bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Adolescents Who Have Sexually Offended
Authors: Worling James R. , Langton Calvin M.
Published: November 2016

The heterogeneity that characterizes adolescents who sexually offend, as a group, requires highly individualized assessments. This chapter considers some of the main features of the assessment process, emphasizing that assessments are comprehensive, encompassing risk, need, responsivity, and strengths within a range of pertinent domains. Attention is drawn to some of the main challenges that the clinician faces when undertaking these assessments, and ideal conditions for assessments are contrasted with those that are highly problematic. Issues pertinent to interviewing the youth and parents are discussed, in addition to the use of documents, psychological testing, physiological testing, and finally the assessment of risk of reoffending and strengths that may be associated with desistance.
Assessing Unicorns
Authors: Aylwin A. Scott , Reddon John R.
Published: November 2016

The current status of the literature on sex offender assessment, risk prediction, and treatment would lead most readers to posit that there is significant heterogeneity between types of offenders. Incest offenders, in particular, are commonly thought to be much different from the rest. Intra‐familial offenders have generally been found to recidivate at lower rates than extra‐familial sex offenders and they are generally believed to pose little risk outside the family network. In contrast, three assertions are made in this chapter. First, the so‐called incest taboo is itself a myth. Second, the degree of victim category crossover is so substantial as to render the designation of incest offender of limited utility. Third, there is little empirical support for assessment considerations to differ substantially for incest offenders as opposed to other sex offenders that come to the attention of authorities and treatment providers.
Multisystemic Therapy for Youths with Problem Sexual Behaviours
Authors: Borduin Charles M. , Dopp Alex R. , Borduin Beverly J. , Munschy Richard J.
Published: November 2016

This chapter provides an overview of our adaptation of multisystemic therapy (MST) to the treatment of youths with criminal and non‐criminal sexual behaviour problems, known as MST for Problem Sexual Behaviours (MST‐PSB). We begin with a brief description of the empirical underpinnings and theoretical foundations of the MST‐PSB approach. Next, we provide an overview of clinical interventions in MST‐PSB and describe how MST‐PSB is operationalized (i.e., specified) and delivered to youths and families (using a home‐based model of service delivery). We then summarize findings from randomized clinical trials that demonstrate the clinical and cost‐effectiveness of MST‐PSB, followed by a description of how MST‐PSB can be successfully transported to community‐based provider organizations using extensive quality assurance procedures. Finally, we highlight several challenging research issues that should be considered in the development of effective treatments for youths with problem sexual behaviours.
Self‐Regulation Targets
Authors: Fortune Clare‐Ann , Ward Tony
Published: November 2016

This chapter focuses on the role of self‐regulation in sexual offending. A brief description of the Good Lives Model is provided, before going on to describe the Self‐Regulation Model (SRM), which proposes that deficits in self‐regulation increase the likelihood of an individual engaging in sexual offending. The contribution that the SRM can make to the area of sex offender rehabilitation, including considering the role of dynamic risk factors, is explored. It is concluded that the SRM, with its interest in understanding the motivations and pathways to sexual offending, (1) can provide a way in which to understand the developmental progression of sexual offending and (2) has clinical utility owing to its capacity to assist clinicians to identify and understand the self‐regulatory deficits of an individual offender.
Responsive Contexts and Therapeutic Processes
Authors: Frost Andrew
Published: November 2016

A discussion of the qualities of the offender rehabilitation process, and contexts in which rehabilitative change occurs, involves consideration of treatment components that are distinct from, but supplementary to, issues of programmeme content and procedure. Another way of putting this is that in the endeavour to bring about rehabilitative change, in addition to the designated treatment targets and the procedures and techniques for implementing them, we must consider theconditionsthat are most favourable to therapeutic transformation. This nascent domain of the literature concerns not only the components of the therapeutic system but also how this system functions as an interacting whole; the process of therapy and dynamics of change. The intention of this chapter is to articulate these issues and to describe therapeutic processes. In doing so, it includes discussion of social therapies, and the roles of the agents and actors involved in the rehabilitation process.
Sex Offender Treatment Skills and Approaches
Authors: Frost Andrew , Ware Jayson , Boer Douglas P.
Published: November 2016

Offender work is generally carried out in a group setting, but programmes do not always take full advantage of the therapeutic potential of group treatment principles. This chapter briefly considers the highly developed literature on groupwork and presents a systematic application to sex offender treatment, not only as a vehicle by which to deliver programmes, but also as a complementary therapeutic instrument. This innovation involves the conscious and deliberate incorporation of knowledge and strategies associated with groupwork within the context of contemporary and emerging sex offender treatment principles. It suggests the need for explicit practitioner training and supervision to maximize the value of programmes through enhanced informed awareness of group dynamics and sensitivity to group processes. Practitioners should be equipped to act responsively to the treatment needs of the group and to draw on its latent energy. As contemporary approaches to offender rehabilitation are increasingly considering process matters, this is a timely deliberation.
Support and Accountability
Authors: Wilson Robin J. , Fox Kathryn J. , McWhinnie Andrew J.
Published: November 2016

