bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonprofit Hospitals’ Approach to Community Health Needs Assessment
Authors: Pennel Cara L. , McLeroy Kenneth R. , Burdine James N. , Matarrita-Cascante David
Published: January 2015

Objectives. We sought a better understanding of how nonprofit hospitals are fulfilling the community health needs assessment (CHNA) provision of the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to conduct CHNAs and develop CHNA and implementation strategies reports.

Methods. Through an Internet search of an estimated 179 nonprofit hospitals in Texas conducted between December 1, 2013, and January 5, 2014, we identified and reviewed 95 CHNA and implementation strategies reports. We evaluated and scored reports with specific criteria. We analyzed hospital-related and other report characteristics to understand relationships with report quality.

Results. There was wide-ranging diversity in CHNA approaches and report quality. Consultant-led CHNA processes and collaboration with local health departments were associated with higher-quality reports.

Conclusions. At the time of this study, the Internal Revenue Service had not yet issued the final regulations for the CHNA requirement. This provides an opportunity to strengthen the CHNA guidance for the final regulations, clarify the purpose of the assessment and planning process and reports, and better align assessment and planning activities through a public health framework.
HIV Prevalence and Awareness of Positive Serostatus Among Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women in Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Zea Maria Cecilia , Reisen Carol A. , María del Río-González Ana , Bianchi Fernanda T. , Ramirez-Valles Jesus , Poppen Paul J.
Published: January 2015

Objectives. We estimated HIV prevalence among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women in Bogotá, Colombia, and explored differences between HIV-positive individuals who are aware and unaware of their serostatus.

Methods. In this cross-sectional 2011 study, we used respondent-driven sampling (RDS) to recruit 1000 MSM and transgender women, who completed a computerized questionnaire and received an HIV test.

Results. The RDS-adjusted prevalence was 12.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8.7, 15.8), comparable to a previous RDS-derived estimate. Among HIV-positive participants, 39.7% (95% CI = 25.0, 54.8) were aware of their serostatus and 60.3% (95% CI = 45.2, 75.5) were unaware before this study. HIV-positive–unaware individuals were more likely to report inadequate insurance coverage, exchange sex (i.e., sexual intercourse in exchange for money, goods, or services), and substance use than other participants. HIV-positive–aware participants were least likely to have had condomless anal intercourse in the previous 3 months. Regardless of awareness, HIV-positive participants reported more violence and forced relocation experiences than HIV-negative participants.

Conclusions. There is an urgent need to increase HIV detection among MSM and transgender women in Bogotá. HIV-positive–unaware group characteristics suggest an important role for structural, social, and individual interventions.
Program Fidelity Measures Associated With an Effective Child Restraint Program: Buckle-Up Safely
Authors: Hunter Kate , Keay Lisa , Simpson Judy M. , Brown Julie , Bilston Lynne E. , Fegan Maureen , Cosgrove Louise , Stevenson Mark , Ivers Rebecca Q.
Published: January 2015

Objectives. We sought to identify the program fidelity factors associated with successful implementation of the Buckle-Up Safely program, targeting correct use of age-appropriate child car restraints.

Methods. In 2010, we conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial of 830 families with children attending preschools and long day care centers in South West Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Families received the Buckle-Up Safely program in the intervention arm of the study (13 services). Independent observers assessed the type of restraint and whether it was used correctly.

Results. This detailed process evaluation showed that the multifaceted program was implemented with high fidelity. Program protocols were adhered to and messaging was consistently delivered. Results from multilevel and logistic regression analyses show that age-appropriate restraint use was associated with attendance at a parent information session hosted at the center (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 3.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.61, 8.29) and adversely affected by the child being aged 2 to 3 years (AOR = 0.14; 95% CI = 0.07, 0.30) or being from a family with more than 2 children (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.17, 0.67).

Conclusions. Findings highlight the importance of parents receiving hands-on education regarding the proper use of age-appropriate child restraints.
Migrants in Transit: The Importance of Monitoring HIV Risk Among Migrant Flows at the Mexico–US Border
Authors: Martinez-Donate Ana P. , Hovell Melbourne F. , Rangel Maria Gudelia , Zhang Xiao , Sipan Carol L. , Magis-Rodriguez Carlos , Gonzalez-Fagoaga J. Eduardo
Published: January 2015

We conducted a probability-based survey of migrant flows traveling across the Mexico–US border, and we estimated HIV infection rates, risk behaviors, and contextual factors for migrants representing 5 distinct migration phases. Our results suggest that the influence of migration is not uniform across genders or risk factors. By considering the predeparture, transit, and interception phases of the migration process, our findings complement previous studies on HIV among Mexican migrants conducted at the destination and return phases. Monitoring HIV risk among this vulnerable transnational population is critical for better understanding patterns of risk at different points of the migration process and for informing the development of protection policies and programs.
Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics modeling of TiO2/R134a nanorefrigerant
Authors: Arslan Kamil
Published: January 2015

