritable.

The results of these alterations are reflected in the encoded amino acids sequence of the proteins or in any targeted binding site in the DNA sequence.

Several simplified Techniques are now available.

Selection of the altered DNA molecules from the pool of nonmodified parental molecules is essential.

DNA sequence to verify the DNA change is fundamental part of the technique.

Biological and biochemical ramifications as a result of SDM are usually the purpose that SDM is done in the first place.
AIDS
: Clinical Manifestations
Authors: Pinto Angie N , Kelleher Anthony D , Cooper David A
Published: June 2014

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects the host's immune system over time. As a result, HIV‐infected people can experience a wide range of clinical manifestations, especially if the infection is not treated with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). In advanced stages of the disease, patients eventually risk severe illnesses. More than 20 conditions, including opportunistic infections and malignancies, have been classified as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐defining illnesses. With the success of cART producing long‐term viral suppression and immune reconstitution, the major clinical complications of chronic infection now are serious non‐AIDS‐related events. This term refers to an increasing rate of cardiovascular, liver and renal diseases as well as neoplasms occurring in long‐term treated patients with longer life expectancies. However, there are still significant differences in access to and availability of antiretroviral therapy throughout the world which leads to contrasting patterns in the spectrum of AIDS‐defining illnesses in resource‐limited settings and developed countries.

Key Concepts:

AIDS arise from a compromised immune system and the resulting loss of host defences and immune surveillance mechanisms.

The spectrum of AIDS‐defining illnesses varies in developed and resource‐limited settings.

Pneumocystis jiroveci
pneumonia is the most common AIDS‐related illness in developed countries.

Tuberculosis is the most common AIDS‐related illness in developing countries.

Many AIDS‐related infections represent recrudescence of latent infection rather than
de novo
acquisition.

Antiretroviral therapy has had a significant impact on the spectrum of ADIs.

AIDS‐related malignancies occur at increased rates in chronically infected patients and these tend to have a viral associated aetiology.

Effective antiretroviral therapy has resulted in prolonged suppression of viral replication, sustained immune reconstitution and very substantial reductions in AIDS‐related morbidity and mortality.

Owing to increases in life expectancy resulting from effective antiretroviral therapy serious non‐AIDS‐related illnesses have become more important in clinical management.
Infochemical Webs and Tritrophic Interactions
Authors: Takabayashi Junji
Published: June 2014

Plant volatiles mediate tritrophic interactions between plants, herbivorous arthropods and the carnivorous natural enemies of herbivores in various ways. These volatiles are classified into two categories: herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) and constitutively emitted plant volatiles. Herbivores and carnivores use these plant volatiles as information for effective foraging. Consequently, infochemical webs based on the multifunctional aspects of HIPVs can be constructed. This article reviews the ecological function of plant volatiles in a single tritrophic system and the effects of the coupling of two tritrophic systems on the function of plant volatiles with emphasis on the infochemical webs in tritrophic systems. Furthermore, prospects for the application of HIPVs that attract specific natural enemies are discussed.

Key Concepts:

In response to herbivore‐induced damage, plants emit the so‐called ‘herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs)’ that are not naturally emitted from plants or in many cases emitted only in trace amounts.

The mixtures of HIPVs vary according to the type of plants: herbivores and carnivores.

Both HIPVs and constitutively emitted plant volatiles are separately and/or simultaneously used by both herbivores and carnivores to form infochemical webs.

Coupling the two tritrophic systems on the same plants affects the infochemical webs of each tritrophic system either positively or negatively.

