bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rise of American Populism and its Role in Reviving the Jacksonian Tradition in Trump’s Foreign Policy
Authors:   Independent Researcher, International Researcher, Islamabad. Pakistan., Ali Ammar
Published: May 2024

Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 Presidential Elections firmly established the fact that populism was the new reality of American politics. This research explores the basic factors that drove this populist tide, and which led to the election of Trump as American president. It was not only the increasing economic inequality and lack of employment opportunities which resulted in strengthening the populist tide, but also the perceived lack of status by the American middle class and their fear of becoming a minority in their own country which drove them to Trump’s campaign. Trump also fully exploited the public’s discontent with the elite and promised them that he was their best chance of restoring America’s dignity and breaking it free from the ‘disastrous’ economic deals that his predecessors had signed which were supposedly the primary cause of the country’s economic woes. This research shows that most of Trump’s foreign policy decisions were in line with his populist rhetoric and the Jacksonian tradition of American foreign policy. This research takes a deeper look into some of Trump’s populist foreign policy decisions in the light of Jacksonianism.
Building a Strategy Map to Lead a School of Business in a Christian University
Authors: Duncan John B. , Zigarelli Michael
Published: May 2024

All academic business units are involved in the ongoing processes of strategic planning and outcomes assessment. Although these processes should be driven by important values, such as stewardship, accountability, student learning, continuous quality improvement, and transparency, in many instances academic business units simply go through the motions of planning and assessment because of accreditation or institutional requirements. A “strategy map” can be a corrective to that, making the planning process both more meaningful and more actionable. Developed and tested in world-class companies, a strategy map depicts how any organization can accomplish its mission by identifying and investing in the key drivers of performance — those initiatives and resources that have a clear cause-and-effect relationship to its desired outcomes. This paper describes how the School of Business at Charleston Southern University developed a strategy map to guide strategic planning, mobilization of resources, program assessment, and ultimately, student learning.
Is There Overrepresentation of Students of Color in Christian Higher Education Advertising and Do Students Care?
Authors: Hagenbuch David
Published: May 2024

In an effort to portray a welcoming environment for students of color, some Christian colleges and universities may be tempted to overrepresent their racial diversity in their promotional materials. Through a two-phase empirical analysis, this study explored three factors that are central to this potential ethical issue: the prevalence of racial overrepresentation at Christian colleges, the relative attraction of promotional materials that depict higher versus lower percentages of students of color, and prospective college students’ evaluation of racial overrepresentation. Although relatively few Christian schools were found to overrepresent their student population’s actual racial diversity, some did so substantially, and others even underrepresented their diversity. Furthermore, while prospective college students expressed only moderate concern about racial overrepresentation, their attraction to various brochures differed along racial lines. Students of color exhibited little variation in their preferences, but Caucasian students tended to favor brochures that depicted medium to low levels of racial diversity. These findings present unique ethical considerations for institutions of Christian higher education, which often emphasize integrity, reconciliation, and concern for those who are disadvantaged.
Homo Economicus Meets Homo Religiosus: A Collaborative Undergraduate Course in Economics and Religion
Authors: Bose Feler , Blanchard Kathryn D.
Published: May 2024

This paper describes an interdisciplinary undergraduate course exploring multiple intersections of economics and religion using a variety of textual sources, exercises, and teaching methods from both fields. We conclude that such a course can be valuable for both majors and non-majors. Economics majors may gain a greater awareness of the philosophical underpinnings and ethical implications of their social science, while non-economists may gain an appreciation for the many ways in which the economic way of thinking affects and can be applied to aspects of their everyday lives. While this course was taught in a largely secular school with Presbyterian roots, the syllabus can easily be adjusted for a more evangelical college.
A Word From the Editor
Authors: Johnson Sharon G.
Published: May 2024

In the fall of 1997, Dr. Richard Chewning presented his paper, “Biblical Orthodoxy Requires the S.N.A.P. of Scripture,” at the Christian Business Faculty Association annual meeting. His paper was a strong and articulate defense of the sufficiency, necessity, authority, and perspicuity of Scripture.
Marketing in the New Millenium: Revisiting Mission
Authors: Smith Yvonne S.
Published: May 2024

An extensive literature indicates that traditional and nontraditional students have different motivations for pursuing a college degree. The surprising finding of the study conducted by Andrews, Roller, and Baker was that the difference extends even to spiritual motivations. Non-traditional business students attending a Christian college did not appear to be motivated by the Christian environment, faculty, peers, content, or the leading of the Holy Spirit. At least three reasons for this immediately spring to mind:• Non-traditional students are less mature Christians.• Students experienced in business feel that Christianity is not relevant to their business education.• The students in the sample did not perceive the college they were entering as Christian.
Competition Among Religious Denominations: Adam Smith’s View
Authors: Stapleford John E.
Published: May 2024

By using Smith’s model of competition and monopoly, Stapleford discusses Smith’s explanation of denominational growth and decline.
The Nature and Purpose of Work and Productivity
Authors: Smith Galen P. , Wheeler Bert G.
Published: May 2024

