bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of transpiration on iron uptake and translocation in lowland rice
Authors: Shrestha Ram K. , Engel Katrin , Becker Mathias
Published: March 2015

We evaluated six lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) genotypes with contrasting responses to increasing Fe2+ concentrations under conditions of both low (0.3 kPa) and high (2.4 kPa) vapor pressure deficit. Dry atmospheric conditions generally enhanced transpiration with concomitant increases in Fe uptake and leaf bronzing. Some resistant genotypes were able to limit the water loss by transpiration under higher Fe concentrations thus attenuating negative effects associated with increased Fe2+ translocation at high vapor pressure deficit.
Soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus distribution in stable aggregates of an Ultisol under contrasting land use and management history
Authors: Udom Bassey E. , Ogunwole Joshua O.
Published: March 2015

Different land‐use affects the organization of mineral soil particles and soil organic components into aggregates and the consequent arrangement of the aggregates will influence essential ecosystem functions. We investigated a continuous rubber plantation (forested), land fallowed for 10 y (fallow), 10‐y continuous arable cropping land and cropped land with top soil removed (TSR) for concentrations of C, N, and P in bulk soil and dry aggregates. Results showed that a high level of soil disturbance decreased the proportion of surface (0–15 cm) soil aggregate stability (low mean weight diameter) in TSR by 149% and arable cropping by 125% compared with the forested. Aggregate associated SOC was higher in aggregate‐size fractions of forested land‐use when compared with that in 10‐y fallow, continuous arable cropping, and TSR. For aggregate associated N, fallow and forested land‐use types concentrated higher proportion across aggregate sizes than the arable cropping and TSR. Macro aggregate fractions generally contained higher concentrations of C, N, and P compared with the micro‐aggregates. Water transmission indicators like total porosity and saturated hydraulic conductivity recorded higher values with forested and fallow land‐use than the others. We can thus conclude that long‐term soil disturbance due to cultivation and removal of top soil reduces the accumulation of soil C, N, and P in bulk soil and decreases water transmission properties. On the other hand, aggregate‐associated C, N and P accumulations are dependent on the level of soil surface disturbance and aggregate sizes.
D‐π‐A Conjugated Molecules for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Kim Tae‐Dong , Lee Kwang‐Sup
Published: March 2015

Dipolar chromophores consisting of electron donor (D) and electron acceptor (A) groups connected through a conjugated π‐bridge have been actively studied and integrated in optoelectronic and electronic devices. Generally, such π‐conjugated molecules provide substantial delocalization of π‐electrons over the molecules. Here, a brief overview of recent research on D‐π‐A dipolar chromophores including their syntheses and several promising applications is reported, especially in nonlinear optical devices and organic photovoltaics. Structure/property relationships are discussed in order to exploit the potentials by tuning the π‐electron density, polarizability, and HOMO–LUMO band gap of the chromophores. Some of the examples may well set the stage for chip‐scale integration of optoelectronics as well as the realization of an important array of new device technologies.

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Synthesis and Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Functional Silacyclobutane Derivatives and Their Application to Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Matsumoto Kozo , Endo Takeshi
Published: March 2015

Polycarbosilanes, which have a carbon‐silicone backbone, are highly flexible polymers with excellent thermal, chemical, and electrical stability. They can be readily prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of silacyclobutane derivatives. Although polysilacycobutanes are non‐polar in general, they can be compatible to carbonate‐based electrolyte solutions by introducing a 5‐membered cyclic carbonate structure as a pendant group, and if properly designed they can be promising candidates as gelators to prepare gel polymer electrolytes (GPE). We designed a new carbosilane‐based GPE system, which could be prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of a silacyclobutane having a 5‐membered cyclic carbonate structure, 4‐{2‐(1‐methylsilacyclobutyl)}ethyl‐1,3‐dioxolane‐2‐one (SBMC). The GPEs were directly synthesized by copolymerization of the monomer with a crosslinker, 1,6‐bis(1‐methylsilacyclobutyl)hexane (HMBS), in situ of a battery electrolyte solution consisting of 1 M LiPF6 in an ethylene carbonate (EC) / diethyl carbonate (DEC) mixed solvent. The obtained GPE showed relatively high ionic conductivity compared to usual liquid electrolytes, and the lithium ion batteries composed of this GPE showed charge/discharge performance as high as those composed of the usual liquid electrolyte.
Diphenyl Phosphate‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening Polymerization of 1,5‐Dioxepan‐2‐one
Authors: Makiguchi Kosuke , Asakura Chihiro , Yanai Kazuma , Satoh Toshifumi , Kakuchi Toyoji
Published: March 2015

