bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method To Determine Boldenone in Bovine Liver Tissues
Authors: Granja Rodrigo H M M , Salerno Alessandro G , de Lima Andreia C , Montalvo Cynthia , Reche Karine V G , Giannotti Fabio M , Wanschel Amarylis C B A
Published: September 2014

Boldenone, an androgenic steroid, is forbidden for use in meat production in most countries worldwide. Residues of this drug in food present a potential risk to consumers. A sensitive LC/MS/MS method for analysis of 17β-boldenone using boldenone-d3 as an internal standard was developed. An enzymatic hydrolysis and extraction using ethyl acetate, methanol, and hexane were performed in the sample preparation. Parameters such as decision limit (CCα), detection capability (CCβ), precision, recovery, and ruggedness were evaluated according to the Brazilian Regulation 24/2009 (equivalent to European Union Decision 2002/657/EC) and International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission 17025:2005. CCα and CCβ were determined to be 0.17 and 0.29 μg/kg, respectively. Average recoveries from bovine liver samples fortified with 1, 1.5, and 2 μg/kg were around 100%. A complete statistical analysis was performed on the results obtained, including an estimation of the method uncertainty. The method is considered robust after being subjected to day-to-day analytical variations and has been used as a standard method in Brazil to report boldenone levels in bovine liver.
Categories by Heart: Shortcut Reasoning in a Cardiology Clinic
Authors: Jacobsson Katarina
Published: September 2014

This article examines the practice of doctors and nurses to invoke the categories of age, sex, class, ethnicity, and/or lifestyle factors when discussing individual patients and patient groups. In what situations are such references explicitly made, and what does this practice accomplish? The material consists of field notes from a cardiology clinic in Sweden, and a theory of descriptive practice guided the analysis. When professionals describe patients, discuss decisions, or explain why a patient is ill, age, sex, class, ethnicity, and/or lifestyle serve as contextualization cues, often including widespread results from epidemiological research about groups of patients at higher or lower risk for cardiac disease. These categories work as shortcut reasoning to nudge interpretations in a certain direction, legitimize decisions, and strengthen arguments. In general, studying the descriptions of patients/clients/students provides an entrance to professional methods of reasoning, including their implicit moral assumptions.
What Are The Antecedents to Creating Sustainable Corporate Entrepreneurship in Thailand?
Authors: Lekmat Laddawan , Chelliah John
Published: September 2014

Corporate entrepreneurship (CE) is broadly seen as an essential tool for competitiveness, particularly in today’s fast-paced and complex global economy. However, there is a lack of research on the CE strategies of Asian companies in response to the Asian financial and the global financial crisis in developing Asian countries. In this study, the model of CE antecedents and effects is examined for 287 Thai managers at various levels within the targeted firms’ operating in a wide variety of industries. Specifically, the impact of internal environment factors on CE and the relationship between CE and diverse firm performance aspects is mediated by process innovation. Results indicate that only three of the five antecedents to CE have primary effects on CE as well as process innovation. CE has a significant indirect effect on company performance through the mediation of process innovation. Process innovation is found to be a predictor of innovation performance and a predictor of marketing performance, which in turn affects financial outcomes. The implications of these results for both CE theory and practice are discussed. As there is a dearth of empirical research in this area, this paper makes a useful contribution by highlighting the CE initiatives of Thai companies to survive any future crises and the stiff competition present in the Asian region.

Keywords: Corporate entrepreneurship (CE), process innovation, firm performance, Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument, structural equation modeling.

To cite this document: Laddawan Lekmat and John Chelliah, "What Are The Antecedents to Creating Sustainable Corporate Entrepreneurship in Thailand?", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.10, No.3, pp.181-202, 2014.

Permanent link to this document:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.11741
Development Trends and Strategy Planning in Big Data Industry
Authors: Weng Wei Hsiu , Lin Woo Tsong
Published: September 2014

Big data refers to technology for storing, converting, transmitting, and analyzing large quantities of structured or unstructured data, which may be dynamic and diversified d, for the purpose of social or commercial applications. Big data applications need to be able to undertake high-complexity and real-time analysis of vast amounts of data to help users make decision within the shortest possible timeframe. As a result, big data technology and the related industry are becoming ever more important. However, the scope, development trends, and possible strategy of big data industry have not been clearly addressed so far. To fill this gap, this paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the development trends and a systematic planning of business strategy in big data industry. The study utilizes nominal group technique (NGT), in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions among industry professionals. The research framework includes defining industry scope, assessing business environment by SWOT analysis, forecasting production value and growing trend, and outlining strategy for the emerging big data industry. The results provide a practical reference for vendors interested in entering the emerging big data market. Keywords: Big data, Industry Development, Nominal Group Technique, SWOT, Strategy To cite this document: Wei-Hsiu Weng and Woo-Tsong Lin, "Development Trends and Strategy Planning in Big Data Industry", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.10, No.3, pp.203-214, 2014. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.12288
Comment on “The Latest on Volcanic Eruptions and Climate”
Authors: Johnson Thomas C. , Lane Christine S.
Published: September 2014