The authors discuss the importance of the work-rest cycle for daily living.
A Rock in the Whirlwind: A Changeless God in A Changing World, A Response to “Hermeneutics and Biblical Ethics: God’s Immutability and Human Integrity” by Richard Chewning
Authors: Smith Yvonne S.
Published: May 2024

“May you live in interesting times” says the ancient Chinese curse. We do indeed live in interesting times. Technology, particularly the Internet, is driving a paradigm change in our society that is so profound that a new economy has sprung up seemingly overnight. Futurists tell us there is likely to be more social change in the next ten years than there has been in the last century (Bell & Gray, 1997). In the context of this whirlwind of transformation, it is a jerk into reality to be reminded that God is immutable, that He does not change.
The Outrageous Idea of Christian Scholarship by George Marsden
Authors: Van der Ploeg Stephen S.
Published: May 2024

-
Business Students’ Perceptions of Shifts in Core Values of American Culture: A Report from the Trenches
Authors: Jung Jae Min , Kellaris James
Published: May 2024

The authors report their findings of a cultural perception survey given to business students in 1993 and 1999. They compare the results of the two surveys and discuss what the findings reveal about our changing culture.
Broader perspectives : 35 years of liberal arts in Lithuania
Authors: Smolienė Agnė , Bijeikienė Vilma , Dikšaitė Rimgailė , Gedvila Martynas , Lapelytė Dominyka
Published: May 2024

“Broader Perspectives” is an English-language informational publication of VMU aimed at the University’s international partners. The publication features interviews with VMU scholars and other specialists, as well as discussions on scientific projects being implemented at the University, innovations, the “Artes Liberales” study model, and the University’s values. This is the second issue of “Broader Perspectives”, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of VMU’s re-establishment and to the concept of “Artes Liberales”. The first issue, published in 2022, was dedicated to commemorating the centennial of the University of Lithuania.
Risk management in the heating industry
Authors: Iwaszczuk Natalia , Iwaszczuk Aleksander
Published: May 2024

The heating industry plays a very important role in countries with a cold and temperate climate. Together with the power industry, it determines the energy security of these countries. That is why it is so important to study the risks that threaten the stability of heating companies. The article identifies risks divided into three groups – general economic, industry and specific risks. A risk map was drawn up and a qualitative analysis of their impact for the aforementioned companies was carried out. Such a map is a helpful tool in making decisions related to risk management and ensuring the stability of the functioning of business entities.ul information for both government and local authorities in the search for effective ways to drive the sector’s development.
Adsorption configuration and assembly structure of vanadyl phthalocyanine molecule on copper oxide layer
Authors: Peng Lan-Qin , Li Xiao-Yu , Xing Yun , Zhao Han , Deng Yan-Tao , Yu Ying-Hui ,   Faculty of Physics, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China
Published: May 2024

In recent years, regulating organic functional molecule has gradually received much attention in the field of materials due to its significant contribution in improving the charge carrier mobility of nanometer optoelectronic device. Molecular configuration and assembly structure of vanadyl phthalocyanine (VOPc) are systemically investigated on pristine and oxidized Cu(110) surface by using low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy. In the initial deposition stage, two molecular adsorption configurations, referring to O-up and O-down, are randomly distributed on the pristine Cu(110) surface. By oxidizing Cu(110) at different oxygen atmospheres and substrate temperatures, two different copper oxide structures are obtained, i.e. CuO-(2×1) and Cu5O6-c(6×2). The VOPc molecules are then deposited on both surfaces via thermal evaporation. For the CuO-(2×1) surface, contrastly, extended molecular chains form in the initial adsorption and subsequently the VOPc molecules assemble into an ordered molecular film involving both configurations. The VOPc molecules shows two packing orientations with a rotation angle of about 36° relative to each other. On Cu5O6-c(6×2), the O-down and O-up molecules are isolatedly adsorbed at the initial coverage. As the coverage increases, molecular assembly film gradually forms a parallelogram-shaped unit cell that involves only the O-up molecules. The molecular film exhibits two distinct molecular orientations with a rotation angle of about 42° relative to each other. The dipole-dipole interaction drives the configuration transition from the O-up configuration to O-down configuration. The O-down VOPc molecules of the second layer tend to be adsorbed on the molecular membrane supported by the Cu5O6-c(6×2) surface. The dipole-dipole interaction between neighboring molecular layers may be responsible for the preferable adsorption of the second-layered molecules. This study suggests the importance of surface oxidization in modifying configurations and orbital distributions of adsorbed molecules that can affect the charge transport in molecular films during fabricating electronic devices.
Why the brown ghost chirps at night
Authors: Oboti Livio , Pedraja Federico , Ritter Marie , Lohse Marlena , Klette Lennart , Krahe Rüdiger
Published: May 2024

