bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thickness‐dependent swelling of molecular layer‐by‐layer polyamide nanomembranes
Authors: Chan Edwin P. , Lee Stephen C. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe thickness‐dependent water vapor swelling of molecular layer‐by‐layer polyamide films is studied via specular X‐ray reflectivity. The maximum swelling ratio of these ultrathin films scale inversely with thickness but more importantly show a dual‐mode sorption behavior characterized by Langmuir‐like sorption at low relative humidity and network swelling at high relative humidity. The thickness‐dependent network parameters are extracted using a proposed model that builds on Painter‐Shenoy network swelling model while taking into account the glass‐like characteristic below a critical swelling ratio, which also scales inversely with thickness. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 412–417
BEFTIGRE: Behaviour‐driven full‐tier green evaluation of mobile cloud applications
Authors: Chinenyeze Samuel J. , Liu Xiaodong , Al‐Dubai Ahmed 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWith the resource‐constrained nature of mobile devices and the resource‐abundant offerings of the cloud, several promising optimisation techniques have been proposed by the green computing research community. Prominent techniques and unique methods have been developed to offload resource intensive tasks from mobile devices to the cloud. Although these schemes address similar questions within the same domain of mobile cloud application (MCA) optimisation, evaluation is tailored to the scheme and also solely mobile focused, thus making it difficult to clearly compare with other existing counterparts. In this work, we first analyse the existing/commonly adopted evaluation technique, then with the aim to fill the above gap, we propose the behaviour‐driven full‐tier green evaluation approach, which adopts the behaviour‐driven concept for evaluating MCA performance and energy usage—ie, green metrics. To automate the evaluation process, we also present and evaluate the effectiveness of a resultant application program interface and tool driven by the behaviour‐driven full‐tier green evaluation approach. The application program interface is based on Android and has been validated with Elastic Compute Cloud instance. Experiments show that Beftigre is capable of providing a more distinctive, comparable, and reliable green test results for MCAs.
Structures of RNA repeats associated with neurological diseases
Authors: Błaszczyk Leszek , Rypniewski Wojciech , Kiliszek Agnieszka 
Published: January 2017

All RNA molecules possess a ‘propensity’ to fold into complex secondary and tertiary structures. Although they are composed of only four types of nucleotides, they show an enormous structural richness which reflects their diverse functions in the cell. However, in some cases the folding of RNA can have deleterious consequences. Aberrantly expanded, repeated RNA sequences can exhibit gain‐of‐function abnormalities and become pathogenic, giving rise to many incurable neurological diseases. Most RNA repeats form long hairpin structures whose stem consists of noncanonical base pairs interspersed among Watson–Crick pairs. The expanded hairpins have an ability to sequester important proteins and form insoluble nuclear foci. The RNA pathology, common to many repeat disorders, has drawn attention to the structures of the RNA repeats. In this review, we summarize secondary structure probing and crystallographic studies of disease‐related RNA repeat sequences. We discuss the unique structural features which can contribute to the pathogenic properties of the repeated runs. In addition, we present the newest reports concerning structural data linked to therapeutic approaches. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1412. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1412This article is categorized under:

RNA Structure and Dynamics > RNA Structure, Dynamics, and Chemistry
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
RNA in extracellular vesicles
Authors: Kim Kyoung Mi , Abdelmohsen Kotb , Mustapic Maja , Kapogiannis Dimitrios , Gorospe Myriam 
Published: January 2017

Cells release a range of membrane‐enclosed extracellular vesicles (EVs) into the environment. Among them, exosomes and microvesicles (collectively measuring 40–1000 nm in diameter) carry proteins, signaling lipids, and nucleic acids from donor cells to recipient cells, and thus have been proposed to serve as intercellular mediators of communication. EVs transport cellular materials in many physiologic processes, including differentiation, stem cell homeostasis, immune responses, and neuronal signaling. EVs are also increasingly recognized as having a direct role in pathologies such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Accordingly, EVs have been the focus of intense investigation as biomarkers of disease, prognostic indicators, and even therapeutic tools. Here, we review the classes of RNAs present in EVs, both coding RNAs (messenger RNAs) and noncoding RNAs (long noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, and circular RNAs). The rising attention to EV‐resident RNAs as biomarkers stems from the fact that RNAs can be detected at extremely low quantities using a number of methods. To illustrate the interest in EV biology, we discuss EV RNAs in cancer and neurodegeneration, two major age‐associated disease processes. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1413. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1413This article is categorized under:

