bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The social significance of the Facebook Like button
Authors: Eranti Veikko , Lonkila Markku
Published: June 2015

In this paper we study social aspects of using the Like button for purposes of impression management, identity construction, and maintenance of social ties online. On the theoretical level our investigation combines Goffman’s notion of face-work with concepts of social network analysis, shedding light on what we dub ‘nano-level’ interaction and sociality on social networking sites. Our data come from a 2013 classroom survey in which 26 Finnish university students were asked about their motives for and ways of using the Like button. Our results show that though the Like button was designed to allow users to express their positive evaluations of the contents of Facebook posts, comments, and pictures, it was in actual fact used for a wide variety of purposes, from dating efforts to conversation regulation and maintenance of social ties. Our results also reveal that the networked Facebook audience affects the users’ liking behavior, and that users reflect their liking based on previous likes.
CHEMICAL DEGRADATION OF POLYURETHANE FOAM WASTE AND ITS CROSSLINKED NATURAL RUBBER
Authors: Riyajan Sa-Ad , Keawmwnee Nattanan , Tangboriboonrat Pramuan
Published: June 2015

The objective of this work was to use by-products from the chemical degradation of polyurethane foam waste (w-PUfd) and blend them with an epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), named PENR, for improving the mechanical properties of a Standard Thai rubber 5L (STR 5L). The swelling ratio in toluene of the PENR decreased as a function of w-PUfd content due to an increase in chemical interactions. After blending the PENR with the STR-5L and vulcanizing agents using two-roll mill and then compression molding at 150 °C, the effects of w-PUfd content in PENR on the properties of cured STR-5L were investigated. The cure rate index, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the cured STR-5L were improved after the addition of PENR. The swelling in toluene of cured STR-5L decreased as a function of w-PUfd in PENR. At 100 phr w-PUfd in PENR, the 20:80 PENR:STR-5L provided the highest tensile strength of ~23 MPa. These biodegradable, cured rubbers with w-PUfd content are environmental friendly and cost-effective products.
Factors Contributing to Repayment Behavior of Micro Loans in Agricultural Bank of Meshkinshahr
Authors: Fatollahi Ahmad , Samani Ebrahim
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing on repayment behavior of loans by farmers who received loans from rural branches of Agricultural Bank in Meshkinshahr. Data for this study was obtained from a sample of one- hundred- and -fifty farmers who defaulted in paying their loans to Agricultural Bank. Logistic regression through strata software was used to analyze data. According to the results, the variables of supervision, occupation, other credit received, and education were found to be significant predictors of repayment in Agricultural Bank of Meshginshahr. Findings of this study will give valuable insights to policy makers and planners in the bank in terms of awarding micro loans which can be used in credit policies of the bank.
Efficacy of Adjunctive Mitomycin C in Transcanalicular Diode Laser Dacryocystorhinostomy in Different Age Groups
Authors: Kar Taner , Yildirim Yildiray , Topal Tuncay , Çolakoğlu Kadir , Ünal Melih Hamdi
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive mitomycin C (MMC) in transcanalicular multidiode laser dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR) in different age groups.

Methods

Ninety-six eyes of 96 patients who underwent TCL-DCR for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included in this retrospective, comparative study. Patients were divided into 4 groups based on age and intraoperative use of MMC: group 1, TCL-DCR without MMC in the 20- to 44-year age group; group 2, TCL-DCR with MMC in the 20- to 44-year age group; group 3, TCL-DCR without MMC in the 45- to 76-year age group; group 4, TCL-DCR with MMC in the 45- to 76-year age group. The postoperative evaluation consisted of calculating and comparing the success rates between groups.

Results

Success rates at the final visit were 50% for group 1, 66.66% for group 2, 79.16% for group 3, and 84.61% for group 4. The differences between group 1 and group 4, and group 1 and group 3, were significant (p = 0.01 and p = 0.038, respectively). Logistic regression showed that age group had significant effect on success rate (p = 0.013). However, use of MMC had no significant effect on success rate (p = 0.23).

Conclusions

The success rates of the TCL-DCR with MMC application were found to be higher than those of TCL-DCR without MMC in different age groups. However, the differences did not reach statistical significance. In addition, our study demonstrated that age may be a significant factor influencing the surgical outcome of TCL-DCR.
The Taper Disaster - How Could it Happen?
Authors: Morlock Michael M.
Published: June 2015

Corrosion of metallic implants in contact with body fluids is unavoidable, especially at interfaces where movement occurs or in gaps. Corrosion became clinically relevant with the introduction of large modular metal-on-metal total hip joint articulations (MoM THA) early in the 21st century. This review attempts to summarise the scientific knowledge about taper problems available at the time of introduction of these bearings, why this “disaster” could happen. It is speculated that changes to the taper connection made in the 1990s to increase the range of motion with small heads (28 and 32 mm) reduced the mechanical strength of this connection, which did not matter for small heads. With the use of large and very large metal heads in MoM articulations, which have a larger lever arm and can generate high friction in unfavourable situations, suddenly the taper interface exhibited corrosion problems on a previously unknown scale. It is speculated that due to the higher mechanical loading with larger heads, the taper connection became less forgiving with respect to assembly conditions, contamination, manufacturing tolerances and other factors, which are yet not known. Since no major clinical problems had been reported before the introduction of these bearings and the pre-clinical testing was very successful, the disaster took its course. The patient-implant-surgeon system is a very complex intrinsically hazardous system. Pre-clinical testing addresses few and defined factors and such, good results cannot be directly transferred to the clinical reality. A controlled stepwise introduction of innovations is required.
Natremia, Tonicity, and Conductivity Measurements in Hemodialyzed Patients
Authors: Gaillard François , Laplanche Sophie , Petitclerc Thierry
Published: June 2015