Since the pioneering work by Moeller, Szabo, and Bullock, weakly electric fish have served as a valuable model for investigating spatial and social cognitive abilities in a vertebrate taxon usually less accessible than mammals or other terrestrial vertebrates. These fish, through their electric organ, generate low-intensity electric fields to navigate and interact with conspecifics, even in complete darkness. The brown ghost knifefish is one of the most widely studied species due to its rich electric vocabulary, made by individually variable and sex-specific electric signals. These are mainly characterized by brief frequency modulations of the oscillating dipole moment emitted continuously by their electric organ and are known as chirps. Different types of chirps are believed to convey specific and behaviorally salient information, serving as behavioral readouts for different internal states during behavioral observations. Despite the success of this model in neuroethology over the past seven decades, the code to decipher their electric communication remains unknown.This study re-evaluates this view, aiming to offer an alternative, and possibly complementary, explanation for why these freshwater bottom dwellers emit electric chirps. By uncovering correlations among chirping, electric field geometry, and detectability in enriched environments, we present evidence for a previously unexplored role of chirps as specialized self-directed signals, enhancing conspecific electrolocation during social encounters.
Dynamic modes of Notch transcription hubs conferring memory and stochastic activation revealed by live imaging the co-activator Mastermind
Authors: DeHaro-Arbona F Javier , Roussos Charalambos , Baloul Sarah , Townson Jonathan , Gómez Lamarca María J , Bray Sarah
Published: May 2024

Developmental programming involves the accurate conversion of signalling levels and dynamics to transcriptional outputs. The transcriptional relay in the Notch pathway relies on nuclear complexes containing the co-activator Mastermind (Mam). By tracking these complexes in real time, we reveal that they promote the formation of a dynamic transcription hub in Notch ON nuclei which concentrates key factors including the Mediator CDK module. The composition of the hub is labile and persists after Notch withdrawal conferring a memory that enables rapid reformation. Surprisingly, only a third of Notch ON hubs progress to a state with nascent transcription, which correlates with polymerase II and core Mediator recruitment. This probability is increased by a second signal. The discovery that target-gene transcription is probabilistic has far-reaching implications because it implies that stochastic differences in Notch pathway output can arise downstream of receptor activation.
Modulation of Biophysical Properties of Nucleocapsid Protein in the Mutant Spectrum of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Nguyen Ai , Zhao Huaying , Myagmarsuren Dulguun , Srinivasan Sanjana , Wu Di , Chen Jiji , Piszczek Grzegorz , Schuck Peter
Published: May 2024

Genetic diversity is a hallmark of RNA viruses and the basis for their evolutionary success. Taking advantage of the uniquely large genomic database of SARS-CoV-2, we examine the impact of mutations across the spectrum of viable amino acid sequences on the biophysical phenotypes of the highly expressed and multifunctional nucleocapsid protein. We find variation in the physicochemical parameters of its extended intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) sufficient to allow local plasticity, but also exhibiting functional constraints that similarly occur in related coronaviruses. In biophysical experiments with several N-protein species carrying mutations associated with major variants, we find that point mutations in the IDRs can have nonlocal impact and modulate thermodynamic stability, secondary structure, protein oligomeric state, particle formation, and liquid-liquid phase separation. In the Omicron variant, distant mutations in different IDRs have compensatory effects in shifting a delicate balance of interactions controlling protein assembly properties, and include the creation of a new protein-protein interaction interface in the N-terminal IDR through the defining P13L mutation. A picture emerges where genetic diversity is accompanied by significant variation in biophysical characteristics of functional N-protein species, in particular in the IDRs.
Exposure to live saprophytic Leptospira before challenge with a pathogenic serovar prevents severe leptospirosis and promotes kidney homeostasis
Authors: Kundu Suman , Shetty Advait , Gomes-Solecki Maria
Published: May 2024

Previous studies demonstrated that
Leptospira biflexa
, a saprophytic species, triggers innate immune responses in the host during early infection. This raised the question of whether these responses could suppress a subsequent challenge with pathogenic
Leptospira
. We inoculated male C3H/HeJ mice with a single or a double dose of
L. biflexa
before challenge with a pathogenic serovar,
L. interrogans
ser. Copenhageni FioCruz (LIC). Pre-challenge exposure to
L. biflexa
did not prevent LIC dissemination and colonization of the kidney. However, it rescued weight loss and mouse survival thereby mitigating disease severity. Unexpectedly, there was correlation between rescue of overall health (weight gain, higher survival, lower kidney fibrosis) and higher shedding of LIC in urine. This stood in stark contrast to the
L. biflexa
unexposed LIC challenged control. Immune responses were dominated by increased frequency of B cells and effector T helper (CD4+) cells in spleen, as well as significant increases in serologic IgG2a. Our findings suggest that exposure to live saprophytic
Leptospira
primes the host to develop Th1 biased immune responses that prevent severe disease induced by a subsequent challenge with a pathogenic species. Thus, hosts exposed to live saprophytic
Leptospira
before challenge with a pathogenic serovar may withstand LIC infection with far better outcomes. Furthermore, a status of homeostasis may have been reached after kidney colonization that helps LIC complete its enzootic cycle.Previous evidence of host innate immunity induced by live saprophytic
Leptospira
led us to posit that these responses might mitigate leptospirosis severity upon a subsequent challenge with a pathogenic serovar. In this study, we validated our hypothesis. This is important for development of novel strategies to control leptospirosis and for understanding the epidemiologic risk factors of this and other infectious diseases transmitted by direct contact between pathogen and host. Unexpectedly, these studies also show that there is a correlation between kidney health after
L. interrogans
infection (less fibrosis) and higher shedding of this spirochete in urine. This suggests that a status of homeostasis may be reached after kidney colonization by
L. interrogans
that helps the spirochete fulfill its enzootic cycle.
Genome concentration limits cell growth and modulates proteome composition in Escherichia coli
Authors: Mäkelä Jarno , Papagiannakis Alexandros , Lin Wei-Hsiang , Lanz Michael C. , Glenn Skye , Swaffer Matthew , Marinov Georgi K. , Skotheim Jan M. , Jacobs-Wagner Christine
Published: May 2024

