bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between bowl-inversion energy and bowl depth in substituted sumanenes
Authors: Shrestha Binod Babu , Karanjit Sangita , Higashibayashi Shuhei , Sakurai Hidehiro 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe correlation between the bowl-inversion energy and the bowl depth for sumanenes monosubstituted with an iodo, formyl, or nitro group was investigated experimentally and by theoretical calculations. The bowl-inversion energies of the substituted sumanenes were determined experimentally by two-dimensional NMR exchange spectroscopy measurements. Various density functional theory methods were examined for the calculation of the structure and the bowl-inversion energy of sumanene, and it was found that PBE0, ωB97XD, and M06-2X gave better fits of the experimental value than did B3LYP. The experimental value was well reproduced at these levels of theory. The bowl structures and bowl-inversion energies of monosubstituted sumanenes were therefore calculated at the ωB97XD/6-311+G(d,p) level of theory. In both the experiments and the calculations, the correlation followed the equation ΔE=acos4θ, whereais a coefficient, ΔEis the bowl-inversion energy, and cos θ is the normalized bowl depth, indicating that the bowl inversion follows a double-well potential energy diagram.
Targeting complement system to treat myasthenia gravis
Authors: Huda Ruksana , Tüzün Erdem , Christadoss Premkumar 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
While the complement system is desired for protective immunity, antibody- and complement-mediated neuromuscular junction (NMJ) destruction, a hallmark of myasthenia gravis (MG) or experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG), is a significant concern. Evidence suggests that the binding of complement factors to the pathogenic anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) autoantibody induces the formation of membrane attack complexes (MAC), which ultimately lead to NMJ destruction and muscle weakness. Studies corroborating the evidence show that the complement (C3–C6)-deficient or complement inhibitor (anti-C1q, soluble CR1, anti-C6, and C5 inhibiting peptide)-treated animals are highly resistant to EAMG induction, whereas the deficiency of the naturally occurring complement inhibitors, such as the decay-accelerating factor (DAF), increases EAMG susceptibility. Notably, the complement-inhibited animals do not exhibit significant immunosuppression but only a marginal reduction in the production of certain cytokines and immunoglobulin isotypes. A preliminary clinical trial using antibody-based C5 inhibitor eculizumab has been shown to be of potential use for MG treatment. The inhibition of the classic complement pathway (CCP) alone appears to be enough to suppress EAMG, suggesting that the complement inhibitors targeting specifically the classic pathway could effectively treat MG without causing immunosuppressive and other side effects. For instance, a recent non-antibody-based therapeutic approach selectively targeting the CCP component C2 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) has proven useful in EAMG treatment. The treatment strategies developed for MG might also be beneficial for other complement-mediated autoimmune diseases.
Detection of Protein by Reduced Graphene Oxide Field-Effect Transistor
Authors: Hasegawa Masaki , Hirayama Yuki , Ohno Yasuhide , Maehashi Kenzo , Matsumoto Kazuhiko 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTWe confirmed a specific detection of immunoglobulin E(IgE) by using an aptamer immobilized reduced graphene oxide(rGo) field effect transistor(FET). A detection limit and dynamic range were estimated 8.1 ng/ml and 10000 respectively. These characteristics are comparable with current fluorescent markers. Although a mobility of rGo FET was around 5 cm2/V.sec, and this is two to three orders lower than mechanically exfoliated pristine graphene FET, a sensitivity of it was only one order lower than using pristine graphene.
Acute Hematogenous Infection of Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty by Oral
Bacteria in a Patient without a History of Dental Procedures: Case Report
Authors: Sonohata Motoki , Kitajima Masaru , Kawano Syunsuke , Mawatari Masaaki 
Published: April 2014

