bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Burden of Clostridium difficile after Cervical Spine Surgery
Authors: Guzman Javier Z. , Skovrlj Branko , Rothenberg Edward S. , Lu Young , McAnany Steven , Cho Samuel K. , Hecht Andrew C. , Qureshi Sheeraz A.
Published: August 2015

Study Design

Retrospective database analysis.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to investigate incidence, comorbidities, and impact on health care resources of Clostridium difficile infection after cervical spine surgery.

Methods

A total of 1,602,130 cervical spine surgeries from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2002 to 2011 were included. Patients were included for study based on International Classification of Diseases Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification procedural codes for cervical spine surgery for degenerative spine diagnoses. Baseline patient characteristics were determined. Multivariable analyses assessed factors associated with increased incidence of C. difficile and risk of mortality.

Results

Incidence of C. difficile infection in postoperative cervical spine surgery hospitalizations is 0.08%, significantly increased since 2002 ( p < 0.0001). The odds of postoperative C. difficile infection were significantly increased in patients with comorbidities such as congestive heart failure, renal failure, and perivascular disease. Circumferential cervical fusion (odds ratio [OR] = 2.93, p < 0.0001) increased the likelihood of developing C. difficile infection after degenerative cervical spine surgery. C. difficile infection after cervical spine surgery results in extended length of stay ( p < 0.0001) and increased hospital costs ( p < 0.0001). Mortality rate in patients who develop C. difficile after cervical spine surgery is nearly 8% versus 0.19% otherwise ( p < 0.0001). Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed C. difficile to be a significant predictor of inpatient mortality (OR = 3.99, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

C. difficile increases the risk of in-hospital mortality and costs approximately $6,830,695 per year to manage in patients undergoing elective cervical spine surgery. Patients with comorbidities such as renal failure or congestive heart failure have increased probability of developing infection after surgery. Accepted antibiotic guidelines in this population must be followed to decrease the risk of developing postoperative C. difficile colitis.
Thermal and moisture habitat preferences do not maximize jumping performance in frogs
Authors: Mitchell Allegra , Bergmann Philip J.
Published: August 2015

Amphibians are suffering population declines globally, and understanding how environmental parameters influence their thermal and moisture preferences and performance at various tasks is crucial to understanding how these animals will be influenced by climate change.

Body temperature and hydration affect organismal performance at many fitness‐related tasks. Since amphibians are ectotherms with highly water‐permeable skin, environmental temperature and moisture directly affect their body temperature and hydration. Therefore, amphibians should select habitats with the optimal combination of temperature and moisture to perform tasks necessary for survival. However, interactions between environmental temperature and moisture can influence habitat selection and task performance in different and often unpredictable ways, and this has only infrequently been considered.

We tested for interactions between environmental temperature, moisture and organismal hydration on temperature and moisture preferences and jumping performance in green frogs (Lithobates clamitans) in the laboratory, using thermal and moisture gradients, and high‐speed video and force plate data. We then integrated the laboratory experiments with field data.

In the thermal and moisture gradients, frogs selected environmental conditions that minimized cutaneous evaporative water loss, hydroregulating more stringently than thermoregulating. These results are consistent with frogs in the field, which had highly variable body temperatures, but were always hydrated above 95% of their standard mass. However, conditions that minimized evaporative water loss frequently did not maximize jumping performance because warmer temperatures conferred greater performance.

The ecology ofL. clamitansmay explain the discrepancy between their preferences and jumping performance optima because the frogs remain in wet environments that serve as refuges from dehydration. In parts of their range where frogs are subjected to warmer and drier conditions, they are likely to select microhabitats that minimize the risk of dehydration, possibly at the expense of their ability to forage and escape from predators.
Fatal Injury Caused by a Ram (Ovis Aries) Attack
Authors: Škavić Petar , Šprem Nikica , Kostelić Antun
Published: August 2015

Animal‐inflicted injuries to humans are a major public health problem around the world resulting in great morbidity, money loss, and mortality. They are related to wild and domestic animals alike. Animals can cause injuries by various mechanisms—biting, stinging, crushing, goring, stomping, butting, kicking, pecking, etc. We present a case of a ram's attack with fatal consequences. A 4‐year‐old, 120 kg jezersko‐solčava breed ram with prior history of aggressive behavior inflicted multiple injuries to his 83‐year‐old owner, who died in the hospital a few hours later due to severe blunt force injuries sustained in the attack. The autopsy revealed the cause of death to be multiple injuries of the thorax and the head. Sheep, even though they are not considered aggressive or large farm animals such as cattle and horses, can inflict serious injuries with devastating results.
Analytical Challenge in Postmortem Toxicology Applied to a Human Body Found into a Lake after Three Years Immersion
Authors: Morini Luca , Vignali Claudia , Tricomi Paolo , Groppi Angelo
Published: August 2015