HIPVs would be a new tool for biological control. This requires comprehensive studies on the target agroecosystem.
Organic Field Effect Transistors Based on Graphene and Hexagonal Boron Nitride Heterostructures
Authors: Kang Seok Ju , Lee Gwan‐Hyoung , Yu Young‐Jun , Zhao Yue , Kim Bumjung , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Hone James , Kim Philip , Nuckolls Colin
Published: June 2014

Enhancing the device performance of single crystal organic field effect transistors (OFETs) requires both optimized engineering of efficient injection of the carriers through the contact and improvement of the dielectric interface for reduction of traps and scattering centers. Since the accumulation and flow of charge carriers in operating organic FETs takes place in the first few layers of the semiconductor next to the dielectric, the mobility can be easily degraded by surface roughness, charge traps, and foreign molecules at the interface. Here, a novel structure for high‐performance rubrene OFETs is demonstrated that uses graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) as the contacting electrodes and gate dielectric layer, respectively. These hetero‐stacked OFETs are fabricated by lithography‐free dry‐transfer method that allows the transfer of graphene and hBN on top of an organic single crystal, forming atomically sharp interfaces and efficient charge carrier‐injection electrodes without damage or contamination. The resulting heterostructured OFETs exhibit both high mobility and low operating gate voltage, opening up new strategy to make high‐performance OFETs and great potential for flexible electronics.
Congenital abnormalities and hepatoblastoma: A report from the Children's Oncology Group (COG) and the Utah Population Database (UPDB)
Authors: Venkatramani Rajkumar , Spector Logan G. , Georgieff Michael , Tomlinson Gail , Krailo Mark , Malogolowkin Marcio , Kohlmann Wendy , Curtin Karen , Fonstad Rachel K. , Schiffman Joshua D.
Published: June 2014

Beckwith–Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are known to predispose to hepatoblastoma (HB). A case–control study was conducted through the Children's Oncology Group (COG) to study the association of HB with isolated congenital abnormalities. Cases (N = 383) were diagnosed between 2000 and 2008. Controls (N = 387) were recruited from state birth registries, frequency matched for sex, region, year of birth, and birth weight. Data on congenital abnormalities among subjects and covariates were obtained by maternal telephone interview. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) describing the association between congenital abnormalities with HB, adjusted for sex, birth weight, maternal age and maternal education, were calculated using unconditional logistic regression. There was a significant association of HB with kidney, bladder, or sex organ abnormalities (OR = 4.75; 95% CI: 1.74–13) which appeared to be specific to kidney/bladder defects (OR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.2–15.3) but not those of sex organs (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 0.37–4.1). Elevated but non‐significant ORs were found for spina bifida or other spinal defects (OR = 2.12; 95% CI: 0.39–11.7), large or multiple birthmarks (OR = 1.33; 95% CI: 0.81–2.21). The results were validated through the Utah Population Database (UPDB), a statewide population‐based registry linking birth certificates, medical records, and cancer diagnoses. In the UPDB, there were 29 cases and 290 population controls matched 10:1 on sex and birth year. Consistent with the COG findings, kidney/bladder defects were associated with hepatoblastoma. These results confirm the association of HB with kidney/bladder abnormalities. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrical, mechanical, and crystallization properties of ethylene‐tetrafluoroethylene copolymer/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Rui Yuan , Guo Jiaxi , Harwell Jeff , Nakanishi Tomoaki , Kotera Seigo , Grady Brian P.
Published: June 2014

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were melt‐mixed in a conical twin‐screw extruder with a random copolymer of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene. Surprisingly, the electrical percolation threshold of the resultant composites was quite low; ∼0.9 wt %. In fact, this value is as low or lower than the value for most MWCNT/semicrystalline polymer composites made with roughly equivalent aspect ratio tubes mixed in a similar manner, for example, melt mixing. This low percolation threshold, suggestive of good dispersion, occurred even though the polymer surface energy is quite low which should make tubes more difficult to disperse. Dynamic mechanical measurements confirmed the rather low percolation threshold. The effect of nanotubes on crystallization kinetics was quite small; suggesting perhaps that a lack of nucleation which in turn reduces/eliminates an insulating crystalline polymer layer around the nanotubes might explain the low percolation threshold. Finally, the modulus increased with the addition of nanotubes and the strain at break decreased. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41052.
Asymmetric Ozone Oxidation of Silylalkenes Using a C2‐Symmetrical Dialkoxysilyl Group as a Chiral Auxiliary
Authors: Igawa Kazunobu , Kawasaki Yuuya , Nishino Kosuke , Mitsuda Naoto , Tomooka Katsuhiko
Published: June 2014

