bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of comorbidities in surgical oncology outcomes
Authors: Sinha Parul , Kallogjeri Dorina , Piccirillo Jay F.
Published: August 2014

The impact of comorbidities on treatment, postoperative complications, survival, prognosis, and quality of life, makes comorbidities' assessment essential in surgically managed cancer patients. Multiple indices exist to measure the presence and severity of comorbidities, of which the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation‐27 are the most widely employed. Incorporation of comorbidity data in cancer registries facilitates surgical oncology research conduct with an objective to improve cancer care through better‐informed patient counseling and treatment planning. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:629–635. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Shatalov‐Sternin's construction of complex WKB solutions and the choice of integration paths
Authors: Getmanenko Alexander
Published: August 2014

We re‐examine Shatalov‐Sternin's proof of existence of resurgent solutions of a linear ODE. In particular, we take a closer look at the “Riemann surface” (actually, a two‐dimensional complex manifold) whose existence, endless continuability and other properties are claimed by those authors. We present a detailed argument for a part of the “Riemann surface” relevant for the exact WKB method.
Spray forming of high density sheets
Authors: Meyer C. , Ellendt N. , Mädler L. , Müller H. R. , Reimer F. , Uhlenwinkel V.
Published: August 2014

Porosity is one of the most important quality criteria of spray‐formed materials in the as‐sprayed condition. Typically, spray‐formed sheets have a porous rim close to the substrate and depending on the spray conditions cold or hot porosity may also be present in the core of the deposit. This porosity has to be removed or minimized to make further processing steps such as rolling, forging or extrusion possible.

In this paper, the influence of both substrate temperature and deposit surface temperature on porosity in spray‐formed sheets is studied.

For this purpose spray forming experiments (sheet size 1000 mm × 250 mm) were carried out using three different materials: aluminium‐bronze, tin‐bronze and a nitriding steel. For the copper‐base alloys preheated steel‐substrates with different temperatures were moved through a scanning spray cone. In the case of steel a ceramic substrate at room temperature was used. In addition to the variation of the substrate temperature, the gas to metal mass flow ratio (GMR) was varied to achieve different deposit surface temperatures. During the run the surface temperature in the deposition zone was measured using a scanning, multi‐wavelength pyrometer. Samples of the deposits were polished and rasterized by light microscopy. The local porosity was characterized by digital image analysis.

The influence of the substrate temperature and the GMR on the porosity in the vicinity of the substrate is evaluated and discussed in detail. The impact of the deposit surface temperature on the porosity was analyzed and is discussed as well. It was found that the deposit surface temperature has a strong impact on porosity for spray‐formed sheets.

Finally, experimental results were used to develop a new approach to predict the porosity in spray‐formed sheets. The results clearly show the dependence on material properties. This approach can be used to identify process parameters to generate high density sheets in the future.
High Temperature High Pressure Tandem Polymerization of Ethylene for Synthesis of Ethylene‐1‐Hexene Copolymers from Single Reactor with SNS‐Cr and CGC‐Ti Catalysts
Authors: Guo Song , Fan Hong , Bu Zhiyang , Li Bo‐Geng , Zhu Shiping
Published: August 2014

Ethylene‐1‐hexene copolymers are synthesized from ethylene using the tandem catalyst system of bis(2‐dodecylsulfanyl‐ethyl)amine‐CrCl3 (SNS‐Cr) and [(η5‐C5Me4)SiMe2(tBuN)]TiCl2 (CGC‐Ti), with MAO as co‐catalyst. The tandem polymerization is carried out in a high‐temperature high‐pressure solution process. SNS‐Cr trimerizes ethylene and generates 1‐hexene with high selectivity. CGC‐Ti copolymerizes ethylene with 1‐hexene and produces the ethylene‐1‐hexene copolymers. A short period of pre‐trimerization is effective in increasing the 1‐hexene content in copolymer and producing chains with uniform microstructure. The products prepared by this tandem system at high temperature and high pressure exhibit competitive mechanical properties with a commercial ethylene‐1‐octene copolymer.
The PAX2‐null immunophenotype defines multiple lineages with common expression signatures in benign and neoplastic oviductal epithelium
Authors: Ning Gang , Bijron Jonathan G , Yamamoto Yusuke , Wang Xia , Howitt Brooke E , Herfs Michael , Yang Eric , Hong Yue , Cornille Maxence , Wu Lingyan , Hanamornroongruang Suchanan , McKeon Frank D , Crum Christopher P , Xian Wa
Published: August 2014