The body of a 30‐year‐old woman was found in Como lake at a depth of about 120 meters in her own car after 3 years of immersion. The aim of this study was to evaluate psychoactive drugs as well as alcohol biomarkers in biological matrices. The following analyses were initially performed: GC‐MS systematic toxicological analysis on biological fluids and tissues; GC‐MS analysis of drugs of abuse on pubic hair; direct ethanol metabolite determination in pubic hair by LC‐MS/MS. After 7 years, the samples, that had been stored at −20°C, were re‐analyzed and submitted to an LC‐MS/MS targeted screening method, using multiple reaction monitoring mode. These analyses detected citalopram (150–3000 ng/mL), desmethylcitalopram (50–2300 ng/mL), clotiapine (20–65 ng/mL), and ethyl glucuronide (97 pg/mg). The methods showed an acceptable reproducibility, and the concentrations of citalopram and desmethylcitalopram calculated through the two analytical techniques did not significantly differ in biological fluids.
Assessing the Utility of Soil DNA Extraction Kits for Increasing DNA Yields and Eliminating PCR Inhibitors from Buried Skeletal Remains
Authors: Hebda Lisa M. , Foran David R.
Published: August 2015

DNA identification of human remains is often necessary when decedents are skeletonized; however, poor DNA recovery and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibition are frequently encountered, a situation exacerbated by burial. In this research, the utility of integrating soil DNA isolation kits into buried skeletal DNA analysis was evaluated and compared to a standard human DNA extraction kit and organic extraction. The soil kits successfully extracted skeletal DNA at quantities similar to standard methods, although the two kits tested, which differ mechanistically, were not equivalent. Further, the PCR inhibitors calcium and humic acid were effectively removed using the soil kits, whereas collagen was less so. Finally, concordant control region sequences were obtained from human skeletal remains using all four methods. Based on these comparisons, soil DNA isolation kits, which quickened the extraction process, proved to be a viable extraction technique for skeletal remains that resulted in positive identification of a decedent.
Ripened Semihard Cheese Covered with Lard and Dehydrated Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Leaves: Processing, Characterization, and Quality Traits
Authors: Marinho Marina Tolentino , Zielinski Acácio Antonio Ferreira , Demiate Ivo Mottin , Bersot Luciano dos Santos , Granato Daniel , Nogueira Alessandro
Published: August 2015

This study aimed to establish a manufacturing protocol and to characterize semihard cheese covered with lard and rosemary during ripening. After the manufacturing protocol was defined, the cheeses were produced with pasteurized and raw milk from Holstein cows, with and without (control) coating, and then ripened for 60 d. During this period the physicochemical properties, color, proteolysis, texture profile, and sensory acceptance were performed. The early‐ripening cheeses differed from the others in terms of color and moisture content. Multivariate statistical analysis separated chesses in groups differentiated by the effects of heat treatment of milk and ripening period. The ripened cheeses obtained from raw milk were sensorially more preferred. The coating gave the final products higher moisture content and favored color and texture characteristics. Consumer testing showed that the cheese obtained from raw milk and coated with lard and rosemary was the most preferred (acceptance of 82%) due to the specific coating of rosemary (aroma and flavor). This product has potential to add value and to diversify the production of semihard cheeses.
Estimating species richness and biomass of tropical dry forests using LIDAR during leaf‐on and leaf‐off canopy conditions
Authors: Hernández‐Stefanoni Jose Luis , Johnson Kristofer D. , Cook Bruce D. , Dupuy Juan Manuel , Birdsey Richard , Peduzzi Alicia , Tun‐Dzul Fernando
Published: August 2015

Questions

Is the accuracy of predictions of above‐ground biomass (AGB) and plant species richness of tropical dry forests from LIDAR data compromised during leaf‐off canopy period, when most of the vegetation is leafless, compared to the leaf‐on period? How does topographic position affect prediction accuracy of AGB for leaf‐off and leaf‐on canopy conditions?

Location

Tropical dry forest, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Methods

We evaluated the accuracy of predictions using both leaf‐on and leaf‐off LIDAR estimates of biomass and species richness, and assessed the adequacy of both LIDAR data sets for characterizing these vegetation attributes in tropical dry forests using multiple regression analysis and ANOVA. The performance of the models was assessed by leave‐one‐out cross‐validation. We also investigated differences in vegetation structure between two topographic conditions using PCA and ANOSIM. Finally, we evaluated the influence of topography on the accuracy of biomass estimates from LIDAR using multiple regression analysis and ANOVA.

Results

A higher overall accuracy was obtained with leaf‐on vs leaf‐off conditions for AGB (root mean square error (RMSE) = 21.6 vs 25.7 ton·ha−1), as well as for species richness (RMSE = 5.5 vs 5.8 species, respectively). However, no significant differences in mean dissimilarities between biomass estimates from LIDAR and in situ biomass estimates comparing the two canopy conditions were found (F1,39 = 0.03, P = 0.87). In addition, no significant differences in dissimilarities of AGB estimation were found between flat and hilly areas (F1,39 = 1.36, P = 0.25).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that estimates of species richness and AGB from LIDAR are not significantly influenced by canopy conditions or slope, indicating that both leaf‐on and leaf‐off models are appropriate for these variables regardless of topographic position in these tropical dry forests.
Reducing Campylobacter numbers on chicken carcasses using lactic acid in processing plants
Authors: Burfoot Dean , Allen Vivien , Mulvey Elizabeth , Jewell Keith , Harrison Dawn , Morris Victoria
Published: August 2015

