bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Poly(aryl ether sulfone amide)s for Advanced Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Gardea Frank , Garcia Jeannette M. , Boday Dylan J. , Bajjuri Krishna M. , Naraghi Mohammad , Hedrick James L. 
Published: August 2014

An organocatalytic approach to the depolymerization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with selected nucleophiles generates high‐value terephthalate‐based monomers. These monomers are subjected to nucleophilic aromatic substitution (SNAr) polymerizations in order to circumvent many of the traditional drawbacks of unmodified materials such as poly(aryl ether sulfone)s (PESs). The synthesis and molecular characterization of novel poly(aryl ether sulfone‐amide)s (PAESAs) containing 10–30 wt% amide functionality are described. PAESAs containing 30 wt% amide are fabricated via extrusion and solvent casting for mechanical characterization. The mechanical behavior of the extruded PAESA is studied through dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and tension tests. The DMA studies are performed at a frequency of 1 Hz, in the temperature range of 22–275 °C, indicating a storage modulus of 2.77 ± 0.58 MPa at 30 °C. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the material, as the temperature corresponding to tanδ peak, is measured to be 217.1 ± 1.7 °C, consistent with DSC measurements. The tension tests on extruded samples reveal a ductile fracture, evidenced with neck formation and propagation on the macroscale, and a rough fracture surface on the microscale. The yield strength of the sample is found to be 52.8 ± 9.2 MPa, with a ductility ranging from 6% to 11%. In contrast to extruded samples, the solvent‐cast PAESA samples fail in a brittle fashion, with relatively smooth fracture surface and no sign of necking.
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One‐Step Synthesis of Natural Silk Sericin‐Based Microcapsules with Bionic Structures
Authors: Liu Zhaogang , Cai Yurong , Jia Yaru , Liu Lin , Kong Xiangdong , Kundu Subhas C. , Yao Juming 
Published: August 2014

Different techniques are being developed for fabricating microcapsules; it is still a challenge to fabricate them in an efficient and environment‐friendly process. Here, a one‐step green route to synthesize silk protein sericin‐based microcapsules without any assistance of organic solvents is reported. By carefully changing the concentration of calcium ions accompanied with stirring, the morphology of the microcapsules can easily be regulated to form either discoidal, biconcave, cocoon‐like, or tubular structures. The chelation of Ca2+ and shearing force from agitation may induce the conformational transformation of sericin, which possibly results in the formation of microcapsules through the self‐assembly of the protein subsequently. The as‐prepared cocoon‐like microcapsules exhibit pH‐dependent stability. A potential application of microcapsules being fabricated from natural water‐soluble silk protein sericin for controlled bioactive molecules loading and release system by a pH‐triggered manner is quite feasible.
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Enjoy and Interpret Picture Books in a Child‐Centered Way
Authors: Aerila Juli‐Anna , Rönkkö Marja‐Leena 
Published: August 2014

AbstractLiterature supports children's literacy growth in many ways. It helps children extend their understanding and clarify different situations in their lives, recognize and deal with feelings, and be more empathetic. Hands‐on activities based on stories support children in giving shape to their thoughts. These creative activities not only empower the children but also help teachers understand children's interpretations of literature better and build further on themes for discussions of literature. This article describes an instructional approach with a series of activities (stories, drawing, crafts and discussions) integrated with picturebooks. The activating methods can be used in classrooms to revitalize literature discussions while engaging different senses of all learners. This article gives teachers ready‐made materials for use in early childhood education.
