bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling of indicators for evaluation the sustainability of artisanal fishing in the surrounding of the National Forest Ibura, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Silva Carlos Eduardo , Albuquerque Junior Ricardo Luiz Cavalcanti de , Melo Cláudia Moura de , Madi Rubens Riscala
Published: August 2013

Brazil is the holder of the greatest biodiversity on the planet, and can not shirk regarding the development of monitoring templates related to nature conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. In this sense, this research aimed to develop a model for evaluating indicators based on the methodology MESMIS (Marco para la Evaluación de Sistemas de Manejo de Recursos Naturales incorporando Indicadores de Sustentabilidade) for use in its level of fishing communities or extractive related to protected areas, based on the existing community of fishermen in the surrounding National Forest Ibura, Brazil. The MESMIS the methodological basis was chosen for model development and evaluation indicators. Descriptive statistics analyzed censitariamente (N=100) with the minimum (MIN), medium (MED), desirable (P75), and maximum (MAX). The resulting model consists of 14 sustainability indicators that meet the attributes: (a) productivity, (b) stability, resilience and reliability, (c) adaptability, (d) equity, (e) self-management. It is possible to conclude that there is technical feasibility and to develop mathematical models of sustainability assessment systems based on indicators. When reviewed in complex revealed that artisanal fisheries developed in the analyzed system has a Relative Sustainability Index (IRS) of 26%. The results also demonstrated that it is possible to reach an IRS=33% based on the local situation (P75).
Territorial Dynamics in Small-Scale Fishing Villages: Economics, Experiences and Conflicts. The Case of Guabún and Puñihuil in the Ancud District, Chiloé
Authors: Ther Ríos Francisco , Valderrama Bravo Jaime
Published: August 2013

The socio-economic and environmental transformations undergoneby fishing villages, as a result of the premature insertion of this sectorinto the international economy, come in addition to a variety of modernisationprocesses affecting the societies which inhabit coastal spaces, changingtheir daily lives. A second factor is the growing supply of tourism servicesalong the coast, implying new adaptations for fishing settlements. Thesefactors act on the coastline, generating processes of disadaptation and disorientationin fishing communities. This constitutes a negative factor bothfor territorial ordering and for the administration of the resources on whichsmall-scale fishing depends. In this context, the article examines in greaterdepth the territorial dynamics present in two coastal communities on ChiloéIsland, through analysis of the economic and cultural processes and thevariations over time of the fishing grounds used by small-scale fishermen.A qualitative methodology is used, based on participative cartography andin-depth interviews, as well as a bio-economic survey. The central objectiveis to understand from a geosocial focus the economic and productive processesin the two villages, together with possible causes of conflict. Finally,we present the basic factors and aspirations which have made the two communitiesa focus of attention in the ambit of local development in this typeof productive activity.
Reseña El valor de pensar.
Authors: Salas Astrain Ricardo
Published: August 2013

Figueroa, M., & Millas, J. (2011). El valor de pensar (1° ed.). Santiago de Chile: Ediciones Universidad Diego Portales.
Una mirada prospectiva de las ciencias sociales críticas. Discurso de despedida de Decano Saliente de la Facultad de Ciencias Sociales de la Universidad Católica de Temuco, Dr. Ricardo Salas Astraín. Lunes 2 de abril 2012.
Authors: Salas Astrain Ricardo
Published: August 2013

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Descargue Ejemplar Completo
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Published: August 2013

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Comparison of chiropractic student scores before and after utilizing active learning techniques in a classroom setting
Authors: Guagliardo Joseph G. , Hoiriis Kathryn T.
Published: August 2013

Objective

We report the differences in final examination scores achieved by students at the culmination of two different teaching strategies in an introductory skills course.

Methods

Multiple choice examination scores from six consecutive academic calendar sessions over 18 months (n = 503) were compared. Two groups were used: Cohort A (n = 290) represented students who were enrolled in the course 3 consecutive academic sessions before an instructional change and Cohort B (n = 213) included students who were enrolled in 3 consecutive academic sessions following the instructional change, which included a more active learning format. Statistical analyses used were 2-tailed independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD), and effect size.

Results

The 2-tailed independent t-test revealed a significant difference between the two groups (t = −3.71, p < .001; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29–4.20). Significant difference was found in the highest performing subgroup compared to the lowest performing subgroup in Cohort A (F = 3.343, p = .037). For Cohort A subgroups 1 and 2, Tukey's HSD was p < .028. In Cohort B, no difference was found among subgroups (F = 1.912, p = .150, HSD p > .105).

