bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumption in the Middle East/Arab World
Authors: Peterson Mark Allen
Published: March 2015

The Middle East refers to a broad geographical region whose borders shift according to North American and European geopolitical interests. Consumption in the region has been shaped (1) by its significant role as a nexus for trade routes; (2) by the positions of Middle Eastern countries in colonial systems; (3) by postcolonial and nationalist projects in the region; and (4) by the importance of the region in the global oil economy. One central theme throughout the region's history has been the relationship between class hierarchies and the distinctions between local and foreign consumption. A second recurring theme has been the role of Islam in assigning value to different forms of consumption.
Education and Consumption
Authors: Rössel Jörg
Published: March 2015

Education can be defined as the learning of skills and knowledge, and the socialization into values, norms, and social behavior based on teaching and training. Furthermore, in contemporary societies education also includes the certificates issued by educational organizations. With regard to consumption, education is important in two respects. First, consumer education means the teaching of the different skills, knowledge, and norms that are important for achieving a consumer's different goals. The second aspect is the empirical and theoretical relationship between certain measurements of education (e.g., years of schooling) and different forms of consumption. There are studies on education and its impact on general consumption orientations (e.g., delay of gratification), and in specific fields of consumption, like food, culture, and ethical consumption, where empirical research shows that education shapes consumption to a considerable degree and theoretical explanations of this impact are discussed.
Edutainment
Authors: Cox Patrick
Published: March 2015

Edutainment encompasses a range of consumer products designed to educate and entertain children. As a marketing conceit, edutainment plays on the parental desire to promote their children's learning at an early age and the simultaneous wish to preserve playfulness as part of childhood development.
Internet, The, and Consumption
Authors: Zuev Dennis
Published: March 2015

Internet‐mediated consumption has become one of the essential features of modern life. The penetration of the internet has caused unprecedented growth in computer‐mediated consumption practices and an increase in electronic tribes structured around consumer interests, and has led to the emergence of a new e‐consumption ethos.
Just‐in‐Time Production
Authors: Aoki Katsuki , Mouer Ross
Published: March 2015

Just‐in‐time production (
JITP
) was conceived at the Toyota Motor Company in 1938 by Ki‐ichiro Toyoda. That vision evolved into what is now known as “the Toyota Production System” (
TPS
), owing mainly to the efforts of Tai‐ichi Ono during the 1950s.
JIT
is one of two pillars of
TPS
; the other is “autonomation” (automation with a human touch), which was developed by Sakichi Toyoda.
JITP
is a system used by manufacturers to order and obtain processed parts through a highly developed network of subcontracting firms.
JITP
represents a further development of the Ford production system that facilitated the transition from mass production to small lot sizes, and reduced the cost of holding large inventories of the parts required on conveyor‐based assembly lines.
JITP
calls for the right parts to be supplied to the production line by suppliers only at the time they are needed and only in the amount needed.
JITP
relies on the use of
kanban
. The
kanban
is a material flow control mechanism to communicate effectively with internal and external operations on issues such as adjusting inventory levels, production schedules, and lead times for the delivery of parts.
Niche Marketing
Authors: Chun Sung‐Chang
Published: March 2015

Niche marketing is a popular concept among both academics and practitioners and has been applied to numerous industries, products, and services over the last few decades. However, at a fundamental level, it remains unclear whether niche marketing is a theory, a generic strategy, an applied marketing strategy, or an extreme case of a marketing segmentation strategy. Further, no single conceptual definition of niche marketing is widely accepted. Most definitions are based on versions of Dalgic and Leeuw's definition: “positioning into small, profitable homogeneous market segments … ignored or neglected by others.” Since the late twentieth century, researchers in the field of marketing management have made little progress in developing a more generally acceptable definition of this term. More recently, Toften and Hammervoll suggested a more comprehensive definition: “The process of carving out, protecting and offering a valued product to a narrow part of a market that displays differentiated needs.”
Veblen, Thorstein
Authors: Schupp Justin L.
Published: March 2015

Thorstein Bunde Veblen (1857–1929) was a
US
economist and sociologist who is often credited for the introduction of the concept
conspicuous consumption
to the academic lexicon. Veblen was also a major contributor to the field of institutional economics and was noted as being a witty and eccentric critic of the dominant forms of economic systems during his lifetime. He was one of the leading voices of the Progressive Era (1890s–1920s) where he wrote extensively about what he viewed as a wasteful production system that was focused too much on personal consumption of goods.
Cannulated, locking blade plates for proximal femoral osteotomy in children and adolescents
Authors: Zhou Leena , Camp Mark , Gahukamble Abhay , Khot Abhay , Graham H. Kerr
Published: March 2015

Background

Proximal femoral osteotomy is the most common major reconstructive surgery in the region of the hip joint in children and adolescents. Given that it may be required across a wide range of ages and indications, appropriate instrumentation is necessary to ensure a technically satisfactory result. Recent developments in fixation include cannulation of the blade plate and locking screw technology.

Methods

We conducted a prospective audit of our first 25 patients who had a unilateral or bilateral proximal femoral osteotomy using a recently available system which combines cannulation and locking plate technology. The principal outcome measures were the radiographic position of the osteotomy at the time of union and surgical adverse events.