Four trials were carried out at a broiler processing plant to examine the effectiveness of spraying lactic acid solutions for reducing the numbers of Campylobacter on carcasses. The carcasses were naturally contaminated and treated after the inside–outside washer and before the air chiller. Carcasses were treated by spraying in a tunnel or with one of two hand‐held sprayers. Carcasses were treated with a 1.9%, 4% or 8% solution of lactic acid buffered to pH 4 using sodium lactate, and testing was carried out on skin samples from the breast or back/neck. Treating carcasses with 1.9% acid was not effective. Treatments with 4% acid reduced the numbers of Campylobacter on breast skin by 0.4 log10 cfu g−1 or less and on back/neck skin by 0.8 log10 cfu g−1. Spraying with an 8% acid solution in the tunnel produced a 1.9‐log cfu g−1 reduction on breast skin but adversely affected the appearance of the carcasses. Further work is suggested with a 5% solution with consumer testing for acceptability of appearance.
Editorial: Early detection of mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders: the ethical challenges of a field in its infancy
Authors: Ozonoff Sally
Published: August 2015

The signs of many mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions first appear in childhood and diagnosis can reliably be made by school age for most. Such conditions can be chronically disabling and confer significant long‐term impairment. Determining early risk signs and first emerging symptoms of disorder is imperative to enhance early detection and to identify targets and ideal time points for prevention and intervention efforts. This Special Issue of JCPP focuses on the prospect of earlier identification of conditions that are traditionally diagnosed later in childhood. Ten invited empirical articles cover topics related to the science of early detection. Several are focused on prediction of later diagnosis, of functional impairment, and of future service utilization, while others cover instrument development and topics related to screening. The papers span the conditions of ADHD, ASD, dyslexia, mood dysregulation, disruptive behavior disorders, and anxiety disorders. This Editorial provides an overview of the invited contributions and the perspectives they provide on the ethical challenges and choices of a field still in its infancy.
Neuromelioidosis: Craniospinal MRI Findings in Burkholderia pseudomallei Infection
Authors: Hsu Charlie Chia‐Tsong , Singh Dalveer , Kwan Gigi , Deuble Martin , Aquilina Chloe , Korah Ipeson , Norton Robert
Published: August 2015

PURPOSE

To investigate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of central nervous system (CNS) infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 10 patients (5 male and 5 female, age range from 13 to 69 years) with CNS melioidosis confirmed on culture of blood, sputum, cerebrospinal fluid, brain biopsy, and postmortem brain tissue. Clinical data were collected and MRI brain and/or spine were independently reviewed.

RESULTS

Seven patients with brain parenchymal or intramedullary spinal cord lesions demonstrated rim‐enhancing microabscesses with propensity for white matter tracts including the corticospinal tracts, corpus callosum, and cerebellar peduncles. Three of these 7 patients also showed thickening and enhancement of the trigeminal nerves with contiguous spread to brain stem trigeminal nuclei. Three patients had isolated extraaxial disease with findings including meningeal enhancement, extradural abscess, skull osteomyelitis, and scalp abscess.

CONCLUSION

Spread of microabscesses along white matter tracts and frequent trigeminal nerve involvement are unique imaging characteristics of CNS melioidosis. These findings may provide insight into potential mechanisms for B. pseuodomallei entry into the CNS through direct axonal transport in cranial nerves bypassing the blood brain barrier. Prompt recognition of the neuroimaging features of this potentially fatal infection may allow for early microbiological culture and treatment.
Adolescents’ Socio‐Motivational Relationships With Teachers, Amygdala Response to Teacher's Negative Facial Expressions, and Test Anxiety
Authors: Raufelder Diana , Hoferichter Frances , Romund Lydia , Golde Sabrina , Lorenz Robert C. , Beck Anne
Published: August 2015

The amygdala is essential for processing emotions, including the processing of aversive faces. The aim of this multimethodological study was to relate the amygdala reactivity of students (N = 88) toward teachers’ fearful and angry faces, to students’ relationship with their teachers. Furthermore, students’ neural responses during the perception of teachers’ faces were tested as predictors of test anxiety (controlling for neuroticism as a potential trait anxiety effect). Multiple regression analysis revealed that students reporting high‐quality teacher–student relationships showed stronger amygdala activity toward fearful faces, which was related to worry. Furthermore, students with high levels of neuroticism tended to perceive their teachers as motivators and showed higher amygdala activity toward angry faces, which was related to the measures of emotionality.
Mesoporous silica-based dosage forms improve release characteristics of poorly soluble drugs: case example fenofibrate
Authors: Dressman Jennifer B , Herbert Elisabeth , Wieber Alena , Birk Gudrun , Saal Christoph , Lubda Dieter
Published: August 2015

Objectives

Mesoporous silica-based dosage forms offer the potential for improving the absorption of poorly soluble drugs after oral administration. In this investigation, fenofibrate was used as a model drug to study the ability of monomodal (‘PSP A’) and bimodal (‘PSP B’) porous silica to improve release by a ‘spring’ effect in in vitro biorelevant dissolution tests. Also investigated was the addition of various polymers to provide a ‘parachute’ effect, that is, to keep the drug in solution after its release.

