bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aluminum doping tunes band gap energy level as well as oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles in MCF-7 cells
Authors: Akhtar Mohd Javed , Alhadlaq Hisham A. , Alshamsan Aws , Majeed Khan M.A. , Ahamed Maqusood 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe investigated whether Aluminum (Al) doping tunes band gap energy level as well as selective cytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Pure and Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles were prepared by a simple sol-gel method. Characterization study confirmed the formation of single phase of AlxZn1-xO nanocrystals with the size range of 33–55 nm. Al-doping increased the band gap energy of ZnO nanoparticles (from 3.51 eV for pure to 3.87 eV for Al-doped ZnO). Al-doping also enhanced the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress response of ZnO nanoparticles in MCF-7 cells. The IC50 for undoped ZnO nanoparticles was 44 μg/ml while for the Al-doped ZnO counterparts was 31 μg/ml. Up-regulation of apoptotic genes (e.g. p53, bax/bcl2 ratio, caspase-3 & caspase-9) along with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential suggested that Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles induced apoptosis in MCF-7 cells through mitochondrial pathway. Importantly, Al-doping did not change the benign nature of ZnO nanoparticles towards normal cells suggesting that Al-doping improves the selective cytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles toward MCF-7 cells without affecting the normal cells. Our results indicated a novel approach through which the inherent selective cytotoxicity of ZnO nanoparticles against cancer cells can be further improved.
Deterministic Creation of Macroscopic Cat States
Authors: Lombardo Daniel , Twamley Jason 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDespite current technological advances, observing quantum mechanical effects outside of the nanoscopic realm is extremely challenging. For this reason, the observation of such effects on larger scale systems is currently one of the most attractive goals in quantum science. Many experimental protocols have been proposed for both the creation and observation of quantum states on macroscopic scales, in particular, in the field of optomechanics. The majority of these proposals, however, rely on performing measurements, making them probabilistic. In this work we develop a completely deterministic method of macroscopic quantum state creation. We study the prototypical optomechanical Membrane In The Middle model and show that by controlling the membrane’s opacity and through careful choice of the optical cavity initial state, we can deterministically create and grow the spatial extent of the membrane’s position into a large cat state. It is found that by using a Bose-Einstein condensate as a membrane high fidelity cat states with spatial separations of up to ∼300 nm can be achieved.
Dystrophin deficiency reduces atherosclerotic plaque development in ApoE-null mice
Authors: Shami Annelie , Knutsson Anki , Dunér Pontus , Rauch Uwe , Bengtsson Eva , Tengryd Christoffer , Murugesan Vignesh , Durbeej Madeleine , Gonçalves Isabel , Nilsson Jan , Hultgårdh-Nilsson Anna 
Published: September 2015

AbstractDystrophin of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex connects the actin cytoskeleton to basement membranes and loss of dystrophin results in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We have previously shown injury-induced neointima formation of the carotid artery in mice with the mdx mutation (causing dystrophin deficiency) to be increased. To investigate the role of dystrophin in intimal recruitment of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) that maintains plaque stability in atherosclerosis we applied a shear stress-modifying cast around the carotid artery of apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-null mice with and without the mdx mutation. The cast induces formation of atherosclerotic plaques of inflammatory and SMC-rich/fibrous phenotypes in regions of low and oscillatory shear stress, respectively. Unexpectedly, presence of the mdx mutation markedly reduced the development of the inflammatory low shear stress plaques. Further characterization of the low shear stress plaques in ApoE-null mdx mice demonstrated reduced infiltration of CD3+ T cells, less laminin and a higher SMC content. ApoE-null mdx mice were also found to have a reduced fraction of CD3+ T cells in the spleen and lower levels of cytokines and monocytes in the circulation. The present study is the first to demonstrate a role for dystrophin in atherosclerosis and unexpectedly shows that this primarily involves immune cells.
Some nonexistence results for a semirelativistic Schrödinger equation with nongauge power type nonlinearity
Authors: Inui Takahisa 
Published: September 2015