Purpose

Natremia is usually considered to reflect tonicity in non-hemodialyzed patients. Some hemodialysis monitors provide an online value (NaCond) of natremia calculated from conductivity measurements. This study compared the relation between tonicity and natremia (NaLab) measured at laboratory with the relation between tonicity and NaCond in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

Fifty-five hemodialysis sessions performed with a Fresenius 5008 dialysis monitor (Fresenius Medical Care, Bad Homburg, Germany) providing a value of NaCond were analyzed. Tonicity (calculated as “osmolality –urea”), NaLab and NaCond were measured at the beginning and end of sessions.

Results

The r2 correlation-coefficient between tonicity and NaLab is 0.48 (n = 110). The correlation between tonicity and NaCond is stronger (r2 = 0.71).

Conclusions

Conductivity measurements provide a natremia value (NaCond) that is a better surrogate for tonicity than natremia measured at laboratory. Because NaCond is not obtained from sodium measurement, dialysis monitors should display a value for plasma conductivity (mS/cm) instead for natremia (mmol/l).
3D Finite Element Modeling of Epiretinal Stimulation: Impact of Prosthetic Electrode Size and Distance from the Retina
Authors: Sui Xiaohong , Huang Yu , Feng Fuchen , Huang Chenhui , Chan Leanne Lai Hang , Wang Guoxing
Published: June 2015

Purpose

A novel 3-dimensional (3D) finite element model was established to systematically investigate the impact of the diameter (Φ) of disc electrodes and the electrode-to-retina distance on the effectiveness of stimulation.

Methods

The 3D finite element model was established based on a disc platinum stimulating electrode and a 6-layered retinal structure. The ground electrode was placed in the extraocular space in direct attachment with sclera and treated as a distant return electrode. An established criterion of electric-field strength of 1000 Vm−1 was adopted as the activation threshold for RGCs.

Results

The threshold current (TC) increased linearly with increasing Φ and electrode-to-retina distance and remained almost unchanged with further increases in diameter. However, the threshold charge density (TCD) increased dramatically with decreasing electrode diameter. TCD exceeded the electrode safety limit for an electrode diameter of 50 μm at an electrode-to-retina distance of 50 to 200 μm. The electric field distributions illustrated that smaller electrode diameters and shorter electrode-to-retina distances were preferred due to more localized excitation of RGC area under stimulation of different threshold currents in terms of varied electrode size and electrode-to-retina distances. Under the condition of same-amplitude current stimulation, a large electrode exhibited an improved potential spatial selectivity at large electrode-to-retina distances.

Conclusions

Modeling results were consistent with those reported in animal electrophysiological experiments and clinical trials, validating the 3D finite element model of epiretinal stimulation. The computational model proved to be useful in optimizing the design of an epiretinal stimulating electrode for prosthesis.
Solubility and pH of Direct pulp Capping Materials: A Comparative Study
Authors: Poggio Claudio , Lombardini Marco , Colombo Marco , Beltrami Riccardo , Rindi Simonetta
Published: June 2015

Background

The objective of the present study was to compare solubility and pH of 6 direct pulp capping materials.

Methods

Specimens of each material – i.e., Dycal, Calcicur, Calcimol LC, TheraCal LC, MTA Angelus and ProRoot MTA – were prepared and immersed in water. Solubility was determined after 24 hours and 2 months and analyzed statistically using a 1-way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test. pH values were measured 3 and 24 hours after manipulation.

Results

All direct pulp capping materials showed low solubility; the pH of tested materials ranged from 10 to 12 and showed a nonsignificant increase/reduction after 24 hours.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the direct pulp capping materials studied showed different solubility even if no changes were recorded over time. All of the materials showed a very alkaline pH.
Safety and efficacy of combined micropuncture and shallow angle femoral artery access for neurovascular angiography
Authors: Bourgeois Austin C. , Kolze Chris T. , Guimaraes Marcelo S. , Pasciak Alexander S. , Ferrell Andrew S. , Bradley Yong , Kvamme Peter
Published: June 2015

Introduction

The AXERA 2 low-angle vascular access device utilizes a dual arteriotomy mechanism in which the standard access tract is compressed by a vascular sheath inserted over the second, low-angle tract. It is unknown whether this device could be effectively used with 21-gauge micropuncture access, as the micropuncture introducer makes a larger arteriotomy than the 19-gauge needle provided with the AXERA 2 system.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review was performed on 189 patients who underwent common femoral artery access for diagnostic cerebrovascular angiography using either combined micropuncture and AXERA 2 access or standard access with manual pressure hemostasis. Demographic and procedural data were reviewed along with complications related to vascular access and times to bed elevation, ambulation and discharge.

Results

Combined micropuncture and AXERA 2 access was performed on 110 patients and 79 patients had standard access. The AXERA device was successfully used in 91.8% of the cases. Demographic data, anticoagulant use and sheath sizes were similar between both subsets. Use of the AXERA 2 was associated with two bleeding complications (1.8%) compared with 10 (12.7%) with manual pressure hemostasis alone. Institution-specific protocol allowed shorter mean manual compression time, as well as shorter times to ambulation and discharge with the AXERA 2.

