bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Solution Parameters on Phase Diagram of Recombinant Spider Silk‐Like Block Copolymers
Authors: Krishnaji Sreevidhya Tarakkad , Huang Wenwen , Cebe Peggy , Kaplan David L. 
Published: May 2014

Spider silks form interesting protein‐based materials with exceptional mechanical properties from processing in aqueous systems. To more fully understand the role of specific chemical domains in the proteins responsible for these material features, selective regions are utilized to assess structure–function relationships. Toward this goal, the amphiphilic spider silk‐like block copolymer HBA6 [hexahistidine tag (H), with hydrophilic (B) and hydrophobic (A) blocks] is studied to generate a partial phase diagram of the morphologies formed under different processing environments. Particles of HBA6 are prepared from a 2 m phosphate buffer at pH 5 and 8, and the resultant phase behavior upon ammonium sulfate (AS) addition is examined at room temperature for protein concentrations from 0.1 to 17 wt%. There is no apparent difference in the sizes of the microspheres formed at pH 8, irrespective of the amount of AS. In contrast, mixed morphologies ranging from unordered structures to clustered sheets to nanofibril‐like morphologies are obtained at pH 5 with varying concentrations of AS. A partial ternary phase diagram is reported, representing the different morphologies obtained by changing the concentrations of HBA6, AS, and water. Differences in the morphologies as observed from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are the result of altered protein‐solute, interprotein, and intraprotein interactions caused by changing the pH and AS concentrations. The characteristics of the different morphologies illustrate how material properties based on motifs from spider silks can be tuned towards specific features, an important control point for matching materials to applications.
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2‐(1‐(2,4‐Bis((di(4‐fluorophenyl)methyl)‐6‐methylphenylimino)ethyl)‐6‐(1‐(arylimino)ethyl)pyridylmetal (iron or cobalt) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Ethylene Polymerization Behavior
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Wang Shaoli , Du Shizhen , Guo Cun‐Yue , Hao Xiang , Sun Wen‐Hua 
Published: May 2014

A series of 2‐(1‐(2,4‐bis((di(4‐fluorophenyl)methyl)‐6‐methylphenylimino)ethyl)‐6‐(1‐(aryl­imino)ethyl)pyridines is synthesized and used to form their corresponding iron(II) and cobalt(II) chloride complexes thereof. All the organic compounds are fully characterized by elemental analysis, and IR and 1H/13C NMR spectroscopy, whereas the corresponding iron and cobalt complexes are characterized by elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy, as well as single‐crystal crystallography for the Fe2, Co1, and Co2 complexes, revealing a distorted trigonal bipyramidal structure. Upon activation with either methylaluminoxane (MAO) or modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), all the iron complexes exhibit high activities toward ethylene polymerization at 60 °C; meanwhile, all the cobalt analogs demonstrate slightly lower activities at the optimized temperatures of 60 °C (MAO as cocatalyst) or 70 °C (MMAO as cocatalyst). All the polyethylenes obtained from cobalt precatalysts possess narrow polydispersity and lower molecular weights than those from their iron analogs.
