bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Asymmetric Tribranched Dyes: An Intramolecular Cosensitization Approach for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Leandri Valentina , Ruffo Riccardo , Trifiletti Vanira , Abbotto Alessandro 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA new multidonor and multianchoring asymmetric tribranched organic photosensitizer (i.e., TB‐PT) for dye‐sensitized solar cells containing three different (D–π–D, D–π1–A, and D–π2–A; D = electron‐rich moiety, A = electron‐poor moiety, π = conjugated bridge) polar branches, two donor cores, and two acceptor/anchoring groups to TiO2 was investigated and compared with the corresponding symmetric dyes. TB‐PT combines the advantages arising from its π‐extended tribranched architecture and the intramolecular cosensitization approach, which results in enhanced tailored optical and energetic properties and, eventually, photovoltaic performances.
Zero Current Potentiometry for Measuring the Interface Potential at the Electrode/Solution Interface. Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Wu N. Y. , Zang Y. B. , Gao W. , Xu M. T. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA novel electrochemical approach has been proposed to measure the interface potential at the electrode/solution interface based on reconstructing the three‐electrode system of a potentiostat. In this work, the method was investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Mathematical expressions, describing currentpotential characteristics, were derived. Zero current potential Ezcp was defined as the potential at which the current is zero based on linear sweep voltammetry, and was determined from the IE curve to measure the interface potential. The experimental results obtained with the couples Fe(CN)63−/Fe(CN)64− and Co(NH3)63+/Co(NH3)62+ as examples agreed well with the theory. The proposed approach exhibits an excellent performance for measuring the interface potential due to the advantages of rapidity, high stability and accuracy.
Development of a Carbon Nanotube Modified Ionic Liquid Electrode for the Voltammetric Determination of Methyldopa Levels in Urine
Authors: Pérez‐Mella B. , Álvarez‐Lueje A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA glassy carbon electrode was modified with carbon nanotubes and the ionic liquid N‐butyl pyridinium trifluoromethyl methanesulfonate for the determination of methyldopa in urine samples. Methyldopa exhibited a well‐defined anodic signal over a broad pH range of 2–10 and the peak current increased approximately 100 fold over that of the unmodified electrode. Accordingly, a novel method for the determination of methyldopa was proposed using differential pulse voltammetry. The peak current was linear over a methyldopa concentration range from 21 to 2111 ng mL−1 with a LOD of 6.9 ng mL−1 and a LOQ of 7.4 ng mL−1. The method was applied to determine the excretion profile of methyldopa in urine without sample pretreatment.
The geomorphometry of endorheic drainage basins: implications for interpreting and modelling their evolution
Authors: Dorsaz Jean‐Marc , Gironás Jorge , Escauriaza Cristian , Rinaldo Andrea 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTEndorheic basins are catchments with no hydrological connection with marine environments. They cover 20% of the Earth's surface, and are mostly located in arid regions. Their drainage networks converge to lakes, salt flats or alluvial plains, whose dynamics are strongly driven by precipitation, evapotranspiration and groundwater discharge, among other factors. Integrated surface drainage and the creation of whole drainage systems typical of open basins are commonly restricted in these regions. Interestingly, the fluvial basin morphology of endorheic basins has not been extensively studied, and a variety of quantitative morphological descriptors used in open basins have not been utilized in the geomorphic analysis of endorheic basins. The objective of this study is to better understand the basin morphology of endorheic river basins by using well‐known geomorphological properties and their variations across scales. For three basins in northern Chile we computed the following descriptors and the corresponding relevant scales: the cumulative distribution of contributing area, the horizontal shape of the basins (i.e. Hack's law, normalized Euclidean length, and sinuosity of the streams), slope–area relationship, Horton's ratios and drainage density. We detected several properties typically found in open basins, but certain features which seem to be unique to closed basins were also identified. In particular, we found that horizontal and vertical geomorphic features seem to be linked, which suggests that an independent treatment of these features may not be appropriate for closed basins. Similar results were found regardless of the basin area, which illustrates the relevant effects of features that are specific to these particular regions. It is expected that our findings will improve both the geomorphic assessment of these basins and hydrological modelling of surface water and groundwater. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nurses in distress? An explorative study into the relation between distress and individual neuropsychiatric symptoms of people with dementia in nursing homes
