bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting adsorption enthalpies on silicalite and HZSM‐5: A benchmark study on DFT strategies addressing dispersion interactions
Authors: Chiu Cheng‐chau , Vayssilov Georgi N. , Genest Alexander , Borgna Armando , Rösch Notker
Published: February 2014

We evaluated the accuracy of periodic density functional calculations for adsorption enthalpies of water, alkanes, and alcohols in silicalite and HZSM‐5 zeolites using a gradient‐corrected density functional with empirical dispersion corrections (PBE‐D) as well as a nonlocal correlation functional (vdW‐DF2). Results of both approaches agree in acceptable fashion with experimental adsorption energies of alcohols in silicalite, but the adsorption energies for n‐alkanes in both zeolite models are overestimated, by 21−46 kJ mol−1. For PBE‐D calculations, the adsorption of alkanes is exclusively determined by the empirical dispersion term, while the generalized gradient approximation‐DFT part is purely repulsive, preventing the molecule to come too close to the zeolite walls. The vdW‐DF2 results are comparable to those of PBE‐D calculations, but the latter values are slightly closer to the experiment in most cases. Thus, both computational approaches are unable to reproduce available experimental adsorption energies of alkanes in silicalite and HZSM‐5 zeolite with chemical accuracy. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Order of Automorphisms of Quasigroups
Authors: McKay Brendan D. , Wanless Ian M. , Zhang Xiande
Published: February 2014

We prove quadratic upper bounds on the order of any autotopism of a quasigroup or Latin square, and hence also on the order of any automorphism of a Steiner triple system or 1‐factorization of a complete graph. A corollary is that a permutation σ chosen uniformly at random from the symmetric group will almost surely not be an automorphism of a Steiner triple system of order n, a quasigroup of order n or a 1‐factorization of the complete graph . Nor will σ be one component of an autotopism for any Latin square of order n. For groups of order n it is known that automorphisms must have order less than n, but we show that quasigroups of order n can have automorphisms of order greater than n. The smallest such quasigroup has order 7034. We also show that quasigroups of prime order can possess autotopisms that consist of three permutations with different cycle structures. Our results answer three questions originally posed by D.  Stones.
Extensions of Fractional Precolorings Show Discontinuous Behavior
Authors: van den Heuvel Jan , Král' Daniel , Kupec Martin , Sereni Jean‐Sébastien , Volec Jan
Published: February 2014

We study the following problem: given a real number k and an integer d, what is the smallest ε such that any fractional ‐precoloring of vertices at pairwise distances at least d of a fractionally k‐colorable graph can be extended to a fractional ‐coloring of the whole graph? The exact values of ε were known for and any d. We determine the exact values of ε for if , and if , and give upper bounds for if , and if . Surprisingly, ε viewed as a function of k is discontinuous for all those values of d.
Genomic and transcriptional alterations of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ito Takeshi , Sakurai‐Yageta Mika , Goto Akiteru , Pairojkul Chawalit , Yongvanit Puangrat , Murakami Yoshinori
Published: February 2014

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is one of the representative cancers refractory to any therapeutic approach. The incidence of CCA is highest in the northeastern part of Thailand, where chronic inflammation caused by liver fluke (Opisthorchis viverrini: Ov) infection is a major etiologic factor. The incidence of CCA is also increasing in other countries, including Japan. Here, we overview the genetic and transcriptional alterations of CCA with and without association with Ov infection. CCA with Ov shows enhanced expression of the genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism and chronic inflammatory responses, including cytokine signaling, whereas CCA without Ov shows enhanced expression of growth factor signaling, such as HER2. Exome and the following prevalence sequencing identified mutations of the BAP1, ARID1A, IDH1 and IDH2 genes in CCA, in addition to the high incidence of known mutations in the TP53, KRAS2 SMAD4, and CDKN2A genes, suggesting the role of chromatin modulators in CCA pathogenesis. CCA with Ov shows significantly higher incidence of the TP53 gene mutation, whereas CCA without Ov showed significantly more frequent mutations of the BAP1, IDH1 and IDH2 genes. However, CCAs with Ov and without Ov share a similar mutation spectrum dominated by C : G > T : A transitions mainly at CpG dinucleotides, suggesting that CCA shares etiologic factors with pancreatic ductal carcinoma but not with hepatocellular carcinoma. Comprehensive analyses of the genetic and transcriptional alterations of CCA with and without Ov infection would provide useful information for the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of CCA.
How to expand the safe limits in hepatic resections?
Authors: Asencio José Manuel , García Sabrido José Luis , Olmedilla Luis
Published: February 2014