RNA Export and Localization > RNA Localization
microRNA‐binding proteins: specificity and function
Authors: Zealy Richard W. , Wrenn Samuel P. , Davila Sylvia , Min Kyung‐Won , Yoon Je‐Hyun 
Published: January 2017

microRNA (miRNA) and RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) have been studied widely in post‐transcriptional gene regulation. Previous work has focused on defining how miRNA and RBPs modulate target mRNA decay and translation as well as investigating how they interplay each other. Emerging studies indicate that certain RBPs other than the AGO‐family proteins directly interact with mature miRNAs. These findings implicate competitive binding of RBPs to target miRNAs, sequestration of miRNAs from AGO, promotion of AGO binding to miRNAs, and transfer of miRNAs from RBPs to AGO. Recent work also indicates that AGO‐free cytoplasmic miRNAs establish complexes with novel miRNA‐binding proteins (miRBPs). This review covers the recent discovery of novel miRBPs, offering a new perspective on the miRNA‐mediated gene silencing mechanism. WIREs RNA 2017, 8:e1414. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1414This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
Spontaneous Imbibition Experiments of Enhanced Oil Recovery with Surfactants and Complex Nano‐Fluids
Authors: Towler Brian F. , Lehr Heidi L. , Austin Scott W. , Bowthorpe Brooks , Feldman Jacob H. , Forbis Sabrina K. , Germack David , Firouzi Mahshid 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTwo types of porous media were analyzed with the intention of exploring alternative enhanced oil recovery methods. Core samples were taken from the Tensleep Formation of the Black Mountain Field in Hot Springs County, WY. The lithology is mainly sandstone and dolomite. The measured effective porosity values ranged from 13.0 to 18.0%, and permeabilities from 19 to 68 md. Production from the Tensleep and Phosphoria formations using conventional methods has resulted in a low secondary recovery factor, possibly due to high capillary forces and an oil‐wet formation. Different surfactants were investigated to determine the viability of a possible enhanced oil recovery process using a spontaneous imbibition process in Amott cells. A very high enhanced recovery factor of more than 89% was achieved using a complex nano‐fluid that consists of a mixture of surfactant, solvent, co‐solvent and water. These recovery factors compared with 13% by brine imbibition and up to 21% using commercial surfactants. At the other end of the scale, very high porosity volcanic pumice was also subjected to the same tests. For this rock the porosity values ranged from 65 to 90% and permeabilities were 2.0–2.7 d. Secondary recovery showed values up to 81% on spontaneous imbibition and up to 91% when surfactants were employed. These experimental results indicate that pumice has favorable reservoir characteristics, but, due to its weak brittle nature, it would not be expected that it could withstand the overburden stress at any significant depth. However, it does represent a useful laboratory specimen.
EPA, DHA, and Lipoic Acid Differentially Modulate the n‐3 Fatty Acid Biosynthetic Pathway in Atlantic Salmon Hepatocytes
Authors: Bou Marta , Østbye Tone‐Kari , Berge Gerd M. , Ruyter Bente 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate how EPA, DHA, and lipoic acid (LA) influence the different metabolic steps in the n‐3 fatty acid (FA) biosynthetic pathway in hepatocytes from Atlantic salmon fed four dietary levels (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0%) of EPA, DHA or a 1:1 mixture of these FA. The hepatocytes were incubated with [1‐14C] 18:3n‐3 in the presence or absence of LA (0.2 mM). Increased endogenous levels of EPA and/or DHA and LA exposure both led to similar responses in cells with reduced desaturation and elongation of [1‐14C] 18:3n‐3 to 18:4n‐3, 20:4n‐3, and EPA, in agreement with reduced expression of the Δ6 desaturase gene involved in the first step of conversion. DHA production, on the other hand, was maintained even in groups with high endogenous levels of DHA, possibly due to a more complex regulation of this last step in the n‐3 metabolic pathway. Inhibition of the Δ6 desaturase pathway led to increased direct elongation to 20:3n‐3 by both DHA and LA. Possibly the route by 20:3n‐3 and then Δ8 desaturation to 20:4n‐3, bypassing the first Δ6 desaturase step, can partly explain the maintained or even increased levels of DHA production. LA increased DHA production in the phospholipid fraction of hepatocytes isolated from fish fed 0 and 0.5% EPA and/or DHA, indicating that LA has the potential to further increase the production of this health‐beneficial FA in fish fed diets with low levels of EPA and/or DHA.
Current and recalled childhood gender identity in community youth in comparison to referred adolescents seeking sex reassignment
Authors: Sumia Maria , Lindberg Nina , Työläjärvi Marja , Kaltiala‐Heino Riittakerttu 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTWe studied current (GIDYQ‐A) and recalled (RCGI) childhood gender identity among 719 upper secondary school students 401 girls, mean age 17.0 (SD = 0.88) years old and 318 boys, mean age 17.2 (SD = 0.86 years old in Finland. We also compared these dimensions of identity in community youth to same dimensions among adolescent sex reassignment (SR) applicants. Most community youth scored high on the normative, cis‐gender end of gender experience (median score 4.9 for boys and 4.9 for girls) and recalled fairly gender typical childhood behaviours and experiences. The girls displayed more gender non‐conformity in childhood. Among the boys 2.2% and among the girls 0.5% displayed potentially clinically significant gender dysphoria on the GIDYQ‐A. The community youth differed clearly from adolescent SR applicants on current and recalled childhood gender identity (SR applicants were 47, 6 natal boys and 41 natal girls, average ages were 16.4 years old (SD = 0.93) and girls were on average 16.8 years old (SD = 1.0).