Ozone oxidation of silyl‐substituted alkenes, namely silylalkenes, proceeds in an addition‐type manner to afford α‐silylperoxy carbonyl compounds in good to excellent yields, without the formation of normal ozonolysis products. Herein the ozone oxidation of chiral alkenylsilanes prepared from alkynes and a newly designed chiral hydrosilane is reported. The reaction affords silylperoxides with high diastereoselectivity (up to 94 % d.r.). The silylperoxides are convertible into enantioenriched chiral acyloins in a stereospecific manner.
Is Carbon Dioxide Able to Activate Halogen/Lithium Exchange?
Authors: Durka Krzysztof , Luliński Sergiusz , Dąbrowski Marek , Serwatowski Janusz
Published: June 2014

The unexpected effect of carbon dioxide on halogen–lithium exchange (HLE) reactions of selected haloarenes with tBuLi was investigated. In an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent (pentane), the HLE does not occur at ca. –70 °C but, surprisingly, pouring the mixture of reactants onto dry ice and subsequent aqueous acidic hydrolysis gave carboxylic acids resulting from the quench of the first‐formed aryllithiums with carbon dioxide. This suggests that CO2 acts as a promoter of the HLE and, subsequently, serves as an electrophile to trap the aryllithium intermediates that are generated in situ. Theoretical DFT calculations were used to develop a plausible mechanism for the reaction, which indicates that CO2 is a much weaker donor than tetrahydrofuran (THF) so the cleavage of inert tBuLi cubic tetramers into more reactive solvated dimeric species (tBuLi)2(CO2)4 is disfavored by 42.8 kJ per mol of (tBuLi)4. It is possible that this deaggregation process occurs to some extent when a large excess of CO2 is used.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed [3+2] Coupling of Indoles with Quinone Monoacetals or Quinone Imine Ketal
Authors: Shu Chang , Liao Li‐Hua , Liao Yi‐Jun , Hu Xiao‐Yan , Zhang Yong‐Hong , Yuan Wei‐Cheng , Zhang Xiao‐Mei
Published: June 2014

The one‐pot synthesis of benzofuroindolines and tetrahydroindolo[2,3‐b]indoles was accomplished through a mild and concise [3+2] coupling of indoles and quinone monoacetals or quinone imine ketal promoted by a Lewis acid. A wide variety of benzofuroindolines and tetrahydroindolo[2,3‐b]indoles were prepared in moderate to good yields.
Individual and mixture effects of caffeine and sulfamethoxazole on the daggerblade grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio following maternal exposure
Authors: Garcia Robin N. , Chung Katy W. , DeLorenzo Marie E. , Curran M. Carla
Published: June 2014

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) such as caffeine and sulfamethoxazole have been detected in the estuarine environment. The present study characterized effects of a maternal exposure of these compounds on the development of the daggerblade grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio from embryo to juvenile life stage. Ovigerous females were exposed to either caffeine (20 mg/L), sulfamethoxazole (60 mg/L), or a mixture of both (20 mg/L caffeine and 60 mg/L sulfamethoxazole). Embryos were then removed from the females and the effects of the PPCPs on hatching, metamorphosis, juvenile growth, and overall mortality were determined. No significant effect was observed on gravid female survival after 5 d of exposure to caffeine, sulfamethoxazole, or the mixture; however, development of the embryos on the female shrimp was delayed in the mixture. Caffeine and sulfamethoxazole in the mixture significantly reduced embryo survival. There was a significant effect of caffeine, sulfamethoxazole, and the mixture on embryo hatching time. Exposure to sulfamethoxazole alone significantly delayed larval metamorphosis. Exposure to caffeine and sulfamethoxazole separately led to significantly smaller length of juvenile shrimp. Maternal exposure to caffeine and sulfamethoxazole, individually and in mixture, resulted in negative effects on P. pugio offspring survival and development; however, the concentrations tested in the present study were well above maximum detected field concentrations. These results may be incorporated into PPCP risk assessments to protect sensitive estuarine ecosystems more effectively. Environ Toxicol Chem 2014; 33:2120–2125. © 2014 SETAC
Unemployment and Suicide Mortality: Evidence from Regional Panel Data in Europe
Authors: Breuer Christian
Published: June 2014