In spite of credible evidence to the contrary, a perspective remains that sexual violence remains a problem out of control. The past 30 years have seen advances in the assessment, treatment, and risk management of sex offenders, and government‐reported rates of reoffending are at all‐time lows. Central to these gains is the idea that interventions must not only restrict access to potential victims and high‐risk situations, but also promote the development of balanced, self‐determined lifestyles. A focus on strength‐based approaches, the rise of motivational interviewing, and greater collaboration amongst stakeholders has dramatically changed the risk management endeavour. An initiative that seeks to meld these important aspects is Circles of Support and Accountability, a restorative justice‐informed model of wraparound care for high‐risk/need sex offenders. Trained community volunteers collaborate with professionals to provide prosocial support to offenders while holding them accountable for their behaviour on re‐entry, with results showing significant reductions in post‐release reoffending in all domains.
Training and Supervision to Ensure Therapeutic Competency
Authors: Fernandez Yolanda M. , Ware Jayson
Published: November 2016

In an era of increasing fiscal accountability, treatment programme managers and supervisors have been tasked with maximizing treatment effectiveness while ensuring financial efficiency. Efficiency, treatment integrity, and consistency in delivery are all improved by solid staff selection, training, and support. This chapter provides an overview of the competencies that managers should consider when selecting treatment staff, and also the importance of and types of training and support required to maintain programme fidelity and avoid the pitfalls of programme drift that are inevitable when front‐line staff are left unsupported. It is further noted that inclusion of non‐treatment staff is critical to the success of any programme. Attention and commitment to sound hiring, training, supervision, and support are critical to positive outcomes. This chapter provides some guidance to those responsible for the challenging undertaking of implementing, supervising, and maintaining treatment programmes for sex offenders.
Client‐Based Assessment of Need and Change
Authors: Serin Ralph C. , Hanby Laura J.
Published: November 2016

This chapter provides evidence that sex offenders share many treatment needs with other offenders. It is also argued that clinicians should utilize systemic assessments of risk and needs but these could be augmented by a case‐specific assessment to provide a formulaic understanding of the sexual offences, thereby refining intervention and community supervision approaches. It is further suggested that the field has limited evidence of valid intra‐individual change constructs and measures, necessitating the need for both theoretical advances and empirical research.
Asymmetric Synthesis of 2′‐Trifluoromethylated Spiro‐pyrrolidine‐3,3′‐oxindoles via Squaramide‐Catalyzed Umpolung and 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition
Authors: Su Jinhuan , Ma Zelin , Li Xiaoyuan , Lin Li , Shen Zhiqiang , Yang Peiju , Li Yuan , Wang Hailin , Yan Wenjin , Wang Kairong , Wang Rui
Published: November 2016

The introduction of a trifluoromethyl group into the 2′‐position of spiro‐pyrrolidine‐3,3′‐oxindoles is described. By using 1 mol% of a quinine‐derived squaramide as catalyst, the 2,2,2‐trfluoroethylamine (CF3CH2NH2)‐derived ketimine is transformed initially into a trifluoromethylimine through an umpolung reaction. The subsequent 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition gives the pharmaceutical important target compounds in excellent yields, enantioselectivities and diastereoselectivies.

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Feeding habits of marmosets: A case study of bark anatomy and chemical composition of Anadenanthera peregrina gum
Authors: Francisco Talitha Mayumi , Lopes‐Mattos Karina Lucas Barbosa , Picoli Edgard Augusto de Toledo , Couto Dayvid Rodrigues , Oliveira Juraci Alves , Zanuncio José Cola , Serrão José Eduardo , de Oliveira Silva Ita , Boere Vanner
Published: November 2016

Primates of the genus Callithrix often obtain exudates from plants of the family Fabaceae. This study characterizes the chemical composition of exudates, and the anatomy and hystochemistry of the secretory ducts in the bark of Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg. var. peregrina (Fabaceae). Exudates from this tree species represent an important component of the diet of hybrid marmosets, Callithrix spp. (Primates: Cebidae). A. peregrina was selected as the focal study tree because it is the only gum tree species exploited by Callithrix groups present within five urban forest fragments in the municipality of Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Gum samples were obtained directly from gouges made by the marmosets, while bark samples were obtained from A. peregrina plants, whether or not they were damaged by the marmosets. Constitutive secretory ducts were present in the bark of ungouged A. peregrina, whereas, marmoset damage caused induced secretory duct formation and an increase in the size of these ducts. The gum produced in the gouges made by the marmosets and in ungouged plants reacted positively to tests for polysaccharides, pectin, mucilage, and proteins. The gum from the gouges exhibited high water (41.0%), carbohydrate (38.2%), protein (19.0%), and mineral (Ca 0.4% and K 0.3%) content. We argue that the relatively high calcium content of A. peregrina gum plays an important nutritional role in, balancing a diet that is otherwise rich in phosphorous and poor in calcium.
Sliding on DNA: From Peptides to Small Molecules
Authors: Xiong Kan , Erwin Graham S. , Ansari Aseem Z. , Blainey Paul C.
Published: November 2016