Alan Robock (Eos, 94(35), 305–306, doi:10.1002/2013EO350001) nicely summarizes past volcanic eruptions and climate, but we wish to correct his assessment of our recent discovery of the Youngest Toba ash in the sediments of Lake Malawi in East Africa [Lane et al., 2013].
Lightning channel current persists between strokes
Authors: Wendel JoAnna
Published: September 2014

The usual cloud‐to‐ground lightning occurs when a large negative charge contained in a “stepped leader” travels down toward the Earth's surface. It then meets a positive charge that comes up tens of meters from the ground, resulting in a powerful neutralizing explosion that begins the first return stroke of the lightning flash. The entire flash lasts only a few hundred milliseconds, but during that time, multiple subsequent stroke–return stroke sequences usually occur.
Nano‐Bio‐Chemical Braille for Cells: The Regulation of Stem Cell Responses using Bi‐Functional Surfaces
Authors: Chrzanowski Wojciech , Lee Jae Ho , Kondyurin Alexey , Lord Megan S. , Jang Jun‐Hyeog , Kim Hae‐Won , Bilek Marcela M. M.
Published: September 2014

Insufficient integration with local host tissues is a significant problem that adversely affects the performance of implanted biomedical devices. Poor tissue integration leaves patients susceptible to complications associated with adverse foreign body reactions and infections that typically mandate expensive and elevated‐risk revision surgery. The aging population and growing incidence of medical implants makes the development of bio‐functional implant surfaces a high priority research imperative. Here multifunctional surfaces are reported that are capable of regulating cell adhesion and triggering cell differentiation to facilitate osseointegration of implantable devices. The approach described is universal, cost‐ and time‐effective. It relies on a unique combination of two advances: i) a reactive interface provided by a plasma activated coating (PAC) that covalently immobilises bioactive molecules with significantly higher efficiency than conventional technologies, and ii) multifunctional molecules (bi‐functional fusion‐proteins) that regulate multiple cellular responses. Covalent linking of the molecules, their high density, and desired orientation are demonstrated. The effectiveness of these functional interfaces to regulate mesenchymal stem cell attachment and differentiation is confirmed suggesting the ability to regulate osseointegration. This method is a leap forward in the fabrication of truly biofunctional materials tailored for particular applications.
Joule Heating Characteristics of Emulsion‐Templated Graphene Aerogels
Authors: Menzel Robert , Barg Suelen , Miranda Miriam , Anthony David B. , Bawaked Salem M. , Mokhtar Mohamed , Al‐Thabaiti Shaeel A. , Basahel Sulaiman N. , Saiz Eduardo , Shaffer Milo S. P.
Published: September 2014

The Joule heating properties of an ultralight nanocarbon aerogel are investigated with a view to potential applications as energy‐efficient, local gas heater, and other systems. Thermally reduced graphene oxide (rGO) aerogels (10 mg cm−3) with defined shape are produced via emulsion‐templating. Relevant material properties, including thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity and porosity, are assessed. Repeatable Joule heating up to 200 °C at comparatively low voltages (≈1 V) and electrical power inputs (≈2.5 W cm−3) is demonstrated. The steady‐state core and surface temperatures are measured, analyzed and compared to analogous two‐dimensional nanocarbon film heaters. The assessment of temperature uniformity suggests that heat losses are dominated by conductive and convective heat dissipation at the temperature range studied. The radial temperature gradient of an uninsulated, Joule‐heated sample is analyzed to estimate the aerogel's thermal conductivity (around 0.4 W m−1 K−1). Fast initial Joule heating kinetics and cooling rates (up to 10 K s−1) are exploited for rapid and repeatable temperature cycling, important for potential applications as local gas heaters, in catalysis, and for regenerable of solid adsorbents. These principles may be relevant to wide range of nanocarbon networks and applications.
Intranuclear Photosensitizer Delivery and Photosensitization for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy with Ultralow Irradiance
Authors: Pan Limin , Liu Jianan , Shi Jianlin
Published: September 2014

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well‐established clinical treatment modality for various diseases. However, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by photosensitizers(PS) under proper irradiation exhibits the extremely short life span (<200 ns) and severely limited diffusion distance (20 nm), so the damage of ROS to biomolecules, especially DNA, is strongly confined to the immediate vicinity of ROS generation. In this report, an efficient nuclear‐targeted delivery strategy is proposed by using TAT and RGD peptides co‐conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) as PS carriers. The conjugation of TAT peptides enable the nuclear penetration of MSNs for efficient accumulation of PS inside nuclei. The intranuclear‐accumulated PS can generate ROS upon irradiation right inside nuclei to destroy DNA instantaneously. For the purpose of in vivo applications, the co‐conjugated RGD peptides endow the nuclear‐targeted delivery system with specific binding and recognition to tumor vasculature and tumor cell membranes for significantly enhanced specificity and reduced side effects. Through intravenous injection of these nanosystems in tumor‐bearing mice at a rather low PS dose of 2 mg/kg, tumor growth is efficiently inhibited by an extremely low irradiation dose of 6 J/cm2. This work presents a new paradigm for specific PDT with high efficacy and low side effects in vivo.
Kinetic modeling of Fe‐BEA as NH3‐SCR catalyst—effect of phosphorous
Authors: Shwan Soran , Olsson Louise , Skoglundh Magnus , Jansson Jonas
Published: September 2014