Authors: Zwijsen S. A. , Kabboord A. , Eefsting J. A. , Hertogh C. M. P. M. , Pot A. M. , Gerritsen D. L. , Smalbrugge M. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesTo optimize care and interventions to improve care, and to reduce staff burden, it is important to have knowledge of the relation between individual neuropsychiatric symptoms and distress of care staff. We therefore explored the relation between frequency and severity of individual neuropsychiatric symptoms and distress of care staff.DesignThis is an explorative study with a cross‐sectional design.Participants and settingCare staff was interviewed regarding 432 residents of 17 nursing homes for people with dementia.MeasurementsBehavioural problems were assessed using the Nursing Home version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI‐NH) questionnaire. The distress scale of the NPI‐NH was used to determine the distress of care staff.ResultsAgitation/aggression had the highest mean distress score and was also the most prevalent symptom. Disinhibition and irritability/lability also had high mean distress scores, whereas euphoria/elation, hallucinations and apathy had the lowest mean distress score. The symptom severity of each symptom strongly predicted the distress score, whereas the frequency of the symptoms was a less important factor.ConclusionsAlthough some of these findings are in accordance with studies among informal caregivers, there are also notable differences. Apathy caused little distress among care staff. Therefore, care staff might not feel the urgency to explore the causes of this symptom. The findings of this study emphasize the importance of supporting care staff in the management of behavioural problems, especially aggression and apathy. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Staying Calm Amid Global Jitters
Authors: Glotzhober Coach Bob , Kowalski Julie 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe are living in turbulent times. No matter where you look around the globe, the one thing you can count on is uncertainty. And the whole world seems to have caught a case of the jitters. But you can't make good business decisions if you don't stay calm. Coach Bob Glotzhober is an expert at training corporate executives to stay steady during chaotic times. In this article, Coach Bob and coauthor Julie Kowalski share some strategies that work. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IFRS Adoption Around the World: Has It Worked?
Authors: Outa Erick Rading 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis article takes a close look at the adoption and implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) across the globe. Have they worked properly? And are they really necessary? Those kinds of questions are increasingly asked in the wake of various recent financial scandals and crises. In spite of major efforts by standard setting bodies to develop and promote quality standards, many challenges remain. And the adoption of IFRS around the world has produced mixed results. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How to Integrate a Global Supply Chain With Finance
Authors: Lee Reginald Tomas 
Published: August 2013

AbstractInternational operations have become a reality for many midsize and large companies. Customers, suppliers, materials, and capital are all available around the globe. So it's natural that companies would go beyond national borders to get access to them. But in doing so, there is always the question of how to do it efficiently and effectively. This can lead to questions that can be complex to answer. For instance, should a company buy from intracountry vendors or from those in other countries? The company has to consider the issues of different currencies, different employment laws, different taxes, and different operating regulations. Each of these—and many other factors—may impact the decision from a financial perspective. Yet for many companies, this is a decision made by the supply chain. The question is, are they the right group to make this decision? © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Best Practices of High‐Performing Employees: Rewards and Performance in a Balanced Scorecard Environment
Authors: Albright Thomas L. , Burgess Christopher M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe balanced scorecard captures strategically relevant performance measures used as part of a per‐formance evaluation system. These systems often include financial and nonfinancial rewards intended to motivate employees to take actions aligned with corporate strategy. Yet recent literature finds that rewards can have the opposite of intended effects. We consider the best practices of high‐performing banking employees in the context of a balanced scorecard system that provides financial and nonfinan‐cial rewards for performance. Further, we consider the strategic, contextual environment in which these institutions compete. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Initiation processes of return strokes in rocket‐triggered lightning
Authors: Wang D. , Takagi N. , Gamerota W. R. , Uman M. A. , Hill J. D. , Jordan D. M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractUsing a high speed optical imaging system operated at a time resolution of either 10 ns or 100 ns, we have documented the initiation process of 14 return strokes in four rocket‐triggered lightning flashes. Of the 14 strokes, nine occurred following dart leaders and five following dart‐stepped leaders. The return strokes are found to initiate at heights ranging from 7.2 ± 1.4 to 21.0 ± 4.6 m above the lightning termination point. Return strokes with larger peak current tend to initiate higher. All the return strokes show initial bidirectional (upward and downward from their initiation height) propagation. We have been able to estimate the initial upward propagation speeds below 60 m for all of the return strokes. The resultant speeds range from 0.4 × 108 to 2.5 × 108 m/s. For the downward propagation speeds, only six strokes among the 14 strokes allow us to perform a reasonable estimation. Those downward speeds range from 0.6 × 108 to 1.9 × 108 m/s.
