bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDENTS’ FEEDBACK TOWARDS USING FACEBOOK IN LEARNING ARABIC LANGUAGE
Authors: Rahimi Nik Mohd , Norul-Azmi Nor-Azhan , Normeza Wan , Baharudin Harun
Published: November 2015

This study aims to identify the student’s feedback with regard to using Facebook in learning Arabic language as a foreign language. The study was conducted in a higher learning institution that offers Arabic language as a foreign language. This study involved 22 students as the participants of the study conducted via a Facebook group that was specially created for this purpose. The results indicated positive response from the participants who engaged on the account to improve their language skills. The participants were also motivated to use Facebook to communicate with each other in Arabic language even though they have some setbacks due to some limitations. The participants also pointed out that they prefer Video Application or Picture Apps in giving their comments in Arabic language. The participants also agreed that Facebook can enhance their acquisition of new vocabs during discussion and conversation. This study showed that Facebook can guide the participants in the concepts of collaborative learning in virtual world as an alternative to the face-to-face learning in classroom.

 
The Relation between Religion and State in Indonesia
Authors: Muhammadiyah Hilmi
Published: November 2015

This article elaborates the relation between religion and state in the case study on the existence of based-religion social organization (NGO) in Indonesia. The analytical methodology used is qualitative method, by extracting data based on in-depth interview and participant observation. The object of this study is the Indonesian Islamic Propagation Institute (Lembaga Dakwah Islam Indonesia-LDII) in Indonesia. The result showed that the relationship between the religious organization LDII and the state is an effective strategy for keeping its existence. Through a good relationship with the state, LDII hopes to get a symbolic capital from the country to gain recognition and protection of the state.
The Effect of a Suggested Multisensory Phonics Program on Developing Kindergarten Pre-service Teachers' EFL Reading Accuracy and Phonemic Awareness
Authors: Mahmoud Ghoneim Nahed Mohammed , Abdelsalam Elghotmy Heba Elsayed
Published: November 2015

The current study investigates the effect of a suggested Multisensory phonics program on developing kindergarten pre-service teachers’ EFL reading accuracy and phonemic awareness. A total of 40 fourth year kindergarten pre-service teachers, Faculty of Education, participated in the study that involved one group experimental design. Pre-post tests were administered to assess the participants’ phonics skills. The results showed that the suggested Multisensory Phonics program was effective in developing kindergarten pre-service teachers’ EFL reading accuracy and phonemic awareness.
The Relationship between Creative Capabilities and Cultural Intelligence: Field Study of Amman’s Five-Star Hotels
Authors: F. Altememi Ayad , Hassouneh Imad A. , Alkshali Shaker Jarallah
Published: November 2015

This study aims to identify the relationship between the creative capabilities of workers in 5-star hotels in the city of Amman and their cultural intelligence. In its measurement of the creative capabilities as an independent variable, the study adopted a scale consisting of three dimensions, namely: fluency, flexibility and originality. Whereas it relied in measuring the cultural intelligence as a dependent variable, on a scale consisting of three dimensions, namely: knowledge (cognition), motivation and behavior. The study was conducted on a sample of (258) workers currently working in these hotels. The required particulars for this study were collected through a specially prepared questionnaire for this purpose after having reviewed multi previous studies. The sample was distributed according to the simple random sample mechanism. The study revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between the dimensions of creative capabilities of workers in such hotels and their cultural intelligence. The study also included a set of recommendations and mechanisms that can be applied by the managements of these hotels to tackle some aspects of the dimensions constituting the cultural intelligence of workers.
Impact of Say on Pay on Executive Compensation of Firms Listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
Authors: Berthelot Sylvie , Serret Vanessa , Sylvain Jessica , Coulmont Michel
Published: November 2015

Unlike in a number of other countries, the United Kingdom and the United States being two examples, SoP is not prescribed by regulation in Canada. To contribute to the debate on the relevance of a regulation adapted to the Canadian context, this article measures the impact of Say on Pay in firms listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange that voluntarily adopted this practice. Based on a sample of 45 firms, the study results show that the adoption of SoP does not improve the pay-performance relationship or lead to lower executive total compensation. These findings therefore raise questions about the effectiveness of Say on Pay as a governance tool.
1-MCP Releasing Complex for Open-Field Application
Authors: Sarker Majher I. , Tomasula Peggy , Liu LinShu
Published: November 2015

1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) is a gas at room temperature which makes it difficult to handle and limits its application to use in closed environments. Open field application of 1-MCP can be a solution to protect crops from environmental stresses like drought or water logging. Our previous studies showed that Boronized-MCP is stable at ambient conditions and can gradually release 1-MCP when in contact with water. In this study the new complexes, suitable for being used directly in open crop fields have been generated and analyzed and also the effectiveness of the previously reported complexes in an open environment has been investigated. This new generation of boron complexes releases 1-MCP in a controlled way upon water contact without emitting any other volatile substances and thus expands their field of application.
Has the East African Community Regional Trade Agreement Created or Diverted Trade? A Gravity Model Analysis
Authors: Shinyekwa Isaac M. B.
Published: November 2015