Building ecosystem resilience for climate change adaptation in the Asian highlands
Authors: Xu Jianchu , Grumbine R. Edward 
Published: August 2014

The Asian Highlands, the vast mountainous area from Pakistan to China including the Hindu‐Kush Himalaya and Tibetan Plateau, have considerable global importance; they are the source of most of the major rivers of Asia, which sustain billions of downstream dwellers, are part of four Global Biodiversity Hotspots, and support rich cultural diversity. However, climate warming in the Himalaya–Tibetan Plateau has been greater than two times the global average, and regional climate appears to be shifting with potential to trigger large‐scale ecosystem regime shifts (‘landscape traps’). A host of other drivers—urbanization/infrastructure development, land‐use/agricultural practices, upstream/downstream water management and ongoing nation‐state security conflicts—interact with climate signals to produce complex changes across ecological and social systems. In response, highlands people are evolving hybrid forms of adaptive capacity where ‘bottom‐up’ behaviors are mixing with ‘top‐down’ state and market policies. To increase ecosystem and livelihood resilience to future change, there is a need to link upstream and downstream conservation action with local climate adaptation. While the key problem is that institutional and government capacity for coordination is low, we present four general strategies to move forward: application of cross‐sector coordinated planning, strategic integration of science‐based conservation with developing local‐level hybrid knowledge, recognition of the critical role of governance in support of change, and increased emphasis on environmental security. We discuss these strategies for each driver of change in the region. WIREs Clim Change 2014, 5:709–718. doi: 10.1002/wcc.302This article is categorized under:

Climate, Ecology, and Conservation > Conservation Strategies
Climate and Development > Social Justice and the Politics of Development
Balancing expressiveness in formal approaches to concurrency
Authors: Jones Cliff B. , Hayes Ian J. , Colvin Robert J. 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
One might think that specifying and reasoning about concurrent programs would be easier with more expressive languages. This paper questions that view. Clearly too weak a notation can mean that useful properties either cannot be expressed or their expression is unnatural. But choosing too powerful a notation also has its drawbacks since reasoning receives little guidance. For example, few would suggest that programming languages themselves provide tractable specifications. Both rely/guarantee methods and separation logic(s) provide useful frameworks in which it is natural to reason about aspects of concurrency. Rather than pursue an approach of extending the notations of either approach, this paper starts with the issues that appear to be inescapable with concurrency and—only as a response thereto—examines ways in which these fundamental challenges can be met. Abstraction is always a ubiquitous tool and its influence on how the key issues are tackled is examined in each case.
No Patients to Resect or Transplant: An Analysis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Admitted to a Major African Referral Hospital
Authors: Gyedu Adam , Shrauner William R. , Kingham T. Peter 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to describe the characteristics of patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Ghana and to determine their treatment options per the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) algorithm.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of patients diagnosed with HCC at KATH in the period 2007–2013. Patient demographics, medical history, investigations, management, and outcome were extracted. BCLC staging was applied to determine their treatment options. Results were expressed as descriptive statistics.ResultsThe charts for 206/465 patients were available for review. The male:female ratio was 2:1 and mean age was 44.0 ± 14.5 years. Common presenting complaints were abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and jaundice. hepatitis B virus (HBV) positivity was 52 %. Almost all patients received only supportive treatment. None underwent surgery, ablation, or transarterial chemoembolization. BCLC staging could be completed for 118 patients. Using predicted INR values in cases without the result, < 8 % of patients were eligible for resection, transplantation, or ablation; 25–53 % were eligible for embolization or sorafenib therapy. Up to 72 % were eligible only for supportive care. Seventy‐six percent of patients reviewed were discharged alive; 71 % of patients whose charts were not available died during an admission. Thus, of the 465‐patient cohort, 50 % died in the hospital.ConclusionsThe majority of HCC in our population is caused by HBV. Up to 61 % of patients may be eligible for curative treatment, transarterial chemoembolization, or sorafenib treatment. This percentage may be increased with a robust surveillance program for patients at increased risk for HCC. Hepatitis B vaccination must also be a public health priority.
