bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin films prepared by selenization of precursor evaporated from Cu2ZnSnSe4 and Na2Se
Authors: Nakashima Mitsuki , Yamaguchi Toshiyuki , Izaki Masanobu 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTCu2ZnSnSe4 thin films were prepared by using the synthesized Cu2ZnSnSe4 ingot and Na2Se powder at various Na2Se/Cu2ZnSnSe4 mole ratio as evaporation materials for selenization process. From EPMA analysis, the composition was approximately constant even if the Na2Se/Cu2ZnSnSe4 mole ratio increased. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the thin films had a kesterite Cu2ZnSnSe4 structure and the foreign phases disappeared with increasing the Na2Se/Cu2ZnSnSe4 mole ratio. The Na2Se addition enhanced to grow thin films having a close-packed structure and columnar grains. The values of Voc and Isc in Cu2ZnSnSe4 thin film solar cells increased with increasing the Na2Se/Cu2ZnSnSe4 mole ratio.
Differentiation ofSpodoptera frugiperda(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Corn and Rice Strains from Central Colombia: A Wing Morphometric Approach
Authors: Cañas-Hoyos N , Márquez E J , Saldamando-Benjumea C I 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSpodoptera frugiperda is an important pest throughout the Western Hemisphere, particularly in corn, cotton, rice, and sorghum, among other crops. This insect has evolved two strains named the corn and the rice strains, as they have been their most frequently used hosts. However, the corn strain can also be found in cotton and the rice strain in pasture grasses and corn. Both strains have been identified by using different molecular markers, including allozymes, polymerase chain reaction—restriction fragment-length polymorphism, amplified fragment-length polymorphism, and FR tandem repeat unit, among others. So far, all reports have claimed no morphological differences between the strains. However, none of these studies have used geometric morphometrics, as we performed in this work. We applied wing morphometrics to analyze wing size and shape in 159 individuals of the corn and the rice strains reared under laboratory conditions since 2009 and already genotyped. Our results demonstrated that wing morphometrics is a promising tool to differentiate both strains, as they were statistically significant in wing shape. We also found that this species presents sexual dimorphism in the rice strain in wing shape and that wing size differs between males of both strains. Further studies will require the use of this new tool in field populations, as their identification is relevant, given that they exhibit reproductive isolation and differences in susceptibility to chemical and biological controls, suggesting they are in the process of speciation via host plant association.
Characterization and Correlation of EPG Waveforms of Bactericera Cockerelli (Hemiptera: Triozidae): Variability in Waveform Appearance in Relation to Applied Signal
Authors: Pearson Cole C , Backus Elaine A , Shugart Holly J , Munyaneza Joseph E 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe tomato-potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc) (Hemiptera: Triozidae), was recently shown to be a vector of “Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum” (Lso), a phloem-limited bacterium that is the putative causal agent of “zebra chip” in potato and unnamed diseases in other solanaceous species. Despite its importance, very little is known about B. cockerelli stylet probing behaviors that control transmission of Lso to its host plants. Herein, we report the first study characterizing the electrical penetration graph waveforms representing stylet penetration behaviors of the B. cockerelli feeding on potato. Waveforms produced by adult B. cockerelli on potato were also correlated using light microscopy of salivary sheath termini in plant tissue after probes were artificially terminated during the identified waveforms. In addition, behavioral activities were inferred based on electrical origins of waveforms as well as similarities in waveform appearances with those of other psyllids, aphids, and whiteflies. Adult B. cockerelli produced six waveform families and four types, which represent the following proposed biological meanings: family A, initial penetration and sheath salivation; family B, penetration of epidermal cells; family C, secretion of most of the salivary sheath and stylet pathway in mesophyll and parenchyma, with two types, C1 and C2, of unknown meaning; family D, initial contact with phloem cells; family E, activities in phloem cells, with two types, El, putative phloem salivation, and E2, phloem sap ingestion; and family G, xylem ingestion. In addition, a previously unreported variant of waveform G was characterized and correlated with applied signal type. Variation in D and G waveform appearances was correlated with polarity, type, and magnitude of applied signal. Results suggest that active phloem sap ingestion during E2 may play a critical role in acquisition of Lso bacterial cells. E1 may be important in inoculation of the bacterium into phloem sieve elements because it may represent salivation into phloem sieve elements. Analysis of B. cockerelli waveforms could lead to faster development of resistant host plant varieties, strengthen integrated pest management strategies by incorporating alternative plant hosts, and maximize the efficiency of pesticides.