The paper investigates the potential impact of the EAC trade agreement (a south-south Regional grouping) on trade creation and diversion. The paper seeks to establish whether the EAC RTA has diverted or created trade using an expanded (augmented) gravity model. The paper departs from the conventional estimation approach that uses average combined trade flows as the dependent variable which is prone to errors and uses exports. We estimate static and dynamic random effects models using a panel data set from 2001 to 2011 on seventy countries that trade mainly with the EAC partner states. Results suggest that indeed the implementation of the EAC treaty has created trade contrary to widely held views that South-South RTAs largely divert trade. There is thus evidence that the EAC, a south-south RTA has been a more trade creating than trade diverting as espoused in the literature.
Energy Use and GDP in Israel
Authors: Magazzino Cosimo
Published: November 2015

The paper aims to study the relationship between energy use and GDP in the period 1971-2007 for Israel with a time-series approach. Stationarity and unit root tests reveal that both series are non-stationary, or I(1). Moreover, since both series show the presence of a structural break, the Gregory and Hansen cointegration test has been conducted. The results evidence the presence of a long-run relationship. Causality tests reveal that the “conservation hypothesis” emerges, since the causality flow runs from aggregate income to energy use. The IRFs analysis evidences that a shock to the energy use affects GDP for one period, but dies out very quickly. While shocks to GDP create a smaller but significant response in the energy use, although it falls to zero in few periods. Finally, we calculate with an ECM that the total long-run multiplier is 0.95. The energy use will increase to correct the disequilibrium, with 68% of the (remaining) deviation corrected in each subsequent time period. In addition, a one-unit increase in the GDP immediately produces a 0.18 unit increase in the energy use.
Investigating the quasi-oscillatory behavior of electrical parameters with the concentration of D-glucose in aqueous solution
Authors: Chakraborty Subhadip , Das Chirantan , Saha Rajib , Das Avishek , Bera Nirmal Kumar , Chattopadhyay Dipankar , Karmakar Anupam , Chattopadhyay Dhrubajyoti , Chattopadhyay Sanatan
Published: November 2015

The impedance, capacitance and conductance of deionized water-glucose polar solution is measured by employing impedance spectroscopy and a quasi-oscillatory nature of variation with glucose content in the solution is observed. Such quasi-oscillatory nature is attributed to the randomly distributed water-water, water-glucose and glucose-glucose dipole interactions at the molecular level in the solution. A relevant analytical model is developed on the basis of such random distribution of the molecular dipoles and the experimental data agree well with those obtained from the theoretical model. The electrical parameters are measured in the frequency range of 100Hz to 4MHz for the volume fractions of glucose with respect to water in the range of 0.1 to 0.5. The impedance, capacitance and conductance are obtained to be in the range of 1.03 kΩ – 112 kΩ, 34.9 pF – 1.66 nF, and 8.95 μS – 52.9 μS respectively for the glucose volume fraction range considered.
Adrenocortical Carcinoma With Renal Vein Thrombus Extended to Inferior Vena Cava: A Case Report
Authors: Ayati Mohsen , Shahbazi Jafar , Tehranchi Ali , Ayati Elnaz , Rezaei Yousef
Published: November 2015

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare aggressive tumor. Renal vein and inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombi have been found as uncommon presentations of ACC; however, the implementation of comprehensive therapy has remained controversial in such cases. We report a case of a 46-year-old woman with a large ACC associated with the invasion of tumor to IVC confirmed by imaging and immunohistochemistry examinations. The patient was treated successfully using aggressive surgery, including adrenalectomy and thrombectomy adjunct to an adrenocorticolytic agent. However, she died of metastasis complications at 3-month follow-up period. ACC is a rare malignancy, mostly presenting in advanced stages with poor prognosis. Implementing aggressive surgical therapy might be effective for the management of such cases; however, the short survival duration in our case underscores the need for defining the precise therapy of metastatic ACC associated with venous invasion.
Intestinal Obstruction Caused by Persimmon Bezoar: A Case Report
Authors: Funamizu Naotake , Kumamoto Tomotaka , Watanabe Atsushi , Okamoto Tomoyoshi , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: November 2015

Owing to their rare occurrence, persimmon bezoars are often overlooked as a cause of small bowel obstruction. We herein report a small bowel obstruction in a 67-year-old Japanese female who regularly consumed persimmons in autumn. The patient presented to our hospital with typical complaints of abdominal distension with pain for 2 days. Based on the patient's history of a cesarean section 34 years ago, we initially diagnosed her with small bowel obstruction resulting from adhesions and placed an ileus tube. At first, the patient rejected the operation in spite of our recommendation. After 10 days, because the ileus tube was unable to relieve the obstruction, finally surgery was scheduled. Upon releasing the obstruction by partial resection of the small bowel, we found an impacted bezoar without any evidence of adhesions. After stone analysis, we first realized her regular persimmon intake. This case serves as an important reminder to obtain dietary history in order to investigate all possible causes of small bowel obstruction when intestinal obstruction is suspected.
Comparison of Functional Outcomes of Patients Who Underwent Hand-Sewn or Stapled Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Ishii Hiroaki , Kawai Kazushige , Hata Keisuke , Shuno Yasutaka , Nishikawa Takeshi , Tanaka Toshiaki , Tanaka Junichiro , Kiyomatsu Tomomichi , Nozawa Hiroaki , Kazama Shinsuke , Yamaguchi Hironori , Ishihara Soichiro , Sunami Eiji , Kitayama Joji , Watanabe Toshiaki
Published: November 2015

