bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting Customers' Adoption of E-Banking Services in Jordan
Authors: Masoud Emad , AbuTaqa Hanan
Published: February 2017

This study aimed to identify and analyze factors affecting customers' adoption of E-Banking services in Jordan. The study sample was 450 E-banking services users, who have been chosen from nine main banks selected by the researchers. The study concluded that there was a significant effect of (E-Service Quality, E-Perceived Usefulness, E-Security, E-Reliability) on the adoption of E-Banking services. E-Service quality was the most effecting factor on customers' adoption of E-Banking services, while E-Security was the least influential factor. The study proved the existence of the effect of the following E-Service quality dimensions: E-Ease of Use, E-Privacy, E-Efficiency, E-Design and E-Cost Effectiveness and denied the existence of the effect of E-Responsiveness on customers' adoption of E-banking services.
Early Phase Mast Cell Activation Determines the Chronic Outcome of Renal Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Danelli Luca , Madjene Lydia Celia , Madera-Salcedo Iris , Gautier Gregory , Pacreau Emeline , Ben Mkaddem Sanae , Charles Nicolas , Daugas Eric , Launay Pierre , Blank Ulrich
Published: February 2017

Ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) is an important cause of acute kidney injury that can lead to end-stage renal failure. Although the ensuing inflammatory response can restore homeostasis, a consecutive maladaptive repair and persistent inflammation represent important risk factors for postischemic chronic kidney disease development. In this study, we investigated the role of mast cells in both the early and late phases of the inflammatory response in experimental models of acute and chronic renal IRI using our recently developed mouse model that allows conditional ablation of mast cells. Depletion of mast cells prior to IRI resulted in improved renal function due to diminished local inflammatory cytokine/chemokine levels and neutrophil recruitment to the kidneys after the acute injury phase (48 h post-IRI). Furthermore, although not completely protected, mast cell–depleted mice displayed less organ atrophy and fibrosis than did wild-type mice during the chronic phases (2 and 6 wk post-IRI) of disease development. Conversely, mast cell ablation after the acute phase of IRI had no impact on organ atrophy, tubular necrosis, or fibrosis. Thus, our results suggest a deleterious role of mast cells during the acute inflammatory phase of IRI promoting subsequent fibrosis development, but not during the chronic phase of the disease.
Carba NP as a simpler, rapid, cost-effective, and a more sensitive alternative to other phenotypic tests for detection of carbapenem resistance in routine diagnostic laboratories
Authors: Shinde Shivani , Gupta Rajarshi , Raut Shweta S. , Nataraj Gita , Mehta Preeti R.
Published: February 2017

PURPOSE: Resistance to carbapenems due to carbapenemases has been increasingly noticed in Enterobacteriaceae. Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) has recommended the latest Carba NP (CNP) test as a confirmatory test for carbapenemase production in Enterobacteriaceae. Low sensitivity of disk diffusion (DD) and modified Hodge test (MHT) may result in missing out of resistant strains which can adversely affect clinical management. The present study compares three phenotypic tests - CNP test, DD, and MHT for detection of carbapenemase production.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred consecutive, nonduplicate Enterobacteriaceae isolates were tested for carbapenem resistance using ertapenem disc (10 μg) by Kirby–Bauer DD method, MHT, and CNP. These tests were performed and interpreted as per the CLSI standards. CNP was considered to be the reference test for comparison. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rates for ertapenem DD and MHT were calculated.

RESULTS: One hundred and six out of 400 strains were positive by CNP test. Of the 294 CNP-negative strains, 28 were resistant by DD and 18 were resistant by MHT. Of the 106 CNP-positive strains, 82 were resistant and 16 were intermediate by DD while 76 were positive by MHT ertapenem DD had a sensitivity and specificity of 66.04% and 90.48%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of MHT were 54.72% and 93.88%, respectively. There was considerable discordance between all the three tests.

CONCLUSION: As a rapid, simple, and cost-effective test with a greater capability greater to detect carbapenemase producers, CNP can be implemented in routine diagnostic laboratories, thereby benefiting patient care and antimicrobial stewardship.
Vivienda en Hiro, Kure City, Hiroshima. Japón
Authors: Suppose Design Office Arquitectos
Published: February 2017

La espaciosa vivienda es un hogar que dispone de dos jardines. Está situada en un distrito comercial junto a la avenida principal. 
Research and Design for Fashion
Authors: Seivewright Simon , Sorger Richard
Published: February 2017

The ability to generate inspired ideas is vital in all creative industries, and nowhere is this more true than in the fast-paced and trend-driven fashion industry. A bestseller in both the UK and US, this fully revised third edition of Research and Design uniquely provides a handy and indispensable resource that will gently guide readers through the fashion design process.

Comprising a complete toolkit of key need-to-know topics, Research and Design demonstrates how important fashion design research is to the creation of inspired designs and concepts. Topics explored include choosing themes, compiling research, using your sketchbook as a design tool, techniques for drawing, and collage, juxtaposition and deconstruction, as well as how to design from your research, design development, working with the colour wheel, and how to successfully communicate your ideas, fully equipping readers with all the knowledge and tools needed to embark on their own design projects.

