bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational Stress and Emotional Intelligence among Greek Bank Employees
Authors: Belias Dimitrios , KOUSTELIOS ATHANASIOS , Koutiva Maria , Zournatzi Eleni
Published: February 2017

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the occupational stress experienced by bank employees in Greece and its connection with emotional intelligence and demographic factors. More specifically, the feeling of occupational stress and the level of emotional intelligence among Greek bank employees are investigated both separately and in correlation. In addition, it is investigated how demographic characteristics are likely to affect the feeling of occupational stress and the level of emotional intelligence of employees in bank institutions in Greece. In addition, the study investigates whether the individual dimensions of emotional intelligence are likely to predict the level of occupational stress experienced by Greek bank employees. The sample of the present study consisted of 192 employees of Greek banks and credit institutions. The instruments used for data collection were the Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al., 1983) (Cronbach’s α =0.85) and the Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test (Schuutte et al., 1998) (Chronbach’s α = 0.90). The Perceived Stress Scale consisted of 10 questions, six of which were formulated negatively and measured the level of stress experienced by the employees, while the rest four were formulated positively and measured the employees’ control of stress. The answers for the first six questions were given in a five-level likert scale: 0 = Never, 4 = Very often, while the remaining four in another five level-Likert scale: 0 = Very Often, 4 = Never. The Schutte Self Report Emotional Intelligence Test consisted of 33 questions measuring the level of the employees’ emotional intelligence. The responses were given in a five-level Likert scale: 0 = Never, 4 = Very often. The results of the study showed that occupational stress among Greek bank employees was likely to be affected by some demographic factors and partially predicted by some dimensions of emotional intelligence. However, further investigation should be carried out in the Greek population, so that the phenomenon of occupational stress is well studied and decreased.
Managing Intellectual Capital in Organizations
Authors: Jahanian Ramezan , Salehi Raheleh
Published: February 2017

Today, by considering the growth of knowledge and technology development of the economic world, the organizations are experiencing a new environment in which they are required to develop the skills and internal abilities and strengthen their knowledge and intellectual capitals from which they benefit for better performance in the world of business. .Knowledge and intellectual capital have been recognized as a constant strategy for obtaining and keeping competitive benefits of an organization. Managers should understand that what kind of abilities is necessary for keeping competitive beneficial.  Knowledge and intellectual capital are being changed into strategy tools for managing business organizations. In this article, we have tried to study stages of managing intellectual capitals.
Staff Training and Development Interventions and Teaching Performance: Application of Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Sarbeng Isaac Baafi
Published: February 2017

Staff training and development is an essential programme necessary for improving staff performance. The study sought to assess staff training and development programmes and performance of teaching staff at the various departments of the University of Cape Coast.  A cross-sectional survey of 193 Faculty members, selected through a simple sampling technique, was conducted to assess whether the trained faculty of UCC were performing their task up to expectation. The study revealed that although the training programmes are not perceived as fair enough, it has positively affected staff professional knowledge, intellectual planning, class attendance and assessment. The respondents also believe that there has been improvement in their instructional delivery due to the training programmes of UCC. It is therefore recommended for management of the University to provide equal opportunity for staff in terms of training through a quota system. The study further recommends for wide communication of the modalities for selection of faculty for further studies.
The Impact of Communication Skills Training on the Adjustment of Opiate Addicts
Authors: Jahedi Zeinab Sirous , Reyshahri Ali Pouladi
Published: February 2017

The present research was aimed to study the impact of communication skills training on the adjustment of opiate addicts. The research was quasi experimental. Statistical population consisted of all addicts in Tehran in 2014-15. Single-stage cluster sampling method was used in the present research so that one of the rehabilitation camps in West of Tehran was selected. Afterwards, 30 addicts were chosen as a sample size using simple random sampling method and were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. Data collection was carried out based on Bell Adjustment Questionnaire (1961). The reliability was investigated using Cronbach's alpha and the obtained value was equal to 0.84. Moreover, content validity was employed in order to measure the validity of the test which the questionnaire was approved by the relevant experts and scholars in this regard. Analysis of the obtained data was performed using SPSS software in two parts of descriptive and inferential (Covariance Analysis). Findings indicated that communication skills training leads to an increase in the level of adjustment of addicts in every five dimensions of social adjustment, family adjustment, emotional adjustment, physical adjustment and occupational adjustment.
Reliability and Precision of Sonography of the Lumbar Multifidus and Transversus Abdominis During Dynamic Activities
Authors: Gibbon Karl C. , Debuse Dorothee , Hibbs Angela , Caplan Nick
Published: February 2017

Objectives

To determine the intrarater reliability and precision of lumbar multifidus and transversus abdominis thickness measurements using freehand sonography in a range of static and dynamic conditions.

Methods

Fifteen asymptomatic participants performed a range of exercises while sonography was used to measure absolute muscle thickness and changes in muscle thickness from rest. Exercise conditions included the abdominal drawing‐in maneuver, active straight leg raise, contralateral arm lift, both unloaded and loaded, treadmill walking, and using the Functional Readaptive Exercise Device. Intraday and interday reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficients, and the standard error of measurement was used to assess measurement precision.