Total proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is the standard surgical treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term functional outcomes and quality of life (QOL) associated with hand-sewn and stapled IPAA. Ninety-one patients with UC had undergone IPAA using hand-sewn anastomosis with mucosectomy (32 patients) or stapled anastomosis (59 patients) from January 1988 to May 2010. Patients were evaluated according to patient characteristics, postoperative complications, functional outcomes and QOL. The QOL of patients were evaluated using the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF-36) and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). Numbers of patients with colorectal cancer or dysplasia were significantly greater in the hand-sewn IPAA group (P < 0.01). These patients had longer disease durations and were older (both P < 0.01). There was no difference in the incidence of complications between the groups, except for a greater incidence of postoperative anal fistula in the stapled group (P = 0.03). In the early postsurgery period, both the frequency of bowel movements and the rate of soiling were significantly higher in the hand-sewn group, but in a later period, there was no difference in these events >3 years after surgery. The SF-36 and IBDQ results were similar in the two groups, indicating that hand-sewn and stapled IPAA result in similar QOL in the late postoperative period. Postoperative complications, functional outcomes, and long-term QOL were similar in patients who had received hand-sewn or stapled IPAA.
Retrorectal Tumors in Adults: A 10-Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Oguz Abdullah , Böyük Abdullah , Turkoglu Ahmet , Goya Cemil , Alabalık Ulas , Teke Fatma , Budak Hıdır , Gumuş Metehan
Published: November 2015

Due to the rarity and large diversity of the primary retrorectal tumors (RTs), the diagnoses are often difficult and they can be misdiagnosed. We present our experience in light of scarce information available on the clinical manifestations of RTs. The retrospective study included 17 patients diagnosed as RTs between January 2004 and January 2014. Demographic characteristics, length of symptoms, clinical findings, diagnostic methods, evaluations on the treatment procedures and postoperative periods, pathology, complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded. A mean of 1.7 of patients were diagnosed with RTs annually in our hospital. Patients comprised 12 females and 5 males. Pain and discomfort were the most common symptoms at presentation. All the lesions were evaluated by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), and all the patients were treated operatively. Based on the preoperative MRI or CT findings, an anterior approach was performed in 7 patients, a posterior approach in 6 patients, and combined approach in 4 patients. Mean size of tumors was 9.2 ± 4.3 cm. Epidermoid cyst (n = 8) was the most common tumor. Except for 1 case of liposarcoma, 16 tumors were confirmed to be of benign nature in histologic examination. Mean length of hospital stay 12.4 ± 6.8 days. Retrorectal tumors are heterogeneous and lead to diagnostic difficulties. A high index of clinical suspicion is needed for diagnosis. Preoperative imaging may be helpful in determining the course of treatment. Total excision of a retrorectal tumor may alleviate pressure symptoms and confirm the diagnosis.
Stump Invagination Versus Simple Ligation in Open Appendicectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Qian Daohai , He Zhigang , Hua Jie , Song Zhenshun
Published: November 2015

The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the superiority of stump closure between stump invagination (SI) and simple ligation (SL) during open appendicectomy (OA). The literature searching was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and http://scholar.google.com. Available data was extracted by 3 independent reviewers. The clinical outcomes were analyzed by meta-analytic software to compare the difference between 2 methods during OA. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were obtained by using fixed effect model. Eleven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were finally included in this study involving 2634 patients. Postoperative pyrexia and infections were similar between SL and SI groups, respectively, but the former group had a shorter operative time (WMD: 8.72; 95% CI: 6.87–10.56; P < 0.00001); less incidence of postoperative ileus (WMD: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.36–3.01; P = 0.0005); and quicker postoperative recovery (WMD: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.11–0.48; P = 0.002). The above results were based on 5, 11, 4, 11, and 9 articles, respectively. The clinical results revealed that SL was significantly superior to SI. SL should be suggested during OA.
False alarms: How early warning signals falsely predict abrupt sea ice loss
Authors: Wagner Till J. W. , Eisenman Ian
Published: November 2015

Uncovering universal early warning signals for critical transitions has become a coveted goal in diverse scientific disciplines, ranging from climate science to financial mathematics. There has been a flurry of recent research proposing such signals, with increasing autocorrelation and increasing variance being among the most widely discussed candidates. A number of studies have suggested that increasing autocorrelation alone may suffice to signal an impending transition, although some others have questioned this. Here we consider variance and autocorrelation in the context of sea ice loss in an idealized model of the global climate system. The model features no bifurcation, nor increased rate of retreat, as the ice disappears. Nonetheless, the autocorrelation of summer sea ice area is found to increase in a global warming scenario. The variance, by contrast, decreases. A simple physical mechanism is proposed to explain the occurrence of increasing autocorrelation but not variance when there is no approaching bifurcation. Additionally, a similar mechanism is shown to allow an increase in both indicators with no physically attainable bifurcation. This implies that relying on autocorrelation and variance as early warning signals can raise false alarms in the climate system, warning of “tipping points” that are not actually there.
A paleogeodetic record of variable interseismic rates and megathrust coupling at Simeulue Island, Sumatra
Authors: Tsang Louisa L. H. , Meltzner Aron J. , Hill Emma M. , Freymueller Jeffrey T. , Sieh Kerry
Published: November 2015

