bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiopacity of Flowable Composite by a Digital Technique
Authors: Dukić W , Delija B , Lešić S , Dubravica I , Derossi D 
Published: October 2012

SUMMARY
The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the radiopacity of 19 current dental flowable composite materials by a digital technique. Digital radiographs were obtained with a CCD sensor using an aluminum step wedge, a 1-mm-thick tooth slice, and a 1-mm-thick flowable composite specimen using five different combinations of exposure and voltage. The radiopacity in pixels was determined using Digora 2.6. software. The equivalent thickness of aluminum for each material was then calculated based on the calibration curve. All of the tested flowable composite materials had higher radiopacities than that of dentin, but in almost every combination of exposure and voltage, there were some composite materials that exhibited radiopacities equal to or slightly greater than enamel p&gt;α; α=0.01). Of the flowable composite materials tested, 37% showed lower radiopacities than enamel, and 21% of the tested materials had higher radiopacities than the 3-mm aluminum equivalent. The highest radiopacity at all exposure values was produced by the Majesty Flow and Charisma Opal Flow materials, which had radiopacities almost twice that of enamel. Flowable composite materials should have radiopacities greater than that of enamel (ISO 4049), an important consideration for the introduction of new materials to the market. The digital radiopacity analysis techniques used in this study provide an easy, reliable, rapid, and precise method to characterize radiopacity of dental flowable composite materials.
Variational calculations on the vibrational level structure of S0 HDCO
Authors: Rashev Svetoslav , Moule David 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
We perform converged high precision variational calculations to determine the frequencies of the vibrational levels in S0 HDCO, extending up to 5000 cm−1 of vibrational excitation energy. For these calculations we use our specific vibrational method (recently employed for studies on H2CO and D2CO), consisting of a combination of a search/selection algorithm and a Lanczos iteration procedure and based on the Martin, Lee, Taylor potential energy surface for formaldehyde. The calculated level structure is compared to the recently measured frequencies by Ellsworth et al. in order to improve their assignments and further clarify the vibrational mixing pattern and vibrational resonances in HDCO that are very different from the other more symmetric formaldehyde species H2CO and D2CO studied recently.
Technology preferences among caregivers of children with hydrocephalus
Authors: Naftel Robert P. , Safiano Nicole A. , Falola Michael I. , Shannon Chevis N. , Wellons John C. , Johnston James M. 
Published: October 2012

Object
The Internet and social media are powerful disseminators of medical information, providing new portals for patient care. The authors of this study evaluated current technology hardware, Internet, and social media use and their socioeconomic relationships among caregivers of children with hydrocephalus.

Methods
A written survey was completed in the neurosurgical clinics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham by 300 parents of children with shunted hydrocephalus between October 26, 2010, and July 26, 2011.

Results
Computer use (94.6%), Internet use (91.7%), smartphone use (56.9%), and Internet research on hydrocephalus (81.9%) were prevalent. However, for each of these four utilizations there was significantly lower access by caregivers of minority races (p = 0.04, 0.03, 0.002, and < 0.0001, respectively), lower income (p = 0.02, 0.01, < 0.0001, and < 0.0001, respectively), and lower level of education (p = 0.001, 0.002, < 0.0001, and 0.001, respectively). Personal use of social media was prevalent (95.1% of all Internet users) with use being more prevalent among less-educated than higher-educated caregivers (p = 0.017). Hydrocephalus-related social media use (59.5% of Internet users) was not associated with socioeconomic factors. For hydrocephalus education on the Internet, caregivers chose information websites such as Wikipedia or the Hydrocephalus Association as preferred platforms; these preferences were followed by use of social media websites. Facebook and YouTube were the preferred social media platforms for personal and hydrocephalus-related use. Parents indicate moderate skepticism about the trustworthiness of the Internet; only 21.7% always trust the online sources. Most parents (89.8%) say that they would visit neurosurgeon-recommended websites. Of Internet-using caregivers, 28.6% use the Internet or social media to find hydrocephalus support groups, and 34.8% have used the Internet to communicate with other caregivers who have children with similar conditions.