The oviducts contain high‐grade serous cancer (HGSC) precursors (serous tubal intraepithelial neoplasia or STINs), which are γ‐H2AXp‐ and TP53 mutation‐positive. Although they express wild‐type p53, secretory cell outgrowths (SCOUTs) are associated with older age and serous cancer; moreover, both STINs and SCOUTs share a loss of PAX2 expression (PAX2n). We evaluated PAX2 expression in proliferating adult and embryonic oviductal cells, normal mucosa, SCOUTs, Walthard cell nests (WCNs), STINs, and HGSCs, and the expression of genes chosen empirically or from SCOUT expression arrays. Clones generated in vitro from embryonic gynaecological tract and adult Fallopian tube were Krt7p/PAX2n/EZH2p and underwent ciliated (PAX2n/EZH2n/FOXJ1p) and basal (Krt7n/EZH2n/Krt5p) differentiation. Similarly, non‐ciliated cells in normal mucosa were PAX2p but became PAX2n in multi‐layered epithelium undergoing ciliated or basal (WCN) cell differentiation. PAX2n SCOUTs fell into two groups: type 1 were secretory or secretory/ciliated with a ‘tubal’ phenotype and were ALDH1n and β‐cateninmem (membraneous only). Type 2 displayed a columnar to pseudostratified (endometrioid) phenotype, with an EZH2p, ALDH1p, β‐cateninnc (nuclear and cytoplasmic), stathminp, LEF1p, RCN1p, and RUNX2p expression signature. STINs and HGSCs shared the type 1 immunophenotype of PAX2n, ALDH1n, β‐cateninmem, but highly expressed EZH2p, LEF1p, RCN1p, and stathminp. This study, for the first time, links PAX2n with proliferating fetal and adult oviductal cells undergoing basal and ciliated differentiation and shows that this expression state is maintained in SCOUTs, STINs, and HGSCs. All three entities can demonstrate a consistent perturbation of genes involved in potential tumour suppressor gene silencing (EZH2), transcriptional regulation (LEF1), regulation of differentiation (RUNX2), calcium binding (RCN1), and oncogenesis (stathmin). This shared expression signature between benign and neoplastic entities links normal progenitor cell expansion to abnormal and neoplastic outgrowth in the oviduct and exposes a common pathway that could be a target for early prevention. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
One‐pot synthesis of linear‐ and three‐arm star‐tetrablock quarterpolymers via sequential metal‐free ring‐opening polymerization using a “catalyst switch” strategy
Authors: Zhao Junpeng , Pahovnik David , Gnanou Yves , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: August 2014

A “catalyst switch” strategy has been used to sequentially polymerize four different heterocyclic monomers. In the first step, epoxides (1,2‐butylene oxide and ethylene oxide) were successively polymerized from a monohydroxy or trihydroxy initiator in the presence of a strong phosphazene base promoter (t‐BuP4). Then, an excess of diphenyl phosphate (DPP) was introduced, followed by addition and polymerization of a cyclic carbonate (trimethylene carbonate) and a cyclic ester (δ‐valerolactone or ε‐caprolactone). DPP acted as both neutralizer of the phosphazenium alkoxide (polyether chain end) and activator of the cyclic carbonate/ester. Using this method, linear‐ and star‐tetrablock quarterpolymers were prepared in one pot. This work is emphasizing the strength of the previously developed catalyst switch strategy for the facile metal‐free synthesis of complex macromolecular architectures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 304–312
Efficacy of thiamethoxam and fipronil, applied alone and in combination, to control Limonius californicus and Hypnoidus bicolor (Coleoptera: Elateridae)
Authors: Morales‐Rodriguez Anuar , Wanner Kevin W
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

Wireworms, the larval stage of click beetles (family Elateridae), are significant soil pests of wheat and barley crops in the Pacific Northwest. At present, few pest management alternatives exist. For several decades, wireworms were effectively controlled by first‐generation insecticides applied to the soil or as seed treatments. Currently used neonicotinoid insecticides protect crop seeds and germinating seedlings by temporary toxicity but limited mortality. As a result, field populations may increase, reaching levels too high for crop protection. In this study an investigation was made of the combination of two insecticides to achieve crop protection as well as insect mortality in wheat fields.

RESULTS

Laboratory bioassays using wheat seed treated with fipronil at 1.0 and 5.0 g AI 100 kg−1 seed resulted in 72–90% mortality of two wireworm species, Limonius californicus and Hypnoidus bicolor. At a rate of 39 g AI 100 kg−1 seed, 8 times higher than the high rate of fipronil, thiamethoxam caused only 10–31% larval mortality in the bioassays, but did protect developing wheat stands from damage in field trials. Field plots planted with wheat seed treated with both fipronil (5.0 g AI 100 kg−1 seed) and thiamethoxam (39.0 g AI 100 kg−1 seed) had 83% fewer wireworms the following year compared with untreated check plots. No reduction in population was observed in plots treated with 39.0 g of thiamethoxam alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Fipronil and thiamethoxam can be combined as a seed treatment to protect wheat crops from wireworm damage and reduce larval populations in the field. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC. as an Adjuvant Treatment for Type‐2 Diabetes Mellitus: A non‐Controlled, Pilot Study
Authors: Sales Débora Simone , Carmona Fabio , de Azevedo Bruna Cestari , Taleb‐Contini Silvia Helena , Bartolomeu Ana Carolina Duó , Honorato Fernando B. , Martinez Edson Z. , Pereira Ana Maria Soares
Published: August 2014