Conclusion

Compared to previous versions of the same course taught by the same instructor, the students in the new course design performed better, suggesting that using active learning techniques helps improve student achievement.
Saturated Polar‐Substituted Polyethylene Elastomers from Insertion Polymerization
Authors: Rünzi Thomas , Mecking Stefan
Published: August 2013

Saturated, polar‐substituted elastomers consisting of a linear polyethylene backbone are prepared directly by insertion copolymerization of ethylene with polar‐functionalized vinyl monomers employing functional‐group tolerant catalysis. This unprecedented approach to elastomers is compatible with a wide range of different crosslinking chemistries. Crosslinking of the materials occurs efficiently, as concluded from gel contents and spectroscopic observations. Mechanical and thermal properties are revealed by dynamic mechanical analysis.
A Rapid, Direct, Quantitative, and Label‐Free Detector of Cardiac Biomarker Troponin T Using Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Sensors
Authors: Zhang Jingqing , Kruss Sebastian , Hilmer Andrew J. , Shimizu Steven , Schmois Zeke , De La Cruz Flor , Barone Paul W. , Reuel Nigel F. , Heller Daniel A. , Strano Michael S.
Published: August 2013

Patients with chest pain account for 10% of US emergency room visits according to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2013). For triage of these patients, cardiac biomarkers troponin I and T are endorsed as standard indicators for acute myocardial infarction (AMI, or heart attack). Thus, there is significant interest in developing a rapid, point‐of‐care (POC) device for troponin detection. In this work, a rapid, quantitative, and label‐free assay, which is specific for cardiac troponin T (cTnT) detection, using fluorescent single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), is demonstrated. Chitosan‐wrapped carbon nanotubes are cross‐linked to form a thin gel that is further functionalized with nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) moieties. Upon chelation of Ni2+, the Ni2+‐NTA group binds to a hexa‐histidine‐modified troponin antibody, which specifically recognizes the target protein, troponin T. As the troponin T binds to the antibody, the local environment of the sensor changes, allowing direct troponin detection through intensity changes in SWCNT bandgap fluorescence. This platform represents the first near‐infrared SWCNT sensor array for cTnT detection. Detection can be completed within 5 min, demonstrating a linear response to cTnT concentration and an experimental detection limit of 100 ng mL−1 (2.5 nm). This platform provides a promising new tool for POC AMI detection in the future. Moreover, the work presents two new methods of quantifying the number of amines and carboxylic groups, respectively, in a carbon hydrogel matrices.
Photostimulation of Whole‐Cell Conductance in Primary Rat Neocortical Astrocytes Mediated by Organic Semiconducting Thin Films
Authors: Benfenati Valentina , Martino Nicola , Antognazza Maria Rosa , Pistone Assunta , Toffanin Stefano , Ferroni Stefano , Lanzani Guglielmo , Muccini Michele
Published: August 2013

Astroglial ion channels are fundamental molecular targets in the study of brain physiology and pathophysiology. Novel tools and devices intended for stimulation and control of astrocytes ion channel activity are therefore highly desirable. The study of the interactions between astrocytes and biomaterials is also essential to control and minimize reactive astrogliosis, in view of the development of implantable functional devices. Here, the growth of rat primary neocortical astrocytes on the top of a light sensitive, organic polymer film is reported; by means of patch‐clamp analyses, the effect of the visible light stimulation on membrane conductance is then determined. Photoexcitation of the active material causes a significant depolarization of the astroglial resting membrane potential: the effect is associated to an increase in whole‐cell conductance at negative potentials. The magnitude of the evoked inward current density is proportional to the illumination intensity. Biophysical and pharmacological characterization suggests that the ion channel mediating the photo‐transduction mechanism is a chloride channel, the ClC‐2 channel. These results open interesting perspectives for the selective manipulation of astrocyte bioelectrical activity by non‐invasive, label‐free, organic‐based, photostimulation approaches.
Asymptotic effectiveness of a catalyst particle in the form of a hollow cylinder
Authors: Aris Rutherford , Balakotaiah Vemuri
Published: August 2013

Significance

An explicit formula is presented for the effectiveness factor of a catalyst particle in the form of a hollow cylinder taking into account the reactant diffusion in the fluid phase of the cylindrical core and diffusion and reaction in the outer reactive annulus. The proper normalization to be used in the definition of the generalized Thiele modulus as well as the aspect ratios that lead to the highest effectiveness are also determined. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 4020–4024, 2013
A novel approach for estimating the omitted‐citation rate of bibliometric databases with an application to the field of bibliometrics
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Maisano Domenico , Mastrogiacomo Luca
Published: August 2013

One of the most significant inaccuracies of bibliometric databases is that of omitted citations, namely, missing electronic links between a paper of interest and some citing papers, which are (or should be) covered by the database. This paper proposes a novel approach for estimating a database's omitted‐citation rate, based on the combined use of 2 or more bibliometric databases. A statistical model is also presented for (a) estimating the “true” number of citations received by individual papers or sets of papers, and (b) defining an appropriate confidence interval. The proposed approach could represent a first step towards the definition of a standard for evaluating the accuracy level of databases.
Do universities or research institutions with a specific subject profile have an advantage or a disadvantage in institutional rankings?
Authors: Bornmann Lutz , de Moya Anegón Felix , Mutz Rüdiger
Published: August 2013

Using data compiled for the SCImago Institutions Ranking, we look at whether the subject area type an institution (university or research‐focused institution) belongs to (in terms of the fields researched) has an influence on its ranking position. We used latent class analysis to categorize institutions based on their publications in certain subject areas. Even though this categorization does not relate directly to scientific performance, our results show that it exercises an important influence on the outcome of a performance measurement: Certain subject area types of institutions have an advantage in the ranking positions when compared with others. This advantage manifests itself not only when performance is measured with an indicator that is not field‐normalized but also for indicators that are field‐normalized.
Anti‐proliferative and apoptosis inducing effect of nimbolide by altering molecules involved in apoptosis and IGF signalling via PI3K/Akt in prostate cancer (PC‐3) cell line
Authors: Raja Singh Paulraj , Arunkumar Ramachandran , Sivakamasundari Velayutham , Sharmila Govindaraj , Elumalai Perumal , Suganthapriya Elayapillai , Brindha Mercy Amalanathan , Senthilkumar Kalimuthu , Arunakaran Jegadeesan
Published: August 2013

