bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of self‐healing polyurethane urea‐based supramolecular materials
Authors: Kim Young Joo , Huh Pil Ho , Kim Byung Kyu 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTSupramolecular polyurethane ureas are expected to have superior mechanical properties primarily due to the reversible, noncovalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding interactions. We synthesized polyurethane prepolymers from small molecular weight of poly(tetramethylene ether)glycol and isophorone diisocyanates, which were end capped with propylamine to synthesize polyurethane ureas with high contents of urea and urethane groups for hydrogen‐bonding formations to facilitate self‐healing. The effects of polyurethane urea molecular weight (3000 ≤ Mn ≤ 9000), crosslinking, and cutting direction were studied in terms of thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties with an emphasis on the self‐healing efficiency. It was found that the thermal self‐healability was more pronounced as the molecular weight of polyurethane urea decreased, showing a maximum of more than 96% with 3000 Mn when the sample was cut along the stretch direction. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 468–474
Emerging applications of small angle solution scattering in structural biology
Authors: Chaudhuri Barnali N. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSmall angle solution X‐ray and neutron scattering recently resurfaced as powerful tools to address an array of biological problems including folding, intrinsic disorder, conformational transitions, macromolecular crowding, and self or hetero‐assembling of biomacromolecules. In addition, small angle solution scattering complements crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and other structural methods to aid in the structure determinations of multidomain or multicomponent proteins or nucleoprotein assemblies. Neutron scattering with hydrogen/deuterium contrast variation, or X‐ray scattering with sucrose contrast variation to a certain extent, is a convenient tool for characterizing the organizations of two‐component systems such as a nucleoprotein or a lipid‐protein assembly. Time‐resolved small and wide‐angle solution scattering to study biological processes in real time, and the use of localized heavy‐atom labeling and anomalous solution scattering for applications as FRET‐like molecular rulers, are amongst promising newer developments. Despite the challenges in data analysis and interpretation, these X‐ray/neutron solution scattering based approaches hold great promise for understanding a wide variety of complex processes prevalent in the biological milieu.
Diagnosis of fetal submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities in failed array CGH samples: copy number by sequencing as an alternative to microarrays for invasive fetal testing
Authors: Cohen K. , Tzika A. , Wood H. , Berri S. , Roberts P. , Mason G. , Sheridan E. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTObjectivesArray comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) has become the technology of choice for high‐resolution prenatal whole genome analysis. Limitations of microarrays are mainly related to the analog nature of the analysis, and poor‐quality DNA can result in failed quality metrics with these platforms. We examined a cohort of abnormal fetuses with failed array CGH results using a next‐generation sequencing algorithm, CNV‐Seq. We assessed the ability of the platform to handle suboptimal prenatal samples and generate interpretable molecular karyotypes.MethodsNine samples obtained from abnormal fetuses and one from a normal control fetus were sequenced using an Illumina GAIIx. A segmentation algorithm for sequencing data was used to determine regional copy number data on the sequencing datasets.ResultsPhred quality scores were satisfactory for analysis of all samples. CNV‐Seq identified both large‐ and small‐scale abnormalities in the cohort, and normal results were obtained for fetuses for which microarray data were previously uninterpretable. No variants of uncertain significance were detected. Analysis of the digital sequencing datasets offered some advantages over array CGH output.ConclusionsUsing next‐generation sequencing for the detection of genomic copy number variants may be advantageous for poor‐quality, invasively‐acquired prenatal samples. CNV‐Seq could become a potential alternative to array CGH in this setting. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Recovery rate of harvest residues for bioenergy in boreal and temperate forests: A review
Authors: Thiffault Evelyne , Béchard Ariane , Paré David , Allen Darren 
Published: December 2014

Harvest residues are an attractive woody biomass feedstock for bioenergy production. A portion of the total harvest residues are generally left in the cutblock due to technical and profitability constraints. A better understanding of the factors influencing the variability of residue operational recovery rate is important to inform accurately policy development on sustainable forest biomass procurement practices. We compiled the results of field trials from boreal and temperate forests to quantify the range of variation of residue recovery rates and to identify the main factors explaining this variability. The average recovery rate was 52.2%, with minimum and maximum values of 4.0 and 89.1%, and a near‐normal distribution around the average. The main factor contributing to this variation was country of operations, which encompasses aspects of bioenergy policy and markets, technological learning, and forestry context. A shift in bioenergy policy, a growth in (and a change in access to) bioenergy markets, and upward movements along the technological learning curve could increase residue recovery rates approaching the highest values observed in this study, such as those in Nordic countries (72% residue recovery), or even higher if economic and technological conditions keep improving. However, local stand conditions, especially in North America where natural variability is high among forest stands, may continue to constrain operational recovery of harvest residues. Our results suggest the need for the development of policies that define practices and thresholds based on the ecological suitability of ecosystems, with clear definitions and explicit standards for harvest residue inventory, quantification, and retention. WIREs Energy Environ 2015, 4:429–451. doi: 10.1002/wene.157This article is categorized under:

Bioenergy > Climate and Environment
Bioenergy > Science and Materials
Hydrothermal/Solvothermal Crystal Growth: an Old but Adaptable Process
Authors: Demazeau Gérard , Largeteau Alain 
Published: December 2014

AbstractHydrothermal crystal growth can be described as a low temperature process under pressure using an aqueous solution as the solvent. The temperature gradient controls the transport phenomenon from the nutrient to the seeds. The solvothermal term is generally used when the solvent is a non‐aqueous solution. Different aspects will be particularly discussed: (a) The principle of hydrothermal/solvothermal crystal growth processes. (b) A brief history of the development of such processes. (c) The main factors involved during the crystal growth and their impact on the quality of the resulting macroscopic single crystals. (d) How these physical and chemical factors can be optimized to improve the quality of the crystals. The conclusions focus on the future developments of hydrothermal or solvothermal crystal growth processes.