The focus of this work is to investigate whether a previously developed microkinetic deactivation model for hydrothermally treated Fe‐BEA as NH3‐SCR catalyst can be applied to describe chemical deactivation of Fe‐BEA due to phosphorous exposure. The model describes the experiments well for Fe‐BEA before and after phosphorous exposure by decreasing the site density, representing deactivation of sites due to formation of metaphosphates blocking the active iron sites, while the kinetic parameters are kept constant. Furthermore, the results show that the activity for low‐temperature selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is very sensitive to loss of active monomeric iron species due to phosphorous poisoning compared to high‐temperature SCR. Finally, the ammonia inhibition simulations show that exposure to phosphorous may affect the internal transport of ammonia between ammonia storage sites buffering the active iron sites, which results in a lower SCR performance during transient conditions. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 215–223, 2015
Chemoselective Boronic Ester Synthesis by Controlled Speciation
Authors: Fyfe James W. B. , Seath Ciaran P. , Watson Allan J. B.
Published: September 2014

Control of boronic acid solution speciation is presented as a new strategy for the chemoselective synthesis of boronic esters. Manipulation of the solution equilibria within a cross‐coupling milieu enables the formal homologation of aryl and alkenyl boronic acid pinacol esters. The generation of a new, reactive boronic ester in the presence of an active palladium catalyst also facilitates streamlined iterative catalytic CC bond formation and provides a method for the controlled oligomerization of sp2‐hybridized boronic esters.
Selective Carbon–Carbon Bond Cleavage for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Acyclic Systems
Authors: Marek Ilan , Masarwa Ahmad , Delaye Pierre‐Olivier , Leibeling Markus
Published: September 2014

Most of the efforts of organic chemists have been directed to the development of creative strategies to build carbon–carbon and carbon–heteroatom bonds in a predictable and efficient manner. In this Review, we show an alternative approach where challenging molecular skeletons could be prepared through selective cleavage of carbon–carbon bonds. We demonstrate that it has the potential to be a general principle in organic synthesis for the regio‐, diastereo‐, and even enantioselective preparation of adducts despite the fact that CC single bonds are among the least reactive functional groups. The development of such strategies may have an impact on synthesis design and can ultimately lead to new selective and efficient processes for the utilization of simple hydrocarbons.
A Dual‐Color Far‐Red to Near‐Infrared Firefly Luciferin Analogue Designed for Multiparametric Bioluminescence Imaging
Authors: Jathoul Amit P. , Grounds Helen , Anderson James C. , Pule Martin A.
Published: September 2014

Red‐shifted bioluminescent emitters allow improved in vivo tissue penetration and signal quantification, and have led to the development of beetle luciferin analogues that elicit red‐shifted bioluminescence with firefly luciferase (Fluc). However, unlike natural luciferin, none have been shown to emit different colors with different luciferases. We have synthesized and tested the first dual‐color, far‐red to near‐infrared (nIR) emitting analogue of beetle luciferin, which, akin to natural luciferin, exhibits pH dependent fluorescence spectra and emits bioluminescence of different colors with different engineered Fluc enzymes. Our analogue produces different far‐red to nIR emission maxima up to λmax=706 nm with different Fluc mutants. This emission is the most red‐shifted bioluminescence reported without using a resonance energy transfer acceptor. This improvement should allow tissues to be more effectively probed using multiparametric deep‐tissue bioluminescence imaging.
Effect of polymer structure on the morphologies and dielectric properties of nanoporous polyimide films
Authors: Lv Fengzhu , Liu Leipeng , Zhang Yihe , Li Penggang
Published: September 2014

Low dielectric constant polyimide (PI) films have potential applications in integrated circuit. In this study, poly(methyl methacrylate), poly(ethylene oxide), and polystyrene as thermally labile materials were used as templates to generate PI films with nanopores by first mixing the polymer templates with the precursor of PI, poly(amic acid), followed by imidization of poly(amic acid) together with degradation of the polymer templates. The sizes of the formed pores, the thermal and dielectric constant of the nanofoamed PI films were studied and compared in detail. It is concluded that the dielectric constant of PI films using poly(ethylene oxide) as pore template is more stable because of the formation of uniform pores which is from the great accordance of imidization temperature of poly(amic acid) with the degradation temperature of poly(ethylene oxide). But that using poly(methyl methacrylate) as pore template is frequency dependent as the influence of inhomogeneous pores and PMMA residue from incompletely degradation of poly(methyl methacrylate). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41480.
Effects of Nickel Oxide (NiO) nanoparticles on the performance characteristics of the jatropha oil based alkyd and epoxy blends
Authors: Gogoi Pronob , Saikia Bhaskar J. , Dolui Swapan K.
Published: September 2014

