bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Learning Transformation
Authors: Furneaux Brent , Günther Robert
Published: October 2013

Information system (IS) transformation initiatives generally present a wide range of challenges for organizations. These challenges are, however, heightened considerably within organizations that have not traditionally pursued such initiatives. In addition to the many difficulties associated with developing and implementing radical business innovation, inexperienced organizations are simultaneously faced with the need to rapidly acquire the underlying competencies necessary to successfully execute a transformation. This case thus presents a mid-sized, globally oriented organization that is in the early stages of developing its transformative capacity while it undertakes a transformation of its human resources (HR) function. The reader is placed in a position to evaluate the challenges and learning achieved thus far in the process and to offer recommendations aimed at ensuring a successful transformation. Recommendations can also be made in relation to how organizations can foster the growth and development of their transformation competencies.
Product-Service-Lifecycle
Authors: Meyer Kyrill , Thieme Michael , Zinke Christian
Published: October 2013

Product-related services are not sufficiently enough systematically and technically supported. Whereas sophisticated development and management systems for the entire lifecycle of products exist, the support of services is only insufficient. The authors’ developed a holistic concept as basis for IT support functions that are developed by practical reference processes.
Acute Plasmodium chabaudi Infection Dampens Humoral Responses to a Secondary T-Dependent Antigen but Enhances Responses to a Secondary T-Independent Antigen
Authors: Wilmore Joel R. , Maue Alexander C. , Lefebvre Julie S. , Haynes Laura , Rochford Rosemary
Published: October 2013

High rates of coinfection occur in malaria endemic regions, leading to more severe disease outcomes. Understanding how coinfecting pathogens influence the immune system is important in the development of treatment strategies that reduce morbidity and mortality. Using the Plasmodium chabaudi mouse model of malaria and immunization with model Ags that are either T-dependent (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl [NP]-OVA) or T-independent (NP-Ficoll), we analyzed the effects of acute malaria on the development of humoral immunity to secondary Ags. Total Ig and IgG1 NP–specific Ab responses to NP-OVA were significantly decreased in the P. chabaudi–infected group compared with the uninfected group, whereas NP-specific IgG2c Ab was significantly increased in the P. chabaudi–infected group. In contrast, following injection with T-independent NP-Ficoll, the P. chabaudi–infected group had significantly increased NP-specific total Ig, IgM, and IgG2c Ab titers compared with controls. Treatment with anti–IFN-γ led to an abrogation of the NP-specific IgG2c Ab induced by P. chabaudi infection but did not affect other NP-specific Ab isotypes or titers. IFN-γ depletion also increased the percentage of plasma cells in both P. chabaudi–infected and uninfected groups but decreased the percentage of B cells with a germinal center (GC) phenotype. Using immunofluorescent microscopy, we were able to detect NP+ GCs in the spleens of noninfected mice, but there were no detectible NP+ GCs in mice infected with P. chabaudi. These data suggest that during P. chabaudi infection, there is a shift toward an extrafollicular Ab response that could be responsible for decreased Ab responses to secondary T-dependent Ags.
Finding common ground: A participatory approach to evaluation
Authors: Sutherland Carla , Klugman Barbara
Published: October 2013

Background: This article describes the efforts of a group of donors and activists to collectively develop a national base line on organisations working for human rights in relation to sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) in Kenya to develop an ongoing monitoring and evaluation process.Objectives: The purpose of the base line was to support both activist strategising and ongoing reflection, and more effective donor collaboration and grant making.Method: Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders, the authors examined the dominant approach to funding and evaluation on social change globally. They analysed the impact of this dominant approach on developing and sustaining a SOGI movement in Kenya. They developed an alternative theory of change and participatory methodology and worked with a range of donors and SOGI organisations to conceptualise and support the collaborative collection of information on four themes: legislation and policy, organisational mapping, political and cultural context, and lived experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex people.Results: This was a useful process and tool for activists and donors to develop a shared understanding of the current context and capacities influencing efforts to promote SOGI rights. It served as a basis for improved strategising and participants expected it to prove useful for monitoring progress in the longer term.Conclusion: This theory of change and participatory approach to base line development could be helpful to donors, activists and monitoring and evaluation specialists concerned with supporting social change in the region and globally.
Unicystic Ameloblastoma Masquerading as Huge Periapical Lesion, both Clinically and Histopathologically: Two Case Reports with Review of Literature
Authors: Satyabhusan N. V. V. , Routray Samapika , Bendi Lavanya , Suresh B Venkat , Majumdar Sumit , Mohanty Neeta
Published: October 2013

Unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) is one of the variants of ameloblastoma. It manifests as unilocular radiolucency in the mandible or maxilla on X-ray scans. In very rare cases, it can appear as a localized periradicular radiolucent area, imitating a periapical lesion. In this article, we present two cases of UA that were initially misdiagnosed as periapical lesions. Subsequently, surgical enucleation was performed and the diagnosis of UA was confirmed histopathologically.
Pluralismo y paralelismo político en la información televisiva en España
Authors: Humanes María Luisa , Montero Sánchez María Dolores , Molina de Dios Ramón , López-Berini Alfredo
Published: October 2013