Results

Good to excellent reliability was achieved for absolute transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus thickness in all conditions. Measurement precision for absolute lumbar multifidus thickness was ≤2.8 mm for the unloaded contralateral arm lift, ≤1.8 mm for the loaded contralateral arm lift, ≤3.1 mm for treadmill walking, and ≤3.8 mm for the Functional Readaptive Exercise Device; for absolute transversus abdominis thickness, precision was ≤0.6 mm for the abdominal drawing‐in maneuver, ≤0.5 mm for the active straight leg raise, ≤0.7 mm for treadmill walking, and ≤0.5 mm for the Functional Readaptive Exercise Device. Good to excellent reliability was achieved for relative transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus thickness in all conditions. Measurement precision for relative lumbar multifidus thickness was ≤3.7% for the unloaded contralateral arm lift, ≤3.8% for the loaded contralateral arm lift, ≤6.3% for treadmill walking, and ≤7.6% for the Functional Readaptive Exercise Device; for relative transversus abdominis thickness, precision was ≤13.6% for the abdominal drawing‐in maneuver, ≤6.9% for the active straight leg raise, ≤11.1% for treadmill walking, and ≤7.2% for the Functional Readaptive Exercise Device.

Conclusions

Acceptable reliability and precision of measurement is achieved for absolute and relative measures of deep spinal muscle thickness using freehand sonography in relatively static and dynamic exercises.
A Noninvasive Sonographic Study of Multisite Atherosclerosis in an Elderly Chinese Population
Authors: Huang Manwei , Hippe Daniel S. , Huang Lingyun , Zhao Xihai , Luo Jianwen , Zeng Qingyu , Yuan Chun
Published: February 2017

Objectives

A sonographic study was conducted to determine the prevalence of atherosclerosis across multiple arterial beds in an elderly Chinese population and to examine relationships between detected atherosclerosis and traditional risk factors.

Methods

A total of 197 participants underwent sonography of the abdominal aorta and bilateral carotid, femoral, and lower limb arteries. Images were reviewed to determine the presence or absence of plaques in each artery. Plaque thickness was measured as the indicator of plaque burden. Plaque prevalence was estimated per site and correlated with age, sex, and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Plaque frequency and thickness were compared between different arterial beds.

Results

Of the 197 participants (54% female; age range, 58–86 years), 90% had plaques present in at least 1 artery, and 55% had plaques present in at least 4 arteries. The most common sites for plaques were the carotid arteries (80%), followed by the lower limb arteries (59%), femoral arteries (57%), and abdominal aorta (37%). Plaque prevalence in each arterial bed except the abdominal aorta was significantly associated with male participants (P < .05), increasing age (P < .003) and FRS (P < .04). Male participants were more likely to have carotid (P = .04), femoral (P = .045), and lower limb (P = .006) plaques than female participants, but there was no significant difference in aortic plaque prevalence between male and female participants (P = .9).

Conclusions

Plaque prevalence increased significantly in the carotid and peripheral arteries with increasing FRS. These findings should be considered for designing screening programs for stroke and heart attack prevention.
Removal of atmospheric ethanol by wet deposition
Authors: Felix J. David , Willey Joan D. , Thomas Rachel K. , Mullaugh Katherine M. , Avery G. Brooks , Kieber Robert J. , Mead Ralph N. , Helms John , Giubbina Fernanda F. , Campos M. Lucia A. M. , Cala John
Published: February 2017

The global wet deposition flux of ethanol is estimated to be 2.4 ± 1.6 Tg/yr with a conservative range of 0.2–4.6 Tg/yr based upon analyses of 219 wet deposition samples collected at 12 locations globally. This estimate calculated by using observed wet deposition ethanol concentrations is in agreement with previous models (1.4–5 Tg/yr) predicting the wet deposition sink using Henry's law coefficients and atmospheric ethanol concentrations. Wet deposition is estimated to remove between 6 and 17% of the total ethanol emitted to the atmosphere on an annual basis. The concentration of ethanol in marine rain (25 ± 6 nM) is an order of magnitude less than in the majority of terrestrial rains (345 ± 280 nM). Terrestrial rain samples collected in locations impacted by high local sources of biofuel usage and locations downwind from ethanol distilleries were an order of magnitude higher in ethanol concentration (3090 ± 448 nM) compared to rain collected in terrestrial locations not impacted by these sources. These results indicate that wet deposition of ethanol is heavily influenced by local sources. Results of this study are important because they suggest that as biofuel production and usage increase, the concentration of ethanol in the atmosphere will increase as well the wet deposition flux. Additional research constraining the sources, sinks, and atmospheric impacts of ethanol is necessary to better assist in the debate as whether or not to increase consumption of the alcohol as a biofuel.
Observed strengthening of interbasin exchange via the Indonesian seas due to rainfall intensification
Authors: Hu Shijian , Sprintall Janet
Published: February 2017

