bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Error-in-Confounders on the Estimation of the Causal Parameter When Using Marginal Structural Models and Inverse Probability-of-Treatment Weights: A Simulation Study
Authors: Regier Michael D. , Moodie Erica E. M. , Platt Robert W. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWe performed an empirical study to evaluate the effect of mismeasured continuous confounders on the estimation of the causal parameter when using marginal structural models and inverse probability-of-treatment weighting. By executing an extensive simulation using 500 randomly generated parameter value combinations within a defined space, we observed the well-understood effects of attenuation and augmentation, and two unanticipated effects: null effects and sign reversals. We implemented a secondary empirical study to further investigate the sign reversal effect. We use the results of our study to identify conceptual similarities between the analytic and empirical results for multivariable linear and logistic regression, and our empirical results. Through this synthesis, we have been able to suggest feasible directions of research as well as outline the form of expected results.
Microwave, Air and Combined Microwave-Air Drying of Grape Leaves (Vitis vinifera L.) and the Determination of Some Quality Parameters
Authors: Alibas Ilknur 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Grape leaves (Vitis vinifera L.) weighing 50 g (±0.08) with a moisture of 4.08 kg(moisture) kg−1
(dry matter) (75.35% wb) were dried using three different drying methods: microwave, air and combined microwave-air. Drying continued until the leaf moisture decreased to 0.14 (±0.01) kg(moisture) kg−1
(dry matter) (9.07% (±0.20) wb). Drying periods lasted 5–11, 30–70 and 1.5–6 min for microwave, air and combined microwave-air drying, respectively, depending on the drying level. In this study, measured values of moisture were compared with values of predicted obtained from several thin-layer equations; the Alibas Model was found to have the best fit. The optimum drying period, color and ascorbic acid content were obtained by using the combined microwave-air drying method with the optimum combination of 500 W of microwave power at a temperature of 75°C.
Experimental Analysis and Numerical Modeling of Microwave Reheating of Cylindrically Shaped Instant Rice
Authors: Fan Daming , Li Chunxiang , Li Yi , Chen Wei , Zhao Jianxin , Hu Manfeng , Zhang Hao 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop a numerical model to predict the temperature distribution in cylindrically shaped cooked rice samples during microwave reheating and to give impetus to a uniform microwave-heating design. Cylindrically shaped instant rice was reheated by continuous microwave application, and the sample temperature was measured to determine the internal temperature profile which resulted in a desired uniformity of temperature observed using the non-uniformity temperature evaluation. A finite difference method was used to predict the temperature distribution of the cylindrical rice during microwave reheating and applying Lambert’s law to calculate the microwave power absorption in a large sample of cylindrically shaped instant rice. In order to solve the numerical model of heat transfer, the thermal and dielectric properties of instant rice were measured with respect to temperature. Our results showed that the temperature had a significant effect on the specific heat and dielectric loss of rice, while the thermal conductivity and dielectric constant were unaffected. The numerically predicted temperature distributions were in good agreement with the measured ones of instant rice.
Collision bounds for the additive Pollard rho algorithm for solving discrete logarithms
Authors: Bos Joppe W. , Dudeanu Alina , Jetchev Dimitar 
Published: January 2014

Abstract.
We prove collision bounds for the Pollard rho algorithm to solve the discrete logarithm
problem in a general cyclic group

𝐆

$\mathbf {G}$

. Unlike the setting studied by Kim et al.,
we consider additive walks: the setting used in practice to solve the elliptic curve discrete logarithm problem.
Our bounds differ from the birthday bound

𝒪
(

|
𝐆
|

)

$\mathcal {O}(\sqrt{\vert \mathbf {G}\vert })$

by a factor of

log

|
𝐆
|

$\sqrt{\log {\vert \mathbf {G}\vert }}$

and are based on mixing time estimates for random
walks on finite abelian groups due to Dou and Hildebrand.
The Birth of a Democracy: Homegrown Bicameralism in Somaliland
Authors: Azam Jean-Paul 
Published: January 2014