Defining the cellular factors that drive growth rate and proteome composition is essential for understanding and manipulating cellular systems. In bacteria, ribosome concentration is known to be a constraining factor of cell growth rate, while gene concentration is usually assumed not to be limiting. Here, using single-molecule tracking, quantitative single-cell microscopy, and modeling, we show that genome dilution in
Escherichia coli
cells arrested for DNA replication results in a decrease in the concentration of active RNA polymerases and ribosomes. The resulting sub-linear scaling of total active RNA polymerases and ribosomes with cell size leads to sub-exponential growth, even within physiological cell sizes. Cell growth rate scales proportionally with the total number of active ribosomes in a DNA concentration-dependent manner. Tandem-mass-tag mass spectrometry experiments further reveal that a decrease in DNA-to-cell-volume ratio proportionally remodels the composition of the proteome with cell size independently of the environment. Altogether, our findings indicate that genome concentration is an important driver of exponential cell growth and a global modulator of proteome composition in
E. coli
. Comparison with studies on eukaryotic cells suggests DNA concentration-dependent scaling principles of gene expression across domains of life.
Dynamic reinforcement learning reveals time-dependent shifts in strategy during reward learning
Authors: Venditto Sarah Jo C , Miller Kevin J , Brody Carlos D , Daw Nathaniel D
Published: May 2024

Different brain systems have been hypothesized to subserve multiple “experts” that compete to generate behavior. In reinforcement learning, two general processes, one model-free (MF) and one model-based (MB), are often modeled as a mixture of agents (MoA) and hypothesized to capture differences between automaticity vs. deliberation. However, shifts in strategy cannot be captured by a static MoA. To investigate such dynamics, we present the mixture-of-agents hidden Markov model (MoA-HMM), which simultaneously learns inferred action values from a set of agents and the temporal dynamics of underlying “hidden” states that capture shifts in agent contributions over time. Applying this model to a multi-step, reward-guided task in rats reveals a progression of within-session strategies: a shift from initial MB exploration to MB exploitation, and finally to reduced engagement. The inferred states predict changes in both response time and OFC neural encoding during the task, suggesting that these states are capturing real shifts in dynamics.
Dynamic reinforcement learning reveals time-dependent shifts in strategy during reward learning
Authors: Venditto Sarah Jo C , Miller Kevin J , Brody Carlos D , Daw Nathaniel D
Published: May 2024

Different brain systems have been hypothesized to subserve multiple “experts” that compete to generate behavior. In reinforcement learning, two general processes, one model-free (MF) and one model-based (MB), are often modeled as a mixture of agents (MoA) and hypothesized to capture differences between automaticity vs. deliberation. However, shifts in strategy cannot be captured by a static MoA. To investigate such dynamics, we present the mixture-of-agents hidden Markov model (MoA-HMM), which simultaneously learns inferred action values from a set of agents and the temporal dynamics of underlying “hidden” states that capture shifts in agent contributions over time. Applying this model to a multi-step,reward-guided task in rats reveals a progression of within-session strategies: a shift from initial MB exploration to MB exploitation, and finally to reduced engagement. The inferred states predict changes in both response time and OFC neural encoding during the task, suggesting that these states are capturing real shifts in dynamics.
Light-driven synchronization of optogenetic clocks
Authors: Cannarsa Maria Cristina , Liguori Filippo , Pellicciotta Nicola , Frangipane Giacomo , Leonardo Roberto Di
Published: May 2024

Synthetic genetic oscillators can serve as internal clocks within engineered cells to program periodic expression. However, cell-to-cell variability introduces a dispersion in the characteristics of these clocks that drives the population to complete desynchronization. Here we introduce the optorepressilator, an optically controllable genetic clock that combines the repressilator, a three-node synthetic network in
E. coli
, with an optogenetic module enabling to reset, delay, or advance its phase using optical inputs. We demonstrate that a population of optorepressilators can be synchronized by transient green light exposure or entrained to oscillate indefinitely by a train of short pulses, through a mechanism reminiscent of natural circadian clocks. Furthermore, we investigate the system’s response to detuned external stimuli observing multiple regimes of global synchronization. Integrating experiments and mathematical modeling, we show that the entrainment mechanism is robust and can be understood quantitatively from single cell to population level.
Seasonal Variation of Groundwater Quality in Bonny Island, Rivers State Nigeria
Authors: Okoli Ejike , Nwaogazie Ify L. , Ugwoha Ejikeme
Published: May 2024