We consider the following semirelativistic nonlinear Schrödinger equation (SNLS):

{

i

∂
t

u
±
(

m
2

−
Δ

)

1

/

2

u
=
λ

|

u

|

p

,

a
m
p
;
(
t
,
x
)
∈
[
0
,
T
)
×

R

d

,

u
(
0
,
x
)
=

u
0

(
x
)
,

a
m
p
;
x
∈

R

d

,

\begin{equation} \left \{ \begin {array}{ll} i\partial _t u \pm (m^2-\Delta )^{1/2} u = \lambda |u|^{p}, & (t,x)\in [0,T)\times \mathbb {R}^d, \\ u(0,x)=u_0(x), & x \in \mathbb {R}^d, \end{array} \right . \notag \end{equation}

where

m
≥
0

m\geq 0

,

λ
∈

C

∖
{
0
}

\lambda \in \mathbb {C} \setminus \{ 0\}

,

d
∈

N

d\in \mathbb {N}

,

T
>
0

T>0

, and

∂
t

=
∂

/

∂
t

\partial _t=\partial /\partial t

. Here

(

m
2

−
Δ

)

1

/

2

:=

F

−
1

(

m
2

+

|

ξ

|

2

)

1

/

2

F

(m^2-\Delta )^{1/2}:=\mathcal {F}^{-1} (m^2+|\xi |^2 )^{1/2} \mathcal {F}

, where

F

\mathcal {F}

denotes the Fourier transform. Fujiwara and Ozawa proved the nonexistence of global weak solutions to SNLS for some initial data in the case of

d
=
1

d=1

,

m
=
0

m=0

, and

1
>
p
≤
2

1>p\leq 2

by a test function method. In this paper, we extend their result to a more general setting: for example,

m
≥
0

m\geq 0

,

d
∈

N

d\in \mathbb {N}

, or

p
>
1

p>1

. Moreover, we obtain the upper estimates of weak solutions to SNLS. The key to the proof is to choose an appropriate test function.
Action language ℬ𝒞+
Authors: Babb Joseph , Lee Joohyung 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Action languages are formal models of parts of natural language that are designed to describe effects of actions. Many of these languages can be viewed as high-level notations of answer set programs structured to represent transition systems. However, the form of answer set programs considered in the earlier work is quite limited in comparison with the modern Answer Set Programming (ASP) language, which allows several useful constructs for knowledge representation, such as choice rules, aggregates and abstract constraint atoms. We propose a new action language called BC +, which closes the gap between action languages and the modern ASP language. The main idea is to define the semantics of BC + in terms of general stable model semantics for propositional formulas, under which many modern ASP language constructs can be identified with shorthands for propositional formulas. Language BC  + turns out to be sufficiently expressive to encompass the best features of other action languages, such as languages B , C , C + and BC . Computational methods available in ASP solvers are readily applicable to compute BC +, which led to an implementation of the language by extending system cplus2asp .
Timing and Efficacy of Fungicide Applications for Diplodia Ear Rot Management in Corn
Authors: Luna Martha P. Romero , Wise Kiersten A. 
Published: September 2015