AbstractSomaliland has recently developed an unexpected democracy after seceding from chaos-ridden Somalia, while turning its port of Berbera into a success story, competing successfully with the long established ones in the Horn of Africa. A simple game-theoretic model is used to explain why the home-grown bicameral democratic system that emerged in Somaliland is a key factor in controlling violence and providing the required security along the transport infrastructure linking Berbera to neighboring landlocked Ethiopia. The model shows that redistributing some of the fiscal resources levied on this trade is necessary for sustaining this efficient political equilibrium.
Assessment and influence of internal rigid core on the contact parameters for soft hemispherical fingertips
Authors: Raja K. Venkatesh , Malayalamurthi R. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The main purpose of the present work is to develop an artificial fingertip comprised of a soft layer and an inner rigid core, which emulates a human one with skin and bone. The influences of introducing the core and the effects of variations in thickness of the soft layer over the contact parameters are investigated. From the results, it is evident that the power law theory proposed by (Xydas N, Kao I. Int. J. Rob. Res. 1999, 18, 941–950) becomes invalid in this criterion; by contrast, if the power law theory acts for finger tips with internal cores, the conclusion may be redefined in such a way that the soft material behaves more softly in the presence of internal cores and the dimensionless number, core-soft layer coefficient Fcs≈0.5, is the critical parameter which produces the change of behavior. Moreover, soft finger tips with an inner core are preferable to entirely soft ones, as a higher grasping stability is achieved with the same area of contact, and the conforming nature of the fingers is maintained.
Synthesis and properties of acrylamide 2-acrylamido-2-methypropane sulfonic acid sodium styrene sulfonate N-vinyl pyrrolidone quadripolymer and its reduction of drilling fluid filtration at high temperature and high salinity
Authors: Li Zhijun , Pu Xiaolin , Tao Huaizhi , Liu Lu , Su Junlin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Acrylamide (AM), 2-acrylamido-2-methypropane sulfonic acid, sodium styrene sulfonate (SSS), and N-vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP) monomers were copolymerized via a redox initiator system to synthesize a quadripolymer capable of reducing drilling fluid filtration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to determine the molecular structure of the product, confirming its successful synthesis. The effects of the copolymer on the properties and salt resistance of drilling fluid are discussed. The adsorption of the copolymer on bentonite was also studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The copolymer reduced the filtration of drilling fluids of various salinities before and after aging at 200°C; at room temperature, the copolymer was adsorbed uniformly across the bentonite surface at low concentration. As its concentration increased, the distributed polymer spread and connected to form a network. After aging for 16 h at 200°C, the copolymer could still adsorb to bentonite and maintained its network structure. Sodium ions induced the coalescence of the copolymer, damaging its network structure.
Synthesis, radiolabeling and in vivo biological evaluation of 99mTc-labeled MAG3-based
bisnitroimidazole complexes as tumor hypoxia markers
Authors: Mei Lei , Chu Taiwei 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Hypoxia, as a common phenomenon in solid tumors, is of interest for its relationship with resistance to tumor therapies and
malignant progression of tumor. The noninvasive nuclear medical imaging technique using hypoxia markers is an important method for the
detection of tumor hypoxia. The aim of current study is designing tumor hypoxia markers with hypoxia selectivity and improved
properties. Two MAG3-based bisnitroimidazole compounds were synthesized and purified by semi-preparative HPLC. Both the MAG3
derivatives were labeled with 99mTc-oxo-technetium core via stannous tartrate exchange method in high yields
(> 95%). The 99mTc-MAG3 complexes were stable at 37 ℃, 4 h after
preparation, and were more hydrophilic than 99mTc-MAMA complexes. As biodistribution results showed, clearances of
background activity for both the complexes were fast and they were excreted mainly through the hepatobiliary tract and part of renal
tract. Although tumor uptakes of 99mTc-MAG3-B2NIL were lower than those of
99mTc-MAG3-B4NIL, tumor-to-blood ratios of 99mTc-MAG3-B2NIL showed an increasing trend
and were better than those of 99mTc-MAG3-B4NIL after 2 h due to their different blood
clearances. Tumor-to-muscle ratios of 99mTc-MAG3-B2NIL and 99mTc-MAG3-B4NIL were
similar. Comparing with 99mTc-MAMA complexes, 99mTc-MAG3-B2NIL with better tumor-to-blood
ratios exhibits improved feature for hypoxia imaging, though it has lower tumor uptake than 99mTc-MAMA complexes.
A density functional theory study of the competitive complexation of
pyridine against H2O and Cl−− to Cm3+ and Ce4+
Authors: Wang Zhuxiang , Chu Taiwei , Chai Zhifang , Wang Dongqi 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Density functional theory was used to study the coordination
of Cm3+ and Ce4+ with pridine (Py), water (H2O) and chloride
anion (Cl−). The competitive coordination of Cl− and Py was
investigated to simulate the ligand exchange between Cl− and Py at high
concentration of hydrochloric acid (HCl), where Cm3+ and Ce4+ may
exist in the form of [CmCl6]3− and [CeCl6]2−, while that
of water and Py to simulate the process at low concentration or without the
presence of Cl−.
The calculations show that Ce4+ has higher affinity to Py than
Cm3+ in the absence of Cl−, while it binds much more weakly at