Prostate cancer is responsible for major deaths globally after lung cancer. Nimbolide is an important constituent of neem, and it acts as a potent inhibitor for many cancer cells. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of nimbolide on apoptosis and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signalling molecules in androgen‐independent prostate cancer (PC‐3) cells line. Nimbolide (0.5–2 μM) treatment resulted in 50% inhibition at a dose of 2 μM in the PC‐3 cell line. The mRNA expression of Fas ligand, Fas‐associated death domain receptor (FADDR), Bcl‐2‐associated X protein (Bax), Bcl‐2‐associated death promoter (Bad), phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinases (PI3K), Akt, IGF1, IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) and IGF binding protein 3 were quantified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and protein expression of Bax, cytochrome c, X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), B‐Cell Lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2), caspases −8, −9, −10 and −3, poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), cleaved PARP, IGF1R, PI3K, Akt, p‐Akt was determined by western blot analysis, in nimbolide‐treated PC‐3 cell line. Nimbolide‐induced apoptosis by activating DNA fragmentation in PC‐3 cells. Nimbolide treatment increased the mRNA of Fas ligand, FADDR, Bax, Bad and IGF binding protein 3, decreased PI3K, Akt, IGF1 and IGF1R, increased protein expression of caspases 8, 3, 10, 9, Bax and cytochrome c and decreased the expression of XIAP, Bcl2, cleaved PARP, p‐Akt and IGF1R. The results suggest that nimbolide acts as a potent anti‐cancer agent by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation via PI3K/Akt pathway in PC‐3 cells. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalyst‐ and Solvent‐Dependent Stereodivergence in the Intramolecular Et2Zn/Pd0‐Promoted Carbonyl Propargylation: Mechanistic Implications
Authors: Arrate Mónica , Durana Aritz , Lorenzo Paula , de Lera Ángel R. , Álvarez Rosana , Aurrecoechea José M.
Published: August 2013

Carbonyl‐tethered propargylic benzoates undergo intramolecular carbonylpropargylation upon treatment with Et2Zn in the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd0with the formation of 2‐alkynylcyclopentanol products. A ligand/solvent effect on thecis/transselectivity (referring to the relative positions of alkynyl and OH groups) of ring‐closure has been found. In a non‐coordinating solvent (benzene), increasing the electron‐donating ability of the phosphine ligand (while decreasing its dissociation ability) leads to an increased tendency towards thetransproduct. On the other hand, the combination of a coordinating solvent (THF) and PPh3, an easily dissociated phosphine, results in the exclusive formation ofcisproducts. Experimental and computational results are compatible with a divergent behavior of an allenylethylpalladium intermediate that partitions between competitive carbonyl‐addition and transmetalation pathways, each leading to a different diastereoisomer. These results also suggest that the dissociating ability of the phosphine regulates that behavior.
Kinesin Spindle Protein (KSP) Inhibitors in Combination with Chemotherapeutic Agents for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Song Hualong , Zhou Shanshan , Wang Rubing , Li Shaoshun
Published: August 2013

A diverse group of proteins, the activities of which are precisely orchestrated during mitosis, have emerged as targets for cancer therapeutics; these include the Aurora kinases (AKs), Polo‐like kinases (PLKs), and the kinesin spindle protein (KSP). KSP is essential for the proper separation of spindle poles during mitosis. Agents that target KSP selectively act on cells undergoing cell division, which means that KSP inhibitors are mitosis‐specific drugs, and have demonstrated remarkable activities in vitro. However, a significant obstacle to the success of KSP inhibitors is that these compounds, with tremendous efficacy in vitro, have demonstrated little or even no antitumor activity in vivo. Accumulated data suggest that a combination of KSP inhibitors with various cytostatic drugs will result in a more powerful tumor‐killing effect than monotherapy. Combination therapies might predominate and represent the next frontier in the discovery research of KSP inhibitors as potential anticancer drugs. Few published studies have reviewed combination therapy using KSP inhibitors. Herein we provide a comprehensive review of the literature on KSP inhibitor monotherapy and therapeutic combinations. The current state and problems are also discussed.
T(x) phase diagram of the CuSbS2–CuInS2 system and solubility limit of Sb in CuInS2
Authors: Korzun B. V. , Gavrilenko A. N. , Fadzeyeva A. A. , Ignatenko O. V. , Maroz I. I. , Sobol V. R. , Rusu M. , Klenk R. , Merschjann C. , Schedel‐Niedrig Th. , Lux‐Steiner M. Ch.
Published: August 2013

The starting ternary compounds CuInS2 and CuSbS2 and alloys of the CuSbS2–CuInS2 system with the molar fractions of CuInS2 (x) equal to 0.05, 0.15, 0.25, 0.375, 0.50, 0.625, 0.75, 0.85, and 0.95 were prepared and the phase relations in this system were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and differential thermal analysis. It was shown that the T–x phase diagram of the CuInS2–CuSbS2 system has a eutectic character with the eutectic temperature of 807 K. The alloys of the CuSbS2–CuInS2 system with the molar fraction of CuInS2 in the range from 0.038 to 0.941 at room temperature are two‐phased, and the limits of solubility are 0.059 molar fractions for CuSbS2 in CuInS2 and 0.038 molar fractions for CuInS2 in CuSbS2.
The Close Relationships between the Crystal Structures of MO and MSO4 (M = Group 10, 11, or 12 Metal), and the Predicted Structures of AuO and PtSO4
Authors: Derzsi Mariana , Hermann Andreas , Hoffmann Roald , Grochala Wojciech
Published: August 2013