Conclusions

Use of the AXERA 2 device with micropuncture access did not infer increased bleeding risk than standard arterial access in this patient series. The considerable incidence of device use failures suggests a learning curve associated with its use.
Very Late Recurrence of Renal Cell Carcinoma Experiencing Long-term Response to Sunitinib: A Case Report
Authors: Messina Carlo , Di Meglio Antonio , Nuzzo Pier Vitale , Boccardo Francesco , Ricci Francesco
Published: June 2015

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is responsible for 4% of all neoplasms in adults and for 80% of all primary renal tumors. Metastatic RCC is resistant to all cytotoxic agents and generally prognosis is poor. However, the clinical behavior of RCC is unpredictable, and late recurrences of disease can occur even after several years from the initial surgical approach, so response to the currently available targeted agents is uncertain, due to the lack of reliable prognostic and predictive factors. We report the case of a patient who developed a metastatic recurrence of RCC 16 years after primary treatment, in spite of metastatic disease at diagnosis. At the time of relapse, the disease showed a surprisingly long-term response to Sunitinib, which is maintained after 74 months of treatment. This case report highlights the unpredictable behavior of RCC and underlines the presence of a subset of patients with metastatic RCC achieving long-term response to Sunitinib, despite poor clinical features. In this subset of patients, an important clinical question arises about the appropriate duration of treatment and the need to continue it indefinitely.
Invasion and Anti-Invasion Research of Glioma Cells in An Improved Model of Organotypic Brain Slice Culture
Authors: Ren Bingcheng , Yu Shengping , Chen Cong , Wang Le , Liu Zhifeng , Wu Qiaoli , Wang Leilei , Zhao Kai , Yang Xuejun
Published: June 2015

Aims and background

Although glioblastomas infiltrate diffusely into adjacent brain, it is difficult to unequivocally identify the solitary invading glioma cell. It is necessary to develop coculture models to study the motility of glioma cells, and to monitor the cellular morphology, movement direction, migration area and invasion rate.

Methods

Cerebral slices were cultured on Millicell-CM membrane inserts in a petri dish. The neuronal viability and organizational structure of the brain sections were well maintained by experimental verification. C6 cell clones with persistent enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) expression were established. EGFP-expressing glioma cells were cultured to form aggregates, which were implanted on the brain slices. The invasion area and migration rates of C6 cells on brain slices were measured. We evaluated the invasion area and depth after C6 cells were treated with the Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766.

Results

We successfully established the glioma cell-brain slice coculture model. In coculture, the average migration rate of C6 glioma cells within brain slices reached 11.36-15.27 urn/hour. The polarity of C6 glioma cells was parallel to the white matter tracts after 7 days. The invasive ability of C6 cells (depth: 105.3 ± 10.3 μm) treated with NSC23766 was weakened compared with the control group (depth: 198 ± 9.2 μm) within the white matter of brain slices (t = 16.26, p<0.05).

Conclusions

We developed the model to analyze the invasion features of glioma cells. The significant suppression of glioma cell invasion by NSC23766 in brain slices indicates that anti-Rac1 treatment may represent an important future therapeutic strategy for glioblastoma.
That Tumor you're Going to Get Tomorrow … maybe: Making an Informed Decision
Authors: Aitini Enrico , Adami Francesca , Barni Sandro , Zaniboni Alberto
Published: June 2015

With the recent progress in predictive medicine several problems have emerged regarding the ethical aspects of genetic testing. The role of the doctor in communicating the consequences of such testing to the patient has become more important than ever in allowing the potential patient to make an informed decision.
Bladder and Gastric Metastases from Lung Adenocarcinoma Harboring Codon 13 KRAS Mutation: a Case Report with Unusual Clinical Outcome
Authors: Galetta Domenico , Catino Annamaria , Misino Andrea , De Ceglie Antonella , Logroscino Antonio , Simone Giovanni , Natalicchio Maria Iole
Published: June 2015

Aims and background

Gastric and bladder metastases are rare in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the differential diagnosis with primary tumors requires an in-depth examination. KRAS gene mutations are the main oncogenic driver of lung adenocarcinoma in Caucasian patients, occurring in 25%-30% of cases, but their prognostic and predictive role is complex and not fully clarified. KRAS mutations in lung adenocarcinoma are considered negatively predictive for epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors therapy as well as for adjuvant chemotherapy. In this report, the authors describe a case of lung adenocarcinoma harboring a codon 13 KRAS mutation detected in all the biopsies performed in unusual metastatic sites during an atypical disease course.