Diplodia ear rot, a corn (Zea mays L.) disease caused by the fungus Stenocarpella maydis (Berk.) B. Sutton, has been a persistent ear rot across the United States. Management options are currently limited. Field trials conducted under inoculated and non-inoculated conditions were established at two locations in Indiana from 2011 to 2013 to test the fungicides azoxystrobin plus propiconazole and prothioconazole against Diplodia ear rot. Fungicides were applied at three individual growth stages during each year. Fungicides did not consistently reduce Diplodia ear rot compared to non-fungicide-treated controls in any year. Applications also did not consistently increase yield at any timing under inoculated and non-inoculated plots compared with the non-fungicidetreated control. Fungicides were tested in an in vitro assay to determine the effective fungicide concentration at which 50% of mycelial growth or conidial germination of S. maydis was inhibited (EC50). Propiconazole and prothioconazole EC50 values indicated efficacy in reducing fungal growth under controlled conditions; however, current fungicide application methods and plant barriers to fungicide contact with the pathogen may prevent these products from effectively reducing Diplodia ear rot in a field setting. Accepted for publication 23 August 2015. Published 1 September 2015
Association of Diaporthe longicolla with Black Zone Lines on Mature Soybean Plants
Authors: Olson Taylor R. , Gebreil Ahmed , Micijevic Ana , Bradley Carl A. , Wise Kiersten A. , Mueller Daren S. , Chilvers Martin I. , Mathew Febina M. 
Published: September 2015

In 2014, during a survey for soybean (Glycine max L.) diseases in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, and South Dakota, zone lines were observed on the lower stems of soybean plants. The survey was performed by sampling two to three fields per state. In each field, at least five plants exhibiting zone lines were collected. Isolations were made from the zone lines by plating 1-cm pieces on potato dextrose agar. A total of 90 isolates producing black stromata in concentric patterns and alpha conidia were tentatively identified as Diaporthe longicolla (Hobbs) Santos, Vrandecic and Phillips. DNA was extracted from the mycelia of 10 representative isolates and the identity was confirmed by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis combining translation elongation factor-1a and actin sequences was performed and the ten isolates grouped with the D. longicolla ex-type cultures in a well-supported clade (94% bootstrap support). A pathogenicity test was performed in the greenhouse by inserting D. longicolla-infested toothpicks into the lower stems of the soybean plants. To complete Koch's postulates, D. longicolla was re-isolated from the zone lines of the inoculated plants and the pathogen identity was confirmed by sequencing the ITS gene. Accepted for publication 23 August 2015. Published 28 August 2015.
Progeny of Selfed Plants from Tomato Breeding Line ‘NC1 Grape’ Overexpressing Mannitol Dehydrogenase (MTD) Have Increased Resistance to the Early Blight Fungus, Alternaria solani
Authors: Patel Takshay K. , Krasnyanski Sergei F. , Allen George C. , Louws Frank J. , Panthee Dilip R. , Williamson John D. 
Published: September 2015

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) made by plants in response to pathogen infection not only initiate local and systemic defenses, they are also antimicrobial. A number of fungi are hypothesized to secrete the antioxidant mannitol to protect against this antimicrobial ROS during infection. This hypothesis is supported by reports that overexpression of the mannitol catabolic enzyme mannitol dehydrogenase (MTD) in plants increases resistance to mannitol-secreting pathogens like Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternata. To extend this hypothesis and test the general utility of this approach, we overexpressed celery MTD in a tomato breeding line (NC1 Grape) currently used in our program. Although we reported earlier that MTD overexpression provides resistance to Botrytis gray mold in a greenhouse tomato, this is the first report of overexpression in an elite breeding variety providing heritable, whole-plant resistance to A. solani (tomato early blight). In this study, progeny from a high-MTD-expressing line had infection rates <65% those of nontransformed plants, and transformants outgrew infection by 7 days post-inoculation. Finally, our results suggest that screening for higher innate MTD expression in plants, rather than screening solely for the presence of the Mtd gene, might be a more effective way to identify parental lines for use in conventional breeding of early blight resistance. Accepted for publication 7 August 2015. Published 14 August 2015.
Selection for mitochondrial quality drives evolution of the germline
Authors: Radzvilavicius Arunas L , Hadjivasiliou Zena , Lane Nick , Pomiankowski Andrew 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe origin of the germline-soma distinction is a fundamental unsolved question. Plants and basal metazoans do not have a germline but generate gametes from somatic tissues (somatic gametogenesis), whereas most bilaterians sequester a germline. We develop an evolutionary model which shows that selection for mitochondrial quality drives germline evolution. In organisms with low mitochondrial mutation rates, segregation of mutations over multiple cell divisions generates variation, allowing selection to optimize gamete quality through somatic gametogenesis. Higher mutation rates promote early germline sequestration. Oogamy reduces mitochondrial segregation in early development, improving adult fitness by restricting variation between tissues, but also limiting variation between early-sequestered oocytes, undermining gamete quality. Oocyte variation is restored through proliferation and random culling (atresia) of precursor cells. We predict a novel pathway from basal metazoans lacking a germline to active bilaterians with early sequestration of large oocytes subject to atresia, allowing the emergence of complex developmental processes.
Quantitative Genetics Meets Integral Projection Models: Unification of Widely Used Methods from Ecology and Evolution
Authors: Coulson Tim , Plard Floriane , Schindler Susanne , Ozgul Arpat , Gaillard Jean-Michel 
Published: September 2015