high concentration of HCl. This is consistent with experimental data that at
high concentration of HCl, Ce4+ has much shorter retention time than
Cm3+ using tertiary pyridine resin (TPR). In view of the strengthening
of M-Cl and the weakening of M-OW at bonds upon the coordination of Py, we
conclude that the distinct coordination abilities of the three ligands to
Ce4+ and Cm3+ are due to different strengths of the inner-shell
electrostatic interaction between the ligands and the central metal ions.
An advanced purex process based on salt-free reductants
Authors: Hui He , Guoan Ye , Hongbin Tang , Weifang Zheng , Gaoliang Li , Rushan Lin 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
An advanced plutonium and uranium recovery process has been
established based on two organic reductants, N,N-dimethylhydroxylamine (DMHAN)
and methylhydrazine (MH), as U/Pu separation reagents. This Advanced Purex
process based on Organic Reductants (APOR) is composed of three cycles,
including U/Pu co-decontamination/separation cycle, uranium purification
cycle and plutonium purification cycle. Using DMHAN and MH as plutonium
stripping reagents in the U/Pu co-decontamination/separation cycle and
plutonium purification cycle, the APOR process exhibits high performance
with following highlights: 1) the process is much simpler because of the
elimination of Tc scrubbing operation and the supplement extraction
operation, 2) high efficiency of U/Pu separation can be achieved in the
first cycle, 3) plutonium product solution of high concentration can be
obtained in the Pu purification cycle with a simple extraction operation
instead of circumfluent extraction or evaporation of the plutonium solution.
Nitrate conversion and supercritical fluid extraction of UO2-CeO2 solid solution prepared by an electrolytic
reduction-coprecipitation method
Authors: Zhu L. Y. , Duan W. H. , Wen M. F. , Xu J. M. , Zhu Y. J. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
A low-waste technology for the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) has been developed recently, which involves the
conversion of actinide and lanthanide oxides with liquid N2O4 into their nitrates followed by supercritical fluid extraction
of the nitrates. The possibility of the reprocessing of SNF from high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTGRs) with nitrate conversion
and supercritical fluid extraction is a current area of research in China. Here, a UO2-CeO2 solid solution was prepared as
a surrogate for a UO2-PuO2 solid solution, and the recovery of U and Ce from the UO2-CeO2 solid solution with
liquid N2O4 and supercritical CO2 containing tri-n-butyl phosphate (TBP) was investigated. The UO2-CeO2 solid
solution prepared by electrolytic reduction-coprecipitation method had square plate microstructures. The solid solution after heat
treatment was completely converted into nitrates with liquid N2O4. The XRD pattern of the nitrates was similar to that of
UO2(NO3)2 ·3H2O. After 120 min of online extraction at 25 MPa and 50 ℃,
99.98% of the U and 98.74% of the Ce were recovered from the nitrates with supercritical CO2 containing TBP. The
results suggest a promising potential technology for the reprocessing of SNF from HTGRs.
Zeolite-encapsulated transition metal chelates: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Ahmed Ayman H. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis article reviews some important recent works on the synthesis and characterization of zeolite-encapsulated transition metal complexes containing different organic ligands. Distinct methodologies of preparation, including the in situ one-pot template (IOPT) and flexible ligand methods (FLM) are described. The mode of bonding, composition, overall geometry and surface characteristics have been inferred by various physicochemical characterization techniques. Chemical analysis, spectroscopic methods [Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis)], scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis of X-ray (EDAX), magnetic measurements, N2-adsorption-desorption and thermogravimetric studies have been proven to be powerful techniques to specify these host-guest nanocomposite materials (HGNM). In some cases, Mössbauer, photoluminescence and cyclic voltammetric data are informative. Recent results dealing with the immobilization of complexes concerning aza, heterocyclic, Schiff base and hydrazone ligands are presented. A comprehensive survey of the investigated materials manifested the successful incorporation of the complexes into the zeolite matrix, without collapsing the crystalline structure of zeolite. Occasionally, some of the encapsulated complexes showed structural properties and chemical behavior which are different from those of the neat complex owing to the zeolite constraints.
2 : 1 Co-crystals of p-nitrophenylacetic acid with three isomeric n-pyridinealdazines, n = 2, 3 and 4, featuring the {… HOCO … N(py)} heterosynthon
Authors: Arman Hadi D. , Kaulgud Trupta , Miller Tyler , Tiekink Edward R. T. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Crystal and molecular structures of 2 : 1 co-crystals formed between p-nitrophenylacetic acid and three isomeric n-pyridinealdazines, n = 2(1), 3(2) and 4(3), are described in which the carboxylic acid is always in a general position and the respective n-pyridinealdazine is located about a centre of inversion. A common feature of the supramolecular aggregation is the formation of three-molecule aggregates sustained by the {… HOCO … N(py)} heterosynthon, further vindicating this as a most reliable synthon for co-crystal design. Molecules are assembled into three-dimensional architectures by C–H … O interactions coupled with C–H … π (1) or π … π (2 and 3) contacts.
Conformation differences in N-[2-(1-arenesulfonyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-6-methyl-phenyl]-arenesulfon­amides, (arene = benzene and 4-toluene)