Results

Forty-five proximal femoral osteotomies were performed in 25 patients, mean age 8 years (range 3–17 years), for a variety of indications, the most common of which was hip subluxation in children with cerebral palsy. All osteotomies were soundly united by 6 weeks in children and by 3 months in adolescents, in the position achieved intra-operatively. There were no revision procedures and the technical goals of surgery were achieved in all patients. There was one adverse event, a low-grade peri-prosthetic infection, diagnosed at the time of implant removal.

Conclusions

In this prospective audit of our first 25 patients, the new system performed well across a wide range of ages, body weights and surgical indications. Further comparative studies will be required to determine whether it offers additional advantages over more traditional systems.
Biochemical and spectroscopic properties ofBrucella microti glutamate decarboxylase, a key component of the glutamate‐dependent acid resistance system
Authors: Grassini Gaia , Pennacchietti Eugenia , Cappadocio Francesca , Occhialini Alessandra , De Biase Daniela
Published: March 2015

Herein, biochemical and spectroscopic properties of GadB fromBrucella microti (BmGadB), aBrucella species which possesses GDAR, are described.B. microti belongs to a group of lately described and atypical brucellae that possess functionalgadB andgadC genes, unlike the most well‐known “classical”Brucella species, which include important human pathogens.BmGadB is hexameric at acidic pH. The pH‐dependent spectroscopic properties and activity profile, combined within silico sequence comparison withE. coli GadB (EcGadB), suggest thatBmGadB has the necessary structural requirements for the binding of activating chloride ions at acidic pH and for the closure of its active site at neutral pH. On the contrary, cellular localization analysis, corroborated by sequence inspection, suggests thatBmGadB does not undergo membrane recruitment at acidic pH, which was observed inEcGadB. The comparison of GadB from evolutionary distant microorganisms suggests that for this enzyme to be functional in GDAR some structural features must be preserved.
Second language construction learning: investigating domain-specific adaptation in advanced L2 production
Authors: KERZ ELMA , WIECHMANN DANIEL
Published: March 2015

abstract

Usage-based (UB) accounts conceive of language learning as continuous, locally contingent construction learning, i.e., a lifelong process of developing and honing the repertoire of constructional patterns geared to the optimization of a language user’s communicative ability across a wide range of language domains. The continuous nature of the process entails that a full UB model needs to account for not only the dynamics of language learning at early stages of acquisition, but also the functionally motivated adaptations of the language system at more advanced levels of proficiency. We present a design based on naturalistic second language (L2) written productions that sets out to reconstruct the states of constructional knowledge of advanced L2 learners through the statistical analysis of their productions. Irrespective of theoretical framing, the study provides foundational data relevant for any property theory of language learning, i.e., any theory that is concerned with the nature of the language system to be acquired, which logically precedes a transition theory of the developmental processes of L2 acquisition.
Analytical Surveys of Stonehenge and its Environs, 2009–2013: Part 2 – the Stones
Authors: Field David , Anderson-Whymark Hugo , Linford Neil , Barber Martyn , Bowden Mark , Linford Paul , Topping Peter ,   With contributions by, Abbott Marcus , Bryan Paul , Cunliffe Deborah , Hardie Caroline , Martin Louise , Payne Andy , Pearson Trevor , Small Fiona , Smith Nicky , Soutar Sharon , Winton Helen
Published: March 2015

Non-invasive survey in the Stonehenge ‘Triangle’, Amesbury, Wiltshire, has highlighted a number of features that have a significant bearing on the interpretation of the site. Geophysical anomalies may signal the position of buried stones adding to the possibility of former stone arrangements, while laser scanning has provided detail on the manner in which the stones have been dressed; some subsequently carved with axe and dagger symbols. The probability that a lintelled bluestone trilithon formed an entrance in the north-east is signposted. This work has added detail that allows discussion on the question of whether the sarsen circle was a completed structure, although it is by no means conclusive in this respect. Instead, it is suggested that it was built as a façade, with other parts of the circuit added and with an entrance in the south.
The Frontier Crimes Regulation and Frontier Governmentality
Authors: Hopkins Benjamin D.
Published: March 2015

From the invention of imperial authority along the North-West Frontier of British India, subjects were divided between the “civilized” inhabitants populating the cultivated plains and the “wild tribes” living in the hills. The problem of governing this latter group, the “independent tribes,” proved a vexed one for the British Raj. The mechanism developed by imperial administrators to manage the frontier inhabitants was the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR), first promulgated in 1872 and still in effect today. The FCR was designed to exclude the Frontier's inhabitants from the colonial judiciary, and more broadly the colonial sphere, encapsulating them in their own colonially sanctioned “tradition.” Exploring the use of the FCR as an instrument of governance from its first inception into the twentieth century, this article argues that it was key to shaping the nature of frontier rule, which in turn shaped the very nature of the colonial state itself.
Facial transplantation: historical developments and future directions
Authors: Garrett G L , Beegun I , D'souza A
Published: March 2015

Objective:

To present the clinical outcomes obtained by the first facial transplant teams worldwide, reviewing current practice and addressing controversies.

Methods:

A bibliographic search of Medline and Embase databases was performed, and a comparative analysis of all articles published from 1980 to the present was conducted. Two independent investigators screened the manuscripts in accordance with pre-defined criteria.

Results:

A total of 12 partial and 5 full facial transplants were recorded in the literature. Procedures included partial and near-total facial myocutaneous flaps, and complex osteomyocutaneous grafts. Fifteen patients had fully vascularised grafts, and two patients died of transplant-related and infectious complications.