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Interspecies communication between plant and mouse gut host cells through edible plant derived exosome‐like nanoparticles
Authors: Mu Jingyao , Zhuang Xiaoying , Wang Qilong , Jiang Hong , Deng Zhong‐Bin , Wang Baomei , Zhang Lifeng , Kakar Sham , Jun Yan , Miller Donald , Zhang Huang‐Ge 
Published: May 2014

ScopeExosomes, small vesicles participating in intercellular communication, have been extensively studied recently; however, the role of edible plant derived exosomes in interspecies communication has not been investigated. Here, we investigate the biological effects of edible plant derived exosome‐like nanoparticles (EPDENs) on mammalian cells.Methods and resultsIn this study, exosome‐like nanoparticles from four edible plants were isolated and characterized. We show that these EPDENs contain proteins, lipids, and microRNA. EPDENs are taken up by intestinal macrophages and stem cells. The results generated from EPDEN‐transfected macrophages indicate that ginger EPDENs preferentially induce the expression of the antioxidation gene, heme oxygenase‐1 and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine, IL‐10; whereas grapefruit, ginger, and carrot EPDENs promote activation of nuclear factor like (erythroid‐derived 2). Furthermore, analysis of the intestines of canonical Wnt‐reporter mice, i.e. B6.Cg‐Tg(BAT‐lacZ)3Picc/J mice, revealed that the numbers of β‐galactosidase+ (β‐Gal) intestinal crypts are increased, suggesting that EPDEN treatment of mice leads to Wnt‐mediated activation of the TCF4 transcription machinery in the crypts.ConclusionThe data suggest a role for EPDEN‐mediated interspecies communication by inducing expression of genes for anti‐inflammation cytokines, antioxidation, and activation of Wnt signaling, which are crucial for maintaining intestinal homeostasis.
Do Inpatient Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Programmes Improve Health Status in People with Long‐Term Musculoskeletal Conditions? A Service Evaluation
Authors: McCuish William J. , Bearne Lindsay M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions impair health and function. Guidelines recommend a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach for the optimum management of people with long‐term MSK conditions, but there is limited evidence for MDT care. This service evaluation investigates the short‐term effectiveness of an inpatient MDT rehabilitation programme on self‐reported function and disease status in people with long‐term MSK conditions.MethodsA convenience sample of adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), low back pain (LBP) and chronic widespread pain (CWP) participated in an inpatient MDT rehabilitation programme, consisting of needs assessment, collaborative goal setting and planning, exercise and self‐management. The Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data (RAPID3) (primary outcome), the Multi‐Dimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ), Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and global well‐being VAS were assessed at baseline and immediately following MDT rehabilitation.ResultsA total of 183 people [mean age 62 (standard deviation, 14.5) years, 145 females] with RA, OA, LBP or CWP were evaluated before and after inpatient MDT rehabilitation (median duration, ten days). Overall, there was a 28% improvement in RAPID3 (mean difference [95% confidence intervals] in effect size, 5.0 [4.3, 5.8], d = –0.98, p < 0.05). Clinically relevant changes were found in people with RA (5.7 [4.4, 6.9], d = –1.08, p < 0.05, 32%), OA 6.1 [3.4, 8.7], d = –1.07, p < 0.05, 35%), LBP 4.0 [2.8, 5.2], d = –0.91, p < 0.05, 22%), CWP 4.6 [2.7, 6.6], d = –0.84, p < 0.05, 25%). These changes were reflected in all secondary outcomes.ConclusionThis inpatient MDT rehabilitation programme provides short‐term evidence of improved function and disease status in people with long term MSK conditions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Classification of non‐stationary time series
Authors: Krzemieniewska Karolina , Eckley Idris A. , Fearnhead Paul 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this paper we consider the problem of classifying non‐stationary time series. The method that we introduce is based on the locally stationary wavelet paradigm and seeks to take account of the fact that there may be within‐class variation in the signals being analysed. Specifically, we seek to identify the most stable spectral coefficients within each training group and use these to classify a new, previously unseen, time series. In both simulated examples and an aerosol spray example provided by an industrial collaborator, our approach is found to yield superior classification performance when compared against the current state of the art. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perioperative Mortality Rate (POMR): A Global Indicator of Access to Safe Surgery and Anaesthesia