This study investigated the seasonal variations in physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, and petroleum hydrocarbons in groundwater samples collected in nine locations in Bonny Island, Rivers State Nigeria. The water samples for the dry season were collected in December and January while for the wet season, water samples were collected in July and October. A quantitative approach was employed, involving the collection of quantitative data through field sampling and laboratory analysis. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels, were measured using standard analytical techniques. Heavy metal concentrations (Fe, Cd, etc.) were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while petroleum hydrocarbons (total hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) were analyzed through solvent extraction and gas chromatography techniques. The study revealed significant seasonal variations in several parameters, with notable significant decreases in phosphate during the wet season and significant increases in chromium and cadmium levels during the dry season (p-value < 0.05). Petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations also exhibited seasonal fluctuations, potentially influenced by precipitation patterns, oil and gas activities, and accidental spills or leaks which were observed during the dry season.
1908 İstanbul’unda Bir Cinayet Vakası
Authors: Erkek Mehmet Salih
Published: May 2024

II. Meşrutiyetin ilanından yaklaşık iki buçuk ay sonra İstanbul’da bir bavul içerisinde Nahiye Eski Müdürlerinden Bağdatlı Ahmed Hamdi Efendi’nin cesedi parçalara ayrılmış bir şekilde bulunmuştur. Vezirhanı’nda bir odada beraber kaldıkları Medineli Taha isminde bir kişi tarafından öldürülen Ahmed Hamdi Bey’e ait ceset Taha ve arkadaşı Mehmed tarafından parçalanmış ve ceset bir bavula koyularak Vezirhanı’ndan çıkartılmıştır. Yakalanmamak ve dikkat çekmemek için İhsan adlı meczup bir çocuğa taşıttırılan bavul polis müdürlerinden Fuat Bey’in dikkatini çekmiş, bavulda çalıntı eşya olduğunu düşünen Fuat Bey bavulu incelemiş, bavulun içerisinden kasıklarından altı olmayan bir ceset çıkmıştır. Önce suçlulardan Mehmed, ardından da Taha yakalanmış, bunun üzerine soruşturma derinleştirilmiş, cinayet mahallinde arama yapılmış, yürütülen tahkikat ve yargılama sonucunda suçluların idam edilmelerine karar verilmiştir. Bu makalede İstanbul’da hunharca işlenen bu cinayet dönemin gazeteleri ve Osmanlı arşivindeki belgeler kullanılarak incelenecek, olayın nedeni, gelişimi, tahkikat süreci ve cezası bağlamında masaya yatırılacak ve olay Osmanlı suç tarihi açısından değerlendirilmeye çalışılacaktır.
Dicarboxylic Acids, Aliphatic
Authors: Cornils Boy , Lappe Peter
Published: April 2010

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction2.Saturated Dicarboxylic Acids2.1.Physical Properties2.2.Chemical Properties2.3.Production2.3.1.Degradative Methods2.3.2.Processes Maintaining the Carbon Structure2.3.3.Syntheses from Smaller Units2.4.Individual Saturated Dicarboxylic Acids2.4.1.Succinic Acid2.4.2.Glutaric Acid2.4.3.Dimethylglutaric Acids2.4.4.Trimethyladipic Acid2.4.5.Pimelic Acid2.4.6.Suberic Acid2.4.7.Azelaic Acid2.4.8.Sebacic Acid2.4.9.1,12‐Dodecanedioic Acid2.4.10.1,13‐Tridecanedioic Acid (Brassylic Acid)2.4.11.C19Dicarboxylic Acids3.Unsaturated Dicarboxylic Acids3.1.Physical Properties3.2.Chemical Properties3.3.Production3.4.Individual Unsaturated Dicarboxylic Acids3.4.1.Itaconic Acid3.4.2.Dimer Acids4.Quality Specifications and Analysis5.Storage, Transportation, and Handling
X‐Ray Contrast Media
Authors: Pietsch Hubertus , Hübner‐Steiner Ute , Seidensticker Peter
Published: April 2010

The article contains sections titled:1.Introduction; Historical Aspects2.Physical Principles3.Types of Contrast Media4.Requirements and Properties of Iodine‐Containing X‐Ray Contrast Media5.Applications6.Safety
Crystalline Oxides on Silicon
Authors: Reiner James W. , Kolpak Alexie M. , Segal Yaron , Garrity Kevin F. , Ismail‐Beigi Sohrab , Ahn Charles H. , Walker Fred J.
Published: April 2010

This review outlines developments in the growth of crystalline oxides on the ubiquitous silicon semiconductor platform. The overall goal of this endeavor is the integration of multifunctional complex oxides with advanced semiconductor technology. Oxide epitaxy in materials systems achieved through conventional deposition techniques is described first, followed by a description of the science and technology of using atomic layer‐by‐layer deposition with molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) to systematically construct the oxide–silicon interface. An interdisciplinary approach involving MBE, advanced real‐space structural characterization, and first‐principles theory has led to a detailed understanding of the process by which the interface between crystalline oxides and silicon forms, the resulting structure of the interface, and the link between structure and functionality. Potential applications in electronics and photonics are also discussed.
Bifunctional Thiourea‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Addition of Anthrones to Maleimides
Authors: Zea Alex , Valero Guillem , Alba Andrea‐Nekane R. , Moyano Albert , Rios Ramon
Published: April 2010