Conclusion:

Facial transplantation can restore quality of life and enable the social re-integration of recipients. Results published by the first facial transplant teams are promising. However, long-term reports of aesthetic and functional outcomes are needed to more precisely define outcomes. In addition, significant technical, medical and ethical issues remain to be solved.
Immunoglobulin G4 related chronic sclerosing sialadenitis
Authors: Culver E L , Hunt A , Crewe E , Shah K A , Martinez-Devesa P
Published: March 2015

Background:

ENT surgeons may be the first specialists to encounter and diagnose patients with salivary gland disease. A new entity involving the salivary glands has recently been described of which ENT surgeons need to be aware: immunoglobulin G4 related chronic sclerosing sialadenitis.

Method:

A literature search of Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases was performed, using the search terms ‘IgG4’, ‘hyperIgG4 syndrome’ and ‘IgG4 related chronic sclerosing sialadenitis’.

Results:

Knowledge concerning immunoglobulin G4 related chronic sclerosing sialadenitis is rapidly increasing. This new entity is part of a fibro-inflammatory corticosteroid-responsive systemic disease (immunoglobulin G4 related disease) and has been described in almost every organ. Biopsy of the submandibular gland can be diagnostic. However, the diagnosis can easily be overlooked if: clinical suspicion is not high, one is unaware of the classical morphology and/or immunoglobulin G4 staining is not performed. This paper presents a summary of the current understanding of the disease and its management.

Conclusion:

ENT surgeons should be aware of this new disease entity. Patients with systemic disease should be managed under a multidisciplinary team, with input from clinicians who have an interest in such diseases (such as gastroenterologists and rheumatologists), and input from histopathologists and radiologists.
Litigation in English rhinology
Authors: Harris A S , Edwards S J , Pope L
Published: March 2015

Objective:

Litigation is a rising financial burden on the National Health Service. This study aims to show if litigation is increasing in rhinology and which procedures lead to the most claims.

Methods:

Ten years of data were obtained from the National Health Service Litigation Authority. Rhinology claims were examined for cost, injury, diagnosis and operation type.

Results:

Of the 123 rhinology claims identified, 52 per cent were successful. There was a 56 per cent increase in the average annual number of claims between the first half of the study period and the second (p = 0.0451). The commonest reasons for a claim were poor cosmesis (15.6 per cent) and lack of informed consent (14 per cent).

Conclusion:

The number of claims in rhinology increased over the study period. Most claims resulted from poor cosmetic outcome, lack of consent or recognised complications. It is suggested that enhanced communication and management of patient expectations could reduce litigation and improve patient satisfaction.
Wakefield and stopping power of a hydrogen ion beam pulse with low drift velocity in hydrogen plasmas
Authors: Zhang Ling-Yu , Zhao Xiao-Ying , Qi Xin , Xiao Guo-Qing , Duan Wen-Shan , Yang Lei
Published: March 2015

A two-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation is carried out to study the wakefield and stopping power for a hydrogen ion beam pulse with low drift velocity propagation in hydrogen plasmas. The plasma is assumed to be collisionless, uniform, non-magnetized, and in a steady state. Both the pulse ions and plasma particles are treated by the PIC method. The effects of the beam density on the wakefield and stopping power are then obtained and discussed. It is found that as the beam densities increase, the oscillation wakefield induced by the beam become stronger. Besides, the first oscillation wakefield behind the bunch is particularly stronger than others. Moreover, it is found that the stationary stopping power increases linearly with the increase of the beam density in the linear/semilinear region.
ASYMPTOTIC THEORY FOR NONLINEAR QUANTILE REGRESSION UNDER WEAK DEPENDENCE
Authors: Oberhofer Walter , Haupt Harry
Published: March 2015

This paper studies the asymptotic properties of the nonlinear quantile regression model under general assumptions on the error process, which is allowed to be heterogeneous and mixing. We derive the consistency and asymptotic normality of regression quantiles under mild assumptions. First-order asymptotic theory is completed by a discussion of consistent covariance estimation.
Interparental conflict, children's security with parents, and long-term risk of internalizing problems: A longitudinal study from ages 2 to 10
Authors: Brock Rebecca L. , Kochanska Grazyna
Published: March 2015

Although the negative impact of marital conflict on children has been amply documented, few studies have examined the process of risk in a long-term, longitudinal design. We examined parent–child attachment security as a mechanism that may account for the impact of interparental conflict on children's long-term risk of internalizing problems. Sixty-two community mothers, fathers, and children were followed from ages 2 to 10. Parents reported on their conflicts when their children were 2. Trained observers produced parent–child attachment security scores (Attachment Q-Set, Waters, 1987), based on lengthy naturalistic observations of the child with each parent. Parents rated children's internalizing problems at age 10. A conditional process model and bootstrap approach were implemented to examine conditional indirect effects of conflict on child internalizing problems through attachment security for girls versus boys. Maladaptive marital conflict (destructive strategies, severity of arguments) increased internalizing problems 8 years later due to the undermined security for girls, whereas negative emotional aftermath of conflict (unresolved, lingering tension) increased internalizing problems for both boys and girls. The emotional aftermath of conflict is often overlooked, yet it appears to be a key dimension influencing emotional security in the family system, with significant consequences for children's development.
Strategy Use, Planning, and Rule Acquisition Deficits in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 2 Patients
Authors: Vaca-Palomares Israel , Díaz Rosalinda , Rodríguez-Labrada Roberto , Medrano-Montero Jacqueline , Aguilera-Rodríguez Raúl , Vázquez-Mojena Yaimeé , Fernandez-Ruiz Juan , Velázquez-Pérez Luis
Published: March 2015