The carboxyl-terminal tail of the stalk of Arabidopsis NACK1/HINKEL kinesin is required for its localization to the cell plate formation site
Authors: Sasabe Michiko , Ishibashi Nanako , Haruta Tsuyoshi , Minami Aki , Kurihara Daisuke , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Nishihama Ryuichi , Ito Masaki , Machida Yasunori 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Plant cytokinesis is achieved by formation of cell plates in the phragmoplast, a plant-specific cytokinetic apparatus, which consists of microtubules (MTs) and microfilaments. During cytokinesis, the cell plate is expanded centrifugally outward from the inside of cells in a process that is supported by dynamic turnover of MTs. M-phase-specific kinesin NACK1, which comprises the motor domain at the amino-terminal half to move on MT bundles and the stalk region in the carboxyl-terminal half, is a key player in the process of MT turnover. That is, the specific region in the stalk binds the MAP kinase kinase kinase to activate the whole MAP kinase cascade, which stimulates depolymerization of MTs for the MT turnover. The stalk is also responsible for recruiting the activated kinase cascade to the mid-zone of the phragmoplast, which corresponds to the cell-plate formation site. It should be crucial to uncover roles of the NACK1 kinesin stalk as well as the motor domain in the formation of cell plates in order to understand the mechanisms of cell plate formation. Using dissected Arabidopsis NACK1 (AtNACK1/HINKEL) molecules and AtNACK1-fused GFP, we showed that the C-terminal tail of the stalk in addition to the motor domain is critical for its proper localization to the site of cell plate formation in the phragmoplast, probably by affecting its motility activity.
Interactive performances of betaine on the metabolic processes of Pseudomonas denitrificans
Authors: Xia Wei , Peng Wei-fu , Chen Wei , Li Kun-tai 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The performances of betaine on the metabolic processes of vitamin B12-producing Pseudomonas denitrificans were investigated in this paper. The results showed that betaine was an indispensable methyl-group donor for vitamin B12 biosynthesis, but large amounts of the extracellular glycine accompanied by betaine metabolism would impose a severe restriction on the cell growth of P. denitrificans. By further using a comparative metabolomics approach coupled with intracellular free amino acids analysis for the fermentation processes with betaine addition (10 g/l) or not, it was found that betaine could highly strengthen the formation of some key precursors and intermediates facilitating vitamin B12 biosynthesis, such as δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA, the first precursor of vitamin B12), glutamate (an intermediate of ALA via C5 pathway), glycine (an intermediate of ALA via C4 pathway), and methionine (directly participating in the methylation reaction involved in vitamin B12 biosynthetic pathway). Therefore, the performances of betaine on P. denitrificans metabolic processes were not only serving as a decisive methyl-group donor for vitamin B12 biosynthesis, but also playing a powerfully promoting role in the generation of vitamin B12 precursors and intermediates.