A proxy of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) transport, developed using in situ hydrographic measurements along with assimilations, shows a significant strengthening trend during the past decade. This trend is due to a freshening and subsequent increase in the halosteric component of the ITF transport associated with enhanced rainfall over the Maritime Continent over the same period. The strengthening of the ITF transport leads to a significant change in heat and freshwater exchange between the Pacific and Indian Oceans and contributes to the warming and freshening of the eastern Indian Ocean. The combined effect of the ITF transport of mass and freshwater along with tropical rainfall plays a very important role in the climate system.
Tattooing Dye as a Green Electrode Material for Lithium Batteries
Authors: Lee Joungphil , Park Moon Jeong
Published: February 2017

Lawsone (2‐hydroxy‐1,4‐naphthoquinone), a naturally derived red‐orange dye, is investigated as a promising cathode material for next‐generation lithium batteries. Lithium cells based on lawsone cathode display a high discharge capacity of 280 mA h g−1 (99% theoretical capacity), a high energy density of 664 W h kg−1, and long life of 1000 cycles at 0.5 C along with good rate performance up to 5 C. These results represent significant improvements from previously reported organic cathode materials, and surpass those of conventional lithium batteries based on LiCoO2 cathodes (140 mA h g−1 and 520 W h kg−1, respectively). Its success stems from the unique 2D planar packing of lawsone molecules, with maximized overlap of adjacent p orbitals for redox active sites. The result is the simultaneous enhancement of electrical and ionic conductivities that are an order of magnitude higher than those of other synthetic quinones. Given that lawsone is derived from the henna plant and has long been used as a dye for human hair and skin, this work may open a new chapter in the design of future green batteries.
Luminescence, Plasmonic, and Magnetic Properties of Doped Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Pradhan Narayan , Das Adhikari Samrat , Nag Angshuman , Sarma D. D.
Published: February 2017

Introducing a few atoms of impurities or dopants in semiconductor nanocrystals can drastically alter the existing properties or even introduce new properties. For example, mid‐gap states created by doping tremendously affect photocatalytic activities and surface controlled redox reactions, generate new emission centers, show thermometric optical switching, make FRET donors by enhancing the excited state lifetime, and also create localized surface plasmon resonance induced low energy absorption. In addition, researchers have more recently started focusing their attention on doped nanocrystals as an important and alternative material for solar energy conversion to meet the current demand for renewable energy. Moreover, the electrical and magnetic properties of the host are also strongly altered on doping. These beneficial dopant‐induced changes suggest that doped nanocrystals with proper selections of dopant–host pairs may be helpful for generating designer materials for a wide range of current technological needs. How properties relate to the doping of a variety of semiconductor nanocrystals are summarized in this Review.
Electrospinning of porous polylactic acid fibers during nonsolvent induced phase separation
Authors: Rezabeigi Ehsan , Sta Marwa , Swain Mitasha , McDonald Julia , Demarquette Nicole R. , Drew Robin A. L. , Wood‐Adams Paula M.
Published: February 2017

In this study, porous micron‐sized fibers of polylactic acid (PLA) are fabricated via electrospinning of PLA‐dichloromethane (DCM)‐hexane systems with no post treatment involved. Several compositions from the liquid‐liquid phase separated region of the phase diagram of this ternary system are selected and their electrospinnability are investigated throughout their phase separation process before gelation. We show that under constant processing and ambient parameters, there is a phase separation shelf time for each composition wherein the viscoelasticity of the systems is optimum to produce long, uniform porous fibers. For the first time, we investigate the effect of aging time during phase separation on the morphology of the electrospun fibers using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Based on our results, certain phase separated systems provide a range of viscosity allowing for the production of porous spherical micro beads or fibers via electrospraying and electrospinning, respectively. It is also shown that obtaining long, uniform fibers from electrospinning of highly phase separated systems, e.g., a gel, is not feasible due to the high degree of crystallinity of their polymer‐rich domains and the solid‐like yielding behavior. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44862.
Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐4 inhibits cell growth, migration and invasion, and downregulates COX‐2 expression in A549 lung cancer cells
Authors: Li Weiwen , Sun Debin , Lv Zhuqing , Wei Yueqiu , Zheng Liyun , Zeng Tingting , Zhao Jialu
Published: February 2017

Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP‐4) and cyclooxygenase2 (COX‐2) are associated with tumor inflammatory microenvironment which is involved in the progression of tumor. However, it is unclear that the roles of IGFBP‐4 in lung cancer and the effects of IGFBP‐4 on COX‐2 expression. In this study, we showed that IGFBP‐4 could decrease COX‐2 production in lung cancer A549 cells. IGFBP‐4 expression was significantly lower but COX‐2 expression was higher in lung cancer tissues compared to matched adjacent normal tissues. In addition, IGFBP‐4 could inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and suppress the phosphorylation of PI3 K/AKT, ERK, and CREB. These results indicate that IGFBP‐4 has potent antitumor effects in non‐small cell lung cancer cells.
Approximate Ultrametricity for Random Measures and Applications to Spin Glasses
Authors: Jagannath Aukosh
Published: February 2017