The Media and Mispricing: The Role of the Business Press in the Pricing of Accounting Information
Authors: Drake Michael S. , Guest Nicholas M. , Twedt Brady J. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the role of the business press in the pricing of accounting information. Using a comprehensive dataset of more than 111,000 earnings-related business press articles published from 2000 to 2010, we find that press coverage of the annual earnings announcement mitigates cash flow mispricing, but has a negligible effect on accrual mispricing. We provide evidence that this impact is driven primarily by the press disseminating the information more broadly, rather than by the creation of new content that helps investors understand the implications of accounting information. Our results suggest that the business press plays an important role in facilitating the market's ability to efficiently impound accounting information into stock prices and provide new insights into the role of the business press as an information intermediary in capital markets.
Efficiency of advanced oxidation processes in lowering bisphenol A toxicity and oestrogenic activity in aqueous samples
Authors: Plahuta Maja , Tišler Tatjana , Toman Mihael Jožef , Pintar Albin 
Published: March 2014

Summary Bisphenol A (BPA) is a well-known endocrine disruptor with adverse oestrogen-like effects eliciting adverse effects in humans and wildlife. For this reason it is necessary to set up an efficient removal of BPA from wastewaters, before they are discharged into surface waters. The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of BPA removal from aqueous samples with photolytic, photocatalytic, and UV/H2O2 oxidation. BPA solutions were illuminated with different bulbs (halogen; 17 W UV, 254 nm; and 150 W UV, 365 nm) with or without the TiO2 P-25 catalyst or H2O2 (to accelerate degradation). Acute toxicity and oestrogenic activity of treated samples were determined using luminescent bacteria (Vibrio fischeri), water fleas (Daphnia magna), zebrafish embryos (Danio rerio), and Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES) assay with genetically modified yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The results confirmed that BPA is toxic and oestrogenically active. Chemical analysis showed a reduction of BPA levels after photolytic treatment and 100 % conversion of BPA by photocatalytic and UV/H2O2 oxidation. The toxicity and oestrogenic activity of BPA were largely reduced in photolytically treated samples. Photocatalytic oxidation, however, either did not reduce BPA toxic and oestrogenic effects or even increased them in comparison with the baseline, untreated BPA solution. Our findings suggest that chemical analysis is not sufficient to determine the efficiency of advanced oxidation processes in removing pollutants from water and needs to be complemented with biological tests.
First evidence of the P-glycoprotein gene expression and multixenobiotic resistance modulation in earthworm
Authors: Bošnjak Ivana , Bielen Ana , Babić Sanja , Šver Lidija , Popović Natalija Topić , Strunjak-Perović Ivančica , Čož-Rakovac Rozelinda , Klobučar Roberta Sauerborn 
Published: March 2014

Summary Multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) is an important mechanism of cellular efflux mediated by ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters that bind and actively remove toxic substrates from the cell. This study was the first to identify ABC transporter P-glycoprotein (P-gp/ABCB1) as a representative of the MXR phenotype in earthworm (Eisenia fetida). The identified partial cDNA sequence of ABCB1 overlapped with ABCB1 homologues of other organisms from 58.5 % to 72.5 %. We also studied the effect of five modulators (verapamil, cyclosporine A, MK571, probenecid, and orthovanadate) on the earthworm’s MXR activity by measuring the accumulation of model substrates rhodamine B and rhodamine 123 in whole body tissue of the adult earthworm. MK571, orthovanadate, and verapamil significantly inhibited MXR activity, and rhodamine 123 turned out to better reflect MXR activity in that species than rhodamine B. Our results show that E. fetida can serve well as a test organism for environmental pollutants that inhibit MXR activity.