Many DNA binding proteins utilize one‐dimensional (1D) diffusion along DNA to accelerate their DNA target recognition. Although 1D diffusion of proteins along DNA has been studied for decades, a quantitative understanding is only beginning to emerge and few chemical tools are available to apply 1D diffusion as a design principle. Recently, we discovered that peptides can bind and slide along DNA—even transporting cargo along DNA. Such molecules are known as molecular sleds. Here, to advance our understanding of structure–function relationships governing sequence nonspecific DNA interaction of natural molecular sleds and to explore the potential for controlling sliding activity, we test the DNA binding and sliding activities of chemically modified peptides and analogs, and show that synthetic small molecules can slide on DNA. We found new ways to control molecular sled activity, novel small‐molecule synthetic sleds, and molecular sled activity in N‐methylpyrrole/N‐methylimidazole polyamides that helps explain how these molecules locate rare target sites.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Chemo‐ and Enantioselective Coupling between Cyclobutanones and Allenes: Rapid Synthesis of [3.2.2] Bicycles
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Dong Guangbin
Published: November 2016

Herein an intramolecular nickel‐catalyzed (4+2) coupling between cyclobutanones and allenes, by C−C cleavage, is reported. The reaction provides a distinct approach for accessing [3.2.2] bicyclic scaffolds which are challenging to prepare through conventional approaches. The reaction is efficient, chemoselective, and pH/redox neutral. Room temperature conditions and low catalyst loadings can be adopted. Excellent enantioselectivity is also achieved.
The “flipped classroom” approach: Stimulating positive learning attitudes and improving mastery of histology among medical students
Authors: Cheng Xin , Ka Ho Lee Kenneth , Chang Eric Y. , Yang Xuesong
Published: November 2016

Traditional medical education methodologies have been dramatically impacted by the introduction of new teaching approaches over the past few decades. In particular, the “flipped classroom” format has drawn a great deal of attention. However, evidence regarding the effectiveness of the flipped model remains limited due to a lack of outcome‐based studies. In the present study, a pilot histology curriculum of the organ systems was implemented among 24 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) students in a flipped classroom format at Jinan University. As a control, another 87 TCM students followed a conventional histology curriculum. The academic performance of the two groups was compared. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to the flipped classroom group. The test scores for the flipped classroom participants were found to be significantly higher compared to non‐participants in the control group. These results suggest that students may benefit from using the flipped classroom format. Follow‐up questionnaires also revealed that most of the flipped classroom participants undertook relatively more earnest preparations before class and were actively involved in classroom learning activities. The teachers were also found to have more class time for leading discussions and delivering quizzes rather than repeating rote didactics. Consequently, the increased teaching and learning activities contributed to a better performance among the flipped classroom group. This pilot study suggests that a flipped classroom approach can be used to improve histology education among medical students. However, future studies employing randomization, larger numbers of students, and more precise tracking methods are needed before definitive conclusions can be drawn. Anat Sci Educ 10: 317–327. © 2016 American Association of Anatomists.
High‐angular resolution diffusion imaging tractography of cerebellar pathways from newborns to young adults
Authors: Re Thomas J. , Levman Jacob , Lim Ashley R. , Righini Andrea , Grant Patricia Ellen , Takahashi Emi
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Many neurologic and psychiatric disorders are thought to be due to, or result in, developmental errors in neuronal cerebellar connectivity. In this connectivity analysis, we studied the developmental time‐course of cerebellar peduncle pathways in pediatric and young adult subjects.

Methods

A cohort of 80 subjects, newborns to young adults, was studied on a 3T MR system with 30 diffusion‐weighted measurements with high‐angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) tractography.

Results

Qualitative and quantitative results were analyzed for age‐based variation. In subjects of all ages, the superior cerebellar peduncle pathway (SCP) and two distinct subpathways of the middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP), as described in previous ex vivo studies, were identified in vivo with this technique: pathways between the rostral pons and inferior‐lateral cerebellum (MCPcog), associated predominantly with higher cognitive function, and pathways between the caudal pons and superior‐medial cerebellum (MCPmot), associated predominantly with motor function.

Discussion

Our findings showed that the inferior cerebellar peduncle pathway (ICP), involved primarily in proprioception and balance appears to have a later onset followed by more rapid development than that exhibited in other tracts. We hope that this study may provide an initial point of reference for future studies of normal and pathologic development of cerebellar connectivity.
Still stable after 11 years: A Catharanthus roseus Hairy root line maintains inducible expression of anthranilate synthase
Authors: Sun Jiayi , Ma Li , San Ka‐Yiu , Peebles Christie A. M.
Published: November 2016