In this documentname, we introduce a notion called “approximate ultrametricity,” which encapsulates the phenomenology of a sequence of random probability measures having supports that behave like ultrametric spaces insofar as they decompose into nested balls. We provide a sufficient condition for a sequence of random probability measures on the unit ball of an infinite‐dimensional separable Hilbert space to admit such a decomposition, whose elements we call clusters. We also characterize the laws of the measures of the clusters by showing that they converge in law to the weights of a Ruelle probability cascade. These results apply to a large class of classical models in mean field spin glasses. We illustrate the notion of approximate ultrametricity by proving a conjecture of Talagrand regarding mixed p‐spin glasses that is known to imply a prediction of Dotsenko‐Franz‐Mézard. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of Protein O‐GlcNAcylation by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ma Junfeng , Hart Gerald W.
Published: February 2017

O‐linked β‐D‐N‐acetyl glucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) addition (O‐GlcNAcylation), a post‐translational modification of serine/threonine residues of proteins, is involved in diverse cellular metabolic and signaling pathways. Aberrant O‐GlcNAcylation underlies the initiation and progression of multiple chronic diseases including diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous methods have been developed for the analysis of protein O‐GlcNAcylation, but instead of discussing the classical biochemical techniques, this unit covers O‐GlcNAc characterization by combining several enrichment methods and mass spectrometry detection techniques [including collision‐induced dissociation (CID), higher energy collision dissociation (HCD), and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) mass spectrometry]. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Behavior is a major determinant of predation risk in zooplankton
Authors: Almeda Rodrigo , van Someren Gréve Hans , Kiørboe Thomas
Published: February 2017

Zooplankton exhibit different small‐scale motile behaviors related to feeding and mating activities. These different motile behaviors may result in different levels of predation risk, which may partially determine the structure of planktonic communities. Here, we experimentally determined predation mortality associated with (1) feeding activity (ambush feeders vs. feeding‐current vs. cruising feeders) and (2) mate‐finding behavior (males vs. females). The copepods Oithona nana, O. davisae (ambush feeders), Temora longicornis (feeding‐current feeder), and Centropages hamatus (cruising feeder) were used as prey for different predatory copepods. Copepods with “active” feeding behaviors (feeding‐current and cruising feeders) showed significantly higher mortality from predation (~2–8 times) than similarly sized copepods with low motility feeding behavior (ambush feeders). Copepod males, which have a more active motile behavior than females (mate‐seeking behavior), suffered a higher predation mortality than females in most of the experiments. However, the predation risk for mate‐searching behavior in copepods varied depending on feeding behavior with ambush feeders consistently having the greatest difference in predation mortality between genders (~4 times higher for males than for females). This gender‐specific predation pressure may partially explain field observations of female‐biased sex ratios in ambush feeding copepods (e.g., Oithonidae). Overall, our results demonstrate that small‐scale motile behavior is a key trait in zooplankton that significantly affects predation risk and therefore is a main determinant of distribution and composition of zooplankton communities in the ocean.
Leaf‐litter microbial communities in boreal streams linked to forest and wetland sources of dissolved organic carbon
Authors: Emilson Caroline E. , Kreutzweiser David P. , Gunn John M. , Mykytczuk Nadia C. S.
Published: February 2017

Leaf‐litter microbial activity is influenced by several stream characteristics that may be affected by alterations in watershed condition. However, there have been few studies and little direct evidence that leaf‐litter microbial communities are affected by disturbance‐induced watershed condition, particularly in boreal streams. To test this linkage, we compare the associations of stream physical–chemical characteristics with landscape features (e.g., percent wetlands, roads, riparian woody stem diversity), and leaf‐litter microbial activity and structure in streams across varying disturbance‐induced watershed conditions. Our findings suggest that the increased stream water conductivity associated with roads can have a negative impact on leaf‐litter microbial extracellular enzyme activity associated with a decrease in the abundance of Betaproteobacteria. Wetlands and forests in contrast are important providers of dissolved organic carbon that stimulates the microbial, and in particular fungal, cycling of energy and nutrients. We present a novel and in‐depth perspective of leaf‐litter microbial communities as a critical link to our understanding and management of the influences of watershed condition on aquatic ecosystems.
Synthesis and Investigation of Solar‐Cell Photosensitizers Having a Fluorazone Backbone
Authors: Mátravölgyi Béla , Hergert Tamás , Thurner Angelika , Varga Bálint , Sangiorgi Nicola , Bendoni Riccardo , Zani Lorenzo , Reginato Gianna , Calamante Massimo , Sinicropi Adalgisa , Sanson Alessandra , Faigl Ferenc , Mordini Alessandro
Published: February 2017

A synthetic sequence for the preparation of fully conjugated 2,7‐disubstituted fluorazone (9H‐pyrrolo[1,2‐‐a]indol‐9‐one) derivatives has been developed comprising an Elming–Clauson–Kaas‐type pyrrole formation, POCl3‐mediated ring closure, selective halogenation and elongation of the conjugated backbone through cross‐coupling reactions. As a proof of principle, this methodology was used to prepare for the first time two organic D–π–A dyes containing the fluorazone moiety. The new compounds display broad absorption bands in the visible‐light region when adsorbed on nanocrystalline TiO2 and electrochemical properties compatible with their employment as photosensitizers in dye‐sensitized solar cells. Small‐scale photovoltaic devices fabricated with the fluorazone dyes yielded power conversion efficiencies in the range of 2.1–2.4 %, which correspond to approximately 70 % of the efficiency obtained with the reference organic dye DF15 under the same conditions.
Tailored approach to oromandibular reconstruction in patients with compromised lower limb vessels
Authors: Barry Conor P. , Brown James , Hanlon Rebecca , Shaw Richard
Published: February 2017

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes for segmental reconstruction of the mandible between patients who underwent reconstruction with a fibula flap (group 1), and those with an alternative osseous free flap in which the fibula flap was unsuitable either for defect reasons (group 2) or in which the fibula flap could not safely be harvested because of compromised leg vessels (group 3).