An ∼1100 year long paleogeodetic record of land‐height change along the Simeulue section of the Sumatran subduction zone reveals significant variations in vertical motion rates. From an ∼267 year long record, we develop models to explain rate variations in the decades before the 1861, 2004, and 2005 great earthquakes. The record shows that rates accelerated by a factor of 4 to 10 in the decades before the 1861 earthquake; one plausible explanation is a significant increase in the depth of interseismic coupling on the Sunda megathrust under Simeulue. Despite similarity of the 1861 and 2005 coseismic rupture patterns, the pattern of coupling during the decades before the two earthquakes may have been different. Most GPS observations of interseismic deformation at subduction zones span only a decade or two; our results highlight the need to treat GPS‐derived coupling maps as only a snapshot of fault conditions that are temporally variable.
Sudden changes in the amplitude‐frequency distribution of long‐period tremors at Aso volcano, southwest Japan
Authors: Sandanbata Osamu , Obara Kazushige , Maeda Takuto , Takagi Ryota , Satake Kenji
Published: November 2015

We observed the activity of long‐period tremors (LPTs) with a period of ~15 s at Aso volcano, Japan, during a 3 year period including the 2014 eruptions. The number of LPTs detected systematically increased 3 months before the Strombolian eruptions. LPT activity can be divided into five stages based on rapid changes in the maximum LPT amplitude. The amplitude‐frequency relation follows an exponential distribution during each stage before the Strombolian eruptions, with different characteristic amplitudes for each stage, indicating that the scale of the source property changed in stages. However, during a stage that persisted for 6 days after the onset of Strombolian activity, the amplitude‐frequency relation temporarily followed a power law distribution, indicating that the LPT source process no longer had a characteristic scale. In the last stage, the amplitude‐frequency relation returned to an exponential distribution. We therefore conclude that the physical source of volcanic LPTs changed during the eruption period.
Twenty‐five years of continuous borehole tilt and vertical displacement data at Mount Etna: Insights on long‐term volcanic dynamics
Authors: Bonaccorso A. , Bonforte A. , Gambino S.
Published: November 2015

We report a 25 year‐long data set (1990–2014) of combined continuous tilt and GPS vertical displacement series recorded at Etna volcano. To our knowledge, this is the first time that such a data set on an active volcano has been presented. We show the coherence of the two series, which help draw new insights on how the volcano, characterized by frequent flank eruptions, works in the long‐term (tens of years). This data set provides evidence that after the 1992–1993 flank eruption (the biggest in the last three centuries) and the following major recharging phase (1994–2001), all the ensuing eruptions fall within a single long‐term reequilibrium phase (2001–2014).
Oxidation of mercury by bromine in the subtropical Pacific free troposphere
Authors: Gratz L. E. , Ambrose J. L. , Jaffe D. A. , Shah V. , Jaeglé L. , Stutz J. , Festa J. , Spolaor M. , Tsai C. , Selin N. E. , Song S. , Zhou X. , Weinheimer A. J. , Knapp D. J. , Montzka D. D. , Flocke F. M. , Campos T. L. , Apel E. , Hornbrook R. , Blake N. J. , Hall S. , Tyndall G. S. , Reeves M. , Stechman D. , Stell M.
Published: November 2015

Mercury is a global toxin that can be introduced to ecosystems through atmospheric deposition. Mercury oxidation is thought to occur in the free troposphere by bromine radicals, but direct observational evidence for this process is currently unavailable. During the 2013 Nitrogen, Oxidants, Mercury and Aerosol Distributions, Sources and Sinks campaign, we measured enhanced oxidized mercury and bromine monoxide in a free tropospheric air mass over Texas. We use trace gas measurements, air mass back trajectories, and a chemical box model to confirm the origin and chemical history of the sampled air mass. We find the presence of elevated oxidized mercury to be consistent with oxidation of elemental mercury by bromine atoms in this subsiding upper tropospheric air mass within the subtropical Pacific High, where dry atmospheric conditions are conducive to oxidized mercury accumulation. Our results support the role of bromine as the dominant oxidant of mercury in the upper troposphere.
Dolomite abundance in Chinese loess deposits: A new proxy of monsoon precipitation intensity
Authors: Meng Xianqiang , Liu Lianwen , Balsam William , Li Shilei , He Tong , Chen Jun , Ji Junfeng
Published: November 2015

Dolomite of detrital origin in carbonate‐rich soil can help indicate the intensity of carbonate dissolution and leaching processes. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, we generated a high‐resolution record of dolomite and calcite contents from eight sections on the Chinese Loess Plateau spanning the last 130 kyr. Based on the relative abundance of calcite and dolomite, four dissolution phases of carbonate minerals related to summer monsoon (SM) variations are identified as follows: (1) coexistence of dolomite and calcite indicating a very weak SM with a mean annual precipitation (MAP) < 610 mm; (2) calcite without dolomite indicating a weak SM, 610 < MAP < 690 mm; (3) both dolomite and calcite are absent, but there is no downward leaching indicating a strong SM, 690 < MAP < 725 mm; and (4) both dolomite and calcite are absent, and downward leaching of the underlying loess layer suggesting a very strong SM with MAP > 725 mm.
Core solidification and dynamo evolution in a mantle‐stripped planetesimal
Authors: Scheinberg A. , Elkins‐Tanton L. T. , Schubert G. , Bercovici D.
Published: November 2015