SummaryMicro-evolutionary predictions are complicated by ecological feedbacks like density dependence, while ecological predictions can be complicated by evolutionary change. A widely used approach in micro-evolution, quantitative genetics, struggles to incorporate ecological processes into predictive models, while structured population modelling, a tool widely used in ecology, rarely incorporates evolution explicitly.In this paper we develop a flexible, general framework that links quantitative genetics and structured population models. We use the quantitative genetic approach to write down the phenotype as an additive map. We then construct integral projection models for each component of the phenotype. The dynamics of the distribution of the phenotype are generated by combining distributions of each of its components. Population projection models can be formulated on per generation or on shorter time steps.We introduce the framework before developing example models with parameters chosen to exhibit specific dynamics. These models reveal (i) how evolution of a phenotype can cause populations to move from one dynamical regime to another (e.g. from stationarity to cycles), (ii) how additive genetic variances and covariances (theGmatrix) are expected to evolve over multiple generations, (iii) how changing heritability with age can maintain additive genetic variation in the face of selection and (iii) life history, population dynamics, phenotypic characters and parameters in ecological models will change as adaptation occurs.Our approach unifies population ecology and evolutionary biology providing a framework allowing a very wide range of questions to be addressed. The next step is to apply the approach to a variety of laboratory and field systems. Once this is done we will have a much deeper understanding of eco-evolutionary dynamics and feedbacks.
Ethnic diversity and social capital in upward mobility systems
Authors: Ossenkop Carolin , Vinkenburg Claartje J. , Jansen Paul G. W. , Ghorashi Halleh 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the complex relationship between ethnic diversity, social capital, and objective career success in upward mobility systems over time. The authors conceptualize the underlying process of why intra-organizational career boundaries are more permeable for dominant ethnics compared to minority ethnics.Design/methodology/approach– The authors conceptually explore and model this relationship by elaborating on three mechanisms of social capital return deficit proposed by Lin (2000), building the argument based on four underlying principles (stereotype fit, status construction, homophily, and reciprocity).Findings– Based on a proposed reciprocal relationship between social capital and objective career success, the authors suggest the development of an upward career spiral over time, which is continuously affected by ethnic group membership. Consequently, the authors argue that dominant ethnics do not only advance to a higher level of objective career success, but that they also advance exponentially faster than minority ethnics.Research limitations/implications– The conceptualization provokes the question to what extent the permeability of intra-organizational boundaries constrains careers of some, while enabling careers of others.Originality/value– The contribution lies in the exploration of the relationship between social capital and objective career success over time, of the permeability of intra-organizational career boundaries, and how both are affected by ethnic group membership.
Antecedents of continued usage intentions of web-based learning management system in Tanzania
Authors: Lwoga Edda Tandi , Komba Mercy 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine factors that predict students’ continued usage intention of web-based learning management systems (LMS) in Tanzania, with a specific focus on the School of Business of Mzumbe University. Specifically, the study investigated major predictors of actual usage and continued usage intentions of e-learning system, and challenges of using the e-learning system.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 300 third year undergraduate students, with a rate of return of 77 per cent. A total of 20 faculty members were also interviewed. The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) was utilized in the study.