The size of the remnant liver after an extended hepatectomy is currently the main limiting factor for performing curative hepatic surgery in patients with tumors and liver metastasis. The current guidelines for extended hepatectomies require that the future remnant liver volume needs to be higher than 20% of the original liver in healthy organs, of 30% in livers with steatosis or exposed to chemotherapy, and of 40% in patients with cirrhosis in order to prevent the “small‐for‐size” syndrome, characterized by the development of liver dysfunction with ascites, coagulopathy and cholestasis. Observations from the use of small liver grafts in liver transplantation and an increased surgical experience has improved our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the development of liver dysfunction after extended hepatectomies. Increasing the size of the future liver remnant, the introduction of the “small‐for‐flow” concept with the perioperative monitoring and modulation of portal blood flow and pressure, and the exploration of the potential effects of regeneration preconditioning, are all promising strategies that could expand the indications and increase the safety of liver surgery.
A dream come true: Being President of ASHRM
Authors: Oppenberg Andrew A.
Published: February 2014

During our 33rd Annual Conference of the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, I had the absolute honor and privilege to thank our 2013 ASHRM board and staff along with the ASHRM membership. On behalf of the membership I extended heartfelt thanks for a job well done to our retiring board members, friends, and colleagues: Faye Shepherd, Ellen Grady‐Venditti, Michael Midgley, and Immediate Past President Mary Anne Hilliard. Together, we welcomed 2014 ASHRM board members and witnessed the oath of office to Hala Helm, David Sine, and Sherrill Peters, along with President‐Elect Ellen Grady‐Venditti and our 2014 President Jacque Mitchell.
Leadership Education Across Disciplines: The Social Science Perspective
Authors: Perruci Gama
Published: February 2014

The current article makes a distinction between pedagogical delivery and “disciplinary foundations” in our approaches to leadership studies. Although the liberal arts are helpful in the delivery of leadership content in the classroom, it is argued that the content, at its core, remains a social science enterprise. Therefore, leadership programs should help students understand how leadership works as a social phenomenon. The current article shows how the McDonough curriculum moves students beyond leadership training (with its focus on skill building), using a social science–based working definition of leadership. Leadership education provides the opportunity to organize the curriculum using the social science lenses. By moving the focus away from the leader and examining instead the complex interaction of multiple components, a deeper understanding of how leadership works under different contexts, influenced by a variety of societal norms and values can be obtained.
Does bias correction increase reliability of flood projections under climate change? A case study of large rivers in Germany
Authors: Huang Shaochun , Krysanova Valentina , Hattermann Fred F.
Published: February 2014

There is a large uncertainty associated with flood projections driven by different climate scenarios. The bias‐corrected regional climate scenarios are widely used to drive hydrological models in climate impact studies, but there are also doubts and questions about the application of bias correction (BC) methods. This study aims to investigate the performance and impacts of BCs on flood projections in Germany. The distribution mapping method was applied to correct the climate data from the regional climate models (RCMs) CCLM (Cosmo‐Climate Local Model) and REMO (REgional MOdel) developed in Germany. The results show that BC can effectively reduce bias in the simulated average annual discharge, but the uncertainty of simulated floods remains due to the imperfect correction of extreme precipitations. About 75% of the change directions in the 50‐year flood discharge remain the same before and after the BC was used. The relatively short control period of 40 years and the assumption of stationarity of the BC method are two important and problematic issues for flood projections. Hence, it is difficult to prove that BC can increase reliability of flood projections. The direct use of RCM outputs for the control and scenario periods may still be useful for flood impact studies. In addition, a bilateral analysis of RCM and hydrological model performance involving the meteorologists and hydrologists could be helpful for reducing the bias of the RCM outputs in the future.
Regeneration of a silica monolithic rod column using harsh methods followed by firm thermodynamic and kinetic validation
Authors: Samuelsson Jörgen , Cavazzini Alberto , Shalliker Ross Andrew , Fornstedt Torgny
Published: February 2014

In this study, a numerical tool is introduced—based on thermodynamic and kinetic separation theory—for validating the regeneration of monolithic rod columns after cutting their inlet sections. A long‐used RP‐18e monolithic column was deemed to be unfit for further coffee analysis because of poor separation performance. The columns brownish inlet section was physically removed with a lathe, leaving a clean white inlet section. The original and regenerated columns were extensively analyzed and compared using numerical tools for processing adsorption data. The perturbation peak method was used to measure the adsorption isotherm of phenol on the original and regenerated monolith and the adsorption energy distributions were calculated for identifying any change in the degree of heterogeneity. Although peak shapes improved considerably after regeneration, no significant differences were found in the detailed characterization of the processed adsorption data between the original column and the regenerated one. This indicates that the removal of a section of the monolithic bed can be undertaken without damaging the column and columns in which their inlet head sections are contaminated may still function with normal adsorption behavior. In addition, the combined thermodynamic and kinetic methodology could accurately be used to evaluate any regeneration method of columns.
Seasonal movements and dispersal patterns: Implications for recruitment and management of willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus)
Authors: Hörnell‐Willebrand Maria , Willebrand Tomas , Smith Adam A.
Published: February 2014