Non-suicidal self-injury within the school context: Multilevel analysis of teachers’ support and peer climate
Authors: Madjar N. , Ben Shabat S. , Elia R. , Fellner N. , Rehavi M. , Rubin S.E. , Segal N. , Shoval G. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies regarding non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents have focused primarily on individual characteristics (e.g., depressive symptoms) and background factors (e.g., parental relationship), whereas less emphasis has been given to the role of school-related factors in NSSI. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to explore the relationships between teachers’ support, peer climate, and NSSI within the school context.MethodsThe sample consisted of 594 high school students nested within 27 regular classes (54.4% boys; mean age 14.96, SD = 1.33 years). The students were evaluated for NSSI behaviors, perception of teacher support, peer climate, relationships with mothers, and depressive symptoms using validated scales.ResultsThe primary analysis used hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), controlling for gender and age. The main findings indicated that teacher support was positively associated with NSSI at the classroom-level (OR = 6.15, 95% CI = 2.05–18.5) but negatively associated at the student-level (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49–0.89). There was a trend toward an association between positive peer climate and NSSI at the classroom-level (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.18–1.05), while negative peer climate was associated with NSSI at the student-level (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.00–1.87).ConclusionsSchool-related factors are associated with NSSI behaviors among students. Teachers and educators should focus on both individual-level and classroom-level perceptions of school context. Students who feel supported by their teachers and who are exposed to a positive peer climate are less likely to engage in NSSI.
Small vessel disease is linked to disrupted structural network covariance in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Nestor Sean M. , Mišić Bratislav , Ramirez Joel , Zhao Jiali , Graham Simon J. , Verhoeff Nicolaas P.L.G. , Stuss Donald T. , Masellis Mario , Black Sandra E. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIntroductionCerebral small vessel disease (SVD) is thought to contribute to Alzheimer's disease (AD) through abnormalities in white matter networks. Gray matter (GM) hub covariance networks share only partial overlap with white matter connectivity, and their relationship with SVD has not been examined in AD.MethodsWe developed a multivariate analytical pipeline to elucidate the cortical GM thickness systems that covary with major network hubs and assessed whether SVD and neurodegenerative pathologic markers were associated with attenuated covariance network integrity in mild AD and normal elderly control subjects.ResultsSVD burden was associated with reduced posterior cingulate corticocortical GM network integrity and subneocorticocortical hub network integrity in AD.DiscussionThese findings provide evidence that SVD is linked to the selective disruption of cortical hub GM networks in AD brains and point to the need to consider GM hub covariance networks when assessing network disruption in mixed disease.
Just do it! Why committed consumers react negatively to assertive ads
Authors: Zemack‐Rugar Yael , Moore Sarah G. , Fitzsimons Gavan J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractResearch shows that assertive ads, which direct consumers to take specific actions (e.g., Visit us; Just do it!), are ineffective due to reactance. However, such ads remain prevalent. We reexamine assertive ads, showing that their effectiveness depends on consumers' relationship with the advertising brand. Across studies, we compare committed and uncommitted consumers' reactions to assertive ads. We find that because committed (vs. uncommitted) brand relationships involve stronger compliance norms, assertive ads create greater pressure to comply for committed consumers. Specifically, we propose and show that committed consumers anticipate feeling guilty if they ignore an assertive message, creating pressure to comply. Pressure to comply increases reactance, which paradoxically reduces compliance, ultimately leading to decreased ad and brand liking as well as decreased monetary allocations to the brand. Our results show the perils that assertive ads pose for marketers and their most valuable customers.
How goal progress influences regulatory focus in goal pursuit
Authors: Bullard Olya , Manchanda Rajesh V. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThis research examines the influence of goal progress on the regulatory focus of goals. The results of five experiments demonstrate that in earlier stages of goal pursuit, individuals represent goals as promotion‐focused, while in later stages of goal pursuit, individuals represent goals as prevention‐focused. This effect is driven by the differential reliance on the initial versus the desired state as a reference point throughout goal pursuit. In earlier stages of goal pursuit, reliance on the initial state as a reference point produces a gain‐framed assessment of goal progress and leads to a promotion‐focused view of goals. In later stages of goal pursuit, reliance on the desired state as a reference point produces a loss‐framed assessment of goal progress and leads to a prevention‐focused view of goals. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
The impact of reshoring decisions on shareholder wealth
Authors: Brandon‐Jones Emma , Dutordoir Marie , Frota Neto Joao Quariguasi , Squire Brian 
Published: January 2017