Our goal was to improve spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) cognitive profile characterization by testing the hypothesis that strategy, planning and rule acquisition capacities are affected in SCA2. Forty one patients with SCA2 were evaluated with the Spatial Working Memory (SWM), the Stockings of Cambridge (SOC), and the Intra-Extra Dimensional Shift (IED) tests of the Executive module of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery (CANTAB). Paired Associates Learning (PAL) and Delayed Matching to Sample (DMS) from the CANTAB memory module were also assessed to corroborate previous findings. Motor deterioration was measured using the Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA). We found significant SCA2 related deficits in strategy, planning, and rule acquisition. Our results also corroborated significant memory deficits in these patients with SCA2. Further analysis also showed that patients with large motor deterioration had poorer associative learning and spatial planning scores. Patients with SCA2 show strategy, planning, and rule acquisition deficits as revealed with the CANTAB battery. These deficits should be noted when planning an effective therapy for these patients. (JINS, 2015, 21, 1–7)
Comparison of coronary heart disease genetic assessment with conventional cardiovascular risk assessment in primary care: reflections on a feasibility study
Authors: Qureshi Nadeem , Kai Joe , Middlemass Jo , Dhiman Paula , Cross-Bardell Laura , Acharya Jayshree , Li Ka Wan , Humphries Steve E. , Standen Penelope J.
Published: March 2015

Aim

This study assesses the feasibility of collecting genetic samples and self-reported outcome measures after cardiovascular risk assessment, and presenting the genetic test results to participants.

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) genetic tests are increasingly available through direct-to-consumer marketing, but their potential clinical impact on cardiovascular risk assessment is unclear.

Methods

Observational study in 10 British general practices in Central England. A total of 320 individuals, who had completed conventional cardiovascular risk assessment, were offered CHD genetic test, with follow-up outcome questionnaire at eight months for lifestyle change and State-Trait Anxiety.

Findings

A total of 119 (37%) participants returned genetic test specimens, with over a third reporting family history of CHD in a specified relative; 79 (66.4%) were categorized above-average risk on conventional cardiovascular risk assessment, 65 of whom (82.3%) were only average risk on genetic assessment. The dietary fat questionnaire was poorly completed while study participation was not associated with increased anxiety (mean increase in anxiety score=2.1; 95% CI −0.1–4.3;P=0.06).

Conclusion

As a feasibility study, over a third of individuals offered genetic testing in primary care, as part of CVD risk assessment, took up the offer. Although intervention did not appear to increase anxiety, this needs further evaluation. To improve generalizability and effect size, future studies should actively engage individuals from wider socio-economic backgrounds who may not have already contemplated lifestyle change. The current research suggests general practitioners will face the clinical challenge of patients presenting with direct-to-consumer genetic results that are inconsistent with conventional cardiovascular risk assessment.
Understanding institutions: replies to Aoki, Binmore, Hodgson, Searle, Smith, and Sugden
Authors: HINDRIKS FRANK , GUALA FRANCESCO
Published: March 2015

Our goal is to develop a theory that combines the best insights of philosophical and scientific theories of institutions. We are not committeda priorito save the commonsense notion of institution, or the thesis of human exceptionalism. We think that human cognition is important, but we do not claim that common knowledge or collective intentions are necessary for coordination. Like most of our commentators, we believe that there is continuity between simple rules of precedence and sophisticated institutions like property, marriage, or money. Finally, we argue that a satisfactory account of institutions must be compatible with different theories of normativity, specifying the social and psychological mechanisms that make it possible to override selfish desires.
Too Many ‘Friends,’ Too Few ‘Likes’? Evolutionary Psychology and ‘Facebook Depression’
Authors: Blease C. R.
Published: March 2015

Psychologists (and subsequently the media) have defined ‘Facebook depression’ as the affective result of spending too much time on the social networking site ( Selfhout et al., 2009 ; Kross et al., 2013 ). Some social psychologists have denied that Facebook is causally implicated in any such negative affect ( Jelenchick et al., 2013 ). This article argues that if we want to understand modern mass media and new social media, we need a better understanding of the (old) psychology bequeathed us by natural selection ( Barkow et al., 2012 ). Disentangling the relationship between social media and depression using evolutionary social competition theories of depression, I argue that the mismatch between current social milieu and the environment of evolutionary adaption affords some predictions about the use of social media as a trigger for mild depression or dysphoria. I hypothesize that users of Facebook may be more susceptible to causal triggers for mild depression under the following (specific) circumstances: (a) the greater the number of ‘friends’ that the user has online; (b) the greater the time that the user spends reading updates from this wide pool of friends; (c) the user does so regularly; and (d) the content of the updates tends to a bragging nature. I hypothesize that the frequency and the number of displays of higher status cues observed by the user may incur the perception of low relative social value among users (automatically triggering this response). The article concludes with directions for future research on the behavioral and cognitive effects of social media sites such as Facebook.
Impact of biodiversity loss on production in complex marine food webs mitigated by prey-release
Authors: Fung Tak , Farnsworth Keith D. , Reid David G. , Rossberg Axel G.
Published: March 2015