El artículo se articula en dos objetivos generales. En primer lugar se intenta verificar si la información televisiva de las cadenas generalistas se rige por el dominio del pluralismo externo como característica distintiva del sistema de medios pluralista-polarizado, tal como han expuesto Hallin y Mancini. El segundo propósito se centra más específicamente en abordar la relación entre pluralismo y paralelismo político. Metodología: Se ha realizado un análisis de contenido a una muestra de 3.134 noticias de los noticiarios prime time de seis cadenas de televisión de cobertura estatal: TVE1, Antena 3, Telecinco, La Sexta, Cuatro e Intereconomía. Resultados: Los resultados demuestran respecto al pluralismo que el modelo televisivo español es un modelo híbrido en el que coexisten diferentes gradaciones de pluralismo interno y externo en función del perfil de la cadena y de la estrategia de negocio del grupo de comunicación. Los informativos de la televisión pública reflejan los mayores niveles de pluralismo interno.
Handwashing before Food Preparation and Child Feeding: A Missed Opportunity for Hygiene Promotion
Authors: Nizame Fosiul A. , Unicomb Leanne , Sanghvi Tina , Roy Sumitro , Nuruzzaman Md. , Ghosh Probir K. , Winch Peter J. , Luby Stephen P.
Published: October 2013

Enteric diseases are often caused by poor hygiene and can contribute to stunting. From 50 randomly selected villages in Bangladesh, we collected quantitative and qualitative data on handwashing linked to child feeding to integrate handwashing promotion into a young child complementary feeding program. Most participants stated that the community knew the importance of handwashing with soap before food preparation and feeding a child, but had not developed the habit. We observed no handwashing with soap at these key times; sometimes hands were rinsed with water only. Most participants cited the unavailability of soap and water near the cooking place as a barrier to handwashing before food preparation. Most caregivers ranked nurturing messages as the best motivator to encourage handwashing with soap. An integrated intervention should include having soap and water available near the food preparation area and should use nurturing themes to encourage habitual handwashing with soap.
Development of the Objective, Structured Communication Assessment of Residents (OSCAR) Tool for Measuring Communication Skills With Patients
Authors: Caron Aleece , Perzynski Adam , Thomas Charles , Saade Jimmy Y. , McFarlane Michael , Becker Jeffery
Published: October 2013

Background

Although interpersonal and communication skills are essential to physician practice, there is a dearth of effective tools to meaningfully teach and assess communication skills.

Objective

The purpose of our study was to create a standardized tool for evaluation of communication skills for residents across specialties.

Methods

We designed an Objective, Structured Communication Assessment of Residents (OSCAR) tool, consisting of 4 clinical stations, to assess intern communication skills with relationship development, their establishment of case goals, and their organization and time management skills. Interns from 11 training programs completed the stations, with senior residents trained to function as standardized patients. The 4 stations' scenarios were a disruptive patient, handling a phone call for a narcotics refill, disclosing a medical mistake, and delivering bad news.

Results

Eighty-three interns completed OSCAR during orientation. The assessment took interns about 40 minutes to complete, and participants were given immediate feedback by the standardized patients. The total possible score for each station was 50. Resident performance was highest for disclosing a medical error (94%, 47 of 50), followed by handling a disruptive patient (90%, 45 of 50), disclosing bad news (86%, 43 of 50), and handling the phone call for the narcotics refill (62%, 31 of 50). Multivariate analysis of variance results indicated differences between residents from US and international medical schools, but there were no significant differences across specialties. Interrater reliability was excellent for each station (> 0.80).

Conclusions

OSCAR is a practical tool for assessing interns' communication skills to provide timely results to program directors.
Agrarianism: An Ideology of the National FFA Organization
Authors: Martin Michael J. , Kitchel Tracy
Published: October 2013

The traditions of the National FFA Organization (FFA) are grounded in agrarianism. This ideology focuses on the ability of farming and nature to develop citizens and integrity within people. Agrarianism
has been an important thread of American rhetoric since the founding of country. The ideology has morphed over the last two centuries as the country developed from a nation of farmers to an industrial world
power. The agrarian ideology that resonated in rural America during the formation of the FFA was
southern agrarianism. Southern agrarian ideology argued for self-reliance and adherence to past traditions. These concepts appear in the FFA traditions of the creed, opening ceremony, motto, and awards.
The historical growth and success of the FFA within rural communities demonstrates the ability of the
southern agrarian ideology to connect with contemporary rural values. However, the southern agrarian
ideology may not connect with the culture of diverse, urban, or suburban students. Advisers of diverse,
urban, or suburban FFA chapters may need to reconceptualize the FFA traditions to accommodate their
students.
Examining the Professional, Technical, and General Knowledge Competencies Needed by Beginning School-Based Agricultural Education Teachers
Authors: Stripling Christopher T. , Barrick R. Kirby
Published: October 2013