Type‐2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a highly prevalent disease with significant morbidity and mortality around the world. However, there is no universally effective treatment, because response to different treatment regimens can vary widely among patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the use of the powdered dried leaves of Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC. (Myrtaceae) is effective as an adjuvant to the treatment of patients with type‐2 DM. Fifteen patients were enrolled in a pilot, non‐controlled study, and received E. punicifolia for 3 months. After treatment, we observed a significant decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin, basal insulin, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, C‐reactive protein, and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. There were no changes in fasting and postprandial glycemia. The compounds myricetin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside, quercetin‐3‐O‐galactoside, quercetin‐3‐O‐xyloside, quercetin‐3‐O‐rhamnoside, kaempferol‐3‐O‐rhamnoside, phytol, gallic acid, and trans‐caryophyllene present in the powdered dried leaves of E. punicifolia may be responsible for the therapeutic effect. In conclusion, the powdered leaves of E. punicifolia are promising as an adjuvant in the treatment of type‐2 DM and deserve further investigation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interaction Mechanics Model for Rigid Driving Wheels of Planetary Rovers Moving on Sandy Terrain with Consideration of Multiple Physical Effects
Authors: Ding Liang , Deng Zongquan , Gao Haibo , Tao Jianguo , Iagnemma Karl D. , Liu Guangjun
Published: August 2014

Predicting wheel‐terrain interaction with semiempirical models is of substantial importance for developing planetary wheeled mobile robots (rovers). Primarily geared toward the design of manned terrestrial vehicles, conventional terramechanics models do not provide the sufficient fidelity required for application on autonomous planetary rovers. To develop a high‐fidelity interaction mechanics model, in this study the physical effects of wheel lug, slip sinkage, wheel dimension, and load are analyzed based on experimental results, including wheel sinkage, drawbar pull, normal force, and moment, which are measured on a single‐wheel test bed. The mechanism of lug‐terrain interaction is investigated systematically to clarify the principle of increasing shear stress, conditions of forming successive shearing among adjacent lugs, and the influence on shear displacement of soil. A mathematical model for predicting the concentrated forces and torque of rigid wheels with lugs for planetary rovers moving on sandy terrain is derived by integrating the improved models of normal and shearing stress distributions. In addition to the wheel parameters, terrain parameters, and motion state variables, wheel‐terrain interaction parameters, such as the linear varying sinkage exponent, the soil displacement radius, and load effect parameters, were proposed and explicitly included in the model. In the single‐wheel experiments, the slip ratio was increased approximately from 0.05 to 0.6, and the relative errors of the predicted results using the proposed model are less than 10% for all the wheels when compared with the experimental data. The proposed model has been used in the simulation of a four‐wheeled rover, and its effectiveness is evaluated by comparing the simulation results with experimental results.
Does Unconscious Stress Play a Role in Prolonged Cardiovascular Stress Recovery?
Authors: Brosschot J. F. , Geurts S. A. E. , Kruizinga I. , Radstaak M. , Verkuil B. , Quirin M. , Kompier M. A. J.
Published: August 2014

According to recent insights, humans might not be aware of a substantial part of their cognitive stress representations while these still have prolonged physiological effects. ‘Unconscious stress’ can be measured by implicit affect (IA) tests. It was shown that IA predicts physiological stress responses, in fact better than explicit (‘conscious’) affect. It is not known yet whether IA is associated with concurrent prolonged stress responses.

In two studies (n = 62 and 123), anger harassment was used to induce stress. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were measured continuously. During BP and HR recovery, IA was measured by an ‘anger’ version of the implicit association test (IAT) or the implicit positive and negative affect test (IPANAT).

Blood pressure and HR increased during anger harassment and recovery afterwards. When using the IPANAT BP recovery levels were lower when positive IA was high and higher when negative IA was high, independent of explicit affect and rumination. These results were not found using the IAT.

These results provide preliminary evidence that physiological stress recovery is associated with IA. This is in line with the theory that unconscious stress is responsible for a—possibly considerable—part of unhealthy prolonged stress‐related physiological activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Need Satisfaction during Free Evening Hours: Examining Its Role in Daily Recovery
Authors: van Hooff Madelon L. M. , Geurts Sabine A. E.
Published: August 2014

The present study aimed to shed light on the role of satisfaction of the three basic psychological needs for autonomy, relatedness and competence in the recovery process during free evening hours. We examined to what extent (1) need satisfaction during free evening hours contributed to employees' recovery status before bedtime and (2) employees' recovery status at the end of the workday affected their subsequent need satisfaction. Vigour and (low) anxiety were included as indicators of recovery. Data were collected by means of a 5‐day daily diary study (two measurements daily: at the end of the workday and before bedtime) among 64 participants. Multilevel analyses showed that need satisfaction during free evening hours was related to an improved recovery status (i.e. increased levels of vigour and decreased levels of anxiety) before bedtime. Furthermore, results showed that employees with a lower recovery status at the end of their workday reported less need satisfaction during the subsequent free evening. With these results, it can be concluded that employees who would benefit the most from satisfaction of their basic psychological needs have the least resources available to actually achieve this satisfaction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vacation Effects on Behaviour, Cognition and Emotions of Compulsive and Non‐compulsive Workers: Do Obsessive Workers Go ‘Cold Turkey’?
Authors: de Bloom Jessica , Radstaak Mirjam , Geurts Sabine
Published: August 2014

Compulsive workers often face psychological and physical health disturbances because of working long hours and an obsessive preoccupation with work during off‐job time. Prolonged respite episodes may either relief these employees from their daily stressors to recover or trigger withdrawal symptoms. Our research question was as follows: How do (1) work hours, (2) rumination and (3) affective well‐being unfold for compulsive workers compared with non‐compulsive workers across long vacations?