Public concern over biodiversity loss is often rationalized as a threat to ecosystem functioning, but biodiversity-ecosystem functioning (BEF) relations are hard to empirically quantify at large scales. We use a realistic marine food-web model, resolving species over five trophic levels, to study how total fish production changes with species richness. This complex model predicts that BEF relations, on average, follow simple Michaelis–Menten curves when species are randomly deleted. These are shaped mainly by release of fish from predation, rather than the release from competition expected from simpler communities. Ordering species deletions by decreasing body mass or trophic level, representing ‘fishing down the food web’, accentuates prey-release effects and results in unimodal relationships. In contrast, simultaneous unselective harvesting diminishes these effects and produces an almost linear BEF relation, with maximum multispecies fisheries yield at ≈40% of initial species richness. These findings have important implications for the valuation of marine biodiversity.
Thickness Dispersion of Surface Plasmon of Ag Nano-thin Films: Determination by Ellipsometry Iterated with Transmittance Method
Authors: Gong Junbo , Dai Rucheng , Wang Zhongping , Zhang Zengming
Published: March 2015

Effective optical constants of Ag thin films are precisely determined with effective thickness simultaneously by using an ellipsometry iterated with transmittance method. Unlike the bulk optical constants in Palik's database the effective optical constants of ultrathin Ag films are found to strongly depend on the thickness. According to the optical data two branches of thickness dispersion of surface plasmon energy are derived and agreed with theoretical predication. The thickness dispersion of bulk plasmon is also observed. The influence of substrate on surface plasmon is verified for the first time by using ellipsometry. The thickness dependent effective energy loss function is thus obtained based on this optical method for Ag ultrathin films. This method is also applicable to other ultrathin films and can be used to establish an effective optical database for ultrathin films.
Preparation and Characterization of Fe3O4 Particles with Novel Nanosheets Morphology and Magnetochromatic Property by a Modified Solvothermal Method
Authors: Zhuang Lin , Zhang Wei , Zhao Yongxin , Shen Hui , Lin Han , Liang Jinhua
Published: March 2015

Novel-morphological Fe3O4 nanosheets with magnetochromatic property have been prepared by a modified solvothermal method. Such nanosheets could form one-dimension photonic crystal under an external magnetic field. The Fe3O4 nanosheets suspension could strongly diffract visible light and display varied colors with changing the intensity of the magnetic field. The photonic response is rapid, fully reversible and widely tunable in the entire visible spectrum. Excellent magnetic properties of these Fe3O4 nanosheets are exhibited with a high saturation magnetization (82.1 emu/g), low remanence (13.85 emu/g) and low coercive force (75.95 Oe). The amount of the solvent diethylene glycol (DEG) plays a key role in the formation of the sheet-shaped morphology. When the ratio of the DEG reaches 100%, the growing of the crystal plane (111) of Fe3O4 is inhibited and the sheet-like Fe3O4 crystals are formed.
Toward Coordinated Colloids: Site-Selective Growth of Titania on Patchy Silica Particles
Authors: Bae Changdeuck , Kim Hyunchul , Montero Moreno Josep M. , Yi Gi-Ra , Shin Hyunjung
Published: March 2015

Rational synthesis of coordinated spherical colloids is reported by site-selective growth of secondary hemispherical patches on primary spherical particles with quasi-defined coordination numbers and positions. We clarify the importance of mass transport phenomena on the site-specific secondary nucleation/growth in nanoparticulate colloidal systems. By comparing ultrasonic and conventional agitation during patch growth, we found that enhanced mass transfer is the key to controlled, homogeneous transport of the molecular precursors in a solvent onto the nanoparticles. With chemically defined nucleation sites, the surfaces of spherical silica particles were modified for use as a new kind of colloid with patches at desired coordination positions. Our observations represent a significant breakthrough in colloidal chemistry and self-assembly.
Vibrational coherence transfer in an electronically decoupled molecular dyad
Authors: Schweighöfer Felix , Dworak Lars , Braun Markus , Zastrow Marc , Wahl Jan , Burghardt Irene , Rück-Braun Karola , Wachtveitl Josef
Published: March 2015

The ring opening of a dithienylethene photoswitch incorporated in a bridged boron-dipyrromethene - dithienylethene molecular dyad was investigated with ultrafast spectroscopy. Coherent vibrations in the electronic ground state of the boron-dipyrromethene are triggered after selective photoexcitation of the closed dithienylethene indicating vibrational coupling although the two moieties are electronically isolated. A distribution of short-lived modes and a long-lived mode at 143 cm−1 are observed. Analysis of the theoretical frequency spectrum indicates two modes at 97 cm−1 and 147 cm−1 which strongly modulate the electronic transition energy. Both modes exhibit a characteristic displacement of the bridge suggesting that the mechanical momentum of the initial geometry change after photoexcitation of the dithienylethene is transduced to the boron-dipyrromethene. The relaxation to the dithienylethene electronic ground state is accompanied by significant heat dissipation into the surrounding medium. In the investigated dyad, the boron-dipyrromethene acts as probe for the ultrafast photophysical processes in the dithienylethene.
The relationship between coagulation abnormality and mortality in ICU patients: a prospective, observational study
Authors: Fei Aihua , Lin Qiang , Liu Jiafu , Wang Feilong , Wang Hairong , Pan Shuming
Published: March 2015