We investigated the general patterns of movements in willow ptarmigan (Lagopus lagopus) populations. We analyzed data from 300 radiocollared willow ptarmigan from 3 study areas in the Swedish mountain range, and from 2 previous studies of recoveries of wing‐tagged chicks from 3 areas in southern Norway. We found that 80% of juvenile females dispersed more than 5 km from their natal area, whereas only 25% of juvenile males established a summer range more than 5 km from the area where they were caught as chicks. Mean dispersal distances of juvenile females were 3 times longer (10.4 km) than those of juvenile males (2.4 km). Movement differences within sexes were not associated with apparent female breeding success or ptarmigan density in the natal area, and adult females migrated between wintering areas used as juveniles and their first breeding site. We found no differences in dispersal distances between the Norwegian and Swedish populations. Movements of adult and juvenile females during spring were similar in all respects. At scales of more than 5 km, the movements of juveniles and adult females play a role in redistributing birds within landscape units, and represent important inter‐population movements. The results of this study explain the apparent contradiction between non‐compensatory mortality based on data from radio‐marked ptarmigan, and the almost complete compensation based on annual counts. Estimating the extent of immigration into areas with high local mortality is difficult because of predation or harvest under conditions of high, fixed emigration and immigration dependent on local conditions. This represents a problem if dispersal distances include areas that are considerably larger than the size of the study area. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Monitoring gray wolf populations using multiple survey methods
Authors: Ausband David E. , Rich Lindsey N. , Glenn Elizabeth M. , Mitchell Michael S. , Zager Pete , Miller David A. W. , Waits Lisette P. , Ackerman Bruce B. , Mack Curt M.
Published: February 2014

The behavioral patterns and large territories of large carnivores make them challenging to monitor. Occupancy modeling provides a framework for monitoring population dynamics and distribution of territorial carnivores. We combined data from hunter surveys, howling and sign surveys conducted at predicted wolf rendezvous sites, and locations of radiocollared wolves to model occupancy and estimate the number of gray wolf (Canis lupus) packs and individuals in Idaho during 2009 and 2010. We explicitly accounted for potential misidentification of occupied cells (i.e., false positives) using an extension of the multi‐state occupancy framework. We found agreement between model predictions and distribution and estimates of number of wolf packs and individual wolves reported by Idaho Department of Fish and Game and Nez Perce Tribe from intensive radiotelemetry‐based monitoring. Estimates of individual wolves from occupancy models that excluded data from radiocollared wolves were within an average of 12.0% (SD = 6.0) of existing statewide minimum counts. Models using only hunter survey data generally estimated the lowest abundance, whereas models using all data generally provided the highest estimates of abundance, although only marginally higher. Precision across approaches ranged from 14% to 28% of mean estimates and models that used all data streams generally provided the most precise estimates. We demonstrated that an occupancy model based on different survey methods can yield estimates of the number and distribution of wolf packs and individual wolf abundance with reasonable measures of precision. Assumptions of the approach including that average territory size is known, average pack size is known, and territories do not overlap, must be evaluated periodically using independent field data to ensure occupancy estimates remain reliable. Use of multiple survey methods helps to ensure that occupancy estimates are robust to weaknesses or changes in any 1 survey method. Occupancy modeling may be useful for standardizing estimates across large landscapes, even if survey methods differ across regions, allowing for inferences about broad‐scale population dynamics of wolves. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Increased flexibility for modeling telemetry and nest‐survival data using the multistate framework
Authors: Devineau Olivier , Kendall William L. , Doherty Paul F. , Shenk Tanya M. , White Gary C. , Lukacs Paul M. , Burnham Kenneth P.
Published: February 2014

Although telemetry is one of the most common tools used in the study of wildlife, advances in the analysis of telemetry data have lagged compared to progress in the development of telemetry devices. We demonstrate how standard known‐fate telemetry and related nest‐survival data analysis models are special cases of the more general multistate framework. We present a short theoretical development, and 2 case examples regarding the American black duck and the mallard. We also present a more complex lynx data analysis. Although not necessary in all situations, the multistate framework provides additional flexibility to analyze telemetry data, which may help analysts and biologists better deal with the vagaries of real‐world data collection. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Conventional oil and gas development alters forest songbird communities
Authors: Thomas Emily H. , Brittingham Margaret C. , Stoleson Scott H.
Published: February 2014