Summary: The ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of 1,5‐dioxepan‐2‐one (DXO) catalyzed by diphenyl phosphate (DPP) using 3‐phenyl‐1‐propanol (PPA) as an initiator has been studied. The polymerization in toluene at room temperature produced poly(1,5‐dioxepan‐2‐one) (PDXO) with a narrow polydispersity index. For the initial [DXO]0/[PPA]0/[DPP]0 of 50/1/1, the molecular weight determined from 1H NMR (Mn,NMR) of 5670 g mol−1 agreed with the calculated one (Mn,calcd) of 5680 g mol−1. The obtained PDXO possessing a PPA residue at the α‐chain end was confirmed by the 1H NMR and MALDI‐TOF MS measurements. The livingness of the ROP of DXO was supported by the kinetic and chain‐extension experiments. The diblock and random copolymerizations of DXO and ϵ‐caprolactone (CL) afforded respective copolymers. The monomer reactivity ratios were obtained as rDXO = 0.59 and rCL = 1.19 using the Kelen–Tüdös method, and the random copolymers showed different thermal properties corresponding to copolymer compositions.
The Effects of Foreign Direct Investment Colocation: Differences Between Manufacturing and Service Firms
Authors: Zschoche Miriam
Published: March 2015

Colocation may result in positive performance effects because of agglomeration benefits or in negative outcomes because of fiercer competition. Using the notions of industrial organization economics, this study offers a comprehensive industry‐specific analysis on the performance effects of international colocation. We predict that bigger firms will benefit more from colocation of foreign firms in a host country. Considering industry and home country peers, the analysis suggests that positive effects dominate for manufacturing firms whereas service firms are negatively affected. However, these effects are mitigated by a firm's size in a location. A large‐scale empirical analysis on firm‐level data supports the hypotheses. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapeutic Potential of Steroidal Alkaloids in Cancer and Other Diseases
Authors: Jiang Qi‐Wei , Chen Mei‐Wan , Cheng Ke‐Jun , Yu Pei‐Zhong , Wei Xing , Shi Zhi
Published: March 2015

Steroidal alkaloids are a class of secondary metabolites isolated from plants, amphibians, and marine invertebrates. Evidence accumulated in the recent two decades demonstrates that steroidal alkaloids have a wide range of bioactivities including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, antinociceptive, etc., suggesting their great potential for application. It is therefore necessary to comprehensively summarize the bioactivities, especially anticancer activities and mechanisms of steroidal alkaloids. Here we systematically highlight the anticancer profiles both in vitro and in vivo of steroidal alkaloids such as dendrogenin, solanidine, solasodine, tomatidine, cyclopamine, and their derivatives. Furthermore, other bioactivities of steroidal alkaloids are also discussed. The integrated molecular mechanisms in this review can increase our understanding on the utilization of steroidal alkaloids and contribute to the development of new drug candidates. Although the therapeutic potentials of steroidal alkaloids look promising in the preclinical and clinical studies, further pharmacokinetic and clinical studies are mandated to define their efficacy and safety in cancer and other diseases.
Ability of the gut microbiota to produce PUFA‐derived bacterial metabolites: Proof of concept in germ‐free versus conventionalized mice
Authors: Druart Céline , Bindels Laure B. , Schmaltz Robert , Neyrinck Audrey M. , Cani Patrice D. , Walter Jens , Ramer‐Tait Amanda E. , Delzenne Nathalie M.
Published: March 2015

Scope

The gut microbiota is able to modulate host physiology through the production of bioactive metabolites. Our recent studies suggest that changes in gut microbiota composition upon prebiotics supplementation alter tissue levels of PUFA‐derived metabolites in mice. However, in vivo evidence that gut microbes produces PUFA‐derived metabolites is lacking. This study aimed to decipher the contribution of gut microbes versus that of the host in PUFA‐derived metabolite production.

Methods and results

To achieve this goal, we compared the proportion of PUFA‐derived metabolites and the expression of fatty acid desaturases in germ‐free (GF) and conventionalized (CONV) mice fed either a low fat or Western diet. Higher concentrations of PUFA‐derived metabolites were found in the colonic contents of conventionalized mice (CONV) mice compared to GF mice. The abundance of these metabolites in host tissues was modulated by dietary treatments but not by microbial status. Although microbial status did significantly influence desaturase expression, no correlations between host enzymes and tissue PUFA‐derived metabolite levels were observed.

Conclusion

Together, these results highlight the ability of the gut microbiota to produce PUFA‐derived metabolites from dietary PUFA. However, microbial production of these metabolites in colonic contents is not necessarily associated with modifications of their concentration in host tissues.
Isoflavones in soy flour diet have different effects on whole‐genome expression patterns than purified isoflavone mix in human MCF‐7 breast tumors in ovariectomized athymic nude mice
Authors: Liu Yunxian , Hilakivi‐Clarke Leena , Zhang Yukun , Wang Xiao , Pan Yuan‐Xiang , Xuan Jianhua , Fleck Stefanie C. , Doerge Daniel R. , Helferich William G.
Published: March 2015

Scope

Soy flour diet (MS) prevented isoflavones from stimulating MCF‐7 tumor growth in athymic nude mice, indicating that other bioactive compounds in soy can negate the estrogenic properties of isoflavones. The underlying signal transduction pathways to explain the protective effects of soy flour consumption were studied here.