The philosophy behind the kind of teacher education one receives affects the preparedness of beginning
agricultural education teachers. The purpose of this philosophical study was to examine and summarize
the professional knowledge, technical knowledge, and general knowledge competencies needed in a comprehensive teacher education program to prepare beginning school-based agricultural education teachers. Sixteen professional knowledge competencies, three technical knowledge competencies, and 16 general knowledge competencies were derived from the literature. The authors hope the competencies complied in this inquiry will spur philosophical discussions regarding the coursework and experiences provided by an agricultural teacher education program.
Diffusion of Social Media Among County 4-H Programs in Tennessee
Authors: Bowen Rebekah D. , Stephens Carrie A. , Childers Courtney C. , Avery Elizabeth J. , Stripling Christopher T.
Published: October 2013

Over the past decade, Cooperative Extension and 4-H professionals have been faced with the decision of
whether to adopt new communication technologies such as social media. Research on social media and
Cooperative Extension has identified risks and barriers to adoption; however, many Cooperative
Extension professionals believe that social media usage could be very beneficial for Cooperative
Extension and/or 4-H usage. In order to increase the body of knowledge on this subject, a quantitative
study was conducted to determine the diffusion of social media among country 4-H programs in
Tennessee. The study was conducted via an online questionnaire distributed to all 4-H program leaders
in Tennessee, and a 49% (n = 196) response rate was obtained. Eight-four percent of county 4-H
program leaders utilized social media for their county program. A majority of program leaders had a
positive view of social media usage and felt that it was an efficient and effective way to communicate
information. Overall, the study determined that social media is gaining widespread usage throughout
rural and urban county 4-H programs in Tennessee, and that increased efforts toward training and
research in this area is warranted.
Changes in soil carbon stocks in Brazil due to land use: paired site comparisons and a regional pasture soil survey
Authors: Assad E. D. , Pinto H. S. , Martins S. C. , Groppo J. D. , Salgado P. R. , Evangelista B. , Vasconcellos E. , Sano E. E. , Pavão E. , Luna R. , Camargo P. B. , Martinelli L. A.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. In this paper we calculated soil carbon stocks in Brazil studying 17 paired sites where soil stocks were determined in native vegetation, pastures and crop-livestock systems (CPS), and in other regional samplings encompassing more than 100 pasture soils, from 6.58 to 31.53° S, involving three major Brazilian biomes: Cerrado, Atlantic Forest, and the Pampa. The average native vegetation soil carbon stocks at 10, 30 and 60 cm soil depth were equal to approximately 29, 64, and 92 Mg ha−1, respectively. In the paired sites, carbon losses of 7.5 Mg ha−1 and 11.6 Mg ha−1 in CPS systems were observed at 10 cm and 30 cm soil depths, respectively. In pasture soils, carbon losses were similar and equal to 7.5 Mg ha−1 and 11.0 Mg ha−1 at 10 cm and 30 cm soil depths, respectively. Differences at 60 cm soil depth were not significantly different between land uses. The average soil δ13C under native vegetation at 10 and 30 cm depth were equal to −25.4‰ and −24.0‰, increasing to −19.6‰ and −17.7‰ in CPS, and to −18.9‰, and −18.3‰ in pasture soils, respectively; indicating an increasing contribution of C4 carbon in these agrosystems. In the regional survey of pasture soils, the soil carbon stock at 30 cm was equal to approximately 51 Mg ha−1, with an average δ13C value of −19.67‰. Key controllers of soil carbon stock in pasture sites were sand content and mean annual temperature. Collectively, both could explain approximately half of the variance of soil carbon stocks. When pasture soil carbon stocks were compared with the average soil carbon stocks of native vegetation estimated for Brazilian biomes and soil types by Bernoux et al. (2002) there was a carbon gain of 6.7 Mg ha−1, which is equivalent to a carbon gain of 15% compared to the carbon soil stock of the native vegetation. The findings of this study are consistent with differences found between regional comparisons like our pasture sites and plot-level paired study sites in estimating soil carbon stocks changes due to land use changes.
Effect of ocean acidification on the benthic foraminifera Ammonia sp. is caused by a decrease in carbonate ion concentration
Authors: Keul N. , Langer G. , de Nooijer L. J. , Bijma J.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. About 30% of the anthropogenically released CO2 is taken up by the oceans; such uptake causes surface ocean pH to decrease and is commonly referred to as ocean acidification (OA). Foraminifera are one of the most abundant groups of marine calcifiers, estimated to precipitate ca. 50 % of biogenic calcium carbonate in the open oceans. We have compiled the state of the art literature on OA effects on foraminifera, because the majority of OA research on this group was published within the last three years. Disparate responses of this important group of marine calcifiers to OA were reported, highlighting the importance of a process-based understanding of OA effects on foraminifera. We cultured the benthic foraminifer Ammonia sp. under a range of carbonate chemistry manipulation treatments to identify the parameter of the carbonate system causing the observed effects. This parameter identification is the first step towards a process-based understanding. We argue that [CO32−] is the parameter affecting foraminiferal size-normalized weights (SNWs) and growth rates. Based on the presented data, we can confirm the strong potential of Ammonia sp. foraminiferal SNW as a [CO32−] proxy.
Recent trends in daily temperature extremes over southern Montenegro (1951–2010)
Authors: Burić D. , Luković J. , Ducić V. , Dragojlović J. , Doderović M.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Montenegro so far has been poorly investigated in terms of climate extremes. The aim of this paper was to analyse the extreme ETCCD temperature indices in the Mediterranean region of Montenegro for the period of 1951–2010. Four stations in the coastal area of Montenegro have been analysed: Herceg Novi, Ulcinj, Budva and Bar. Two periods (before 1980 and after 1980) were separately investigated in this study due to a well known climate shift that occurred in the late 1970's. Seven indices of temperature extremes have been chosen. The trend was analysed using a Man–Kendall non parametric test while the slope was estimated using Sen's slope estimator. A negative trend has been calculated for cold nights and cold days at almost all stations. The most significant positive trends were obtained for warm conditions. Two separately investigated periods have shown contrasting temperature trends.
Shallow landslide prediction and analysis with risk assessment using a spatial model in the coastal region in the state of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Camarinha P. I. M. , Canavesi V. , Alvalá R. C. S.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. In Brazil, most of the disasters involving landslide occur in coastal regions, with population density concentrated on steep slopes. Thus, different approaches have been used to evaluate the landslide risk, although the greatest difficulty is related to the scarcity of spatial data with good quality. In this context, four cities located on the southeast coast of Brazil – Santos, Cubatão, Caraguatatuba and Ubatuba – in a region with the rough reliefs of the Serra do Mar and with a history of natural disasters were evaluated. Spatial prediction by fuzzy gamma technique was used for the landslide susceptibility mapping, considering environmental variables from data and software in the public domain. To validate the susceptibility mapping results, it was overlapped with risk sectors provided by the Geological Survey of Brazil (CPRM). A positive correlation was observed between the classes most susceptible and the location of these sectors. The results were also analyzed from the categorization of risk levels provided by CPRM. To compare the approach with other studies using landslide-scar maps, correlated indexes were evaluated, which also showed satisfactory results, thus indicating that the methodology presented is appropriate for risk assessment in urban areas and can be replicated to municipalities that do not have risk areas mapped.
Caring for women living with HIV: gaps in the evidence
Authors: Loutfy Mona R , Sherr Lorraine , Sonnenberg‐Schwan Ulrike , Walmsley Sharon L , Johnson Margaret , d'Arminio Monforte Antonella ,   Women for Positive Action
Published: October 2013