Energy extraction within forest habitat is increasing at a rapid rate throughout eastern North America from the combined presence of conventional oil and gas, shale gas, and wind energy. We examined the effects of conventional oil and gas development on forest habitat including amounts of core and edge forest, the abundance of songbird species and guilds, species diversity, and community similarity within and between mixed hardwood and oak forest types at both individual wells (local scale) and at the 25‐ha scale at differing levels of well density: reference (0 wells/site, 0 wells/km2), low (1–5 wells/site, 4–20 wells/km2), and high (10–15 wells/site, 40–60 wells/km2). Amount of cleared area, length of roads, and amount of edge increased with increasing well density, whereas amount of core forest declined. At high well densities, 85% of the study site remained forested, but the mean amount of core forest declined from 68% to 2%. Specific changes to forest structure associated with oil and gas development included decreases in basal area and canopy cover within 20 m of individual wells and with increasing well density. Of 19 species analyzed, 5 species, including ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), Blackburnian warbler (Setophaga fusca), and black‐throated green warbler (Setophaga virens), had lower abundance at well sites than reference sites at either the local or 25‐ha scale. Six species including American robin (Turdus migratorius), chestnut‐sided warbler (Setophaga pensylvanica), and brown‐headed cowbird (Molothrus ater) were more abundant at well than reference sites. Eight species did not differ in abundance between well and reference sites. All 3 songbird guilds showed distinct patterns of abundance in relation to habitat differences resulting from oil and gas development that were consistent with known fragmentation effects. Forest interior species were less abundant at well sites than reference sites and showed a declining trend with increasing well density. In contrast, the guilds of early successional species and synanthropic species were more abundant at well sites than reference sites as was species richness (alpha diversity). Avian communities differed between northern hardwood and oak forest types at reference sites but became more similar when wells were present at both scales, suggesting biotic homogenization or a loss of beta diversity occurred as similar species were attracted to well sites in both forest types. The bird communities associated with northern hardwoods and oaks still retained their unique characteristics at low well densities but became similar at high well densities suggesting a threshold somewhere between the low and high well density sites. Consequently, we recommend that if well development is to occur in extensively forested landscapes, conventional oil and gas well development be limited to a maximum of 20 wells/km2to minimize impacts to forest birds. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Accounting for unsearched areas in estimating wind turbine‐caused fatality
Authors: Huso Manuela M.P. , Dalthorp Dan
Published: February 2014

With wind energy production expanding rapidly, concerns about turbine‐induced bird and bat fatality have grown and the demand for accurate estimation of fatality is increasing. Estimation typically involves counting carcasses observed below turbines and adjusting counts by estimated detection probabilities. Three primary sources of imperfect detection are 1) carcasses fall into unsearched areas, 2) carcasses are removed or destroyed before sampling, and 3) carcasses present in the searched area are missed by observers. Search plots large enough to comprise 100% of turbine‐induced fatality are expensive to search and may nonetheless contain areas unsearchable because of dangerous terrain or impenetrable brush. We evaluated models relating carcass density to distance from the turbine to estimate the proportion of carcasses expected to fall in searched areas and evaluated the statistical cost of restricting searches to areas near turbines where carcass density is highest and search conditions optimal. We compared 5 estimators differing in assumptions about the relationship of carcass density to distance from the turbine. We tested them on 6 different carcass dispersion scenarios at each of 3 sites under 2 different search regimes. We found that even simple distance‐based carcass‐density models were more effective at reducing bias than was a 5‐fold expansion of the search area. Estimators incorporating fitted rather than assumed models were least biased, even under restricted searches. Accurate estimates of fatality at wind‐power facilities will allow critical comparisons of rates among turbines, sites, and regions and contribute to our understanding of the potential environmental impact of this technology. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Factors influencing survival of Canada geese breeding in Southern Quebec
Authors: Pilotte Catherine , Reed Eric T. , Rodrigue Jean , Giroux Jean‐François
Published: February 2014

Temperate nesting Canada geese are considered a nuisance in many regions of eastern North America. In southern Quebec, a breeding population became established 20 years ago and has grown steadily since that time. Because of the long‐lived nature of geese, understanding the factors that influence annual survival is critical to the management of these populations. Our objectives were to describe the spatiotemporal distribution of the harvest of Canada geese that breed in southern Quebec, determine how year, sex, and age affect survival rates, and to evaluate the effects of hatch date and body condition near fledging on juvenile survival. We conducted mixed live recapture and dead recovery capture‐mark‐recapture analyses using data from birds banded as pre‐fledged juveniles between 2003 and 2009 (n = 3,972). Recoveries were distributed near the breeding area and along the east coast of the United States. Juveniles were mainly recovered in Quebec and yearlings in the United States. Harvest during the special early hunting season in Quebec represented only 9% of the total harvest. Annual survival rates were similar for both males and females, but varied among years for each age class. Survival averaged 0.82 (95% CI 0.76–0.87) for juveniles, 0.76 (0.69–0.82) for yearlings, and 0.82 (0.75–0.87) for adults. We observed a negative relationship between hatch date and juvenile survival but did not find significant effects of body condition and age at banding on survival. In addition to a short migration, a possible explanation for the high survival of juveniles includes the use by family groups predominantly of areas that are not open to hunting. The use of rural habitats where susceptibility to hunting is high, combined with the behavior of molt migration could explain the lower survival rates of yearlings than juveniles. We argue that high survival rates for all age classes contribute significantly to the growth of this population. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Contrasting past and current numbers of bears visiting Yellowstone cutthroat trout streams
Authors: Teisberg Justin E. , Haroldson Mark A. , Schwartz Charles C. , Gunther Kerry A. , Fortin Jennifer K. , Robbins Charles T.
Published: February 2014