In this study, numerical investigations were carried out for R134a based TiO2
nanorefrigerants. Forced laminar flow and heat transfer of nanorefrigerants
in a horizontal smooth circular cross-sectioned duct were investigated under
steady-state condition. The nanorefrigerants consist of TiO2 nanoparticles
suspended in R134a as a base fluid with four particle volume fractions of
0.8, 2.0 and 4.0%. Numerical studies were performed under laminar flow
conditions where Reynolds numbers range from 8?102 to 2.2?103. Flow is
flowing in the duct with hydrodynamically and thermally developing
(simultaneously developing flow) condition. The uniform surface heat flux
with uniform peripheral wall heat flux (H2) boundary condition was applied on
the duct wall. Commercial CFD software, Ansys Fluent 14.5, was used to carry
out the numerical study. Effect of nanoparticle volume fraction on the
average convective heat transfer coefficient and average Darcy friction
factor were analyzed. It is obtained in this study that increasing
nanoparticle volume fraction of nanorefrigerant increases the convective heat
transfer in the duct; however, increasing nanoparticle volume fraction does
not influence the pressure drop in the duct. The velocity and temperature
distribution in the duct for different Reynolds numbers and nanoparticle
volume fractions were presented.
Relationship between Neumann solutions for two-phase Lamé-Clapeyron-Stefan problems with convective and temperature boundary conditions
Authors: Tarzia Domingo
Published: January 2015

We obtain for the two-phase Lam?-Clapeyron-Stefan problem for a semi-infinite
material an equivalence between the temperature and convective boundary
conditions at the fixed face in the case that an inequality for the
convective transfer coefficient is satisfied. Moreover, an inequality for
the coefficient which characterizes the solid-liquid interface of the
classical Neumann solution is also obtained. This inequality must be
satisfied for data of any phase-change material, and as a consequence the
result given in Tarzia, Quart. Appl. Math., 39 (1981), 491-497 is also
recovered when a heat flux condition was imposed at the fixed face.
Influence of radiative heat and mass transfer mechanism in system “water droplet-high-temperature gases” on integral characteristics of liquid evaporation
Authors: Glushkov Dmitrii , Kuznetsov Genii , Strizhak Pavel
Published: January 2015

Physical and mathematical (system of differential equations in private
derivatives) models of heat and mass transfer were developed to investigate
the evaporation processes of water droplets and emulsions on its base moving
in high-temperature (more than 1000 K) gas flow. The model takes into account
a conductive and radiative heat transfer in water droplet and also a
convective, conductive and radiative heat exchange with high-temperature gas
area. Water vapors characteristic temperature and concentration in small
wall-adjacent area and trace of the droplet, numerical values of evaporation
velocities at different surface temperature, the characteristic time of
complete droplet evaporation were determined. Experiments for confidence
estimation of calculated integral characteristics of processes under
investigation - mass liquid evaporation velocities were conducted with use of
cross-correlation recording video equipment. Their satisfactory fit
(deviations of experimental and theoretical velocities were less than 15%)
was obtained. The influence of radiative heat and mass transfer mechanism on
characteristics of endothermal phase transformations in a wide temperature
variation range was established by comparison of obtained results of
numerical simulation with known theoretical data for ?diffusion? mechanisms
of water droplets and other liquids evaporation in gas.
Impact of daily variation of solar radiation on photovoltaic plants economy at the open market: A case study "Bavaniste" (Serbia)
Authors: Babic Iva , Djurisic Zeljko
Published: January 2015

The main purpose of this paper is to propose a correlation index between average time diagram of Photovoltaic Power Plant production and a typical diagram of the price of electrical energy at the open market. The basic idea is to define correlation index, which is of key importance for assessing the economy of a Photovoltaic Power Plant under open market conditions. This index may be useful for investors during evaluation of economic parameters of a Photovoltaic Power Plant project which will one part of its lifetime operate at the open market. In this paper, a case study for the project Bavaniste - Serbia is been presented. The estimated value of correlation index shows that each of the produced MWh at prospective Photovoltaic Power Plant Bavaniste will realize a price at The Germain Electricity Market - EEX, which is on average 20.8% higher than the average annual price of an MWh. By taking example of the prospective Photovoltaic Power Plant located in Bavaniste in Serbia, the proposed methodology has been used to show that the average MWh of electrical energy produced by a Photovoltaic Power Plant at the open market, can be over 20% better valued compare to Wind Power Plant in the same region.
Electricity from nanoparticles on a nanomembrane
Authors: Zhang Shu-Min , Liu Peng , Yin Yan-Hua , Wang Xiao-Ying , Tang Wei , Chen Rou-Xi , He Ji-Huan
Published: January 2015

It was reported that electronic current can be produced on a nanofiber
membrane during filtration of salt water. This paper argues that
nanoparticles on a nanomembrane can also produce electronic current.
Social constructions of the concept of child art
Authors: Maravic Manojlo
Published: January 2015