Introduction

In the management of HIV, women and men generally undergo the same treatment pathway, with gender differences being given limited consideration. This is in spite of accumulating evidence that there are a number of potential differences between women and men which may affect response to treatment, pharmacokinetics, toxicities and coping. There are also notable psychological, behavioural, social and structural factors that may have a unique impact on women living with HIV (WLWH). Despite our increasing knowledge of HIV and advances in treatment, there are significant gaps in the data relating specifically to women. One of the factors contributing to this situation is the under‐representation of women in all aspects of HIV clinical research. Furthermore, there are clinical issues unique to women, including gynaecologic and breast diseases, menopause‐related factors, contraception and other topics related to women's and sexual health.

Methods

Using scoping review methodology, articles from the literature from 1980 to 2012 were identified using appropriate MeSH headings reflecting the clinical status of WLWH, particularly in the areas of clinical management, sexual health, emotional wellbeing and treatment access. Titles and abstracts were scanned to determine whether they were relevant to non‐reproductive health in WLWH, and papers meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed.

Results

This review summarizes our current knowledge of the clinical status of WLWH, particularly in the areas of clinical management, sexual health, emotional wellbeing and treatment access. It suggests that there are a number of gender differences in disease and treatment outcomes, and distinct women‐specific issues, such as menopause and co‐morbidities, that pose significant challenges to the care of WLWH.

Conclusions

Based on a review of this evidence, outstanding questions and areas where further studies are required to determine gender differences in the efficacy and safety of treatment and other clinical and psychological issues specifically affecting WLWH have been identified. Well‐controlled and adequately powered clinical studies are essential to help provide answers to these questions and to contribute to activities aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of WLWH.
Conducting Polymer Membranes
Authors: Maksymiuk Krzysztof , Michalska Agata
Published: October 2013

Conducting polymers (CP) are not only electronic conductors, but some of them (e.g. polypyrrole, polyaniline or some polythiophenes) can be membranes participating in either cation‐ or anion‐exchanging processes affecting electrical/electrochemical properties of the polymer. Therefore electrodes with CP membranes can be utilized in potentiometric or amperometric/voltammetric ion sensors. Advantages and limitations are shown and particularly efforts resulting in selectivity improvement and reducing the role of possible interferents. Moreover, appropriate tailoring of CP membrane composition can result in independence of potential of sample composition, thus such membranes can be utilized in novel solid state reference electrodes.
Membrane Related Research Periodicals
Authors: Tummons Emily N. , Herrera‐Robledo Miguel
Published: October 2013