Methods

One hundred fifty‐two patients who underwent osseous free flap reconstruction of a mandibular segmental defect between January 2008 and June 2014 were identified from operating records. Outcomes between groups was compared.

Results

The flap success rate was 97% and the late recipient‐site complication rate was 19%. There was no difference in flap success or complication rates between groups.

Conclusion

Bony reconstruction of the mandible can be achieved with no compromise in flap success even where preoperative vascular studies or the nature of the defect deem the fibula unsuitable. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 916–920, 2017
Similarity between the Usher Plug and the Repeating Domain of an Ice‐adhesin: Evolution via Surface Reshaping
Authors: Kessel Amit , Kolodny Rachel , Ben‐Tal Nir
Published: February 2017

The PapC usher and MpAFP ice‐adhesin feature Ig‐like domains, which are similar in shape and sequence but are engaged in very different functions. We explore how evolution reshaped the surfaces of these two domains to fit to their respective functions. In PapC, the Ig‐like domain forms a rigid plug that seals the translocation channel in the inactive state. Upon activation, it undergoes a hinge motion, as an intact domain, to allow passage and assembly of the pili that goes through the pore. In accordance with this function, our calculations show that its surface is, in essence, electrostatically neutral, to facilitate the interaction with the PapC pore, and that this feature is evolutionarily conserved among its close homologues. On the other hand, within the context of MpAFP, the Ig‐like domain is the main repeating unit, and our calculations show that its surface features a negative electrostatic potential of unusually high magnitude. The potential is balanced by bound Ca2+ ions. This is consistent with Ca2+‐dependent secretion of unfolded MpAFP across the double membrane of the bacterium, and folding outside, where Ca2+ concentration is high.
Roles of palmitoylation in axon growth, degeneration and regeneration
Authors: Holland Sabrina M. , Thomas Gareth M.
Published: February 2017

The protein‐lipid modification palmitoylation plays important roles in neurons, but most attention has focused on roles of this modification in the regulation of mature pre‐ and post‐synapses. However, exciting recent findings suggest that palmitoylation is also critical for both the growth and integrity of neuronal axons and plays previously unappreciated roles in conveying axonal anterograde and retrograde signals. Here we review these emerging roles for palmitoylation in the regulation of axons in health and disease. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphometry of the human clavicle and intramedullary canal: A 3D, geometry‐based quantification
Authors: Aira Jazmine R. , Simon Peter , Gutiérrez Sergio , Santoni Brandon G. , Frankle Mark A.
Published: February 2017

Midshaft clavicle fractures are a very common occurrence. The current treatment of choice involves internal fixation with superior or anterior clavicle plating, however their clinical success and particularly patient satisfaction are decreasing. The implementation of intramedullary devices is on the rise, but data describing the intramedullary canal parameters are lacking. The aim of this study is to quantify the geometry of the clavicle and its intramedullary canal, and to evaluate the effect of gender and anatomical side. This study used three‐dimensional image‐based models with novel and automated methods of standardization, normalization, and bone cross‐section evaluation. The data obtained in this study present intramedullary canal, and clavicle diameter and center deviation parameterized as a function of clavicle length as well as its radius of curvature and true length. Results showed that both right‐sided and female clavicles were shorter and thicker, but only females showed a statistically significant difference in size compared to males (p < 0.0001). The smallest clavicle and intramedullary canal diameters were seen at different clavicle lengths (45% and 52%), suggesting that the narrowest region of intramedullary canal cannot be appreciated based on external visualization of the clavicle alone. The narrowing of the intramedullary canal is of special interest because this is a potential limiting region for surgical planning and intramedullary device design. Furthermore, the location and value of maximum lateral curvature displacement is different in the intramedullary canal, implying there exists an eccentricity of the intramedullary canal center with respect to the clavicle center. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2191–2202, 2017.
Synthesis and swelling property of superabsorbent starch grafted with acrylic acid/2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid
Authors: Meng Yeqiao , Ye Lin
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

In order to develop starch‐based superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) with high water absorbency, both acrylic acid (AA) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) were graft copolymerized onto cassava starch, and St‐g‐AA‐AMPS SAP was successfully synthesized. The effect of AA/AMPS molar ratio on the structure and swelling property of SAP was investigated.

