bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Particle Size Techniques to Investigate Secondary Nucleation in HEMA‐Rich Latexes
Authors: Ocepek Martin , Soucek Mark D. , Berce Peter , Meng Lei 
Published: January 2015

2‐Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)‐rich latex is synthesized via a semibatch mono­mer‐starved emulsion polymerization process. Six emulsion polymerizations, containing 0–40 mol% HEMA in monomer composition, are synthesized and compared. Calculations of mass balances are made in order to predict final particle size and particle size development during the course of polymerization. Average particle sizes obtained by dynamic light scattering (DLS) are compared to ultrasound acoustic attenuation spectroscopy (UAAS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The influence of HEMA on polymerization on the onset of secondary nucleation is evaluated using each technique. The DLS, TEM, and UAAS secondary nucleation data are compared to physical latex blends of small and large particles. The blend data are consistent with the secondary nucleation data. Additionally, conductivity and surface tension are monitored. TEM, atomic force microscope (AFM), and UAAS are found to be more appropriate methods than the widely used DLS for particle size and particle size distribution characterization in this system. Increasing HEMA content to 20 mol% results in formation of significant amount of secondary particles via proposed homogeneous nucleation of HEMA‐rich oligomers.
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Orphan nuclear receptor TLX functions as a potent suppressor of oncogene‐induced senescence in prostate cancer via its transcriptional co‐regulation of the CDKN1A (p21WAF1/CIP1) and SIRT1 genes
Authors: Wu Dinglan , Yu Shan , Jia Lin , Zou Chang , Xu Zhenyu , Xiao Lijia , Wong Kam‐Bo , Ng Chi‐Fai , Chan Franky L 
Published: January 2015

AbstractOncogene‐induced senescence is an important tumour‐suppressing mechanism to prevent both premalignant transformation and cancer progression. Overcoming this process is a critical step in early cancer development. The druggable orphan nuclear receptor TLX (NR2E1) is characterized as an important regulator of neural stem cells and is also implicated in the development of some brain tumours. However, its exact functional roles in cancer growth regulation still remain unclear. Here we report that TLX can act as a promoter of tumourigenesis in prostate cancer by suppressing oncogene‐induced senescence. We determined that TLX exhibited an increased expression in high‐grade prostate cancer tissues and many prostate cancer cell lines. Functional studies revealed that TLX could perform an oncogenic function in prostate cancer cells, as its knockdown triggered cellular senescence and cell growth arrest in vitro and in vivo, whereas its over‐expression promoted the malignant growth of prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, enhancement of TLX activity, by either ectopic expression or ligand stimulation, could potently prevent doxorubicin‐induced senescence in prostate cancer cells and also allow prostatic epithelial cells to escape oncogene‐induced senescence induced either by activated oncogene H‐RasG12V or knockdown of tumour suppressor PTEN, via a mechanism of direct but differential transcriptional regulation of two senescence‐associated genes, repression of CDKN1A and transactivation of SIRT1. Together, our present study shows, for the first time, that TLX may play an important role in prostate carcinogenesis through its suppression of oncogene‐induced senescence, and also suggests that targeting the senescence‐regulatory TLX is of potential therapeutic significance in prostate cancer. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation and characterisation of a Sphingomonas strain able to degrade the fungicide ortho‐phenylphenol
Authors: Perruchon Chiara , Patsioura Vasiliki , Vasileiadis Sotirios , Karpouzas Dimitrios G 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDOrtho‐phenylphenol (OPP) is a fungicide used in fruit packaging plants for the control of fungal infestations during storage. Its application leads to the production of large wastewater volumes which according to the European legislation should be treated on site. In spite of this, no efficient treatment systems are currently available, and the development of biological systems based on tailored‐made pesticide‐degrading inocula for the treatment of these wastewaters is an appealing solution.RESULTSEnrichment cultures from a soil collected from a wastewater