In a longitudinal field study, work hours, rumination and affective well‐being were assessed in 54 employees 2 weeks before, during and in the first, second and fourth week after a long summer vacation. Working compulsively was assessed 3 weeks before vacation.

Work hours decreased during and increased after vacation. Levels of rumination dropped during vacation and remained below baseline until 2 weeks after vacation. Initial differences in rumination between obsessive and non‐obsessive workers disappeared during and directly after vacation. Affective well‐being rose during vacation and returned to baseline directly after vacation. Increases in affective well‐being during vacation as well as decreases after vacation were greater in obsessive workers than in non‐obsessive workers.

Vacations seem to temporarily offset characteristic differences between obsessive and non‐obsessive workers, decrease rumination and improve affective well‐being. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From Recovery to Regulation: An Attempt to Reconceptualize ‘Recovery from Work’
Authors: Zijlstra F. R. H. , Cropley M. , Rydstedt L. W.
Published: August 2014

The concept of ‘recovery’ (from work) has quickly gained in importance in the occupational health literature. However, we think that the conceptualization of ‘recovery’ needs some more attention. Although many authors acknowledge that ‘recovery’ refers to a ‘process’, the concept is often treated as a static construct. In this paper, we argue that recovery should be conceptualized as a dynamic construct related to changes in psychophysiological state of the person. We refer to two main theories that have provided a theoretical framework for research in this area: Meijman & Mulder's Effort‐Recovery (E‐R) model and Hobfoll's Conservation of Resources theory.

In particular, the E‐R model has been seminal in this area and stresses the element of changing psychophysiological states that has been used for reconceptualising ‘recovery’. Various biological rhythms influence these changing psychophysiological states, and thus the level of energy (or effort) a person can mobilize or wants to mobilize. A distinction is made between ‘physical fatigue’ and ‘mental fatigue’ and its consequences for recovery. The discrepancy between ‘actual state’ and ‘required state’ has been suggested as the basis for ‘recovery’. This emphasises that recovery is a dynamic and ongoing process, which also included motivational aspects, in particular as far as mental work is concerned.

The capacity to maintain self‐regulation of one's psychophysiological state is important in this respect. Thus, we propose that ‘recovery’ is the continuous process of harmonizing the ‘actual state’ with the state that is ‘required’ at that moment. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agile practices adapted to mass‐market application development
Authors: Heredia Alberto , Garcia‐Guzman Javier , Amescua‐Seco Antonio , Velasco‐Diego Manuel
Published: August 2014

Mobile app markets have experienced a significant growth during the last year. The increasing number of apps available on markets and the profits that developers and companies obtain are relevant enough to seriously consider the way apps are developed. The always‐changing environment in which apps are produced makes agile a convenient methodology to follow. Although agile allows the development team to quickly adjust the requisites to the new customer's needs, there is a lack of research on how agile methodologies can be explicitly adapted to develop mass‐market applications. Many references explain how to design and code a mobile app, but there is not much knowledge about other stages in the development process. Adapting an agile methodology to the development of mass‐market applications would provide project teams with a clear guide to successfully produce an app without missing any step in the process. This paper describes a case study in which an agile mass‐market application development process is followed. The proposed process also considers marketing issues as they are necessary to publicize a mass‐market application. This process has been followed and refined for several years in the development of the institutional apps at Carlos III University of Madrid. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Data smoothing and end correction using entropic kernel compression
Authors: Bläsche Thomas , Bowden Roger J. , Posch Peter N.
Published: August 2014

Kernel smoothing and filtering techniques are undemanding in their data generation assumptions but have limitations where special interest attaches to more recent observations. A methodology is developed that addresses contingencies such as end correction and the kernel term structure within the same technology, namely scale invariant kernel compression. The framework is built around an entropic transformation of the standard uniform moving average, augmented with kernel compressions utilizing entropic weight redistribution. The techniques are illustrated with data drawn from climate change. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐Local Atomic Manipulation on Semiconductor Surfaces in the STM: The Case of Chlorobenzene on Si(111)‐7×7
Authors: Pan Tianluo , Sloan Peter A. , Palmer Richard E.
Published: August 2014