Conclusions
Technology hardware, the Internet, and social media are widely used with some skepticism by parents of children with shunted hydrocephalus. Caregivers are interested in physician-recommended Internet resources. Socioeconomic factors including race, income, and level of education reveal a disparity in access to some of these resources, although all groups have relatively high use. Unlike typical technology use, social media use is breaking down the digital divide among ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
Epidemiology, clinical presentation, and patterns of drug resistance of Salmonella Typhi in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Khan M. Imran , Soofi Sajid Bashir , Ochiai R. Leon , Khan Mohammad Jawed , Sahito Shah Muhammad , Habib Mohammad Atif , Puri Mahesh K , Von Seidlein Lorenz , Park Jin Kyung , You Young Ae , Ali Mohammad , Nizami S. Qamarudding , Acosta Camilo J , Sack Richard Bradley , Clemens John D , Bhutta Zulfiqar A 
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Enteric fever remains a major public health problem in Asia. Planning appropriate preventive measures such as immunization requires a clear understanding of disease burden. We conducted a community-based surveillance for Salmonella Typhi infection in children in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: A de jure household census was conducted at baseline in the study setting to enumerate all individuals. A health-care facility-based passive surveillance system was used to capture episodes of fever lasting three or more 3 days in children 2 to 16 years old. Results: A total of 7,401 blood samples were collected for microbiological confirmation, out of which 189 S. Typhi and 32 S. Paratyphi A isolates were identified with estimated annual incidences of 451/100,000 (95% CI: 446 – 457) and 76/100,000 (95% CI: 74 – 78) respectively. At the time of presentation, after adjusting for age, there was an association between the duration of fever and temperature at presentation, and being infected with multidrug-resistant S. Typhi. Of 189 isolates 83 were found to be resistant to first-line antimicrobial therapy. There was no statistically significant difference in clinical presentation of blood culture sensitive and resistant S. Typhi isolates. Conclusion: Incidence of S. Typhi in children is high in urban squatter settlements of Karachi, Pakistan. Findings from this study identified duration of fever and temperature at the time of presentation as important symptoms associated with blood culture-confirmed typhoid fever. Preventive strategies such as immunization and improvements in water and sanitation conditions should be the focus of typhoid control in urban settlements of Pakistan.
Critical Thinking Skills through Reflective Journal Writing Among Non – Science Majors: Basis for an Enhancement Guide
Authors: Talens Joy D. 
Published: October 2012

Physical Science involves study of non – living things. Since it is being offered among non–majors, teachers surmount challenges particularly appreciation for scientific inquiry. Likewise, De la Salle Lipa exposes students to transformative learning approach to attain its expected La Sallian Graduate Attributes and one of which is being a critical thinker. Thus, this study assessed the extent by which critical thinking skills were enhanced through reflective journal writing. Using the descriptive instructional method of research, this study used the Provus Evaluation Model in its approach to assessment of major variables concerned. Purposive sampling technique was used among 80 Second Year Bachelor of Science in Accountancy and Bachelor of Science in Legal Management who were enrolled during the second semester of School Year 2011 – 2012. Data and other information needed were gathered through questionnaires, informal interviews, observations, documentary analysis and the use of triangulation of data. Results revealed that indicators of critical thinking skills have been found to have been “enhanced to a great extent” However, in consideration of the Total Quality Assurance (TQA), it was found that gap existed between the mean assessment of the respondents and the intent of TQA. In consideration of the findings, an enhancement guide has been proposed to introduce and implement reflective journal writing among non – majors in college or universities’ quest to continuously improve instructional program and attain total quality assurance. Keywords - reflective journal writing, critical thinking skills, total quality assurance.