Authors: Borges Julio C. , Pinheiro Luiz C. S. , Faria Jéssica V. , Bernardino Alice M. R. , Wardell James L. , Wardell Solange M. S. V. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The crystal structures are reported of N-[2-(1-benzenesulfonyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-6-methyl-phenyl]-benzenesulfonamide, 1, and N-[2-(1-toluene-4-sulfonyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-6-methyl-phenyl]-benzenesulfonamide, 2: two compounds used in a recently reported antileishmania study. The crystallographic study reveals significant differences in the conformations adopted by molecules of 1 compared to those adopted by the three independent molecules of 2 in the solid state. The conformation differences between molecules of 1, on one hand, and the three molecules of 2, on the other, are not driven by steric effects within the molecular arrangements. If molecules 2 adopted the molecular conformation found for 1, severe steric interference would occur in the chains and other aggregates generated from the intermolecular contacts. As all the intermolecular interactions are of a weak nature, it is unlikely that aggregation would survive in dilute aqueous media, and hence the steric constraints on the conformations adopted in the solid state would not be in place in solution. Thus the difference in the solid state conformations offers no light on the greater activity of compound 1 compared to that of compound 2 in the antileishmania study in aqueous media.
Free-Weight Augmentation With Elastic Bands Improves Bench Press Kinematics in Professional Rugby Players
Authors: García-López David , Hernández-Sánchez Sonsoles , Martín Esperanza , Marín Pedro J. , Zarzosa Fernando , Herrero Azael J. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
García-López, D, Hernández-Sánchez, S, Martín, E, Marín, PJ, Zarzosa, F, and Herrero, AJ. Free-weight augmentation with elastic bands improves bench press kinematics in professional rugby players. J Strength Cond Res 30(9): 2493–2499, 2016—This study aimed to investigate the effects of combining elastic bands to free weight resistance (EB + FWR) on the acceleration-deceleration and velocity profiles of the bench press in professional rugby players and recreationally trained subjects. Sixteen male subjects (8 rugby players and 8 recreationally trained subjects) were randomly assigned to complete 2 experimental conditions in a crossover fashion: EB + FWR and FWR. In both conditions, subjects performed 1 bench press set to volitional exhaustion with a load equivalent to the 85% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). In the EB + FWR condition, the contribution of elastic resistance was approximately 20% of the selected load (85% 1RM). Results indicate that EB + FWR condition increased significantly the range of concentric movement in which the barbell is accelerated. This increase was significantly higher in rugby players (35%) in comparison with recreationally trained subjects (13%). Maximal velocity was also increased in EB + FWR (17%), when compared with FWR condition. These results suggest that when combined with variable resistance (i.e., EB), the external resistance seems to be more evenly distributed over the full range of motion, decreasing the need for dramatic deceleration at the end of the concentric phase. The present data also indicate that the kinematic benefits of an EB + FWR approach seems to be more prominent in athletes from modalities in which high level of strength and power are required (i.e., rugby players).
Molecular Dynamics Simulation on Σ5 Grain Boundaries of Copper Bicrystal under Tensile and Shear Deformation
Authors: Zhang Liang. , Lu Cheng. , Tieu Kiet. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTMolecular Dynamics simulation are employed to investigate the structures and mechanical behavior of both symmetric and asymmetric Σ5[0 0 1] tilt grain boundaries (GBs) of copper bicrystal under uniaxial tension and shear deformation. Simulation results indicate that the Σ5 asymmetric GBs can facet into their corresponding symmetric GB structures. The maximum tensile stress of symmetric GBs is higher than the asymmetric ones at both 10 K and 300 K, which suggests the symmetric GBs may have a more stable boundary structures. All the Σ5 GBs investigate in this study can migrate under the shear deformation with different velocity. The migration of Σ5 symmetric GBs is realized by uniform displacement of local atoms and rotation of the atomic group in “E” structural unit, while for the asymmetric GBs, the migration is identified to be a diffusion-related process result from local atoms shuffling.
Auditors' Reporting Conservatism after Regulatory Sanctions: Evidence from China
Authors: Firth Michael A. , Mo Phyllis Lai Lan , Wong Raymond M. K. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT
This study examines whether regulatory sanctions have a disciplinary effect on auditors in a large emerging market. Based on the enforcement releases issued by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) during 1996–2007, we hypothesize and find that auditors who are sanctioned for failure to detect and report financial statement fraud report more conservatively after the sanction. Our empirical findings specifically suggest that sanctioned auditors issue more going-concern opinions for risky clients after enforcement action than they did before the enforcement action. In contrast, we find no such effect for non-risky clients. Overall, we provide evidence that regulatory sanctions are effective in shaping auditors' behavior when they audit risky clients.
JEL Classifications: G18; K42; M42.
Comparative study on growth and morphological characteristics of a wild type strain Rhizobium spp. (RCA-220) and a genetically engineered E. coli BL21
Authors: Rahman MM , Uddin M Salah , Zaman S , Saleh MA , Ekram AE , Farhana P , Razu MH 
Published: January 2014