Control over individual atoms with the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) holds the tantalising prospect of atomic‐scale construction, but is limited by its “one atom at a time” serial nature. “Remote control” through non‐local STM manipulation—as we have demonstrated in the case of chlorobenzene on Si(111)‐7×7—offers a new avenue for future “bottom‐up” nanofabrication, since hundreds of chemical reactions may be carried out in parallel. Thus a good understanding of the non‐local manipulation process, as provided by recent experiments, is important. Comparison of scanning tunnelling spectroscopy (STS) measurements of the bare Si(111)‐7×7 surface and chemisorbed chlorobenzene molecules with the voltage dependence of the non‐local STM‐induced desorption of chlorobenzene proves particularly instructive. For example, the chlorobenzene LUMO appears at +0.9 V with respect to the Fermi level, whereas non‐local manipulation thresholds are found at +2.1 V and +2.7 V. This difference supports a picture in which the voltage thresholds for non‐local electron‐induced desorption depend principally on the energies of the electronic states of the surface. Furthermore, the demonstration that the non‐local process is largely insensitive to surface steps up to five layers in height suggests that either the electron transport in this process is subsurface in character or surface charge transport is responsible but is in some way unaffected by the steps.
The Informal Organization of Korean Companies: Implications for Korean MNCs
Authors: Yang Inju
Published: August 2014

Many Korean multinational corporations (MNCs) try to adapt locally by introducing hybrid international human resource management (IHRM); however, in‐depth case studies indicate a gap between espoused and actual IHRM. To resolve this challenge, and taking into account country‐of‐origin effects and institutional practices, we argue that Korean MNCs must become aware of the embeddedness of informal processes in Korean organizations. These informal organization processes complement paternalistic leadership and hierarchical communication, and without them the formal management systems of Korean MNCs are left with authoritarian centralized decision‐making processes where local employees may not feel able to participate. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced functionality of colloidal polyaniline/polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite as an antibacterial agent
Authors: Lashkenari Mohammad Soleimani , Eisazadeh Hossein
Published: August 2014

This study describes the preparation of colloidal polyaniline/polyvinyl alcohol (PAn/PVA) nanocomposite by chemical polymerization of aniline (AN) in the presence of ammonium peroxydisulphate (APS) as an oxidant and PVA as a stabilizer. The product was characterized morphologically using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), chemically using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and optically UV–visible. The prepared polymer was then tested for the antibacterial properties against gram‐negative bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa); and gram‐positive bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The antibacterial properties were assessed by disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), and the bactericidal effect methods. The results clearly showed that colloidal PAn/PVA nanocomposite strongly inhibits the growth of wild‐type E. coli (19 ± 0.5) mm followed by P. aeruginosa (17 ± 0.5 mm) and S. aureus (17.5 ± 0.5 mm) bacteria. S. aureus was completely killed after exposure for only 15 min, whereas S. aureus and E. coli were completely killed after exposure for 25 min. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:267–272, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
A lookback scheduling framework for long‐term quality of service over multiple cells
Authors: Abou‐zeid Hatem , Hassanein Hossam S. , Valentin Stefan , Feteiha Mohamed F.
Published: August 2014

In current cellular networks, schedulers allocate wireless channel resources to users based on instantaneous channel gains and short‐term moving averages of user rates and queue lengths. By using only such short‐term information, schedulers ignore the users' service history in previous cells and, thus, cannot guarantee long‐term quality of service (QoS) when users traverse multiple cells with varying load and capacity. In this paper, we propose a new long‐term lookback scheduling (LLS) framework, which extends conventional short‐term scheduling with long‐term (QoS) information from previously traversed cells. We demonstrate the application of (LLS) for common channel aware, as well as channel and queue‐aware schedulers. The developed long‐term schedulers also provide a controllable trade‐off between emphasizing the immediate user (QoS) or the long‐term measures. Our simulation results show high gains in long‐term (QoS) without sacrificing short‐term user requirements. Therefore, the proposed scheduling approach improves subscriber satisfaction and increases operational efficiency. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amine‐Assisted Syntheses of Carbonate‐Free and Highly Crystalline Nitrate‐Containing Zn‐Al Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Rezvani Zolfaghar , Khodam Fateme , Mokhtari Azam , Nejati Kamellia
Published: August 2014

Zn‐Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs), with nitrate as the charge balancing anion in the interlayer space, were synthesized by precipitation from homogeneous solution containing different amines [e.g., hexamethylenetetraamine (HMTA), diethylenediamine (DEDA), trimethylamine (TMA) and dimethylamine (DMA)]. The applied method does not require nitrogen atmosphere. The solution pH and concentration of different amines were varied in order to identify the controlling parameters and whether nitrate or carbonate are the interlayer anion. Particularly, the addition of amines turns out to be an effective tool for the synthesis of nitrate containing Zn‐Al LDHs independent from the nitrogen atmosphere. The structure, textural, composition, and morphological properties were investigated using the powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FT‐IR spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The analyses showed that the samples had high crystallinity and purity. The NO3‐ZnAl LDHs samples show that LDH sheets are predominantly smooth textured and the thickness of LDH sheets are found to be around 23 nm. The results also indicate that this method successfully produces a NO3– form Zn‐Al LDH that is almost identical to the one synthesized by conventional methods.
Ab initio Structure Determination of Barium Periodate, Ba5I2O12, from Powder XRD Data
Authors: Kubel Frank , Pantazi Mariana , Hagemann Hans
Published: August 2014