“Iraq Opportunities”: The New National Curriculum and Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Iraqi Primary Schools
Authors: Abbas Muna Mohammed 
Published: October 2012

In 2007-2008, a new official curriculum was promulgated through which English is introduced in Grade 3 of primary schooling (generally age 8) as it is one of primary education objectives and the government policy in Iraq. So, the present work aims to investigate some of the problems associated with the implementation of this new curriculum, its nature, an understanding of the curriculum principles and philosophies, and its constituents in the Iraqi contexts. Research on the curriculum planning process and curriculum analysis has not been conducted on the Iraqi English language curriculum before this. The present work gives a clear picture about the implementation, the nature of the curriculum, an understanding of the curriculum principles and philosophies, and its constituents in the Iraqi contexts. The work has three foci: the curriculum, the implementation and teaching and learning. The findings came from questionnaires and interviews with school teachers and supervisors’ .A questionnaire based survey of a sample of 100 primary school English teachers was conducted. It is concluded that (1) the implementation of official policy on the teaching of English in primary schools is fraught with problems evident at every stage in the process, from Education policy, through materials design to lesson planning and delivery;(2) the curriculum has problems at the level of understanding and implementation and this has led to the difficulty of conveying the philosophy of Iraq education to the primary school level. Keywords - curriculum implementation, Education policy, EFL, education philosophy, syllabus design, ENN(English New National ) Curriculum
Overview of Gene Delivery into Cells Using HSV‐1‐Based Vectors
Authors: Neve Rachael L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis overview describes the considerations involved in the preparation and use of a herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) amplicon as a vector for gene transfer into neurons. Strategies for gene delivery into neurons, either to study the molecular biology of brain function or for gene therapy, must utilize vectors that persist stably in postmitotic cells and that can be targeted both spatially and temporally in the nervous system in vivo. This unit describes the biology of HSV‐1 along with a discussion covering development of amplicon and genomic HSV‐1 vectors. Advantages and disadvantages of current HSV‐1 vectors are presented, and HSV‐1 vectors are compared with other vectors for gene transfer into neurons. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 61:4.12.1‐4.12.7. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Microdomain Transformations in Mosaic Mesocrystal Thin Films
Authors: Jiang Yuan , Gong Haofei , Grzywa Maciej , Volkmer Dirk , Gower Laurie , Cölfen Helmut 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAn easy design route via simple evaporation is reported for macroscopic mosaic thin films comprising the quaternary system ofdl‐lysine·HCl, poly(acrylic acid), water, and EtOH. By depositing droplets of the quaternary dispersions onto hydrophilic cover slips, the formation of macroscopic crack‐free mosaic mesocrystal thin films are produced. The formation follows a multistage crystallization process, which includes the formation of a polymer‐induced liquid‐precursor (PILP) phase, the formation of spherulitic thin films, and the recrystallization of mosaic mesocrystal thin films. A slow cooling rate is noted to be beneficial for the mesocrystal thin films, enabling the films to be crack‐free and to display low surface roughness at the nanoscale.
Coating of titanium plate by photocurable azidophenyl chitosan derivative for application to implants
Authors: Seo Si Yoong , Park Shin Hye , Lee Hyung Jae , Heo Yun , Na Ha Na , Kim Kwang Il , Han Jae Hong , Ito Yoshihiro , Son Tae Il 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTitanium (Ti) is widely used as an implant material. There are various kinds of Ti surface modification methods to facilitate effective osseointegration. In this study, UV‐curable azido‐LMC (azidophenyl low molecular weight chitosan) was used to modify the Ti surface. Here we suggest a novel Ti coating material that confers complex, diverse improvements to the Ti surface through a simple process. First, a cytotoxicity test of azido‐LMC against osteoblast MG‐63 was performed. The curing ratio dependent on UV irradiation time and concentration was determined by a comparison of weight. A 5% azido‐LMC solution, which showed a wide curing ratio range, was used to investigate the surface properties. The contact angle value was measured to compare hydrophilicity, and osteoblast MG‐63 cells were cultured on the coating surface. The Bradford assay was used to assess the protein immobilization capability. Hydroxyapatite, which has a beneficial influence on osseointegration, was included on the coating surface and observed by scanning electron microscopy. Surface roughness was measured by atomic force microscopy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Increasing activity and thermal resistance of Bacillus gibsonii alkaline protease (BgAP) by directed evolution