Spawning cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) were historically abundant within tributary streams of Yellowstone Lake within Yellowstone National Park and were a highly digestible source of energy and protein for Yellowstone's grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) and black bears (U. americanus). The cutthroat trout population has subsequently declined since the introduction of non‐native lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), and in response to effects of drought and whirling disease (Myxobolus cerebralis). The trout population, duration of spawning runs, and indices of bear use of spawning streams had declined in some regions of the lake by 1997–2000. We initiated a 3‐year study in 2007 to assess whether numbers of spawning fish, black bears, and grizzly bears within and alongside stream corridors had changed since 1997–2000. We estimated numbers of grizzly bears and black bears by first compiling encounter histories of individual bears visiting 48 hair‐snag sites along 35 historically fished streams. We analyzed DNA encounter histories with Pradel‐recruitment and Jolly‐Seber (POPAN) capture‐mark‐recapture models. When compared to 1997–2000, the current number of spawning cutthroat trout per stream and the number of streams with cutthroat trout has decreased. We estimated that 48 (95% CI = 42–56) male and 23 (95% CI = 21–27) female grizzly bears visited the historically fished tributary streams during our study. In any 1‐year, 46 to 59 independent grizzly bears (8–10% of estimated Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population) visited these streams. When compared with estimates from the 1997 to 2000 study and adjusted for equal effort, the number of grizzly bears using the stream corridors decreased by 63%. Additionally, the number of black bears decreased between 64% and 84%. We also document an increased proportion of bears of both species visiting front‐country (i.e., near human development) streams. With the recovery of cutthroat trout, we suggest bears that still reside within the Lake basin will readily use this high‐quality food resource. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Model‐Based Characterization and Monitoring of Runoff and Soil Erosion in Response to Land Use/land Cover Changes in the Modjo Watershed, Ethiopia
Authors: Gessesse Berhan , Bewket Woldeamlak , Bräuning Achim
Published: February 2014

The Modjo watershed has experienced significant land use/land cover (LULC) change and soil erosion. This study examines changes in surface runoff generation and soil erosion in response to the LULC dynamics. To simulate runoff and sediment yield, the geographic information system‐interfaced Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used. Model sensitivity, calibration and validation analyses were carried out, and the efficiency of the model was evaluated using simulated and measured discharge data. The two scenario model simulation goodness‐of‐fit measures verified that the SWAT model performed very well during calibration and validation periods for daily and monthly time steps (Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency > 0·79 and root mean square error–observation standard deviation ratio < 0·4). Although the computed values of per cent bias fulfilled a satisfactory standard (greater than −11·8%), the model results tended to overestimate discharge. Consequent to the LULC change, an overall increase in the amount of surface runoff (14·2%) and sediment yield (37%) was observed relative to the baseline (1973) simulation scenario. Mean annual soil loss rate was estimated at 24·2 Mg ha−1 y−1. Nearly 95·2% of the watershed is experiencing moderate to severe soil loss rates ranging from 14·7 to 37·5 Mg ha−1 y−1. In the remaining parts of the watershed, soil loss rates range from 4·4 to 14·7 Mg ha−1 y−1. Surface runoff generation and soil erosion varied widely by soil, LULC types and slope positions. The observed environmental change would lead to further land degradation, with negative implications on the livelihoods of local people unless appropriate conservation measures are implemented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Land‐Use Type Effects on Soil Organic Carbon and Microbial Properties in a Semi‐arid Region of Northeast Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Ana Carolina Câmara , Leite Luiz Fernando Carvalho , de Araújo Ademir Sérgio Ferreira , Eisenhauer Nico
Published: February 2014

Land‐use change is one of the most important anthropogenic environmental change drivers affecting the biodiversity and functioning of ecosystems. However, there is limited knowledge of the consequences for soil processes in many regions around the globe. The Brazilian semi‐arid ecosystem known as Caatinga has experienced the transformation from native forest into agricultural land, with heretofore unknown effects on soil processes and microbial properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of five land‐use changes (to maize and cowpea cropland, grape orchard, and cut and grazed pasture) on total organic C (TOC) and total N (TN) stocks and soil microbial properties of Ultisol from Caatinga. Soil samples (0–10 and 10–20 cm depth) were collected during the wet and dry periods. Split–split plot analysis of variance was used to test the effects of land use, soil depth, season and the interaction between land‐use and soil depth on soil microbial properties, TOC and TN stocks. Land‐use effects were more pronounced in the top soil layer than in the lower layer, while the pattern was less consistent in soil microbial properties. Land conversion from native forest to cropland may cause C losses from the soil, but conversion to pastures may even increase the potential of soils to function as C sinks. Grazed pastures showed not only high C and N stocks but also the highest soil microbial biomass and lowest respiratory quotients, all indications for elevated soil C sequestration. Thus, grazed pastures may represent a land‐use form with high ecosystem multifunctionality in Caatinga. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Enclosure on Soil Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus of Alpine Desert Rangeland
Authors: Shang Zhanhuan , Cao Jingjuan , Guo Ruiying , Henkin Zalmen , Ding Luming , Long Ruijun , Deng Bo
Published: February 2014