The compound Ba5I2O12 was synthesized by heating a precipitate of dissolved Ba(OH)2·8H2O and H5IO6. Rb2O was added to increase the crystallite size. The crystal structure was determined from conventional laboratory X‐ray diffraction data by using a real‐space structure solution approach followed by a Rietveld refinement. No constraints on positions were used. The structure analysis gave an orthorhombic symmetry with a = 19.7474(2) Å, b = 5.9006(1) Å and c = 10.5773(1) Å. The final RBragg value in space group Pnma (62) was 1.0 %. The structure can be described by layers of a metal and iodine arrangement forming almost pentagonal holes. Raman measurements were correlated with the two IO6 octahedra. Two further barium periodate patterns were observed and indexed.
Site Preference of Rare Earth Doping in Palladium‐Iron‐Arsenide Superconductors
Authors: Stürzer Christine , Schulz Anne , Johrendt Dirk
Published: August 2014

The solid solutions (Ca1–yREyFe1–xPdxAs)10PdzAs8 with RE = La, Ce, and Pr were synthesized by solid state methods and characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction with subsequent Rietveld refinements [(CaFeAs)10Pt3As8‐type structure (“1038 type”), P$\bar{1}$, Z = 1]. Substitution levels (Ca/RE, Fe/Pd, and Pd/□) obtained from Rietveld refinements coincide well with the nominal values according to EDS and the linear courses of the lattice parameters as expected from the ionic radii. The RE atoms favor the one out of five calcium sites, which is eightfold coordinated by arsenic. This leads to significant stabilization of the structure, and especially prevents palladium over‐doping in the iron‐arsenide layers as observed in the pristine compound (CaFe1–xPdxAs)10PdzAs8. While the stabilization energy is estimated to about 40 kJ·mol–1 by electronic structure calculations, the reason for the diminished Fe/Pd substitution through RE doping is still not yet understood. We suggest that the electrons transferred from RE3+ to the (Fe1–xPdx)As layer makes higher palladium concentrations unfavorable. Anyway the reduced palladium doping enables superconductivity with critical temperatures up to 20 K (onset) in the RE doped Pd1038 samples, which could not be obtained earlier due to palladium over‐doping in the active iron‐arsenide layers.
Genome organization and assessment of high copy number and increased expression of pectinolytic genes from Penicillium griseoroseum: a potential heterologous system for protein production
Authors: Teixeira Janaina Aparecida , Nogueira Guilherme Bicalho , de Queiroz Marisa Vieira , de Araújo Elza Fernandes
Published: August 2014

The fungus Penicillium griseoroseum has the potential for application on an industrial scale as a host for the production of homologous and heterologous proteins, mainly because it does not produce some mycotoxins or secrete proteases under the growth conditions for pectinase production. However, for the fungus to be used effectively as an expression heterologous system, an understanding of the organization of its genome, as well as the mechanisms of gene expression and protein production, is required. In the present study, the size of the P. griseoroseum genome was estimated to be 29.8–31.5 Mb, distributed among four chromosomes. An analysis of plg1 and pgg2 pectinolytic genes expression and copy number in recombinant multi-copy strains of P. griseoroseum demonstrated that an increase in the number of gene copies could increase enzyme production, but the transcription could be affected by the gene integration position. Placing a copy of the plg1 gene under the control of the gpd promoter of Aspergillus nidulans yielded a 200-fold increase in transcription levels compared to the endogenous gene, and two copies of the pgg2 gene produced an 1100-fold increase compared with the endogenous gene. These results demonstrated that transcription, translation, and protein secretion in the fungus P. griseoroseum respond to an increased number of gene copies in the genome. The processing capacity and efficiency of protein secretion in P. griseoroseum are consistent with our premise that this fungus can be used for the industrial-scale production of several enzymes.
Factors affecting leucocyte profiles in the little auk, a small Arctic seabird
Authors: Jakubas Dariusz , Wojczulanis-Jakubas Katarzyna , Kośmicka Anna
Published: August 2014

Leucocyte profiles, especially the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L), are widely used to assess immune function and stress in birds. In this study, we investigated whether leucocyte profiles in a small colonial seabird, the little auk (Alle alle), are related to age (chicks, adults), sex or biometric traits, including body mass. We blood-sampled chicks at 4–8 and 14–18 days of life and chick-feeding adults with 14–20- and 24–30-day-old chicks. Relative numbers of heterophils and H/L generally differed among chicks and adults, with the highest values in adults with 14–20-day-old chicks and the lowest ones in 4–8-day-old chicks. Females had a higher proportion of lymphocytes than males. The relative numbers of eosinophils were similar in all the groups. The percentage of monocytes tended to differ among the age categories. Analyses of chicks revealed that the percentage of heterophils and the H/L ratios were significantly higher in older than in younger chicks. The opposite pattern was recorded for lymphocytes. In 14–18-day-old chicks, H/L (stress level) was negatively related to body mass, head-bill length and bill width. This time period is energetically stressful as nestlings start to exercise their wings outside the nest chamber. This suggests that the origin of stress in nestlings was mainly nutritional. We found a significant positive correlation between body mass at fledging and the relative number of eosinophils at 14–18 days of life, indicating a higher level of stress in lighter nestlings. The significant relationship between fledging age and the percentage of monocytes at 14–18 days of life suggested a poorer state of health in chicks that fledged at an older age.
Influences and drivers of woody debris movement in urban watercourses
Authors: Allen Deonie , Arthur Scott , Haynes Heather , Wallis Stephen G. , Wallerstein Nicholas
Published: August 2014