This text is a theoretical paper based on the method of critical discourse
analysis of child art. The paper is aimed at presenting the genesis of this
concept in order to reexamine the hitherto approaches and to support the
thesis that children?s art is a cultural construct by using the arguments
based on a socio-cultural research platform. The defining of this concept
will be critically reviewed and the conditions and procedures for proclaiming
children?s drawing as art will be pointed out. Once childhood started to be
observed as an important separate period of human life in pedagogy and
psychology, there consequentially appeared the notions of the uniqueness of
children?s drawings, children?s artistic development and child art as a
separate category, which is at the same rung of the evolutionary ladder as
the art of the ?primitive? peoples. The discourse on the child as an artist
was formed in the fields of psychology, theory of art and artistic practice
and started to spread in the 20th century. With the development of
psychoanalysis it obtained its ideological connotations. Teachers,
pedagogues, psychologists and artists construct a set of narratives and
theories about child art that reflect humanistic values of free
self-expression. The above-mentioned theories still serve as the basis for
the development of school practice of art education in the contemporary
education systems. Therefore, it is important to offer to art pedagogues the
new theoretical approaches that re-examine the hitherto modernist ideas on
children?s drawings in order to change their attitude towards practice.
Parental stress in children’s adaptation to kindergarten: Sources and intensity of stress
Authors: Damjanovic Dajana , Mihic Ivana , Jestrovic Jovana
Published: January 2015

The transition to kindergarten is a part of family life cycle and an expected
developmental change that can induce stress and as such requires family
adjustment. In this paper we deal with the types and sources of parental
stress when a child enters the kindergarten and during the period of his/her
adaptation. In the first phase of the study we conducted three focus group
discussions, in which 20 parents participated. The second phase was designed
for the questionnaire survey, in which the sample consisted of 163 parents.
The data suggest that in parents? experience the most frequent are stressful
events related to the child?s reactions and changes in the child?s acquired
habits. With less frequency parents reported about stress related to their
own emotional reactions and changes in the family functioning. When compared,
no significant differences were found between the fathers and mothers in
terms of the frequency of the reported stress. Generally, parents estimate
that stressful experience associated with children?s adaptation to
kindergarten does not induce highly intense stress. Additionally, we found
that mothers perceive the children?s period of adaptation to kindergarten
significantly more stressful than fathers. Research findings can be important
for future investigations about the effects of parental stress in the period
of children?s adaptation to kindergarten on optimal family functioning, and
for the practical implications for working with these families.
The main challenges in teacher education for diversity
Authors: Vranjesevic Jelena
Published: January 2015

This paper explores the main challenges in teacher education for diversity:
the dominant regimes of truth in society that reinforce existing
stereotypes/prejudices, the gap between pre-service and in-service teacher
education and professional development, the fragmentation of teacher
education system, the competences of teacher educators and lack of research
and research-based practice when it comes to education for diversity. The
paper discusses the impacts of these challenges on teacher professional role
as well as the support needed to overcome some of them. The changes need to
be made in two domains: the teacher education curriculum that should reflect
the idea of teachers as autonomous professionals who initiate and create
their own practice, and the education system that needs to support and
encourage the autonomy and initiative of teachers and in which teachers could
be visible as active participants/leaders in the process of change.
The competence-based didactic approach in initial vocational education
Authors: Skubic-Ermenc Klara , Mazgon Jasna , Stefanc Damijan
Published: January 2015

This article examines a didactic and curricular model that was developed to
support the implementation of a competence-based approach, today prevailing
in the European (initial) vocational education and training (VET). It starts
by presenting contemporary developments in the Slovenian VET, and then
continues with a study of some of the underlying pedagogical concepts
influencing the contemporary educational practice. The concept of competence,
as it relates to the Slovenian VET, is discussed, and the new didactic model
is presented in terms of its conceptualisation, realisation and evaluation.
The model is built around the concepts of the competence- based didactic
unit, and has been produced to help teachers support students in developing
the ability to integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes, so that they are
able to solve complex and unpredictable professional tasks and challenges.
The article concludes with a discussion on the methodological limitations of
the evaluation, and its transferability to other contexts.
Impact of Design and Construction on Quality, Consistency, and Safety of Traffic Control Plans
Authors: Gambatese John , Johnson Michael
Published: January 2015

State departments of transportation (DOTs) develop traffic control plans (TCPs) as part of construction projects. TCPs communicate required traffic control measures to the construction team and help ensure safe travel through construction work zones and a safe environment for construction workers. TCP quality can vary from project to project as a result of many factors, including the process by which the TCP is designed, reviewed, implemented, and inspected; the features and layout of the TCP and roadway; and the communication of the TCP to the constructor. This paper presents a research study conducted to understand how to improve work zone safety performance by improving the TCP design and implementation processes, identifying the TCP and roadway attributes that made TCP implementation challenging, and identifying factors that affected TCP quality and consistency. A sample of 39 construction projects of varying types and sizes was studied with a mixed methods research approach that included a survey of 12 key personnel on each project, a quantitative evaluation of each project's TCP, analysis of project crash data, and an on-site evaluation of the work zone. TCP quality and consistency and worker and motorist safety were found to be higher on projects for which constructability reviews and design peer reviews had been conducted and on projects on which the contractor super intendent and TCP designer had more years of experience and had undergone specialized TCP training. The TCP features found to increase TCP complexity to the greatest extent were multiple traffic control stages, multilane closures, and dense temporary signage.
Photometric Evaluation of Steady-Burn Warning Lights in Work Zones
Authors: Theiss LuAnn , Miles Jeffrey D. , Ullman Gerald L. , Maxwell Stefanie D.
Published: January 2015