Methods and results

Ovariectomized athymic nude mice inoculated with MCF‐7 human breast cancer cells were fed either Soy flour diet (MS) or purified isoflavone mix diet (MI), both with equivalent amounts of genistein. Positive controls received estradiol pellets and negative controls received sham pellets. GeneChip Human Genome U133 Plus 2.0 Array platform was used to evaluate gene expressions, and results were analyzed using bioinformatics approaches. Tumors in MS‐fed mice exhibited higher expression of tumor growth suppressing genes ATP2A3 and BLNK and lower expression of oncogene MYC. Tumors in MI‐fed mice expressed a higher level of oncogene MYB and a lower level of MHC‐I and MHC‐II, allowing tumor cells to escape immunosurveillance. MS‐induced gene expression alterations were predictive of prolonged survival among estrogen‐receptor‐positive breast cancer patients, whilst MI‐induced gene changes were predictive of shortened survival.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that dietary soy flour affects gene expression differently than purified isoflavones, which may explain why soy foods prevent isoflavones‐induced stimulation of MCF‐7 tumor growth in athymic nude mice.
Multispectral labeling of embryonic cells with lipophilic carbocyanine dyes
Authors: Volnoukhin Maria , Brandhorst Bruce P.
Published: March 2015

Incubation of hatched Strongylocentrotus purpuratus sea urchin embryos or larvae with suspensions of the carbocyanine dyes DiI, DiO, and DiD resulted in the random labeling of membranes of some ectodermal epithelial cells and blastocoelar cells, producing a range of differentially colored cells that can be tracked during development. Simultaneous application of soluble Vybrant® preparations of the three dyes resulted in similar labeling of each cell. Dye labeling of the ectoderm was nearly eliminated by deciliation and some ciliated squamous epithelial cells adjacent to labelled cells were refractory to Vybrant® dye uptake irrespective of concentration or duration of treatment, together suggesting local variation in the properties of cell membranes or cilia. Furthermore, single cells possessing distinctive morphological features were detected. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 619–624, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resveratrol attenuates inflammation and oxidative stress in epididymal white adipose tissue: Implications for its involvement in improving steroidogenesis in diet‐induced obese mice
Authors: Lv Zheng‐mei , Wang Qi , Chen Yuan‐hua , Wang Sheng‐hua , Huang Dao‐qi
Published: March 2015

Chronic, low‐grade systemic inflammation has been shown to play an important role in the development of obesity‐related complications. Epididymal white adipose tissue (WAT) can influence testicular function through its endocrine function. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of resveratrol on the epididymal WAT inflammatory response and on testicular steroidogenesis in obese individuals. Seven‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high‐calorie and high‐cholesterol diet (HCD group) or HCD supplemented with resveratrol (HCD+Res group) for 18 weeks. As we previously showed that resveratrol protects against Leydig cell steroidogenesis in HCD‐induced obese mice, this study assessed macrophage infiltration in fat depots by measuring crown‐like structure (CLS) density. Histological analysis showed that adipocyte size was significantly smaller and CLSs were less numerous in the HCD+Res group than the HCD group (P < 0.01). Additionally, resveratrol supplementation decreased Nfkb1 expression (P < 0.01) and increased the IκB‐α protein abundance (P < 0.01) in epididymal WAT. Consistent with this alteration in NF‐κB signaling, the expression of two classic proinflammatory cytokines, TNF‐α (Tnfa) and IL‐1β (Il1b), were significantly decreased in the HCD+Res group compared with the HCD group (P < 0.01). Significant differences were also found in the expression of sirtuin1 (Sirt1) (P < 0.01) and manganese superoxide dismutase (Sod2) (P < 0.01) between the HCD and HCD+Res groups. Our data suggest that resveratrol can attenuate obesity‐induced inflammation and oxidative stress in epididymal WAT, which partly accounts for its beneficial effects in testicular steroidogenesis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 321–328, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Two‐years results of native tissue versus vaginal mesh repair in the treatment of anterior prolapse according to different success criteria: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dias Márcia M. , de A. Castro Rodrigo , Bortolini Maria Augusta T. , Delroy Carlos A. , Martins Paulo C.F. , Girão Manoel J.B.C. , Sartori Marair G.F.
Published: March 2015

Aims

To compare efficacy and safety of the traditional colporraphy and transvaginal polypropylene mesh for the treatment of advanced anterior vaginal prolapse according to different success criteria in two‐year follow‐up.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial, women with anterior prolapse stage II or greater, with Ba point ≥ +1 (POP‐Q quantification), were randomly assigned to have either anterior colporraphy (n = 43) or transvaginal mesh repair (n = 43). The primary outcome was to compare objective success rate under two success definitions: prolapse stage I (Ba < −1) and stage II (Ba < 0). Secondary outcomes included complications and prolapse symptoms, satisfaction and quality of life (QoL). Intention to treat was used for the primary endpoint and per protocol analysis for the secondary outcomes.

Results

The groups presented similar preoperative data. Thirty three patients from the colporraphy and 37 from the mesh groups completed two‐year follow‐up. Under Ba < −1 definition, success rate was 39.53% for both groups (P = 1.00). Considering success as Ba < 0, analysis favored the mesh group by 23% (51.16% and 74.42%; 95% CI for difference: 3–43%; P = 0.022). Patients from the mesh group were more satisfied after two years (81.8% and 97.3% for colporraphy and mesh, respectively, 15.5% difference; 95% CI for difference 1–29%; P = 0.032). Both procedures similarly improved women's symptoms and QoL. Some complications were observed, one being a 13.5% mesh exposure rate.