Conclusions

Recently, a different prognostic significance of various KRAS mutations in lung adenocarcinoma has been suggested. Further studies on rare biomolecular alterations to identify subgroups of patients with different prognostic/predictive characteristics are needed.
Film and Music in Laboratory Experiments: Emotion Induction
Authors: Innes-Ker Åse
Published: June 2015

Emotion researchers have long used clips from commercial movies to experimentally elicit emotional states. This paper describes how the Niedenthal laboratory selected and tested emotion-eliciting movie clips, and presents data on the clips’ effectiveness. A summary of published databases of emotion-eliciting movies is presented and discussed.
Stratégie d’innovation continue dans un contexte de Red Queen Effect : Une étude empirique
Authors: Delacour Hélène , Liarte Sébastien
Published: June 2015

L’objectif de cette recherche est de compléter les recherches portant sur le Red Queen Effect (RQE) en détaillant les stratégies d’innovation continue mises en place par les différentes entreprises dans une industrie. Les résultats de l’étude de cas longitudinale de l’industrie du rasage pour hommes de 1898 à 2012, montrent comment les entreprises font varier le type d’innovation (radical vs. incrémental) tout en maintenant un équilibre entre les deux et en accélérant leur rythme de lancement dans le temps. Par ailleurs, contrairement à la littérature, les entreprises de cette industrie profitent des effets bénéfiques du RQE sans en subir les conséquences négatives.
Impact of export support: a conceptual model for export start-ups1
Authors: Catanzaro Alexis , Messeghem Karim , Sammut Sylvie
Published: June 2015

Export Start-Ups are a type of International New Ventures which has a high potential for growth and job creation. Nevertheless, they are weakened by their lack of resources and are likely to fail in foreign markets. Building on the Resources-based Theory, we ask the question of the effectiveness of Export Support Services to provide these companies with missing resources to perform in foreign markets, even though these services were originally designed for traditional exporter with internationalization by stages. We propose a conceptual model suggesting that several export services are effective and influence the knowledge, networks, and the export performance of Export Start-Ups.
Philosophy and Management in China: An Historical Account
Authors: Yan Li , Hafsi Taïeb
Published: June 2015

Chinese organizational behavior is the product of history. In this paper, we propose an introduction to the philosophical bases of Chinese behavior. This introduction is contextualized and historically situated; then compared to Western thinking to ensure that its value for organizations is understood. We examine first the dominant Chinese philosophy schools and decode their possible meaning for managing organizations. In particular, such issues as organizational structure, leadership, emotions and time-orientation are discussed in reference to traditional values. The paper’s conclusion suggests that Chinese firms’ behavior can be better understood and studied by looking at their philosophical and historical roots.
Dynamic regulation of transcription factors by nucleosome remodeling
Authors: Li Ming , Hada Arjan , Sen Payel , Olufemi Lola , Hall Michael A , Smith Benjamin Y , Forth Scott , McKnight Jeffrey N , Patel Ashok , Bowman Gregory D , Bartholomew Blaine , Wang Michelle D
Published: June 2015

The chromatin landscape and promoter architecture are dominated by the interplay of nucleosome and transcription factor (TF) binding to crucial DNA sequence elements. However, it remains unclear whether nucleosomes mobilized by chromatin remodelers can influence TFs that are already present on the DNA template. In this study, we investigated the interplay between nucleosome remodeling, by either yeast ISW1a or SWI/SNF, and a bound TF. We found that a TF serves as a major barrier to ISW1a remodeling, and acts as a boundary for nucleosome repositioning. In contrast, SWI/SNF was able to slide a nucleosome past a TF, with concurrent eviction of the TF from the DNA, and the TF did not significantly impact the nucleosome positioning. Our results provide direct evidence for a novel mechanism for both nucleosome positioning regulation by bound TFs and TF regulation via dynamic repositioning of nucleosomes.
From Concerned to Cautiously Optimistic: Assessing Faculty Perceptions and Knowledge of Open Access in a Campus-Wide Study
Authors: Gaines Annie M
Published: June 2015

INTRODUCTION Though open access publishing has many advantages for scholars, very few are interested in learning about and pursuing open access publishing. This article discusses the results of a survey administered to faculty across disciplines at a single university to assess their perceptions, knowledge, and perceived knowledge of open access publishing and related topics. METHODS Anonymous electronic survey of 240 faculty members with a response rate of 23%. RESULTS Although many respondents considered themselves familiar with open access, very few had practical knowledge of open access publishing. Faculty were uncertain about the value and reliability of open access publishing and were particularly concerned about its applicability in the promotion and tenure process. CONCLUSION Misinformation, lack of motivation, and fear appear to be the main causes of negative perceptions of open access among faculty surveyed. Though science faculty had the highest overall perceived knowledge of open access, they were also most likely to view open access negatively and to believe that the current publishing model works well. Education faculty were more likely to think highly of open access publishing, in part due to a lack of funding for that discipline. Librarians and information professionals should take a tailored approach to discussing open access with faculty by working within the knowledge of the discipline if possible.
Tidal modulations of mesospheric gravity wave kinetic energy observed with MF radar at Poker Flat Research Range, Alaska
Authors: Kinoshita Takenari , Murayama Yasuhiro , Kawamura Seiji
Published: June 2015

The interactions between gravity waves and atmospheric tidal waves have been observationally studied, although the phase relation between them has not been fully understood. In this study, the long‐term wind velocity data observed with the Poker Flat MF radar (65∘N, 147∘W) were analyzed for the period of 1999–2008 to show local time dependence and seasonal climatologies of the 12 h and 24 h components in the mesospheric winds and their modulations of gravity wave kinetic energy. We made climatological 1 day composite plots of the kinetic energy of gravity waves for wave periods of 1–4 h and harmonic components of horizontal wind for each month. The results show that the kinetic energy of gravity waves peaks twice at 3–6 LT and 18–21 LT, which tend to coincide with the transition of the 12 h component of zonal wind from westward to eastward flow. On the other hand, a 2 month case study revealed that the gravity wave kinetic energy and the 12 h components of zonal wind appear to keep their phase difference constant (like a “phase locked”) for more than 10 days. Events of this kind are also found in other years. To examine whether this relation can be explained by interaction between the 12 h component of zonal wind and gravity waves, we applied a gravity wave drag model to the background state defined as the sum of observed monthly mean and harmonic components of zonal wind. It is suggested that the orographic gravity wave drag has a 12 h periodicity and that the time of the drag enhancement changes in time following change in the phase of harmonic components of winds.
Global contraction/expansion and polar lithospheric thinning on Titan from patterns of tectonism
Authors: Cook‐Hallett Casey , Barnes Jason W. , Kattenhorn Simon A. , Hurford Terry , Radebaugh Jani , Stiles Bryan , Beuthe Mikael
Published: June 2015