This report documents the efforts and results of several photometric evaluations performed by researchers at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute to assess the performance of steady-burn warning lights in temporary traffic control devices used to delineate the correct travel path in work zones. The research included an assessment of the potential incremental increase in luminance (and benefit of that increase to drivers) during vulnerable driving conditions. These conditions included periods of heavy fog, periods when dirt and grime had accumulated on the channelizing device, and misalignment of warning lights. The researchers found that fog adversely affected the apparent luminance (and thus the visibility distance) of both retroreflective sheeting and warning lights. However, retroreflective sheeting was still likely to be visible at distances needed for purposes of path guidance and delineation, and the use of warning lights was unlikely to provide much additional value to motorists. The researchers also found that the accumulation of dirt and grime on the retroreflective sheeting of drums in Florida work zones did have an impact on device luminance. Although the use of warning lights did increase the overall luminance of channelizing drums, a greater increase in luminance was noted when the drums were clean. Finally, misalignment of lights significantly reduced their photometric value.
Antagonistic potential of rhizosphere fungi against leaf spot and fruit rot pathogens of brinjal
Authors: Aktar MT , Hossain KS , Bashar MA
Published: January 2015

Antagonistic potentials of seven rhizoshere soil fungi viz., Aspergillus flavus Link., A. fumigatus Fresen., A. niger Tiegh., A. terreus Thom., Penicillium sp., Trichoderma harzianum Refat. and T. viride Pers. were tested in opposition to six pathogenic fungi viz., Colletotrichum sp., Curvularia lunata, Fusarium moniliforme, F. oxysporum, F. semitectum and Phomopsis sp. isolated from different leaf spots and fruit rots of brinjal. Out of seven soil fungi, Trichoderma harzianum was found most effective to control the growth of all the test fungi in the study of colony interactions and effects of volatile and non-volatile metabolites. This fungus may be exploited commercially to biocontrol the diseases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjb.v43i2.21675 Bangladesh J. Bot. 43(2): 213-217, 2014 (September)
Ab-Initio Calculations of Level Energies, Oscillator Strengths and Radiative Rates for E1 Transitions in Beryllium-Like Iron
Authors: El-Maaref Ahmed , Schippers Stefan , Müller Alfred
Published: January 2015

In the present work, energy levels, oscillator strengths, radiative rates and wavelengths of Be-like iron (Fe\(^{22+}\)) from ab-initio calculations using the multiconfiguration Dirac-Hartree-Fock method are presented. These quantities have been calculated for a set of configurations in the general form \(1s^2\,nl\,n'l'\) where \(n=2,3\) and \(\,n'=2,3,4,5\) and \(l=s,p,d\) and \(\,l'=s, p, d, f, g\). In addition, excitations of up to four electrons, including core-electron excitations, have been considered to improve the quality of the wave functions. This study comprises an extensive set of E1 transition rates between states with different \(J\). The present results are compared with the available experimental and theoretical data.
Could A Deletion in Neuraminidase Stalk Strengthen Human Tropism of the Novel Avian Influenza Virus H7N9 in China, 2013?
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhu Feng , Xiong Chenglong , Zhang Zhijie , Jiang Lufang , Chen Yue , Zhao Genming , Jiang Qingwu
Published: January 2015

Objective. A novel avian influenza A virus (AIV) H7N9 subtype which emerged in China in 2013 caused worldwide concern. Deletion of amino-acids 69 to 73 in the neuraminidase stalk was its most notable characteristic. This study is aimed to discuss the tropism and virulence effects of this deletion. Methods: Neuraminidase gene sequences of N9 subtype were collected from NCBI and GISAID. MEGA6.0, Stata12.0, and UCSF Chimera were employed for sequence aligning, significance testing, and protein tertiary structure homology modeling. Results: A total of 736 sequences were obtained; there were 81 human isolates of the novel AIV H7N9, of which 79 had the deletion. Among all the 654 avian origin sequences, only 43 had the deletion (p < 0.001). Tertiary structure displayed that the deletion obviously changed the spatial direction of neuraminidase. Conclusions: The deletion in neuraminidase stalk could have strengthened human tropism of the novel AIV H7N9, as well as its virulence.
Ethanol and Acetic Acid Production from Carbon Monoxide in a Clostridium Strain in Batch and Continuous Gas-Fed Bioreactors
Authors: Abubackar Haris , Veiga María , Kennes Christian
Published: January 2015

