bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Polymeric Membranes and Microcapsules Using an Ionic Liquid as Morphology Control Additive
Authors: Lakshmi D. Shanthana , Cundari Teresa , Furia Emilia , Tagarelli Antonio , Fiorani Giulia , Carraro Mauro , Figoli Alberto 
Published: November 2015

SummaryHydrophilic porous polyethersulfone (PES) membranes and microcapsules were prepared via Non‐Solvent Induced Phase Separation (NIPS) with the ionic liquid (IL) 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF6]) as structure control agent, added to the conventionally employed PVPK17 pore former. The introduction of [BMIM][PF6] affects the phase inversion mechanism, resulting in different morphologies of the materials. Optimal conditions for the preparation of membranes (ILMs) were: 10–15 wt.% PES, 0–4 wt.% PVPK17, 5–25 wt.% [BMIM][PF6], while slightly different conditions were applied for the preparation of microcapsules (ILMCs): 10% wt.% PES, 0–4% wt.% PVPK17, and 5–15 wt.% [BMIM][PF6]. Thus, the produced porous spongy microcapsules (average diameter ∼800 μm) and flat sheet ionic liquid membranes (ILMs) were characterized by electronic microscopy (SEM), FTIR and Raman spectroscopy and thermal analysis. [BMIM][PF6] concentration is a key factor for controlling the internal membrane morphology. Indeed, higher concentrations of [BMIM][PF6] additive increases the viscosity of casting solution and reduces solvent exchange speed, thereby altering the membrane morphology from a channelled structures (finger‐like) to a spongy type.
Structural and Morphological Study of PS‐TiO2 Nanocomposite Membranes
Authors: Kumari Yogita , Jangir Lokesh Kumar , Kumar Anil , Kumar Manoj , Swami K. C. , Awasthi Kamlendra 
Published: November 2015

SummaryAnatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by sol‐gel method. The phase formation and size of NPs were characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and average diameter of nanoparticles found to be (17 ± 2) nm. Further, TiO2‐ Polystyrene (PS) nanocomposite thin films were prepared by solution casting method with varied content of TiO2 nanoparticles in PS matrix. The structural and morphological properties of TiO2‐PS nanocomposites were investigated by (XRD) and optical microscopy, respectively. The results revealed that the inhomogeneous dispersion of NPs in PS matrix with varying concentration of NPs and could be tuned by controlling concentration and size of TiO2 NPs.
Social and Rational: The Presentation of Nature of Science and the Uptake of Change in Evolution Textbooks
Authors: FUSELIER LINDA C. , JACKSON J. KASI , STOIKO RACHEL 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTThe nature of science (NOS) as described by education scholars is a critical component of scientific literacy and includes both rational and social aspects taught best in an explicit and reflective manner. NOS is frequently tied to a critical contextual empiricism (CCE) framework for knowledge production. Central to CCE is that objectivity is attained only with an integration of the rational and social within a diverse community of scholars that is open to criticism. The field of sexual selection theory is ripe with opportunities to present NOS in an explicit and reflective context that promotes the understanding of knowledge production as simultaneously social and rational. We examined the presentation of sexual selection theory in college evolutionary biology textbooks to evaluate the extent to which textbooks demonstrate uptake of change in the field and use socially driven critique to present science as both social and rational. All of the textbooks incorporated new research in the field and some provided context about how and why the field has changed but not to the degree warranted by the rich literature available. We provide recommendations for the integration of NOS and social embeddedness of science, and posit that a portrayal of science as both social and rational has the potential to promote more inclusive science teaching and a more accurate representation of science.