A cross‐cultural segmentation of western Balkan consumers: focus on preferences toward traditional fresh cow cheese
Authors: Giraud Georges , Amblard Corinne , Thiel Elise , Zaouche‐Laniau Martine , Stojanović Žaklina , Pohar Jure , Butigan Ružica , Cvetković Miljan , Mugosa Boban , Kendrovski Vladimir , Mora Cristina , Barjolle Dominique 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDWestern Balkan countries (WBCs) have a long‐standing culinary tradition. The promotion of traditional foods may be a tool for coping with modernisation trends in such transition economies. This paper explores consumer preferences toward food in this region, focusing on a traditional fresh cow cheese locally called ‘Mladi Sir’. This product was quoted in all the preliminary focus groups as a common traditional product present in the six WBCs studied: Bosnia–Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia.RESULTSAfter a literature review investigating the concept of traditional food in WBCs and the implementation of focus groups, a survey including a conjoint analysis on preferences for fresh cow cheese was carried out in 2011 to collect data from 1200 respondents. Four clusters of consumers were identified: one focused more on the local origin; one oriented more toward the scale of production (on‐farm and small dairy); the third favouring low prices and the fourth preferring high prices and industrial products.CONCLUSIONPolicy makers and the supply chain could take these differences in consumer preferences regarding traditional food products into account in order to develop specific strategies. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Street food on the move: A socio‐philosophical approach
Authors: Calloni Marina 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn the last decade social and hard scientists have increasingly analysed the issue of street food, which is now become a question of common concern in international public discourse. However, considering present literature and investigations, a socio‐philosophical approach to the issue under examination has been until now not properly developed. For this reason, this paper is not aimed at improving an empirical research on street food. Rather, it is interested in developing an innovative methodological approach, which assumes transcultural, intersectional, diachronic and interdisciplinary viewpoints in the analysis of the phenomenon. Taking as a background the very rich theoretical and empirical literature on food (which is difficult to be summarised in a few pages), the paper intends to strengthen a conceptual analysis of street food as a social construction and historical symbol, opening up new theoretical, comparative, sociological and pragmatic perspectives. The normative and critical content of street food refers thusex negativoto the right to the quality of food and to have a decent and peaceful existence in both post‐colonial and post‐industrial societies in an interconnected global age. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Traditional foods and food systems: a revision of concepts emerging from qualitative surveys on‐site in the Black Sea area and Italy
Authors: D'Antuono L Filippo 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe European FP7 BaSeFood project included a traditional food study contextually analysing their function in local food systems to stimulate consumers' awareness and indicate co‐existence options for different scale exploitation. Background concepts were (1) the available traditional foods definitions; (2) the theoretical background of food quality perceptions; and (3) the different levels of food functions.METHODSField investigations were carried out by face‐to‐face in‐depth qualitative interviews with local stakeholders, in the Black Sea region and Italy, on all aspects of traditional food production chains: raw materials, products, processes and perceptions. Critical and