Now fully revised and updated with beautiful and inspiring new visuals from the studio, designers' portfolios, and the catwalk, as well as exciting new case studies, interviews with practising fashion designers, and practical exercises, Research and Design will show readers how to excel in carrying out professional fashion research and design.
Analyzing cloud base at local and regional scales to understand tropical montane cloud forest vulnerability to climate change
Authors: Van Beusekom Ashley E. , González Grizelle , Scholl Martha A.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The degree to which cloud immersion provides water in addition to rainfall, suppresses transpiration, and sustains tropical montane cloud forests (TMCFs) during rainless periods is not well understood. Climate and land use changes represent a threat to these forests if cloud base altitude rises as a result of regional warming or deforestation. To establish a baseline for quantifying future changes in cloud base, we installed a ceilometer at 100 m altitude in the forest upwind of the TMCF occupying an altitude range from ~ 600 m to the peaks at 1100 m in the Luquillo Mountains of Eastern Puerto Rico. Airport ASOS ceilometer data, radiosonde data, and CALIPSO satellite data were obtained to calculate seasonal cloud base dynamics, altitude of the trade-wind inversion and typical cloud thickness for the surrounding Caribbean region. Cloud base is rarely quantified near mountains, so these results represent a first look at seasonal and diurnal cloud base dynamics for the TMCF. From May 2013–August 2016, cloud base at Luquillo was lowest during the mid-summer dry season, and cloud bases were lower than the mountaintops as often in the winter dry season as in the wet seasons. The Luquillo low cloud base altitudes were higher than six other sites in the Caribbean by ~ 200–600 m, highlighting the importance of site selection to measure topographic influence on cloud height. Proximity to the oceanic cloud system where lower clouds are seasonally invariant in altitude and cover; along with orographic lifting and trade-wind generated cloud formation, may explain the dry season low clouds. The results indicate climate change threats to low-elevation TMCFs are not limited to the dry season; changes in synoptic-scale weather patterns that increase frequency of drought periods during the wet seasons (periods of higher cloud base) may also impact ecosystem health.
Temperature and UV light affect the activity of marine cell-free enzymes
Authors: Thomson Blair , Hepburn Christopher David , Lamare Miles , Baltar Federico
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Microbial extracellular enzymatic activity (EEA) is the rate-limiting step in the degradation of organic matter in the oceans. These extracellular enzymes exist in two forms, cell-bound which are attached to the microbial cell wall, and cell-free which are completely free of the cell. Contrary to previous understanding, cell-free extracellular enzymes make up a substantial proportion of the total marine EEA. Little is known about these abundant cell-free enzymes, including what factors control their activity once they are away from their sites (cells). Experiments were run to assess how cell-free enzymes (excluding microbes) respond to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and temperature manipulations, previously suggested as potential control factors for these enzymes. The experiments were done with New Zealand coastal waters and the enzymes studied were alkaline phosphatase [APase], β-glucosidase, [BGase], and leucine aminopeptidase, [LAPase]. Environmentally relevant UVR (i.e., in situ UVR levels measured at our site) irradiances reduced cell-free enzyme activities up to 87 % when compared to controls, likely a consequence of photodegradation. This effect of UVR on cell-free enzymes differed depending on the UVR fraction. Ambient levels of UV radiation (KJ) were shown to reduce the activity of cell-free enzymes, for the first time. Elevated temperatures (15 °C) increased the activity of cell-free enzymes up to 53 % when compared to controls (10 °C), likely by enhancing the catalytic activity of the enzymes. Our results suggest the importance of both UVR and temperature as control mechanisms for cell-free enzymes. Given the projected warming ocean environment and the variable UVR light regime, it is possible there could be major changes in the activity of cell-free EEA and their contribution to organic matter remineralization in the future.
Uncertainty analysis of hydrological return period estimation, taking
the upper Yangtze River as an example
Authors: Sun Hemin , Jiang Tong , Jing Cheng , Su Buda , Wang Guojie
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Return period estimation plays an important role in the engineering practices of water resources and disaster management, but uncertainties accompany the calculation process. Based on the daily discharge records at two gauging stations (Cuntan and Pingshan) on the upper Yangtze River, three sampling methods (SMs; (annual maximum, peak over threshold, and decadal peak over threshold), five distribution functions (DFs; gamma, Gumbel, lognormal, Pearson III, and general extreme value), and three parameterization methods (PMs; maximum likelihood, L-Moment, and method of moment) were applied to analyze the uncertainties in return period estimation. The estimated return levels based on the different approaches were found to differ considerably at each station. The range of discharge for a 20-year return period was 63,800.8–74,024.1 m3 s−1 for Cuntan and 23,097.8–25,595.3 m3 s−1 for Pingshan, when using the 45 combinations of SMs, DFs, and PMs. For a 1000-year event, the estimated discharge ranges increased to 74,492.5–125,658.0 and 27,339.2–41,718.1 m3 s−1 for Cuntan and Pingshan, respectively. Application of the analysis of variance method showed that the total sum of the squares of the estimated return levels increased with the widening of the return periods, suggestive of increased uncertainties. However, the contributions of the different sources to the uncertainties were different. For Cuntan, where the discharge changed significantly, the SM appeared to be the largest source of uncertainty. For Pingshan, where the discharge series remained almost stable, the DF contributed most to the uncertainty. Therefore, multiple uncertainty sources in estimating return periods should be considered to meet the demands of different planning purposes. The research results also suggest that uncertainties of return level estimation could be reduced if an optimized DF were used, or if the decadal peak over threshold SM were used, which is capable of representing temporal changes of hydrological series.
Switching deformation mode and mechanisms during subduction of continental crust:
a case study from Alpine Corsica
Authors: Molli Giancarlo , Menegon Luca , Malasoma Alessandro
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The switching in deformation mode (from distributed to localized) and mechanisms (viscous versus frictional) represent a relevant issue in the frame of crustal deformation, being also connected with the concept of the brittle-ductile transition and seismogenesis. In subduction environment, switching in deformation mode and mechanisms may be inferred along the subduction interface, in a transition zone between the highly coupled (seismogenic zone) and decoupled deeper aseismic domain (stable slip). On the other hand, the role of brittle precursors in nucleating crystal-plastic shear zones has received more and more consideration being now recognized as fundamental in the localization of deformation and shear zone development, thus representing a case in which switching deformation mode and mechanisms interact and relate to each other. This contribution analyzes an example of a crystal plastic shear zone localized by brittle precursor formed within a host granitic-protomylonite during deformation in subduction-related environment. The studied structures, possibly formed by transient instability associated with fluctuations of pore fluid pressure and episodic strain rate variations may be considered as a small scale example of fault behaviour associated with a cycle of interseismic creep and coseismic rupture or a new analogue for episodic tremors and slow slip structures. Our case-study represents, therefore, a fossil example of association of fault structures related with stick-slip strain accomodation during subduction of continental crust.
Coupled Land Surface-Subsurface Hydrogeophysical Inverse Modeling to Estimate Soil Organic Content and explore associated Hydrological and Thermal Dynamics in an Arctic Tundra
Authors: Tran Anh Phuong , Dafflon Baptiste , Hubbard Susan S.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Quantitative characterization of soil organic carbon (OC) content is essential due to its significant impacts on surface–subsurface hydrological-thermal processes and microbial decomposition of OC, which both in turn are important for predicting carbon-climate feedbacks. While such quantification is particularly important in the vulnerable organic-rich Arctic region, it is challenging to achieve due to the general limitations of conventional core sampling and analysis methods, and to the extremely dynamic nature of hydrological-thermal processes associated with annual freeze-thaw events. In this study, we develop and test an inversion scheme that can flexibly use single or multiple datasets, including soil water liquid, temperature and electrical resistivity data (ERT), to estimate the vertical distribution of OC content. We subsequently explore the control of OC on hydrological-thermal behavior. We employ the Community Land Model to simulate nonisothermal surface-subsurface hydrological dynamics from the bedrock to the top of canopy, with consideration of land surface processes and ice/liquid water phase transitions. For inversion, we combine a deterministic and an adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) optimization algorithm to estimate posterior distributions of desired model parameters. For hydrological-thermal to geophysical variable transformation, the simulated subsurface temperature, liquid and ice water content are explicitly linked to the soil apparent resistivity via petrophysical and geophysical models. We validate the developed scheme using different numerical experiments and evaluate the influence of measurement errors and benefit of joint inversion on the estimation of OC and other parameters. We also quantified the propagation of uncertainty from the estimated parameters to prediction of hydrological-thermal responses. We find that compared to inversion of single dataset (either temperature or liquid or apparent resistivity), joint inversion of these datasets significantly reduces parameter uncertainty. We find that the joint inversion approach is able to estimate OC and sand content within the shallow active layer (0.3 m) with high reliability. Due to the small variations of temperature and moisture within the shallow permafrost (0.6 m), the approach is unable to estimate OC with confidence. However, if the soil porosity is functionally related to the OC and mineral content, the uncertainty of OC estimate at this depth remarkably decreases. Our study documents the value of the new surface-subsurface, deterministic-stochastic inversion approach, as well as the benefit of including multiple types of data to estimate OC and associated hydrological-thermal dynamics.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of male circumcision for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention among voluntary counselling and testing clients in a centre in northern Namibia
Authors: Ngodji Terthu K , Rebert Jessica , Igumbor Ehimario U , Nuuyoma Vistolina
Published: February 2017