Conclusions

Transvaginal synthetic mesh repair for advanced anterior vaginal prolapse provided higher anatomical success and satisfaction rates compared with traditional colporraphy. Both procedures equally improved quality of life. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:509–514, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autologous fascia pubovaginal slings after prior synthetic anti‐incontinence procedures for recurrent incontinence: A multi‐institutional prospective comparative analysis to de novo autologous slings assessing objective and subjective cure
Authors: Parker William P. , Gomelsky Alex , Padmanabhan Priya
Published: March 2015

Aims

Given the paucity of prospective data on the treatment of incontinent women with prior synthetic mid‐urethral sling (MUS), we sought to report our prospective experience with autologous fascia pubovaginal sling placement (AF‐PVS) after prior synthetic mid‐urethral sling (MUS).

Methods

An IRB‐approved, multi‐institutional, prospective cohort of patients from 2010 to 2013 undergoing AF‐PVS for urinary incontinence was evaluated and stratified for the presence of a prior MUS. Pre‐operative characteristics and validated quality of life questionnaires (IIQ‐7 and UDI‐6) were compared to post‐operative pad usage, scores on the IIQ‐7 and UDI‐6, complications, and visual analog scale assessment of improvement.

Results

288 patients met inclusion criteria, 59 (20.4%) of whom had undergone a prior MUS before AF‐PVS placement. Of these 59 patients, 20 (33.9%) had a prior vaginal extrusion and 5 (8.5%) had suffered from obstruction requiring sling lysis or excision. With a median of 14 months follow‐up, prior MUS placement was not associated with a significant difference in objective (55.9% vs. 62.4%, P = 0.37) or subjective cure (66.1% vs. 69.0%, P = 0.75) when compared to patients undergoing placement of an initial AF‐PVS. Patients undergoing AF‐PVS after prior MUS did have a significantly higher rate of urinary retention requiring intermittent catheterization (8.5% vs. 3.1%, P < 0.001) and re‐operation (13.6% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.01) for persistent incontinence.

Conclusions

Despite higher rates of retention and need for repeat operation, AF‐PVS after failed MUS is an acceptable treatment option with no difference in success as compared to patients undergoing initial AF‐PVS placement. Neurourol. Urodynam. 35:604–608, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel hybrid FS‐FEM/SEA for the analysis of vibro‐acoustic problems
Authors: Wu F. , Liu G. R. , Li G. Y. , Cheng A. G. , He Z. C. , Hu Z. H.
Published: March 2015

Predicting the frequency response of a complex vibro‐acoustic system becomes extremely difficult in the mid‐frequency regime. In this work, a novel hybrid face‐based smoothed finite element method/statistical energy analysis (FS‐FEM/SEA) method is proposed, aiming to further improve the accuracy of ‘mid‐frequency’ predictions. According to this approach, the whole vibro‐acoustic system is divided into a combination of a plate subsystem with statistical behaviour and an acoustic cavity subsystem with deterministic behaviour. The plate subsystem is treated using the recently developed FS‐FEM, and the cavity subsystem is dealt with using the SEA. These two different types of subsystems can be coupled and interacted through the so‐called diffuse field reciprocity relation. The ensemble average response of the system is calculated, and the uncertainty is confined and treated in the SEA subsystems. The use of FS‐FEM ‘softens’ the well‐known ‘overly stiff’ behaviour in the standard FEM and reduces the inherent numerical dispersion error. The proposed FS‐FEM/SEA approach is verified and its features are examined by various numerical examples. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐order methods for low Reynolds number flows around moving obstacles based on universal meshes
Authors: Gawlik Evan S. , Kabaria Hardik , Lew Adrian J.
Published: March 2015

We propose a family of methods for simulating two‐dimensional incompressible, low Reynolds number flow around a moving obstacle whose motion is prescribed. The methods make use of a universal mesh: a fixed background mesh that adapts to the geometry of the immersed obstacle at all times by adjusting a few elements in the neighborhood of the obstacle's boundary. The resulting mesh provides a conforming triangulation of the fluid domain over which discretizations of any desired order of accuracy in space and time can be constructed using standard finite element spaces together with off‐the‐shelf time integrators. We demonstrate the approach by using Taylor‐Hood elements to approximate the fluid velocity and pressure. To integrate in time, we consider implicit Runge‐Kutta schemes as well as a fractional step scheme. We illustrate the methods and study their convergence numerically via examples that involve flow around obstacles that undergo prescribed deformations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal weight change from prepregnancy to 7 years postpartum—the influence of behavioral factors
Authors: Kirkegaard Helene , Stovring Henrik , Rasmussen Kathleen M. , Abrams Barbara , Sørensen Thorkild I.A. , Nohr Ellen A.
Published: March 2015

Objective

We studied the influence of maternal behavior on weight change from prepregnancy to 7 years postpartum.

Methods

We used linear regression to study the independent and combined associations between self‐reported behavior in pregnancy (dietary intake, leisure‐time exercise, sedentary activity, smoking) and postpartum (breastfeeding duration and smoking) on weights at 6 months, 18 months, and 7 years postpartum.