Adaptive Requirements Prioritization (ARP): Improving Decisions between Conflicting Requirements
Authors: Salado Alejandro , Nilchiani Roshanak 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTPrioritization of requirements is a core activity of requirements engineering. Conventionally used to resolve conflicting requirements, it can be performed on a wide variety of attributes, reflecting, for example, stakeholder value, value to business, cost, connectivity, or risk. Its benefit in decision making is unquestionable, yet existing techniques are ineffective for realistic sets of requirements and consequently their adoption by practitioners is scarce, particularly in the fields of hardware‐intensive systems. The present research proposes an Adaptive Requirements Prioritization (ARP) method that improves decision making between conflicting requirements due to its principles of multidimensionality and objective‐base (the right criteria are used for any particular decision), and its usability due its principles of openness (it can be tailored according to specific project needs) and structure (requirements are grouped in subsets so that existing techniques become effective). The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated using Monte Carlo simulation for a variety of priority dimensions and priority levels.
Distributed mobility management in named data networking
Authors: Yan Zhiwei , Zeadally Sherali , Zhang Siran , Guo Ruowei , Park Yong‐Jin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe information‐centric networking concept was proposed to fulfill the scalability and efficiency requirements of the content‐centric Internet in the future. Among the multiple information‐centric networking proposals, Named Data Networking (NDN) is one of the most important representatives. NDN uses a hierarchical name to identify the data after which the on‐path cache can be deployed to improve the efficiency of data retrieval. However, with the development of mobile Internet, how to extend NDN in the mobile environment to enable efficient and scalable mobility management remains a challenge. We propose a distributed mobility management scheme for both the mobile receiver and the mobile publisher in NDN. Our proposed approach is based on the basic NDN naming and routing principles to select the branching node of the previous and new access locations of the mobile terminal after which the on‐path routing states are dynamically adjusted accordingly. Then we propose a novel analytical model to analyze the performance of the proposed scheme. The results demonstrate that the proposed scheme inherits the scalability and efficiency of NDN in the mobile Internet. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Family Complexity, Siblings, and Children’s Aggressive Behavior at School Entry
Authors: Fomby Paula , Goode Joshua A. , Mollborn Stefanie 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAs family structure in the United States has become increasingly dynamic and complex, children have become more likely to reside with step- or half-siblings through a variety of pathways. When these pathways are accounted for, more than one in six U.S. children live with a step- or half-sibling at age 4. We use data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (N ~ 6,550) to assess the independent and joint influences of residing with a single parent or stepparent and with step- or half-siblings on children’s aggressive behavior at school entry. The influences of parents’ union status and complex sibship status on aggressive behavior are independent. Family resources partially explain the association between residing with an unpartnered mother and aggressive behavior regardless of sibship status. However, the resource hypothesis does not explain the association of complex sibship with aggressive behavior.
Surgery is associated with ventricular enlargement as well as cognitive and functional decline
Authors: Schenning Katie J. , Murchison Charles F. , Mattek Nora C. , Silbert Lisa C. , Kaye Jeffrey A. , Quinn Joseph F. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIntroductionIn preclinical studies, surgery/anesthesia contribute to cognitive decline and enhance neuropathologic changes underlying Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, the link between surgery, anesthesia, apolipoprotein E ε4 (APOE ε4), and AD remains unclear.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort analysis of two prospective longitudinal aging studies. Mixed‐effects statistical models were used to assess the relationship between surgical/anesthetic exposure, the APOE genotype, and rate of change in measures of cognition, function, and brain volumes.ResultsThe surgical group (n = 182) experienced a more rapid rate of deterioration compared with the nonsurgical group (n = 345) in several cognitive, functional, and brain magnetic resonance imaging measures. Furthermore, there was a significant synergistic effect of anesthesia/surgery exposure and presence of the APOE ε4 allele in the decline of multiple cognitive and functional measures.DiscussionThese data provide insight into the role of surgical exposure as a risk factor for cognitive and functional decline in older adults.