The risk of periprosthetic joint infection from hematogenous bacterial seeding is increased in patients undergoing
dental procedures that facilitate the development of bacteremia.
We herein report the case of a patient without a history of dental procedures who suffered from an acute metastatic
infection of a hip prosthesis by the oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans 18 months after undergoing revision total hip
arthroplasty. The patient was successfully treated by two-stage revision surgery.
It is important to realize that the efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis against joint infections has not yet been convincingly
proven. As a result, optimal dental hygiene and regular dental visits may be more important than antibiotic prophylaxis for
maintaining joint health. Therefore, orthopedic surgeons should educate patients with joint prostheses about good oral
health.
Information Technology Capability, Internal Control Effectiveness, and Audit Fees and Delays
Authors: Chen Yunhao , Smith Antoinette L. , Cao Jian , Xia Weidong 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
We examine the role of firm IT capability in contributing to internal control and external audit in the post-SOX environment. Specifically, we measure the effectiveness of both the overall internal control and the five components of internal control as defined by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission's Internal Control—Integrated Framework (COSO 1992). Our findings support the concern that accounting professionals have regarding the impact of the use of IT on business risks and controls relevant to the audit. Specifically, IT capability directly mitigates audit fee increases, but not audit delay increases, indicating high IT capability signals lower business risks associated with the use of IT and reduces the auditor's risk premium. Further, IT capability has pervasive impacts on both the effectiveness of internal control and the components of effective internal control, which in turn further restrain audit fee and audit delay increases. Overall, our results suggest that a firm's IT capability has the additional benefits of supporting the functioning of internal control and the efficiency of the audit process.
European Union agri-food quality schemes for the protection and promotion of geographical indications and traditional specialities: an economic perspective
Authors: Hajdukiewicz Agnieszka 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
The schemes for identifying and protecting the names of agricultural products and foods having specific qualities, have been launched by European Union as a part of its complex agricultural quality policy. The main objective of this article is to examine different aspects of three of the schemes, developed for products with specific characteristics resulting from a particular origin or farming method: PDO (Protected Designation of Origin), PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and TSG (Traditional Speciality Guarantied). The focus is mainly on the economic issues of the production and marketing of products and foodstuffs registered under particular schemes. The methodology includes studying the existing literature and European regulations on the subject, collecting and analysing statistical data as well as examining a short practical case.
The economic theory suggests that PDO/PGI/TSG registration results in the higher ability of producers to compete in the market. The increasing number of registrations confirms the growing interest of producers in using it as a tool to create competitive advantage. However, a higher price for such products compared with a standard product, does not always translate into a market success, since producing them requires farmers to follow a certain specification and this may involve additional costs. The analysis of the Vistula Cherry case found that there are significant market opportunities for certified producers of high quality fruits due to excellent characteristics of their products, but at the same time they face certain external and internal challenges and need to further develop their production and marketing skills, within the framework of the local collective organization.
The effect of soil mulching with straw on the yield and selected components of nutritive value in broccoli and tomatoes
Authors: Kosterna Edyta 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
By maintaining proper moisture and reducing daily temperature fluctuations, mulching improves soil conditions for plant growth and development, resulting in a positive effect on the vegetable yield. The chemical composition of vegetables is genetically determined as well as being modified by factors affecting the plant during growth, and particularly climatic conditions and agro-technology practices. The effects of soil mulching with rye, corn, rape and buckwheat straw at a dose of 10 and 20 t ha-1 on the yield and changes of selected components of nutritive value in ‘Milady’ F1 broccoli and ‘Polfast’ F1 tomato were investigated. The effect of straw was compared to a control plot without mulch. The yield of the vegetables and their chemical composition depended to a higher degree on weather conditions in the years of study. 2010 was the most favourable for broccoli yielding and 2011 for tomato. More nutrients components in heads and fruits were found in 2011 and 2012, which were characterised by favourable rainfall distribution. All straws applied in the experiment, irrespective of dosage, caused an increase in broccoli yield. However, soil mulching with straw at a dose of 10 t ha-1 was better for tomato yielding. Soil mulching with rye, corn and buckwheat straw increased the share of marketable yield in the total yield of broccoli and rye straw as well as the share of marketable yield of tomato. Mulching with rape and buckwheat straw decreased dry matter content in the edible parts of the vegetables. Mulch with rye straw contributed to a decreased content of ascorbic acid in heads and fruits and also caused a slight reduction in tomato flesh acidity. However, soil mulching with corn and rape straw caused an increase in total sugars and monosaccharide content in broccoli and tomato.
Clinical note
Authors: Brännström K. Jonas , Ludvigsson Josefine , Morris David , Ibertsson Tina 
Published: April 2014

Objective:
The aims of the present pilot study were to translate the PEACH Rating Scale into Swedish, examine the preliminary psychometric properties of this translation, and explore the association between age and the reported outcome.

Study design:
Responses on the PEACH Rating Scale were collected for 27 families with children aged six to 50 months of age (mean = 18.3 months; standard deviation, SD = 13.1 months).

Results:
The Swedish translation demonstrates high internal consistency, indicating that all items measure the same construct and the corrected item-total correlations also suggest that each item contributes logically to the scale. The total scores increase rapidly with increasing age until about 20 months after which the score increase tails off and is asymptotic beyond 50 months of age.