This paper addresses the influence of economic activity on suicide mortality in Europe. To this end, it employs a new panel data set of 275 regions in 29 countries over the period 1999–2010. The results suggest that unemployment does have a significantly positive influence on suicides. In line with economic theory, this influence varies among gender and age groups. Men of working age are particularly sensitive, while old‐age suicide mortality (older than 65 years old) hardly responds to unemployment. Moreover, real economic growth negatively affects the suicide rates of working‐age men. The results withstand several robustness checks, such as sample variations, and after controlling for serial and spatial autocorrelation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mobile Risks Demand C‐Suite Action!
Authors: Mooney J. Lowell , Parham Abbie Gail , Cairney Timothy D.
Published: June 2014

Despite the huge cyber risks, it is estimated that in 2014 some 80% of professionals will use at least two mobile devices to access corpo­rate systems and data. With so many apps making it easy and efficient to be mobile, more than half of all businesses now accept mobile devices as legitimate business tools. The authors argue that the explosion in mobile device use now requires a response from the C‐suite and corporate boards. It's not just an information technology (IT) issue anymore. But what must be done?
Convergent Billing: Risks to M&A
Authors: Bean LuAnn
Published: June 2014

Communications technologies and services are evolving at a rapid pace. This drives an exponential growth of data consumption. And convergent billing is playing an expanding role. It helps unify technology and supports the interconnectibility of technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) industries. However, without proper interconnect billing, serious financial losses may result for providing companies. What risks do these trends pose for merger and acquisition (M&A) deals in the TMT industries?
Big Data: Gaining a Competitive Edge
Authors: Worster Art , Weirich Thomas R. , Andera Frank
Published: June 2014

Big Data is now everywhere, and it can be used by businesses to improve. But the authors of this article say that the potential Big Data represents in day‐to‐day business operations is mostly misunderstood. They take a close look at the topic, including how Big Data can be used to help companies make better decisions. And they explain why gaining a competitive edge requires a change in the way we think about the business world around us.
Insights on Standard Setting for 2014
Authors: Weirich Thomas R. , Ciesielski Jack T.
Published: June 2014

Major accounting agencies and standard setters—the SEC, the PCAOB, the FASB, and the IASB—gathered at the AICPA/SEC/PCAOB's Current SEC & PCAOB Developments Conference in December 2013. What accounting and auditing concerns will they be focusing on during 2014? What pitfalls await accountants and auditors this year?
Interleukin‐1β‐immunoreactive neurons in the hippocampus and paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus after stress stimulation in aged versus adult rats
Authors: Badowska‐Szalewska Ewa , Ludkiewicz Beata , Spodnik Jan H. , Moryś Janusz
Published: June 2014

It is believed that the impact of stress on interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) depends on the ontogenetic age. This study examines the influence of acute or chronic exposure to forced‐swim (FS) stress or high‐light open‐field (HL‐OF) stimulation on the expression of IL‐1β. Double immunofluorescence staining was used to reveal the density of IL‐1β/NeuN (NeuN is a neuronal nuclear marker)‐immunoreactive (‐ir) cells in the hippocampal subfields CA1 and CA3, dentate gyrus (DG), and paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Adult postnatal day 90 (P90) and aged (P720) rats were used in this experiment. The data showed a significant increase in the density of IL‐1β/NeuN‐ir cells in the CA1, CA3, DG, and PVN in P720 nonstressed rats in relation to P90 control animals. Neither FS nor HL‐OF acute stimulation caused alteration in the density of IL‐1β‐ir neurons in any of the investigated structures in P90 and P720 rats in comparison with control groups. However, chronic FS caused a significant increase in CA3 and DG of P720 rats, and chronic HL‐OF led to a significant increase in the density of IL‐1β‐ir neurons in the PVN of P90 rats and in all hippocampal subfields of P720 animals. These results indicate that chronic HL‐OF stimulation is a factor that induces changes in the number of IL‐1β‐ir neurons in the PVN of adult rats, whereas both chronic FS and HL‐OF are aggravating factors for the hippocampus of aged (P720) animals. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of whey proteins in the colostrum and mature milk of yak (Bos grunniens)
Authors: Yang Yongxin , Zhao Xiaowei , Yu Shumin , Cao Suizhong
Published: June 2014