Plant oil based alkyd resin was prepared from jatropha oil and blended with epoxy resin. Subsequently, alkyd/epoxy/NiO nanocomposites with different wt % of NiO nanoparticles have been prepared by mechanical mixing of the designed components. The structure, morphology, and performance characteristics of the nanocomposites were studied by UV‐visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and universal testing machine (UTM). The alkyd/epoxy/NiO nanocomposites showed the gradual increase in thermal stability with increasing NiO content. With 3 wt % NiO content the tensile strength of the nanocomposite increased by 19 MPa (more than twofold) when compared with the pristine polymer. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of the nanocomposites indicate that the incorporation of NiO nanoparticles even in 1 wt % can greatly improves the flame retardant property of the nanocomposites. This study confirms the strong influence of NiO nanoparticles on the thermal, mechanical, and flame retardant properties of the alkyd/epoxy/NiO nanocomposites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41490.
Bacterial community structure of a lab‐scale anammox membrane bioreactor
Authors: Gonzalez‐Martinez Alejandro , Osorio F. , Rodriguez‐Sanchez Alejandro , Martinez‐Toledo Maria Victoria , Gonzalez‐Lopez Jesus , Lotti Tommaso , van Loosdrecht M. C. M.
Published: September 2014

Autotrophic nitrogen removal technologies have proliferated through the last decade. Among these, a promising one is the membrane bioreactor (MBR) Anammox, which can achieve very high solids retention time and therefore sets a proper environment for the cultivation of anammox bacteria. In this sense, the MBR Anammox is an efficient technology for the treatment of effluents with low organic carbon and high ammonium concentrations once it has been treated under partial nitrification systems. A lab‐scale MBR Anammox bioreactor has been built at the Technological University of Delft, The Netherlands and has been proven for efficient nitrogen removal and efficient cultivation of anammox bacteria. In this study, next‐generation sequencing techniques have been used for the investigation of the bacterial communities of this MBR Anammox for the first time ever. A strong domination of Candidatus Brocadia bacterium and also the presence of a myriad of other microorganisms that have adapted to this environment were detected, suggesting that the MBR Anammox bioreactor might have a more complex microbial ecosystem that it has been thought. Among these, nitrate‐reducing heterotrophs and primary producers, among others, were identified. Definition of the ecological roles of the OTUs identified through metagenomic analysis was discussed. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:186–193, 2015
Unfolding properties of recombinant human serum albumin products are due to bioprocessing steps
Authors: Lang Brian E. , Cole Kenneth D.
Published: September 2014

We have used differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to determine the unfolding properties of commercial products of human serum albumin (HSA) prepared from pooled human blood, transgenic yeast, and transgenic rice. The initial melting temperatures (Tm1) for the unfolding transitions of the HSA products varied from 62°C to 75°C. We characterized the samples for purity, fatty acid content, and molecular weight. The effects of adding fatty acids, heat pasteurization, and a low pH defatting technique on the transition temperatures were measured. Defatted HSA has a structure with the lowest stability (Tm of ∼62°C). When fatty acids are bound to HSA, the structure is stabilized (Tm of ∼64–72°C), and prolonged heating (pasteurization at 60°C) results in a heat‐stabilized structural form containing fatty acids (Tm of ∼75–80°C). This process was shown to be reversible by a low pH defatting step. This study shows that the fatty acid composition and bioprocessing history of the HSA commercial products results in the large differences in the thermal stability. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 31:62–69, 2015
A Universal and Facile Way for the Development of Superior Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Oxygen Reduction and Evolution Reactions Utilizing the Synergistic Effect
Authors: Zhu Yinlong , Su Chao , Xu Xiaomin , Zhou Wei , Ran Ran , Shao Zongping
Published: September 2014

Increasing energy demands have stimulated intense research activities on reversible electrochemical conversion and storage systems with high efficiency, low cost, and environmental benignity. It is highly challenging but desirable to develop efficient bifunctional catalysts for both the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). A universal and facile method for the development of bifunctional electrocatalysts with outstanding electrocatalytic activity for both the ORR and OER in alkaline medium is reported. A mixture of Pt/C catalyst with superior ORR activity and a perovskite oxide based catalyst with outstanding OER activity was employed in appropriate ratios, and prepared by simple ultrasonic mixing. Nanosized platinum particles with a wide range of platinum to oxide mass ratios was realized easily in this way. The as‐formed Pt/C–oxide composites showed better ORR activity than a single Pt/C catalyst and better OER activity than a single oxide to bring about much improved bifunctionality (ΔE is only ≈0.8 V for Pt/C–BSCF; BSCF=Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ), due to the synergistic effect. The electronic transfer mechanism and the rate‐determining step and spillover mechanism were two possible origins of such a synergistic effect. Additionally, the phenomenon was found to be universal, although the best performance could be reached at different platinum to oxide mass ratios for different oxide catalysts. This work thus provides an innovative strategy for the development of new bifunctional electrocatalysts with wide application potentials in high‐energy and efficient electrochemical energy storage and conversion.
Electrochemical Properties of Tin Oxide Flake/Reduced Graphene Oxide/Carbon Composite Powders as Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Su Min , Choi Seung Ho , Kang Yun Chan
Published: September 2014