Enclosures have been set‐up in rangelands in China since about 1980 to control grazing. This was performed in order to favour the recovery of degraded vegetation and soil. Alpine desert rangeland is an important ecosystem in China, and enclosure was considered a means of rangeland restoration for long‐term grazing. Soil properties were studied in a 6‐year enclosure experiment, which found that without grazing, vegetation cover and aboveground plant biomass increased significantly. A positive, but not significant, trend in soil bulk density was also found. However, the storage of soil carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) decreased insignificantly after 6 years of enclosure. The ratio of C:N and C:P of soil increased in the (0–10)‐cm and (10–20)‐cm layers but decreased in the (20–30)‐cm layer. In conclusion, prevention of grazing for 6 years did not significantly improve soil quality or potential carbon sequestration in the alpine desert rangelands. We recommend the removal of fences intended for rangeland and biodiversity protection from such landscapes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On a necessary aspect for the Riesz basis property for indefinite Sturm‐Liouville problems
Authors: Kostenko Aleksey
Published: February 2014

In 1996, H. Volkmer observed that the inequality

urn:x-wiley:dummy:mana201300104:equation:mana201300104-math-0001is satisfied with some positive constant for a certain class of functions f on [ − 1, 1] if the eigenfunctions of the problem

urn:x-wiley:dummy:mana201300104:equation:mana201300104-math-0003form a Riesz basis of the Hilbert space . Here the weight is assumed to satisfy a.e. on ( − 1, 1).

We present two criteria in terms of Weyl–Titchmarsh m‐functions for the Volkmer inequality to be valid. Note that one of these criteria is new even for the classical HELP inequality. Using these results we improve the result of Volkmer by showing that this inequality is valid if the operator associated with the spectral problem satisfies the linear resolvent growth condition. In particular, we show that the Riesz basis property of eigenfunctions is equivalent to the linear resolvent growth if r is odd.
Diastereoselective Additive Trifluoromethylation/Halogenation of Isoxazole Triflones: Synthesis of All‐Carbon‐Functionalized Trifluoromethyl Isoxazoline Triflones
Authors: Kawai Hiroyuki , Sugita Yutaka , Tokunaga Etsuko , Sato Hiroyasu , Shiro Motoo , Shibata Norio
Published: February 2014

Highly functionalized 5‐trifluoromethyl‐2‐isoxazoline derivatives featuring a triflyl (SO2CF3) group at the 4‐position were successfully synthesized via diastereoselective trifluoromethylation and halogenation of isoxazole triflones using the Ruppert– Prakash reagent. The trifluoromethylation is quite general in terms of the substrates including 3,5‐diaryl isoxazole triflones and 3‐aryl‐5‐styrylisoxazole triflones to provide products in high yields with excellent diastereoselectivities. The highly functionalized 5‐trifluoromethyl‐2‐isoxazoline derivatives are expected to be a new class of antiparasiticides. Thus the triflyl group both activates isoxazoles and the 4‐postion of CF3 adducts, and has a potential biological function.
Study on the rheological behaviors of UHMWPE/CA‐MMT nanocomposite
Authors: Liu Cheng , Wei Yun‐Feng , Qiu Hua‐Ting , Zhang Jun , Liu Chang‐Jian
Published: February 2014

In our previous study, we have prepared a novel antibacterial ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene/chlorhexidine acetate‐montmorillonoid (UHMWPE/CA‐MMT) composites and examined its crystallization process and kinetics [1]. In this work, the rheological behaviors of pure UHMWPE, UHMWPE/MMT, UHMWPE/CA, and UHMWPE/CA‐MMT were characterized. The results showed that MMT can increase the viscosity of the polymer composites and CA can act as a plasticizer in the composites. Compared with UHMWPE/CA, UHMWPE/CA‐MMT had lower η*, G′, and G″. The TGA result indicated that CA‐MMT has higher thermostability than CA. Hence, CA‐MMT has the lower thermal decomposition ratio at high temperature than CA when it is blended with polymer. The TGA result could be used to explain that UHMWPE/CA‐MMT composites had better plasticizer effect than UHMWPE/CA composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:47–50, 2015. © 2014 The Authors Polymer Composites published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Detailed in utero ultrasound description of 30 cases of congenital cytomegalovirus infection
Authors: Picone O. , Teissier N. , Cordier A. G. , Vauloup‐Fellous C. , Adle‐Biassette H. , Martinovic J. , Senat M. V. , Ayoubi J. M. , Benachi A.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

The aim of this research was to describe precisely prenatal ultrasound (US) features in congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated the US descriptions of cases of congenital CMV infection between 2004 and 2013.

Results

In 69 congenital CMV infections, related US abnormalities were reported in 30 cases (43.5%). There were both extracerebral and cerebral abnormalities in 16 cases, purely abnormal brain features in ten, and purely extracerebral features in two. About 19/30 cases presented extracerebral features of 11 different sorts of abnormalities, mainly hyperechogenic bowel (ten cases) and intrauterine growth retardation (nine cases). About 24/30 cases presented cerebral features of 13 different sorts, mainly brain calcifications (12 cases) and occipital horn cavity (11 cases).

The main US findings in our series are not specific to CMV infection. However, a frequent finding attracted our attention: the anechogenic cavity located on the extremity of the occipital horn, a region which contains numerous proliferating and differentiating germinal cells.