It is recognised that the blockage of culverts by woody debris can result in an increased risk of infrastructure damage and flooding. To date, debris transport analysis has focused on regional fluvial systems and large woody debris, both in flume and field experiments. Given the social and economic risk associated with urban flooding, and as urban drainage design shifts away from subsurface piped network reliance, there is an increasing need to understand debris movement in urban watercourses. The prediction of urban watercourse small woody debris (SWD) movement, both quantity and risk, has undergone only limited analysis predominantly due to lack of field data. This paper describes the development of a methodology to enable the collection of accurate and meaningful SWD residency and transportation data from watercourses. The presented research examines the limitations and effective function of PIT tag technology to collect SWD transport data in the field appropriate for risk and prediction analysis. Passive integrated transponder (PIT) technology provides a method to collect debris transport data within the urban environment. In this study, the tags are installed within small woody debris and released at known locations into a small urban natural watercourse enabling monitoring of movement and travel time. SWD velocity and detention are collated with solute time of travel, watercourse and point flow characteristics to identify the relationships between these key variables. The work presented tests three hypotheses: firstly, that the potential for unobstructed or un-detained SWD movement increases with flow velocity and water level. Secondly, that SWD travel distance, and the resistance forces along this travel path, influence SWD transport potential. Thirdly, the relationship between SWD and channel dimensions is examined with the aim of advancing representative debris transport prediction modelling.
Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon following dorsal entry flexible nailing of radial shaft fractures in children
Authors: Brooker Ben , Harris P. Christian , Donnan Leo T. , Graham H. Kerr
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Diaphyseal forearm fractures are common in children and adolescents. Intramedullary fixation with flexible nails has a high success rate. Complications related to the insertion of the radial nail include injury to the superficial branch of the radial nerve and rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon.

Materials and Methods

We report a series of nine patients who sustained an EPL injury related to the insertion of an elastic intramedullary nail into the radius.

Results

All nine patients underwent operative management, consisting of either EPL release, EPL direct repair, or tendon transfer (using extensor indicis proprius). In all cases, the nail entry site was directly related to the location of EPL. In many of the cases the EPL dysfunction occurred early on but it's recognition was often delayed.

Conclusion

Based on our findings, we recommend the use of a radial entry point. For surgeons who prefer the dorsal entry point, we recommend that they use an incision which allows visualisation of the extensor tendons and that any post-operative EPL dysfunction is addressed promptly.
Ventricular assist device implantation improves skeletal muscle function, oxidative capacity, and growth hormone/insulin‐like growth factor‐1 axis signaling in patients with advanced heart failure
Authors: Khawaja Tuba , Chokshi Aalap , Ji Ruiping , Kato Tomoko S. , Xu Katherine , Zizola Cynthia , Wu Christina , Forman Daniel E. , Ota Takeyoshi , Kennel Peter , Takayama Hiroo , Naka Yoshifumi , George Isaac , Mancini Donna , Schulze Christian P.
Published: August 2014

Background

Skeletal muscle dysfunction in patients with heart failure (HF) has been linked to impaired growth hormone (GH)/insulin‐like growth factor (IGF)‐1 signaling. We hypothesized that ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation reverses GH/IGF‐1 axis dysfunction and improves muscle metabolism in HF.

Methods

Blood and rectus abdominis muscle samples were collected during VAD implantation and explantation from patients with HF and controls. Clinical data were obtained from medical records, biomarkers measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and gene expression analyzed by reverse transcription and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Grip strength was assessed by dynamometry. Oxidative capacity was measured using oleate oxidation rates. Muscle fiber type and size were assessed by histology.

Results

Elevated GH (0.27 ± 0.27 versus 3.6 ± 7.7 ng/ml in HF; p = 0.0002) and lower IGF‐1 and insulin‐like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)‐3 were found in HF (IGF‐1, 144 ± 41 versus 74 ± 45 ng/ml in HF, p < 0.05; and IGFBP‐3, 3,880 ± 934 versus 1,935 ± 862 ng/ml in HF, p = 0.05). The GH/IGF‐1 ratio, a marker of GH resistance, was elevated in HF (0.002 ± 0.002 versus 0.048 ± 0.1 pre‐VAD; p < 0.0039). After VAD support, skeletal muscle expression of IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 increased (10‐fold and 5‐fold, respectively; p < 0.05) accompanied by enhanced oxidative gene expression (CD36, CPT1, and PGC1α) and increased oxidation rates (+1.37‐fold; p < 0.05). Further, VAD implantation increased the oxidative muscle fiber proportion (38 versus 54 %, p = 0.031), fiber cross‐sectional area (CSA) (1,005 ± 668 versus 1,240 ± 670 μm2, p < 0.001), and Akt phosphorylation state in skeletal muscle. Finally, hand grip strength increased 26.5 ± 27.5 % at 180 days on‐VAD (p < 0.05 versus baseline).