Experimentally Assisted Modelling of the Behaviour of Steel Angle Brace
Authors: Barszcz A. M. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Steel frame wind bracing systems are usually made of hot rolled profiles connected to frame elements directly or through a gusset plate. The behaviour of angle bracing members is generally complex since controlled by tension or compression, bending and torsion. The common practice is to transform the problem of complex behaviour into the buckling strength of a truss member. This paper deals with an analytical formulation of the force-deformation characteristic of a single angle brace subjected to compression. A strut model takes into consideration the effect of brace end connections and softening effect of its force-deformation characteristic. Two different boundary conditions, typical for engineering practice, are dealt with. Experimental program of testing the behaviour of angle brace in portal sub-frame specimens is described. Results of experimental investigations are presented. They are used for the validation of developed model. Conclusions are formulated with reference to the application of validated brace model in the analysis of braced steel frameworks.
Synthesis of Geopolymer Based Class-F Fly Ash Aggregates and its Composite Properties in Concrete
Authors: Gomathi P. , Sivakumar A. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This study explores the influence of alkali activators on the initiation of polymerization reaction of alumino-silicate minerals present in class-F fly ash material. Different types of fly ash aggregates were produced with silicate rich binders (bentonite and metakaolin) and the effect of alkali activators on the strength gain properties were analyzed. A comprehensive examination on its physical and mechanical properties of the various artificial fly ash aggregates has been carried out systematically. A pelletizer machine was fabricated in this study to produce aggregate pellets from fly ash. The efficiency and strength of pellets was improved by mixing fly ash with different binder materials such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), metakaolin and bentonite. Further, the activation of fl y ash binders was done using sodium hydroxide for improving its binding properties. Concrete mixes were designed and prepared with the different fly ash based aggregates containing different ingredients. Hardened concrete specimens after sufficient curing was tested for assessing the mechanical properties of different types concrete mixes. Test results indicated that fly ash -GGBS aggregates (30S2-100) with alkali activator at 10M exhibited highest crushing strength containing of 22.81 MPa. Similarly, the concrete mix with 20% fly ash-GGBS based aggregate reported a highest compressive strength of 31.98 MPa. The fly ash based aggregates containing different binders was found to possess adequate engineering properties which can be suggested for moderate construction works.
Instruments of Probabilistic Optimisation of Load Bearing Capacity and Reliability of Statically Indeterminate Complex Structures
Authors: Kowal Z. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The paper presents the method of probabilistic optimisation of load bearing capacity and reliability of statically indeterminate bar structures, and of coupling of members in kinematically admissible failure mechanisms (KAFM), which contain minimal critical sets of elements (MCSE). The latter are characterised by the fact that if only a single element is operational, the whole set is operational too. A method of increasing load bearing capacity and reliability of KAFM built from bars dimensioned in accordance with the code is presented. The paper also shows estimation of load bearing capacity and reliability of KAFM of the optimised structures containing elastic-plastic bars with quasi-brittle connections with nodes. The necessity of increasing connection of load bearing capacity and reliability in relation to bar reliability in order to prevent bars from being excluded from MCSE due to connection fracture is estimated.
Primary yolk sac tumour of liver with unusual clinical presentation mimicking acute appendicitis
Authors: Hosala M , Laca L , Hosalova Matisova J , Janik J , Adamik M , Palkoci B , Kajo K 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Primary hepatic yolk sac tumour (YST) is an extremely rare tumour of the liver. The exact etiology of primary
hepatic YST is still unclear. This tumour is very aggressive with ability to spread into distant sites, where it can
lead to the first clinical presentation. The authors present a case of a 20-year-old woman with fever and pain in
the epigastrium, which later on moved to the right hypogastrium clinically resembling acute appendicitis.