Conclusions

By improving knowledge of US findings linked to CMV infection, US sensitivity may be improved. Understanding why CMV leads to lesions of the occipital horn may help clarify the pathophysiology of congenital infection. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
9.0% efficient Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 solar cells from selenized nanoparticle inks
Authors: Miskin Caleb K. , Yang Wei‐Chang , Hages Charles J. , Carter Nathaniel J. , Joglekar Chinmay S. , Stach Eric A. , Agrawal Rakesh
Published: February 2014

Thin‐film solar cells using Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 absorber materials continue to attract increasing attention. The synthesis of kesterite Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles by a modified method of hot injection is explained. Characterization of the nanoparticles by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman, and transmission electron microscopy is presented and discussed. When suspended in an ink, coated, and processed into a device, the nanoparticles obtained by this synthesis achieve a total area (active area) efficiency of 9.0% (9.8%) using AM 1.5 illumination and light soaking. This improvement over the previous efficiency of 7.2% is attributed to the modified synthesis approach, as well as fine‐tuned conditions for selenizing the coated nanoparticles into a dense absorber layer. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Respiratory muscle strength in healthy infants and those with surgically correctable anomalies
Authors: Kassim Zainab , Moxham John , Davenport Mark , Nicolaides Kypros , Greenough Anne , Rafferty Gerrard F.
Published: February 2014

Assessment of respiratory muscle strength provides important diagnostic and prognostic information. Normative data in healthy, term infants is, however, limited. Surgically correctable birth defects, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and abdominal wall defects (AWD), commonly have impaired diaphragm function. The study aims were to obtain normative data for respiratory muscle strength in healthy, term born infants at birth and at 6 weeks postnatal age (PNA) and to investigate the influence of growth and maturation on inspiratory muscle strength in CDH/AWD infants. Maximal inspiratory (cPimax) and expiratory (cPemax) pressures during crying were measured at birth in 67 healthy, term born infants (mean (SD) gestational age (GA) 39.4 (1.7) weeks) and reassessed in 27 at 6 weeks PNA. cPimax and functional residual capacity (FRC) (22.3 (4.2) ml/kg) were also measured in 23 infants with AWD/CDH (mean (SD) GA 36.9 (2.1) weeks) and reassessed in 16 at median (range) 6.5 (1.5–15) months PNA. In healthy infants, mean (SD) cPimax was 88.8 (19.33) cmH2O and cPemax 61.8 (13.5) cmH2O at birth, increasing significantly at followup to 100.9 (15.2) cmH2O (P < 0.05) and 82.6 (19.4) cmH2O (P < 0.001) respectively. Mean (SD) cPimax was significantly lower (47.5 (22.4) cmH2O, P < 0.0001) in AWD/CDH infants compared to healthy infants at birth but had increased significantly to 88.1 (27.6) cmH2O (P < 0.0001) at followup which correlated significantly with increases in FRC (r2 = 0.33, P = 0.0263). Infants with AWD and CDH have significantly reduced inspiratory muscle strength compared to healthy term born infants but strength increases markedly in early life. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:71–78. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Temperature, Density and Confinement on Deflagration to Detonation Transition of an HMX‐Based Explosive
Authors: Dai Xiao‐Gan , Wen Yu‐Shi , Huang Feng‐Lei , Huang Hui , Huang Yi‐Min
Published: February 2014

In order to obtain the characteristics of the deflagration‐to‐detonation transition (DDT) of PBX‐2 (an HMX‐based explosive) under different conditions, DDT tests were carried out as a function of charge density, temperature, and shell confinement. In these tests, the energetic materials were electrically ignited. The DDT response characteristics for PBX‐2 with 53 % and 99 % of theoretical maximum density (TMD) were evaluated by different shell thickness confinements at ambient temperature and at 85 °C. The test results with different densities, confinements and temperatures exhibited a wide range of reaction violence. Firstly, at both ambient temperature and at 85 °C under 10 and 20 mm shell thickness confinement, PBX‐2 did not undergo fully DDT at 99 % TMD, only a low velocity detonation (LVD) occurred. Secondly, PBX‐2 at 53 % TMD underwent DDT, and significant influence on the minimum run distance to detonation by the shell confinement thickness was observed. Strong confinement is favorable for the transition of DDT but the confinement does not influence reaction degree. Thirdly, the reaction degree of PBX‐2 at 85 °C was remarkably lower than that at ambient temperature. This insensitizing effect of temperature is induced by the melting and flowing of bonders which reduces the porosity and inhibits an important step of DDT, namely, high turbulent combustion.
Young Adult Voting Decision-Making: Studying the Effect of Usage from a Consumer Behaviour Perspective
Authors: Winchester Tiffany M. , Hall John , Binney Wayne
Published: February 2014