disposal site resulted in the isolation of a pure Sphingomonas haloaromaticamans strain P3 able to degrade rapidly OPP and use it as an energy source. Its degrading capacity was dependent on the external supply of amino acids or on the presence of other bacteria that did not contribute to fungicide degradation. The isolated S. haloaromaticamans strain was able to metabolise up to 150 mg L−1 of OPP within 7 days, in a wide range of pH (4.5–9) and temperatures (4–37 °C), and in the presence of other pesticides (thiabendazole and diphenylamine) co‐used in the fruit packaging industry.CONCLUSIONOverall, the OPP‐degrading bacterium isolated showed high potential for use in future biodepuration treatment systems and bioremediation strategies. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Low propagation loss in GaN/AlGaN‐based ridge waveguides
Authors: Westreich Ohad , Katz Mordechai , Paltiel Yossi , Ternyak Orna , Sicron Noam 
Published: January 2015

We report the fabrication and characterization of GaN/AlGaN ridge waveguides (WG). The “ridge” design was chosen to ensure low propagation loss. The fabrication process included four steps that could be easily regulated. GaN and AlGaN cladding layers were grown on a sapphire substrate by MOCVD. Shallow ridges were formed in the top cladding layer using ICP‐RIE. After etching, samples were diced and WG facets were formed by polishing the samples opposite sides. The propagation loss at 1.56 μm was evaluated by measuring Fabry–Perot resonances from end‐facet reflections. Losses as low as 1 dB/cm were measured for single mode WGs. Such low‐loss two‐dimensional WG could advance the use of GaN in integrated optoelectronics wave guiding components.Schematic illustration of GaN ridge WG structure (left) and a SEM image of a 10 μm wide ridge WG structure (right).
Mental Health in Offspring of Traumatized Refugees with and without Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Muhtz Christoph , Wittekind Charlotte , Godemann Kathrin , Von Alm Christine , Jelinek Lena , Yassouridis Alexander , Kellner Michael 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIntergenerational transmission of psychological trauma and the impact of parental post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on offspring are controversially discussed. We studied 50 offspring (36 women and 14 men, mean age 42.1 years) of refugees who were severely traumatized as children at the end of World War II. From these, 25 of the refugees currently suffered from chronic PTSD, and 25 had no PTSD. Parental PTSD status did not significantly influence mental health [as per the Symptom Checklist (SCL)‐90‐R] or quality of life (assessed by the 36‐item Short‐form Health Survey) in their children. In the entire sample, frequency of talking with the mother about the flight correlated with phobic anxiety (r = 0.67, p = 0.03). Interestingly, the stated burden of having a parent with a history of flight significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with almost all subscales of the SCL‐90‐R. These results in a non‐clinical sample do not support a specific role of parental PTSD in intergenerational trauma transmission. Our other remarkable, but preliminary, results need to be studied in larger samples using more subtle interaction or schema analyses. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of management treatments on the carbon cycle of a cool‐temperate broad‐leaved deciduous forest and its potential as a bioenergy source
Authors: Matsushita Kayo , Tomotsune Mitsutoshi , Sakamaki Yoshiaki , Koizumi Hiroshi 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe ecological effects of management treatments on the carbon cycles of secondary forests remain poorly understood. Here, we compared carbon cycles at three sites, a managed understory harvesting site (UH), a managed understory harvesting and litter raking site (LR), and an unmanaged site that served as a control (Um). We considered the harvests of understory and litter biomass as bioenergy sources, and made compartment models for the carbon cycle in units of carbon. Management increased the net primary production from 6.7 tC ha−1 year−1 for the Um site to 7.2 tC ha−1 year−1 for the UH site and 7.8 tC ha−1 year−1 for the LR site. Concurrently, management reduced the decomposition rate from 5.1 tC ha−1 year−1 for the Um site to 3.7 tC ha−1 year−1 for the UH site and 3.8 tC ha−1 year−1 for the LR site. Management also reduced fossil fuel use by 0.7 tC ha−1 year−1 for the UH site and 3.5 tC ha−1 year−1 for the LR site. These values suggest that harvesting had positive effects on net ecosystem production (NEP). In contrast, bioenergy use released 1.3 tC ha−1 year−1 into the atmosphere (in the form of carbon dioxide) for the UH site and 6.9 tC ha−1 year−1 for the LR site. These values suggest that harvesting had negative effects on NEP. We conclude that understory harvesting without litter raking (UH) maximized NEP at 2.9 tC ha−1 year−1. Our findings underscore the importance of a balanced ecological approach to forest management.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cationic Surfactants Based on N‐Hexamethylenetetramine as Active Microfouling Agents