The physical processes active during the crystallization of a low‐pressure, low‐gravity planetesimal core are poorly understood but have implications for asteroidal magnetic fields and large‐scale asteroidal structure. We consider a core with only a thin silicate shell, which could be analogous to some M‐type asteroids including Psyche, and use a parameterized thermal model to predict a solidification timeline and the resulting chemical profile upon complete solidification. We then explore the potential strength and longevity of a dynamo in the planetesimal's early history. We find that cumulate inner core solidification would be capable of sustaining a dynamo during solidification, but less power would be available for a dynamo in an inward dendritic solidification scenario. We also model and suggest limits on crystal settling and compaction of a possible cumulate inner core.
Accepting managed aquifer recharge of urban storm water reuse: The role of policy‐related factors
Authors: Mankad Aditi , Walton Andrea
Published: November 2015

A between‐groups experimental design examined public acceptance for managed aquifer recharge of storm water for indirect potable and nonpotable reuse; acceptance was based on five policy‐related variables (fairness, effectiveness, trust, importance of safety assurances, and importance of communication activities). Results showed that public acceptance (N = 408) for managed aquifer recharge of storm water was higher for nonpotable applications, as was the importance of safety assurances. Analyses of variance also showed that perceptions of fairness and effectiveness were higher for a nonpotable scheme, but not trust. A three‐step hierarchical regression (Step 1: age, gender, education, and income; Step 2: type of use; Step 3: fairness, effectiveness, trust, safety assurance, and communication activities) demonstrated that type of storm water use and the policy‐related factors accounted for 73% of the variance in acceptance of storm water (R2 = 0.74, adjusted R2 = 0.74, F (10, 397) = 113.919, p < 0.001). Age, type of use, and three of the five policy‐related factors were also significant individual predictors of acceptance. The most important predictors were perceptions of trust in water authorities, perceptions of effectiveness, and perceptions of fairness. Interestingly, while safety assurance was important in attitudinal acceptance of managed aquifer recharge based on type of use, safety assurance was not found to be significant predictor of acceptance. This research suggests that policy‐makers should look to address matters of greater public importance and drive such as fairness, trust, and effectiveness of storm water programs and advocate these at the forefront of their policies, rather than solely on education campaigns.
Biological and Tribological Assessment of Poly(Ethylene Oxide Terephthalate)/Poly(Butylene Terephthalate), Polycaprolactone, and Poly (L\DL) Lactic Acid Plotted Scaffolds for Skeletal Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Hendrikson Wilhelmus J. , Zeng Xiangqiong , Rouwkema Jeroen , van Blitterswijk Clemens A. , van der Heide Emile , Moroni Lorenzo
Published: November 2015

Additive manufactured scaffolds are fabricated from three commonly used biomaterials, polycaprolactone (PCL), poly (L\DL) lactic acid (P(L\DL)LA), and poly(ethylene oxide terephthalate)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PEOT/PBT). Scaffolds are compared biologically and tribologically. Cell‐seeded PEOT/PBT scaffolds cultured in osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation media show statistical significantly higher alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity/DNA and glycosaminoglycans (GAG)/DNA ratios, followed by PCL and P(L\DL)LA scaffolds, respectively. The tribological performance is assessed by determining the friction coefficients of the scaffolds at different loads and sliding velocities. With increasing load or decreasing sliding velocity, the friction coefficient value decreases. PEOT/PBT show to have the lowest friction coefficient value, followed by PCL and P(L\DL)LA. The influence of the scaffold architecture is further determined with PEOT/PBT. Reducing of the fiber spacing results in a lower friction coefficient value. The best and the worst performing scaffold architecture are chosen to investigate the effect of cell culture on the friction coefficient. Matrix deposition is low in the cell‐seeded scaffolds and the effect is, therefore, undetermined. Taken together, our studies show that PEOT/PBT scaffolds support better skeletal differentiation of seeded stromal cells and lower friction coefficient compared to PCL and P(L/DL)A scaffolds.
Expedient Introduction of β‐Methoxyacrylate Unit onto 3‐Substituted Indoles and Application of the Resulting Indole‐Dienes in Organocascade toward Indolino‐Polycyclics
Authors: Guo Beibei , Ge Luo , Huang Guanxin , Zhao Long , Chen Jie , Cao Weiguo , Wu Xiaoyu
Published: November 2015

An efficient methodology for introducing a β‐alkoxy acrylate unit onto the indolic C‐2 position of 3‐substituted indoles has been realized by oxidative radical alkylation of indoles with a xanthate bearing dialkyl acetal functionality and subsequent elimination of alcohol by treatment with 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU). The indole‐dienes thus prepared are quite stable and can be stored at room temperature for several months without obvious deterioration. Next, the indole‐dienes were successfully applied in an asymmetric cascade reaction with propargyl aldehyde catalyzed by MacMillan’s imidazolidinone and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), affording tetracyclic spiroindolines or tricyclic hydrocarbazoles in good to excellent yields with excellent ees. The practicality of this cascade was demonstrated by a gram scale preparation of a tetracyclic spiroindoline product with as low as 1 mol% catalyst loading and further elaboration of this spiroindoline compound into valuable intermediates for alkaloid synthesis.