Key Findings

Loading fenofibrate onto PSP A or PSP B porous silica substantially improved the dissolution profile of fenofibrate under fasted state conditions compared with both pure drug and the marketed product, TriCor® 145 mg. Adding a polymer such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose acetate succinate, polyvinylpyrrolidone or copovidon (HPMCAS, PVP or PVPVA) sustains the higher release of fenofibrate from the PSP A silica, resulting in a combination ‘spring and parachute’ effect – loading the drug onto the silica causes a ‘spring’ effect while the polymer enhances the spring effect (HPMCAS, PVP) and adds a sustaining ‘parachute’. Interestingly, a silica to polymer ratio of 4:1 w/w appears to have an optimal effect for fenofibrate (HPMCAS, PVP). Dissolution results under conditions simulating the fasted state in the small intestine with the PSP A or the PSP B silica with HPMCAS added in a 4:1 w/w ratio show very substantial improvement over the marketed, nanosized product (TriCor® 145 mg).

Conclusions

Further experiments to determine whether the highly positive effects on fenofibrate release observed with the silica prototypes investigated to date can be translated to further poorly soluble drugs and to what extent they translate into improved in-vivo performance are warranted.
Physicochemical Approach to Determine the Mechanism for Acid–Base Disorders in 793 Hospitalized Foals
Authors: Gomez D.E. , Biermann N.M. , Sanchez L.C.
Published: August 2015

Background

The quantitative effect of strong electrolytes, unmeasured strong anions (UAs), pCO2, and plasma protein concentrations in determining plasma pHcan be demonstrated using the physicochemical approach. Plasma anion gap (AG) and strong ion gap (SIG) are used to assessUAs in different species.

Hypotheses

Strong ions are a major factor influencing changes in plasma pHof hospitalized foals.AGandSIGaccurately predict severe hyper‐l‐lactatemia ([l‐lac−] > 7 mmol/L).

Animals

Seven hundred and ninety three hospitalized foals < 7 days old.

Methods

Retrospective study. The relationship between measuredpHand physicochemical variables, and the relationship between plasma [l‐lac−] andAGandSIG, were determined using regression analyses. OptimalAGandSIGcut points to predict hyper‐l‐lactatemia were identified using anROCcurve analysis.

Results

Combined, the measured strong ion difference andSIGaccounted for 54–69% of the changes in the measured arterialpHof hospitalized foals.AGandSIGwere significantly associated with plasma [l‐lac−] (P < .0001). The receiver operator characteristics (ROC)AUCofAGandSIGfor prediction of severe hyper‐l‐lactatemia were 0.89 (95%CI, 0.8–0.95;P < .0001) and 0.90 (95%CI, 0.81–0.96;P < .0001), respectively. Severe hyper‐l‐lactatemia was best predicted byAG > 27 mmol/L (sensitivity 80%, 95%CI, 56–94, specificity 85%, 95%CI, 73–93;P < .0001) andSIG<−15 mmol/L (sensitivity 90%, 95%CI, 68–98; specificity 80%; 95%CI, 68–90;P < .0001).

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Altered concentrations of strong ions (Na+, K+, Cl−) andUAs were the primary cause of acidemia of hospitalized foals.AGandSIGwere good predictors of hyper‐l‐lactatemia and could be used as surrogate tests.
Chaplains' Engagement with Suicidality among Their Service Users: Findings from the VA/DoD Integrated Mental Health Strategy
Authors: Kopacz Marek S. , Nieuwsma Jason A. , Jackson George L. , Rhodes Jeffrey E. , Cantrell William C. , Bates Mark J. , Meador Keith G.
Published: August 2015

Chaplains play an important role in supporting the mental health of current and former military personnel; in this study, the engagement of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Army, Navy, and Air Force chaplains with suicidality among their service users were examined. An online survey was used to collect data from 440 VA and 1,723 Department of Defense (DoD) chaplains as part of the VA/DoD Integrated Mental Health Strategy. Differences were noted for demographics, work setting characteristics, encountering suicidality, and self‐perceived preparation for dealing with suicidality. Compared to DoD chaplains, VA chaplains encounter more at‐risk service users, yet feel less prepared for dealing with suicidality.
An Examination of Historical Loss Thinking Frequency and Rumination on Suicide Ideation in American Indian Young Adults
Authors: Tucker Raymond P. , Wingate LaRicka R. , O'Keefe Victoria M. , Hollingsworth David W. , Cole Ashley B.
Published: August 2015

No research has empirically investigated whether frequency of historical loss thinking is a potential risk factor for suicide ideation in American Indians. Results of this study demonstrated that the frequency of historical loss thinking was positively associated with brooding and reflection at a small magnitude, but was not directly related to suicide ideation. Bootstrapping analyses indicated small indirect effects of historical loss thinking frequency on suicide ideation through brooding and reflection individually, but only through brooding when analyzed in a parallel mediation model. These findings suggest that American Indians who more frequently engage in historical loss thinking may be susceptible to suicide ideation via an increase in ruminative tendencies, specifically brooding.
Tenofovir/entecavir monotherapy after hepatitis B immunoglobulin withdrawal is safe and effective in the prevention of hepatitis B in liver transplant recipients
Authors: Fernández I. , Loinaz C. , Hernández O. , Abradelo M. , Manrique A. , Calvo J. , Manzano M. , García A. , Cambra F. , Castellano G. , Jiménez C.
Published: August 2015

Background and aims

Combination of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and a nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) is considered the standard of care for prophylaxis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT). However, use of lifelong HBIG has significant limitations. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) after withdrawal of HBIG in patients who had been under HBIG‐regimen prophylaxis post LT.