Hierarchically structured tin oxide/reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/carbon composite powders are prepared through a one‐pot spray pyrolysis process. SnO nanoflakes of several hundred nanometers in diameter and a few nanometers in thickness are uniformly distributed over the micrometer‐sized spherical powder particles. The initial discharge and charge capacities of the tin oxide/RGO/carbon composite powders at a current density of 1000 mA g−1 are 1543 and 1060 mA h g−1, respectively. The discharge capacity of the tin oxide/RGO/carbon composite powders after 175 cycles is 844 mA h g−1, and the capacity retention measured from the second cycle is 80 %. The transformation during cycling of SnO nanoflakes, uniformly dispersed in the tin oxide/RGO/carbon composite powder, into ultrafine nanocrystals results in hollow nanovoids that act as buffers for the large volume changes that occur during cycling, thereby improving the cycling and rate performances of the tin oxide/RGO/carbon composite powders.
Intramolecular CH/OH Bond Cleavage with Water and Alcohol Using a Phosphine‐Free Ruthenium Carbene NCN Pincer Complex
Authors: Prokopchuk Demyan E. , Tsui Brian T. H. , Lough Alan J. , Morris Robert H.
Published: September 2014

Transition metal complexes that exhibit metal–ligand cooperative reactivity could be suitable candidates for applications in water splitting. Ideally, the ligands around the metal should not contain oxidizable donor atoms, such as phosphines. With this goal in mind, we report new phosphine‐free ruthenium NCN pincer complexes with a central N‐heterocyclic carbene donor and methylpyridyl N‐donors. Reaction with base generates a neutral, dearomatized alkoxo–amido complex, which has been structurally and spectroscopically characterized. The tert‐butoxide ligand facilitates regioselective, intramolecular proton transfer through a CH/OH bond cleavage process occurring at room temperature. Kinetic and thermodynamic data have been obtained by VT NMR experiments; DFT calculations support the observed behavior. Isolation and structural characterization of a doubly dearomatized phosphine complex also strongly supports our mechanistic proposal. The alkoxo–amido complex reacts with water to form a dearomatized ruthenium hydroxide complex, a first step towards phosphine‐free metal–ligand cooperative water splitting.
CFD simulation of complete drawdown of floating solids in a stirred tank
Authors: Qiao Shengchao , Wang Rijie , Yang Xiaoxia , Yan Yuefei
Published: September 2014

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out to find a CFD methodology to predict the critical impeller speed (NCS) for the complete drawdown of floating solids in a stirred tank with an up‐ and down‐pumping pitched blade turbine (PBTU and PBTD). CFD models along with six mixing parameters predicted that NCS was 7.5 rps and 5.8 rps, respectively, for PBTU and PBTD, when impeller submergence (S) was equal to half of the liquid height (H/2). Reasonable agreement was observed between CFD simulations and published empirical correlation. NCS was smaller for PBTD relative to PBTU at S = H/2, which agreed with results in the literature. The drawdown mechanisms based on the mean drag, turbulent fluctuations or large scale eddies failed to explain the difference in NCS between PBTU and PBTD. The flow patterns based on a simulated velocity field were further investigated and successfully accounted for this difference.
The theory of parallel channels manifolds (ladder networks) revisited part 2: Design for uniform cross‐flow distribution
Authors: Midoux Noel , Tondeur Daniel
Published: September 2014

This article, the second of a series, is devoted to the design of U‐type ladder manifolds capable of exhibiting a close‐to‐uniform distribution of the flow between all the cross‐channels. This article builds on the analytical and numerical results of the previous part but brings the geometric properties of the network in the foreground. Two situations are considered: the first being with constant channel diameters for which the diameter ratios of distributor and collector are sought which minimize the dispersion of the cross‐flow distribution. The second situation considers tapering the distributor or collector diameter along their lengths, and the optimal tapering is sought.
Spectrum‐efficiency enhancement in small cell networks with biasing cell association and eICIC: An analytical framework
Authors: Wang Yongbin , Ji Hong , Zhang Heli
Published: September 2014

Load balancing and interference management play crucial roles in small cell network (SCN) capacity and spectrum efficiency (SE) enhancement. By performing load balancing between macrocell and small cells, biasing cell association has attracted great attentions since it is proposed. Additionally, enhanced intercell interference coordination (eICIC) technology is also developed as an efficient interference mitigation method for the biasing cell association‐based SCNs. In this paper, we develop an SE enhancement framework with joint consideration of the eICIC factor and biasing factor. Using the stochastic geometry theory, the network is modeled by spatial Poisson point process. We firstly derive the downlink average rate, which is performed at a typical user. Secondly, the eICIC factor‐related network SE is analyzed by proving the existence of optimal eICIC factor, which maximizes the network SE. For the intractability of the closed‐form expression of optimal eICIC factor, a bisection search‐based algorithm is developed then. At last, numerical results confirm our analysis and show the proposed algorithm performance. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Values‐Based Approach to Vulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change. Applying Q methodology in the Ebro Delta, Spain
Authors: Albizua Amaia , Zografos Christos
Published: September 2014