We investigate the underlying physical processes that govern the formation and evolution of Titan's tectonic features. This is done by mapping mountain chains and hills using Cassini RADAR data obtained during Titan flybys T3 to T69. Our mapping of mountain chains and hills reveals a global pattern: east‐west orientations within 30° of the equator and north‐south between 60° latitude and the poles. This result makes Titan one of the few solar system bodies where global processes, rather than regional processes, dominate tectonism. After comparison with five global stress models showing theoretical mountain chain orientations, we suggest that either global contraction coupled with spin‐up or global expansion coupled with despinning could explain our observations if coupled with a lithosphere thinner in Titan's polar regions.
Inability of stratospheric sulfate aerosol injections to preserve the West Antarctic Ice Sheet
Authors: McCusker K. E. , Battisti D. S. , Bitz C. M.
Published: June 2015

Injection of sulfate aerosols into the stratosphere has the potential to reduce the climate impacts of global warming, including sea level rise (SLR). However, changes in atmospheric and oceanic circulation that can significantly influence the rate of basal melting of Antarctic marine ice shelves and the associated SLR have not previously been considered. Here we use a fully coupled global climate model to investigate whether rapidly increasing stratospheric sulfate aerosol concentrations after a period of global warming could preserve Antarctic ice sheets by cooling subsurface ocean temperatures. We contrast this climate engineering method with an alternative strategy in which all greenhouse gases (GHG) are returned to preindustrial levels. We find that the rapid addition of a stratospheric aerosol layer does not effectively counteract surface and upper level atmospheric circulation changes caused by increasing GHGs, resulting in continued upwelling of warm water in proximity of ice shelves, especially in the vicinity of the already unstable Pine Island Glacier in West Antarctica. By contrast, removal of GHGs restores the circulation, yielding relatively cooler subsurface ocean temperatures to better preserve West Antarctica.
Relation between cusp ion structures and dayside reconnection for four IMF clock angles: OpenGGCM‐LTPT results
Authors: Connor H. K. , Raeder J. , Sibeck D. G. , Trattner K. J.
Published: June 2015

When, where, and which type of reconnection (antiparallel or component) happens on the dayside magnetopause are long‐standing unsolved questions due to insufficient in situ observation of reconnection sites. Previous studies showed that the dispersed ion signatures observed in the magnetospheric cusps depend on the reconnection mechanism, suggesting that cusp ion signatures can be a good tool to investigate the locations and properties of dayside reconnection. We investigate this close relation between cusp signatures and magnetopause reconnection for four different interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) clock angles (CA) using the Open Global Geospace Circulation Model (OpenGGCM) and the Liouville Theorem Particle Tracer(LTPT). OpenGGCM produces dayside reconnection under the resistive MHD theory, and LTPT calculates cusp ion signatures caused by the simulated reconnection. Our model results show that for CA = 0∘, antiparallel reconnection at both the northern and southern lobes causes a reverse dispersion in which ion energies increase with increasing latitude. For CA = 60∘, unsteady antiparallel reconnection at both the northern and southern lobes causes double reverse dispersions. For CA = 120∘, component reconnection near the subsolar point produces a dispersionless signature in the low‐latitude cusp, and antiparallel reconnection on the duskside northern magnetopause produces a normal dispersion in the high‐latitude cusp in which ion energies decrease with increasing latitude. For CA = 180∘, antiparallel reconnection near the subsolar point causes a normal dispersion.
A background correction algorithm for Van Allen Probes MagEIS electron flux measurements
Authors: Claudepierre S. G. , O'Brien T. P. , Blake J. B. , Fennell J. F. , Roeder J. L. , Clemmons J. H. , Looper M. D. , Mazur J. E. , Mulligan T. M. , Spence H. E. , Reeves G. D. , Friedel R. H. W. , Henderson M. G. , Larsen B. A.
Published: June 2015

We describe an automated computer algorithm designed to remove background contamination from the Van Allen Probes Magnetic Electron Ion Spectrometer (MagEIS) electron flux measurements. We provide a detailed description of the algorithm with illustrative examples from on‐orbit data. We find two primary sources of background contamination in the MagEIS electron data: inner zone protons and bremsstrahlung X‐rays generated by energetic electrons interacting with the spacecraft material. Bremsstrahlung X‐rays primarily produce contamination in the lower energy MagEIS electron channels (∼30–500 keV) and in regions of geospace where multi‐MeV electrons are present. Inner zone protons produce contamination in all MagEIS energy channels at roughly L < 2.5. The background‐corrected MagEIS electron data produce a more accurate measurement of the electron radiation belts, as most earlier measurements suffer from unquantifiable and uncorrectable contamination in this harsh region of the near‐Earth space environment. These background‐corrected data will also be useful for spacecraft engineering purposes, providing ground truth for the near‐Earth electron environment and informing the next generation of spacecraft design models (e.g., AE9).
The ups and downs of the TVZ: Geodetic observations of deformation around the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand
Authors: Hamling I. J. , Hreinsdóttir S. , Fournier N.
Published: June 2015