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Rhodium(III)‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Aryl Spirocycles by Aromatic CH Activation/Intramolecular Heck‐Type Reaction
Authors: Chabaud Laurent , Raynal Quentin , Barre Elvina , Guillou Catherine
Published: November 2015

The rhodium(III)‐catalyzed aromatic CH activation/intramolecular Heck‐type reaction has been studied to synthesize spirocyclic compounds, an important class of molecules in medicinal chemistry and natural product synthesis. This approach was efficient with a variety of substituted N‐methoxybenzamides tethered to different cyclic alkenes having a 5‐, 6‐ or 7‐membered ring. This practical method affords sterically hindered o‐substituted aryl spirocycles that are valuable compounds for further functionalization to access relevant building blocks.

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Tuning the Synthetic Routes of Dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate‐Based Superabsorbent Copolymer Hydrogels Containing Sulfonate Groups: Elasticity, Dynamic, and Equilibrium Swelling Properties
Authors: Boyaci Talin , Orakdogen Nermin
Published: November 2015

Superabsorbent copolymer hydrogels based on N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) were synthesized by free‐radical cross‐linking copolymerization using a bifunctional cross‐linking agent diethylene glycol dimethacrylate (DEGDMA). Poly(DMAEMA‐co‐AMPS) (P(DMAEMA‐co‐AMPS)) hydrogels were prepared at a fixed cross‐linker ratio, but at various ionic comonomer AMPS content between 0 and 50 mol%. The effect of ionic comonomer concentration on the equilibrium swelling, mechanical behavior, and swelling–deswelling kinetics was investigated to find materials with satisfactory swelling and elastic properties. The increase in the ionic comonomer AMPS content increased the equilibrium swelling of copolymer hydrogels. Using the Flory–Rehner theory, the equilibrium swelling behavior of P(DMAEMA‐co‐AMPS) hydrogels was successfully investigated and the effective charge density of the resulting copolymer hydrogels was calculated as an adjustable parameter. Scaling rules were derived for the ionic group content to explain the observed swelling behavior of P(DMAEMA‐co‐AMPS) hydrogels. The kinetics of copolymer hydrogel swelling as well as the mechanism of diffusion was investigated by dynamic swelling measurements at different pH values. The dominant physical mechanism controlling the water uptake of P(DMAEMA‐co‐AMPS) copolymer hydrogels was analyzed, and the diffusion coefficients were determined. The transport was found to be less Fickian for the copolymer hydrogels containing AMPS below 30 mol% at acidic pH values where the polymer networks were ionized.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Codoped Graphite Foam as a Self‐Supported Metal‐Free Electrocatalytic Electrode for Water Oxidation
Authors: Yu Xiaowen , Zhang Miao , Chen Ji , Li Yingru , Shi Gaoquan
Published: November 2015

The oxidation of water to produce oxygen gas is related to a variety of energy storage systems. Thus, the development of efficient, cheap, durable, and scalable electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great importance. Here, a high‐performance OER catalyst, nitrogen and sulfur codoped graphite foam (NSGF) is reported. This NSGF is prepared from commercial graphite foil and directly applied as an electrocatalytic electrode without using a current collector and a polymeric binder. It exhibits an extremely low overpotential of 0.380 V to reach a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and shows fast kinetics with a small Tafel slope of 96 mV dec−1 in 0.1 m KOH. This electrocatalytic performance is superior or comparable to those of previously reported metal‐free OER catalysts.
Activation of specific neuronal networks leads to different seizure onset types
Authors: Shiri Zahra , Manseau Frédéric , Lévesque Maxime , Williams Sylvain , Avoli Massimo
Published: November 2015

Objective

Ictal events occurring in temporal lobe epilepsy patients and in experimental models mimicking this neurological disorder can be classified, based on their onset pattern, into low‐voltage, fast versus hypersynchronous onset seizures. It has been suggested that the low‐voltage, fast onset pattern is mainly contributed by interneuronal (γ‐aminobutyric acidergic) signaling, whereas the hypersynchronous onset involves the activation of principal (glutamatergic) cells.

Methods

Here, we tested this hypothesis using the optogenetic control of parvalbumin‐positive or somatostatin‐positive interneurons and of calmodulin‐dependent, protein kinase–positive, principal cells in the mouse entorhinal cortex in the in vitro 4‐aminopyridine model of epileptiform synchronization.

Results

We found that during 4‐aminopyridine application, both spontaneous seizure‐like events and those induced by optogenetic activation of interneurons displayed low‐voltage, fast onset patterns that were associated with a higher occurrence of ripples than of fast ripples. In contrast, seizures induced by the optogenetic activation of principal cells had a hypersynchronous onset pattern with fast ripple rates that were higher than those of ripples.

Interpretation

Our results firmly establish that under a similar experimental condition (ie, bath application of 4‐aminopyridine), the initiation of low‐voltage, fast and of hypersynchronous onset seizures in the entorhinal cortex depends on the preponderant involvement of interneuronal and principal cell networks, respectively. Ann Neurol 2016 ANN NEUROL 2016;79:354–365
Blocking Deprotonation with Retention of Aromaticity in a Plant ent‐Copalyl Diphosphate Synthase Leads to Product Rearrangement
Authors: Potter Kevin C. , Zi Jiachen , Hong Young J. , Schulte Samuel , Malchow Brandi , Tantillo Dean J. , Peters Reuben J.
Published: November 2015