Authors: Mohareb Rafat M. , Badawi Abdelfatah M. , Noor El‐Din Mahmoud R. , Fatthalah Nesreen A. , Mahrous Marian R. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractFour cationic surfactants of quaternary hexammonium silane chloride based on hexamethylenetetramine and alkyl chloride were synthesized. The chemical structures of the prepared cationic surfactants were elucidated using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy and mass spectrometry analysis. The surface and thermodynamic properties of the prepared surfactants were also studied. The performance of these cationic surfactants as microfouling agents against two strains of Gram‐negative bacteria, namely, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, and two strains of Gram‐positive bacteria, namely, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis, were evaluated as antimicrobial agents. The results showed that the maximum antimicrobial activity was detected for N‐hexamethylenetetramine‐N‐ethyl silane ammonium trichloride (Ah). The maximum and minimum antimicrobial activities were 73 and 60 % against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, at a concentration of 5 mg/l, pH 7, and 37 °C.
SCRIBAL VARIATION AND THE MEANING OF THE HOUMA AND WENXIAN COVENANT TEXTS' IMPRECATION MA YI FEI SHI 麻夷非是
Authors: Williams Crispin 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe article presents the findings of a survey of the imprecation phrase ma yi fei shi 麻夷非是 and its variations, as written (using brush and ink) on several thousand excavated covenant texts (mengshu 盟書) from Houma 侯馬 and Wenxian 溫縣. I argue that the findings support Zhu Dexi 朱德熙 and Qiu Xigui 裘錫圭's analysis of the phrase as mi yi bi shi 靡夷彼氏 “Wipe out that shi” (shi, I suggest, referring to the covenantor and his direct male descendants). Through comparison of scribal hands, I demonstrate that those variations which do not fit this analysis were produced by a small number of scribes and, in almost all cases, can be shown to be errors. I conclude that such variations are generally unreliable and do not require us to reject Zhu and Qiu's analysis. These examples suggest that formulaic, possibly archaic, stock phrases, such as this imprecation, were liable to be misinterpreted, even during the period in which they were in use. Identification of scribal hands and scribal errors was essential to this analysis, demonstrating not only the importance of this methodology in such research, but also the potential value of these particular materials for furthering our understanding of scribal habits and text reproduction in early China.
NEW LIGHT ON THELI JI禮記: THELI JIAND THE RELATED WARRING STATES PERIOD GUODIAN BAMBOO MANUSCRIPTS
Authors: Xing Wen 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThis article starts by examining how “Li ji” was used as a title in early China. In addition to theLi,Li jing,Shi li,Li yiandYi li, etc., “Li ji” was used as an alternative title for theLicanon, and the “Li” as a title was used to indicate what we now refer to as theLi jior theXiao Dai Li jias well. By discussing how the Guodian bamboo slip texts are related to the transmitted version of theLi ji, this article argues that the writing styles of the related excavated bamboo manuscripts are the particularLi gujing-orLi guji-styles, that the “Li gujing” or “Li guji” is more a description of those ancient retrieved texts than an actual title, and that many of the Guodian bamboo-slip texts are theLi guji- orLi gujing-style writings. According to theLi guji-styleZi yitext, it is evident that the material in theLi jicomes from creditable pre-Qin textual sources. Although theLi jitext came to its current shape as a result of later editing work, it does not mean that the receivedLi jisections have higher textual value than the excavated manuscripts do. On the contrary, the excavated manuscripts could have many valuable early textual sources that the transmittedLi jihas lost.