This list of membrane‐related research periodicals may not be completely exhaustive, but the major synthetic‐membrane‐related research periodicals that are published in English were accounted for.
Membrane Characterization by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Johnson Daniel J. , Hilal Nidal
Published: October 2013

The atomic force microscope (AFM) has been shown to be an increasingly useful tool in the characterization of membrane surfaces, in the assessment of their fouling resistance, and for the understanding of the mechanisms of fouling by colloidal and biocolloidal materials. Used in conjunction with membrane modification, its ability to directly measure adhesion forces under a wide range of operating conditions and with different foulants, actual and simulated, allows the easy assessment of the fouling resistance of the modified membranes compared with commercial membranes. The small sample sizes needed for this technique mean that this can be done without the need to produce large amounts of membranes, which may be expensive; instead, the technique acts as a potential screening technique prior to upscaling for pilot‐level or industrial tests. In this article, the use of the AFM as a tool for the membrane technologist will be explored, giving information about the operation of the instrument and the types of experiment of interest in the study of separation membranes giving numerous examples from the published scientific literature.
Superhydrophobic Biomimetic Fibrous Membranes
Authors: Raza Aikifa , Ding Bin
Published: October 2013

Multiscale structures of biotic materials exhibiting natural integration provide a model for the development of functional surfaces with special wettability. Inspired by nature, for example, by the lotus leaf and butterfly wings that show excellent superhydrophobicity, scientists have recently fabricated a variety of biomimetic superhydrophobic membranes through various smart and easy routes. After a brief description of natural superhydrophobic surfaces and the structural and functional biomimetic surfaces, we present the design and fabrication methods of these bio‐inspired superhydrophobic fibrous membranes. The main focus is the overview of the polymeric materials used to fabricate the superhydrophobic fibrous membranes at nano‐ or microscales and the chemical modifications that led to superhydrophobicity of as‐prepared polymeric and inorganic fibrous membranes. Later, we describe the induced superhydrophobicity in common textile fibrous surfaces. In addition, we highlight some potential applications associated with these remarkable biomimetic surfaces.
Particle clustering in photocurable nanocomposites: Dependence of curing kinetics and viscoelastic properties
Authors: Ziobrowski Piotr , Andrzejewska Ewa , Szybowicz Miroslaw , Nowicka Ariadna , Sadej‐Bajerlein Mariola , Gojzewski Hubert , Drozdowski Miroslaw
Published: October 2013

The aim of this article is to investigate the effect of nanoparticle clustering on the mobility of nanoparticles in nanocomposites, using spectroscopic methods (Brillouin and Raman). Special attention is paid to the effect of particle clustering on photocuring kinetics. The model system was poly(2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate) filled with fumed nanosilica in concentration range encompassing the percolation threshold. Results obtained from Brillouin spectroscopy show substantial changes in the sound velocity and the attenuation coefficient with increasing filler content. The damping of acoustic waves reaches the maximum at the percolation threshold (∼15 wt %), which is related to changes in the mechanism of acoustic wave propagation. The formation of the cocontinuous silica phase strongly affects the curing kinetics of the monomer/silica system: the polymerization rate is the highest at a silica content corresponding to the percolation threshold. These results correlate well with the results of AFM surface roughness analysis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39895.
Biocatalytic Synthesis of a Diketobornane as a Building Block for Bifunctional Camphor Derivatives
Authors: Hofer Michael , Strittmatter Harald , Sieber Volker
Published: October 2013

Camphor is a natural terpene readily available in huge amounts with the potential to replace existing chemical compounds derived from fossil resources. To create new industrial applications of camphor, it is necessary to introduce additional functional groups into its non‐reactive carbohydrate backbone. With the P450cam enzyme system of Pseudomonas putida, it is possible to selectively oxidize the non‐activated C5 position of camphor with air under mild conditions to produce 5‐exo‐hydroxycamphor. In this study, the dehydrogenase enzyme that catalyzes the further oxidation of 5‐exo‐hydroxycamphor to the diketone derivative (FdeH) has been cloned and analyzed. Together with the P450cam enzyme system, FdeH was used to realize a cell‐free enzymatic cascade reaction producing 2,5‐diketobornane at the lab scale. We show that this process is highly efficient in terms of NADH cofactor usage and reaction yield. The enzymatically produced 2,5‐diketobornane was converted further into corresponding biobased diamine and diol compounds. Our results show the advantage of combining enzymatic and chemical catalytic synthesis for the development of new routes to novel terpene‐based bicyclic bifunctional derivatives.
Specificity of a protein–protein interface: Local dynamics direct substrate recognition of effector caspases
Authors: Fuchs Julian E. , von Grafenstein Susanne , Huber Roland G. , Wallnoefer Hannes G. , Liedl Klaus R.
Published: October 2013