We conducted a prospective, observational study to assess the prognostic value of hemostasis-related parameters in unselected ICU patients. We collected baseline characteristics from 497 consecutive unselected medical and trauma patients during their ICU stay. Each hemostasis-related parameter was analyzed alone or combined with APACHE II scores for any association with ICU mortality by calculating the under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve, the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) indices. Of all hemostasis-related indicators examined, the AUC for fibrin degradation products (FDPs) was less than that for APACHE II scores, but larger than that for disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) scores. The prediction power of FDPs is relatively low. Multiple regression analysis revealed that FDPs and APACHE II scores significantly predicted primary outcome. The combined use of FDPs level and APACHE II scores generated an NRI of 9.94% and an IDI of 3.54%. In conclusion, FDP is the best independent indicator of ICU mortality among all hemostasis-related indicators examined. The use of FDP level and APACHE II scores in parallel significantly improves the ability to predict ICU mortality, suggesting the application of these parameters could be used to improve patient care and management in the ICU.
Security bound of cheat sensitive quantum bit commitment
Authors: He Guang Ping
Published: March 2015

Cheat sensitive quantum bit commitment (CSQBC) loosens the security requirement of quantum bit commitment (QBC), so that the existing impossibility proofs of unconditionally secure QBC can be evaded. But here we analyze the common features in all existing CSQBC protocols and show that in any CSQBC having these features, the receiver can always learn a non-trivial amount of information on the sender's committed bit before it is unveiled, while his cheating can pass the security check with a probability not less than 50%. The sender's cheating is also studied. The optimal CSQBC protocols that can minimize the sum of the cheating probabilities of both parties are found to be trivial, as they are practically useless. We also discuss the possibility of building a fair protocol in which both parties can cheat with equal probabilities.
Altered autophagic flux enhances inflammatory responses during inflammation-induced preterm labor
Authors: Agrawal Varkha , Jaiswal Mukesh K. , Mallers Timothy , Katara Gajendra K. , Gilman-Sachs Alice , Beaman Kenneth D. , Hirsch Emmet
Published: March 2015

Cellular organelles and proteins are degraded and recycled through autophagy, a process during which vesicles known as autophagosomes fuse with lysosomes. Altered autophagy occurs in various diseases, but its role in preterm labor (PTL) is unknown. We investigated the role of autophagic flux in two mouse models of PTL compared to controls: 1) inflammation-induced PTL (IPTL), induced by toll-like receptor agonists; and 2) non-inflammation (hormonally)-induced PTL (NIPTL). We demonstrate that the autophagy related genes Atg4c and Atg7 (involved in the lipidation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) B-I to the autophagosome-associated form, LC3B-II) decrease significantly in uterus and placenta during IPTL but not NIPTL. Autophagic flux is altered in IPTL, as shown by the accumulation of LC3B paralogues and diminishment of lysosome associated membrane protein (LAMP)-1, LAMP-2 and the a2 isoform of V-ATPase (a2V, an enzyme involved in lysosome acidification). These alterations in autophagy are associated with increased activation of NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in both uterus and placenta. Similar changes are seen in macrophages exposed to TLR ligands and are enhanced with blockade of a2V. These novel findings represent the first evidence of an association between altered autophagic flux and hyper-inflammation and labor in IPTL.
Effects of waterlogging on carbon assimilate partitioning in the Zoigê alpine wetlands revealed by 13CO2 pulse labeling
Authors: Gao Jun-Qin , Gao Ju-Juan , Zhang Xue-Wen , Xu Xing-Liang , Deng Zhao-Heng , Yu Fei-Hai
Published: March 2015

Waterlogging has been suggested to affect carbon (C) turnover in wetlands, but how it affects C allocation and stocks remains unclear in alpine wetlands. Using in situ13CO2 pulse labelling, we investigated C allocation in both waterlogged and non-waterlogged sites in the Zoigê wetlands on the Tibetan Plateau in August 2011. More than 50% of total 13C fixed by photosynthesis was lost via shoot respiration. Shoots recovered about 19% of total 13C fixed by photosynthesis at both sites. Only about 26% of total fixed 13C was translocated into the belowground pools. Soil organic C pool accounted for 19% and roots recovered about 5–7% of total fixed 13C at both sites. Waterlogging significantly reduced soil respiration and very little 13C was lost via soil respiration in the alpine wetlands compared to that in grasslands. We conclude that waterlogging did not significantly alter C allocations among the C pools except the 13CO2 efflux derived from soil respiration and that shoots made similar contributions to C sequestration as the belowground parts in the Zoigê alpine wetlands. Therefore, changes in waterlogging due to climate change will not affect C assimilate partitioning but soil C efflux.
Antibiotic translocation through porins studied in planar lipid bilayers using parallel platforms
Authors: Weichbrodt Conrad , Bajaj Harsha , Baaken Gerhard , Wang Jiajun , Guinot Serap , Kreir Mohamed , Behrends Jan C. , Winterhalter Mathias , Fertig Niels
Published: March 2015

A comparative study of three different techniques Orbit16, Port-a-Patch and BLM applied for the investigation of antibiotic translocation.
A nanoscaled Au–horseradish peroxidase composite fabricated by an interface reaction and its characterization, immobilization and biosensing
Authors: Liu Suli , Wei Tianxiang , Liu Qian , Tu Wenwen , Lan Yaqian , Han Min , Bao Jianchun , Dai Zhihui
Published: March 2015