Methods

Patients at low risk of recurrence were eligible for HBIG discontinuation (fulminant HBV hepatitis, co‐infection with hepatitis D virus, and hepatitis B e antigen‐negative cirrhotic patients with HBV DNA levels <300 copies/mL). All patients had received HBIG, with or without NA, for at least 12 months after LT. After HBIG discontinuation, they continued with ETV or TDF monotherapy. Patients were followed up with HBV serum markers and evaluation of renal function.

Results

Between September 2011 and June 2014, 58 liver transplant recipients were converted to TDF (31, 53%) or ETV (27, 47%). Mean follow‐up after conversion was 28 ± 5 months (range 13–36 months). Five patients (8.6%) developed detectable hepatitis B surface antigen at 7, 9, 13, 15, and 22 months after HBIG discontinuation. However, in every case seroconversion was transitory, serum HBV DNA was undetectable, with no clinical manifestations of HBV recurrence. No adverse effects were observed or dose reductions required associated with ETV or TDF.

Conclusions

Maintenance therapy with newer NAs, after discontinuation of HBIG prophylaxis, was safe and effective, with a low rate of serological recurrence and no evident clinical, biochemical, or virological consequences.
Functions of synapsins in corticothalamic facilitation: important roles of synapsin I
Authors: Nikolaev Maxim , Heggelund Paul
Published: August 2015

Key points

The synaptic vesicle associated proteins synapsin I and synapsin II have important functions in synaptic short‐term plasticity.

We investigated their functions in cortical facilitatory feedback to neurons in dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), feedback that has important functions in state‐dependent regulation of thalamic transmission of visual input to cortex.

We compared results from normal wild‐type (WT) mice and synapsin knockout (KO) mice in several types of synaptic plasticity, and found clear differences between the responses of neurons in the synapsin I KO and the WT, but no significant differences between the synapsin II KO and the WT.

These results are in contrast to the important role of synapsin II previously demonstrated in similar types of synaptic plasticity in other brain regions, indicating that the synapsins can have different roles in similar types of STP in different parts of the brain.

The synaptic vesicle associated proteins synapsin I (SynI) and synapsin II (SynII) have important functions in several types of synaptic short‐term plasticity in the brain, but their separate functions in different types of synapses are not well known. We investigated possible distinct functions of the two synapsins in synaptic short‐term plasticity at corticothalamic synapses on relay neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. These synapses provide excitatory feedback from visual cortex to the relay cells, feedback that can facilitate transmission of signals from retina to cortex. We compared results from normal wild‐type (WT), SynI knockout (KO) and SynII KO mice, in three types of synaptic plasticity mainly linked to presynaptic mechanism. In SynI KO mice, paired‐pulse stimulation elicited increased facilitation at short interpulse intervals compared to the WT. Pulse‐train stimulation elicited weaker facilitation than in the WT, and also post‐tetanic potentiation was weaker in SynI KO than in the WT. Between SynII KO and the WT we found no significant differences. Thus, SynI has important functions in these types of synaptic plasticity at corticothalamic synapses. Interestingly, our data are in contrast to the important role of SynII previously shown for sustained synaptic transmission during intense stimulation in excitatory synapses in other parts of the brain, and our results suggest that SynI and SynII may have different roles in similar types of STP in different parts of the brain.
Silver ion binding to the organophosphorus pesticide diazinon and hydrolytic pathways revealed by mass spectrometric and NMR studies
Authors: Wyer Martin , vanLoon Gary W. , Dust Julian M. , Buncel Erwin
Published: August 2015

This paper describes the first study of the interactions of Ag+ with the organophosphorus (OP) insecticide diazinon, 1. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) with corroborative collision-induced dissociation-mass spectrometry (CID-MS) demonstrates that 1 forms a bidentate chelate with Ag+. The hydrolysis products of 1, the pyrimidinol (PY) and O,O-diethylphosphorothioic acid (PA), are also found to bind to Ag+ via N (PY) and S (PA) Lewis base sites, respectively. 31P and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra in solution, followed over time with varying ratios of Ag+ to 1, confirm the MS evidence and show Ag+ catalysis of hydrolysis (e.g., complete hydrolysis of 1 in ∼5 min (first-order half-life = 3 × 10−4 d; kobs = 2 × 103 d−1)) with equimolar Ag+; this represents an approximate 150 000-fold enhancement in hydrolysis with Ag+ as compared to its absence. A mechanism for the enhanced hydrolysis is proposed in which bidentate binding of Ag+ to S of the P=S electrophilic site in tandem with binding to N of the leaving group stabilizes the SN2(P) transition state relative to the ground state; this effect is described by qualitative energy profiles.
Annulation via donor-acceptor reagents. An efficient total synthesis of (±)-∆9(12)-capnellene
Authors: Piers E. , Karunaratne V.
Published: August 2015