Authors: Martinez Ronny , Jakob Felix , Tu Ran , Siegert Petra , Maurer Karl‐Heinz , Schwaneberg Ulrich 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBacillus gibsonii Alkaline Protease (BgAP) is a recently reported subtilisin protease exhibiting activity and stability properties suitable for applications in laundry and dish washing detergents. However, BgAP suffers from a significant decrease of activity at low temperatures. In order to increase BgAP activity at 15°C, a directed evolution campaign based on the SeSaM random mutagenesis method was performed. An optimized microtiter plate expression system in B. subtilis was established and classical proteolytic detection methods were adapted for high throughput screening. In parallel, the libraries were screened for increased residual proteolytic activity after incubation at 58°C. Three iterative rounds of directed BgAP evolution yielded a set of BgAP variants with increased specific activity (Kcat) at 15°C and increased thermal resistance. Recombination of both sets of amino acid substitutions resulted finally in variant MF1 with a 1.5‐fold increased specific activity (15°C) and over 100 times prolonged half‐life at 60°C (224 min compared to 2 min of the WT BgAP). None of the introduced amino acid substitutions were close to the active site of BgAP. Activity‐altering amino acid substitutions were from non‐charged to non‐charged or from sterically demanding to less demanding. Thermal stability improvements were achieved by substitutions to negatively charged amino acids in loop areas of the BgAP surface which probably fostered ionic and hydrogen bonds interactions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 711–720. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Engineering hyperthermostability into a mesophilic family 11 xylanase from Aspergillus oryzae by in silico design of N‐terminus substitution
Authors: Gao Shu‐Juan , Wang Jun‐Qing , Wu Min‐Chen , Zhang Hui‐Min , Yin Xin , Li Jian‐Fang 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA mesophilic xylanase from Aspergillus oryzae CICC40186 (abbreviated to AoXyn11A) belongs to glycoside hydrolase family 11. The thermostability of AoXyn11A was significantly improved by substituting its N‐terminus with the corresponding region of a hyperthermostable family 11 xylanase, EvXyn11TS. The suitable N‐terminus of AoXyn11A to be replaced was selected by the comparison of B‐factors between AoXyn11A and EvXyn11TS, which were generated and calculated after a 15 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation process. Then, the predicted hybrid xylanase (designated AEx11A) was modeled, and subjected to a 2 ns MD simulation process for calculating its total energy value. The N‐terminus substitution was confirmed by comparing the total energy value of AEx11A with that of AoXyn11A. Based on the in silico design, the AEx11A was constructed and expressed in Pichia pastoris GS115. After 72 h of methanol induction, the recombinant AEx11A (reAEx11A) activity reached 82.2 U/mL. The apparent temperature optimum of reAEx11A was 80°C, much higher than that of reAoXyn11A. Its half‐life was 197‐fold longer than that of reAoXyn11A at 70°C. Compared with reAoXyn11A, the reAEx11A displayed a slight alteration in Km but a decrease in Vmax. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 1028–1038. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New insights into the impact of digital signage as a retail atmospheric tool
Authors: Dennis Charles , Michon Richard , Brakus J. JoŠko , Newman Andrew , Alamanos Eleftherios 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThis article investigates the previously little‐researched role of digital signage (DS) in retail atmospherics, using an environmental psychology framework, drawing support from the Limited Capacity Model of Mediated Message Processing (LCM). DS consists of screen displays in public spaces showing video. The method consisted of a structured questionnaires quasi‐experiment (n = 357), comparing before and after DS installation against an unchanged control mall. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of DS, which has a positive effect on shoppers' approach behaviors such as spending, mediated by perceptions of the retail environment and positive affect.Results are limited as the DS screens content was information based, whereas according to LCM, people pay more attention to emotion‐eliciting communications. The results have practical implications as DS appeals to employed shoppers. This study contributes to theory by providing a rare longitudinal environmental psychology study of the effects of an atmospheric stimulus on real shoppers in a real retail context. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assembly of Graphene Nanosheets and SiO2 Nanoparticles Towards Transparent, Antireflective, Conductive, and Superhydrophilic Multifunctional Hybrid Films
Authors: Zhu Jiayi , Xu Ligang , He Junhui 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA new approach for the fabrication of transparent, antireflective, conductive and superhydrophilic multifunctional hybrid films through the layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets and SiO2 nanoparticles is reported. The RGO nanosheets, SiO2 nanoparticles and films were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy, UV/Vis absorption spectrophotometry, Raman spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle/interface system, and a four‐point probe. It was found that the graphene/SiO2 hybrid films exhibited a significant increase in transmittance as compared with RGO films. The optical, electronic and wetting properties of hybrid films could be manipulated by rational design of the film structure and variation of the cycle number of the LbL assembly. The obtained transparent, conductive, and superhydrophilic graphene/SiO2 hybrid films showed excellent antireflective, antistatic, and antifogging behaviors. The remarkable performance could be attributed to the combination of electrical conductivity of RGO nanosheets and superhydrophilic antireflective surface derived from SiO2 nanoparticles.