Outcome and context‐focused approaches to climate change adaptation dominate the relevant literature. Taking into account values and perceptions of affected actors and decision‐makers is a fundamental and necessary prerequisite for a more effective, legitimate and fair climate policy and has not been given the necessary consideration. This paper uses Q methodology to explore such values in the context of climate change in the Ebro Delta, in Catalonia. The delta is an area highly vulnerable to climate change, mainly because of its topography, but also as a result of human intervention. The study identifies five discourses on vulnerability and adaptation held by delta inhabitants and decision‐makers. Social justice and security comprise shared values behind arguments; however, discourses differ in their approaches concerning the proper scale for applying these values with adaptation policy. Our results serve to improve policy dialogue and suggest that the adaptation policy agenda should focus on pursuing consensus over the crucial issue of scale. Our use of Q methodology to advance the incipient literature on value‐based climate change vulnerability and adaptation is innovative and suggests that the approach has a capacity to contribute to advancing deliberative environmental decision‐making on adaptation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Investigations on cell disruption of oleaginous microorganisms: Hydrochloric acid digestion is an effective method for lipid extraction
Authors: Yu Xiaochen , Dong Tao , Zheng Yubin , Miao Chao , Chen Shulin
Published: September 2014

Cell disruption is an important step used to substantially increase lipid recovery prior to extraction. This is the first study exploring the effects of cell disruption methods on lipid recovery from different oleaginous microorganisms. Specifically, we examined the effects of cell disruption methods, including autoclaving, bead‐beating, microwaving, sonication, acid digestion, and Soxhlet extraction on the yeast Cryptococcus curvatus, the fungus Mortierella isabellina and the microalga Chlorella sorokiniana. Although lipid recovery by cell disruption methods varied with microbial species, autoclaving and microwaving resulted in the lowest lipid contents for all tested strains. The Soxhlet method achieved the highest lipid content of 63.4% for M. isabellina and 12.8% for C. sorokiniana, followed by acid digestion. The highest lipid content of C. curvatus was achieved at 47.3% through acid digestion, compared to sonication, bead‐beating and Soxhlet methods. This study suggests that acid digestion may be the most simple and effective method for lipid recovery from the tested species in terms of time and reaction temperature. Moreover, fatty acid profile analysis revealed that lipids extracted by acid digestion were similar to those from untreated microbial cells, indicating a favorable feedstock for use in biodiesel production.

Practical applications: An effective cell disruption method is critical for not only enhancing the lipid recovery in a large scale but also reporting the accurate values of lipid contents of microorganisms in a lab scale. Different cell disruption methods have different effects on lipid extraction from different microorganisms. In this work, for the first time, we performed comparative investigations among yeast, fungus, and microalga to reveal the lipid recovery yields by cell disruption methods for microbial lipid extraction from different oleaginous microorganisms and identified their most effective methods for analytical lipid determination.

An effective cell disruption method is critical for enhancing lipid recovery and reporting the accurate lipid contents of microorganisms. In this study, the authors performed comparative investigations among yeast, fungus, and microalga to determine the lipid recovery yields from these oleaginous micro organisms using various cell disruption methods. They identified the most effective cell disruption methods for analytical lipid determination in each microorganism.
Total Synthesis of Micromide: a Marine Natural Product
Authors: Han Jianrong , Lian Jingtang , Tian Xia , Zhou Shengwei , Zhen Xiaoli , Liu Shouxin
Published: September 2014

This paper describes an efficient procedure for the synthesis of micromide, a natural product that shows anti‐solid‐tumor activity. Our strategy involved the synthesis of N‐nosyl‐protected amino acids and their N‐methylation with iodomethane. The hindered oligopeptides containing N‐methyl amino acids were synthesized in excellent yields and high purities.
Poly‐(Alizarin Red S)‐Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for Simultaneous Electrochemical Determination of Levodopa, Homovanillic Acid and Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Hatefi‐Mehrjardi Abdolhamid , Ghaemi Nasrin , Karimi Mohammad Ali , Ghasemi Masoumeh , Islami‐Ramchahi Somaieh
Published: September 2014

A polymeric film of Alizarin Red S was formed on a glassy carbon electrode and used for electrochemical detection of Levodopa (L‐DOPA) and homovanillic acid (HVA) in the presence of ascorbic acid (AA). The sensor represented excellent electrocatalytic activity for their oxidations. The resultant differential pulse voltammograms show well defined and fully resolved anodic oxidation peaks for determination of the analytes. Anodic oxidation currents of L‐DOPA, HVA, and AA showed linearity with good correlation coefficient (>0.996), high sensitivity, and low detection limits (6, 17, and 30 nM respectively). The sensor was used for recovery of analytes in human plasma samples.
Mental Health Service User Experience of Positive Psychotherapy
Authors: Brownell Tamsin , Schrank Beate , Jakaite Zivile , Larkin Charley , Slade Mike
Published: September 2014

Objective

Service user satisfaction with therapy is a key part of the therapeutic process. The aim of this study was to investigate service user experiences of an 11‐week group positive psychology intervention for psychosis (WELLFOCUS PPT) in the context of a randomized controlled trial (ISRCTN04199273).