A short, efficient total synthesis of the racemic form of the marine sesquiterpenoid (-)-∆9(12)-capnellene (1) is described. The key steps of the synthesis are two methylenecyclopentane annulation sequences (14 → 16; 22 → 24) involving the CuBr-Me2S→BF3 • Et2O catalyzed conjugate addition of the Grignard reagent 13 to the enones 14 and 22, followed by intramolecular alkylation (KH, tetrahydrofuran) of the resultant adducts 15 and 23, respectively
Study of a quadratic redshift-based correction in f(R) gravity with Baryonic matter
Authors: Masoudi Mozhgan , Saffari Reza
Published: August 2015

This paper is considered as a second-order redshift-based corrections in derivative of modified gravitational action, f(R), to explain the late time acceleration which is appeared by Supernova Type Ia (SNeIa) without considering the dark components. Here, we obtained the cosmological dynamic parameters of universe for this redshift depended corrections. Next, we used the recent data of SNeIa Union2, shift parameter of the cosmic background radiation, Baryon acoustic oscillation from sloan digital sky survey (SDSS), and combined analysis of these observations to put constraints on the parameters of the selected F(z) model. It is very interesting that the well-known age problem of the three old objects for combined observations can be alleviated in this model. Finally, the reference action will be constructed in terms of its Taylor expansion. Also, we show that the reconstructed action definitely pass the solar system and stability of the cosmological solution tests.
EXTORTION RACKET SYSTEMS AS TARGETS FOR AGENT-BASED SIMULATION MODELS. COMPARING COMPETING SIMULATION MODELS AND EMPRICAL DATA
Authors: TROITZSCH KLAUS G.
Published: August 2015

Extortion racketeering is an industry not only practiced by mafia, but also in groups such as hells angels. It occurs in a complex setting of criminals, victims, police and society, and its framework is set up by legal norms as well as informal norms of the actor groups involved. The paper presents two agent-based simulation models which differ with respect to the decision making mode, which is either stochastical with fixed probabilities or deliberative where decisions depend on utility considerations and norms learned during the process. The central research questions of the paper — beside the question how extortion racket system can be appropriately modeled — concern the divergence of the results of the two model versions, the comparison of the input parameter combinations, the motivations of input parameters and the validation of the results by comparing them to available empirical data.
Profunda Femoris Pseudoaneurysm following Total Hip Arthroplasty Revision
Authors: Harper Katharine , Iorio Justin , Balasubramanian Easwaran
Published: August 2015

Vascular injuries following total hip arthroplasty (THA) are very rare, with pseudoaneurysm being a small subset. We report a case of profunda femoris artery (PFA) pseudoaneurysm in a 61-year-old male following a posterior approach revision left THA. Presentation involved continued blood transfusion requirements several weeks postoperatively. Diagnosis of the pseduoaneurysm was made by contrast CT of the lower extremity, with confirmation via IR angiography. Successful embolization was achieved with selective coiling and Gelfoam. Presenting complaints of such complications are often vague and therefore lead to delayed diagnosis. Causes of such complications are not completely understood, particularly with PFA injuries in THA. Possible mechanisms are discussed in this paper. Vascular complications following THA can be difficult to diagnose. High suspicion in the setting of continued postoperative pain or bleeding may allow prompt diagnosis and avoidance of serious limb-threatening complications.
The bryophyte flora of nature reserves in central Chile. 1. The moss flora of Los Ruiles Nature Reserve, near Talca

Authors: Müller Frank , Pereira Iris
Published: August 2015

The moss flora of the Los Ruiles Nature Reserve, Maule region (VII), central Chile was investigated. Los Ruiles is a small forest reserve dominated by Nothofagus trees and surrounded by plantations of Pinus radiata. The moss species list contains 72 taxa, among which are 36 species newly reported for the Maule region. Several species reach their northernmost known limit in the reserve, including Achrophyllum magellanicum var. magellanicum, Ancistrodes genuflexa, Cryphaea consimilis, Dendrocryphaea lechleri, Lembophyllum orbiculatum, Leptostomum menziesii, Symblepharis krausei, and Zygodon papillatus. To ensure the survival of these rare or local bryophytes, an increase of the proportion of Nothofagus trees in the forests surrounding the reserve is desirable.
On the Use of Advection Correction in Trajectory Calculations
Authors: Shapiro Alan , Rahimi Stefan , Potvin Corey K. , Orf Leigh
Published: August 2015