Substitution of a histidine, comprising part of the catalytic base group in the ent‐copalyl diphosphate synthases found in all seed plants for gibberellin phytohormone metabolism, by a larger aromatic residue leads to rearrangements. Through a series of 1,2‐hydride and methyl shifts of the initially formed bicycle predominant formation of (−)‐kolavenyl diphosphate is observed. Further mutational analysis and quantum chemical calculations provide mechanistic insight into the basis for this profound effect on product outcome.
Cyclodextrin‐immobilized microspheres for uptake of the quorum‐sensing signaling molecule N‐acylhomoserine lactone
Authors: Okano Chigusa , Nasuno Eri , Iimura Ken-ichi , Kato Norihiro
Published: November 2015

β‐Cyclodextrins (CDs) were immobilized on microspheres possessing poly(methacrylic acid) shell layers over polystyrene cores to effectively interact with N‐acylhomoserine lactone (AHL), the main signaling molecule for the bacterial cell‐to‐cell communication system known as quorum sensing (QS). Furthermore, these CD‐immobilized microspheres inhibited the expression of a QS‐dependent gene, pig cluster, in Serratia marcescens AS‐1. The AHL‐mediated production of prodigiosin was suppressed to approximately 30% when the culture was started in the presence of 9.1% (w/w) core/shell microspheres immobilized with β‐CD in a liquid broth, with shaking. This result suggested that the AHL concentration was maintained below the threshold of QS activation because transcription of the target genes would be activated via a stable AHL–receptor complex under high concentrations of AHL. The AHL reporter assay with Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 showed that the AHL concentration in the culture broth distinctly decreased after addition of the microspheres, confirming that uptake by the immobilized β‐CDs was responsible for the observed QS suppression. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43198.
Temperature‐Responsive Chiral (A)6B Supramolecular Cages Based on Conformational Preferences
Authors: Chen Shi‐Gui , Zhao Zhi‐Xiong , Jiang Xiao‐Nan , Wang Lu , Zhou Tian‐You , Lu Cheng‐Lu , Zhao Xin , Jiang Xi‐Kui , Ma Yuguo , Wang Ren‐Xiao , Li Zhan‐Ting
Published: November 2015

Two chiral (A)6B‐typed supramolecular cages were constructed from hydrogen‐bonded C6‐symmetric zinc porphyrin hexamers and chiral C3‐symmetric pyridyl hexadentates with a core of 1,3,5‐triphenylbenzene. Circular dichroism and molecular simulations revealed that the symmetry of the supramolecular cages switched from pseudo‐C3v to C3 with the rotational confinement of the biphenyl backbones at low temperatures, which generated conformationally chiral transfer and amplification. This unique phenomenon suggests a new strategy to develop smart materials with high sensitivity and excellent reversibility.
Advancements in the Synthesis and Applications of Cationic N‐Heterocycles through Transition Metal‐Catalyzed C−H Activation
Authors: Gandeepan Parthasarathy , Cheng Chien‐Hong
Published: November 2015

Cationic N‐heterocycles are an important class of organic compounds largely present in natural and bioactive molecules. They are widely used as fluorescent dyes for biological studies, as well as in spectroscopic and microscopic methods. These compounds are key intermediates in many natural and pharmaceutical syntheses. They are also a potential candidate for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Because of these useful applications, the development of new methods for the synthesis of cationic N‐heterocycles has received a lot of attention. In particular, many C−H activation methodologies that realize high step‐ and atom‐economies toward these compounds have been developed. In this review, recent advancements in the synthesis and applications of cationic N‐heterocycles through C−H activation reactions are summarized. The new C−H activation reactions described in this review are preferred over their classical analogs.
Quality and safety control of tumor‐shrinking decoction (TSD): A Chinese herbal preparation for the treatment of uterine fibroids
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Xin , Lin Wai Ling , Yeung Wing Fai , Song Tian‐He , Lao Li‐Xing , Zhang Yan‐Bo , Meng Wei
Published: November 2015

Reproducible efficacy assessments of Chinese herbal medicines are largely based on well‐established quality control procedures. This study presents a comprehensive quality control procedure for tumor‐shrinking decoction (TSD), a 15‐herb preparation under study as a potential therapy for uterine fibroids. Morphological, microscopic, and physicochemical authentications were first carried out on individual herbal medicines composing TSD. Contaminant tests on TSD for the presence of heavy metals and pesticide residues were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Furthermore, batch‐to‐batch quality monitoring of the decoction was investigated via ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). An aqueous extract of the herbal medicines was prepared and formulated into TSD. The tested contaminants were within the maximum permitted levels of the Hong Kong government in proprietary Chinese medicines. UPLC and HPLC fingerprints for quality tracking on TSD were established. The decoction was quantitatively standardized by UPLC and HPLC, respectively, with five and three chemical compounds serving as references. Collectively, the procedure established in this study will not only serve as a fundamental basis for the investigation and development of TSD as a novel therapy for uterine fibroids, but also as a protocol for studying other polycomponent herbal preparations.
Vascular complication can be minimized with a balloon‐expandable, re‐collapsible sheath in TAVR with a self‐expanding bioprosthesis
Authors: Abu Saleh Walid K. , Tang Gilbert H.L. , Ahmad Hasan , Cohen Martin , Undemir Cenap , Lansman Steven L. , Reyes Manuel , Barker Colin M. , Kleiman Neal S. , Reardon Michael J. , Ramlawi Basel
Published: November 2015

Objective

This study evaluates the feasibility and safety of a balloon‐expandable, re‐collapsible sheath for TAVR patients, including those with small iliofemoral access (≤5.0 mm).