Method

Participants were 37 individuals (51% male; mean age 45.6 years) receiving the intervention as part of the trial. Semistructured interviews and focus groups were conducted to investigate participants’ views of WELLFOCUS PPT. Transcripts were analyzed both deductively and inductively to identify common themes.

Results

Feedback about the group experience was positive throughout. Components found helpful included learning to savor experiences, identifying and developing strengths, forgiveness, gratitude, and therapist self‐disclosure.

Conclusion

Findings emphasize the importance of considering service users’ perceptions of therapy and can be used to guide clinicians in deciding whether to include one or more of the components of WELLFOCUS PPT in therapy.
Preference pulses induced by reinforcement
Authors: Hachiga Yosuke , Sakagami Takayuki , Silberberg Alan
Published: September 2014

Eight rats responded on concurrent Variable‐Ratio 20 Extinction schedules for food reinforcement. The assignment of variable‐ratio reinforcement to a left or right lever varied randomly following each reinforcer, and was cued by illumination of a stimulus light above that lever. Postreinforcement preference levels decreased substantially and reliably over time when the lever that just delivered reinforcement was now in extinction; however, if that lever was once again associated with variable ratio, this decrease in same‐lever preference tended to be small, and for some subjects, not in evidence. The changes in preference level to the extinction lever were well described by a modified version of Killeen, Hanson, and Osborne's (1978) induction model. Consistent with this model's attribution of preference change to induction, we attribute preference change in this report to a brief period of reinforcer‐induced arousal that energizes responding to the lever that delivered the last reinforcer. After a few seconds, this induced responding diminishes, and the operant responding that remains comes under the control of the stimulus light cuing the lever providing variable‐ratio reinforcement.
Synthesis of [18O2]‐curcumin
Authors: Shen Xiurui , Yang Xiaomei , Zhu Ying , Liu Xihuan , Wen Hongliang
Published: September 2014

Curcumin, a pigment isolated from rhizomes of Curcuma longa, is a potent cancer chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent and is now evaluated in phase III human clinical trials. This report describes an efficient synthesis of [18O2]‐curcumin. [18O2]‐Curcumin was prepared in three steps from 1‐iodo‐2‐methoxy‐4‐methylbenzene in an overall yield of 53%.
Fiber optical parametric amplifiers in optical communication systems
Authors: Marhic (†) Michel E. , Andrekson Peter A. , Petropoulos Periklis , Radic Stojan , Peucheret Christophe , Jazayerifar Mahmoud
Published: September 2014

The prospects for using fiber optical parametric amplifiers (OPAs) in optical communication systems are reviewed. Phase‐insensitive amplifiers (PIAs) and phase‐sensitive amplifiers (PSAs) are considered. Low‐penalty amplification at/or near 1 Tb/s has been achieved, for both wavelength‐ and time‐division multiplexed formats. High‐quality mid‐span spectral inversion has been demonstrated at 0.64 Tb/s, avoiding electronic dispersion compensation. All‐optical amplitude regeneration of amplitude‐modulated signals has been performed, while PSAs have been used to demonstrate phase regeneration of phase‐modulated signals. A PSA with 1.1‐dB noise figure has been demonstrated, and preliminary wavelength‐division multiplexing experiments have been performed with PSAs. 512 Gb/s have been transmitted over 6,000 km by periodic phase conjugation. Simulations indicate that PIAs could reach data rate x reach products in excess of 14,000 Tb/s × km in realistic wavelength‐division multiplexed long‐haul networks. Technical challenges remaining to be addressed in order for fiber OPAs to become useful for long‐haul communication networks are discussed.

image
Investigation of the resonance‐assisted hydrogen bond in modelβ‐diketones through localized molecular orbital analysis of the spin–spin coupling constants related to the O–H · · · O hydrogen bond
Authors: Zarycz M. Natalia C. , Provasi Patricio F.
Published: September 2014

The resonance‐assisted hydrogen bond (HB) phenomenon has been studied theoretically by a localized molecular orbital (LMO) decomposition of the spin–spin coupling constants between atoms either involved or close to the O–H · · · O system of someβ‐diketones and their saturated counterparts. The analysis, carried out at the level of the second‐order polarization propagator approximation, shows that the contributions in terms of LMO to the paramagnetic spin orbital and the spin dipolar Ramsey terms proof the importance of the delocalizedπ‐electron structure supporting the idea of the existence of the resonance‐assisted HB phenomenon phenomenon. The LMO contributions to the Fermi contact term indicate mainly the presence of the HB that may or not be linked to theπ‐electrons. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing electrochromic contrast and redox stability of nanostructure polypyrrole film doped by heparin as polyanion in different solvents
Authors: Alizadeh Naader , Tavoli Farnaz
Published: September 2014