Expression of scorpion toxin LqhIT2 increases the virulence of Metarhizium acridum towards Locusta migratoria manilensis
Authors: Peng Guoxiong , Xia Yuxian 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
LqhIT2 is an insect-specific neurotoxin from the venom of scorpion. In this study, the LqhIT2 gene was introduced into the entomopathogenic fungus, Metarhizium acridum. The virulence of the genetically modified strain MaLqhIT2 was then evaluated against locusts (Locusta migratoria manilensis). Compared with the wild-type strain, the median lethal cell density (LC50) for MaLqhIT2 was a 22.6-fold lower, and the median times to death (LT50) for MaLqhIT2 were reduced by 30.3 and 29.6 %, respectively, after topical inoculation and injection. MaLqhIT2 also grew significantly faster in the hemolymph than wild-type strain. There were no significant differences in germination, appressorium formation and sporulation in locust carcasses between the MaLqhIT2 and wild-type strain. These results indicate that LqhIT2 increased the virulence of M. acridum towards locusts by shortening the in vivo infection period, without affecting cuticle penetration or conidia formation in the carcasses. LqhIT2 thus shows considerable potential for increasing fungal virulence against locusts.
The selective roles of chaperone systems on over-expression of human-like collagen in recombinant Escherichia coli
Authors: Jia Qingliang , Luo Yan’e 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Human-like collagen (HLC) is a novel biomedical material with promising applications. Usually, insoluble HLC was formed due to over-expression. In order to improve the production of soluble HLC, the effective chaperone proteins and their mediation roles on HLC were clarified. Trigger factor (TF) pathway with low specificity and high binding affinity to nascent chains could increase soluble HLC expression; GroEL-GroES could increase the expression level of HLC by assisting the correct folding of HLC and increase mRNA level of the gene coding for HLC by enhancing mRNA stability. DnaK chaperone system did not work positively on soluble HLC due to the unbalanced ratio of DnaK:DnaJ:GrpE, especially too high GrpE significantly inhibited DnaK-mediated refolding. The production of soluble HLC with co-expression of exogenous TF and GroEL-GroES was increased by 35.3 % in comparison with the highest value 0.26 g/L reported previously.
Bulk and Surface Properties of Liquid Al-Li and Li-Zn Alloys
Authors: Trybula Marcela , Gancarz Tomasz , Gasior Wladyslaw , Pasturel Alain 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Physicochemical properties like density, surface tension, and viscosity of liquid binary Al-Li and Li-Zn alloys have been measured using draining crucible method. The experimentally measured surface-tension values have been compared to theoretical results based either on the Butler model or the compound formation model assuming the existence of the most favored A
1
B
2 and A
2
B
3 clusters. Several models for viscosity calculation have been also applied and discussed in confrontation with measured data. Finally, the clustering effects in the liquid Al-Li and Li-Zn alloys have been examined using two microscopic functions, i.e., the concentration fluctuation function in the long-wavelength limit and the Warren-Cowley short-range order parameter.
Does diagnosis affect the predictive accuracy of risk assessment tools for juvenile offenders: Conduct Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Shaw Jenny , Dolan Mairead , Lennox Charlotte 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTStudies have suggested an increased risk of criminality in juveniles if they suffer from co‐morbid Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) along with Conduct Disorder. The Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth (SAVRY), the Psychopathy Checklist Youth Version (PCL:YV), and Youth Level of Service/Case Management Inventory (YLS/CMI) have been shown to be good predictors of violent and non‐violent re‐offending. The aim was to compare the accuracy of these tools to predict violent and non‐violent re‐offending in young people with co‐morbid ADHD and Conduct Disorder and Conduct Disorder only. The sample included 109 White‐British adolescent males in secure settings. Results revealed no significant differences between the groups for re‐offending. SAVRY factors had better predictive values than PCL:YV or YLS/CMI. Tools generally had better predictive values for the Conduct Disorder only group than the co‐morbid group. Possible reasons for these findings have been discussed along with limitations of the study.