Initial experience and treatment of atrial fibrillation using a novel irrigated multielectrode catheter: Results from a prospective two‐center study
Authors: Rodríguez‐Entem Felipe , Expósito Víctor , Rodríguez‐Mañero Moisés , González‐Enríquez Susana , Fernández‐López Xesús Alberte , García‐Seara Javier , Martínez‐Sande José Luis , Olalla Juan José 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundPV electrical isolation has become the cornerstone of catheter ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Several strategies have been proposed to achieve this goal. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of AF ablation using a new circular irrigated multielectrode ablation catheter designed to achieve single‐delivery pulmonary vein (PV) isolation.MethodsThirty‐five patients with drug refractory paroxysmal AF and normal ejection fraction from two centers were prospectively enrolled in this study. All patients underwent PV isolation with an nMARQ circular irrigated multielectrode ablation catheter guided by an electroanatomic mapping system. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed to exclude PV stenosis.ResultsPV isolation was achieved in 138 of 140 (98.57%) targeted veins. The mean procedure time was 79.5 min (SD 39.3 min). During a mean follow up of 16.8±2.8 months, 27 of 35 (77.2%) patients were free of AF. No PV narrowing was observed. One case of pericardial effusion due to perforation of the left atrial free wall during catheter manipulation did occur.ConclusionsPV isolation with a circular irrigated multielectrode ablation catheter is a feasible technique with a high acute success rate. The majority of patients remained asymptomatic during the midterm follow‐up period. PV stenosis was not detected. While only a single serious adverse event occurred, this technique's safety profile should be tested in larger studies.
Characterization of the novel mutant A78T‐HERG from a long QT syndrome type 2 patient: Instability of the mutant protein and stabilization by heat shock factor 1
Authors: Kondo Takehito , Hisatome Ichiro , Yoshimura Shouichi , Mahati Endang , Notsu Tomomi , Li Peili , Iitsuka Kazuhiko , Kato Masaru , Ogura Kazuyoshi , Miake Junichiro , Aiba Takeshi , Shimizu Wataru , Kurata Yasutaka , Sakata Shinji , Nakasone Naoe , Ninomiya Haruaki , Nakai Akira , Higaki Katsumi , Kawata Yasushi , Shirayoshi Yasuaki , Yoshida Akio , Yamamoto Kazuhiro 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe human ether‐a‐go‐go‐related gene (HERG) encodes the α‐subunit of rapidly activating delayed‐rectifier potassium channels. Mutations in this gene cause long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2). In most cases, mutations reduce the stability of the channel protein, which can be restored by heat shock (HS).MethodsWe identified the novel mutant A78T‐HERG in a patient with LQT2. The purpose of the current study was to characterize this mutant protein and test whether HS and heat shock factors (HSFs) could stabilize the mutant protein. A78T‐HERG and wild‐type HERG (WT‐HERG) were expressed in HEK293 cells and analyzed by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and whole‐cell patch clamping.ResultsWhen expressed in HEK293 cells, WT‐HERG gave rise to immature and mature forms of the protein at 135 and 155 kDa, respectively. A78T‐HERG gave rise only to the immature form, which was heavily ubiquitinated. The proteasome inhibitor MG132 increased the expression of immature A78T‐HERG and increased both the immature and mature forms of WT‐HERG. WT‐HERG, but not A78T‐HERG, was expressed on the plasma membrane. In whole‐cell patch clamping experiments, depolarizing pulses evoked E4031‐sensitive HERG channel currents in cells transfected with WT‐HERG, but not in cells transfected with A78T‐HERG. The A78V mutant, but not A78G mutant, remained in the immature form similarly to A78T. Maturation of the A78T‐HERG protein was facilitated by HS, expression of HSF‐1, or exposure to geranyl geranyl acetone.ConclusionsA78T‐HERG was characterized by protein instability and reduced expression on the plasma membrane. The stability of the mutant was partially restored by HSF‐1, indicating that HSF‐1 is a target for the treatment for LQT2 caused by the A78T mutation in HERG.