Background: There is compelling evidence that male circumcision (MC) is associated with reduced risk of contracting HIV. For this reason, MC is recommended for countries like Namibia where HIV prevalence is high and MC rates are low. Following this recommendation, a national MC campaign was considered to introduce MC as an additional HIV prevention strategy with the intention of rolling it out in communities where MC is not traditionally practised and where heterosexually transmitted HIV infection rates are high. Little is known about the acceptability of MC in traditionally non-circumcising communities in Northern Namibia.Objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices of MC among men presenting for voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) in a traditionally non-circumcising ethnic group in the northern Namibia.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 331 Oshiwambo-speaking males aged 18 years and older, presenting for VCT services. Data was analysed using Epi-Info 2008, Version 3.5.1.Results: The self-reported prevalence of MC in the study sample was 15.4%, with 38% of those reporting being circumcised during their childhood (1-13 years) and 44% being circumcised for health-related reasons. Most respondents (n = 241, 74.4%) had heard that MC reduces the men’s risk of HIV infection. Up to 53.1% of the respondents had good knowledge regarding MC; moreover, the majority of the respondents (n = 194, 66.6%) reported that it is easier for uncircumcised men to acquire HIV infection. It was found that men aged 25 to 34 years were more willing to be circumcised than the other age groups.Conclusions: A high level of knowledge of MC was revealed. Accordingly, the idea of MC is likely to be accepted, especially if it is implemented to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
Nursing stress and satisfaction outcomes resulting from implementing a team nursing model of care in a rural setting
Authors: Deravin Linda , Francis Karen , Nielsen Sharon , Anderson Judith
Published: February 2017