Ultrasound revealed tumorous mass in the liver and hypoechogenous tumorous mass in the area of right adnexes
and terminal ileum. Tumorous mass in the liver was confirmed on the CT scan. Markedly raised levels of serum
α-fetoprotein concentration were detected. Laparoscopic appendectomy was performed and there was bioptically
verified a diagnosis of YST. Afterwards, patient underwent right hemihepatectomy, right hemicolectomy and right
adnexectomy. There was found no evidence of the gonadal, mediastinal, retroperitoneal and central nervous system
origin of the YST. Histological findings from the liver proved primary yolk sac tumour of the liver with the
metastatic spread into the appendix, caecum and regional lymph nodes.
Diversity of soil mites (Acari: Mesostigmata: Gamasina) in various deciduous forest ecosystems of Muntenia region (southern Romania)
Authors: Manu Minodora 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
The main task of the research was to investigate the diversity of predatory soil mites (Gamasina) in 8 types of forest ecosystems: alder (Călugăreni, Clinceanca, Azuga Valley, Cumpătu), oak-hornbeam (Baloteşti, Băneasa), beech (Şotrile), and fir-beech (Lunca Mare) in Muntenia region. Taxonomical classification and statistical methods used in this study show similarities as well as differences between their predatory mite communities. In total, 467 mites of 57 gamasid species were identified, belonging to 28 genera and 12 families. Veigaia nemorensis, Prozercon fimbriatus, P. kochii, and P. traegardhi were most abundant. Geographical position, abiotic factors (soil type, slope angle, soil moisture content, pH) and biotic ones (vegetation structure: herbs, shrubs or trees) were related to differences in gamasid species composition between the investigated forest ecosystems.
Eriophyoid studies in Turkey: review and perspectives
Authors: Denizhan Evsel , Szydło Wiktoria , Skoracka Anna 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Although the geographical location and botanical history of Turkey make the country a perfect place for a potentially rich diversity of eriophyoid mites, little is known about the Turkish eriophyoid fauna. The current paper is a brief review of the existing records of eriophyoid mites found so far in Turkey, with additional information on 6 grass-associated eriophyoid species recorded recently. The 134 eriophyoid species collected in Turkey come from only ca. 1.2% of all Turkish plant species. The role of collecting ecological and molecular data and studying economically significant eriophyoid mites species in this area is particularly stressed.
STEM CELLS NEWS UPDATE: A PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Wong Shiu C. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT This article is a follow-up to a previous Commentary published in 2011. It updates some of the events mentioned in that Commentary and continues with more interesting and exciting news on stem cell research and the emerging field of Regenerative Medicine. Some of the news includes: 1) the 2012 Nobel Prize for Medicine awarded to John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka; 2) the cloning of human embryonic stem cells; 3) the continued search for truly pluripotent adult stem cells via in vitro and in vivo protocols; 4) the breakthrough in organ replacements; 5) the global stem cell race; 6) the global stem cell cryo-preservation business; 7) the worldwide stem cell donor registries, and 8) the issue of government regulation on stem cell therapy
MOLECULAR CYTOGENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF AN inv(Y)(p11.2q11.221~q11.222) IN A SYRIAN FAMILY
Authors: Al-Achkar W. , Wafa A. , Al-Ablog A. , Moassass F. , Liehr T. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT Constitutional chromosomal abnormalities are an important cause of miscarriage, infertility, congenital anomalies and mental retardation in humans. Pericentric inversions of the human Y-chromosome [inv(Y)] are rather common and show an estimated incidence of 0.6-1:1,000 in males in the general population. Most of the reported cases with inv(Y) are familial. For carriers of pericentric inversions the risk of mental retardation or multiple abortions is not apparently increased and there is no relation with abnormal phenotypic features. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to detect microdeletions along the Y-chromosome as well as cytogenetic and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis were done to delineate the characteristics of an inv(Y) in a Syrian family. Thus, we present a detailed molecularcytogenetic characterization of a father and his two sons having an inv(Y)(p11. 2q11.221~q11.222) with varying mental retardation features but otherwise normal phenotype
INHERITANCE OF A CHROMOSOME 3 AND 21 TRANSLOCATION IN THE FETUSES, WITH ONE ALSO HAVING TRISOMY 21, IN THREE PREGNANCIES IN ONE FAMILY