Dead on Time: Valerius Maximus 9.13 and Stoicism
Authors: Lawrence S.J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractValerius Maximus’ collection ofexemplahas received attention from modern scholars as a window into the morality of the early imperial period at Rome: for example, the recent work of Rebecca Langlands has drawn out the ethical complexities of the text. Little has been said, however, about the possible formal philosophical context of Valerius’ work since the suggestion of Franz Römer in 1990 that theFacta et Dicta Memorabiliawas deliberately structured to represent the Stoic cardinal virtues. This paper argues that there is a place for further study of the language and ideology of Stoicism in theFacta et Dicta Memorabilia. To illustrate this point, chapter 9.13:De Cupiditate Vitaeand its accompanying series of threeexemplaunder the titleQuam Exquisita Custodia Vsi Sint Quibus Suspecti Domestici Fueruntare examined in detail. It is argued that Valerius’ selection and framing of hisexemplaare in close sympathy with Stoic ideas of rational death, the passions, and the importance of self-control.
The Invisible Problem: The Incidence of Olfactory Impairment following Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Drummond Melanie , Douglas Jacinta , Olver John 
Published: November 2015

Background and aims: As many as 50–60% of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) admitted to rehabilitation facilities may have olfactory impairment (OI). These incidence estimates are derived from studies conducted internationally and there is no comparable data available in the Australian context. The primary aim of this study was to identify the incidence of OI following TBI in a consecutive sample of adults admitted to the Epworth Hospital Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program in Victoria, Australia. A secondary aim was to investigate whether age, duration of posttraumatic amnesia (PTA) and presence of facial fractures made a significant contribution to the prediction of severity of OI.Method: The sample comprised 134 adults (mean age 39.09 years, SD 18.36), the majority of whom had sustained moderate to severe injury (PTA mean 21.57 days, SD 18.78). OI was measured using the Pocket Smell Test (PST) and the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT).Results: Seventy-three participants (54.48%) demonstrated OI on the PST whereas 89 (66.42%) demonstrated OI on the UPSIT. Age, PTA duration, and presence of facial fractures predicted 10.3% of the variance in severity of OI.Conclusion: A substantial proportion of adults admitted for rehabilitation following TBI has OI. Accurate assessment and appropriate management of post-traumatic OI must be incorporated into rehabilitation programs.
Interactions between bilingual effects and language impairment: Exploring grammatical markers in Spanish-speaking bilingual children
Authors: CASTILLA-EARLS ANNY P. , RESTREPO MARÍA ADELAIDA , PÉREZ-LEROUX ANA TERESA , GRAY SHELLEY , HOLMES PAUL , GAIL DANIEL , CHEN ZIQIANG 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTThis study examines the interaction between language impairment and different levels of bilingual proficiency. Specifically, we explore the potential of articles and direct object pronouns as clinical markers of primary language impairment (PLI) in bilingual Spanish-speaking children. The study compared children with PLI and typically developing (TD) children matched on age, English language proficiency, and mother's education level. Two types of bilinguals were targeted: Spanish-dominant children with intermediate English proficiency (asymmetrical bilinguals), and near-balanced bilinguals. We measured children's accuracy in the use of direct object pronouns and articles with an elicited language task. Results from this preliminary study suggest language proficiency affects the patterns of use of direct object pronouns and articles. Across language proficiency groups, we find marked differences between TD and PLI, in the use of both direct object pronouns and articles. However, the magnitude of the difference diminishes in balanced bilinguals. Articles appear more stable in these bilinguals and, therefore, seem to have a greater potential to discriminate between TD bilinguals from those with PLI. Future studies using discriminant analyses are needed to assess the clinical impact of these findings.