Context: Comparison between a wild type strain Rhizobium spp. (RCA-220) and a genetically modified strain E. coli BL21 in context of growth features. Objective: To observe the comparative growth characteristics of a genetically modified E. coli BL21 and an isolated wild type strain Rhizobium spp. (RCA-220). Materials and Methods: Different kinds of investigations were accomplished in both Luria-Bertani (LB) liquid and semi-solid media to observe the growth and maintenance of these strains. For the isolation of Rhizobium spp. selective Yeast Extract Manitol Agar (YEMA) was used. Colony morphology, pH, temperature, carbon source, salt concentration and light were taken under consideration and optimized for growth characteristics. Results: For the strain E. coli BL21, the maximum growth rate was 1.9 at incubation time 72 h, pH 7.2, temperature 37°C (optimized) while for Rhizobium spp. the growth rate was significantly higher (OD 2) at pH 6.8, temperature 28°C (optimized). Among all used carbon sources, strains grown in the medium supplemented with peptone showed rapid and good performance. So, peptone was proved as the best carbon source for both strains. The maximum growths of these strains were observed at 0g/100ml NaCl salt concentration. RCA-220 strain was comparatively more tolerable to salt than E. coli BL21 strain. In this work, E. coli BL21 showed rapid and good performance in presence of light while Rhizobium spp. showed better performance in absence of light. Statistical analysis showed that the growth rate of Rhizobium spp. was significantly higher than E. coli BL21. Conclusion: From the experimental results, it can be concluded that naturally obtained microbial strains were stable and could tolerate any stress condition where the modified strains lose their growth capability and the overall growth performances were reduced or slowed down than the wild type strain. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbs.v20i0.17718 J. bio-sci. 20: 75-82, 2012