An advection correction procedure is used to mitigate temporal interpolation errors in trajectory analyses constructed from gridded (in space and time) velocity data. The procedure is based on a technique introduced by Gal-Chen to reduce radar data analysis errors arising for the nonsimultaneity of the data collection. Experiments are conducted using data from a high-resolution Cloud Model 1 (CM1) numerical model simulation of a supercell storm initialized within an environment representative of the 24 May 2011 El Reno, Oklahoma, tornadic supercell storm. Trajectory analyses using advection correction are compared to traditional trajectory analyses using linear time interpolation. Backward trajectories are integrated over a 5-min period for a range of data input time intervals and for velocity-pattern-translation estimates obtained from different analysis subdomain sizes (box widths) and first-guess options. The use of advection correction reduces trajectory end-point position errors for a large majority of the trajectories in the analysis domain, with substantial improvements for trajectories launched in the vicinity of the model storm’s gust front and in bands within the rear-flank downdraft. However, the pattern-translation components retrieved by this procedure may be nonunique if the data input time intervals are too large.
Distributions of Shallow to Very Deep Precipitation–Convection in Rapidly Intensifying Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Tao Cheng , Jiang Haiyan
Published: August 2015

Shear-relative distributions of four types of precipitation/convection in tropical cyclones (TCs) are statistically analyzed using 14 years of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) data. The dataset of 1139 TRMM PR overpasses of tropical storms through category-2 hurricanes over global TC-prone basins is divided by future 24-h intensity change. It is found that increased and widespread shallow precipitation (defined as where the 20-dBZ radar echo height <6 km) around the storm center is a first sign of rapid intensification (RI) and could be used as a predictor of the onset of RI. The contribution to total volumetric rain and latent heating from shallow and moderate precipitation (20-dBZ echo height between 6 and 10 km) in the inner core is greater in RI storms than in non-RI storms, while the opposite is true for moderately deep (20-dBZ echo height between 10 and 14 km) and very deep precipitation (20-dBZ echo height ≥14 km). The authors argue that RI is more likely triggered by the increase of shallow–moderate precipitation and the appearance of more moderately to very deep convection in the middle of RI is more likely a response or positive feedback to changes in the vortex. For RI storms, a cyclonic rotation of frequency peaks from shallow (downshear right) to moderate (downshear left) to moderately and very deep precipitation (upshear left) is found and may be an indicator of a rapidly strengthening vortex. A ring of almost 90% occurrence of total precipitation is found for storms in the middle of RI, consistent with the previous finding of the cyan and pink ring on the 37-GHz color product.
The impact of policy networks on the urbanisation around High-Speed Railway stations in China: the case of Wuhan
Authors: Dai Guowen
Published: August 2015

In this paper I address the nationwide impulse to use new High-Speed Railway (HSR) stations to catalyse the urban extension of Chinese cities. I aim to unfold four modalities of actor relations in the process of urbanisation around the HSR stations— that is, the vertical intergovernmental relations, horizontal intergovernmental relations, government-market relations, and government-society relations. By introducing the network perspective, I demonstrate how the particular policy networks in China shape actor relations in policy games, and correspondingly impact on the outcomes of such urban policies. The new subcentre in Wuhan is taken as an in-depth case study. I identify key policy networks as the institutional settings, and analyse the role of such policy networks in the key policy games: location choice, infrastructure integration, functional diversity, and the quality of environmental and public space. Finally, as a consequence, the characteristic coordination problems that yield the policy games of urbanisation are characterised, which concern: tension between central and local competences of decision making; cross-jurisdiction separation; the overdominant role of governments and their opportunist behaviours; and, finally, lack of public participation.
Spatial big data and anxieties of control
Authors: Leszczynski Agnieszka
Published: August 2015

Kate Crawford has recently suggested that the everyday lived experience of big data is one of “surveillant anxiety”: the fear that the personal information that individuals disclose about themselves and that others generate about them is intercepted and analyzed by the intelligence services within emergent praxes of pervasive dataveillance. I empirically assess this notion of “surveillant anxiety” in the context of spatial big data. Drawing on the results of a small-scale survey of understandings of location data collection and dissemination via mobile devices and their contextualization against other available data, I demonstrate that individuals are seemingly more concerned with transparency in data collection and in controlling flows of personal spatial information about themselves than they are with practices of data capture or their eventual use(s). Rather than a generalizable societal condition of “surveillant anxiety,” I argue that the realities of living in a (spatial) big data present are better characterized in terms of what I designate as “anxieties of control”: the desire to discern (be aware of) and direct (determine the disclosure of) personal spatial big data flows about oneself while feeling that any attempt at exerting such control is effectively futile.
Psychological Subscales of Liberalism and Conservatism as Related to Political Party, Race, Education, Religion, Geographical Region, and Gender
Authors: Kunzendorf Robert G.
Published: August 2015

The Psychotemporal Survey of Ideologies (PSI) was completed by 1,000 adults in a nationwide U.S. poll. On the PSI subscale measuring “visionary liberalism focused on the future,” atheists scored higher than everyone else, and racial minorities scored collectively higher than other racial groups. On the subscale measuring “dread-ridden conservatism focused on the future,” Tea Party affiliates scored higher than everyone else, and “born again” Protestants scored significantly higher than other religiously defined groups. On the PSI subscale measuring “pragmatic liberalism focused on the present,” people with a graduate school education scored significantly higher than those with less education, and on the subscale measuring “pragmatic conservatism focused on the present,” Whites scored significantly higher than other racial groups. On the PSI subscale measuring “guilt-ridden liberalism focused on the past,” agnostics scored significantly higher than other religiously defined groups, and on the subscale measuring “nostalgic conservatism focused on the past,” high school dropouts scored significantly higher than better educated groups.
Creative cities and the reflexivity of the urban creative economy
Authors: Thiel Joachim
Published: August 2015