A mixture of 86% of CO2, 10% of N2O, and 4% of oxygen permits laparoscopy under local anesthesia: a pilot study
Authors: Koninckx Philippe R. , Verguts Jasper , Corona Roberta , Adamyan Leila , Brosens Ivo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study is to verify that 10 % of N2O in CO2sufficiently reduces pain to permit laparoscopy under local anesthesia. In nine patients undergoing laparoscopy under local anesthesia for tubal sterilization, a mixture of 86 % of CO2, 10 % of N2O, and 4 % of oxygen (the Gas Mixture) was used for the pneumoperitoneum. For CO2, N2O, and for the Gas Mixture, the pain when blowing over the tongue tip and the pH changes of saline and Hartmann’s solution were estimated. In all nine patients, discomfort was minimal and the intervention was well tolerated, similar to 100 % N2O. Tongue tip pain (n = 15), on VAS scale, was lower with 86 % CO2 + 10 % N2O + 4 % O2(2.4 ± 1.4,P = 0.005) and much lower with 100 % N2O (0.3 ± 0.6,P < 0.0007) than with pure CO2(3.6 ± 1.7). The pH of saline (n = 5) decreased from 7.00 ± 0.07 to 4.18 ± 0.04 (P = 0.001), 6.98 ± 0.08 (NS), and 4.28 ± 0.04 (P = 0.01) with 100 % CO2, 100 % N2O and the Gas Mixture,respectively. The pH of Hartmann’s solution (n = 5) decreased similarly from 7.00 ± 0.07 to 5.18 ± 0.04 (P = 0.01), 7.02 ± 0.19 (NS), and 5.3 ± 0.4 (P = 0.01), respectively. These data demonstrate that a mixture with 10 % of N2O and 4 % of O2in CO2permits laparoscopy under local anesthesia. This result cannot be explained by direct irritation estimated by tongue tip pain or by pH changes.
A New Interpretation of the Weighted Kappa Coefficients
Authors: Vanbelle Sophie 
Published: December 2014

AbstractReliability and agreement studies are of paramount importance. They do contribute to the quality of studies by providing information about the amount of error inherent to any diagnosis, score or measurement. Guidelines for reporting reliability and agreement studies were recently provided. While the use of the kappa-like family is advised for categorical and ordinal scales, no further guideline in the choice of a weighting scheme is given. In the present paper, a new simple and practical interpretation of the linear- and quadratic-weighted kappa coefficients is given. This will help researchers in motivating their choice of a weighting scheme.
In vitro Transcriptome Analysis of Two Chinese Isolates of Streptococcus Suis Serotype 2
Authors: Zhang Dake , Du Nan , Ma Sufang , Hu Qingtao , Lu Guangwen , Chen Wei , Zeng Changqing 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (S. suis 2) isolates 05ZYH33 and 98HAH33 have caused severe human infections in China. Using a strand-specific RNA-seq analysis, we compared the in vitro transcriptomes of these two Chinese isolates with that of a reference strain (P1/7). In the 89K genomic island that is specific to these Chinese isolates, a toxin–antitoxin system showed relatively high levels of transcription among the S. suis. The known virulence factors with high transcriptional activity in these two highly-pathogenic strains are mainly involved in adhesion, biofilm formation, hemolysis and the synthesis and transport of the outer membrane protein. Furthermore, our analysis of novel transcripts identified over 50 protein-coding genes with one of them encoding a toxin protein. We also predicted over 30 small RNAs (sRNAs) in each strain, and most of them are involved in riboswitches. We found that six sRNA candidates that are related to bacterial virulence, including cspA and rli38, are specific to Chinese isolates. These results provide insight into the factors responsible for the difference in virulence among the different S. suis 2 isolates.
Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia including Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Snyder Heather M. , Corriveau Roderick A. , Craft Suzanne , Faber James E. , Greenberg Steven M. , Knopman David , Lamb Bruce T. , Montine Thomas J. , Nedergaard Maiken , Schaffer Chris B. , Schneider Julie A. , Wellington Cheryl , Wilcock Donna M. , Zipfel Gregory J. , Zlokovic Berislav , Bain Lisa J. , Bosetti Francesca , Galis Zorina S. , Koroshetz Walter , Carrillo Maria C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractScientific evidence continues to demonstrate the linkage of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. In December, 2013, the Alzheimer's Association, with scientific input from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute from the National Institutes of Health, convened scientific experts to discuss the research gaps in our understanding of how vascular factors contribute to Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. This manuscript summarizes the meeting and the resultant discussion, including an outline of next steps needed to move this area of research forward.
Quality of relationships with alternative suppliers: The role of supplier resilience and perceived benefits in supply networks
Authors: Yilmaz Börekçi Dilek , Işeri Say Arzu , Kabasakal Hayat , Rofcanin Yasin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSupplier–buyer exchange relationship and quality of that relationship (supplier satisfaction and commitment) have been examined from various angles in the extant literature. Yet, there is a paucity of research investigating the influence of supplier characteristics – especially supplier resilience – on relationship quality. Driven to fill this gap, this study aims to develop theory of the influence of perceived benefits from supplier–buyer exchange relationship and supplier resilience on relationship quality. Data drawn from 97 supplier–buyer dyads were used. Hierarchical regression analyses showed the positive influence of both perceived benefits from supplier–buyer exchange relationships and supplier resilience on relationship quality. Further empirical and theoretical implications, as well as the limitations of the study, are discussed.