Risk Factors for Central-Line–Associated Bloodstream Infections: A Focus on Comorbid Conditions
Authors: Pepin Christopher S. , Thom Kerri A. , Sorkin John D. , Leekha Surbhi , Masnick Max , Preas Michael Anne , Pineles Lisa , Harris Anthony D. 
Published: January 2015

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) risk adjustment methods for central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) only adjust for type of intensive care unit (ICU). This cohort study explored risk factors for CLABSI using 2 comorbidity classification schemes, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the Chronic Disease Score (CDS). Our study supports the need for additional research into risk factors for CLABSI, including electronically available comorbid conditions.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–3
Drop impact into a deep pool: vortex shedding and jet
formation
Authors: Agbaglah G. , Thoraval M.-J. , Thoroddsen S. T. , Zhang L. V. , Fezzaa K. , Deegan R. D. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractOne of the simplest splashing scenarios results from the impact of a single drop on a
deep pool. The traditional understanding of this process is that the impact generates
an axisymmetric sheet-like jet that later breaks up into secondary droplets. Recently
it was shown that even this simplest of scenarios is more complicated than expected
because multiple jets can be generated from a single impact event and there are
transitions in the multiplicity of jets as the experimental parameters are varied.
Here, we use experiments and numerical simulations of a single drop impacting on a
deep pool to examine the transition from impacts that produce a single jet to those
that produce two jets. Using high-speed X-ray imaging methods we show that vortex
separation within the drop leads to the formation of a second jet long after the
formation of the ejecta sheet. Using numerical simulations we develop a phase diagram
for this transition and show that the capillary number is the most appropriate order
parameter for the transition.
Fat digestibility is reduced in old cats with subnormal cobalamin concentrations
Authors: Salas Anna , Manuelian Carmen-Loreto , Garganté Marta , Sanchez Núria , Fernández Sonia , Compagnucci Marco , Cerón Jose Joaquín , Jeusette Isabelle , Vilaseca Lluís , Torre Celina 
Published: January 2015

AbstractFat digestibility is decreased in old cats for unknown reasons. Subclinical gastrointestinal diseases and pancreatic dysfunction, both related to ageing, can affect food digestibility. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the prevalence of subnormal cobalamin concentration and pancreatic disease in old cats and study the relationship between both markers and fat digestibility. A total of sixty-four cats without evident signs of gastrointestinal disease were included and grouped according to age: (1) fifteen middle-aged (MA), aged 3–7 years; and (2) forty-nine old, aged 10–17 years. All cats were tested for serum cobalamin, specific feline pancreatic lipase (fPL) and feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity. Then, sixteen of the old cats were selected and grouped according to cobalamin and fPL concentrations: control (normal cobalamin and fPL); low vitamin B12 (cobalamin <290 ng/l; normal fPL); and high fPL (normal cobalamin; fPL >4 µg/ml). A food digestibility trial with a high-fat diet (21·6 %) was performed. In the old group, cobalamin was lower and fPL higher than in MA cats. Of the old cats (n 49), 14 % had subnormal cobalamin, 8 % had a severe increase in fPL, 2 % had both alterations and 14 % had a slight increase in fPL. By contrast, MA cats did not have cobalamin deficiency or an increase in fPL concentrations. Fat digestibility was lower in low vitamin B12 cats than control cats. Decreased fat digestibility is not present in all old cats but could be a characteristic of subclinical chronic gastrointestinal disease. Cobalamin concentration, as a marker of gastrointestinal disease, could be useful for the routine evaluation of old cats.