Synthesis, Bioactivities and Structure Activity Relationship of N‐4‐Methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole‐5‐carbonyl‐N′‐phenyl Ureas
Authors: Guo Dandan , Wang Zhiwen , Fan Zhijin , Zhao Hui , Zhang Wei , Cheng Jiagao , Yang Jiaqiang , Wu Qingjun , Zhang Youjun , Fan Qian 
Published: October 2012

AbstractTwenty nine novel N‐4‐methyl‐1,2,3‐thiadiazole‐5‐carbonyl‐N′‐phenyl ureas were designed and synthesized, and their structures were confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), infra red spectroscopy (IR) and high‐resolution mass spectroscopy (HRMS). Compounds V‐9, V‐11, V‐12, V‐15, V‐19, V‐21, V‐22 and V‐24 exhibit excellent activity against Culex pipiens pallens. Compounds V‐12 and V‐22 present good insecticidal activity against Plutella xylostella L. Their median lethal concentrations (LC50) are 164.15 and 89.69 mg·L−1, respectively. Compound V‐11 also has potential wide spectrum of fungicide activity. Its median effective concentrations (EC50) detected from 3.82 µg·mL−1 against Physalospora piricola to 31.60 µg·mL−1 against Cercospora arachidicola. Compounds V‐15 and V‐24 show outstanding induction activities as same as positive controls TDL and ningnanmycin, furthermore V‐24 has the highest induction activity of 41.85%±4.43%. To elucidate the structure activity relationship in these compounds, a 3D‐QSAR model has been built. The established model showed a reliable predicting ability with q2 values of 0.643 and r2 values of 0.982.
Immobilization of Antibodies on Magnetic Carbonaceous Microspheres for Selective Enrichment of Lysine‐acetylated Proteins and Peptides
Authors: Wang Yingyin , Yao Jun , Yang Pengyuan , Deng Chunhui , Fan Huizhi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractLysine acetylation is a dynamic and reversible modification, which has been proved to be a key posttranslational modification in cellular regulation. However, the low amounts of the acetylated proteins could hardly be detected before enrichment. In this study, for the first time, antibody‐immobilized magnetic carbonaceous microspheres were developed for selective enrichment of acetylated proteins and peptides. At first, standard proteins composed of acetylated bovine serum albumin, myoglobin, α‐casein and ovalbumin were used as model proteins to verify the enrichment efficiency. Then, the synthesized peptide was employed to confirm the selectivity of the method. Besides, the antibody‐immobilized magnetic particles were successfully applied to analyze mouse mitochondrial proteins. After database search, 29 acetylated sites in 26 proteins were identi?ed.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Anticancer Activities of Tetrahydropyrido[4,3‐d]dihydropyrimidine‐2‐thiones
Authors: Ding Li , Xue Sijia , Li Jing , Xiao Di , Wang Jing , Hao Zhibing , Pang Chuncheng 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA new series of tetrahydropyrido[4,3‐d]dihydropyrimidine‐2‐thiones (3a–3x) were designed and synthesized. Their structures were confirmed by 1H NMR, IR, MS and elemental analysis, and the conformation of compound 3j was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction. Preliminary bioassays indicated that most of the target compounds presented good antiproliferative activities against leukemic K562 cells, ovarian cancer HO‐8910 cells and liver cancer SMMC‐7721 cells in vitro. Among them the compounds 3i and 3m afford the best activity, the IC50 of them were 3.22 and 3.65 µg/mL against leukemic K562 cells, respectively, which were lower than the anticancer drug of clinical practice 5‐FU (IC50=8.56 µg/mL). Preliminary mechanism of action studies revealed that compound 3i caused DNA fragmentation and activated caspase‐3/7 in leukemic K562 cells.