This study investigates the application of consumer behaviour theory to young Australian adults’ voting decision-making. Previous decision-making studies identified constructs of subjective knowledge, involvement, information seeking, satisfaction, confidence, and stability as key factors in voting decision-making. This research tests the relationship that these factors have with the consumer behaviour concept of usage. A new concept, commitment to vote, is also considered for Australia's compulsory voting context. Data were gathered from a sample of 257 Australian citizens between the ages of 18 and 25. Exploratory factor analysis produced nine factors, and MANOVA and ANOVA were used to test the differences between three usage groups: voluntary users, involuntary users, and never trieds. The results illustrate that usage has a significant influence on information seeking, commitment to voting, satisfaction with voting choice, and stability in voting decision-making. Therefore, usage is a key element in voter decision-making and needs to be included in future studies.
Deregulation of cell signaling in cancer
Authors: Giancotti Filippo G.
Published: February 2014

Oncogenic mutations disrupt the regulatory circuits that govern cell function, enabling tumor cells to undergo de‐regulated mitogenesis, to resist to pro‐apoptotic insults, and to invade through tissue boundaries. Cancer cell biology has played a crucial role in elucidating the signaling mechanisms by which oncogenic mutations sustain these malignant behaviors and thereby in identifying rational targets for cancer drugs. The efficacy of such targeted therapies illustrate the power of a reductionist approach to the study of cancer.
Changes in the responsiveness of hypothalamic prokineticin 2 mRNA expression to food deprivation in developing female rats
Authors: Iwasa Takeshi , Matsuzaki Toshiya , Munkhzaya Munkhsaikhan , Tungalagsuvd Altankhuu , Kawami Takako , Murakami Masahiro , Yamasaki Mikio , Kato Takeshi , Kuwahara Akira , Yasui Toshiyuki , Irahara Minoru
Published: February 2014

Prokineticin 2 (PK2) is highly expressed in several regions of the central nervous system, including the hypothalamus. Recently, it has been suggested that PK2 plays a role in appetite regulation. In adult male rodents, the administration of PK2 decreased food intake, and PK2 mRNA expression was reduced by food deprivation. Usually, the changes in the expression levels of appetite‐regulating factors induced in response to fasting are not fully established during the neonatal period. Thus, we investigated the developmental changes in hypothalamic PK2 mRNA expression and the alterations in hypothalamic PK2 mRNA expression induced by fasting during the pre‐pubertal period in female rats. The changes in hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) mRNA expression were also examined because NPY is a potent appetite regulatory factor. Hypothalamic PK2 mRNA expression was extremely high during the early neonatal period (postnatal day (PND) 5) compared with that observed during subsequent periods (PND15, 25, and 42), while hypothalamic NPY mRNA expression did not differ among any of the examined periods. A fasting‐induced reduction in hypothalamic PK2 mRNA expression was observed on PND5, but no fasting‐induced increase in hypothalamic NPY mRNA expression was seen during the same period. In addition, the fasting‐induced reduction in hypothalamic PK2 mRNA expression observed on PND5 was more marked than that seen on PND25. These results suggest that the sensitivity of hypothalamic PK2 expression to undernutrition develops during the early neonatal period, when the responses of other appetite regulatory factors to such pressures remain immature.
Fostering Consumer–Brand Relationships in Social Media Environments: The Role of Parasocial Interaction
Authors: Labrecque Lauren I.
Published: February 2014

As brands solidify their place in social media environments, consumers’ expectations have amplified, thus spurring the development of technologies to assist with the engagement process. Understanding the ways in which brands can preserve the one-to-one characteristics and intimate relationship qualities offered by social media while still meeting consumer expectations amidst the escalating volume of interactions has become essential. Drawing on the communications literature, this research proposes that parasocial interaction (PSI) theory may be used as a theoretical lens for designing successful social media strategies. Three studies, using a multi-method approach, provide evidence of PSI's role in the development of positive relationship outcomes. Mediation analysis reveals that this sense of feeling connected with the brand goes beyond the interaction itself and drives increased feelings of loyalty intentions and willingness to provide information to the brand. Evidence from this research suggests that these effects may not hold when consumers are aware of the possibility that the brand's social media response may be automated. These findings offer marketers theoretical guidance for fostering relationships in social media environments.
Expression of chemokine receptor‐4 in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells on experimental rat abdominal aortic aneurysms and the migration of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells with stromal‐derived factor‐1
Authors: Long Miao‐Yun , Li Hong‐Hao , Pen Xin‐Zhi , Huang Ming‐Qing , Luo Ding‐Yuan , Wang Pei‐Shun
Published: February 2014

This study investigated the expression and role of chemokine receptor‐4 (CXCR4) in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) from experimental rats with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) for migration of BMSCs. Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into an experimental group and control group (n = 18 each). AAA was induced with 0.75 M solution infiltrate for 30 minutes, after which the abdomen was rinsed and closed. Saline was used in place of CaCl2 in the control group. CD34 and CD29 were detected by flow cytometry, the gene and protein expression of CXCR4 were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction and western blot, respectively. The migration of BMSCs with stromal‐derived factor‐1 was detected by Transwell chamber. CD34 expression was negative and CD29 expression was positive. The gene and protein expression of CXCR4 were significantly higher in experimental group than them in control group (p < 0.05), the migration ability of BMSCs from the experimental group was significantly higher than that from the control group (p < 0.05). Stromal‐derived factor ‐1/CXCR4 can enhance the migration of BMSCs in vitro in a rat AAA model.