Results

Women's average 7‐year weight gain was 2.07 kg, with 23% gaining >5 kg. Multivariable analyses suggested that women with healthier dietary intake, more leisure‐time exercise, less sedentary behavior, and longer duration of breastfeeding on average gained 1.66 kg [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40; 1.91] with a significantly reduced odds [OR 0.56 (95% CI: 0.49; 0.64)] of gaining >5 kg from prepregnancy to 7 years postpartum compared to women with none or one of these behaviors [mean gain 3.03 kg (95% CI: 2.68; 3.39)]. Women who ceased smoking had higher long‐term weight gain than nonsmokers, but not smokers.

Conclusions

Adherence to healthy behaviors during pregnancy lowered long‐term weight gain considerably by lowering postpartum weight retention and subsequent weight gain. Public health efforts to help mothers achieve healthy behaviors might prevent childbearing‐related weight gain.
Early skeletal muscle adaptations to short‐term high‐fat diet in humans before changes in insulin sensitivity
Authors: Anderson Angela S. , Haynie Kimberly R. , McMillan Ryan P. , Osterberg Kristin L. , Boutagy Nabil E. , Frisard Madlyn I. , Davy Brenda M. , Davy Kevin P. , Hulver Matthew W.
Published: March 2015

Objective

The purpose of this investigation was to understand the metabolic adaptations to a short‐term (5 days), isocaloric, high‐fat diet (HFD) in healthy, young males.

Methods

Two studies were undertaken with 12 subjects. Study 1 investigated the effect of the HFD on skeletal muscle substrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Study 2 assessed the metabolic and transcriptional responses in skeletal muscle to the transition from a fasted to fed state using a high‐fat meal challenge before and after 5 days of the HFD.

Results

Study 1 showed no effect of a HFD on skeletal muscle metabolism or insulin sensitivity in fasting samples. Study 2 showed that a HFD elicits significant increases in fasting serum endotoxin and disrupts the normal postprandial excursions of serum endotoxin, as well as metabolic and transcriptional responses in skeletal muscle. These effects after 5 days of the HFD were accompanied by an altered fasting and postprandial response in the ratio of phosphorylated‐ to total‐p38 protein. These changes all occurred in the absence of alterations in insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

Our findings provide evidence for early biological adaptations to high‐fat feeding that proceed and possibly lead to insulin resistance.
Patient‐controlled analgesia at the end of life at a pediatric oncology institution
Authors: Anghelescu Doralina L. , Snaman Jennifer M. , Trujillo Luis , Sykes April D. , Yuan Y. , Baker Justin N.
Published: March 2015

Background

Patient controlled anesthesia (PCA) is increasingly used to manage pain in pediatric cancer patients and is important in the treatment of escalating pain at the end of life. The description of the use of opioid PCA in this population has been limited.

Procedure

This retrospective chart review of the last 2 weeks of life addressed the following objectives: (1) to describe the patient population treated with opioid PCA; (2) to describe the morphine‐equivalent doses (MED) (mg/kg/day); and (3) to describe the pain scores (PS).

Results

Twenty‐eight percent of inpatients used opioid PCA for pain control during the last 2 weeks of life. The mean MED (mg/kg/day) (SD) at 2 weeks prior and the day of death were 10.7 (17.9) and 19 (25.8). The mean MED increased over the last 2 weeks of life for all patients and across age groups and cancer diagnoses (all P < 0.05). The mean MED was significantly higher in the younger age group (age <13 vs. age ≥13) on the day of death (P < 0.04). There was a significant change in mean PS over the last 2 weeks of life (P < 0.001), with the highest PS on the day before death. The most frequently used concurrent medications were benzodiazepines (91%).

Conclusions

Children and young adults with cancer experience high opioid requirements and significant dose increases during the last 2 weeks of life. Additionally, PS increase toward the end of life. Opioid rotation and addition of adjuvant medications merit consideration in the context of escalating opioid requirements. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1237–1244. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Image‐defined risk factor assessment of neurogenic tumors after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is useful for predicting intra‐operative risk factors and the completeness of resection
Authors: Irtan Sabine , Brisse Hervé J , Minard‐Colin Véronique , Schleiermacher Gudrun , Galmiche‐Rolland Louise , Le Cossec Chloé , Elie Caroline , Canale Sandra , Michon Jean , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Sarnacki Sabine
Published: March 2015

Background

Patients with neuroblastoma are now stratified at diagnosis according to the presence and number of image‐defined risk factors (IDRFs). We examined the added value of IDRF assessment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for predicting surgical resection.

Material and Methods

From 2009–2012, 39 out of 91 patients operated on in our institution for neuroblastic tumors received neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on ongoing SIOPEN protocols or treatment guidelines. IDRFs were assessed both at diagnosis and preoperatively on CT and/or MRI.