For the first time, the addition of anthrones to maleimides catalyzed by bifunctional thiourea catalysts is reported. The thiourea moiety is able to activate the maleimide and the tertiary amine deprotonates the anthrone, furnishing the final Diels–Alder or Michael adducts in excellent yields and enantioselectivities.
An Improved Protocol for Palladium‐Catalyzed Alkoxycarbonylations of Aryl Chlorides with Alkyl Formates
Authors: Schareina Thomas , Zapf Alexander , Cotté Alain , Gotta Matthias , Beller Matthias
Published: April 2010

The palladium‐catalyzed alkoxycarbonylation of aryl and heteroaryl halides using butyl formate has been investigated. In the presence of palladium(II) acetate/n‐butylbis(1‐adamantyl)phosphine (L1), and 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) as base for the first time non‐activated chloroarenes can be conveniently carbonylated in good yields.
A study of Cu(I)‐ethylene complexation for olefin–paraffin separation
Authors: Chen Joseph , Eldridge R. Bruce , Rosen Evelyn L. , Bielawski Christopher W.
Published: April 2010

The current cryogenic distillation technology used for olefin–paraffin separation incurs extensive capital and operating costs. An alternative olefin–paraffin separation process, based on reactive absorption, could yield significant cost reductions. The research efforts described herein explored the structural characteristics of an NMP‐CuCl‐aniline absorption solution with ethylene to aid future development of olefin–paraffin separation systems. Solution IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy suggested weak and labile Cu(I)‐ethylene and Cu(I)‐aniline coordination, which point to the coexistence of multiple structures in solution. Experiments also revealed solvent‐dependent and temperature‐dependent coordination. The agreement of the collected spectral data with literature implied single ethylene coordination, whereas the Cl− ion likely remained coordinated with Cu(I). Solvent interference prohibited detailed investigation of IR spectra, but 1H NMR spectroscopy showed more promise as an analytical technique for the NMP‐CuCl‐aniline‐ethylene system. Finally, a tradeoff appears to exist between ethylene capacity and complex stability, and thus, an optimal ligand must be found that balances these two competing needs. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
Meta‐analysis of the heterogeneity in association of DRD4 7‐repeat allele and AD/HD: Stronger association with AD/HD combined type
Authors: Smith Taylor F.
Published: April 2010

The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to examine whether association studies between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) and the dopamine receptor 4 gene 7‐repeat (DRD4 7R) allele vary systematically based on study characteristics. A total of 27 empirical studies with 28 distinct samples using either case–control or family‐based association analyses were included. Consistent with previous meta‐analytic work [Gizer et al. (2009), Hum Genet 126:51–90], the DRD4 7R allele was associated with AD/HD across studies (OR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.16–1.53, z = 4.04, P = 0.00005) and there was significant systematic variability among studies (Q = 54.24; P = 0.001; I2 = 50.22). To account for the variability among studies, sample and study level covariates were examined. No differences in overall effect size emerged between family‐based and case–control studies. However, the risk allele frequency in the control population accounted for a significant portion of the variance in overall effect size within case–control studies. In addition, evidence for the association between the DRD4 7R allele and distinct AD/HD subtypes emerged across family‐based and case–control studies. The proportion of AD/HD, combined type individuals within the AD/HD sample was associated with a significant increase in the magnitude of association between the DRD4 7R allele and AD/HD. Conversely, an increase in the proportion of AD/HD, predominantly inattentive type individuals within the AD/HD sample was associated with a decrease in study effect size. Implications regarding AD/HD etiological and phenotypic heterogeneity are discussed. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alkyl exchange reaction between dialkylzinc compounds and methylaluminoxane and the effect on propylene polymerization
Authors: Zhang Chuanhui , Huang Hua‐Hua , Niu Hui , Dong Jin‐Yong
Published: April 2010

Alkyl exchange reaction between dialkylzinc compounds and vacuum‐dried methylaluminoxane (MAO) was investigated. 1H NMR shows a clear and direct proof of alkyl exchange reaction between ZnEt2 and trimethylaluminum associated with MAO. Detailed analysis of polymers produced in the presence of dialkylzinc compounds gave other indirect but equally strong evidence of alkyl exchange. Therefore, care must be taken to investigate dialkylzinc‐based chain transfer reaction in combination with a precatalyst and MAO. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beurteilung und Instandsetzung von chloridinduzierten Korrosionsschäden an Spannbetonbindern einer Filteranlage für Trinkwasser
Authors: Gehlen Christoph , Knab Franz , Ullmann Stefan
Published: April 2010

An der Filteranlage des Wasserwerks Langenau wurden Risse und Abplatzungen im Bereich der Spannköpfe von Spannbetonbindern festgestellt. Erste Untersuchungen zeigten, dass chloridinduzierte Korrosion vorlag. Da konstruktionsbedingt insbesondere die Spannbewehrung betroffen war, wurde eine eingehende Untersuchung der Schäden veranlasst, welche das Ziel hatte, neben der Entwicklung eines geeigneten Instandsetzungskonzepts auch Aussagen zur Resttragfähigkeit der Spannglieder zu treffen. Die Untersuchungen vor Ort offenbarten neben den Korrosionsschäden an den Spannköpfen auch ausgeprägte Verpressfehler im Bereich der Festanker. Nachfolgend werden die Herangehensweise an die Problematik, die durchgeführten Untersuchungen und die dabei angewandten Untersuchungsmethoden, das entwickelte Instandsetzungskonzept (Konservierung des Ist‐Zustands) und die Schlussfolgerungen zur Resttragfähigkeit erläutert. Auf Grundlage der Ergebnisse konnte die Korrosionsursache (Chloridquelle) eindeutig bestimmt und die Standsicherheit der Halle nachgewiesen werden. Die Halle wurde zwischenzeitlich instand gesetzt und wird zukünftig auf Wunsch des Bauherrn durch regelmäßige Überwachung auf neuerliche Auffälligkeiten kontrolliert.