Proteases are prototypes of multispecific protein–protein interfaces. Proteases recognize and cleave protein and peptide substrates at a well‐defined position in a substrate binding groove and a plethora of experimental techniques provide insights into their substrate recognition. We investigate the caspase family of cysteine proteases playing a key role in programmed cell death and inflammation, turning caspases into interesting drug targets. Specific ligand binding to one particular caspase is difficult to achieve, as substrate specificities of caspase isoforms are highly similar. In an effort to rationalize substrate specificity of two closely related caspases, we investigate the substrate promiscuity of the effector Caspases 3 and 7 by data mining (cleavage entropy) and by molecular dynamics simulations. We find a strong correlation between binding site rigidity and substrate readout for individual caspase subpockets explaining more stringent substrate readout of Caspase 7 via its narrower conformational space. Caspase 3 subpockets S3 and S4 show elevated local flexibility explaining the more unspecific substrate readout of that isoform in comparison to Caspase 7. We show byin silicoexchange mutations in the S3 pocket of the proteases that a proline residue in Caspase 7 contributes to the narrowed conformational space of the binding site. These findings explain the substrate specificities of caspases via a mechanism of conformational selection and highlight the crucial importance of binding site local dynamics in substrate recognition of proteases. Proteins 2014; 82:546–555. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The prediction of blood–tissue partitions, water–skin partitions and skin permeation for agrochemicals
Authors: Abraham Michael H , Gola Joelle MR , Ibrahim Adam , Acree William E , Liu Xiangli
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

There is considerable interest in the blood–tissue distribution of agrochemicals, and a number of researchers have developed experimental methods for in vitro distribution. These methods involve the determination of saline–blood and saline–tissue partitions; not only are they indirect, but they do not yield the required in vivo distribution.

RESULTS

The authors set out equations for gas–tissue and blood–tissue distribution, for partition from water into skin and for permeation from water through human skin. Together with Abraham descriptors for the agrochemicals, these equations can be used to predict values for all of these processes. The present predictions compare favourably with experimental in vivo blood–tissue distribution where available. The predictions require no more than simple arithmetic.

CONCLUSIONS

The present method represents a much easier and much more economic way of estimating blood–tissue partitions than the method that uses saline–blood and saline–tissue partitions. It has the added advantages of yielding the required in vivo partitions and being easily extended to the prediction of partition of agrochemicals from water into skin and permeation from water through skin. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Drawing Causal Inferences Using Propensity Scores: A Practical Guide for Community Psychologists
Authors: Lanza Stephanie T. , Moore Julia E. , Butera Nicole M.
Published: October 2013

Confounding present in observational data impede community psychologists’ ability to draw causal inferences. This paper describes propensity score methods as a conceptually straightforward approach to drawing causal inferences from observational data. A step‐by‐step demonstration of three propensity score methods—weighting, matching, and subclassification—is presented in the context of an empirical examination of the causal effect of preschool experiences (Head Start vs. parental care) on reading development in kindergarten. Although the unadjusted population estimate indicated that children with parental care had substantially higher reading scores than children who attended Head Start, all propensity score adjustments reduce the size of this overall causal effect by more than half. The causal effect was also defined and estimated among children who attended Head Start. Results provide no evidence for improved reading if those children had instead received parental care. We carefully define different causal effects and discuss their respective policy implications, summarize advantages and limitations of each propensity score method, and provide SAS and R syntax so that community psychologists may conduct causal inference in their own research.
Quasi-Chemical Viscosity Model for Fully Liquid Slag in the Al2O3-CaO-MgO-SiO2 System. Part II: Evaluation of Slag Viscosities
Authors: Suzuki Masanori , Jak Evgueni
Published: October 2013

A model is presented that enables viscosities to be predicted reliably over the whole range of compositions and temperatures in the Al2O3-CaO-MgO-SiO2 slag system above liquidus in the temperature range from 1543 K to 2643 K (1270 °C to 2370 °C). Experimental procedures and data from the studies reported in the literature have been collected and critically reviewed with particular attention to the viscometry methods and possible contamination of slag samples to select reliable data points for further model development. Relevant revised formalism to describe the complex viscosity trends including charge-compensation effect of the Ca2+ and Mg2+ cations on the formation of tetrahedrally coordinated Al3+ was introduced. Parameters of the quasi-chemical viscosity model have been optimized to reproduce within experimental uncertainties most of the selected experimental data in the Al2O3-CaO-MgO-SiO2 system and all subsystems. This study is part of the overall development of the self-consistent viscosity model of the Al2O3-CaO-FeO-Fe2O3- MgO-Na2O-SiO2 multicomponent slag system.
Physico‐chemical, Sensory and Aromatic Properties of Cold Press Produced Safflower Oil
Authors: Aydeniz Buket , Güneşer Onur , Yılmaz Emin
Published: October 2013