The effect of different sources of nitrogen as well as their concentrations on the bioconversion of carbon monoxide to metabolic products such as acetic acid and ethanol by Clostridium autoethanogenum was studied. In a first set of assays, under batch conditions, either NH4Cl, trypticase soy broth or yeast extract (YE) were used as sources of nitrogen. The use of YE was found statistically significant (p < 0.05) on the product spectrum in such batch assays. In another set of experiments, three bioreactors were operated with continuous CO supply, in order to estimate the effect of running conditions on products and biomass formation. The bioreactors were operated under different conditions, i.e., EXP1 (pH = 5.75, YE 1g/L), EXP2 (pH = 4.75, YE 1 g/L) and EXP3 (pH = 5.75, YE 0.2 g/L). When compared to EXP2 and EXP3, it was found that EXP1 yielded the maximum biomass accumulation (302.4 mg/L) and products concentrations, i.e., acetic acid (2147.1 mg/L) and ethanol (352.6 mg/L). This can be attributed to the fact that the higher pH and higher YE concentration used in EXP1 stimulated cell growth and did, consequently, also enhance metabolite production. However, when ethanol is the desired end-product, as a biofuel, the lower pH used in EXP2 was more favourable for solventogenesis and yielded the highest ethanol/acetic acid ratio, reaching a value of 0.54.
Transport Accessibility Analysis Using GIS: Assessing Sustainable Transport in London
Authors: Ford Alistair , Barr Stuart , Dawson Richard , James Philip
Published: January 2015

Transport accessibility is an important driver of urban growth and key to the sustainable development of cities. This paper presents a simple GIS-based tool developed to allow the rapid analysis of accessibility by different transport modes. Designed to be flexible and use publicly-available data, this tool (built in ArcGIS) uses generalized cost to measure transport costs across networks including monetary and distance components. The utility of the tool is demonstrated on London, UK, showing the differing patterns of accessibility across the city by different modes. It is shown that these patterns can be examined spatially, by accessibility to particular destinations (e.g., employment locations), or as a global measure across a whole city system. A number of future infrastructure scenarios are tested, examining the potential for increasing the use of low-carbon forms of transport. It is shown that private car journeys are still the least cost mode choice in London, but that infrastructure investments can play a part in reducing the cost of more sustainable transport options.
Unravelling Genes and Pathways Implicated in Working Memory of Schizophrenia in Han Chinese
Authors: Ren Hongyan , Zhang Chengcheng , Huang Chaohua , Li Na , Li Mingli , Li Yinfei , Deng Wei , Ma Xiaohong , Xiang Bo , Wang Qiang , Li Tao
Published: January 2015

Working memory deficit is the core neurocognitive disorder in schizophrenia patients. To identify the factors underlying working memory deficit in schizophrenia patients and to explore the implication of possible genes in the working memory using genome-wide association study (GWAS) of schizophrenia, computerized delay-matching-to-sample (DMS) and whole genome genotyping data were obtained from 100 first-episode, treatment-naïve patients with schizophrenia and 140 healthy controls from the Mental Health Centre of the West China Hospital, Sichuan University. A composite score, delay-matching-to-sample total correct numbers (DMS-TC), was found to be significantly different between the patients and control. On associating quantitative DMS-TC with interactive variables of groups × genotype, one SNP (rs1411832), located downstream of YWHAZP5 in chromosome 10, was found to be associated with the working memory deficit in schizophrenia patients with lowest p-value (p = 2.02 × 10−7). ConsensusPathDB identified that genes with SNPs for which p values below the threshold of 5 × 10−5 were significantly enriched in GO:0007155 (cell adhesion, p < 0.001). This study indicates that working memory, as an endophenotype of schizophrenia, could improve the efficacy of GWAS in schizophrenia. However, further study is required to replicate the results from our study.
Molecular Characterization of a New Wheat-Thinopyrum intermedium Translocation Line with Resistance to Powdery Mildew and Stripe Rust
Authors: Zhan Haixian , Zhang Xiaojun , Li Guangrong , Pan Zhihui , Hu Jin , Li Xin , Qiao Linyi , Jia Juqing , Guo Huijuan , Chang Zhijian , Yang Zujun
Published: January 2015

A new wheat-Thinopyrum translocation line CH13-21 was selected from the progenies derived from a cross between wheat-Th. intermedium partial amphiploid TAI7047 and wheat line Mianyang11. CH13-21 was characterized by using genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), multicolor-GISH (mc-GISH), multicolor-fluorescence in situ hybridization (mc-FISH) and chromosome-specific molecular markers. When inoculated with stripe rust and powdery mildew isolates, CH13-21 displayed novel resistance to powdery mildew and stripe rust which inherited from its Thinopyrum parent. The chromosomal counting analyses indicated that CH13-21 has 42 chromosomes, with normal bivalent pairing at metaphase I of meiosis. GISH probed by Th. intermedium genomic DNA showed that CH13-21 contained a pair of wheat-Th. intermedium translocated chromosomes. Sequential mc-FISH analyses probed by pSc119.2 and pAs1 clearly revealed that chromosome arm 6BS of CH13-21 was replaced by Thinopyrum chromatin in the translocation chromosome. The molecular markers analysis further confirmed that the introduced Th. intermedium chromatin in CH13-21 belonged to the long arm of homoeologous group 6 chromosome. Therefore, CH13-21 was a new T6BS.6Ai#1L compensating Robertsonian translocation line. It concludes that CH13-21 is a new genetic resource for wheat breeding programs providing novel variation for disease resistances.
Identification and Analysis of Differentially-Expressed microRNAs in Japanese Encephalitis Virus-Infected PK-15 Cells with Deep Sequencing
Authors: Cai Yuhan , Zhu Ling , Zhou Yuanchen , Liu Xiao , Liu Xiaowan , Li Xinqiong , Lang Qiaoli , Qiao Xiaogai , Xu Zhiwen
Published: January 2015