The 300 km long Taupo Volcanic Zone (TVZ) formed as a result of back‐arc rifting associated with subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Australian Plate, with current extension rates of 8–15 mm yr−1. Using GPS and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) data, collected by the European (ESA) and Japanese (JAXA) space agencies, we present ground deformation observations from 2003 to 2011. Both InSAR and vertical GPS data show widespread subsidence across the central TVZ at rates of up to 20 mm yr−1. Using simple elastic dislocation models to represent the contraction of a sill like body at 6 km depth, we predict an annual volume change of 0.011–0.016 km3 beneath the central TVZ. We suggest that the majority of the observed subsidence is a result of the cooling and subsequent contraction of magma within the shallow crust.
Silver/Reduced Graphene Oxide Hydrogel as Novel Bactericidal Filter for Point‐of‐Use Water Disinfection
Authors: Zeng Xiangkang , McCarthy David T. , Deletic Ana , Zhang Xiwang
Published: June 2015

Nanomaterials open an alternative way for water disinfection. However, limitations such as aggregation, toxicity, and complex post‐treatment block their practical application. In this study, an antibacterial silver/reduced graphene oxide (Ag/rGO) hydrogel consisting of controlled porous rGO network and well‐dispersed Ag nanoparticle is synthesized by a facile hydrothermal reaction. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, mercury porosimetry, and Fourier transform IR spectroscopy are employed to characterize the Ag/rGO hydrogel. The 3D structure of the rGO network serves as an excellent support for Ag nanoparticles. Disinfection experiments show that the Ag/rGO hydrogel exhibits good efficacy against Escherichia coli when used as a bactericidal filter driven by gravity. The mechanistic study indicates that bacteria cells are inactivated due to cell membrane damage induced by silver nanoparticles and rGO nanosheets when they flow through Ag/rGO hydrogel. Moreover, due to the retaining of Ag by rGO, the leaching level of silver from Ag/rGO hydrogel is considerably lower than the drinking water standard. This study sheds new light on designing antibacterial materials for point‐of‐use water disinfection application.
Selecting Semiconducting Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes with Narrow Bandgap Naphthalene Diimide‐Based Polymers
Authors: Salazar‐Rios Jorge Mario , Gomulya Widianta , Derenskyi Vladimir , Yang Jie , Bisri Satria Zulkarnaen , Chen Zhihua , Facchetti Antonio , Loi Maria Antonietta
Published: June 2015

Noncovalent functionalization of carbon nanotubes by wrapping them using π‐conjugated polymers is one of the most promising techniques to sort, separate, and purify semiconducting nanotube species for applications in optoelectronic devices. However, wide energy bandgap polymers commonly used in this technique reduce charge transport through the nanotube network. To avoid the formation of insulating barriers between the tubes, challenging procedures for the removal of the polymer from the nanotube walls are necessary. Here, the use of two narrow bandgap polymers based on naphthalene‐bis(dicarboximide) (NDI), namely, poly{[N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐naphthalene‐1,4,5,8‐bis(dicarboximide)‐2,6‐diyl]‐alt‐5,59‐(2,29‐bithiophene)}, (P(NDI2OD‐T2 or ActivInk N2200) and its molecular cousin, poly{[(N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenedicarboximide‐2,6‐diyl)‐alt‐5,5′‐(2,2′‐bithiophene)]‐co‐[(N,N′‐bis(2‐octyldodecyl)‐1,4,5,8‐naphthalenedicarboximide‐2,6‐diyl)‐alt‐5,5′‐(2,2′‐(4,4′‐dimethoxybithiophene))]}(ActivInk PE‐N‐73), for selecting semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes (s‐SWNTs) is demonstrated. The influence of the chemical structure of these polymers on the nanotube selectivity, as well as the effect of residual excess polymer and their band‐gaps, are investigated through optical spectroscopy and charge transport measurements. While the electron transport of the devices fabricated with PE‐N‐73 and N2200 wrapped SWNTs is comparable, a substantial difference is observed in the hole transport. The better alignment of the HOMO level of PE‐N‐73 with that of the nanotubes allows achieving improved p‐type characteristics even with a large amount of residual polymer in the network.
Investigating nasal cytology as a potential tool for diagnosing occupational rhinitis in woodworkers
Authors: Staffieri Claudia , Lovato Andrea , Aielli Federica , Bortoletto Martina , Giacomelli Luciano , Carrieri Mariella , Romeo Salvatore , Boscolo‐Rizzo Paolo , Da Mosto Maria Cristina , Bartolucci Giovanni Battista , Marioni Gino , Scapellato Maria Luisa
Published: June 2015

Background

Our primary endpoint was to use nasal cytology to compare woodworkers with unexposed subjects to see if wood dust exposure correlates with specific patterns of inflammatory or infectious rhinitis. A secondary endpoint was to identify any differences in the exposed group's nasal symptoms or nasal cytology by years of exposure or personal exposure levels.