Conclusions:
Parental responses from the Swedish translation show psychometric characteristics similar to those previously reported and this version shows a similar relationship between total score on the scale and age, as found in previous studies.
Influence of Carrier Volume and Nozzle Selection on Palmer Amaranth Control
Authors: Berger S. T. , Dobrow M. H. , Ferrell J. A. , Webster T. M. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
Palmer amaranth is one of the most troublesome weeds in the southeast. Effective control is essential in order to avoid reductions of crop yield. Due to widespread resistance to acetolactate synthase (ALS)-inhibiting herbicides, postemergence contact herbicides are often the only in-season option to control Palmer amaranth in peanut. Lactofen is a postemergence protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibiting herbicide that is commonly used to control Palmer amaranth in peanut. Adequate spray coverage is essential for lactofen efficacy and nozzle selection may affect coverage. Extended range (XR) and air induction (AI) nozzles were used to evaluate spray coverage on water sensitive cards. XR nozzles provided more coverage than AI nozzles. A factorial treatment structure of carrier volume (94, 187, 281 L/ha), nozzle selection (XR and AI) and application timing (5 to 10 cm or 15 to 20 cm tall weeds) was conducted in 2008 in Williston, FL and in 2012 in Tifton, GA to determine the best strategy for controlling Palmer amaranth with lactofen. Palmer amaranth control was recorded 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment (DAT). Nozzle selection was not significant in field trials as a main effect or as an interaction at any location; therefore data were pooled across nozzle type. However, the carrier volume by application timing interaction was significant at each location. In 2008 at Williston, FL and in 2012 at Tifton, GA application at 5 to 10 cm tall Palmer amaranth with 94, 187, or 281 L/ha provided &gt;90% control. Applications made to 15 to 20 cm tall weeds provided less control. Applications made to smaller weeds provided sufficient control at any carrier volume tested, while applications made to larger weeds were least effective at 94 L/ha. Despite reduced coverage by AI nozzles, nozzle type did not translate to differences in herbicide efficacy in the field. Carrier volume did not affect control of small weeds, but on larger Palmer amaranth, control was reduced at smaller spray volumes. Growers should apply lactofen to smaller Palmer amaranth plants for the most effective control.
Development of a Collaborative Learning Game Using External Plastic Cards as an Input Device on an iPad
Authors: Ebner Martin , Lexow Stefan 
Published: April 2014

This paper evaluates and describes the usage of plastic cards, coated with conductive paint, as an input device for capacitive touchscreens. By using the developed card prototypes it should be proofed, that usage of this new kind of input device can be handled by primary school pupils in a collaborative learning game. For this reason an educative digital learning game has been developed which can be controlled by the card prototypes. The game asks questions of general knowledge and the answer can be given by putting the proper plastic card on the touchscreen.
The evaluation of the game by two groups of four children pointed out, that the cards can be easily used to identify a specific user. Although evaluation shows that the card control has weaknesses to reliably detect the correct answer during the game phase. All pupils enjoy to play the game and they additionally state, that they like the usage of the cards.
Beside the problems with a reliable card recognition the evaluation shows that the collaborative concept of the game is promising due to the fact that the pupils are always working together on finding a solution for the answer. Further they support each other in handling and understanding the plastic cards which leads to a deeper understanding of the technical backgrounds.
Dental patient's knowledge and perceptions about the effects of smoking and role of dentists in smoking cessation activities
Authors: Sood Poonam , Narang Ridhi , Swathi V. , Mittal Litik , Jha Kunal , Gupta Anamika 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
Objectives: The objective of the following study is to assess the knowledge of patients about the consequences of smoking on the general and oral health, to analyze the patient's perceptions about the role of dentists in smoking prevention, counseling and cessation and to analyze the willingness of smokers to quit smoking following dentist's advice. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in a sample of 486 dental patients visiting Vokkaligara Sangha Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluruin the month of August 2011 using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was performed to analyze data. Results: The patients had good knowledge about the effects of smoking on general and oral health. Statistically significant difference was observed in the knowledge of smokers and non-smokers about the effects of smoking on ageing (P = 0.008) and oral cancer (P = 0.0012). Patients had a positive perception about the role of dentists in smoking cessation activities. Smokers exhibited a willingness to quit if suggested by the dentist. Conclusion: Patients perceive that dentists can play an important part in smoking cessation activities. Hence, dentists should not hesitate to give smoking cessation advice to their patients and grasp this opportunity to improve the general and oral health of the community.
Evaluation of the soft tissue treatment simulation module of a computerized cephalometric program
Authors: Oz Aslihan Zeynep , Akcan Cenk Ahmet , El Hakan , Ciger Semra 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the accuracy of the treatment simulation module of Quick Ceph Studio (QCS) program to the actual treatment results in Class II Division 1 patients. Design: Retrospective study. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six skeletal Class II patients treated with functional appliances were included. T0 and T1 lateral cephalograms were digitized using QCS. Before applying treatment simulation to the digitized cephalograms, the actual T0-T1 difference was calculated for the SNA, SNB, ANB angles, maxillary incisor inclination, and protrusion and mandibular incisor inclination and protrusion values. Next, using the treatment simulation module, the aforementioned values for the T0 cephalograms were manually entered to match the actual T1 values taking into account the T0-T1 differences. Paired sample t-test were applied to determine the difference between actual and treatment simulation measurements. Results: No significant differences were found for the anteroposterior location of the landmarks. Upper lip, soft tissue A point, soft tissue pogonion, and soft tissue B point measurements showed statistically significant difference between actual and treatment simulation in the vertical plane. Conclusion: Quick Ceph program was reliable in terms of reflecting the sagittal changes that would probably occur with treatment and growth. However, vertical positions of the upper lip, soft tissue pogonion, soft tissue A point, and soft tissue B point were statistically different from actual results.
Positionnement institutionnel et innovation dans le secteur public
Authors: Bernier Luc , Hafsi Taïeb , Deschamps Carl 
Published: April 2014