Hairy root cultures generated using Agrobacterium rhizogenes are an extensively investigated system for the overproduction of various secondary metabolite based pharmaceuticals and chemicals. This study demonstrated a transgenic Catharanthus roseus hairy root line carrying a feedback‐insensitive anthranilate synthase (AS) maintained chemical and genetic stability for 11 years. The AS gene was originally inserted in the hairy root genome under the control of a glucocorticoid inducible promoter. After 11 years continuous maintenance of this hairy root line, genomic PCR of the ASA gene showed the presence of ASA gene in the genome. The mRNA level of AS was induced to 52‐fold after feeding the inducer as compared to the uninduced control. The AS enzyme activity was 18.4 nmol/(min*mg) in the induced roots as compared to 2.1 nmol/(min*mg) in the control. In addition, the changes in terpenoid indole alkaloid concentrations after overexpressing AS were tracked over 11 years. The major alkaloid levels in induced and control roots at 11 years are comparable with the metabolite levels at 5 years. This study demonstrates the long term genetic and biochemical stability of hairy root lines, which has important implications for industrial scale applications. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 33:66–69, 2017
Expanding the Scope of Chelating Triazolylidenes: Mesoionic Carbenes from the 1,5‐“Click”‐Regioisomer and Catalytic Synthesis of Secondary Amines from Nitroarenes
Authors: Suntrup Lisa , Hohloch Stephan , Sarkar Biprajit
Published: November 2016

Chelating 1,2,3‐triazolylidenes have been established as privileged ligands in homogeneous catalysis. We present herein a new approach towards chelating 1,2,3‐triazolylidene ligands based on the 1,5‐regioisomer of the corresponding triazole, which can be obtained through simple click chemistry. The new ligands are compared to their 1,4‐regioisomeric counterparts through coordination to the ruthenium p‐cymene fragment. The complexes are characterized structurally and spectroscopically and are employed as (pre)catalysts in the reductive condensation of nitroarenes and primary alcohols to yield secondary amines. The activity of chelating mesoionic carbene ligands obtained from the two different regioisomers of the triazoles are compared and contrasted in catalysis. The performance of the ruthenium complexes with mesoionic carbenes could be improved through the choice of the employed base and reaction conditions, giving rise to the most effective systems thus far. The results presented here prove the utility of chelating mesoionic carbenes as an extremely potent class of ligands for the synthesis of secondary amines from nitroarenes.
Activation of an Au−Cl Bond by a Pendent SbIII Lewis Acid: Impact on Structure and Catalytic Activity
Authors: Jones J. Stuart , Gabbai François P.
Published: November 2016

With the objective of identifying new coordination modes of ambiphilic ligands, we have investigated the bidentate Sb/P ligands (o‐(Ph2P)C6H4)SbCl2 (LCl) and (o‐(Ph2P)C6H4)SbPh2 (LPh). Reaction of these ligands with (tht)AuCl affords the monoligated species LClAuCl (1) and LPhAuCl (2), respectively, in which the antimony centers are only weakly engaged with the coordinated gold atom. Treatment of 1 with PPh3 induces an intramolecular transfer of a chloride ligand from gold to antimony to form the zwitterionic species o‐(Cl3Sb)C6H4(Ph2P)Au(PPh3) (3). Natural bond orbital (NBO) calculations show that the antimony and gold centers are involved in weak Sb→Au and Au→Sb interactions, the latter reflecting the Lewis acidity of the pendent antimony group. Finally, we demonstrate that the ability of the antimony center in 1 to abstract a gold‐bound chloride in the presence of a Lewis basic substrate may be utilized to activate the gold center for the electrophilic cycloisomerization of propargylic amides.
Photoinduced Electron Transfer in 9‐Substituted 10‐Methylacridinium Ions
Authors: Tsudaka Takeshi , Kotani Hiroaki , Ohkubo Kei , Nakagawa Tatsuo , Tkachenko Nikolai V. , Lemmetyinen Helge , Fukuzumi Shunichi
Published: November 2016

A series of 9‐substituted 10‐methylacridinium ions (Acr+‐R) in which an electron‐donor moiety (R) is directly linked with an electron‐acceptor moiety (Acr+) at the 9‐position was synthesized, and the photodynamics was fully investigated to determine the rate constants of photoinduced electron transfer (ET) and back electron transfer. The driving forces of photoinduced electron transfer and back electron transfer were determined by means of electrochemical and photophysical measurements. The dependence of the ET rate constants on driving force was well analyzed in the light of the Marcus theory of ET. The quantum yields of formation of the triplet ET states vary significantly, depending on the interaction between the donor (R) and acceptor (Acr+) moieties. Among the Acr+‐R examined, the 9‐mesityl‐10‐methylacridinium ion (Acr+‐Mes) exhibits the best performance in terms of the lifetime of the triplet ET state and the quantum yield. Photoexcitation of Acr+‐Mes results in formation of the triplet ET state [3(Acr.‐Mes.+)], which has a long lifetime, a high energy (2.37 eV), and a high quantum yield (>75 %) in acetonitrile. The triplet ET state exhibits both the oxidizing and reducing activity of the Mes.+ and Acr. moieties, respectively.
Twisted Amides: From Obscurity to Broadly Useful Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Reactions by N−C Amide Bond Activation
Authors: Liu Chengwei , Szostak Michal
Published: November 2016