AbstractInterest in reshoring, defined as the return of manufacturing and service operations from previously offshored locations to the U.S., has gained momentum recently. Yet, there is no academic evidence on the shareholder value implications of reshoring decisions. This paper analyzes the shareholder wealth effects of 37 reshoring decisions announced by U.S. firms during 2006–2015. Our results indicate that reshoring announcements result in positive abnormal stock returns. Mean (median) abnormal stock returns on reshoring announcements are 0.45% (0.29%), corresponding with a mean (median) market value change of $322.57 million ($31.60 million). Our findings imply that the benefits associated with the reshoring tend to outweigh the costs. This finding is relevant for firms faced with the decision of whether to move business activities from offshore to domestic locations. It is also of interest to policy makers who may seek to further stimulate the reshoring phenomenon.
Green synthesis of Sulphur Nanoparticles assisted by a herbal surfactant in aqueous solutions
Authors: Javan Kouzegaran Vahid , Farhadi Khalil 
Published: January 2017

A novel and green method to synthesise sulphur nanoparticles (SNPs) through precipitation reaction of aqueous sodium thiosulphate catalysed by oxalic acid using a herbal surfactant in aqueous solutions is reported. The herbal surfactant, saponin, was extracted from a native plant called Acanthe Phylum Bracteatum grown in Urmia West Azerbaijan, Iran. The SNPs were characterised by dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, transmission EM, atomic force microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. On the basis of the particle characterisation data, the mean size of SNPs was recorded about 40 nm. The monodispersed SNPs owe their size to micelle formation of saponin around the sulphur particles.
Characterisation and evaluation of antibacterial potential of guava extract loaded poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate nanoparticles against multidrug‐resistant bacteria
Authors: Masood Farha , Muhammad Shafi , Bokhari Habib , Yasin Tariq , Hameed Abdul 
Published: January 2017