Authors: Watters David A. , Hollands Michael J. , Gruen Russell L. , Maoate Kiki , Perndt Haydn , McDougall Robert J. , Morriss Wayne W. , Tangi Viliami , Casey Kathleen M. , McQueen Kelly A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIntroductionThe unmet global burden of surgical disease is substantial. Currently, two billion people do not have access to emergency and essential surgical care. This results in unnecessary deaths from injury, infection, complications of pregnancy, and abdominal emergencies. Inadequately treated surgical disease results in disability, and many children suffer deformity without corrective surgery.MethodsA consensus meeting was held between representatives of Surgical and Anaesthetic Colleges and Societies to obtain agreement about which indicators were the most appropriate and credible. The literature and state of national reporting of perioperative mortality rates was reviewed by the authors.ResultsThere is a need for a credible national and/or regional indicator that is relevant to emergency and essential surgical care. We recommend introducing the perioperative mortality rate (POMR) as an indicator of access to and safety of surgery and anaesthesia. POMR should be measured at two time periods: death on the day of surgery and death before discharge from hospital or within 30 days of the procedure, whichever is sooner. The rate should be expressed as the number of deaths (numerator) over the number of procedures (denominator). The option of before‐discharge or 30 days is practical for those low‐ to middle‐income countries where postdischarge follow‐up is likely to be incomplete, but it allows those that currently can report 30‐day mortality rates to continue to do so. Clinical interpretation of POMR at a hospital or health service level will be facilitated by risk stratification using age, urgency (elective and emergency), procedure/procedure group, and the American Society of Anesthesiologists grade.ConclusionsPOMR should be reported as a health indicator by all countries and regions of the world. POMR reporting is feasible, credible, achieves a consensus of acceptance for reporting at national level. Hospital and Service level POMR requires interpretation using simple measures of risk adjustment such as urgency, age, the condition being treated or the procedure being performed and ASA status.
Enhancement of 1,3-propanediol production by expression of pyruvate decarboxylase and aldehyde dehydrogenase from Zymomonas mobilis in the acetolactate-synthase-deficient mutant of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Lee Sung-Mok , Hong Won-Kyung , Heo Sun-Yeon , Park Jang Min , Jung You Ree , Oh Baek-Rock , Joe Min-Ho , Seo Jeong-Woo , Kim Chul Ho 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
The acetolactate synthase (als)-deficient mutant of Klebsiella pneumoniae fails to produce 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) or 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BD), and is defective in glycerol metabolism. In an effort to recover production of the industrially valuable 1,3-PD, we introduced the Zymomonas mobilis pyruvate decarboxylase (pdc) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (aldB) genes into the als-deficient mutant to activate the conversion of pyruvate to ethanol. Heterologous expression of pdc and aldB efficiently recovered glycerol metabolism in the 2,3-BD synthesis-defective mutant, enhancing the production of 1,3-PD by preventing the accumulation of pyruvate. Production of 1,3-PD in the pdc- and aldB-expressing als-deficient mutant was further enhanced by increasing the aeration rate. This system uses metabolic engineering to produce 1,3-PD while minimizing the generation of 2,3-BD, offering a breakthrough for the industrial production of 1,3-PD from crude glycerol.
Optimization of Mixing Parameters for α‐Tocopherol Nanodispersions Prepared Using Solvent Displacement Method
Authors: Anarjan Navideh , Jaberi Naghmeh , Yeganeh‐Zare Samal , Banafshehchin Elham , Rahimirad Amir , Jafarizadeh‐Malmiri Hoda 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA bottom‐up approach based on a solvent displacement technique was used for the production of α‐tocopherol nanodispersions. Response surface methodology was utilized to study the effect of the mixing conditions of organic and aqueous phases, namely, mixing speed (1 × 100–6 × 100 rpm) and mixing time (30–150 s) on the average particle size (nm), polydispersity index and α‐tocopherol concentration (mg/L) of the nanodispersions. Second order regression models, with high coefficient of determination values (R2 > 0.94 and adjusted R2 > 0.79), were significantly (p < 0.05) fitted for predicting the α‐tocopherol nanodispersion characteristics as functions of mixing parameters. A multiple optimization procedure presented the optimum mixing speed and time as 3.8 × 100 rpm and 70 s, respectively. The statistically insignificant differences between experimental and predicted values of studied responses, verified the satisfactoriness of the models found for explaining the variation of produced nanodispersions, as a function of mixing conditions.