Heparin‐doped polypyrrole (PPy‐Hep) and
‐doped polypyrrole (PPy‐ClO4) films are synthesized onto FTO‐coated glass electrode in a potentiostatic electrochemical process with the aim of producing uniform, transparent, and adherent coating. The resultant polymers are characterized via cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. SEM study indicates that the PPy‐Hep film to be composed of a continuous interlinked network of quasi spherical grains (50–80 nm in dimensions). The electrochromic properties of PPy‐Hep and PPy‐ClO4 polymer films are compared to spectroelectrochemistry and switching studies. The effect of different solvents (water, propylene carbonate, and acetonitrile) on the electrochromic features of electropolymerized polymers has been investigated, and we find a very significant solvent effect. PPy‐Hep film exhibits switching time of 1 s and the maximum transmittance contrast (ΔT%) is 48% at 800 nm in water. In addition, presence of Hep causes drastic enhancement of electro‐optical stability of PPy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3365–3371
Linear and four‐armed poly(l‐lactide)‐block‐poly(d‐lactide) copolymers and their stereocomplexation with poly(lactide)s
Authors: Shao Jun , Tang Zhaohui , Sun Jingru , Li Gao , Chen Xuesi
Published: September 2014

Linear and four‐armed poly(l‐lactide)‐block‐poly(d‐lactide) (PLLA‐b‐PDLA) block copolymers are synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of d‐lactide on the end hydroxyl of linear and four‐armed PLLA prepolymers. DSC results indicate that the melting temperature and melting enthalpies of poly (lactide) stereocomplex in the copolymers are obviously lower than corresponding linear and four‐armed PLLA/PDLA blends. Compared with the four‐armed PLLA‐b‐PDLA copolymer, the similar linear PLLA‐b‐PDLA shows higher melting temperature (212.3 °C) and larger melting enthalpy (70.6 J g−1). After these copolymers blend with additional neat PLAs, DSC, and WAXD results show that the stereocomplex formation between free PLA molecular chain and enantiomeric PLA block is the major stereocomplex formation. In the linear copolymer/linear PLA blends, the stereocomplex crystallites (sc) as well as homochiral crystallites (hc) form in the copolymer/PLA cast films. However, in the four‐armed copolymer/linear PLA blends, both sc and hc develop in the four‐armed PLLA‐b‐PDLA/PDLA specimen, which means that the stereocomplexation mainly forms between free PDLA molecule and the inside PLLA block, and the outside PDLA block could form some microcrystallites. Although the melting enthalpies of stereocomplexes in the blends are smaller than that of neat copolymers, only two‐thirds of the molecular chains participate in the stereocomplex formation, and the crystallization efficiency strengthens. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1560–1567
Anti‐Cancer Therapies of 21st Century: Novel Approach to Treat Human Cancers Using Cold Atmospheric Plasma
Authors: Ratovitski Edward A. , Cheng Xiaoqian , Yan Dayun , Sherman Jonathan H. , Canady Jerome , Trink Barry , Keidar Michael
Published: September 2014

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has just recently been showing promising anti‐cancer activities supported by ability to induce cell death via apoptosis and cell cycle arrest leading to tumor cell destruction in vitro, and in vivo. Several studies showed the ability of CAP‐activated media to modulate the tumor cell environment a link between the generation of reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species and cancer cell death following CAP treatment. Targeting cancer cells through ROS‐mediated mechanisms has become an attractive strategy for effective and selective cancer treatment by exploiting the aberrant redox characteristics of cancer cells. These effects support the potential direct (CAP) and indirect (CAP‐activated media) applications for adjuvant anti‐cancer therapeutics, in a combination with the chemo‐, radio‐, and nano‐therapies.
Engineering the Internal Structure of Magnetic Silica Nanoparticles by Thermal Control
Authors: Song Hyon Min , Zink Jeffrey I. , Khashab Niveen M.
Published: September 2014

Calcination of hydrated iron salts in the pores of both spherical and rod‐shaped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (NPs) changes the internal structure from an ordered 2D hexagonal structure into a smaller number of large voids in the particles with sizes ranging from large hollow cores down to ten nanometer voids. The voids only form when the heating rate is rapid at a rate of 30 °C min−1. The sizes of the voids are controlled reproducibly by the final calcination temperature; as the temperature is decreased the number of voids decreases as their size increases. The phase of the iron oxide NPs is α‐Fe2O3 when annealed at 500 °C, and Fe3O4 when annealed at lower temperatures. The water molecules in the hydrated iron (III) chloride precursor salts appear to play important roles by hydrolyzing SiOSi bonding, and the resulting silanol is mobile enough to affect the reconstruction into the framed hollow structures at high temperature. Along with hexahydrates, trivalent Fe3+ ions are assumed to contribute to the structure disruption of mesoporous silica by replacing tetrahedral Si4+ ions and making FeOSi bonding. Volume fraction tomography images generated from transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images enable precise visualization of the structures. These results provide a controllable method of engineering the internal shapes in silica matrices containing superparamagnetic NPs.