Results

Median age at diagnosis was 30 months [range 2–191]. The tumor locations were adrenal (n = 20), paravertebral (n = 13) and perivascular (n = 6). INRGSS stages were L2 (n = 13), M (n = 25) and Ms (n = 1). Eleven tumors (28%) were MYCN‐amplified. Chemotherapy reduced the number of IDRFs in 54% of patients overall (21/39): 61.5% (16/26) of M and Ms patients, and 38.5% (5/13) of non metastatic patients (P < 0.001). The number of IDRFs lost after chemotherapy was proportional to the degree of tumor shrinkage (P = 0.002), independent of the primary tumor location (P = 0.73), although the number was higher in patients with left versus right adrenal locations (P = 0.004). Patients with neuroblastoma on post‐surgical histology lost more IDRFs (median: 1[0–9]) than patients with ganglioneuroblastoma (median: 0[0–4]) (P < 0.001). The completeness of resection was related only to the number of preoperative IDRFs (P = 0.028).

Conclusion

IDRF assessment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is useful for predicting completeness of resection of neurogenic tumors. A larger international study is needed to confirm these results and to explore a possible correlation between preoperative IDRF status and survival. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1543–1549. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of spheroidal particles in closure studies for aerosol microphysical–optical properties
Authors: Sorribas M. , Olmo F. J. , Quirantes A. , Lyamani H. , Gil‐Ojeda M. , Alados‐Arboledas L. , Horvath H.
Published: March 2015

A study has been carried out to assess the discrepancies between computed and observed aerosol scattering and backscattering properties in the atmosphere. The goals were: (i) to analyse the uncertainty associated with computed optical properties when spherical and spheroidal approximations are used, and (ii) to estimate nephelometry errors due to angular truncation and non‐Lambertian illumination of the light source in terms of size range, particle shape and aerosol chemical compounds. Mie and T‐matrix theories were used for computing light optical properties for spherical and spheroidal particles, respectively, from observed particle size distributions. The scattering coefficient of the fine mode was not much influenced by the particle shape. However, computed backscattering values underestimated the observed values by ∼15%. For the coarse mode, the spheroidal approximation yielded better results than that for spherical particles, especially for backscattering properties. Even after applying the spheroidal approximation, computed scattering and backscattering values within the coarse mode underestimated the observed values by ∼49% and ∼11%, respectively. The angular correction most widely used to correct the nephelometer data was discussed to explore its uncertainty. In the case of the scattering properties within the coarse mode, the change of the computed optical parameter is ∼+8% and for the scattering and backscattering values within the fine mode it is lower than ∼±4% for spherical and spheroidal particles. Additionally, if the spheroidal particles are used to evaluate the aerosol optical properties, the correction must be reconsidered with the aim of reducing the uncertainty found for scattering within the coarse mode. This is recommended for sites with desert dust influence; then the deviation of the computed scattering can be up to 13%.
Entry timing and innovation strategy in feature phones
Authors: Klingebiel Ronald , Joseph John
Published: March 2015

Research summary: This inductive study examines how firms make decisions about the timing of innovations, focusing on the mobile handset industry during the feature‐phone era. Through qualitative and quantitative data, we reveal how individual technology‐entry decisions are influenced by a portfolio‐level timing preference, and how this preference informs other aspects of innovation strategy, too. Early movers address greater, more uncertain revenue opportunities with broader, less selective innovation portfolios. Conversely, late movers target lower, more certain revenue opportunities with narrower, more selective portfolios. While timing per se seems unrelated to performance, a timing‐strategy alignment is. Future research on the equifinal configurations we propose—broad/nonselective for early movers and narrow/selective for late movers—could thus help resolve the debate about the link between timing and performance.

Managerial summary: We study how firms make decisions about the entry of new product features, in this case mobile phone technologies. During development firms weigh the scale and likelihood of features' commercial success. Some firms display a preference for earlier entry, which offers temporary monopoly rewards if uncertainty resolves favorably, while others tend to opt for later entry, which offers greater certainty but lower rewards due to competitive preemption. The innovation portfolios of these companies thus pursue differently structured opportunities, bringing about different strategic approaches. Since early movers aim for big hits to compensate for a higher failure rate, they launch a broader set of features and exert little selective pressure on the development portfolio. By contrast, late movers' lower payoffs reduce their tolerance for failure, making them launch fewer features and emphasize selectiveness; i.e., they invest in learning from the resolution of uncertainty so as to choose features more discriminately. When we examine innovation performance, timing has no significant effect but matching timing with feature breadth does. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“We do what we must, and call it by the best names”: Can deliberate names offset the consequences of organizational atypicality?
Authors: Smith Edward B. , Chae Heewon
Published: March 2015

Research summary: This article focuses on organizational naming as a strategic choice organizations make to overcome liabilities of atypicality. We argue that, in markets presenting an “illegitimacy discount,” atypical organizations may use deliberate names—names that communicate the market categories to which organizations claim membership—to offset the consequences of atypicality. Using data from the global hedge fund industry, we show that atypical hedge funds are more likely than typical funds to have deliberate names. Importantly, the selection of a deliberate name is economically significant. First, funds with deliberate names grow faster than funds without deliberate names, especially among atypical funds. Second, while atypicality heightened the likelihood of failure during the recent financial crisis—even after controlling for fund performance—having a deliberate name mitigated this effect.