The structural relations of (and between) late transition metal monoxides, MO, and monosulfates, MSO4, are analyzed. We show that all of these late transition metal oxides, as well as 4d and 5d metal sulfates, crystallize in distorted rock salt lattices and argue that the distortions are driven by collective first‐ and/or second order Jahn–Teller effects. The collective Jahn–Teller deformations lead either to tetragonal contraction or (seldom) elongation of the rock salt lattice. On the basis of the rock salt representation of the oxides and sulfates, we show that PdO, CuO, and AgO are metrically related and that the 4d and 5d metal sulfates are close to isostructural with their oxides. These observations guide us towards as yet unknown AuO and PtSO4, for which we predict crystal structures from electronic structure calculations.
Personal values and prosocial behaviour in strategic interactions: Distinguishing value‐expressive from value‐ambivalent behaviours
Authors: Lönnqvist Jan‐Erik , Verkasalo Markku , Wichardt Philipp C. , Walkowitz Gari
Published: August 2013

Relying on the framework provided by Schwartz's theory of personal values, we investigated whether values can help explain prosocial behaviour. We first distinguished value‐expressive behaviours from value‐ambivalent behaviours. The former are compatible with primarily one value or with congruent values, the latter with mutually conflicting values. In Study 1, an analysis over all 41 (39 unpublished) samples in which we measured personal values and prosocial behaviour in monetarily incentivized strategic interactions (N = 1289; data collected between 2007 and 2010 in China, Finland, Germany, Israel, and the West Bank) supported our idea that personal values, universalism in particular, predict value‐expressive (prisoner's dilemma cooperation and trust game back‐transfers) but not value‐ambivalent behaviours (trust game transfers and ultimatum game proposals and responses). Study 2 (N = 56) focused on dictator game behaviours, which we expected and found to be strongly value‐expressive. The findings contribute to the ongoing discussion on whether and under which circumstances values shape behaviour. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Macrophage PPAR gamma Co‐activator‐1 alpha participates in repressing foam cell formation and atherosclerosis in response to conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: McCarthy Cathal , Lieggi Nora T. , Barry Denis , Mooney Declan , de Gaetano Monica , James William G. , McClelland Sarah , Barry Mary C. , Escoubet‐Lozach Laure , Li Andrew C. , Glass Christopher K , Fitzgerald Desmond J. , Belton Orina
Published: August 2013

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has the unique property of inducing regression of pre‐established murine atherosclerosis. Understanding the mechanism(s) involved may help identify endogenous pathways that reverse human atherosclerosis. Here, we provide evidence that CLA inhibits foam cell formation via regulation of the nuclear receptor coactivator, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐γ coactivator (PGC)‐1α, and that macrophage PGC‐1α plays a role in atheroprotection in vivo. PGC‐1α was identified as a hub gene within a cluster in the aorta of the apoE−/− mouse in the CLA‐induced regression model. PGC‐1α was localized to macrophage/foam cells in the murine aorta where its expression was increased during CLA‐induced regression. PGC‐1α expression was also detected in macrophages in human atherosclerosis and was inversely linked to disease progression in patients with the disease. Deletion of PGC‐1α in bone marrow derived macrophages promoted, whilst over expression of the gene inhibited foam cell formation. Importantly, macrophage specific deletion of PGC‐1α accelerated atherosclerosis in the LDLR−/− mouse in vivo. These novel data support a functional role for PGC‐1α in atheroprotection.
A benchmarking method to measure dietary absorption efficiency of chemicals by fish
Authors: Xiao Ruiyang , Adolfsson-Erici Margaretha , Åkerman Gun , McLachlan Michael S. , MacLeod Matthew
Published: August 2013

Understanding the dietary absorption efficiency of chemicals in the gastrointestinal tract of fish is important from both a scientific and a regulatory point of view. However, reported fish absorption efficiencies for well-studied chemicals are highly variable. In the present study, the authors developed and exploited an internal chemical benchmarking method that has the potential to reduce uncertainty and variability and, thus, to improve the precision of measurements of fish absorption efficiency. The authors applied the benchmarking method to measure the gross absorption efficiency for 15 chemicals with a wide range of physicochemical properties and structures. They selected 2,2′,5,6′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB53) and decabromodiphenyl ethane as absorbable and nonabsorbable benchmarks, respectively. Quantities of chemicals determined in fish were benchmarked to the fraction of PCB53 recovered in fish, and quantities of chemicals determined in feces were benchmarked to the fraction of decabromodiphenyl ethane recovered in feces. The performance of the benchmarking procedure was evaluated based on the recovery of the test chemicals and precision of absorption efficiency from repeated tests. Benchmarking did not improve the precision of the measurements; after benchmarking, however, the median recovery for 15 chemicals was 106%, and variability of recoveries was reduced compared with before benchmarking, suggesting that benchmarking could account for incomplete extraction of chemical in fish and incomplete collection of feces from different tests. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2695–2700. © 2013 SETAC
An ensemble Kalman filter for the time‐dependent analysis of the geomagnetic field
Authors: Fournier Alexandre , Nerger Lars , Aubert Julien
Published: August 2013