The concept of using amide bond distortion to modulate amidic resonance has been known for more than 75 years. Two classic twisted amides (bridged lactams) ingeniously designed and synthesized by Kirby and Stoltz to feature fully perpendicular amide bonds, and as a consequence emanate amino‐ketone‐like reactivity, are now routinely recognized in all organic chemistry textbooks. However, only recently the use of amide bond twist (distortion) has advanced to the general organic chemistry mainstream enabling a host of highly attractive N−C amide bond cross‐coupling reactions of broad synthetic relevance. In this Minireview, we discuss recent progress in this area and present a detailed overview of the prominent role of amide bond destabilization as a driving force in the development of transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions by N−C bond activation.
Experiment for validation of fluid‐structure interaction models and algorithms
Authors: Hessenthaler A. , Gaddum N. R. , Holub O. , Sinkus R. , Röhrle O. , Nordsletten D.
Published: November 2016

In this paper a fluid‐structure interaction (FSI) experiment is presented. The aim of this experiment is to provide a challenging yet easy‐to‐setup FSI test case that addresses the need for rigorous testing of FSI algorithms and modeling frameworks. Steady‐state and periodic steady‐state test cases with constant and periodic inflow were established. Focus of the experiment is on biomedical engineering applications with flow being in the laminar regime with Reynolds numbers 1283 and 651. Flow and solid domains were defined using computer‐aided design (CAD) tools. The experimental design aimed at providing a straightforward boundary condition definition. Material parameters and mechanical response of a moderately viscous Newtonian fluid and a nonlinear incompressible solid were experimentally determined. A comprehensive data set was acquired by using magnetic resonance imaging to record the interaction between the fluid and the solid, quantifying flow and solid motion.
A performance, power, and energy analysis of ultrasound B‐mode imaging on a GPU with VFS
Authors: Phuong Thi Yen , Lee Deok‐Young , Lee Jeong‐Gun
Published: November 2016

Because of the power and energy constraints in modern computing systems, it is important to find a balance between performance and power/energy consumption to produce not only energy efficient portable devices but also reliable computing systems. In this paper, we present an analytical investigation of the performance and power/energy consumption of a well‐known medical application, “ultrasound B‐mode imaging,” which is implemented on modern commercial graphics processing units (GPUs). With this target application, we investigate the impact of GPU hardware features on performance, power, and energy by experimentally applying voltage and frequency scaling on various GPU devices. Based on our results, we mathematically build a performance prediction model to show the analytical relationship between the architectural features of those GPUs and the application performance. Our results show that the performance prediction model has errors of less than 8.71% and that there exists an energy‐optimal point in the design space spanned by the core clock frequency. We expect that our model can help engineers to design an ultrasound diagnosis system with the most suitable GPU that satisfies cost, performance, and power/energy constraints.
An optimized magnetostatic field solver on GPU using open computing language
Authors: Khan Fiaz Gul , Montrucchio Bartolomeo , Jan Bilal , Khan Abdul Nasir , Jadoon Waqas , Shamshirband Shahaboddin , Chronopoulos Anthony Theodore , Khan Iftikhar Ahmed
Published: November 2016

Recent graphic processing units (GPUs) have remarkable raw computing power, which can be used for very computationally challenging problems. Like in micromagnetic simulations, where the magnetostatic field computation to analyze the magnetic behavior at very small time and space scale demands a huge computation time. This paper presents a multidimensional FFT‐based parallel implementation of a magnetostatic field computation on GPUs. We have developed a specialized 3D FFT library for magnetostatic field calculation on GPUs. This made it possible to fully exploit the symmetries inherent in the field calculation and other optimizations specific to the GPUs architecture. We have compared our results with the widely used CPU‐based parallel OOMMF program and with an equivalent serial implementation on CPU. The results have shown a speedup of up to 95x and 8.7x for single and 66x and 4.6x for double precision floating point accuracy against equivalent serial implementation and OOMMF, respectively.
Investigating the Potential of Single‐Walled Aluminosilicate Nanotubes in Water Desalination
Authors: Liou Kai‐Hsin , Kang Dun‐Yen , Lin Li‐Chiang
Published: November 2016

Water shortage has become a critical issue. To facilitate the large‐scale deployment of reverse‐osmosis water desalination to produce fresh water, discovering novel membranes is essential. Here, we computationally demonstrate the great potential of single‐walled aluminosilicate nanotubes (AlSiNTs), materials that can be synthesized through scalable methods, in desalination. State‐of‐the‐art molecular dynamics simulations were employed to investigate the desalination performance and structure–performance relationship of AlSiNTs. Free energy profiles, passage time distribution, and water density map were also analyzed to further understand the dependence of transport properties on diameter and water dynamics in the nanotubes. AlSiNTs with an inner diameter of 0.86 nm were found to fully reject NaCl ions while allowing orders of magnitude higher water fluxes compared to currently available reverse osmosis membranes, providing opportunities in water desalination.
Psychedelics as Medicines: An Emerging New Paradigm
Authors: Nichols DE , Johnson MW , Nichols CD
Published: November 2016