RESULTS

Introduction of AMPS units improved the storage modulus and crosslinking density of St‐g‐AA‐AMPS SAP, and was beneficial in forming a perfect network structure. With increasing AMPS content, the equilibrium swelling ratio and swelling rate constant (k) of the SAP first increased and then decreased, and the maximum swelling ratio reached 1200.0 and 90.0 g/g in distilled water and brine respectively, resulting from the high ionization constant and hydrophilic ability of AMPS, and improved tolerance to brine. By introducing AMPS units, the re‐swelling capability of SAP was improved, and more hydrogen bonds could form between molecules of water and SAP, leading to an increase in non‐freezing bound water and freezing bound water, and the water retention of SAP was enhanced.

CONCLUSION

Introduction of AMPS units improved the water absorption capacity, swelling rate, and water retention ability of St‐g‐AA‐AMPS SAP, presenting wide application potential in agriculture and horticulture of desert regions. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Natural losses in tuber weight during storage as a predictor of susceptibility to post‐wounding blackspot in advanced potato breeding materials
Authors: Grudzińska Magdalena , Barbaś Piotr
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

In potatoes, mechanical damage and the formation of black spots in the tuber flesh cause substantial economic losses and degradation of quality. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility of new potato genotypes (178 elite breeding lines) to blackspot damage after 7 months' storage at 5 and 8 °C, and to examine whether this susceptibility correlated with natural losses.

RESULTS

The lowest index of blackspot damage after harvest was found in genotypes from the mid‐late group of earliness and low‐susceptibility group, and after storage in genotypes from the early group of earliness and low‐susceptibility group. After storage at 5 °C tubers were characterized by a lower susceptibility to bruising compared with tubers stored at 8 °C. The storage temperature significantly affected the natural losses in advanced potato breeding materials after storage in the case of all earliness and susceptibility groups. The highest susceptibility to blackspot damage and natural losses occurred in potatoes stored at 8 °C (r = 0.85–0.91). Such a relationship was not observed in potatoes stored at 5 °C.

CONCLUSION

For potato tubers susceptible to the formation of after‐wounding blackspot, the natural losses arising as a result of storage at 8 °C can be used as a subjective method to evaluate the susceptibility of potatoes to the formation of black spots in the flesh. However, this observation needs further studies and stronger proof of this theory. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
ATP2A3 gene as an important player for resveratrol anticancer activity in breast cancer cells
Authors: Izquierdo‐Torres Eduardo , Rodríguez Gabriela , Meneses‐Morales Iván , Zarain‐Herzberg Angel
Published: February 2017

The Ca2+‐ATPases from the Sarco/endoplasmic reticulum (SERCA) are fundamental for maintaining intracellular [Ca2+] homeostasis by pumping Ca2+ into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells. SERCA enzymes are encoded by three different genes (ATP2A1‐3), whose expression occurs in a tissue and development stage‐specific manner. It has been reported alterations in the expression of SERCA2 and SERCA3 pumps in different types of cancer: oral, lung, colon, stomach, central nervous system, thyroid, breast, and prostate. Resveratrol (RSV), a phytoalexin produced by a wide variety of plants in response to stress situations can modulate cellular processes involved in all stages of carcinogenesis. In this work, we used breast cancer cell lines (MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231) to evaluate mRNA levels of ATP2A2 and ATP2A3 genes in response to RSV treatment. Our results demonstrate that RSV treatment induced the expression of ATP2A3 gene in both cell lines in a time and concentration‐dependent manner, while the expression of ATP2A2 gene remained unaffected. The RSV‐induced expression of SERCA3 in these breast cancer cell lines produced decreased cell viability, triggered apoptosis and changes in cytosolic Ca2+ levels, as well as changes in the capacity for Ca2+ release by the ER. These data suggest an important participation of SERCA3 genes in RSV‐mediated anti‐tumor effect in breast cancer cell lines. Nevertheless, further research is needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this effect.
Treatment and outcome of neuroblastoma with intraspinal extension: A systematic review
Authors: Kraal Kathelijne , Blom Thomas , van Noesel Max , Kremer Leontien , Caron Huib , Tytgat Godelieve , van der Pal Heleen
Published: February 2017

We performed a systematic review to define the long‐term health problems and optimal treatment strategy for patients with neuroblastoma with intraspinal extension. Of 685 identified studies, 28 were included in this review. The burden of long‐term health problems is high; a median of 50% of patients suffered from neurological motor deficit, 34% from sphincter dysfunction, and 30% from spinal deformity. The currently available literature remains suboptimal as a guide for treatment of NBL with intraspinal extension. More well‐designed, prospective studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment strategy.
Surfactant administration via a thin endotracheal catheter during spontaneous breathing in preterm infants
Authors: Wu Wanliang , Shi Yan , Li Fengxia , Wen Zhuoyu , Liu Hongli
Published: February 2017