Findings
– The results show that actual usage was determined by self-efficacy, while continued usage intentions of web-based learning system was predicted by performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, self-efficacy, and actual usage. Challenges for using web-based LMS were related to information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure barrier, LMS user interface was not user friendly, weak ICT policies, management and technical support, limited skills, lack of awareness, resistance to change, and lack of time to prepare e-content and use the e-learning system.

Practical implications
– The study findings are useful to e-learning managers and university management to identify important factors and develop appropriate policies and strategies to encourage long-term usage of e-learning systems for future studies and lifelong learning.

Originality/value
– By using UTAUT in the context of continued usage intentions and the integration of an additional construct (“self-efficacy”), the extended UTAUT model fits very well in the web-based learning systems in Tanzania, in particular where such studies are scant. The findings can be used in other institutions with similar conditions in investigating the continued usage intentions of e-learning systems.
Study and labour market effects of graduate students’ interaction with work organisations during education
Authors: Thune Taran , Støren Liv Anne 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present an empirically based discussion of how cooperation between higher education institutions and work organisations (WOs) can increase graduate learning experiences and employability.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data are based on an electronic and mail-based graduate survey among Norwegian master’s degree graduates six months after graduation. 2,232 master degree graduates responded to the survey, giving a 54 per cent response rate. All subject fields were represented.

Findings
– 77 per cent of the graduates have some forms of interactions with WOs during their studies. The level and mode of participation differ, however, very much, and the benefits of participating differ by mode of interaction. Project-based interaction is positively and significantly associated with completing studies on time. Further, graduates who have participated in either project-based interactions or practice periods have better labour market situation after graduation than their peers. The results hold also when controlling of subject field differences and students’ abilities.

Research limitations/implications
– The study indicates that it is important to look at a wide range of interaction activities and look at the benefits from these activities both in terms of effects on the quality of the learning experience, as well as benefits realised in the transition to work. The data on learning benefits of interaction with WO during higher education are, however, limited, and further studies are needed on this issue in particular.

Practical implications
– The study indicates that only certain forms of interactions between students and WOs have benefits for students; namely the ones that involve a certain degree of time and commitment. Programme officers in higher education should target more committed interaction forms, because the added value is significantly higher for the students.

Originality/value
– The study contributes new knowledge about the external networks of higher education institutions, by looking at the role of students in such networks and by measuring the benefits by using a representative sample of students.
Financial literacy and portfolio diversification: an observation from the Tunisian stock market
Authors: Mouna Amari , Jarboui Anis 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to focus on the lack of financial literacy as one probable factor explaining the low levels of portfolio diversification. The authors consider distinct aspects of financial literacy and control for socioeconomic and behavioral differences among individual groups of investors.Design/methodology/approach– The proposed models in this paper use multivariate analysis to examine the relationship between financial literacy and portfolio diversification. Investors’ biases have been measured by means of a questionnaire comprising several items, including indicators of investors’ portfolio fragmentation, financial literacy and socio economic variables. The sample consists of 256 small investors actively trading on the Tunisian stock market.Findings– The results suggest that investors’ experience, financial literacy level, age, their use of the availability heuristic, familiarity bias and portfolio size, have a significant impact on the diversity of assets included their portfolios.Research limitations/implications– The main limitation of the empirical study is the small size of the sample. A larger sample would have given more reliable results and could have enabled a wider range of analyzes.Practical implications– The paper encourages investors to make their investments decisions based on their financial capability and experience levels and to avoid relying on their sentiment.Social implications– The paper encourages governmental organizations to establish training programmes aimed to develop the individual investor’s financial literacy level.Originality/value– The current study is the first of its kind focusing on the link between financial literacy and portfolio diversification, within the specific context of Tunisia.