Managerial summary: Differentiation is a core element of many organizations' competitive advantage. Nevertheless, as differentiation implies being atypical among one's competitors, differentiation strategies can also lead to an “illegitimacy discount” whereby differentiators are at risk of being misunderstood, miscategorized, and ignored by consumers. Here we investigate how atypical hedge funds—funds that differentiate themselves from their competitors by investing in notably unique ways—use names to offset the potential consequences associated with the “illegitimacy discount.” Our analysis of more than 12,000 hedge funds over 12 years highlighted a trend whereby atypical hedge funds were more likely to choose names that unambiguously associated them with a known investment strategy—for instance, choosing the name “Apex Global Macro Capital” over simply “Apex Capital.” Importantly, name selection proved to be economically significant. For example, among atypical hedge funds, those with unambiguous names grew faster than those without. Furthermore, while being atypical increased the level of disinvestment during the recent financial crisis, having an unambiguous name reversed this effect. Organizational names play an important communication role with consumers, which, while highly symbolic, may also help resolve the dual organizational need to both conform to consumer expectations and differentiate from market competitors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concise Review: NANOG in Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Development: An Update and Outstanding Questions
Authors: Jeter Collene R. , Yang Tao , Wang Junchen , Chao Hsueh-Ping , Tang Dean G.
Published: March 2015

The homeobox domain transcription factor NANOG, a key regulator of embryonic development and cellular reprogramming, has been reported to be broadly expressed in human cancers. Functional studies have provided strong evidence that NANOG possesses protumorigenic attributes. In addition to promoting self-renewal and long-term proliferative potential of stem-like cancer cells, NANOG-mediated oncogenic reprogramming may underlie clinical manifestations of malignant disease. In this review, we examine the molecular origin, expression, biological activities, and mechanisms of action of NANOG in various malignancies. We also consider clinical implications such as correlations between NANOG expression and cancer prognosis and/or response to therapy. We surmise that NANOG potentiates the molecular circuitry of tumorigenesis, and thus may represent a novel therapeutic target or biomarker for the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment outcome of cancer. Finally, we present critical pending questions relating NANOG to cancer stem cells and tumor development. Stem Cells  2015;33:2381–2390
Solution strategy for non‐linear finite element analyses of large reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Engen Morten , Hendriks Max A. N. , Øverli Jan Arve , Åldstedt Erik
Published: March 2015

When performing non‐linear finite element analyses during the design of large reinforced concrete structures, there is a need for a general, robust and stable solution strategy with a low modelling uncertainty which comprises choices regarding force equilibrium, kinematic compatibility and constitutive relations. In this paper, analyses of experiments with a range of structural forms, loading conditions, failure modes and concrete strengths show that an engineering solution strategy is able to produce results with good accuracy and low modelling uncertainty. The advice is to shift the attention from a detailed description of the post‐cracking behaviour of concrete to a rational description of the pre‐cracking compressive behaviour for cases where large elements are used and the ultimate limit capacity is sought.
Behaviour of eccentrically loaded high‐strength concrete columns intersected by lower‐strength concrete slabs
Authors: Stanisław Urban Tadeusz , Gołdyn Michał Marcin
Published: March 2015

This paper presents the results of experimental investigations of high‐strength concrete edge and corner columns intersected by concrete slabs. The effect of the intersection by weaker slab concrete on the load‐carrying capacities of reinforced concrete columns is investigated. The only parameter considered was the location of the column with respect to the edge of the slab. It is stated that providing a small slab overhang beyond the column edge makes it possible to increase the actual strength of the joint concrete significantly. The results of the authors' research clearly demonstrate that providing a sufficiently large slab overhang allows the designer to treat edge and corner column‐slab connection joints in the same way as internal joints. Existing code provisions concerning strength of concrete in edge and corner column‐slab connection joints are in some cases too conservative and require clarification.
What Europe Needs Is an Innovation‐Driven Entrepreneurship Ecosystem: Introducing EDIE
Authors: Groth Olaf J. , Esposito Mark , Tse Terence
Published: March 2015

With entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems appearing in geographic pockets around the world in diverse places and pockets of growth, the call for an entrepreneur‐driven innovation ecosystem (EDIE) in Europe is long overdue. Change remains a constant, and traditional industries and mature markets in Europe have left a vacuum in the path to economic growth. The need for a new model is immediate. If Europe is to find itself providing competitive leadership in the global business environment, a new philosophy is necessary to move forward in the twenty‐first century. This is the thinking behind the imperative for an EDIE in Europe, which is presented in this article as a result of a long established effort to awaken a European response to an increasingly contracting environment. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of prescribed burning on swainson's warbler home‐range size and habitat use
Authors: Everitts Jeremy L. , Benson Thomas J. , Bednarz James C. , Anich Nicholas M.
Published: March 2015