Objective: With increasing demands to provide a cost efficient nursing service, changes to nursing skill mix are being implemented globally. Team nursing as a model of care is seen as a way to address both patient care and safety issues. The aim of this study was to explore job satisfaction (JS) and stress outcomes of nursing staff when introducing team nursing as model of care within the Australian healthcare environment.Methods: An experimental study was utilised. Nursing staff (n = 63) were surveyed, using the Person Centred Nursing Index (PCNI) tool, prior to the implementation of a team nursing model of care and then again six months post implementation of the model (n = 64). Data was analysed to determine if there was a statistically significant difference in the average theme between pre and post surveys.Results: Nursing stress (NS) was reduced and JS was increased post implementation of the new model of care. JS and organisational traits, JS and work stress (WS), were positively related and increased post implementation. WS and nursing care (NC), organisational traits and NC were positively related but showed no statistically significant change after the implementation. This study demonstrated that in introducing a new model of care, levels of stress staff increased yet unexpectedly JS also improved.Conclusions: Decisions to adopt team nursing as the model of care should be based on a broad range of considerations not simply on fiscal considerations and should include staff readiness, staff mix and supportive measures to introduce a changed model of care.
Considering Family Therapy Process and Relevant Theories
Authors: Aran Hamid
Published: February 2017

Family is more than a group of individuals living together in certain physical and psychological space. In other words, family is a natural and social system with specific features. It is a system postulating certain principles, roles, power structure, socializing relationships and communications, talking methods, and problem solution for effective performance of diverse duties.Most difficulties in life are traceable best way within family. Families are powerful forces in their entirety effective on members’ health or compatibility, whether in their advantage or disadvantage. Consequently, family therapy is interference concentrated on dealings among family members that attempts to enhance family function as a unit made of individual members of family.
Price Control Effectiveness in the Context of a Supply Chain
Authors: Tavor T. , Spiegel U. , Weber M.
Published: February 2017

The imposition of price controls on a well-functioning competitive market is usually considered harmful to society since it reduces the volume of trade and creates incentives to waste resources. Generally, regulation and control of non-competitive markets in a supply chain environment are very difficult tasks, since the source that maintains and accelerates monopoly induced price increases is unclear.This present paper deals with the case of an entire supply chain with several stations when the economic environment is under a monopoly or duopoly regime and price control in such an environment can be a very useful and corrective policy that may lead to a higher degree of efficiency along with desired redistributional influences.
Radicalisering in Molenbeek
Authors: Devroe Elke , Ponsaers Paul
Published: February 2017

Radicalization in Molenbeek

Radicalization in Molenbeek; Belgian dual policy obstructs integrated approach Belgisch tweesporenbeleid verhindert integrale aanpak
Selvets teknologier, e-læring og neo-traditionel islamisk selvudvikling
Authors: Mathiesen Kasper
Published: February 2017

This article addresses the ways in which contemporary Muslims make use of the Internet to establish new kinds of communities of practice and learning associated with the technologies of the self and Islamic self-cultivation. Within the confines of the new communities the fundamental aspiration and ambition is similar to that of the classical tradition, but the non-physical framework simultaneously yields new possibilities and new challenges in regard to learning. The didacticaltheoretical point of departure of the analysis is above all the social psychological learning perspective developed by Lave and Wenger. The analysis is based on a representative example of elearning from the Islamic learning portal Sunnipath/Qibla and is especially related to the transnational and globally influential Bâ’alawiyya order, here construed as an exponent of a broader neo-traditional Islamic current. Patterns of learning and of learning within the confines of the ecommunity of practice are compared with more traditional and physically constituted contexts of situated learning through participation in intensified Islamic practices of self-cultivation. On the basis of observation, participation and interview material from both types of contexts the learning patterns of the new virtual communities of practice are analysed with an emphasis on presence and motivation in regards to learning.
Laïcité et valeurs dans l’économie du projet de loi no 60 Charte des valeurs
Authors: Côté Pauline , Mathieu Félix
Published: February 2017

Le dépôt du projet de loi no 60, communément appeléCharte des valeurs, a mobilisé l’attention des médias, de la classe politique, des groupes d’intéressés et du grand public sur un ensemble de questions à la fois difficiles, complexes et sensibles. Comment rendre compte de l’initiative? Comment la laïcité s’est-elle imposée comme un objet d’action publique? Qu’est-ce qui l’a élevée au rang de valeur? Dans un premier temps, l’analyse lexicale et de contenu de l’objet « laïcité », au projet de loi, révèle le cadrage de l’enjeu à débattre du point de vue gouvernemental. À la lumière du processus de mise à l’ordre du jour, l’enquête remonte aux sources de cette configuration symbolique singulière. Il en ressort notamment des interventions stratégiques du côté de l’offre politique, partisane et gouvernementale.
« Dans leur propre intérêt » : La Charte des valeurs québécoises, ou du danger de la religion pour les femmes
Authors: Beaman Lori G. , Smith Lisa
Published: February 2017