Scientific interest in serotonergic psychedelics (e.g., psilocybin and LSD; 5‐HT2A receptor agonists) has dramatically increased within the last decade. Clinical studies administering psychedelics with psychotherapy have shown preliminary evidence of robust efficacy in treating anxiety and depression, as well as addiction to tobacco and alcohol. Moreover, recent research has suggested that these compounds have potential efficacy against inflammatory diseases through novel mechanisms, with potential advantages over existing antiinflammatory agents. We propose that psychedelics exert therapeutic effects for psychiatric disorders by acutely destabilizing local brain network hubs and global network connectivity via amplification of neuronal avalanches, providing the occasion for brain network “resetting” after the acute effects have resolved. Antiinflammatory effects may hold promise for efficacy in treatment of inflammation‐related nonpsychiatric as well as potentially for psychiatric disorders. Serotonergic psychedelics operate through unique mechanisms that show promising effects for a variety of intractable, debilitating, and lethal disorders, and should be rigorously researched.
Sexual size dimorphism in musteloids: An anomalous allometric pattern is explained by feeding ecology
Authors: Noonan Michael J. , Johnson Paul J. , Kitchener Andrew C. , Harrington Lauren A. , Newman Chris , Macdonald David W.
Published: October 2016

Rensch's rule states that sexual size dimorphism (SSD) increases with body size in taxa where males are larger, and decreases when females are larger. The dominant explanation for the trend is currently that competitive advantage for males is greater in larger individuals, whereas female size is constrained by the energetics of rearing offspring. This rule holds for a variety of vertebrate taxa, and opposing trends are rare. We examine the allometry ofSSDwithin the Musteloidea and demonstrate a hypo‐allometry contrary to Rensch's rule, with lowerSSDassociated with larger body size. We provide evidence that feeding ecology is involved. Where diet promotes group‐living, the optimal strategy for the males of larger species is often not to attempt to defend access to multiple females, obviating any competitive advantage of relatively greater size. We conclude that the effect of feeding ecology on mating systems may be a hitherto neglected factor explaining variation inSSD.
Functional traits determine heterospecific use of risk‐related social information in forest birds of tropical South‐East Asia
Authors: Hua Fangyuan , Yong Ding Li , Janra Muhammad Nazri , Fitri Liza M. , Prawiradilaga Dewi , Sieving Kathryn E.
Published: October 2016

In birds and mammals, mobbing calls constitute an important form of social information that can attract numerous sympatric species to localized mobbing aggregations. While such a response is thought to reduce the future predation risk for responding species, there is surprisingly little empirical evidence to support this hypothesis. One way to test the link between predation risk reduction and mobbing attraction involves testing the relationship between species’ attraction to mobbing calls and the functional traits that define their vulnerability to predation risk. Two important traits known to influence prey vulnerability include relative prey‐to‐predator body size ratio and the overlap in space use between predator and prey; in combination, these measures strongly influence prey accessibility, and therefore their vulnerability, to predators. Here, we combine community surveys with behavioral experiments of a diverse bird assemblage in the lowland rainforest of Sumatra to test whether the functional traits of body mass (representing body size) and foraging height (representing space use) can predict species’ attraction to heterospecific mobbing calls. At four forest sites along a gradient of forest degradation, we characterized the resident bird communities using point count and mist‐netting surveys, and determined the species groups attracted to standardized playbacks of mobbing calls produced by five resident bird species of roughly similar body size and foraging height. We found that (1) a large, diverse subcommunity of bird species was attracted to the mobbing calls and (2) responding species (especially the most vigorous respondents) tended to be (a) small (b) mid‐storey foragers (c) with similar trait values as the species producing the mobbing calls. Our findings from the relatively lesser known bird assemblages of tropical Asia add to the growing evidence for the ubiquity of heterospecific information networks in animal communities, and provide empirical support for the long‐standing hypothesis that predation risk reduction is a major benefit of mobbing information networks.
Electrochemistry of Dinuclear Organometallic [5]Trovacenyl Derivatives Bridged by Group 14 Elements (Si, Ge, Sn, Pb)
Authors: Lu Feng , Harms Klaus
Published: November 2016

Group 14 elements (Si, Ge, Sn, and Pb) were applied as spacers to construct new dinuclear organometallic [5]trovacenyl derivatives [(η7‐C7H7)V(η5‐C5H4)]2MR2 (2··, 3··, 4··, and 5··; M = Si, Ge, Sn, Pb; R = Me or Ph), which have been characterized by mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and/or X‐ray diffraction analysis. A systematic electrochemical study by cyclic voltammetry indicates weak intramolecular electronic communication between two vanadium centers in the order of Si (2··) < Ge (3··) < Sn (4··) < Pb (5··). The impact of the substituents and the solvents on the electrochemical behavior of [(η7‐C7H7)V(η5‐C5H4)]2SnMe2 (5··) and [(η7‐C7H7)V(η5‐C5H4)]2SnPh2 (9··) was evaluated.
The plasma membrane Ca2+ pump PMCA4b inhibits the migratory and metastatic activity of BRAF mutant melanoma cells
Authors: Hegedũs Luca , Garay Tamás , Molnár Eszter , Varga Karolina , Bilecz Ágnes , Török Szilvia , Padányi Rita , Pászty Katalin , Wolf Matthias , Grusch Michael , Kállay Enikõ , Döme Balázs , Berger Walter , Hegedũs Balázs , Enyedi Agnes
Published: November 2016