The paper addresses the abundant literature on the creative city that has been generated following publication in 2002 of Richard Florida’s work on the creative class. In particular, it is maintained that the discussion should be based more on a robust social economic analysis of urban economies. The paper starts with a brief review of the polarized debate on the creative city in which either the optimist obsession with a new growth sector is stressed or there is a focus of attention on its negative impact on urban society. Building on the idea of cultural production as a reflexive economic activity and on three empirical vignettes about how culture, the economy and the city interact, it argues that cultural production is an adaptable activity which is, however, permanently forced into a state of adaptation. Urban space and society have an ambivalent role here. On the one hand, the city offers adaptability: on the other hand, however, because this is the case, it fosters the need for permanent adaptation.
The interplay of knowledge innovation and academic power: Lessons from “isolation” in twentieth-century Italian accounting studies
Authors: Lai Alessandro , Lionzo Andrea , Stacchezzini Riccardo
Published: August 2015

Accounting scholars investigate the role of academia in the process of knowledge production, highlighting how paradigms may produce negative effects on knowledge innovations, nourish academic elites, and limit fruitful debates. The current article extends this debate by investigating the cultural isolation experienced by Italian accounting scholars during the twentieth century, when accounting academia supported and protected the Italian paradigm of Economia Aziendale. Drawing on a Foucauldian genealogy perspective, this story of Italian accounting studies demonstrates that isolation results from an interplay of broad paradigmatic content and a recruitment policy focused on professors aligned with this paradigm. The Foucauldian perspective helps interpret knowledge innovation, thus enriching the debate about knowledge production, paradigm innovation, and the role of elites in accounting research.
Norms and trades: An experimental investigation
Authors: Danese Giuseppe , Mittone Luigi
Published: August 2015

In this paper we study how norms of symmetry and centricity affect the functioning of two ways to allocate resources described in the economic anthropology literature, namely reciprocity and redistribution. The baseline reciprocity study, with no explicit priming of the norm of symmetry, features near-zero levels of allocative efficiency. Consistent with the anthropological framework we use throughout, we find that priming the norm of symmetry among the players through pre-play communication dramatically increases efficiency. Next we study a game of redistribution and find that in the final stages of the game allocative efficiency levels consistently approach 100%, regardless of how the chief comes to acquire centricity in the group. We conclude that reciprocity and redistribution can seldom allocate resources efficiently in the absence of norms of symmetry and centricity in the institutional design. By way of comparison, we confirm a robust finding in the experimental economics literature that a simple market exchange game achieves high efficiency, even when the traders can formulate expectations about each other’s compliance with norms.
Detecting patterns of species diversification in the presence of both rate shifts and mass extinctions
Authors: Laurent Sacha , Robinson-Rechavi Marc , Salamin Nicolas
Published: August 2015

Background

Recent methodological advances allow better examination of speciation and extinction processes and patterns. A major open question is the origin of large discrepancies in species number between groups of the same age. Existing frameworks to model this diversity either focus on changes between lineages, neglecting global effects such as mass extinctions, or focus on changes over time which would affect all lineages. Yet it seems probable that both lineages differences and mass extinctions affect the same groups.

Results

Here we used simulations to test the performance of two widely used methods under complex scenarios of diversification. We report good performances, although with a tendency to over-predict events with increasing complexity of the scenario.

Conclusion

Overall, we find that lineage shifts are better detected than mass extinctions. This work has significance to assess the methods currently used to estimate changes in diversification using phylogenetic trees. Our results also point toward the need to develop new models of diversification to expand our capabilities to analyse realistic and complex evolutionary scenarios.
Attuning to the Chemosphere: Domestic Formaldehyde, Bodily Reasoning, and the Chemical Sublime
Authors: Shapiro Nicholas
Published: August 2015

Chronic domestic chemical exposures unfold over protracted timelines and with low velocity. In this article I argue that such microscopic encounters between bodies and toxicants are most readily sensed by less nameable and more diffuse sensory practices. The apprehension of conventionally insensible toxic exposures is informed by sustained attention to barely perceptible alterations of somatic function and atmosphere. Slight biochemical impressions, which at first appear simply meaningless or puzzling, accumulate in the bodies of the exposed and reorient them to the molecular constituents of the air and the domestic infrastructure from which such chemicals emanate. Through the articulation of these small corrosive happenings, residents of contaminated homes can accumulate minute changes to body and atmosphere across time and space in a process I call the “chemical sublime,” which elevates minor enfeebling encounters into events that stir ethical consideration and potential intervention. The chemical sublime is a late industrial experience that inverts an Enlightenment-era, yet still dominant, conception of the sublime. Across authoritative and questioned bodies, companion species and humans, this essay asks: in what ways do diffuse sensory practices generate knowledge of, attention to, and engagements with the chemical world?