intercultural comparisons represented the basis of data analysis.RESULTSEight hundred and thirty‐nine foods were documented. The direct experience perception of traditional food value observed in local contexts is somewhat contrasting with the present European tendency to communicate traditional food nature through registration or proprietary standards. Traditional foods are generally a combination of energetic staples with other available ingredients; their intrinsic variability makes the definition of ‘standard’ recipes little more than an artefact of convenience; cross‐country variations are determined by available ingredients, social conditions and nutritional needs. Commercial production requires some degree of raw material and process standardisation. New technologies and rules may stimulate traditional food evolution, but may also represent a barrier for local stakeholders. A trend to work within supply chains by local stakeholders was detected. Specific health promoting values were rarely perceived as a fundamental character. The stable inclusion of traditional food systems in present food supply chains requires a recovery of consumers' awareness of traditional food quality appreciation. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis of Telechelic Poly(ether sulfone) Oligomers by Chain‐Growth Condensation Polymerization
Authors: Benhalima Abdelkader , Furtos Alexandra , Brisson Josée 
Published: August 2013

The synthesis of telechelic poly(ether sulfone)s with methoxy end groups is reported. Molecular weights ranging from 1600 to 2800 g mol−1 and polydispersities of 1.1–1.2 are synthesized by chain‐growth condensation polymerization. The initiator is chosen by using semiempirical calculations and 19F NMR spectroscopy measurements. The polymers are characterized by NMR spectroscopy and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) mass spectrometry (MS), and are terminated by a methoxy group at one end and a fluorine at the other, and up to approximately 20% polymer of similar mass but slightly higher polydispersity, methoxy terminated at both ends, is present, along with less than 5% of polymer terminated at both ends by fluorine atoms. These do not need to be separated, and can be converted to methoxy‐ending telechelic blocks, yielding polyvalent, reactive rigid building blocks for copolymer synthesis.
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α1‐Syntrophin–deficient mice exhibit impaired muscle force recovery after osmotic shock
Authors: Yokota Toshifumi , Miyagoe‐Suzuki Yuko , Ikemoto Takaaki , Matsuda Ryoichi , Takeda Shin'ichi 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: α1‐syntrophin, a member of the dystrophin complex, recruits membrane molecules, including aquaporin‐4, at the sarcolemma. The physiological functions of α1‐syntrophin are poorly understood. Methods: We examined the physiological characteristics of α1‐syntrophin–deficient muscles under osmotic stress conditions to test the possibility that mutant muscles are less tolerant of osmotic shock. Results: Isolated muscle bundles from mutant mice showed markedly reduced force production after hypo‐osmotic shock. In addition, the mutant muscle bundles showed delayed recovery of specific gravity after being exposed to hypo‐osmotic conditions. Two consecutive exercise tests on the treadmill revealed their performance in the second test was significantly lower than for wild‐type mice. Furthermore, mutant mice had higher serum lactate concentrations after treadmill exercise. Conclusions: Although the lack of α1‐syntrophin from the sarcolemma does not lead to muscle degeneration, our results suggest that it may be partly involved in the pathophysiology of dystrophin‐deficient Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Muscle Nerve 49: 728–735, 2014
Utility of minimum F‐wave latencies compared with F‐estimates and absolute reference values in S1 radiculopathies: Are they still needed?