The economic burden of schizophrenia in Germany: A population-based retrospective cohort study using genetic matching
Authors: Frey S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectivePrior studies to determine the economic consequences of schizophrenia have largely been undertaken in clinical settings with a small number of cases and have been unable to analyze effects across different age cohorts. The aim of this study is to investigate the burden of schizophrenia in Germany.MethodsCosts, service utilization, and premature mortality attributable to schizophrenia were estimated for the year 2008 using a retrospective matched cohort design. Therefore, 26,977 control subjects as well as 9411 individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of schizophrenia were drawn from a sickness fund claims database. To reduce conditional bias, the non-parametric genetic matching method was employed.ResultsThe final study population comprised 8224 matched pairs. The annual cost attributable to schizophrenia was €11,304 per patient from the payers’ perspective and €20,609 from the societal perspective with substantial variations among age groups: direct medical expenses were highest among patients aged > 65 years, whereas younger individuals (< 25 years) incurred the greatest non-medical costs. The annual burden of schizophrenia from the perspective of German society ranges between €9.63 billion and €13.52 billion.ConclusionThere are considerable differences in the distribution of costs and service utilization for schizophrenia. Because schizophrenia is characterized by an early age of onset and a long duration, research efforts should be targeted at particular populations to obtain the most beneficial outcomes, both clinically and economically.
Are policy-makers interested in social research? Exploring the sources and uses of valued information among public servants in Australia
Authors: Head Brian , Ferguson Michele , Cherney Adrian , Boreham Paul 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
This article explores the use of research and expertise within a selection of government agencies at state and federal levels in Australia. A recent survey of public officials provides new data on the reported use of evidence and expertise sourced from within the public service and from external sources. The survey instrument targeted the policy, program and evaluation staff in human service agencies and central policy coordination agencies. The survey findings provide new information on public servants’ policy skills and organisational context, their attitudes to non-government sources of expert evidence and knowledge, and their perceptions of the relevance of academic social research. Data are reported on the relative importance assigned by public officials in state and federal agencies to various sources of expert information. Factors that hinder and facilitate the uptake of external research by policy-related officials are canvassed, with special attention to organisational cultures and practices. Some similarities and differences between types of agencies are noted, especially those between state-level and federal agencies. The broader political context of policy work is also highlighted.
Pijin and shifting language ideologies in urban Solomon Islands
Authors: Jourdan Christine , Angeli Johanne 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThrough the analysis of the various language ideologies that have shaped the sociolinguistic history of Pijin, the lingua franca of Solomon Islands, this article attempts to shed light on the peculiar complexity of the postcolonial linguistic situations where more prestigious and less prestigious languages coexist in the same sociological niche. These ideologies are: reciprocal multilingualism, hierarchical multilingualism, linguistic pragmatism, and linguistic nationalism. Specifically, the article focuses on the development and coalescence of linguistic ideologies that lead Pijin speakers to shift perceptions of Pijin—in a context of urban identity construction that acts as a force of its own. In the case of Pijin, linguistic legitimacy seems to be lagging behind social legitimacy. We show that the development of new ideologies can lead to the re-evaluation of the meaning of symbolic domination of one language (in this case English) over another one (Pijin), without necessarily challenging this symbolic domination. (Language ideology, youth, urbanization, pidgins and creoles, Solomon Islands)*
Can listeners assess the sociocultural status of speakers who use a language they are unfamiliar with? A case study of Senegalese and European students listening to Wolof speakers
Authors: Moreau Marie-Louise , Thiam Ndiassé , Harmegnies Bernard , Huet Kathy 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this study, two groups of students were asked to listen to recordings made of Senegalese Wolof speakers and make deductions about their social and caste status. The responses of the first group, made up of Senegalese students, did not go beyond the threshold of chance with regard to caste status, but were 65.7% correct regarding the speakers' social status. The second group, who were European students with no prior knowledge of the Wolof language, achieved percentages of correct answers similar to those of the Senegalese listeners with regard to social status. Theimposed norm hypothesis, which predicts that sociolinguistic features cannot be gauged by those who have had no previous contact with the community, should thus be reconsidered and enlarge its scope to include a more general, and therefore nuanced, view of language.(Imposed norm hypothesis, inherent value hypothesis, social stratification of language, social identification, Wolof, Senegal, castes)*