We present the application of the ensemble Kalman filter to a three‐dimensional, convection‐driven model of the geodynamo. Our implementation rests on a suitably modified version of the parallel data assimilation framework of Nerger and Hiller (2013). We resort to closed‐loop experiments for validation purposes, using a dynamo model of intermediate resolution. Observations for these experiments consist of spectral coefficients describing the surface poloidal magnetic field, with arbitrary truncation. Our synthetic tests demonstrate the efficacy and adaptivity of the method, provided the ensemble comprises
members, in which case the typical spin‐up time we find for our system is
. In case of a poor resolution of the observations, we find that the knowledge of the full covariance matrix describing the uncertainty affecting the spectral coefficients (as opposed to its sole diagonal) results in a much better estimate of the internal structure of the dynamo.
A systematic review of Internet‐based supportive interventions for caregivers of patients with dementia
Authors: Boots L. M. M. , de Vugt M. E. , van Knippenberg R. J. M. , Kempen G. I. J. M. , Verhey F. R. J.
Published: August 2013

Objective

Because of the expected increase in the number of dementia patients, the unlikelihood of a cure in the near future, and the rising cost of care, there is an increasing need for effective caregiver interventions. Internet interventions hold considerable promise for meeting the educational and support needs of informal dementia caregivers at reduced costs. The current study aims to provide an overview of the evidence for the effectiveness, feasibility, and quality of Internet interventions for informal caregivers of people with dementia.

Methods

A systematic literature search of five scientific databases was performed, covering literature published up to 10 January 2013. Twelve studies were identified. The quality of the included studies was assessed according to the Cochrane level of evidence and the criteria list of the Cochrane Back Review Group.

Results

The intervention types, dosage, and duration differed widely, as did the methodological quality of the included studies. The overall level of evidence was low. However, the results demonstrate that Internet interventions for informal dementia caregivers can improve various aspects of caregiver well‐being, for example, confidence, depression, and self‐efficacy, provided they comprise multiple components and are tailored to the individual. Furthermore, caregivers could benefit from interaction with a coach and other caregivers.

Conclusions

Internet interventions for informal dementia caregivers may improve caregiver well‐being. However, the available supporting evidence lacks methodological quality. More randomized controlled studies assessing interventions performed according to protocol are needed to give stronger statements about the effects of supportive Internet interventions and their most promising elements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mesospheric hydroxyl airglow signatures of acoustic and gravity waves generated by transient tropospheric forcing
Authors: Snively J. B.
Published: August 2013

Numerical model results demonstrate that acoustic waves generated by tropospheric sources may produce cylindrical “concentric ring” signatures in the mesospheric hydroxyl airglow layer. They may arrive as precursors to upward propagating gravity waves, generated simultaneously by the same sources, and produce strong temperature perturbations in the thermosphere above. Transient and short‐lived, the acoustic wave airglow intensity and temperature signatures are predicted to be detectable by ground‐based airglow imaging systems and may provide new insight into the forcing of the upper atmosphere from below.
Regulatory considerations for the potential development and application of metal cleanup values
Authors: Greenberg Marc S , Schoeters Ilse , Wentsel Randall S , Charters David W , Mitchell Ian A , Zajdlik Barry
Published: August 2013

This article addresses the regulatory issues associated with the application of recent data to support Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH) requirements in Europe and the use of metal-specific parameters by other countries to generate remediation values for metals in soil. The purposes of this article are to: 1) present approaches and advances developed over the last decade in Europe for the REACH regulation and proposed in Australia by the National Environment Protection Council, 2) review current US and Canadian regulatory practices on ecological soil cleanup values, and 3) evaluate the application of new scientific approaches, methods, and soil criteria development processes used in other countries. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2014;10:401–414. © 2013 SETAC
Effect of N‐ethylmaleimide, chymotrypsin, and H2O2 on the viscoelasticity of human erythrocytes: Experimental measurement and theoretical analysis
Authors: Chen Yin‐Quan , Chen Chih‐Wei , Ni Yu‐Li , Huang Yu‐Shan , Lin Orson , Chien Shu , Sung Lanping Amy , Chiou Arthur
Published: August 2013

The physiological functions of erythrocytes depend critically on their morphology, deformability, and aggregation capability in response to external physical and chemical stimuli. The dynamic deformability can be described in terms of their viscoelasticity. We applied jumping optical tweezers to trap and stretch individual red blood cells (RBCs) to characterize its viscoelasticity in terms of the Young's modulus and viscosity by analyzing the experimental data of dynamic deformation using a 2‐parameter Kelvin solid model.