Conclusion

Our data demonstrate that VAD implantation corrects GH/IGF‐1 signaling, improves muscle structure and function, and enhances oxidative muscle metabolism in patients with advanced HF.
Can a polycentric structure affect travel behaviour? A comparison of Melbourne, Australia and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqhatani M. , Setunge S. , Mirodpour S.
Published: August 2014

This study models the impact of the shift from a monocentric private-car-oriented city to polycentric public-transport-oriented city. Metropolitan areas have suffered traffic problems—in particular increase in travel time and travel distance. Urban expansion, population growth and road network development have led to urban sprawl in monocentric cities. In many monocentric cities, travel time and distance has steadily increased and is only expected to increase in the future. Excessive travel leads to several problems such as air pollution, noise, congestion, reduction in productive time, greenhouse emissions, and increased stress and accident rates. This study examines the interaction of land use and travel. A model was developed and calibrated to Melbourne and Riyadh conditions and used for scenario analysis. This model included two parts: a spatial model and a transport model. The scenario analysis included variations of residential and activity distribution, as well as conditions of public transport service.
The immune‐related role of BRAF in melanoma
Authors: Tomei Sara , Bedognetti Davide , De Giorgi Valeria , Sommariva Michele , Civini Sara , Reinboth Jennifer , Al Hashmi Muna , Ascierto Maria Libera , Liu Qiuzhen , Ayotte Ben D. , Worschech Andrea , Uccellini Lorenzo , Ascierto Paolo A. , Stroncek David , Palmieri Giuseppe , Chouchane Lotfi , Wang Ena , Marincola Francesco M.
Published: August 2014

Background

The existence of a dichotomy between immunologically active and quiescent tumor phenotypes has been recently recognized in several types of cancer. The activation of a Th1 type of immune signature has been shown to confer better prognosis and likelihood to respond to immunotherapy. However, whether such dichotomy depends on the genetic make‐up of individual cancers is not known yet. BRAF and NRAS mutations are commonly acquired during melanoma progression. Here we explored the role of BRAF and NRAS mutations in influencing the immune phenotype based on a classification previously identified by our group.

Methods

One‐hundred‐thirteen melanoma metastases underwent microarray analysis and BRAF and NRAS genotyping. Allele‐specific PCR was also performed in order to exclude low‐frequency mutations.

Results

Comparison between BRAF and NRAS mutant versus wild type samples identified mostly constituents or regulators of MAPK and related pathways. When testing gene lists discriminative of BRAF, NRAS and MAPK alterations, we found that 112 BRAF‐specific transcripts were able to distinguish the two immune‐related phenotypes already described in melanoma, with the poor phenotype associated mostly with BRAF mutation. Noteworthy, such association was stronger in samples displaying low BRAF mRNA expression. However, when testing NRAS mutations, we were not able to find the same association.

Conclusion

This study suggests that BRAF mutation‐related specific transcripts associate with a poor phenotype in melanoma and provide a nest for further investigation.
Before and after Socrates
Authors: Cornford Frances Macdonald
Published: August 2014

In this book, F.M. Cornford explains why the life and work of Socrates stand out as marking a turning-point in the history of thought. He shows how Socrates revolutionized the concept of philosophy, converting it from the study of Nature to the study of the human soul, the meaning of right and wrong, and the ends for which we ought to live. This is, in fact, the story of the whole creative period of Greek philosophy - the Ionian nature of science before Socrates, Socrates himself, and his chief followers, Plato and his pupil Aristotle. It tells of the different contributions each made, and shows how within three centuries the Greek tradition grew to maturity and the fullness of intellectual power.
Participation and Democratic Theory
Authors: Pateman Carole
Published: August 2014

Shows that current elitist theories are based on an inadequate understanding of the early writings of democratic theory and that much sociological evidence has been ignored.
History of the War in the Peninsula and in the South of France
Authors: Napier William Francis Patrick
Published: August 2014

Published between 1828 and 1840, Napier's History of the War in the Peninsula was a tremendously influential, if controversial, work. Napier had been actively involved in the campaigns, turning to history in peacetime, in part to refute Southey's account of Sir John Moore. The first volume had a mixed reception, getting both high praise and bitter criticism from participants in the wars. He published several works rebutting his critics while producing the later volumes. Because of his obvious lack of impartiality, modern military historians treat the work with caution, but it remains widely read in the many editions and abridgements subsequently produced. Volume 2 covers the period from the beginning of 1809 to the British retreat back to Portugal after the Battle of Talavera in July. Significant events include the departure of Napoleon to France, and Wellesley's return to Portugal as commander of the Anglo-Portuguese forces.
Slavery and Society at Rome
Authors: Bradley Keith
Published: August 2014

This book, first published in 1994, is concerned with discovering what it was like to be a slave in the classical Roman world, and with revealing the impact the institution of slavery made on Roman society at large. It shows how and in what sense Rome was a slave society through much of its history, considers how the Romans procured their slaves, discusses the work roles slaves fulfilled and the material conditions under which they spent their lives, investigates how slaves responded to and resisted slavery, and reveals how slavery, as an institution, became more and more oppressive over time under the impact of philosophical and religious teaching. The book stresses the harsh realities of life in slavery and the way in which slavery was an integral part of Roman civilisation.