Design and experimental characterization of an omnidirectional unmanned ground vehicle for unstructured terrain
Authors: Nie Chenghui , Assaliyski Marin , Spenko Matthew 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYThis paper describes the design and experimental validation of an omnidirectional unmanned ground vehicle built for operation on real-world, unstructured terrains. The omnidirectional capabilities of this robot give it advantages over skid-steered or Ackermann-steered vehicles in tight and confined spaces. The robot's conventional wheels allow for operation in natural, outdoor environments as compared to omnidirectional robots that use specialized wheels with small, slender rollers and parts that can easily become obstructed with debris and dirt. Additionally, the robot's active split offset caster design allows the robot to kinematically follow continuous but non-differentiable paths and heading angles regardless of its current kinematic configuration. The active split offset caster design also results in less scrubbing torque and therefore less energy consumption during steering as compared to actively steered caster designs. The focus of this paper is the robot's mechanical design as it relates to kinematic isotropy and experimental validation of the design.
A theory of complex adaptive inquiring organizations: application to continuous assurance of corporate financial information
Authors: Kuhn John R. , Courtney James F. , Morris Bonnie 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDrawing upon the theories of complexity and complex adaptive systems and the Singerian inquiring system from C. West Churchman's seminal workThe Design of Inquiring Systems, the study herein develops a systems design theory for continuous auditing systems. The discussion focuses on the two foundational theories, development of the theory of Complex Adaptive Inquiring Organizations (CAIO) and associated design principles for a continuous auditing system supporting a CAIO, and instantiation of the CAIO theory. The instantiation consists of an agent-based model depicting the marketplace for Frontier Airlines that generates an anticipated market share used as an integral component in a mock auditor going concern opinion for the airline. As a whole, the study addresses the lack of an underlying system design theory and comprehensive view needed to build upon and advance the continuous assurance movement and addresses the question of how continuous auditing systems should be designed to produce knowledge – knowledge that benefits auditors, clients, and society as a whole.
Website analysis in an EFL context: content comprehension, perceptions on web usability and awareness of reading strategies
Authors: Roy Debopriyo , Crabbe Stephen 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWebsite analysis is an interdisciplinary field of inquiry that focuses on both digital literacy and language competence (Brugger, 2009). Website analysis in an EFL learning context has the potential to facilitate logical thinking and in the process develop functional language proficiency. This study reported on an English language website (http://www.travelbelize.org/)analysis experiment carried out for three weeks as an in-class and homework activity in a third year (junior) level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course at a Japanese technical university. The purpose was to explore EFL learners’ ability to analyze an English language website and produce concrete design responses in English. During the first week of the analysis (involving sixteen students selected due to performing the best during earlier in-class website analysis activities on the course), participants produced their own responses to eight open-ended design questions about the website. The second week of the analysis (involving all 59 students on the course) tested the students’ ability to search for information from the website, and recorded their impressions about the website design based on standard usability questionnaires (CSUQ, QUIS,andMPRC). The third week of the analysis had the 59 students self-report on their use of meta-cognitive reading strategies (MARSI 1.0 Questionnaire) during the website analysis. The results of the questionnaires showed that, overall, the EFL students had a basic understanding of major design questions related to information organization, screen interface design, audience, technology used, etc. However, there was statistically significant variability between responses in different groups (comprehensive evaluation, webpage design, terminology and website information and website capabilities) and the respondents were not unanimous in their impressions about the website. The result of the student self-reports on metacognitive reading strategies showed wide acceptability and use of problem-solving strategies.