The effects of three chemical agents (N ‐ethylmaleimide, Chymotrypsin, and Hydrogen peroxide) on RBC's mechanical properties were studied by comparing the Young's modulus and viscosity of RBCs with and without these chemical treatments. Although the effects of each of these chemicals on the molecular structures of RBC may not be exclusive, based on the dominant effect of each chemical, we attempted to dissect the main contributions of different constituents of the RBC membrane to its viscosity and elasticity. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electric field stimulation through a biodegradable polypyrrole‐co‐polycaprolactone substrate enhances neural cell growth
Authors: Nguyen Hieu T. , Sapp Shawn , Wei Claudia , Chow Jacqueline K. , Nguyen Alvin , Coursen Jeff , Luebben Silvia , Chang Emily , Ross Robert , Schmidt Christine E.
Published: August 2013

Nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are FDA‐approved devices used to bridge gaps across severed nerve cables and help direct axons sprouting from the proximal end toward the distal stump. In this article, we present the development of a novel electrically conductive, biodegradable NGC made from a polypyrrole‐block‐polycaprolactone (PPy‐PCL) copolymer material laminated with poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA). The PPy‐PCL has a bulk conductivity ranging 10–20 S/cm and loses 40 wt % after 7 months under physiologic conditions. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) grown on flat PPy‐PCL/PLGA material exposed to direct current electric fields (EF) of 100 mV/cm for 2 h increased axon growth by 13% (± 2%) toward either electrode of a 2‐electrode setup, compared with control grown on identical substrates without EF exposure. Alternating current increased axon growth by 21% (±3%) without an observable directional preference, compared with the same control group. The results from this study demonstrate PLGA‐coated PPy‐PCL is a unique biodegradable material that can deliver substrate EF stimulation to improve axon growth for peripheral nerve repair. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2554–2564, 2014.
Enhanced wear and corrosion in modular tapers in total hip replacement is associated with the contact area and surface topography
Authors: Panagiotidou Anna , Meswania Jay , Hua Jia , Muirhead‐Allwood Sarah , Hart Alister , Blunn Gordon
Published: August 2013

Widespread concern exists about adverse tissue reactions after metal‐on‐metal (MoM) total hip replacement (THR). Concerns have also been expressed with wear and corrosion of taper junctions in THR. We report the effect of surface finish and contact area associated with a single combination of materials of modular tapers. In an in vitro test, we investigated the head/neck (CoCrMo/Ti) interface of modular THRs using commercially available heads. Wear and corrosion of taper surfaces was compared following a 10 million loading cycle. Surface parameters and profiles were measured before and after testing. Electrochemical static and dynamic corrosion tests were performed under loaded and non‐loaded conditions. After the load test, the surface roughness parameters on the head taper were significantly increased where the head/neck contact area was reduced. Similarly, the surface roughness parameters on the head taper were significantly increased where rough neck tapers were used. Corrosion testing showed breaching of the passive film on the rough but not the smooth neck tapers. Thus, surface area and surface finish are important factors in wear and corrosion at modular interfaces. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:2032–2039, 2013
Effects of ACL reconstruction surgery on muscle activity of the lower limb during a jump‐cut maneuver in males and females
Authors: Coats‐Thomas Margaret S. , Miranda Daniel L. , Badger Gary J. , Fleming Braden C.
Published: August 2013

We compared muscle activity of the quadriceps, hamstring, and gastrocnemius muscles when ACL‐intact (ACLINT) and ACL‐reconstructed (ACLREC) male and female subjects performed a jump‐cut task. Surface electromyography sensors were used to evaluate time to peak muscle activity and muscle activity ratios. Rectus femoris (RF) and vastus medialis (VM) peak timing was 71 and 78 ms earlier in ACLINTthan in ACLRECsubjects, respectively. Biceps femoris (BF) peak timing was 90 ms earlier in ACLINTthan in ACLRECsubjects and 75 ms earlier in females than in males. Medial gastrocnemius (MG) muscle peak timing was 77 ms earlier in ACLINTthan in ACLRECsubjects. Lateral gastrocnemius (LG) and MG muscle peak times were 106 ms and 87 ms earlier in females than in males, respectively. The RF, VM, BF, and MG peaked later in ACLRECthan in ACLINTsubjects. There was evidence suggesting that the loading phase quadriceps:hamstring (quad:ham) muscle activity ratio was greater in ACLRECthan in ACLINTsubjects. Finally, the injury risk phase quad:ham muscle activity ratio was 4.8 times greater in females than in males. In conclusion, differences exist in muscle activity related to ACL status and sex that could potentially help explain graft failure risk and the sex bias. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1890–1896, 2013
Leaving Behind a Turbulent Past: Insights of Divestments from China
Authors: Amankwah‐Amoah Joseph , Zhang Nan , Sarpong David
Published: August 2013

The exit of Western multinational enterprises from China is not by accident but rather as a result of the interaction of firm‐specific and changing market‐based factors.
The Strategic Implication of Monetary Control: An Empirical Investigation of the Indian Economy
Authors: Kumari Archana , Kumar Vikas , Brady Malcolm , O'Regan Nicholas
Published: August 2013

Inflation in India is correlated with major economic variables which can be adjusted to targeted inflation while adopting a flexible and dynamic strategic policy framework.
Innovative Business Models in Healthcare: A Comparison Between India and Ireland
Authors: Brady Malcolm P. , Saranga Haritha
Published: August 2013

Cross‐country learning in healthcare is not one way, as developed economies have much to learn from emerging economies and vice versa.
Evaluation of cinnamon essential oil microemulsion and its vapor phase for controlling postharvest gray mold of pears (Pyrus pyrifolia)
Authors: Wang Yifei , Zhao Ruipeng , Yu Ling , Zhang Yunbin , He Yan , Yao Jie
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND

Essential oil of cinnamon (CM) is a potential alternative to chemical fungicides. Thus this work aimed to investigate the possible effects of CM microemulsions on decay developments and qualitative properties of pears.