In this work, the antibacterial potential of different plant's leaves, i.e. Psidium guajava (guava), Raphanus sativus (radish), Solanum pseudocapsicum (winter cherry), Mentha royaleana (mint) and Calotropis procera (rubber tree) was evaluated against the multidrug‐resistant (MDR) bacteria. Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor (VC O1 ET), V. cholerae Non‐O1/Non‐O139 (VC N‐O1/N‐O139), enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) were included among the MDR bacterial strains. The significantly high (P < 0.001) antibacterial activities were observed against the MDR bacteria in case of the methanol extract of the P. guajava (GUV) leaves. The characterisation studies of GUV extract were done by thin layer chromatography, wide angle X‐diffraction and Fourier transform infrared techniques. The GUV extract was encapsulated in poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) nanoparticles using the nanoprecipitation method. Blank PHBV nanoparticles demonstrated no antibacterial activity against the selected MDR strains. The GUV extract loaded PHBV nanoparticles produced significantly large (P < 0.001) zones of inhibition, i.e. MRSA (24 mm), EPEC (23 mm), EAEC (23 mm), VC O1 ET (21 mm) and VC N‐O1/N‐O139 (20 mm) against the MDR bacterial strains as compared with the GUV extract alone. The results have demonstrated a great potential of PHBV nanoparticles to become an efficient carrier for delivery of the potent bioactive molecules.
Influence of applied voltage on the physical and electrical properties of anodic Sm2O3 thin films on Si in 0.01 M NaOH solution
Authors: Wong Yew Hoong , Lee Chit Ying , Goh Kian Heng 
Published: January 2017

Formation of anodic samarium oxide thin film by anodisation of 15 nm thin sputtered samarium metal on silicon substrate was systematically investigated. Sputtered Sm on Si substrate was followed by anodisation in 0.01 M NaOH (pH 11) at various applied voltages (10, 15, 20, and 25 V). All anodisation processes were performed for 10 min at room temperature in the bath with constant stirring. The crystallinity of Sm2O3 film was evaluated by X‐ray diffraction analysis. The crystallite size of Sm2O3 was calculated by Scherrer equation. The cross‐section of 20 V sample was examined by high‐resolution transmission electron microscope. The sample anodised at 20 V demonstrated the highest electrical breakdown field of 9.50 MV/cm at 10−4A/cm2. This is attributed to the lowest effective oxide charge, slow trap charge density, average interface trap density, and total interface trap density.
One‐pot synthesis of chitosan/iron oxide nanocomposite as an eco‐friendly bioadsorbent for water remediation of methylene blue
Authors: Keshvardoostchokami Mina , Piri Farideh , Zamani Abbasali 
Published: January 2017

Chitosan/iron oxide nanocomposite was synthesised via a one‐pot method, then its functional groups and morphological structure were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Brunner, Emmett, and Teller analysis and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The synthesised nanoparticles had an average particle size of 50 nm with a surface area, total pore volume and mean pore diameter of the nanocomposites calculated at 0.46 m2/g, 0.11 cm3/g and 53.209 nm, respectively. After characterisations, the nanoparticles were applied as the bioadsorbent for aqueous solutions, which were polluted with methylene blue as a model of cationic dyes. The maximum adsorption capacity obtained was 5.12 mg/g. The study parameters influencing the adsorption processes show that 0.2 g of chitosan/iron oxide nanocomposite removed 80% of the pollution (initial concentration 10 mg/l) from 50 ml of water with a pH > 4 after 60 min at 25°C, while unmodified chitosan removed only 20%. The nanoparticles were able to remove over 50% of the dye after five reused cycles. The application of different salts revealed that sodium chloride had a greater restraint effect than sodium sulphate on the adsorbent. The pseudo‐second‐order and the Langmuir model successfully exhibited the adsorption kinetic and isotherm.