Au cours des dix dernières années, plusieurs rapports et débats publics ont exposé clairement la relation entre la laïcité et l’égalité entre les femmes et les hommes. Dans de nombreux cas, l’égalité hommes-femmes ne semble être envisagée que dans un contexte laïque. Les récents débats publics sur la religion et la diversité au Québec illustrent bien la manière dont laïcité et égalité des femmes sont mises en parallèle. Dans cet article, nous examinons comment le principe d’égalité hommes-femmes ressort de certains des mémoires présentés devant la Commission Bouchard-Taylor, du rapport des commissaires, ainsi que des discussions publiques ultérieures qui ont été menées sur le sujet. Nous explorons ensuite les modalités selon lesquelles l’égalité hommes-femmes a émergé comme thème central des mémoires présentés à l’Assemblée nationale à l’occasion du débat sur la Charte des valeurs québécoises. Notre analyse révèle que ces mémoires présentent les femmes, croyantes ou non, pratiquantes ou non (religious or non-religious) comme des êtres en mal de protection : c’est en effet le cas pour les femmes qui le sont, si l’on part du principe qu’elles n’ont aucune capacité à agir par soi-même (agency); c’est également celui des femmes qui ne le sont pas dans l’optique où elles ne devraient pas être exposées aux dogmes religieux. Dans notre perspective, ces deux postures s’inscrivent dans la lignée d’une attitude patriarcale qui nie la capacité des femmes à agir selon leur propre volonté. En outre, nous remettons en cause l’idée selon laquelle l’égalité des femmes relève de la laïcité, elle-même impliquée dans le patriarcat et emprisonnée dans la question de l’inégalité des femmes.
MLF1IP promotes normal erythroid proliferation and is involved in the pathogenesis of polycythemia vera
Authors: Feng Gege , Zhang Tianjiao , Liu Jinqin , Ma Xiaotang , Li Bing , Yang Lin , Zhang Yue , Xu Zefeng , Qin Tiejun , Zhou Jiaxi , Huang Gang , Shi Lihong , Xiao Zhijian
Published: February 2017

Myelodysplasia/myeloid leukemia factor 1‐interacting protein (MLF1IP) appears to be an erythroid lineage‐specific gene in mice; however, its role in normal erythropoiesis and erythropoietic disorders have not yet been elucidated. Here, we found that MLF1IP is abundantly expressed in human erythroid progenitor cells and that MLF1IP‐deficiency reduces cell proliferation resulting from cell cycle arrest. Moreover, MLF1IP expression is exclusively elevated in CFU‐E cells from polycythemia vera (PV) patients, and MLF1IP transgenic mice develop a PV‐like disorder. Further analyses revealed that the erythroid progenitors and early‐stage erythroblasts from these transgenic mice expand by up‐regulating cyclin D2 and down‐regulating p27 and p21. Thus, our data demonstrate that MLF1IP promotes erythroid proliferation and is involved in the pathogenesis of PV, suggesting that it might be a novel molecular target for erythropoietic disorders.
Do attachment patterns predict aggression in a context of social rejection? An executive functioning account
Authors: Ma Yuanxiao , Ma Haijing , Chen Xu , Ran Guangming , Zhang Xing
Published: February 2017

People tend to respond to rejection and attack with aggression. The present research examined the modulation role of attachment patterns on provoked aggression following punishment and proposed an executive functioning account of attachment patterns’ modulating influence based on the General Aggression Model. Attachment style was measured using the Experiences in Close Relationships inventory. Experiments 1a and b and 2 adopted a social rejection task and assessed subsequent unprovoked and provoked aggression with different attachment patterns. Moreover, Experiment 1b and 2 used a Stroop task to examine whether differences in provoked aggression by attachment patterns are due to the amount of executive functioning following social rejection, or after unprovoked punishment, or even before social rejection. Anxiously attached participants displayed significant more provoked aggression than securely and avoidantly attached participants in provoked aggression following unprovoked punishment in Experiments 1 and 2. Meanwhile, subsequent Stroop tests indicated anxiously attached participants experienced more executive functioning depletion after social rejection and unprovoked aggression. The present findings support the General Aggression Model and suggest that provoked aggression is predicted by attachment patterns in the context of social rejection; different provoked aggression may depend on the degree of executive functioning that individuals preserved in aggressive situations. The current study contributes to our understanding of the importance of the role of attachment patterns in modulating aggressive behavior accompanying unfair social encounters.
Transient performance improvement in indirect model reference adaptive control using perturbation‐based extremum seeking identifier
Authors: Dadkhah Tehrani Reza , Shabaninia Faridoon , Khayatian Alireza , Asemani Mohammad Hassan
Published: February 2017