Authors: Pazarbasi A. , Demirhan O. , Alptekin D. , Ozgunen Ft. , Ozpak L. , Yilmaz Mb. , Nazlican E. , Tanriverdi N. , Luleyap U. , Gümürdülü D. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACT The majority of chromosome rearrangements are balanced reciprocal and Robertsonian translocations. It is now known that such abnormalities cause no phenotypic effect on the carrier but lead to increased risk of producing unbalanced gametes. Here, we report the inheritance of a translocation between chromosomes 3 and 21 in a family with one of two fetuses with Down Syndrome carrying the same translocation and the other also carrying the same translocation without the additional chromosome 21. Chromosomal analysis from fetal amniotic fluid and peripheral blood lymphocytes from the family were performed at the Çukurova University Hospital at Adana, Turkey. We assessed a family in which the translocation between chromosomes 3 and 21 segregates: one of the three progenies carried the 47,XX,+21,t(3;21)(q21;q22) karyotype and presented with Down Syndrome; another of the three progenies carried the 46,XX,t(3;21) (q21;q22) karyotype and the third had the 46,XY karyotype. Their mother is phenotypically normal. Apparently this rearrangement occurred due to an unbalanced chromosome segregation of the mother [t(3;21)(q21;q22)mat]. This family will enable us to explain the behavior of segregation patterns and the mechanism for each type of translocation from carrier to carrier and their effects on reproduction and numerical aberrations. These findings can be used in clinical genetics and may be used as an effective tool for reproductive guidance and genetic counseling
Using the Concepts of Resilience, Vulnerability and Adaptability for the Assessment and Analysis of Agricultural Systems
Authors: Callo-Concha Daniel , Ewert Frank 
Published: March 2014

AbstractResilience, vulnerability and adaptability have emerged as dominant concepts in the study of disturbance and change of social-ecological systems. We analyze the conceptual, methodological and operational aspects in using these concepts for the assessment and analysis of agricultural systems and try to identify differences and possible overlaps between them. The analysis is performed considering a number of published studies on agricultural systems over a wide geographical range where these concepts have been applied. Our results show a clear conceptual overlap and often the exchangeable use of the concepts. Furthermore, the driving methodological and operational criteria for their application could not be separated unambiguously. It was, thus, difficult to identify guiding principles for the operational application of the individual concepts. We stress that the operationalization of these concepts requires consistency in the approaches and protocols to ensure their coherent use. We also argue that the conceptual and operational integration of resilience, vulnerability and adaptability would perhaps lead to a more complete portrayal of the behavior of agricultural systems in changing situations. But this requires more research including the development of operational protocols for which the premises of complexity, participation and functionality seem key.
Minimizing Total Completion Time For Preemptive Scheduling With Release Dates And Deadline Constraints
Authors: He Cheng , Lin Hao , Lin Yixun , Dou Junmei 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
It is known that the single machine preemptive scheduling problem of minimizing total completion time with release date and deadline constraints is NP- hard. Du and Leung solved some special cases by the generalized Baker's algorithm and the generalized Smith's algorithm in O(n2) time. In this paper we give an O(n2) algorithm for the special case where the processing times and deadlines are agreeable. Moreover, for the case where the processing times and deadlines are disagreeable, we present two properties which could enable us to reduce the range of the enumeration algorithm
The Study Of Properties Of The Word Of Mouth Marketing Using Cellular Automata
Authors: Kowalska-Styczeń Agnieszka 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
This article presents the possibility of using cellular automata, to study the properties of word of mouth (w-o-m) marketing. Cellular automata allow to analyze the dynamics of changes in views and attitudes in social groups based on local interactions between people in small groups of friends, family members etc. The proposed paper shows the possibility of modelling the dynamics of word of mouth mechanism, if the basic assumptions of this process are: different size groups where this phenomenon occurs, and varied access to information. On the competing firms market, the dependence of the w-o-m mechanism dynamics on the model parameters is shown