We develop a novel strategy for the biosensing application of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) using a nanoscaled Au–horseradish peroxidase (HRP) composite thin film synthesized by a liquid–liquid interface reaction.
Magnetic superexchange interactions: trinuclear bis(oxamidato) versus bis(oxamato) type complexes
Authors: Abdulmalic Mohammad A. , Aliabadi Azar , Petr Andreas , Krupskaya Yulia , Kataev Vladislav , Büchner Bernd , Zaripov Ruslan , Vavilova Evgeniya , Voronkova Violeta , Salikov Kev , Hahn Torsten , Kortus Jens , Eya'ane Meva Francois , Schaarschmidt Dieter , Rüffer Tobias
Published: March 2015

The origin of largerJvalues of trinuclear bis(oxamidato)versusbis(oxamato) type complexes is explained by an interplay with the spin densities of their mononuclear precursors.
Combined heterogeneous distribution of salt and aroma in food enhances salt perception
Authors: Emorine Marion , Septier Chantal , Andriot Isabelle , Martin Christophe , Salles Christian , Thomas-Danguin Thierry
Published: March 2015

Combining salt and aroma heterogeneous distribution in hot snacks improves saltiness perception and helps to maintain consumer liking. This approach is relevant for lowering salt content in food.
Phosphorelay of non-orthodox two component systems functions through a bi-molecular mechanism in vivo: the case of ArcB
Authors: Jovanovic Goran , Sheng Xia , Ale Angelique , Feliu Elisenda , Harrington Heather A. , Kirk Paul , Wiuf Carsten , Buck Martin , Stumpf Michael P. H.
Published: March 2015

Two-component systems play a central part in bacterial signal transduction.
Synthesis of a new HYNIC-DAPI derivative for labelling with 99mTechnetium and its in vitro evaluation in an FRTL5 cell line
Authors: Ferl Sandra , Wunderlich Gerd , Smits René , Hoepping Alexander , Naumann Anne , Kotzerke Jörg
Published: March 2015

A new multifunctional compound that includes the fluorescent dye 4′,6-diamidine-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and the chelator 6-hydrazinonicotinic acid (HYNIC) was developed and radiolabelled with 99mTc for in vitro evaluation in an FRTL5 cell line.
Direct aerobic liquid phase epoxidation of propylene catalyzed by Mn(iii) porphyrin under mild conditions: evidence for the existence of both peroxide and Mn(iv)-oxo species from in situ characterizations
Authors: Li Yang , Zhou Xiantai , Chen Shaoyun , Luo Rongchang , Jiang Jun , Liang Zhongxiu , Ji Hongbing
Published: March 2015

Manganese(iii) porphyrin exhibited excellent activity for the selective oxidation of propylene. Experimental evidences that the generation of peroxide and Mn(iv) oxo species, which was well confirmed by in situ IR, in situ UV and MS.
Effects of non-catalytic surface reactions on the CH4–air premixed flame within micro-channels
Authors: Xie Zhenhua , Yang Zhongqing , Zhang Li , Liu Chuncheng
Published: March 2015

By means of numerical simulation, this paper presents the effects of non-catalytic surface reactions on flame temperature distribution and radical distribution within a 2D micro planar channel.
Efficient removal of Cd(ii) and Cu(ii) from aqueous solution by magnesium chloride-modified Lentinula edodes
Authors: Xie Han , Zhao Qiqi , Zhou Zhiren , Wu Yumeng , Wang Haochuan , Xu Heng
Published: March 2015

To enhance metal biosorption capacity, magnesium chloride-modifiedLentinula edodes(MMLE) was prepared by treatingLentinula edodeswith a mixture of NaOH, ethanol and MgCl2.
Correction: A sniffer-camera for imaging of ethanol vaporization from wine: the effect of wine glass shape
Authors: Arakawa Takahiro , Iitani Kenta , Wang Xin , Kajiro Takumi , Toma Koji , Yano Kazuyoshi , Mitsubayashi Kohji
Published: March 2015

Correction for ‘A sniffer-camera for imaging of ethanol vaporization from wine: the effect of wine glass shape’ by Takahiro Arakawa et al., Analyst, 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c4an02390k.
19F NMR for the speciation and quantification of the OH-molecules in complex matrices
Authors: Vlasiou Manolis , Drouza Chryssoula
Published: March 2015

A novel method is demonstrated for the speciation and quantification of the minor OH-molecules in complex matrices in a one pot experiment based on 19F NMR spectroscopy.
Needle trap sampling thermal-desorption resonance enhanced multiphoton ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry for analysis of marine diesel engine exhaust
Authors: Kleeblatt Juliane , Stengel Benjamin , Radischat Christian , Passig Johannes , Streibel Thorsten , Sippula Olli , Rabe Rom , Harndorf Horst , Zimmermann Ralf
Published: March 2015

The manuscript demonstrates the successful application of NTD-TD-REMPI-TOFMS for analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in ship diesel engine exhaust.
Simultaneous analysis of kasugamycin and streptomycin in vegetables by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Alechaga Élida , Moyano Encarnación , Galceran M. Teresa
Published: March 2015

In this work an LC-MS/MS method has been developed for the simultaneous analysis of kasugamycin (KAS) and streptomycin (STR) in vegetable samples.
Investigating optimum sample preparation for infrared spectroscopic serum diagnostics
Authors: Lovergne Lila , Clemens Graeme , Untereiner Valérie , Lukaszweski Roman A. , Sockalingum Ganesh D. , Baker Matthew J.
Published: March 2015