RESULTS

The decay incidence of samples treated with 500 µg L−1 microemulsion was significantly reduced by 18.7% in comparison to that of 500 µg L−1 non‐microemulsion after 4 days' storage at 20 °C. In the vapor phase, the CM microemulsion with the lowest concentration had the best control for decay incidence and lesion diameter. The interval between inoculations also influenced decay development. Pears treated with Botrytis cinerea and immediately followed by CM microemulsion showed the lowest decay incidence. Moreover, in the natural decay experiment, the percentage of rotted pears was 3.8% in the CM microemulsion treatment and 5.8% in the control. CM microemulsion delayed the loss of ascorbic acid, yet it had no significant influence on pear qualities such as firmness and color.

CONCLUSION

CM microemulsion may be an alternative way to control the gray mold of pears without a negative influence on its qualities. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Dietary grape seed extract ameliorates symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in IL10‐deficient mice
Authors: Wang Hui , Xue Yansong , Zhang Hanying , Huang Yan , Yang Guan , Du Min , Zhu Mei‐Jun
Published: August 2013

Grape seed extract (GSE) is a by‐product of the wine industry, with abundant polyphenolic compounds known for their anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative effects. Using IL10‐deficient mice (IL10KO), here we showed that GSE (1% of dry feed weight) ameliorated inflammatory bowel disease indices, increased colonic goblet cell numbers and decreased myeloperoxidase levels in the large intestine. Concomitantly, GSE supplementation attenuated inflammation, decreased the expression of pore forming tight junction protein claudin2, and increased levels of Lactobacilli and Bacteroides in the gut microbiota of IL10KO mice. In summary, our study shows that GSE has protective roles on inflammatory bowel disease through altering gut inflammation, tight junction protein expression, and gut microbiota composition.
Preparation of hemicellulose‐g‐poly(methacrylic acid)/carbon nanotube composite hydrogel and adsorption properties
Authors: Sun Xiao‐Feng , Ye Qing , Jing Zhanxin , Li Yajing
Published: August 2013

An organic–inorganic composite hydrogel was prepared based on hemicellulose and multi‐wall carbon nanotubes. The effects of hydrogel amount, initial concentration, contact time, and salt concentration on the adsorption performance of the prepared hydrogels were observed using methylene blue as a model hazardous material. The results indicated that the adsorption kinetic of methylene blue on the prepared adsorbent was well fitted to the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model and the adsorption isotherm conformed to the Freundlich model. Removal percentage of methylene blue increased with increased adsorbent amount and kept higher than 98% when adsorbent amount was above 6 g L−1. Adsorption amount of methylene blue on the prepared adsorbent also increased when increasing initial concentration over the range from 50 to 500 mg L−1. Both of adsorption amount and removal percentage increased with an increase in the contact time, and removal efficiency obviously deteriorated as salt concentration increased. All obtained results reported that the prepared composite hydrogel would have an application prospect in water treatment. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:45–52, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrical properties of colloidal polyaniline‐2‐naphthalene sulfonic acid/graphene nanoparticle composite films
Authors: Basavaraja C. , Il Kim Kwang , Ho Jung Gyu , Sung Huh Do
Published: August 2013

Polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites containing different weight percentages of graphene (GR) are chemically prepared in the presence of β‐naphthalene sulfonic acid (NSA) and characterized using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The characterization results suggest that the composites are formed via the interconnected fibrillar structure forming the semi‐crystalline/amorphous configuration by the β‐napthalene sulfonic acid (β‐NSA). The conductivities of the composites suggest that the composites undergo by two different regions of I and II before and after 378 K. The electrical conductivity of the composites is increased by increasing temperature. The dependence of conductivity on temperature implies that the PANI‐NSA/GR composites are organic semiconductors. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:60–67, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
The psychological effects of prenatal diagnostic procedures: maternal anxiety before and after invasive and noninvasive procedures
Authors: Nakić Radoš Sandra , Košec Vesna , Gall Vesna
Published: August 2013

Objectives

(1) To examine the change in anxiety before and after prenatal diagnostic procedures in women undergoing invasive (amniocentesis) and noninvasive (ultrasound) procedures; and (2) to examine predictors of anxiety before the diagnostic procedure.

Methods

A short‐term follow‐up study was conducted on a sample of pregnant women in the second trimester. Questionnaires were administered to women scheduled for amniocentesis (n = 37) and ultrasonography (n = 37) before and immediately after the procedure. The following questionnaires were administered: the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Affect Intensity Measure, the COPE inventory, and the Optimism–Pessimism Scale.

Results

Prior to the administration of the prenatal diagnostic procedure, measured anxiety levels were the same in both groups of women (p > 0.05). An interaction effect of a two‐way ANOVA revealed that anxiety decreased after the procedure in the ultrasound but not the amniocentesis group (F(1, 72) = 5.01, p = 0.028). Although coping styles and affect intensity were found to be related to anxiety (p < 0.05), they were not significant predictors of anxiety before the diagnostic procedure when controlling for trait anxiety and procedure type.