Assessment and Repair of Chloride Induced Corrosion on the Prestressed Concrete Binder of a Filtration System for Drinking Water

On the filter system of the Langenau water work, cracks and spalling were identified in the area of the clamping chucks of the prestressed concrete binder. Initial investigations showed, that chloride induced corrosion was present. Since especially the prestressed reinforcement was affected, an expert assessment of the damages was conducted, which had the objective of, along with the development of an appropriate repair plan, making statements regarding the residual strength of the tendons. In addition to the corrosion of the clamping heads, the investigations revealed a distinctive injection defect in the area of the fixed anchor. Consecutively, the approach to the problem, the conducted investigations and the investigation methods used, the developed repair concept (conservation of the actual status) and the conclusions on the remaining carrying capacity are explained. Based on the results, the cause of the corrosion (the source of the chloride) could be clearly determined and the stability of the hall could be verified. In the meantime, the hall has since been repaired and in the future will be controlled through regular monitoring of noticeable problems at the request of the client.
Anaerobic digestion as final step of a cellulosic ethanol biorefinery: Biogas production from fermentation effluent in a UASB reactor—pilot‐scale results
Authors: Uellendahl H. , Ahring B.K.
Published: April 2010

In order to lower the costs for second generation bioethanol from lignocellulosic biomass anaerobic digestion of the effluent from ethanol fermentation was implemented using an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor system in a pilot‐scale biorefinery plant. Both thermophilic (53°C) and mesophilic (38°C) operation of the UASB reactor was investigated. At an OLR of 3.5 kg‐VS/(m3 day) a methane yield of 340 L/kg‐VS was achieved for thermophilic operation (53°C) while 270 L/kg‐VS was obtained under mesophilic conditions (38°C). For loading rates higher than 5 kg‐VS/(m3 day) the methane yields were, however, higher under mesophilic conditions compared to thermophilic conditions. The conversion of dissolved organic matter (VSdiss) was between 68% and 91%. The effluent from the ethanol fermentation showed no signs of toxicity to the anaerobic microorganisms. However, a high content of suspended matter reduced the degradation efficiency. The retention time of the anaerobic system could be reduced from 70 to 7 h by additional removal of suspended matter by clarification. Implementation of the biogas production from the fermentation effluent accounted for about 30% higher carbon utilization in the biorefinery compared to a system with only bioethanol production. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;107: 59–64. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanism of initial rapid rate retardation in cellobiohydrolase catalyzed cellulose hydrolysis
Authors: Jalak Jürgen , Väljamäe Priit
Published: April 2010

Despite intensive research, the mechanism of the rapid retardation in the rates of cellobiohydrolase (CBH) catalyzed cellulose hydrolysis is still not clear. Interpretation of the hydrolysis data has been complicated by the inability to measure the catalytic constants for CBH‐s acting on cellulose. We developed a method for measuring the observed catalytic constant (kobs) for CBH catalyzed cellulose hydrolysis. It relies on in situ measurement of the concentration of CBH with the active site occupied by the cellulose chain. For that we followed the specific inhibition of the hydrolysis of para‐nitrophenyl‐β‐D‐lactoside by cellulose. The method was applied to CBH‐s TrCel7A from Trichoderma reesei and PcCel7D from Phanerochaete chrysosporium and their isolated catalytic domains. Bacterial microcrystalline cellulose, Avicel, amorphous cellulose, and lignocellulose were used as substrates. A rapid decrease of kobs in time was observed on all substrates. The kobs values for PcCel7D were about 1.5 times higher than those for TrCel7A. In case of both TrCel7A and PcCel7D, the kobs values for catalytic domains were similar to those for intact enzymes. A model where CBH action is limited by the average length of obstacle‐free way on cellulose chain is proposed. Once formed, productive CBH–cellulose complex proceeds with a constant rate determined by the true catalytic constant. After encountering an obstacle CBH will “get stuck” and the rate of further cellulose hydrolysis will be governed by the dissociation rate constant (koff), which is low for processive CBH‐s. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;106: 871–883. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic engineering approach for the production of rhamnosyl and allosyl flavonoids fromEscherichia coli
Authors: Simkhada Dinesh , Lee Hei Chan , Sohng Jae Kyung
Published: April 2010