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), a mosquito-borne Flavivirus, causes acute viral encephalitis with high morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that are important modulators of the intricate host-pathogen interaction networks. However, our knowledge of the changes that occur in miRNAs in host cells after JEV infection is still limited. To understand the molecular pathogenesis of JEV at the level of posttranscriptional regulation, we used Illumina deep sequencing to sequence two small RNA libraries prepared from PK-15 cells before and after JEV infection. We identified 522 and 427 miRNAs in the infected and uninfected cells, respectively. Overall, 132 miRNAs were expressed significantly differently after challenge with JEV: 78 were upregulated and 54 downregulated. The sequencing results for selected miRNAs were confirmed with RT-qPCR. GO analysis of the host target genes revealed that these dysregulated miRNAs are involved in complex cellular pathways, including the metabolic pathway, inflammatory response and immune response. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the comparative expression of miRNAs in PK-15 cells after JEV infection. Our findings will underpin further studies of miRNAs’ roles in JEV replication and identify potential candidates for antiviral therapies against JEV.
Mechanical and Anticorrosive Properties of Graphene/Epoxy Resin Composites Coating Prepared by in-Situ Method
Authors: Zhang Zhiyi , Zhang Wenhui , Li Diansen , Sun Youyi , Wang Zhuo , Hou Chunling , Chen Lu , Cao Yang , Liu Yaqing
Published: January 2015

The graphene nanosheets-based epoxy resin coating (0, 0.1, 0.4 and 0.7 wt %) was prepared by a situ-synthesis method. The effect of polyvinylpyrrolidone/reduced graphene oxide (PVP-rGO) on mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy resin coating was investigated using nanoindentation technique and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. A significant enhancement (ca. 213% and 73 °C) in the Young modulus and thermal stability of epoxy resin coating was obtained at a loading of 0.7 wt %, respectively. Furthermore, the erosion resistance of graphene nanosheets-based epoxy resin coating was investigated by electrochemical measurement. The results showed also that the Rrcco (ca. 0.3 mm/year) of graphene nanosheets-based epoxy resin coating was far lower than neat epoxy resin (1.3 mm/year). Thus, this approach provides a novel route for improving erosion resistance and mechanical-thermal stability of polymers coating, which is expected to be used in mechanical-thermal-corrosion coupling environments.
Sorption Isotherm of Southern Yellow Pine—High Density Polyethylene Composites
Authors: Liu Feihong , Han Guangping , Cheng Wanli , Wu Qinglin
Published: January 2015

Temperature and relative humidity (RH) are two major external factors, which affect equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of wood-plastic composites (WPCs). In this study, the effect of different durability treatments on sorption and desorption isotherms of southern yellow pine (SYP)-high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was investigated. All samples were equilibriumed at 20 °C and various RHs including 16%, 33%, 45%, 66%, 75%, 85%, 93%, and100%. EMCs obtained from desorption and absorption for different WPC samples were compared with Nelson’s sorption isotherm model predictions using the same temperature and humidity conditions. The results indicated that the amount of moisture absorbed increased with the increases in RH at 20 °C. All samples showed sorption hysteresis at a fixed RH. Small difference between EMC data of WPC samples containing different amount of ultraviolet (UV) stabilizers were observed. Similar results were observed among the samples containing different amount of zinc borate (ZB). The experimental data of EMCs at various RHs fit to the Nelson’s sorption isotherm model well. The Nelson’s model can be used to predicate EMCs of WPCs under different RH environmental conditions.
Marine Structure Derived Calcium Phosphate–Polymer Biocomposites for Local Antibiotic Delivery
Authors: Macha Innocent , Cazalbou Sophie , Ben-Nissan Besim , Harvey Kate , Milthorpe Bruce
Published: January 2015

Hydrothermally converted coralline hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles loaded with medically active substances were used to develop polylactic acid (PLA) thin film composites for slow drug delivery systems. The effects of HAp particles within PLA matrix on the gentamicin (GM) release and release kinetics were studied. The gentamicin release kinetics seemed to follow Power law Korsmeyer Peppas model with mainly diffusional process with a number of different drug transport mechanisms. Statistical analysis shows very significant difference on the release of gentamicin between GM containing PLA (PLAGM) and GM containing HAp microspheres within PLA matrix (PLAHApGM) devices, which PLAHApGM displays lower release rates. The use of HAp particles improved drug stabilization and higher drug encapsulation efficiency of the carrier. HAp is also the source of Ca2+ for the regeneration and repair of diseased bone tissue. The release profiles, exhibited a steady state release rate with significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (SH1000) even at high concentration of bacteria. The devices also indicated significant ability to control the growth of bacterial even after four weeks of drug release. Clinical release profiles can be easily tuned from drug-HAp physicochemical interactions and degradation kinetics of polymer matrix. The developed systems could be applied to prevent microbial adhesion to medical implant surfaces and to treat infections mainly caused by S. aureus in surgery.
Effects of Lipid Composition and Solution Conditions on the Mechanical Properties of Membrane Vesicles
Authors: Kato Nobuhiko , Ishijima Akihiko , Inaba Takehiko , Nomura Fumimasa , Takeda Shuichi , Takiguchi Kingo
Published: January 2015