Conclusion

Anxiety levels associated with noninvasive but not after invasive, prenatal diagnostics tests decrease immediately following the procedure. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and Reactivity of Magnetically Diverse Au@Ni Core–Shell Nanostructures
Authors: Bharathan Vysakh A. , Raj Govind K. , Joy Pattayil A. , Vinod Chathakudath P.
Published: August 2013

Core–shell bimetallic Au@Ni nanoparticles, with gold cores and thin nickel shells with overall size less than 10 nm, are synthesized and stabilized in pure cubic (fcc) and hexagonal (hcp) phase. Due to their unique crystal, electronic, and geometric structure, they show interesting magnetic and chemical properties. The Au@Nifcc is magnetic, whereas Au@Nihcp is non‐magnetic. Both the bimetallic nanostructures are stable to surface oxidation until 150 °C and show excellent catalytic activity for p‐nitrophenol reduction reaction.
Interaction of HMG proteins and H1 with hybrid PNA–DNA junctions
Authors: Totsingan Filbert , Bell Anthony J.
Published: August 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inserting peptide nucleic acid (PNA) sequences into the protein‐binding surface of an immobilized four‐way junction (4WJ). Here we compare the classic immobile DNA junction, J1, with two PNA containing hybrid junctions (4WJ‐PNA1 and 4WJ‐PNA3). The protein interactions of each 4WJ were evaluated using recombinant high mobility group proteins from rat (HMGB1b and HMGB1b/R26A) and human histone H1. In vitro studies show that both HMG and H1 proteins display high binding affinity toward 4WJ's. A 4WJ can access different conformations depending on ionic environment, most simply interpreted by a two‐state equilibrium between: (i) an open‐x state favored by absence of Mg2+, low salt, and protein binding, and (ii) a compact stacked‐x state favored by Mg2+. 4WJ‐PNA3, like J1, shifts readily from an open to stacked conformation in the presence of Mg+2, while 4WJ‐PNA1 does not. Circular dichroism spectra indicate that HMGB1b recognizes each of the hybrid junctions. H1, however, displays a strong preference for J1 relative to the hybrids. More extensive binding analysis revealed that HMGB1b binds J1 and 4WJ‐PNA3 with nearly identical affinity (KDs) and 4WJ‐PNA1 with two‐fold lower affinity. Thus both the sequence/location of the PNA sequence and the protein determine the structural and protein recognition properties of 4WJs.
Self‐Assembly of Poly‐Adenine‐Tailed CpG Oligonucleotide‐Gold Nanoparticle Nanoconjugates with Immunostimulatory Activity
Authors: Chen Nan , Wei Min , Sun Yanhong , Li Fan , Pei Hao , Li Xiaoming , Su Shao , He Yao , Wang Lianhui , Shi Jiye , Fan Chunhai , Huang Qing
Published: August 2013

Synthetic unmethylated cytosine–guanine (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) possess high immunostimulatory activity and have been widely used as a therapeutic tool for various diseases including infection, allergies, and cancer. A variety of nanocarriers have been developed for intracellular delivery of CpG ODNs that are otherwise nonpermeable through the cellular membrane. For example, previous studies showed that gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) could efficiently deliver synthetic thiolated CpG ODNs into cultured cells and induce expression of proinflammatory cytokines. Nevertheless, the necessity of using thiolated CpG ODNs for the modification of AuNPs inevitably complicates the synthesis of the nanoconjugates and increases the cost. A new approach is demonstrated for facile assembly of AuNP‐CpG nanoconjugates for cost‐effective drug delivery. It is found that non‐thiolated, diblock ODNs containing a CpG motif and a poly‐adenine (polyA) tail can readily self‐assemble on the surface of AuNPs with controllable and tunable density. Such nanoconjugates are efficiently delivered into RAW264.7 cells and induce immune response in a Toll‐like receptor 9 (TLR9)‐dependent manner. Under optimal conditions, polyA‐CpG‐AuNPs show significantly higher immunostimulatory activity than their thiolated counterpart. In addition, the immunostimulatory activity of CpG‐AuNPs can be modulated by varying the length of the polyA tail. In vivo induction of immune responses in mice is demonstrated by using polyA‐tailed CpG‐AuNP nanoconjugates.
Assessing rumination in response to illness: the development and validation of the Multidimensional Rumination in Illness Scale (MRIS)
Authors: Soo H. , Sherman K. A. , Kangas M.
Published: August 2013

The cognitive style of rumination extends existing cognitive models of emotional response to illness. In the absence of a specific measure, we developed the Multidimensional Rumination in Illness Scale (MRIS). In Study 1, an initial 60-item pool was tested, followed by confirmation of the factor structure in Study 2. In Study 1 participants (n = 185) completed the pilot version of the MRIS, then in Study 2 (n = 163) a reduced 41-item model was tested. Study 1: Exploratory factor analysis of a reduced 32-item scale indicated an initial four-factor solution for the MRIS (Intrusion, Brooding, Instrumental, Preventability), with satisfactory internal consistency and stable factor structure across gender. Study 2: Following scale revision, confirmatory factor analysis substantiated the adequacy of a three-factor MRIS structure, and good internal consistency, test-rest reliability, and concurrent and discriminant validity was demonstrated for the MRIS. The MRIS exhibited good psychometric properties in the current sample, providing a comprehensive assessment of the cognitive style of rumination in the context of physical illness.