To systematically review the clinical outcomes of surfactant administration via a thin endotracheal catheter during spontaneous breathing compared with conventional administration involving tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation (MV), and tracheal extubation, in preterm infants. PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched to identify relevant clinical trials. Data were analyzed using the Cochrane Collaboration methods. Primary outcome measures included the incidence of MV and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Finally, four RCTs, two prospective cohort trials, and six historical controlled trials involving 5,261 preterm infants were analyzed. In RCTs, surfactant administration though a thin catheter reduced the incidence of MV (risk ratio [RR]: 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66, 0.81) in 72 hr and BPD (RR: 0.69, 95%CI: 0.50, 0.97) compared with conventional administration and in non‐RCTs, there was also significant reduction in the incidence of MV (RR: 0.55, 95%CI: 0.45, 0.68) and BPD (RR: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.60, 0.82) in favor of the thin catheter group. There were no significant differences between the two procedures in terms of short‐term pulmonary complications, intracranial pathology, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and mortality. Thus, surfactant administration via a thin endotracheal catheter to preterm infants has promising benefits, including reducing the incidences of MV and BPD, while providing comparable breathing support to conventional administration in MV. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017; 52:844–854. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular design and synthesis of novel peptides from amphibians skin acting as inhibitors of cholinesterase enzymes
Authors: Siano Alvaro , Garibotto Francisco F. , Andujar Sebastian A. , Baldoni Hector A. , Tonarelli Georgina G. , Enriz Ricardo D.
Published: February 2017

Cholinesterases are a family of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of neurotransmitter acetylcholine. There are two types of cholinesterases, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), which differ in their distribution in the body. Currently, cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) represent the treatment of choice for Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this paper, we report the synthesis and inhibitory effect on both enzymes of four new peptides structurally related to P1‐Hp‐1971 (amphibian skin peptide found in our previous work. Sequence: TKPTLLGLPLGAGPAAGPGKR‐NH2). The bioassay data and cytotoxicity test show that some of the compounds possess a significant AChE and BChE inhibition and no toxic effect. The present work demonstrates that diminution of the size of the original peptide could potentially result in new compounds with significant cholinesterase inhibition activity, although it appears that there is an optimal size for the sequence. We also conducted an exhaustive molecular modeling study to better understand the mechanism of action of these compounds by combining docking techniques with molecular dynamics simulations on BChE. This is the first report about amphibian peptides and the second one of natural peptides with ChE inhibitory activity. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cobalt Phosphide Modified Titanium Oxide Nanophotocatalysts with Significantly Enhanced Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution from Water Splitting
Authors: Yue Xinzheng , Yi Shasha , Wang Runwei , Zhang Zongtao , Qiu Shilun
Published: February 2017

Production of hydrogen from photocatalytic water splitting holds promise as an alternative energy source with superiority of cleanliness, environment friendliness, low price, and sustainability. Perfectly constructing the noble‐metal‐free and stable hybrid structure photocatalyst is quite essential; herein, for the first time the authors aim to use cobalt phosphide as the cocatalyst on titanium oxide to form a novel hybrid structure to enhance the utilization of the photoexcited electrons in redox reactions for improved photocatalytic H2 evolution activity. Thus, the achieved significantly increased photocatalytic H2‐evolution rate on the optimized CoP/TiO2 (8350 µmol h−1 g−1) is 11 times higher than that of the pristine TiO2. Moreover, this work is expected to spur more insight into synthesizing such novel photofunctional systems, achieving high photocatalytic H2 evolution activity and sufficient stability for solar‐to‐chemical conversion and utilization.
Electrocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to fuels: a review on the interaction between CO2 and the liquid electrolyte
Authors: Sharma Pranav P. , Zhou Xiao‐Dong
Published: February 2017

The electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide using renewable energy resources can potentially accomplish the carbon‐neutral energy cycle while synthesizing fuels simultaneously. CO2 electrocatalysis typically requires the presence of protons in a liquid electrolyte, which acts as a possible cocatalyst for CO2 conversion to fuels. However, the following fundamental questions remain: (1) How does the interaction between CO2 and liquid electrolyte influence CO2 electrocatalysis? (2) How does the selectivity toward products from CO2 reduction depend upon the choice of electrolyte? In this review article, we emphasize on the interaction between CO2 and the liquid electrolyte, in order to find answers to these questions. Specifically, the nature of interactions along with the structures of solvated molecules for CO2 in water, organic solvents and ionic liquids are discussed. Finally, relevant questions are proposed which need to be studied carefully in order to gain a deeper understanding of CO2 electrocatalysis. WIREs Energy Environ 2017, 6:e239. doi: 10.1002/wene.239

This article is categorized under:

Fuel Cells and Hydrogen > Climate and Environment
Reduced production of diacetyl by overexpressing BDH2 gene and ILV5 gene in yeast of the lager brewers with one ILV2 allelic gene deleted
Authors: Shi Ting-Ting , Li Ping , Chen Shi-Jia , Chen Ye-Fu , Guo Xue-Wu , Xiao Dong-Guang
Published: February 2017