One of the main drawbacks of model reference adaptive control (MRAC) is the weakness of its transient performance. The key reason of this imperfection is parameter's estimation error convergence. For many cases in the closed‐loop control, the plant input signal cannot satisfy the persistence of excitation (PE) condition which yields poor parameters estimation error convergence. In this paper, we use a fast perturbation‐based extremum seeking (PES) scheme without steady‐state oscillation as the parameter identifier in indirect MRAC. The estimated parameters through the PES identifier contain the additive sinusoidal signals with distinct frequencies in the transient, which satisfy the PE condition of the plant input. Therefore, convergence of the parameters estimation error to zero will be guaranteed that results in improvement of transient performance for indirect MRAC. Also, the contrary effects on the steady‐state behaviour is eliminated since the sinusoidal excitation signals amplitude exponentially converge to zero and reinitiate with every change in the unknown parameters. Simulation results for a second order example have been presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Encapsulating a Hydrophilic Chemotherapeutic into Rod‐Like Nanoparticles of a Genetically Encoded Asymmetric Triblock Polypeptide Improves Its Efficacy
Authors: Bhattacharyya Jayanta , Weitzhandler Isaac , Ho Shihan Bryan , McDaniel Jonathan R. , Li Xinghai , Tang Lei , Liu Jinyao , Dewhirst Mark , Chilkoti Ashutosh
Published: February 2017

Encapsulating hydrophilic chemotherapeutics into the core of polymeric nanoparticles can improve their therapeutic efficacy by increasing their plasma half‐life, tumor accumulation, and intracellular uptake, and by protecting them from premature degradation. To achieve these goals, a recombinant asymmetric triblock polypeptide (ATBP) that self‐assembles into rod‐shaped nanoparticles, and which can be used to conjugate diverse hydrophilic molecules, including chemotherapeutics, into their core is designed. These ATBPs consist of three segments: a biodegradable elastin‐like polypeptide, a hydrophobic tyrosine‐rich segment, and a short cysteine‐rich segment, that spontaneously self‐assemble into rod‐shaped micelles. Covalent conjugation of a structurally diverse set of hydrophilic small molecules, including a hydrophilic chemotherapeutic—gemcitabine—to the cysteine residues also leads to formation of nanoparticles over a range of ATBP concentrations. Gemcitabine‐loaded ATBP nanoparticles have significantly better tumor regression compared to free drug in a murine cancer model. This simple strategy of encapsulation of hydrophilic small molecules by conjugation to an ATBP can be used to effectively deliver a range of water‐soluble drugs and imaging agents in vivo.
Limits of Visibly Transparent Luminescent Solar Concentrators
Authors: Yang Chenchen , Lunt Richard R.
Published: February 2017

Visibly transparent solar harvesting surfaces are an exciting new approach to harvesting solar energy around buildings and mobile electronics to improve their efficiency and autonomy without impacting their appearance. The recent demonstration of ultraviolet (UV) and near‐infrared (NIR) selective light harvesters have enabled transparent luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) that boast unparalleled scalability, flexibility, aesthetic quality, and affordability. Consequently, the question of the efficiency limits has emerged in these new systems. In this perspective, the theoretical efficiency limits of these concentrator systems are reviewed and practical considerations are outlined to approach these limits. For UV and UV/NIR selective harvesting single‐junction transparent LSCs are constrained thermodynamically to 21%, which increases to over 35% in fully transparent multipanel devices with light trapping. In deriving these limits, key material and engineering challenges are identified to fully optimize transparent solar concentrators that can push them towards commercial reality.
Resonant Optical Absorption and Photothermal Process in High Refractive Index Germanium Nanoparticles
Authors: Ishii Satoshi , Chen Kai , Okuyama Hideo , Nagao Tadaaki
Published: February 2017

Germanium has one of the highest refractive indices and extinction coefficients in the optical range, making it an attractive material to study Mie‐resonance‐induced absorption in subwavelength structures. In this work, at first mode analysis of a subwavelength sphere in a complex permittivity plane is provided to simultaneously examine the Mie and plasmon resonances at once, which are often discussed separately. Electromagnetic calculations show enhanced absorption of germanium nanospheres at Mie resonances. To experimentally confirm the predicted results, germanium nanoparticles are successfully fabricated through reactive thermal arc plasma method. The size distribution of germanium nanoparticles enables broad extinction from UV to near infrared even though the Mie resonance peak of individual nanoparticles is rather narrow. Enhanced absorption is confirmed by a solar photothermal experiment. The work proves the applicability of strong Mie resonances excited at subwavelength germanium particles.
Visible Light‐Mediated Copper(I)‐Catalysed Aerobic Oxidation of Ynamides/Ynamines at Room Temperature: A Sustainable Approach to the Synthesis of α‐Ketoimides/α‐Ketoamides
Authors: Ragupathi Ayyakkannu , Charpe Vaibhav Pramod , Sagadevan Arunachalam , Hwang Kuo Chu
Published: February 2017

A novel visible light‐mediated, copper‐catalysed aerobic oxidation of the C≡C bond in ynamides/ynamines at room temperature by using molecular oxygen as an oxidant is described. Overall, 23 examples were demonstrated with substrates having a wide range of functional groups. The current protocol can be readily scaled up to a preparative (1–2 g) scale with high yields (78–92%), high atom efficiency, and reaction mass efficiency. The mechanistic study shows that in‐situ formation of a copper(I)‐coordinated π‐complex (λmax=460 nm) is most probably the key light absorbing species responsible for the visible light‐induced oxidation of ynamides and ynamines. This sustainable oxidation approach allows the direct synthesis of potentially important novel α‐ketoimide/α‐ketoamide skeletons without the need of external oxidants (organic/inorganic oxidants) and generation of stoichiometric amounts of wastes.