Prescribed fire is an often‐used tool for managing or manipulating wildlife habitats. However, studies on the effects of prescribed fire on conservation‐priority songbirds are limited. We examined effects of low‐intensity prescribed burns on vegetation structure and composition, and on habitat use of 45 radiotagged male Swainson's warblers (Limnothlypis swainsonii) during the 2008 and 2009 breeding seasons in the St. Francis National Forest in eastern Arkansas, USA. We found that home ranges in areas with extensive burning (>50% burned) were significantly larger ( = 14.4 ha, SE = 3.5, n = 13) than home ranges in areas with partial burning (<50% burned;  = 6.1 ha, SE = 1.3, n = 5) and unburned home ranges ( = 8.5 ha, SE = 1.1, n = 27). Burning decreased understory vegetation density, leaf‐litter depth, and cover, but had no effect on density of woody stems, including giant cane (Arundinaria gigantean; a native bamboo that is thought to benefit from fire). Swainson's warblers did not completely avoid burned regions of their home ranges, but individuals selected dense understory habitats in burned and unburned areas, and burning appeared to intensify selection for areas with less‐variable litter depth. Low‐intensity burning appeared to have minimal impacts on Swainson's warbler habitat use, but did result in increased home‐range size, possibly to compensate for burn‐impacted habitat patches and to enable warblers to acquire adequate food resources. Based on our findings, we suggest that high‐intensity fires or frequent burning could have significant negative impacts on Swainson's warbler habitat. Also, prescribed burning alone was not sufficient to restore remnant populations of cane or a dense understory. We suggest management involving canopy openings in combination with low‐intensity fire may more likely promote the development of dense understory habitat, including giant cane preferred by Swainson's warblers and other understory‐dependent birds. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Advances in Modeling Model Discrepancy: Comment on Wu and Browne (2015)
Authors: MacCallum Robert C. , O’Hagan Anthony
Published: March 2015

Wu and Browne (Psychometrika, 79, 2015) have proposed an innovative approach to modeling discrepancy between a covariance structure model and the population that the model is intended to represent. Their contribution is related to ongoing developments in the field of Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) on modeling and quantifying effects of model discrepancy. We provide an overview of basic principles of UQ and some relevant developments and we examine the Wu–Browne work in that context. We view the Wu–Browne contribution as a seminal development providing a foundation for further work on the critical problem of model discrepancy in statistical modeling in psychological research.
Effect of seed storage temperature on fine root development and mycorrhizal colonization of young Populus nigra seedlings
Authors: Mucha Joanna , Szymańska Agata Klaudia , Zadworny Marcin , Tylkowski Tadeusz , Michalak Marcin , Suszka Jan
Published: March 2015

Key message

Seed storage temperature influences root anatomy of the endangered Populus nigra, and consequently may alter nutrient absorption. A lower temperature during seed storage (−20 and −196 °C) may preserve the potential for a suitable root system development after germination.

Context

Seed storage conditions can be an important determinant of later seedling growth of Populus nigra L., an endangered tree species.

Aims

We tested whether long-term seed storage temperature, −10, −20 or −196 °C, affects the pattern of seedling root traits responsible for resource acquisition as compared to seedlings of fresh seeds.

Methods

We analysed the morphology, anatomy, degree of mycorrhizal colonization, and biochemical composition of roots developed from seed stored for 24 months at five different temperatures (from 3 to −196 °C) commonly used to preserve genetic resources.

Results

Except for root anatomy, we found no relationship between seed storage temperature and the root traits of seedlings. Among the various storage conditions, the proportion of roots with primary development in the first four orders was similar in seedlings developed from fresh seeds of from seeds stored at −196 or −20 °C. Nitrogen content in the roots was positively correlated with the proportion of (i) roots with primary development and (ii) the cortex width in the root diameter.

Conclusions

Higher temperatures during seed storage reduced the proportion of roots with absorptive function (with primary development). Therefore, for preservation of P. nigra seeds we recommend lower temperatures such as −20 and −196 °C.
Reflecting upon multisource feedback as ‘assessment for learning’
Authors: Sargeant Joan
Published: March 2015

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Editorial
Authors: HEIL JOHN
Published: March 2015

You hold in your hands—or perhaps are viewing online—the first of four issues of the inaugural volume of the Journal of the American Philosophical Association. The Journal was inspired by the idea that the time had come for the American Philosophical Association to sponsor a journal serving the interests of the philosophical community worldwide, a fully generalist journal dedicated to publishing philosophically compelling articles in a timely manner.
Making Kew Observatory: the Royal Society, the British Association and the politics of early Victorian science
Authors: MACDONALD LEE T.
Published: March 2015

Built in 1769 as a private observatory for King George III, Kew Observatory was taken over in 1842 by the British Association for the Advancement of Science (BAAS). It was then quickly transformed into what some claimed to be a ‘physical observatory’ of the sort proposed by John Herschel – an observatory that gathered data in a wide range of physical sciences, including geomagnetism and meteorology, rather than just astronomy. Yet this article argues that the institution which emerged in the 1840s was different in many ways from that envisaged by Herschel. It uses a chronological framework to show how, at every stage, the geophysicist and Royal Artillery officer Edward Sabine manipulated the project towards his own agenda: an independent observatory through which he could control the geomagnetic and meteorological research, including the ongoing ‘Magnetic Crusade’. The political machinations surrounding Kew Observatory, within the Royal Society and the BAAS, may help to illuminate the complex politics of science in early Victorian Britain, particularly the role of ‘scientific servicemen’ such as Sabine. Both the diversity of activities at Kew and the complexity of the observatory's origins make its study important in the context of the growing field of the ‘observatory sciences’.