Diacetyl causes an unwanted buttery off-flavor in lager beer. The production of diacetyl is reduced by modifying the metabolic pathway of yeast in the beer fermentation process. In this study, BDH2 and ILV5 genes, coding diacetyl reductase and acetohydroxy acid reductoisomerase, respectively, were expressed using a PGK1 promoter in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which deleted one ILV2 allelic gene. Diacetyl contents and fermentation performances were examined and compared. Results showed that the diacetyl content in beer was remarkably reduced by 16.52% in QI2-KP (one ILV2 allelic gene deleted), 55.65% in QI2-B2Y (overexpressed BDH2 gene and one ILV2 allelic gene deleted), and 69.13% in QI2-I5Y (overexpressed ILV5 gene and one ILV2 allelic gene deleted) compared with the host strain S2. The fermentation ability of mutant strains was similar to that of S2. Results of the present study can lead to further advances in this technology and its broad application in scientific investigations and industrial beer production.
Study of CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer cells (CD16+, CD56+) in children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: El-Rashedi Farida Hussein , El-Hawy Mahmoud Ahmed , Helwa Mohamed Ahmed , Abd-Allah Sameh Said
Published: February 2017

Objective/background:

To assess the percentage of CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer cells (CD16+, CD56+) in children with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) at presentation and study their impact on disease chronicity.

Methods:

This case-control study was conducted at the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Unit, Menoufia University Hospital (tertiary care center in Egypt). The study was held on 30 children presenting with ITP; they were followed-up and classified into two groups: 15 children with acute ITP; and 15 children with chronic ITP. Patients were compared to a group of 15 healthy children of matched age and sex. Measurements of CD4+, CD8+, and natural killer cells (CD16+, CD56+) by flow cytometry were assessed and compared in these groups.

Results:

CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ were significantly lower in acute and chronic patients than the control group (p <0.05 and p <0.001, respectively), with no significant difference between acute and chronic patients (p > 0.05). However, CD8+ was significantly higher in acute and chronic patients than the control group (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between acute and chronic patients (p > 0.05). Natural killer cell percent was significantly lower in acute patients than the control group (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between chronic and control groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

ITP is associated with immunity dysfunction denoted by the increase in cytotoxic T lymphocytes and the decrease in natural killer cells.
Meilleures constantes dans le théorème d’inclusion de Sobolev
Authors: Hebey Emmanuel , Vaugon Michel
Published: February 2017

In 1976, Aubin stated the following conjecture: for any compact riemannian manifold of dimension

N≥ 3

, the best constant corresponding to the imbedding of

H_1

in

L^{2N/(N−2)}

is attained. We prove that the conjecture is true.

En 1976, Aubin énonçait la conjecture suivante : pour toute variété riemannienne compacte de dimension

N≥ 3

, la meilleure constante de l’inclusion de

H_1

dans

L^{2N/(N−2)}

est atteinte. On montre que la conjecture est vraie.
On subsemigroups of semisimple Lie groups
Authors: Kupka I.A.K. , El Assoudi R. , Gauthier J.P.
Published: February 2017

In this paper, we consider a real connected semisimple Lie group

G

and ask whether or not a subset

S

of

G

generates

G

as a semigroup. We deal with the special case where

S

is infinitesimally generated, i.e.,

S =\{\mathrm{exp}\,t X|X \in \Sigma, t \in \mathbb{R}_+\}

for some subset

\Sigma

of

L

, the Lie algebra of

G

. In the case where

\Sigma

is a symmetric subset of

L

(i.e.,

\Sigma = −\Sigma

), this is equivalent to the fact that

S

generates

G

as a group. It is also known, by an old result of Kuranishi, that

S

generates

G

as soon as

\Sigma

is a symmetric subset of

L

of the form

{\pm X, \pm Y}

for generic pairs

(X, Y)

in

L \times L

. In the case where

\Sigma = {X, Y}

, almost nothing is known, except in the compact case where Kuranishi’s result still holds. We deal with the intermediate case where

\Sigma = {X, \pm Y}

. This case is specially important in control theory, where such sets

\Sigma

apear naturally through control systems of the “classical control-affine form

\dot{x} = X(x) + u Y(x)

”.

A theorem is proven, which is the final form of several results in a series of papers of all of the authors. This theorem improves on all these results.

Dans cet article, on considère un groupe de Lie réel connexe semi-simple

G

et on se demande quand est-ce qu’une partie

S

de

G

engendre

G

en tant que semigroupe. On s’intéresse au cas particulier où

S

est infinitésimalement engendré, i.e.,

S =

{

\mathrm{exp}\,t X|X \in \Sigma, t \in \mathbb{R}_+

}, par une partie

\Sigma

de

L

, l’algèbre de Lie de

G

. Dans le cas οù

\Sigma

est une partie symétrique de

L

(i.e.,

\Sigma = −\Sigma

) ceci est équivalent au fait que

S

engendre

G

comme un groupe. On sait, par un résultat de Kuranishi, que

S

engendre

G

dès que

\Sigma

est une partie symétrique de la forme

{\pm X, \pm Y}

pour une paire générique dans

L \times L

. Dans le cas οù

\Sigma = {X, Y}

, on ne sait presque rien sauf dans le cas compact où le résultat de Kuranishi est toujours vrai. On s’intéresse au cas intermédiaire où

\Sigma = {X, \pm Y}

. Ce cas est particulièrement important dans la théorie du contrôle (systèmes affines classiques du type

\dot{x} = X(x) + u Y(x)

.

Un théorème est démontré. Il est la forme finale de certains résultats d’une série d’articles des auteurs. Ce théorème implique tous les résultats précédents.