The mechanical properties of cell-sized giant unilamellar liposomes were studied by manipulating polystyrene beads encapsulated within the liposomes using double-beam laser tweezers. Mechanical forces were applied to the liposomes from within by moving the beads away from each other, which caused the liposomes to elongate. Subsequently, a tubular membrane projection was generated in the tip at either end of the liposome, or the bead moved out from the laser trap. The force required for liposome transformation reached maximum strength just before formation of the projection or the moving out of the bead. By employing this manipulation system, we investigated the effects of membrane lipid compositions and environment solutions on the mechanical properties. With increasing content of acidic phospholipids, such as phosphatidylglycerol or phosphatidic acid, a larger strength of force was required for the liposome transformation. Liposomes prepared with a synthetic dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine, which has uniform hydrocarbon chains, were transformed easily compared with liposomes prepared using natural phosphatidylcholine. Surprisingly, bovine serum albumin or fetuin (soluble proteins that do not bind to membranes) decreased liposomal membrane rigidity, whereas the same concentration of sucrose showed no particular effect. These results show that the mechanical properties of liposomes depend on their lipid composition and environment.
Hybrids of Salicylalkylamides and Mannich Bases: Control of the Amide Conformation by Hydrogen Bonding in Solution and in the Solid State
Authors: Dank Christian , Kirchknopf Barbara , Mastalir Matthias , Kählig Hanspeter , Felsinger Susanne , Roller Alexander , Arion Vladimir , Gstach Hubert
Published: January 2015

3-Aminomethylation of salicylalkylamides afforded hybrids with a Mannich base. In addition, it triggered the rotation of the amide bond. The observed conformational switch is driven by strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the Mannich base and phenolic group. Crystal structure analysis reveals the stabilization of the hybrid molecules by double hydrogen bonding of the phenolic OH, which acts as an acceptor and donor simultaneously. The molecules contain an amide site and a Mannich base site in an orthogonal spatial arrangement. The intramolecular hydrogen bonds are persistent in a nonpolar solvent (e.g., chloroform). The conformational change can be reversed upon protection or protonation of the Mannich base nitrogen.
Molecules Best Paper Award 2015
Authors: McPhee Derek
Published: January 2015

Molecules instituted some years ago a “Best Paper” award to recognize the most outstanding papers in the area of organic synthesis, natural products, medicinal chemistry and molecular diversity published each year in Molecules. We are pleased to announce the third “Molecules Best Paper Award” for 2015. The winners were chosen by the Editor-in-Chief and selected editorial board members from among all the papers published in 2011. Reviews and research papers were evaluated separately. We are pleased to announce that the following eight papers have won the Molecules Best Paper Award for 2015:[...]
Maltol, a Food Flavoring Agent, Attenuates Acute Alcohol-Induced Oxidative Damage in Mice
Authors: Han Ye , Xu Qi , Hu Jiang-ning , Han Xin-yue , Li Wei , Zhao Li-chun
Published: January 2015

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of maltol, a food-flavoring agent, on alcohol-induced acute oxidative damage in mice. Maltol used in this study was isolated from red ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A Meyer) and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry. For hepatoprotective activity in vivo, pretreatment with maltol (12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg; 15 days) drastically prevented the elevated activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and triglyceride (TG) in serum and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in liver tissue (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the levels of hepatic antioxidant, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were elevated by maltol pretreatment, compared to the alcohol group (p < 0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that maltol pretreatment significantly inhibited alcohol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and fatty degeneration. Interestingly, pretreatment of maltol effectively relieved alcohol-induced oxidative damage in a dose-dependent manner. Maltol appeared to possess promising anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory capacities. It was suggested that the hepatoprotective effect exhibited by maltol on alcohol-induced liver oxidative injury may be due to its potent antioxidant properties.
The Utilization of Plant Facilities on the International Space Station—The Composition, Growth, and Development of Plant Cell Walls under Microgravity Conditions
Authors: Jost Ann-Iren , Hoson Takayuki , Iversen Tor-Henning
Published: January 2015

In the preparation for missions to Mars, basic knowledge of the mechanisms of growth and development of living plants under microgravity (micro-g) conditions is essential. Focus has centered on the g-effects on rigidity, including mechanisms of signal perception, transduction, and response in gravity resistance. These components of gravity resistance are linked to the evolution and acquisition of responses to various mechanical stresses. An overview is given both on the basic effect of hypergravity as well as of micro-g conditions in the cell wall changes. The review includes plant experiments in the US Space Shuttle and the effect of short space stays (8–14 days) on single cells (plant protoplasts). Regeneration of protoplasts is dependent on cortical microtubules to orient the nascent cellulose microfibrils in the cell wall. The space protoplast experiments demonstrated that the regeneration capacity of protoplasts was retarded. Two critical factors are the basis for longer space experiments: a. the effects of gravity on the molecular mechanisms for cell wall development, b. the availability of facilities and hardware for performing cell wall experiments in space and return of RNA/DNA back to the Earth. Linked to these aspects is a description of existing hardware functioning on the International Space Station.
Polymers Best Paper Award 2015
Authors: Böker Alexander
Published: January 2015