In this study, seeds from the safflower variety called “Dinçer” were roasted and microwaved before oil extraction by cold pressing. Some physico‐chemical analyses (moisture, ash, oil content and color) were performed in safflower meals. Physico‐chemical properties (refractive index, viscosity, turbidity, specific gravity, color, free acidity, peroxide value, iodine number), nutritional components (total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, tocopherol content), sterol composition and fatty acid composition of produced oils were also determined. Volatile components of the oils were detected by solid‐phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry technique. Quantitative descriptive analysis was accomplished with trained panelists by 11 definition terms. Cold pressing yielded less oil than solvent extraction, but oil quality was superior and a refining process was not required. There was no significant difference between samples for fatty acid composition and some physico‐chemical parameters. Whereas, microwave treatment caused a decrease in oil turbidity, free acidity, α‐tocopherol and some sterol contents and an enhancement in total phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and peroxide value. Moreover, microwave treatment led to an increased nutty aroma in the oil. In contrast, isot pepper aroma was decreased by microwave treatment. This study provides very important information about the safflower oils for the first time in the literature.
Secretome and degradome profiling shows that Kallikrein‐related peptidases 4, 5, 6, and 7 induce TGFβ‐1 signaling in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Shahinian Hasmik , Loessner Daniela , Biniossek Martin L. , Kizhakkedathu Jayachandran N. , Clements Judith A. , Magdolen Viktor , Schilling Oliver
Published: October 2013

Kallikrein‐related peptidases, in particular KLK4, 5, 6 and 7 (4–7), often have elevated expression levels in ovarian cancer. In OV‐MZ‐6 ovarian cancer cells, combined expression of KLK4–7 reduces cell adhesion and increases cell invasion and resistance to paclitaxel. The present work investigates how KLK4–7 shape the secreted proteome (“secretome”) and proteolytic profile (“degradome”) of ovarian cancer cells. The secretome comparison consistently identified >900 proteins in three replicate analyses. Expression of KLK4–7 predominantly affected the abundance of proteins involved in cell–cell communication. Among others, this includes increased levels of transforming growth factor β‐1 (TGFβ‐1). KLK4–7 co‐transfected OV‐MZ‐6 cells share prominent features of elevated TGFβ‐1 signaling, including increased abundance of neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM). Augmented levels of TGFβ‐1 and L1CAM upon expression of KLK4–7 were corroborated in vivo by an ovarian cancer xenograft model. The degradomic analysis showed that KLK4–7 expression mostly affected cleavage sites C‐terminal to arginine, corresponding to the preference of kallikreins 4, 5 and 6. Putative kallikrein substrates include chemokines, such as growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF 15) and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). Proteolytic maturation of TGFβ‐1 was also elevated. KLK4–7 have a pronounced, yet non‐degrading impact on the secreted proteome, with a strong association between these proteases and TGFβ‐1 signaling in tumor biology.
microRNAs in the onset and development of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Vickers Kasey C. , Rye Kerry-Anne , Tabet Fatiha
Published: October 2013

Physiological and pathological roles for small non-encoding miRNAs (microRNAs) in the cardiovascular system have recently emerged and are now widely studied. The discovery of widespread functions of miRNAs has increased the complexity of gene-regulatory processes and networks in both the cardiovascular system and cardiovascular diseases. Indeed, it has recently been shown that miRNAs are implicated in the regulation of many of the steps leading to the development of cardiovascular disease. These findings represent novel aspects in miRNA biology and, therefore, our understanding of the role of these miRNAs during the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is critical for the development of novel therapies and diagnostic interventions. The present review will focus on understanding how miRNAs are involved in the onset and development of cardiovascular diseases.
Cerebroprotective action of angiotensin peptides in stroke
Authors: Regenhardt Robert W. , Bennion Douglas M. , Sumners Colin
Published: October 2013

The goal of the present review is to examine the evidence for beneficial actions of manipulation of the RAS (renin–angiotensin system) in stroke, with particular focus on Ang-(1–7) [angiotensin-(1–7)] and its receptor Mas. The RAS appears to be highly involved in the multifactorial pathophysiology of stroke. Blocking the effects of AngII (angiotensin II) at AT1R (AngII type 1 receptor), through the use of commonly prescribed ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors or AT1R blockers, has been shown to have therapeutic effects in both ischaemic and haemorrhagic stroke. In contrast with the deleterious actions of over activation of AT1R by AngII, stimulation of AT2Rs (AngII type 2 receptors) in the brain has been demonstrated to elicit beneficial effects in stroke. Likewise, the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis of the RAS has been shown to have therapeutic effects in stroke when activated, countering the effects of the ACE/AngII/AT1R axis. Studies have demonstrated that activating this axis in the brain elicits beneficial cerebral effects in rat models of ischaemic stroke, and we have also demonstrated the cerebroprotective potential of this axis in haemorrhagic stroke using stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats and collagenase-induced striatal haemorrhage. The mechanism of cerebroprotection elicited by ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas activation includes anti-inflammatory effects within the brain parenchyma. The major hurdle to overcome in translating these results to humans is devising strategies to activate the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas cerebroprotective axis using post-stroke treatments that can be administered non-invasively.
Behaviour of two‐level quantum system driven by non‐classical inputs
Authors: Daeichian Abolghasem , Sheikholeslam Farid
Published: October 2013