BACKGROUND

Yak (Bos grunniens) is an important natural resource in mountainous regions. To date, few studies have addressed the differences in the protein profiles of yak colostrum and milk. We used quantitative proteomics to compare the protein profiles of whey from yak colostrum and milk. Milk samples were collected from 21 yaks after calving (1 and 28 d). Whey protein profiles were generated through isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ)‐labelled proteomics.

RESULTS

We identified 183 proteins in milk whey; of these, the expression levels of 86 proteins differed significantly between the whey from colostrum and milk. Haemoglobin expression showed the greatest change; its levels were significantly higher in the whey from colostrum than in mature milk whey. Functional analysis revealed that many of the differentially expressed proteins were associated with biological regulation and response to stimuli. Further, eight differentially expressed proteins involved in the complement and coagulation cascade pathway were enriched in milk whey.

CONCLUSION

These findings add to the general understanding of the protein composition of yak milk, suggest potential functions of the differentially expressed proteins, and provide novel information on the role of colostral components in calf survival. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Use of tunable second‐harmonic signal from KNbO3 nanoneedles to find optimal wavelength for deep‐tissue imaging
Authors: Cai Fuhong , Yu Jiaxin , Qian Jun , Wang Ye , Chen Zhong , Huang Jingyun , Ye Zhizhen , He Sailing
Published: June 2014

Nonlinear optical (NLO) responses of perovskite‐type nanostructures have a variety of potential applications owing to the highly efficient frequency conversion guaranteed by both the material itself and the nanometer‐scale configuration. KNbO3 (KN) nanoneedles have been identified as a promising NLO material because of the superior broadband frequency conversion efficiency, and if incident light is propagating in a direction perpendicular to the axis of a nanoneedle, then the phase‐matching constraint can be relaxed. Here, the second‐harmonic generation (SHG) and third‐harmonic generation (THG) responses of both individual and clustered KN nanoneedles are reported. Based on these results, a novel method is proposed for determining the optimal excitation wavelength for NLO imaging of several biological samples, with KN nanoneedles acting as NLO agents. The method is shown to provide the optical features in the focal plane and a more reliable estimation of the optimal excitation wavelength for deep‐tissue imaging.
Synthesis and Photopolymerization of Thiol‐Modified Triazine‐Based Monomers and Oligomers for the Use in Thiol‐Ene‐Based Dental Composites
Authors: Reinelt Sebastian , Tabatabai Monir , Moszner Norbert , Fischer Urs Karl , Utterodt Andreas , Ritter Helmut
Published: June 2014

Thiol‐ene photopolymerizations combine the unique features of step‐growth reactions and photoinitiated polymerizations, so that they experience a growing interest for applications such as coatings or dental restoratives. Most studies have making use of a relatively flexible ester and the hydrolytically labile derivative pentaerythritoltetra(3‐mercaptopropionate) (PETMP) as the thiol component in common. In this study, the performance of hydrolytically stable 1,3,5‐tris(3‐mercaptopropyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐trione (4a), 1,3,5‐tris(2‐methyl‐3‐mercapto‐propyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐trione (4b), and oligomers thereof in thiol‐ene photopolymerizations is investigated. The oligomers are prepared via thiol‐Michael or thiol‐isocyanate additions by using 4a and suitable diacrylates or diisocyanates containing a rigid core structure. Compared with PETMP, the thiol derivative 4a shows better flexural strength and modulus of elasticity in thiol‐ene photopolymerizations with 1,3,5‐triallyl‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐trione (TATATO) as the‐ene derivative. This phenomenon becomes especially evident after storage in water at 37 °C for 24 h. Furthermore, the performance regarding the flexural strength, the Young's modulus of elasticity, the polymerization shrinkage stress of 4a, and the polyadducts thereof in dental filling composites is evaluated and discussed.