Evaluation of eight commercial dog diets
Authors: Daumas Caroline , Paragon Bernard-Marie , Thorin Chantal , Martin Lucile , Dumon Henri , Ninet Samuel , Nguyen Patrick 
Published: January 2015

AbstractEstimation of the quality of commercial diets is a topic of interest for the majority of dog owners. Recently, in a French consumer association magazine, an evaluation of eight dog commercial dry diets (from super-premium, basic-nutrition, private-label and economy brands) according to several nutritional criteria was published. The aims of the study were: (1) to evaluate the apparent digestibility of these diets; (2) to score these diets according to digestibility results; and (3) to compare these data with the scoring of the magazine. Six adult Beagle dogs were enrolled for the digestibility trials. Diets were scored according to energy, crude protein and crude fat (CF) apparent digestibility coefficients, digestible protein-to-energy ratios and ash content. Each of the five criteria was scored from 4 to 20 points. The ranges of crude protein, CF, crude fibre and ash content were 20·9–30·6 %, 6·8–19·7 %, 2·2–3·3 % and 4·6–9·7 % on a DM basis, respectively. The ranges of energy, crude protein and CF apparent digestibility coefficients were 72·6–87·7 %, 70·4–82·5 % and 76·1–95·4 %, respectively. The range of the protein-to-energy ratio was 10–14 digestible crude protein per MJ metabolisable energy. Little overlap in the scoring systems was found, but the private-label brand and economy brand diets presented the lowest scores in the two systems. These results showed that the evaluation of commercial diets should take into account multiple nutritional aspects. In particular, analytical and biological (digestibility) criteria should be considered as complementary in the evaluation of dry dog commercial diets.
Modelling particle-size distributions from operator estimates of sediment particle-size
Authors: Roberson S. , Weltje G.J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractEstimates of particle-size made by operators in the field and laboratory represent a vast and relatively untapped data archive. The wide spatial distribution of particle-size estimates makes them ideal for constructing geological models and soil maps. This study uses a large data set from the Netherlands (n = 4837) containing both operator estimates of particle-size and complete particle-size distributions measured by laser granulometry. Operator estimates are inaccurate and imprecise relative to measured laser data; only 16.68% of samples were successfully classified using the Dutch classification scheme for fine sediment. Operator estimates of sediment particle-size encompass the same range of percentage values as particle-size distributions measured by laser analysis. However, the distributions measured by laser analysis show that most of the sand percentage values lie between 0 and 1, so the majority of the variability in the data is lost because operator estimates are made to the nearest 1% at best, and more frequently to the nearest 5%. Operator estimates made by three technicians trained by the Geological Survey of the Netherlands are found not to be influenced by bias, rather they exhibit very similar levels of accuracy and precision. This study compares five different methods of modelling complete particle-size distributions from sparse data: (i) a four-part Pearson's probability distribution function, (i) a log-linear interpolation, (iii) a logit-linear interpolation, (iv) a logistic probability distribution function and (v) a logit constrained cubic-spline (logit-CCS) interpolation. The logit-CCS interpolation performed best across all the samples used, although the performance of all models was very similar for normal Gaussian, skewed and peaked distributions. Predictions for bimodal distributions using the Pearson's, logit-linear and logistic models are markedly less accurate than both log-linear and logit-CCS interpolation models. Although the logit-CCS interpolation model produces the best predictions of continuous particle-size distributions, the low accuracy and precision of operator estimates does not warrant the use of such a complex algorithm. Given this, it is suggested that a standard log-linear interpolation is the most effective means of modelling complete particle-size distributions from sparse data. Interpolation-based models are recommended over probability distribution functions because they allow for a greater degree of flexibility and will always honour the available input data.
New material of Prognathodon (Squamata, Mosasauridae) from the type Maastrichtian of the Netherlands
Authors: Schulp A.S. , Jagt J.W.M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractA partial quadrate, here assigned to the globidensine mosasaur Prognathodon cf. saturator, is recorded from the basal Valkenburg Member (Maastricht Formation) in the type area of the Maastrichtian Stage (southeast Netherlands, northeast Belgium). Occurrences of Prognathodon saturator in this area are extremely rare, which might well be linked to the offshore habitat preferred by this species.