QCA is of questionable value for policy research
Authors: Tanner Sean 
Published: August 2014

Abstract
Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) has been championed as a valuable tool for public policy research. Focusing on the field of policy evaluation, this research note assesses QCA by comparing research that uses this method to studies based on standard practices for quantitative policy analysis. While attention is centrally focused on causal inference, questions of measurement are also addressed. The analysis suggests that QCA adds little value to current methods of policy scholarship, and its contribution in fact falls far short, compared with present-day standard practices. For example, a properly defined “net effects” framework — which is pointedly rejected by QCA — provides valuable insights regarding the causal effects that are a central concern of policy evaluation. By contrast, as an approach to policy analysis, QCA suffers from severe limitations in both its framework and its findings.
The value of outside director experience to firm strategies: Evidence from joint ventures
Authors: Lai Jung-Ho , Chen Li-Yu , Chen I-Ju 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis study investigates the effect of outside director experience on the performance of a firm's joint venture (JV) engagements, a type of strategic move where the influence of board remains under-investigated despite directors’ active participation in the decision-making process. By examining the direct linkage between director experience and strategic performance, our research presents the first direct evidence of the value outside director experience has for a firm's strategic engagements; this has previously been exclusively assessed by indirect indicators. We address this important issue in the following three ways. First, we explore what type of director experience contributes most to JV outcomes. Second, we investigate what circumstantial factors significantly influence the value of director experience. Lastly, we analyze whether incentive mechanisms moderate the relationship between director experience and firm performance. The results confirm the value of director experience gained from JV engagements but not from relevant industries. In addition, executive experience and the industry affiliation of the JV significantly moderate the value of director experience. Finally, experienced directors with large shareholdings outperform those with experience but limited stakes in the firms’ equity, justifying the necessity to motivate directors’ governance efforts despite their existing fiduciary obligation to shareholders. Our study contributes to agency theory by indicating that director experience holds a significant influence on a firm's strategic performance, an issue which has long been neglected in agency-based governance research. It also contributes to resource-dependence theory by providing a direct measurement of directors’ experiential assets, which have so far been exclusively assessed by indirect indicators. Finally, findings from this study can elucidate the long-standing question of how a firm can realize the purported benefits JVs provide by introducing a vital yet rarely explored factor: board experience.
Top executive pay in Spanish banking system
Authors: Ferrero-Ferrero Idoya , Fernández-Izquierdo María Ángeles , Muñoz-Torres María Jesús 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis study examines consistency between compensation systems and corporate performance. The main purpose is to analyse how the performance has affected the short-term executive pay in Spanish banking system during the period 2004–2008. The main results reveal that pay-performance sensitivity is asymmetrical regarding the sign of the variation of the performance, since the pay-performance sensitivity is greater when the variation of the results is positive than when the variation of the results is negative. This finding is consistent with the managerial power theory and calls into question the role of the pay-performance incentives to align interest of executives and shareholders.
Dangerous frontiers in corporate governance
Authors: Clarke Thomas 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThe historical evolution of corporate governance is considered, highlighting the different eras of governance, the dominant theoretical and practical paradigms, the reformulation of paradigms and counter paradigms. Two alternative and sharply contrasting theorizations, one collective and collaborative (the work of Berle and Means), the other individualistic and contractual (agency theory and shareholder value) are focused upon. The explanatory potential of Blair and Stout's team production theory is elaborated, and its conception of the complexity of business enterprise, with a mediating hierarch (the board of directors) securing a balance between the interests of different stakeholders. The potential for reform of corporate purpose, corporate governance and directors’ duties is examined with reference to the UK Modern Company Law Review. The impact of the intensification of the financialization of corporations is analysed, with the increased emphasis upon short-termism. The origins of the global financial crisis in shareholder value orientations and the continuing reverberations of the crisis are explored. Finally, the imperative of the advance of sustainable enterprise is argued, and the critical changes necessitated in corporate purpose and directors’ duties.