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Regioselective Direct C3‐Phosphorylation of N‐Sulfonylindoles under Mild Oxidative Conditions
Authors: Su Feng , Lin Weidong , Zhu Pengfei , He Dezhi , Lin Jianbin , Zhang Hui‐Jun , Wen Ting‐Bin
Published: February 2017

The reactions of N‐sulfonylindoles with H‐phosphine oxides under oxidative conditions give a wide range of C‐3 phosphorylated free (NH)‐indoles. Several mild oxidants, such as AgNO3, di‐tert‐butyl peroxide (DTBP), and K2S2O8, can be used to promote this transformation.

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Association between parental access to paid sick leave and children's access to and use of healthcare services
Authors: Asfaw Abay , Colopy Maria
Published: February 2017

Background

We examined the association between parental access to paid sick leave (PPSL) and children's use of preventive care and reduced likelihood of delayed medical care and emergency room (ER) visits.

Methods

We used the child sample of the National Health Interview Survey data (linked to the adult and family samples) from 2011 through 2015 and logistic and negative binomial regression models.

Results

Controlling for covariates, the odds of children with PPSL receiving flu vaccination were 12.5% [95%CI: 1.06–1.19] higher and receiving annual medical checkups were 13.2% [95%CI: 1.04–1.23] higher than those of children without PPSL. With PPSL, the odds of children receiving delayed medical care because of time mismatch were 13.3% [95%CI: 0.76–0.98] lower, and being taken to ER were 53.6% [95%CI: 0.27–0.81] lower than those of children without PPSL. PPSL was associated with 11% [95%CI: 0.82–0.97] fewer ER visits per year.

Conclusion

PPSL may improve children's access and use of healthcare services and reduce the number of ER visits. Am. J. Ind. Med. 60:276–284, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Descriptive study of the complete blood count in newborn infants with Down syndrome
Authors: Martínez‐Macías Francisco Javier , Bobadilla‐Morales Lucina , González‐Cruz Janet , Quiles‐Corona Moisés , Corona‐Rivera Alfredo , Peña‐Padilla Christian , Orozco‐Vela Mireya , Silva‐Cruz Rocío , Velarde‐Rivera Fernando , Corona‐Rivera Jorge Román
Published: February 2017

The usefulness of the complete blood count (CBC) during the first week of life in infants with Down syndrome (DS) has been recognized; however, studies are limited and have evaluated only some of the parameters of the CBC. Here, we report a prospective study of 135 infants with cytogenetically confirmed DS and a reference group of 226 infants without birth defects all born during the period 2009–2015 at the Dr. Juan I. Menchaca Civil Hospital of Guadalajara (Guadalajara, Mexico). The goal was to evaluate hematological findings in the CBC during the first 7 days of life, interpreted according to gestational and postnatal age. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis expressed as adjusted odds ratio (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Infants with DS had a significantly higher risk for polycythemia (aOR = 12.4, 95% CI: 4.6–33.3), macrocytosis (aOR = 15.9, 95% CI: 1.8–143.4), high values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (aOR = 36.4, 95% CI: 4.5–294.9), anisocytosis (red blood cells of unequal size) (aOR = 3.9, 95% CI: 2.1–7.6), thrombocytopenia (aOR = 32.4, 95% CI: 15.2–68.9), white blood cell (WBC) count ≥30 × 103/µl (aOR = 19.4, 95% CI: 4.1–91.5), lymphocytosis (aOR = 73.3, 95% CI: 9.5–565.4), and basophilia (aOR = 16.8, 95% CI: 1.9–151.5). Overall, 74% of infants with DS in our study had polycythemia, thrombocytopenia, WBC count >30 × 103/µl, or lymphocytosis (aOR = 35.6, 95% CI: 18.8–79.2). Compared with those in other studies, our infants with DS had distinctive hematological findings including a lower frequency of thrombocytopenia, infrequent neutrophilia, and frequent lymphocytosis and neutropenia. This suggests ethnic, socioeconomic, or nutritional differences. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chelator‐Free Radiolabeling of Nanographene: Breaking the Stereotype of Chelation
Authors: Shi Sixiang , Xu Cheng , Yang Kai , Goel Shreya , Valdovinos Hector F. , Luo Haiming , Ehlerding Emily B. , England Christopher G. , Cheng Liang , Chen Feng , Nickles Robert J. , Liu Zhuang , Cai Weibo
Published: February 2017

Macrocyclic chelators have been widely employed in the realm of nanoparticle‐based positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, whereas its accuracy remains questionable. Here, we found that 64Cu can be intrinsically labeled onto nanographene based on interactions between Cu and the π electrons of graphene without the need of chelator conjugation, providing a promising alternative radiolabeling approach that maintains the native in vivo pharmacokinetics of the nanoparticles. Due to abundant π bonds, reduced graphene oxide (RGO) exhibited significantly higher labeling efficiency in comparison with graphene oxide (GO) and exhibited excellent radiostability in vivo. More importantly, nonspecific attachment of 1,4,7‐triazacyclononane‐1,4,7‐triacetic acid (NOTA) on nanographene was observed, which revealed that chelator‐mediated nanoparticle‐based PET imaging has its inherent drawbacks and can possibly lead to erroneous imaging results in vivo.
Synthetic Channel Specifically Inserts into the Lipid Bilayer of Gram‐Positive Bacteria but not that of Mammalian Erythrocytes
Authors: Zhang Min , Zhu Ping‐Ping , Xin Pengyang , Si Wen , Li Zhan‐Ting , Hou Jun‐Li
Published: February 2017