Leader feedback and knowledge sharing: A regulatory focus theory perspective
Authors: Li Guiquan , Liu Haixin , Shang Yufan , Xi Youmin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of leader feedback on followers’ knowledge-sharing behavior through a regulatory focus theory perspective. Data were collected through an experiment with 129 college students. Results showed that compared with leader’s prevention feedback style and negative feedback valence, promotion style and positive feedback valence inspire employee knowledge-sharing behavior better. These two positive relationships are mediated by promotion situational regulatory focus. The negative relationship between prevention leader feedback style and knowledge sharing is mediated by prevention situational regulatory focus, while negative leader feedback valence has its negative effect on knowledge sharing directly.
‘I Sat Filling in This Form While Smoking and It Was Divine’. An Analysis of Free-Text Comments from Smokers Who Report They Have No Intention of Quitting in the Next Six Months
Authors: Sweeney-Magee M. , Kale D. , Hamill A. , Gilbert H. 
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Smokers unmotivated to quit are neglected by smoking cessation research. Free-text comment analysis is a potentially useful way to gain insight into this group's beliefs.Aims: To analyse the free-text comments provided by smokers unmotivated to quit as part of a randomized controlled trial of computer-tailored feedback for smoking cessation.Method: A random sample of 58,660 smokers were sent a smoking behaviour questionnaire (SBQ). The responses and follow-up outcomes of those providing free-text comments were compared to those who did not to assess the representativeness of the former group of smokers. The comments of participants unmotivated to quit (631) were thematically analysed.Results: Those who provided a comment differed from those who did not on variables including education level and quit attempts at six-month follow-up. Emergent themes included; justification of smoking and restricting smoking instead of quitting.Conclusions: The findings illustrate the value of free-text comments in identifying issues important to respondents. The identified themes highlight areas for future research in smokers unmotivated to quit including cutting down as a path to quitting and explicit messages regarding the inability of positive health behaviours to balance out the negative impact of smoking on health.Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN05385712.
Algorithm for determining the cantilever load carrying capacity in the 3D manipulation of nanoparticles with geometrical constraints based on FEM simulations
Authors: Korayem A. H. , Hoshiar A. K. , Korayem M. H. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYNowadays, with the growing use of atomic force microscope (AFM) nanorobots in the fabrication of nanostructures, research in this area has proliferated. A major limiting factor in the utilization of AFM nanorobots is the lack of real-time monitoring. Computer simulations have been widely used to improve the feasibility of nanoparticles pushing by means of the AFM-based nanorobots. In order to prevent damage to a cantilever during the nanoparticle displacement, it is necessary to come up with an algorithm that can check the feasibility of the manipulation operation with regards to the geometrical constraints of the cantilever and the considered path. The existing models for predicting the feasibility of manipulation processes are limited to 2D manipulation models (spherical nanoparticles), which are incapable of predicting the feasibility of 3D operations (lack of a comprehensive model of 3D cases). In this paper, to predict the feasibility of displacing cylindrical nanoparticles and to consider the path of motion (rough surface), a model has been proposed that can ensure the feasibility of the manipulation operation in advance. Finite element simulation has been employed to obtain the maximum load that can be withstood by a cantilever of a specific geometry. Also, the effect of surface roughness on the critical manipulation force has been explored. Ultimately, an algorithm has been presented for determining the feasibility of the manipulation operation by considering the particle motion path and the cantilever geometry.
Estimating singularity dimension
Authors: POLLICOTT M. , VYTNOVA P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this paper we address an interesting question on the computation of the dimension of self-affine sets in Euclidean space. A well-known result of Falconer showed that under mild assumptions the Hausdorff dimension of typical self-affine sets is equal to its Singularity dimension. Heuter and Lalley subsequently presented a smaller open family of non-trivial examples for which there is an equality of these two dimensions. In this article we analyse the size of this family and present an efficient algorithm for estimating the dimension.
Genotypes and antibiotic resistance of bovineCampylobacterand their contribution to human campylobacteriosis
Authors: JONAS R. , KITTL S. , OVERESCH G. , KUHNERT P. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYCampylobacter jejuniandCampylobacter coliare the most important bacterial causes of human gastroenteritis. Chicken has been recognized as a major source for human infection, whereas cattle might also contribute to a lesser extent. However, there is a paucity of information available regardingCampylobacterin Swiss cattle and their role for human campylobacteriosis. To gain more information on genotypes and antibiotic resistance of bovineC. jejuniandC. coliand on their contribution to human disease, 97 cattle isolates were analysed. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) andflaBtyping were applied and thegyrAand 23S rRNA genes were screened for point mutations responsible for quinolone and macrolide resistance, respectively. A total of 37 sequence types (STs) and 44flaBtypes were identified, including two sequence types and fiveflaBtypes not previously described. Most common sequence types were ST21 (21%), ST61 (12%) and ST48 (11%). Only one isolate was macrolide resistant while 31% (n= 30) were quinolone resistant. Source attribution indicated chicken as the main source of human infection with cattle being second. In conclusion, cattle should not be underestimated as a potential source of human campylobacteriosis.