Two‐level quantum system (Qubit) and non‐classical states of light such as single photon and superposition of coherent state are under special attention in quantum technologies such as quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum computers. Hence, behaviour of two‐level system driven by such inputs is important. In this study, the behaviour of two‐level quantum system driven by vacuum state, single photon and superposition of coherent state was investigated by assuming Pauli matrices as system operators in quantum filtering equations. The purity of conditioned and unconditioned states is also analysed when the system is driven by different inputs. The results show that the stochastic master equation (ME)dynamic has more information about the status of system than ME dynamic.
Layered‐based exposure fusion algorithm
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Li Fenghui , Zhuo Li , Feng David Dagan
Published: October 2013

Owing to the limitation of dynamic range, a single still image is usually insufficient to describe a high contrast scene. Fusing multi‐exposure images of the same scene can produce a resulting image with details both in the bright and the dark regions. However, they may be sensitive to the exposure parameters of the input images. In this study, a global layer is introduced to improve the robustness of the fusion method. The global layer is employed to preserve the overall luminance of a real scene and avoid possible luminance reversion artefacts. Then, details are recovered in the gradient domain by a Poisson solver. Experimental results show the superior performance of our approach in terms of robustness and details preservation.
The spatial evolution of fluctuations in a self-propelled wake compared to a patch of turbulence
Authors: Pal Anikesh , de Stadler Matthew B. , Sarkar Sutanu
Published: October 2013

The primary focus of this study is to contrast the influence of the mean velocity profile with that of the initial turbulence on the subsequent evolution of velocity and density fluctuations in a stratified wake. Direct numerical simulation is used to simulate the following cases: (a) a self-propelled momentumless turbulent wake, case SP50 with a canonical mean velocity profile, (b) a patch of turbulence, case TP1 with the same initial energy spectrum as (a), and (c) a patch of turbulence, case TP2 with a different initial energy spectrum with higher small-scale content. The evolution of the fluctuations is found to be strongly dependent on the initial energy spectrum, e.g., in case TP2, the kinetic energy is substantially smaller, and the late-wake vortices are less organized. The effect of the mean velocity field is negligible for mean kinetic energy (MKE) of the order 10% of the total kinetic energy and the evolution in this case is similar to a turbulent patch with the same initial energy spectrum. Increasing the MKE to 50% shows significant difference from the turbulent patch with the same initial energy spectrum during the initial stages of the evolution, but at later stages the evolution of turbulence statistics is similar. Both the turbulent patch and the momentumless wake show layering and formation of pancake eddies owing to buoyancy. Another objective of the paper is to compare the spatially evolving wake with the temporally evolving approximation when the initial near-wake condition of the temporal approximation is chosen to match the inflow of the spatially evolving model. The mean and turbulent flow statistics are found to agree well between the spatial and temporal computational models under these conditions.
Discharge tube with coaxial geometry for efficient production of metal hydrides
Authors: Bozhinova I. , Kolev St. , Dimitrova M. , Popov Tsv. , Pashov A.
Published: October 2013

The production of metal hydrides in vapour phase is one of the problems which makes their spectroscopic investigation at high resolution difficult. The molecular densities are usually low and the absorption is often increased by the use of multipass cells or intracavity setups. In this contribution a discharge tube with coaxial geometry is investigated, which is able to produce relatively high densities of NiH (≈1012 cm−3). Additional advantage of the present geometry is that the densities are very homogeneous along the discharge length, 250 mm in our case, which can be made in principle arbitrary long. As a result, reliable absorption was detected even in a single pass experiment. We also present the results of a numerical model which explains the general properties of the plasma in the tube. Based on this understanding, we discuss possible improvements and other applications of this discharge geometry.
Fluctuation/correlation effects in symmetric diblock copolymers: On the order-disorder transition
Authors: Zong Jing , Wang Qiang
Published: October 2013

Using fast off-lattice Monte Carlo simulations with experimentally accessible fluctuations, we reported the first systematic study unambiguously quantifying the shift of the order-disorder transition (ODT) χ* of symmetric diblock copolymers from the mean-field prediction \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\chi ^*_{\rm MF}$\end{document}χ MF *. Our simulations are performed in a canonical ensemble with variable box lengths to eliminate the restriction of periodic boundary conditions on the lamellar period, and give the most accurate data of χ* and bulk lamellar period reported to date. Exactly the same model system (Hamiltonian) is used in both our simulations and mean-field theory; the ODT shift is therefore due to the fluctuations/correlations neglected by the latter. While \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\chi ^* / \chi ^*_{\rm MF} - 1 \propto \bar{\mathcal {N}}^{-k}$\end{document}χ*/χ MF *−1∝N¯−k is found with \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\bar{\mathcal {N}}$\end{document}N¯ denoting the invariant degree of polymerization, k decreases around the \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\bar{\mathcal {N}}$\end{document}N¯-value corresponding to the face-centered cubic close packing of polymer segments as hard spheres, indicating the short-range correlation effects.