The main functions of glycosylation are stabilization, detoxification and solubilization of substrates and products. To produce glycosylated products,Escherichia coliwas engineered by overexpression of TDP‐L‐rhamnose and TDP‐6‐deoxy‐D‐allose biosynthetic gene clusters, and flavonoids were glycosylated by the overexpression of the glycosyltransferase gene fromArabidopsis thaliana. For the glycosylation, these flavonoids (quercetin and kaempferol) were exogenously fed to the host in a biotransformation system. The products were isolated, analyzed and confirmed by HPLC, LC/MS, and ESI‐MS/MS analyses. Several conditions (arabinose, IPTG concentration, OD600, substrate concentration, incubation time) were optimized to increase the production level. We successfully isolated approximately 24 mg/L 3‐O‐rhamnosyl quercetin and 12.9 mg/L 3‐O‐rhamnosyl kaempferol upon feeding of 0.2 mM of the respective flavonoids and were also able to isolate 3‐O‐allosyl quercetin. Thus, this study reveals a method that might be useful for the biosynthesis of rhamnosyl and allosyl flavonoids and for the glycosylation of related compounds. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2010;107: 154–162. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of intermittent Pringle's manoeuvre on cirrhotic compared with normal liver
Authors: Sugiyama Y , Ishizaki Y , Imamura H , Sugo H , Yoshimoto J , Kawasaki S
Published: April 2010

Background

Although patients with liver cirrhosis are supposed to tolerate ischaemia–reperfusion poorly, the exact impact of intermittent inflow clamping during hepatic resection of cirrhotic compared with normal liver remains unclear.

Methods

Intermittent Pringle's manoeuvre was applied during minor hepatectomy in 172 patients with a normal liver, 59 with chronic hepatitis and 97 with liver cirrhosis. To assess hepatic injury, delta (D)-aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and D-alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (maximum level minus preoperative level) were calculated. To evaluate postoperative liver function, postoperative levels of total bilirubin, albumin and cholinesterase (ChE), and prothrombin time were measured.

Results

Significant correlations between D-AST or D-ALT and clamping time were found in each group. The regression coefficients of the regression lines for D-AST and D-ALT in patients with normal liver were significantly higher than those in patients with cirrhotic liver. Irrespective of whether clamping time was 45 min or less, or at least 60 min, D-AST and D-ALT were significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis than in those with a normal liver. Parameters of hepatic functional reserve, such as total bilirubin, prothrombin time, albumin and ChE, were impaired significantly after surgery in patients with a cirrhotic liver.

Conclusion

Patients with liver cirrhosis had a smaller increase in aminotransferase levels following portal triad clamping than those with a normal liver. However, hepatic functional reserve in those with a cirrhotic liver seemed to be affected more after intermittent inflow occlusion.
Evaluation of the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition of delayed gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy in a high-volume centre
Authors: Welsch T , Borm M , Degrate L , Hinz U , Büchler M W , Wente M N
Published: April 2010

Background

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is a common complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. The International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) definition of DGE has not been evaluated and validated in a high-volume centre.

Methods

Complete data sets including assessment of gastric emptying were identified from a database of patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy between 2001 and 2008. Factors associated with DGE (grades A, B and C) were assessed by univariable and multivariable analyses.

Results

DGE occurred in 340 (44·5 per cent) of 764 patients. Median hospital stay was significantly prolonged in patients with DGE: 13, 21 and 40 days for grades A, B and C respectively versus 11 days for patients without DGE. DGE was associated with prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) admission (at least 2 days): 20·6, 28·6 and 61·8 per cent of those with grades A, B and C respectively versus 9·4 per cent of patients without DGE. Factors independently influencing DGE grade A were female sex, preoperative heart failure and major complications (grade III–V). Validation of the DGE definition revealed that DGE grades A and B were associated with interventional treatment in 20·1 and 44·4 per cent of patients.

Conclusion

The ISGPS DGE definition is feasible and applicable in patients with an uneventful postoperative course. Major postoperative complications and ICU treatment, however, might limit its usefulness. The identified risk factors for DGE are not amenable to perioperative improvement.
Marking the axilla with radioactive iodine seeds (MARI procedure) may reduce the need for axillary dissection after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer
Authors: Straver M E , Loo C E , Alderliesten T , Rutgers E J T , Vrancken Peeters M T F D
Published: April 2010

Background

An important benefit of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is the increased potential for breast-conserving surgery. At present the response of axillary lymph node metastases to chemotherapy is not easily assessed, rendering axilla-conserving treatment difficult. The aim was to assess a new surgical method for evaluating the axillary response to chemotherapy.

Methods

Before neoadjuvant chemotherapy, proven tumour-positive axillary lymph nodes were localized using ultrasound-guided insertion of iodine-125-labelled (I-125) seeds. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the marked lymph nodes were removed selectively with the use of a γ probe. A complete axillary lymph node clearance was carried out to determine whether the pathological response in the marked node was indicative of that in the other lymph nodes.

Results

Tumour-positive axillary lymph nodes were localized successfully with I-125 seeds in 15 patients. The marked lymph node was detected and removed selectively after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in all patients. The pathological response to chemotherapy in the marked lymph node was indicative of the overall response in other removed lymph nodes.

Conclusion

This study showed that marking and selectively removing metastatic lymph nodes after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was feasible. The tumour response in the marked lymph node may be used to tailor further axillary treatment, making axilla-conserving surgery a possibility.