Authors: Mauricio Elizabeth A. , Dimberg Elliot L. , Rubin Devon I. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The utility of F‐waves in assessing radiculopathies is debated. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of abnormal minimum tibial F‐wave latencies compared to an F‐estimate and an absolute reference value in patients with electromyography (EMG) confirmed S1 radiculopathies. Methods: A retrospective review of F‐waves in patients with an EMG‐confirmed isolated S1 radiculopathy was performed. The minimum and mean latencies of 8 tibial F‐waves were compared with the calculated F‐estimate and to an absolute reference value, and the frequencies of abnormal responses were determined. Results: Of the 50 patients with an S1 radiculopathy, 4% had prolongation of the minimum reproducible F‐wave latency, and 8% had prolongation of the mean latency relative to the calculated F‐estimate. Conclusions: The minimum and mean F‐wave latencies are infrequently abnormal when compared with an estimated F‐wave latency in S1 radiculopathies and are insensitive in the assessment of S1 nerve root injury. Muscle Nerve 49: 809–813, 2014
Acute kidney injury in statin initiators
Authors: Layton J. Bradley , Brookhart M. Alan , Jonsson Funk Michele , Simpson Ross J. , Pate Virginia , Stürmer Til , Kshirsagar Abhijit V. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTPurposeStatins are widely used for preventing cardiovascular disease, yet recent reports suggest an increased risk of acute kidney injury (AKI). We estimated the one‐year risk of AKI associated with statin initiation and determined the comparative safety of individual statin formulations.MethodsWe performed a cohort study in insurance billing data from commercial and Medicare insurance plans in the United States for the years 2000–2010. We identified statin initiators and non‐users with histories of medication use and healthcare utilization. AKI diagnosis codes were identified in the one year following the index date. We estimated hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) with adjusted and propensity score (PS)‐matched Cox‐proportional hazards models. Models were run separately in insurance groups and adjusted for cardiovascular and renal risk factors, markers of healthcare utilization, and other medication use.ResultsWe identified 3,905,155 statin initiators and 2,817,621 eligible non‐users. The adjusted HR of AKI in statin initiators compared to non‐users was: commercial, HR = 1.04 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.09); Medicare, HR = 0.72 (95% CI: 0.70, 0.75). PS‐matching yielded: commercial, HR = 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.87); Medicare, HR = 0.66 (95% CI: 0.63, 0.69). As individual formulations, higher‐potency simvastatin was associated with an increased risk of AKI over lower‐potency simvastatin in adjusted models: commercial, HR = 1.42 (95% CI: 1.28, 1.58); Medicare, HR = 1.24 (95% CI: 1.15, 1.35).ConclusionsAs a class, statin initiation was not associated with an increase in AKI. However, higher‐potency simvastatin did exhibit an increased AKI risk. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sox Transcription Factors Require Selective Interactions with Oct4 and Specific Transactivation Functions to Mediate Reprogramming
Authors: Aksoy Irene , Jauch Ralf , Eras Volker , Chng Wen-bin Alfred , Chen Jiaxuan , Divakar Ushashree , Ng Calista Keow Leng , Kolatkar Prasanna R. , Stanton Lawrence W. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The unique ability of Sox2 to cooperate with Oct4 at selective binding sites in the genome is critical for reprogramming somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We have recently demonstrated that Sox17 can be converted into a reprogramming factor by alteration of a single amino acid (Sox17EK) within its DNA binding HMG domain. Here we expanded this study by introducing analogous mutations to 10 other Sox proteins and interrogated the role of N-and C-termini on the reprogramming efficiency. We found that point-mutated Sox7 and Sox17 can convert human and mouse fibroblasts into iPSCs, but Sox4, Sox5, Sox6, Sox8, Sox9, Sox11, Sox12, Sox13, and Sox18 cannot. Next we studied regions outside the HMG domain and found that the C-terminal transactivation domain of Sox17 and Sox7 enhances the potency of Sox2 in iPSC assays and confers weak reprogramming potential to the otherwise inactive Sox4EK and Sox18EK proteins. These results suggest that the glutamate (E) to lysine (K) mutation in the HMG domain is necessary but insufficient to swap the function of Sox factors. Moreover, the HMG domain alone fused to the VP16 transactivation domain is able to induce reprogramming, albeit at low efficiency. By molecular dissection of the C-terminus of Sox17, we found that the β-catenin interaction region contributes to the enhanced reprogramming efficiency of Sox17EK. To mechanistically understand the enhanced reprogramming potential of Sox17EK, we analyzed ChIP-sequencing and expression data and identified a subset of candidate genes specifically regulated by Sox17EK and not by Sox2. Stem Cells 2013;31:2632–2646