Dans le système de gouvernement britannique, il existe trois types d’organisations : les organismes centraux qui sont responsables de la coordination de l’appareil gouvernemental, les ministères qui gèrent les domaines liés aux politiques et les organisations autonomes qui sont dotées de missions plus spécialisées. On peut émettre une hypothèse selon laquelle les organismes centraux, étant à proximité des politiques, risquent d’être plus conservateurs en raison de leur tendance naturelle à éviter les risques et les questions embarrassantes pour les ministres desquels ils relèvent. Serait-il possible que l’éloignement des politiques favorise un plus grand espace pour innover ? Le présent article teste cette hypothèse à l’aide de données obtenues dans les candidatures au Prix de la gestion innovatrice de l’Institut d’administration publique du Canada. Excepté le cas des entreprises publiques, dont les résultats n’étaient pas significatifs, l’hypothèse est confirmée. La création d’agences gouvernementales permet l’innovation.
Fibrinolytic Platelet Decoys Reduce Cancer Metastasis by Dissociating Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters
Authors: Schnoor Brian , Morris Kenise , Kottana Regina K. , Muldoon Rebekah , Barron Jaeden , Papa Anne‐Laure 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDuring metastasis, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) can travel in the bloodstream as individual cells or clusters, associated with fibrin and platelets. Clusters have a higher metastatic potential due to their increased ability to withstand shear stress and arrest in small vessels. Moreover, CTC–platelet interaction protects CTCs from shear stress and immune detection. The objective of this project is to develop a fibrinolytic platelet system to leverage platelet–CTC interactions and dissociate CTC clusters. For this approach, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is loaded onto two modified platelet systems: platelet Decoys and lyophilized platelets. The activities of the systems are characterized using a Förster Resonance Energy Transfer‐based assay and an angiogenic assay. Furthermore, the ability of the system to dissociate cancer cell clusters in vitro is assessed using light transmission aggregometry. The data demonstrates that the fibrinolytic platelets can maintain tPA activity, interact with CTCs, and dissociate cancer cell clusters. Finally, fibrinolytic platelets are assessed in vivo, demonstrating a decreased tumor load and increased survival with tPA‐Decoy treatment, which is selected as the optimal treatment based on favorable in vitro results and in vivo trials. Therefore, this fibrinolytic platelet approach is a promising method for leveraging platelet–CTC interactions to disperse CTC clusters and reduce metastasis.
Boosting All‐Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells by Revitalizing the Buried Tin‐Lead Perovskite Interface
Authors: Li Guang , Wang Chen , Fu Shiqiang , Zheng Wenwen , Shen Weicheng , Jia Peng , Huang Lishuai , Zhou Shun , Zhou Jin , Wang Cheng , Guan Hongling , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Xuhao , Pu Dexin , Fang Hongyi , Lin Qingxian , Ai Wei , Chen Weiqing , Zeng Guojun , Wang Ti , Qin Pingli , Fang Guojia , Ke Weijun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractNarrow‐bandgap (NBG) mixed tin‐lead (Sn‐Pb) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) serve as crucial top subcells in all‐perovskite tandem solar cells (TSCs). However, the prevalent use of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT: PSS) hole transport layers (HTLs) in NBG PSCs compromises device efficiency and stability. To address this, the study proposes a revitalizing strategy for the buried interface of Sn‐Pb perovskites by directly immersing acetylcholine chloride (ACh) into PEDOT: PSS. ACh acts as a proficient “diver,” not only modulating the bottom PEDOT: PSS HTLs but also facilitating the reconstruction of the buried interface and significantly enhancing the quality of the top perovskite layers. This intervention with ACh prevents Sn2+ oxidation, mitigates buried defects, and encourages the growth of large, densely packed grains within Sn‐Pb perovskites. Consequently, the optimized NBG PSCs exhibit significantly improved hole transport and reduced carrier recombination, achieving a steady‐state efficiency of 22.98% with enhanced stability. Furthermore, these optimized NBG Sn‐Pb cells enable highly efficient two‐terminal and four‐terminal all‐perovskite TSCs, boasting steady‐state efficiencies of 27.54% (certified at 26.41%) and 28.01%, respectively. This study emphasizes the importance of optimizing NBG PSCs through buried interface reconstruction, propelling the advancement of all‐perovskite TSCs.