Polymers is instituting an annual award to recognize the outstanding papers in the area of polymer science published in Polymers. We are pleased to announce the second “Polymers Best Paper Award” for 2015 [1]. Nominations were selected by the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board members of Polymers from all papers published in 2011. The awards are issued to reviews and articles respectively. We are pleased to announce that the following five papers were chosen:[...]
Retrofitting Housing with Lightweight Green Roof Technology in Sydney, Australia, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Wilkinson Sara , Feitosa Renato
Published: January 2015

The built environment contributes around half of total greenhouse gas emissions and with 87% of residential buildings that we will have by 2050 already built, it is vital to adopt sustainable retrofitting practices. The question is: what are the viable solutions? One answer may be green roof retrofitting. The environmental benefits include reduced operational carbon emissions, reduced urban heat island effect, increased bio-diversity, housing temperature attenuation and reduced stormwater run-off. The economic benefits are the reduced maintenance costs and lower running costs. The social gain is the creation of spaces where people have access to green areas. However, the barriers to retrofitting include the perceptions of structural adequacy, the risk of water damage, high installation and maintenance costs, as well as access and security issues. Many Australian and Brazilian residential buildings have metal sheet roofs, a lightweight material with poor thermal performance. During the summer, temperatures in Sydney and Rio de Janeiro reach 45 degrees Celsius, and in both cities, rainfall patterns are changing, with more intense downpours. Furthermore, many residential buildings are leased, and currently, tenants are restricted by the modifications that they can perform to reduce running costs and carbon emissions. This research reports on an experiment on two small-scale metal roofs in Sydney and Rio de Janeiro to assess the thermal performance of portable small-scale modules. The findings are that considerable variation in temperature was found in both countries, indicating that green roof retrofitting could lower the cooling energy demand considerably.
Cross-dehydrogenative coupling for the intermolecular C–O bond formation
Authors: Krylov Igor B , Vil’ Vera A , Terent’ev Alexander O
Published: January 2015

The present review summarizes primary publications on the cross-dehydrogenative C–O coupling, with special emphasis on the studies published after 2000. The starting compound, which donates a carbon atom for the formation of a new C–O bond, is called the CH-reagent or the C-reagent, and the compound, an oxygen atom of which is involved in the new bond, is called the OH-reagent or the O-reagent. Alcohols and carboxylic acids are most commonly used as O-reagents; hydroxylamine derivatives, hydroperoxides, and sulfonic acids are employed less often. The cross-dehydrogenative C–O coupling reactions are carried out using different C-reagents, such as compounds containing directing functional groups (amide, heteroaromatic, oxime, and so on) and compounds with activated C–H bonds (aldehydes, alcohols, ketones, ethers, amines, amides, compounds containing the benzyl, allyl, or propargyl moiety). An analysis of the published data showed that the principles at the basis of a particular cross-dehydrogenative C–O coupling reaction are dictated mainly by the nature of the C-reagent. Hence, in the present review the data are classified according to the structures of C-reagents, and, in the second place, according to the type of oxidative systems. Besides the typical cross-dehydrogenative coupling reactions of CH- and OH-reagents, closely related C–H activation processes involving intermolecular C–O bond formation are discussed: acyloxylation reactions with ArI(O2CR)2 reagents and generation of O-reagents in situ from C-reagents (methylarenes, aldehydes, etc.).
RESIDUAL DISPLACEMENTS‘ PROGRESIVE ANALYSIS OF THE MULTISUPPORTED BEAM / DAUGIAATRAMĖS SIJOS LIEKAMŲJŲ POSLINKIŲ PROGRESINĖ ANALIZĖ
Authors: Liepa Liudas , Gervytė Agnė , Jarmolajeva Ela , Atkočiūnas Juozas
Published: January 2015

This paper focuses on a shakedown behaviour of the ideally elasto-plastic beams system under variable repeated load. The mathematical models of the analysis problems are created using numerical methods, extremum energy principles and mathematic programming. It is shown that during the shakedown process the residual displacements vary non-monotonically. By solving analysis problem, where the load locus is being progressively expanded, it is possible to determine the upper and lower bounds of residual displacements. Suggested methods are ilustrated by solving multisupported beam example problem. The results are obtained considering principle of the small displacements.
Nagrinėjamas idealiai tampriai plastinės lenkiamos strypinės sistemos prisitaikomumo būvis, veikiant kartotinei kintamajai apkrovai. Analizės uždavinių matematiniai modeliai sudaromi, pasitelkus skaitinius metodus, ekstreminius energinius principus ir matematinį programavimą. Parodoma, kad prisitaikant konstrukcijai jos liekamieji poslinkiai gali kisti nemonotoniškai. Išsprendus analizės uždavinį, kuriame progresyviai plečiama apkrovos veikimo sritis, galima nustatyti viršutines ir apatines liekamųjų poslinkių kitimo ribas. Siūloma metodika iliustruota daugiaatramės sijos liekamųjų poslinkių skaičiavimo pavyzdžiu. Rezultatai gauti, esant mažų poslinkių prielaidai.