Methods

Ninety‐two woodworkers and 90 controls were assessed using a questionnaire and nasal cytology (on nasal mucosa obtained by scraping). Wood dust exposure was investigated using personal sampling methods.

Results

Woodworkers reported significantly more nasal symptoms than controls (p < 0.00001). The woodworkers' nasal smears revealed more neutrophils (p = 0.001) and significantly higher mean neutrophil scores (p = 0.001) than control smears. Lymphocytes were also found more often in the woodworkers' rhinocytograms (statistical trend, p = 0.06). Neutrophilic rhinitis was diagnosed more frequently in the exposed workers than in controls (chi‐square = 5.97, p < 0.05). Woodworkers with lymphocytes in their nasal smears had been exposed to wood dust for longer periods of time (statistical trend; p = 0.06). No differences in nasal symptoms or cell counts emerged when woodworkers were stratified by levels of personal exposure.

Conclusion

Nasal cytology should be further investigated in woodworkers before considering it a screening method for identifying woodworkers with chronic inflammatory rhinitis.
Selbstzerlegende Spacer: kinetische Aspekte, Struktur‐Eigenschafts‐Beziehungen und Anwendungen
Authors: Alouane Ahmed , Labruère Raphaël , Le Saux Thomas , Schmidt Frédéric , Jullien Ludovic
Published: June 2015

Selbstzerlegende Spacer sind kovalente Anordnungen, deren maßgeschneiderter Aufbau die Spaltung von zwei chemischen Bindungen korreliert, nachdem die geschützte Einheit in einer Vorstufe aktiviert wurde: Durch induzierte Abspaltung der Schutzgruppe wird eine Sequenz aus Abbaureaktionen eingeleitet, die zeitlich aufeinander folgend kleinere Moleküle freisetzt. Ursprünglich zur Lösung von Schwierigkeiten bei der Wirkstoff‐Freisetzung eingeführt, sind selbstzerlegende Spacer in der medizinischen und analytischen Chemie wie auch in den Materialwissenschaften von großem Interesse. Bei den meisten Anwendungen reguliert die Abbaukinetik des aktivierten selbstzerlegenden Spacers die funktionellen Eigenschaften. In diesem Aufsatz wird aus zwei Perspektiven auf die kinetischen Aspekte der Selbstzerlegung eingegangen. Zunächst bietet er für Anwender Informationen zur Anpassung eines bestimmten selbstzerlegenden Strukturmotivs an eine spezielle Anforderung. Des Weiteren soll der Aufsatz in der Entwicklung dazu beitragen, Kinetikversuche zu planen und die vielfältigen Möglichkeiten von selbstzerlegenden Spacern in breitem Umfang zu nutzen.
The Braincase and Endosseous Labyrinth of Plioplatecarpus peckensis (Mosasauridae, Plioplatecarpinae), With Functional Implications for Locomotor Behavior
Authors: Cuthbertson Robin S. , Maddin Hillary C. , Holmes Robert B. , Anderson Jason S.
Published: June 2015

Adaptations of mosasaurs to the aquatic realm have been extensively studied from the perspective of modifications to the post‐cranial skeleton. In recent years, imaging techniques such as computed tomography have permitted the acquisition of anatomical data from previously inaccessible sources. An exquisitely preserved specimen of the plioplatecarpine mosasaur Plioplatecarpus peckensis presents an opportunity to examine the detailed structure of the braincase, as well as the form of the otic capsule endocast. These data elaborate upon previous descriptions of the braincase of Plioplatecarpus, and provide a detailed, three dimensional reconstruction of the osseous labyrinth for the first time. The otic capsule endocasts reveal that the size of the labyrinth relative to head size is comparable to that of other squamates, suggesting that labyrinth size was not a factor in increasing sensitivity. However, all three semicircular canals are tall and strongly arced to a degree comparable to, and even exceeding, that observed in arboreal and aquatic lizards. Comparison of the sensitivity of the canals in each of the three major axes of rotation suggests Plioplatecarpus peckensis may have been most sensitive to movements in the pitch axis. Although early mosasaurs were probably anguilliform swimmers, most are thought to have been subcarangiform to thunniform locomotors with a near‐rigid body form and likely decreased maneuverability. The data from the labyrinth presented here add a potential new dimension to this model of locomotion for further consideration, wherein changes in orientation, such as pitch, may have been more common locomotor behaviors than previously thought. Anat Rec, 298:1597–1611, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Data science on the ground: Hype, criticism, and everyday work
Authors: Carter Daniel , Sholler Dan
Published: June 2015

Modern organizations often employ data scientists to improve business processes using diverse sets of data. Researchers and practitioners have both touted the benefits and warned of the drawbacks associated with data science and big data approaches, but few studies investigate how data science is carried out “on the ground.” In this paper, we first review the hype and criticisms surrounding data science and big data approaches. We then present the findings of semistructured interviews with 18 data analysts from various industries and organizational roles. Using qualitative coding techniques, we evaluated these interviews in light of the hype and criticisms surrounding data science in the popular discourse. We found that although the data analysts we interviewed were sensitive to both the allure and the potential pitfalls of data science, their motivations and evaluations of their work were more nuanced. We conclude by reflecting on the relationship between data analysts' work and the discourses around data science and big data, suggesting how future research can better account for the everyday practices of this profession.
Editorial: Bioenergy and biorefinery – biological solution for sustainable development of human society
Authors: Qu Yinbo , Wu Wen‐Teng
Published: June 2015