Background

The recommended iliofemoral diameter for the CoreValve TAVR system is ≥6.0 mm, but the lowest limit has not been determined.

Methods

Of 322 consecutive patients who underwent TAVR from 1/2014 to 8/2015 at two institutions, 64 underwent transfemoral CoreValve implantation, using an 11/19‐French balloon‐expandable, re‐collapsible sheath, which has a 4.45 mm outer diameter (OD) on arterial entry, expands to 7.67 mm, then re‐collapses upon removal. Valve sizing and vascular access were determined by computed tomography, and outcomes were assessed using the Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 (VARC‐2) definitions.

Results

Thirteen of 64 patients had a minimal iliofemoral artery luminal diameter (MLD) of ≤5.0 mm (mean 4.38+/−0.59 mm, range 3.1–5.0 mm), with vessel calcification ≤90° to 360° and tortuosity <45° to >90°. At the MLD point, the sheath‐to‐artery ratios, based on the fully expanded 7.67 mm OD, ranged 1.53–2.47, higher than previously reported ratios that risk vascular complications. Major comorbidities included chronic renal failure, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, extreme thrombocytopenia, cirrhosis, prior cardiac surgery, poor ventricular function, and frailty. All 64 patients had TAVR with IV sedation and local anesthesia, with 0% sheath malfunction, 0% vascular complications, and 0% bleeding in‐hospital and at 30 days per VARC‐2 definitions.

Conclusions

TAVR using a balloon‐expandable, re‐collapsible sheath is safe, including in small iliofemoral access ≤5.0 mm, thus considerably expanding the population suitable for transfemoral approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polynuclear Silver(I) Triazole Complexes: Ion Conduction and Nanowire Formation in the Mesophase
Authors: Su Padi Y. S. , Hsu S. J. , Tseng Jing C. W. , Hsu Hsiu‐Fu , Wang Wen‐Jwu , Lin Ivan J. B.
Published: November 2015

Examples of polynuclear metallomesogens are few. Herein,1,2,4‐triazole ligands were used to prepare mono‐ and polynuclear silver(I) triazole metallomesogens. Besides showing an SmA phase in the mesophase, two interesting properties were observed. First, higher ion conductivity is always found for the polynuclear complexes than for the mononuclear complexes with the same anion, an observation contrary to the knowledge that migration of a monomeric cation should be faster than that of a polymeric cation. Second, thermolysis of the polynuclear silver(I) triazole complexes in the assembled mesophase yielded Ag nanowires, in an excellent demonstration of the assembled nature of the polynuclear silver(I) ions in the thermolysis process.
Dual Effect of Manganese Oxide Micromotors: Catalytic Degradation and Adsorptive Bubble Separation of Organic Pollutants
Authors: Wani Owies M. , Safdar Muhammad , Kinnunen Niko , Jänis Janne
Published: November 2015

Manganese oxide (MnO2) based micromotors exhibiting a dual effect, that is, catalytic degradation and adsorptive bubble separation, were employed for water remediation. The dual effect of MnO2 microparticles led to a greater than 90 % of decolorization of non‐biodegradable organic dyes in just 1 h, without the need for external agitation or bubble generation. These findings suggest high potential of MnO2 micromotors for decontamination of organic pollutants from wastewaters or natural water reserves.
Controlled Directional Motions of Molecular Vehicles, Rotors, and Motors: From Metallic to Silicon Surfaces, a Strategy to Operate at Higher Temperatures
Authors: Chérioux Frédéric , Galangau Olivier , Palmino Frank , Rapenne Gwénaël
Published: November 2015

In the last decade, many nanomachines with controlled molecular motions have been studied, mainly on metallic surfaces, which are easy to obtain very clean, and are stable over months. However, the studies of mechanical properties of nanomachines are mainly performed at very low temperatures, usually between 5 and 80 K, which prevents any kind of applications. In this Minireview, we will present our strategy to operate at higher temperatures, in particular through the use of semiconducting silicon surfaces. We also review our best achievements in the field through some examples of rotating molecular machines that have been designed, synthesized, and studied in our groups. On metallic surfaces, the nanovehicles are molecules with two or four triptycenes as wheels and the molecular motor is built around a ruthenium organometallic center with a piano‐stool geometry and peripheric ferrocenyl groups. On semiconducting silicon surfaces, vehicles are also made from triptycene fragments and the rotor is a pentaphenylbenzene molecule.
Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Amines by Ni­(1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane)2+ Entrapped in Sol–Gel Electrodes
Authors: Burg Ariela , Shamir Dror , Apelbaum Lina , Albo Yael , Maimon Eric , Meyerstein Dan
Published: November 2015

NiL2+ (L = 1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane) was entrapped in sol–gel matrices in the presence of graphite. The matrices thus prepared serve as electrocatalysts for the oxidation of amines. The results point out that: (1) It is easy to prepare electrocatalytic electrodes by using this approach. (2) The properties of the electrodes thus prepared depend on the nature of the precursors used to prepare the matrices. (3) The mechanism of the electrocatalytic process differs from that observed in homogeneous solutions and depends on the nature of the electrode. (4) The matrix protects NiL2+ against the oxidation of the ligand.