Biofluids, such as serum and plasma, represent an ideal medium for disease diagnosis due to their non-invasive character, ease of collection, that can be performed worldwide, and their fundamental involvement in human functions.
A polycrystalline SiO2 colloidal crystal film with ultra-narrow reflections
Authors: Fu Qianqian , Chen Ang , Shi Lei , Ge Jianping
Published: March 2015

This work reported a high quality photonic crystal film with an ultra-narrow photonic bandgap obtained via a chemical synthetic route.
Syntheses of sugar poly(orthoesters) through reverse anomeric effect
Authors: Li Lingyao , Wang Jun , Obrinske Melissa , Milligan Ian , O'Hara Kylie , Bitterman Lindsay , Du Wenjun
Published: March 2015

The syntheses of high molecular weight sugar poly(orthoesters) were achieved by using reverse anomeric effect (RAE)-enabled promoters.
Thermally-activated recombination in one component of (CH3NH3)PbI3/TiO2observed by photocurrent spectroscopy
Authors: Cottingham Patrick , Wallace David C. , Hu Ke , Meyer Gerald , McQueen Tyrel M.
Published: March 2015

Photocurrent measurements on devices containing perovskite (CH3NH3)PbI3show two distinct spectral responses when deposited in a mesoporous oxide matrix, compared with one response for planar perovskite alone.
An electric field induced reversible single-molecule fluorescence switch
Authors: Wu Ruixiang , Chen Ruiyun , Qin Chengbing , Gao Yan , Qiao Zhixing , Zhang Guofeng , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: March 2015

Based on the intramolecular electron transfer within a single molecule, we have achieved fluorescence switch induced by the electric field.
An Fe/N co-doped graphitic carbon bulb for high-performance oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhou Ruifeng , Qiao Shi Zhang
Published: March 2015

An Fe/N co-doped graphitic carbon bulb synthesized at low temperature shows excellent oxygen reduction reaction performance.
Oxidative N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed stereoselective annulation of simple aldehydes and 5-alkenyl thiazolones
Authors: Lin Li , Yang Yuhong , Wang Mei , Lai Luhao , Guo Yarong , Wang Rui
Published: March 2015

A highly stereoselective annulation proceeded successfully to afford chiral thiazolo pyrones with excellent ee (up to 99%) and d.r. (up to >20 : 1). Both enantiomers can be obtained. In the presence of oxygen (O2), the oxidantO-1can be used in a catalytic amount (even low to 2 mol%).
DNA strand displacement reaction for programmable release of biomolecules
Authors: Ramezani Hamid , Jed Harrison D.
Published: March 2015

The DNA strand displacement reaction (SDR) was successfully combined with a fluoroimmunoassay on silica microparticles to accomplish sequence-specific release,in situsample cleanup, and buffer exchange.
A plasmonic aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of thrombin via arrested rolling circle amplification
Authors: Wang Sai , Bi Sai , Wang Zonghua , Xia Jianfei , Zhang Feifei , Yang Min , Gui Rijun , Li Yanhui , Xia Yanzhi
Published: March 2015

A sensitive signal generation mechanism for gold nanoparticle growth is applied in a plasmonic aptasensor, achieving naked-eye detection of thrombin at the single-molecule level.
The synergistic mechanism of graphene and MoS2 for hydrogen generation: insights from density functional theory
Authors: Yuan Yanli , Gong Xiping , Wang Hongming
Published: March 2015

The synergistic effect of graphene and MoS2 was investigated by using density functional theory calculations on the photocatalytic H2 production activity of TiO2/graphene/MoS2 nanoparticles.
Tuning the electronic and magnetic properties of graphene-like AlN nanosheets by surface functionalization and thickness
Authors: Zhang W. X. , Li T. , Gong S. B. , He C. , Duan L.
Published: March 2015

Semiconductor → half-metal → metal transition with nonmagnetic → magnetic transfer can be achieved for AlN nanosheets by surface hydrogenation and increasing nanosheet thickness.
Slow-to-fast transition of hydrogen bond dynamics in acetamide hydration shell formation
Authors: D'Amico Francesco , Rossi Barbara , Camisasca Gaia , Bencivenga Filippo , Gessini Alessandro , Principi Emiliano , Cucini Riccardo , Masciovecchio Claudio
Published: March 2015

The acetamide hydration shell dynamics speeds up in a remarkable way upon increasing the water amount.
AuRu/AC as an effective catalyst for hydrogenation reactions
Authors: Villa Alberto , Chan-Thaw Carine E. , Campisi Sebastiano , Bianchi Claudia L. , Wang Di , Kotula Paul G. , Kübel Christian , Prati Laura
Published: March 2015

AuRu bimetallic catalysts have been prepared by sequential deposition of Au on Ru or vice versa obtaining different nanostructures: when Ru has been deposited on Au, a Aucore–Rushell has been observed, whereas the deposition of Au on Ru leads to a bimetallic phase with Ru enrichment on the surface.
Adsorption of polyelectrolytes to like-charged substrates induced by multivalent counterions as exemplified by poly(styrene sulfonate) and silica
Authors: Tiraferri Alberto , Maroni Plinio , Borkovec Michal
Published: March 2015

Negatively charged polyelectrolytes are shown to adsorb on a like-charged substrate in the presence of divalent and trivalent metal cations.