The world is facing more and more severe challenges in energy supply and environmental pollution since 21st century, especially in Asia, which threaten to the sustainable development of human society.
Novel grafted agar disks for the covalent immobilization of β‐D‐galactosidase
Authors: I. Wahba Marwa , E. Hassan Mohamed
Published: June 2015

Novel grafted agar disks were prepared for the covalent immobilization of β‐D‐galactosidase (β‐gal). The agar disks were activated through reacting with ethylenediamine or different molecular weights of Polyethyleneimine (PEI), followed by glutaraldehyde (GA). The modification of the agar gel and the binding of the enzyme were verified by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and elemental analysis. Moreover, the agar's activation process was optimized, and the amount of immobilized enzyme increased 3.44 folds, from 38.1 to 131.2 U/g gel, during the course of the optimization process. The immobilization of β‐gal onto the activated agar disks caused its optimum temperature to increase from 45°C to 45–55°C. The optimum pH of the enzyme was also shifted towards the acidic side (3.6–4.6) after its immobilization. Additionally, the Michaelis‐Menten constant (Km) increased for the immobilized β‐gal as compared to its free counterpart whereas the maximum reaction rate (Vmax) decreased. The immobilized enzyme was also shown to retain 92.99% of its initial activity after being used for 15 consecutive times. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 103: 675–684, 2015.
Metabolomic analysis of serum from obese adults with hyperlipemia by UHPLC‐Q‐TOF MS/MS
Authors: Wang Yang , Liu Desheng , Li Yue , Guo Lei , Cui Yinghua , Zhang Xin , Li Enyou
Published: June 2015

The prevalence of obesity has dramatically increased and poses a major threat to human health. Obesity often accompanies hyperlipemia, which is strongly related to the occurrence and development of obesity‐related chronic diseases. Differences in metabolomic profiling of serum between obese (with hyperlipemia) and normal‐weight men (n = 30 in each group) were investigated using ultrahigh‐pressure liquid chromatography–quadrupole–time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐Q‐TOF MS/MS) and partial least‐squares–discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA). Obese men showed higher levels of weight, body mass index, fat mass, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglyeride, total cholesterol, insulin, HOMA‐IR and high‐sensitivity CRP. Obese and normal‐weight groups were clearly discriminated from each other on a PLS‐DA score plot and nine major metabolites contributing to the discrimination were assigned, including increased 2‐octenoylcarnitine, eicosadienoic acid, 12‐hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, 4‐hydroxyestrone sulfate, lysoPE[18:1(11Z)/0:0], thromboxane B2 and pyridinoline and decreased vitamin D3 glucosiduronate and 9,10‐DHOME. These metabolites were associated with lipid metabolism and obesity‐related diseases, and reflected the metabolic differences between normal and obese men, which may be important for future clinical diagnosis, treatment and assessment of the therapeutic effect on obesity‐related chronic disease. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and validation of a sensitive liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous analysis of granisetron and 7‐hydroxy granisetron in human plasma and urine samples: application in a clinical pharmacokinetic study in pregnant subject
Authors: Zhao Yang , Chen Hui‐Jun , Caritis Steve , Venkataramanan Raman
Published: June 2015

A liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method for the quantification of granisetron and its major metabolite, 7‐hydroxy granisetron in human plasma and urine samples was developed and validated. Respective stable isotopically labeled granisetron and 7‐hydroxy granisetron were used as internal standards (IS). Chromatography was performed using an Xselect HSS T3 analytical column with a mobile phase of 20% acetonitrile in water (containing 0.2 mM ammonium formate and 0.14% formic acid, pH 4) delivered in an isocratic mode. Tandem mass spectrometry operating in positive electrospray ionization mode with multiple reaction monitoring was used for quantification. The standard curves were linear in the concentration ranges of 0.5–100 ng/mL for granisetron and 0.1–100 ng/mL for 7‐hydroxy granisetron in human plasma samples, and 2–2000 ng/mL for granisetron and 2–1000 ng/mL for 7‐hydroxy granisetron in human urine samples, respectively. The accuracies were >85% and the precision as determined by the coefficient of variations was <10%. No significant matrix effects were observed for granisetron or 7‐hydroxy granisetron in either plasma or urine samples. Granisetron was stable under various storage and experimental conditions. This validated method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study after intravenous administration of 1 mg granisetron to a pregnant subject. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunogenicity of pneumococcal vaccination in a patient with sickle hemoglobinopathy: a case report
Authors: Clay E. Leila Jerome , Burrell Tierra , Belhorn Thomas , Redding‐Lallinger Rupa
Published: June 2015

Key Clinical Message

Despite decrease in morbidity and mortality from invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), individuals with asplenia remain at risk for IPD compared to the general population. This report describes a young adult with hemoglobin SD and documented splenic autoinfarction with pneumococcal sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia within seven months of immunization with PPSV‐23.
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) in the treatment of emphysematous COPD: a case report
Authors: Shroff Geeta
Published: June 2015

Key Clinical Message

Emphysema results in narrowing of the small airways due to inhaling of cigarette smoke and other noxious particles. Oxygen therapy, corticosteroids, and bronchodilators increase the risk of pneumonia, arrhythmia, and fractures in long term. Therapy with human embryonic stem cells resulted in improved symptoms of a patient with emphysema.