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What Determines Demographic Similarity Between Incumbent CEOs and Their Successors? A CEO Informal Power Perspective
Authors: Hutzschenreuter Thomas , Kleindienst Ingo , Greger Claas
Published: June 2014

As CEOs reach the end of their tenure, they attempt to influence the decision about who will replace them in order to safeguard what they have put in place. This prompts them to favor candidates who share similar demographic profiles whom they believe will carry on where they leave off. We suggest that as CEOs are not usually given the authority to name a successor, they make use of informal power to exert their influence. We test our hypotheses on a sample of 137 CEO successions in 67 German diversified companies between 1985 and 2007 and find strong support for our theoretical reasoning that the more informal power incumbent CEOs have, the greater the demographic similarity between them and their successors. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autoimmune thyroid disease following alemtuzumab therapy and hematopoietic cell transplantation in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Williams Kristen M. , Dietzen Danielle , Hassoun Abeer A. , Fennoy Ilene , Bhatia Monica
Published: June 2014

Allogenic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is currently the only curative treatment option for patients with sickle cell disease. Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody directed against CD52 positive cells used in myeloablative conditioning regimens for alloHCT. Its use has been associated with development of autoimmune disease in adult patients with rheumatologic conditions. We report on three cases of new onset autoimmune thyroid disease after alloHCT treatment with alemtuzumab in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:2307–2309. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laser‐fired contact for n‐type crystalline Si solar cells
Authors: He Jianbo , Hegedus Steven , Das Ujjwal , Shu Zhan , Bennett Murray , Zhang Lei , Birkmire Robert
Published: June 2014

Laser‐fired contacts to n‐type crystalline silicon were developed by investigating novel metal stacks containing Antimony (Sb). Lasing conditions and the structure of metals stacks were optimized for lowest contact resistance and minimum surface damage. Specific contact resistance for firing different metal stacks through either silicon nitride or p‐type amorphous silicon was determined using two different models and test structures. Specific contact resistance values of 2–7 mΩcm2 have been achieved. Recombination loss due to laser damage was consistent with an extracted local surface recombination velocity of ~20 000 cm/s, which is similar to values for laser‐fired base contact for p‐type crystalline silicon. Interdigitated back contact silicon heterojunction cells were fabricated with laser‐fired base contact and proof‐of‐concept efficiencies of 16.9% were achieved. This localized base contact technique will enable low cost back contact patterning and innovative designs for n‐type crystalline solar cell. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promoting effect of thiophenols on the ring‐opening polymerization of 1,3‐benzoxazine
Authors: William Kawaguchi Asei , Sudo Atsushi , Endo Takeshi
Published: June 2014

Thiophenol and p‐nitrothiophenol were evaluated as promoters for the ring opening polymerization of benzoxazine. The ring‐opening polymerization of p‐cresol type monofunctional N‐phenyl benzoxazine 1a with 10 mol % of thiophenols proceeded at 150 °C, leading to the high conversion of 1a more than 95% within 5 h, whereas the polymerization of 1a without thiophenols did not proceed under the same conditions. The promotion effect of the thiophenols on curing of bisphenol‐A type N‐phenyl benzoxazine 1b was also investigated. In the differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis of the polymerization of 1b at 150 °C without using any promoters, an exothermic peak attributable to the ring‐opening reaction of benzoxazine was observed after 8 h. In contrast, in the DSC analysis of the polymerization of 1b with addition 20 mol % of p‐nitrothiophenol, an exothermic peak was observed within 2 h, to clarify the significant promoting effect of p‐nitrothiophenol. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 2523–2527