A series of tubular molecules with different lengths have been synthesized by attaching Trp‐incorporated peptides to the pillar[5]arene backbone. The tubular molecules are able to insert into the lipid bilayer to form unimolecular transmembrane channels. One of the channels has been revealed to specifically insert into the bilayer of the Gram‐positive bacteria. In contrast, this channel cannot insert into the membranes of the mammalian rat erythrocytes even at the high concentration of 100 μm. It was further demonstrated that, as a result of this high membrane selectivity, the channel exhibits efficient antimicrobial activity for the Gram‐positive bacteria and very low hemolytic toxicity for mammalian erythrocytes.
Nanostrukturierte Materialien für die elektrokatalytische CO2‐Reduktion und ihre Reaktionsmechanismen
Authors: Zhang Lei , Zhao Zhi‐Jian , Gong Jinlong
Published: February 2017

Die allmählich zunehmende Konzentration an Kohlendioxid (CO2) in der Atmosphäre wurde als Hauptursache für den Anstieg der mittleren Erdtemperatur erkannt. In den letzten Jahren hat daher die Entwicklung von Wegen zur hocheffizienten Umwandlung von CO2 viel Beachtung gefunden. Dieser Aufsatz beschreibt neueste Fortschritte auf dem Gebiet von Festkörperkatalysatoren für die elektrochemische CO2‐Reduktion. Die Bedeutung dieser katalytischen Verfahren wird im Einführungsteil dargestellt, darauf folgen die allgemeinen Parameter für die elektrochemische CO2‐Reduktion und ein Überblick zur Reaktionsvorrichtung. Wir erörtern außerdem verschiedene Arten von festen Katalysatoren in Abhängigkeit von den Mechanismen der CO2‐Umwandlung. Darüber hinaus geben wir eine Zusammenfassung zu den entscheidenden Faktoren (Partikelgröße, Oberflächenstruktur, Zusammensetzung usw.), die die Leistungsfähigkeit der elektrochemischen Reduktion bestimmen.
Investigation of surface properties and elastomeric behaviors of EPDM/EOC/PP thermoplastic vulcanizates with different octene contents
Authors: Uthaipan Nattapon , Junhasavasdikul Banja , Vennemann Norbert , Nakason Charoen , Thitithammawong Anoma
Published: February 2017

Phase morphology, phase compatibility, and elastomeric properties of the ternary EPDM/EOC/PP TPVs were investigated, to determine the influence of octene comonomer content in the EOC molecules on these properties. Such effects are expected as the comonomer impacts the chemical interactions and the chain flexibility of EOC. Viscosity ratio and interfacial properties of the phases were determined, and later related to the morphological structure and the phase compatibility in the ternary TPVs. Increasing octene comonomer content in the EOC reduced surface and interfacial tensions in the TPVs, thereby improving the work of adhesion and the phase compatibility. The study also confirmed that the morphological structure of the TPVs had core–shell elastomer particles dispersed in a continuous PP matrix. Furthermore, elastomeric behavior of the TPVs with various octene contents in the EOC was also assessed. The results revealed improved stress relaxation with low molecular damping and with low permanent set when EOC with higher octene comonomer content was included. Therefore, in the present study the EOC as third component improved phase compatibility and strengthened elastomeric properties of the TPVs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44857.
Modulus enhancement of polycarbonate by addition of lithium perchlorate
Authors: Sako Takumi , Miyagawa Azusa , Yamaguchi Masayuki
Published: February 2017

The mechanical properties of polycarbonate (PC) containing lithium perchlorate (LiClO4), which is found to ionize in PC, are examined. The modulus of PC is greatly enhanced by the addition of LiClO4 because of the electrostatic interaction between the lithium cation and the carbonyl group in PC molecules. Previously reported organic antiplasticizers, which fill the free volume of polymers, are known to reduce mechanical toughness and heat resistance. However, the addition of LiClO4 does not sacrifice the advantages of PC, such as heat resistance, transparency, and mechanical toughness. This phenomenon is notable because it is applicable for the enhancement of the mechanical properties of PC. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44882.
Amidoselenation and Amidotelluration of Alkenes using Oxygen as Terminal Oxidant
Authors: Sun Kai , Wang Xin , Zhang Chong , Zhang Saifei , Chen Yao , Jiao Hezhen , Du Weimin
Published: February 2017

A protocol has been established for oxygen‐mediated amidoselenation and amidotelluration of alkenes under mild conditions. This method provides a simple route to a series of structurally diverse β‐amido selenides and β‐amido tellurides in moderate to high yields. The wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, ease of large‐scale preparation and potential for product derivatization make this reaction attractive for the synthesis of nitrogen‐, selenium‐ and tellurium‐containing molecules.