Progressive, reversible sensorineural hearing loss caused by azathioprine
Authors: Jenkinson P W , Syed M I , Mcclymont L 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjective:This paper describes the first reported case of progressive sensorineural hearing loss caused by azathioprine, which was reversed on stoppage of the drug.Case report:A female patient with previously normal hearing presented with progressive sensorineural hearing loss after being started on azathioprine. Otological and neurological examination findings were unremarkable. After stopping the drug, the patient reported an improvement in hearing, which was confirmed on pure tone audiometry.Conclusion:This previously unreported side effect of azathioprine is highlighted in order to increase clinical awareness. Early recognition of this adverse effect is important to minimise the possibility of permanent sensorineural hearing loss.
Formal negativities, breakthroughs, ruptures and continuities in the music of Modest Mouse
Authors: Smith Kenneth M. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractIndie-rock band Modest Mouse's earliest music connects aphoristic fragments into uniquely disjointed narratives that resist standard formal categorisation. The band's homespun narratives make us process dramatic interactions between drastically opposed musical paradigms as we search for new formal schema by which to classify them. This, I argue, is one answer to the ‘negative dialectic’ that Adorno thought was missing in popular music. In this paper I analyse three songs in particular depth, extending a methodology borrowed from the ‘classical tradition’ that extends Edward T. Cone's ‘stratification’ analyses of Igor Stravinsky. In Modest Mouse's later work, which seemingly signals a return to simpler strophic song forms, this dialectic is spread across entire albums such asGood News for People Who Love Bad News;but even in individual songs, despite a simplistic façade, my ‘stratification graphs’ reveal deep dialectical negativities.
Multistate foodborne disease outbreaks associated with raw tomatoes, United States, 1990–2010: a recurring public health problem
Authors: BENNETT S. D. , LITTRELL K. W. , HILL T. A. , MAHOVIC M. , BEHRAVESH C. BARTON 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYWe examined multistate outbreaks attributed to raw tomatoes in the United States from 1990 to 2010. We summarized the demographic and epidemiological characteristics of 15 outbreaks resulting in 1959 illnesses, 384 hospitalizations, and three deaths. Most (80%) outbreaks were reported during 2000–2010; 73% occurred May–September. Outbreaks commonly affected adult (median age 34 years) women (median 58% of outbreak cases). All outbreaks were caused bySalmonella[serotypes Newport (n = 6 outbreaks), Braenderup (n = 2), Baildon, Enteritidis, Javiana, Montevideo, Thompson, Typhimurium (n = 1 each); multiple serotypes (n = 1)]. Red, round (69% of outbreaks), Roma (23%), and grape (8%) tomatoes were implicated. Most (93%) outbreaks were associated with tomatoes served predominantly in restaurants. However, traceback investigations suggested that contamination occurred on farms, at packinghouses, or at fresh-cut processing facilities. Government agencies, academia, trade associations, and the fresh tomato industry should consider further efforts to identify interventions to reduce contamination of tomatoes during production and processing.
Describing and predicting developmental profiles of externalizing problems from childhood to adulthood
Authors: Petersen Isaac T. , Bates John E. , Dodge Kenneth A. , Lansford Jennifer E. , Pettit Gregory S. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractThis longitudinal study considers externalizing behavior problems from ages 5 to 27 (N= 585). Externalizing problem ratings by mothers, fathers, teachers, peers, and self-report were modeled with growth curves. Risk and protective factors across many different domains and time frames were included as predictors of the trajectories. A major contribution of the study is in demonstrating how heterotypic continuity and changing measures can be handled in modeling changes in externalizing behavior over long developmental periods. On average, externalizing problems decreased from early childhood to preadolescence, increased during adolescence, and decreased from late adolescence to adulthood. There was strong nonlinear continuity in externalizing problems over time. Family process, peer process, stress, and individual characteristics predicted externalizing problems beyond the strong continuity of externalizing problems. The model accounted for 70% of the variability in the development of externalizing problems. The model's predicted values showed moderate sensitivity and specificity in prediction of arrests, illegal drug use, and drunk driving. Overall, the study showed that by using changing, developmentally relevant measures and simultaneously taking into account numerous characteristics of children and their living situations, research can model lengthy spans of development and improve predictions of the development of later, severe externalizing problems.