Oncogenic mutations of BRAF lead to constitutive ERK activity that supports melanoma cell growth and survival. While Ca2+ signaling is a well‐known regulator of tumor progression, the crosstalk between Ca2+ signaling and the Ras‐BRAF‐MEK‐ERK pathway is much less explored. Here we show that in BRAF mutant melanoma cells the abundance of the plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase isoform 4b (PMCA4b, ATP2B4) is low at baseline but markedly elevated by treatment with the mutant BRAF specific inhibitor vemurafenib. In line with these findings gene expression microarray data also shows decreased PMCA4b expression in cutaneous melanoma when compared to benign nevi. The MEK inhibitor selumetinib—similarly to that of the BRAF‐specific inhibitor—also increases PMCA4b levels in both BRAF and NRAS mutant melanoma cells suggesting that the MAPK pathway is involved in the regulation of PMCA4b expression. The increased abundance of PMCA4b in the plasma membrane enhances [Ca2+]i clearance from cells after Ca2+ entry. Moreover we show that both vemurafenib treatment and PMCA4b overexpression induce marked inhibition of migration of BRAF mutant melanoma cells. Importantly, reduced migration of PMCA4b expressing BRAF mutant cells is associated with a marked decrease in their metastatic potential in vivo. Taken together, our data reveal an important crosstalk between Ca2+ signaling and the MAPK pathway through the regulation of PMCA4b expression and suggest that PMCA4b is a previously unrecognized metastasis suppressor.
The Andes Cordillera. Part IV: spatio‐temporal freshwater run‐off distribution to adjacent seas (1979–2014)
Authors: Mernild Sebastian H. , Liston Glen E. , Hiemstra Christopher , Beckerman Andrew P. , Yde Jacob C. , McPhee James
Published: November 2016

The spatio‐temporal freshwater river run‐off pattern from individual basins, including their run‐off magnitude and change (1979/1980–2013/2014), was simulated for the Andes Cordillera west of the Continental Divide in an effort to understand run‐off variations and freshwater fluxes to adjacent fjords, Pacific Ocean, and Drake Passage. The modelling tool SnowModel/HydroFlow was applied to simulate river run‐off at 3‐h intervals to resolve the diurnal cycle and at 4‐km horizontal grid increments using atmospheric forcing from NASA Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA) data sets. Simulated river run‐off hydrographs were verified against independent observed hydrographs. For the domain, 86% of the simulated run‐off originated from rain, 12% from snowmelt, and 2% from ice melt, whereas for Chile, the water‐source distribution was 69, 24, and 7%, respectively. Along the Andes Cordillera, the 35‐year mean basin outlet‐specific run‐off (L s−1 km−2) showed a characteristic regional hourglass shape pattern with highest run‐off in both Colombia and Ecuador and in Patagonia, and lowest run‐off in the Atacama Desert area. An Empirical Orthogonal Function analysis identified correlations between the spatio‐temporal pattern of run‐off and flux to the El Niño Southern Oscillation Index and to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.
Comparison of semiquantification experimental methodologies using micro‐Raman spectroscopy: palme software as an alternative tool for the study of salt efflorescence
Authors: Costantini Ilaria , Veneranda Marco , Prieto‐Taboada Nagore , Bellot‐Gurlet Ludovic , Castro Kepa , Madariaga Juan Manuel
Published: November 2016

The presence of salt efflorescence is one of the main causes of deterioration of building materials. Raman spectroscopy can be used not only to identify the different compounds present in such salts but also for the semiquantification of such salt deposits based on the use of external calibration curves. Normally, this method takes time for the preparation of pellets composed of both mixtures of standard and real samples. In the present work, we propose an innovative approach for semiquantification of salts in the solid state by portable micro‐Raman spectroscopy. It is based on the use of the palme software (From Molecules to Nano‐objects: Reactivity Interactions and Spectroscopy–University Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris) that has been developed in order to obtain the quantitative information from the vibrational spectrum by using a multivariate linear regression approach. It considers the mixture spectra as a linear combination of the suspected pure material spectra. The aim of this work is to apply palme software to the study of pellets of standard samples composed of mixtures of calcium carbonate, gypsum and potassium nitrate at different concentrations in order to verify the reliability of this method by comparing the results with those obtained through the construction of calibration curves. Moreover, both methodologies have been tested on real efflorescence salts sampled in the San Esteban Church (Ribera de Valderejo, Basque Country, Spain). This research shows that the method based on the treatment of Raman spectra with palme software allows to obtain in situ semiquantitative results in a much shorter time (minutes in fact), being comparable in quality with those obtained with the external calibration curve method. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoparticle assisted Raman information acquisition from metal encapsulated sandwich structure
Authors: Yang Yanna , Wan Fu , Wang Pinyi , Zeng Xiping , Jia Yunpeng , Shi Haiyang , Chen Weigen , Huang Yingzhou
Published: November 2016