Benchmarking global supply chains: the power of the ‘ethical audit’ regime
Authors: LEBARON GENEVIEVE , LISTER JANE 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis article critically investigates the growing power and effectiveness of the ‘ethical’ compliance audit regime. Over the last decade, audits have evolved from a tool for companies to track internal organisational performance into a transnational governing mechanism to measure and strengthen corporate accountability globally and shape corporate responsibility norms. Drawing on original interviews, we assess the effectiveness of supply chain benchmarks and audits in promoting environmental and social improvements in global retail supply chains. Two principal arguments emerge from our analysis. First, that audits can be best understood as a productive form of power, which codifies and legitimates retail corporations’ poor social and environmental records, and shapes state approaches to supply chain governance. Second, that growing public and government trust in audit metrics ends up concealing real problems in global supply chains. Retailers are, in fact, auditing only small portions of supply chains, omitting the portions of supply chains where labour and environmental abuse are most likely to take place. Furthermore, the audit regime tends to address labour and environmental issues very unevenly, since ‘people’ are more difficult to classify and verify through numbers than capital and product quality.
Mapping dominant annual land cover from 2009 to 2013 across Victoria, Australia using satellite imagery
Authors: Sheffield Kathryn , Morse-McNabb Elizabeth , Clark Rob , Robson Susan , Lewis Hayden 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThere is a demand for regularly updated, broad-scale, accurate land cover information in Victoria from multiple stakeholders. This paper documents the methods used to generate an annual dominant land cover (DLC) map for Victoria, Australia from 2009 to 2013. Vegetation phenology parameters derived from an annual time series of the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Vegetation Indices 16-day 250 m (MOD13Q1) product were used to generate annual DLC maps, using a three-tiered hierarchical classification scheme. Classification accuracy at the broadest (primary) class level was over 91% for all years, while it ranged from 72 to 81% at the secondary class level. The most detailed class level (tertiary) had accuracy levels ranging from 61 to 68%. The approach used was able to accommodate variable climatic conditions, which had substantial impacts on vegetation growth patterns and agricultural production across the state between both regions and years. The production of an annual dataset with complete spatial coverage for Victoria provides a reliable base data set with an accuracy that is fit-for-purpose for many applications.
Development of a panel of DNA Aptamers with High Affinity for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Champanhac Carole , Teng I-Ting , Cansiz Sena , Zhang Liqin , Wu Xiaoqiu , Zhoa Zilong , Fu Ting , Tan Weihong 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPancreatic cancer costs nearly 40,000 lives in the U.S. each year and has one of the lowest survival rates among cancers. Effective treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is hindered by lack of a reliable biomarker. To address this challenge, aptamers were selected by cell-SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential enrichment) targeting human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PL45). Five promising aptamers presenting low Kd values and good specificity were generated. Among these five aptamers, one was tailored into a nanostructure carrying a high drug payload for specific drug delivery. The results show a viability of almost 80% for negative cells while only 50% of the target cells remained alive after 48 h incubation. These results lead to the conclusion that further research could reveal protein biomarkers specific to pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with probes available for early detection.
Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharide peptide prevents renal ischemia reperfusion injury via counteracting oxidative stress
Authors: Zhong Dandan , Wang Hongkai , Liu Ming , Li Xuechen , Huang Ming , Zhou Hong , Lin Shuqian , Lin Zhibin , Yang Baoxue 
Published: November 2015

AbstractGanoderma lucidumpolysaccharide peptide (GLPP) scavenges oxygen free radicals that are a key factor in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia reperfusion injury (RIRI). The aim of this study was to determine whether GLPP could attenuate RIRI by counteracting the oxidative stress. The mechanism involved was assessed by anin vivomouse RIRI model and anin vitrohypoxia/reoxygenation model, and tunicamycin-stimulated NRK-52E cells were used to explore the GLPP-mediated alleviation of ER stress. Experimental results showed that renal dysfunction and morphological damage were reduced in GLPP-treated group. The imbalance of redox status was reversed and production of ROS was reduced by GLPP. RIRI-induced mitochondrial- and ER stress-dependent apoptosis were dramatically inhibited in GLPP-treated group. Intriguingly, JNK activation in the kidney with RIRI or hypoxia/reoxygenation was inhibited by GLPP. These results suggest that the protective effect of GLPP against RIRI may be due to reducing oxidative stress, alleviating the mitochondrial and ER stress-dependent apoptosis caused by excessive ROS.