For the induced image charge on surface, the metal film as a substrate brings the metal nanostructures some novel surface plasmon‐related phenomenon, e.g. electromagnetic field redistribution and energy focusing. In this work, the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering in sandwich structure consist of Au nanoplate and Au film adsorbed with molecule monolayer is investigated. The surface‐enhanced Raman scattering spectra point out that the shielded Raman signals of molecule under metal nanoplate could be collected from this metal‐encapsulated sandwich structure with the help of nanoparticle. This interesting phenomenon is further confirmed by the simulated electromagnetic field where the light power in the gap between Au nanoplate and Au film is greatly enhanced with a nanoparticle located. The further results also demonstrate this nanoparticle assisted Raman information acquisition is highly influenced by the thickness of encapsulated nanoplate and size of nanoparticle. Furthermore, the positive results of nanoparticles with different shapes in this interesting phenomenon provide an extensive application prospects including surface‐enhanced Raman scattering detection, light information storage and selective harvesting, location detection of light information, photocatalysis, etc. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of neoadjuvant therapy on morbidity and mortality of esophagectomy for esophageal cancer: American college of surgeons national surgical quality improvement program (ACS–NSQIP) 2005–2012
Authors: Sabra Michel J. , Smotherman Carmen , Kraemer Dale F. , Nussbaum Michael S. , Tepas Joseph J. , Awad Ziad T.
Published: November 2016

Objective

This study used a multi‐center database to evaluate the impact of neoadjuvant therapy on the 30‐day morbidity and mortality following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

Methods

The NSQIP database was queried for 2005–2012 for patients, who had esophagectomy for esophageal cancer. Patients were divided into two groups: neoadjuvant therapy and esophagectomy only.

Results

The neoadjuvant group had a lower rates of sepsis (8% vs. 13%, unadjusted P = 0.004) and acute renal failure (0.4% vs. 2%, unadjusted P = 0.01), and a higher rate of pulmonary embolism (PE) (3% vs. 1%, unadjusted P = 0.04). The adjusted odds of PE for patients, who received neoadjuvant therapy were 2.8 times the odds of PE for patients in the esophagectomy group, controlling for BMI. The association with renal failure was not significant, when one adjusted for race. There was no difference in the rates of reoperation, readmission, stroke, cardiac arrest, MI, surgical site and deep organ infections, anastomosis failure, blood transfusions, DVT, septic shock, pneumonia, UTI, respiratory failure, and 30‐day mortality between the two groups.

Conclusions

We conclude that neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy for esophageal cancer does not have a negative impact on 30‐day mortality. Neoadjuvant therapy is associated with increased odds of PE. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:296–300. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Precision Polymer Design in Microstructured Flow Reactors: Improved Control and First Upscale at Once
Authors: Junkers Tanja
Published: November 2016

Continuous flow synthesis techniques have in recent years conquered laboratory scale synthesis, yet within the field of precision polymer synthesis its use is still not fully established despite the large advantages that can be gained from switching from classical batch‐wise chemistry to flow chemistry, often already by using relatively simple chip‐based or cheap tubular micro‐ and mesoscaled reactors. Translating a polymerization from batch to continuous flow marks not only a mere change in reactor engineering, but also leads to numerous advantages in the polymerization with respect to kinetics of processes and especially product quality. In flow, polymerizations are not only speed up, they also provide materials with better dispersities and higher chain end fidelities when conditions are chosen accordingly. The underpinning effects causing these improvements are demonstrated and discussed. Further, also information on required laboratory equipment and recent developments in online reaction monitoring are highlighted to give newcomers to the field an idea about the potential of continuous flow polymerization.

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Application of a low polyphenol or low ellagitannin dietary intervention and its impact on ellagitannin metabolism in men
Authors: Roberts Kristen M. , Grainger Elizabeth M. , Thomas‐Ahner Jennifer M. , Hinton Alice , Gu Junnan , Riedl Kenneth M. , Vodovotz Yael , Abaza Ronney , Schwartz Steven J. , Clinton Steven K.
Published: November 2016

Scope

Plant polyphenols are widespread in the American diet, yet estimated intake is uncertain. We examine the application of the Polyphenol Explorer® (PED) database to quantify polyphenol and ellagitannin (ET) intake of men with prostate cancer and tested the implementation of diets restricted in polyphenols or ETs.

Methods and results

Twenty‐four men enrolled in a 4‐week trial were randomized to usual, low‐polyphenol or low‐ET diet. Estimated polyphenol and ET intakes were calculated from 3‐day diet records utilizing the PED. Urine and plasma metabolites were quantified by UPLC‐MS. Adherence to the restricted diets was 95% for the low polyphenol and 98% for low‐ET diet. In the usual diet, estimated dietary polyphenol intake was 1568 ± 939 mg/day, with coffee/tea beverages (1112 ± 1028 mg/day) being the largest contributors and estimated dietary ET intake was 12 ± 13 mg/day. The low‐polyphenol and low‐ET groups resulted in a reduction of total polyphenols by 45% and 85%, respectively, and omission of dietary ETs. UPLC analysis of urinary host and microbial metabolites reflect ET intake.

Conclusion

PED is a useful database for assessing exposure to polyphenols. Diets restricted in total polyphenol or ET intake are feasible and UPLC assessment of ET metabolites is reflective of dietary intake.