bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil respiration in response to year‐to‐year variations in rainfall in a tropical seasonal forest in northern Thailand
Authors: Kume Tomonori , Tanaka Nobuaki , Yoshifuji Natsuko , Chatchai Tantasirin , Igarashi Yasunori , Suzuki Masakazu , Hashimoto Shoji
Published: February 2012

In a tropical deciduous forest in northern Thailand, an area affected by the Asian monsoon, we made soil respiration measurements for 4 years to determine their inter‐annual variability. We also made continuous measurements of soil moisture, soil temperature, and soil CO2 concentration. Annual soil respiration rates were estimated using two methods: multiple regression analysis and Fick's first law of diffusion. During the study period, between June 2000 and December 2004, the annual rainfall and the length of the wet period showed considerable year‐to‐year variation, differing by 1162–1435 mm year−1 falling over 146–189 days, respectively. In response to the inter‐annual variability in rainfall, annual soil respiration rates estimated by the two models also showed large inter‐annual variations for the 4 years (coefficient of variation = 14–17%). The range in the inter‐annual variation for soil respiration was comparable with values for net ecosystem exchange reported in other Southeast Asian tropical forests. Historical rainfall records at this site showed further large inter‐annual variations that occurred in times other than in the study period, suggesting that long‐term monitoring would be required for a better understanding of the C balance at this site. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immune Biosensor Based on the ISFETs for Express Determination of Salmonella typhimurium
Authors: Starodub Nickolaj F. , Ogorodnijchuk Julia O.
Published: February 2012

A new type of immune biosensor was proposed based on ISFET with CeOx instant of Si3N4 gate surface which promotes the sensitivity and stability of the analysis. This biosensor was used for the determination of Salmonella typhimurium in the model solution. It was demonstrated that the sensitivity of the analysis of salmonella was about 2–3 cells mL−1 with the maximal response up to 5×105 cells mL−1. The total time of the measurements can be reduced to 15–20 min if the transducer surface was previously prepared and if one part of the specific antibodies are immobilized on it and the other one labeled by horse radish peroxidase is added to the analyzed solution. Each chip may be reused up to 5 times without signal decreasing after its treatment by 0.1 M HCl for 5 min followed by washing with 5 mM phosphate buffer, pH 7.5. To immobilize immune components the transducer surface was preliminary treated by cystamine with sequential application of glutaraldehyde for covalent binding of Staphylococcal protein A which provides the next immobilization of the specific antibodies with orientation towards the solution.
Selective Voltammetric Analysis of o‐Diphenols from Olive Oil Using Na2MoO4 as Electrochemical Mediator
Authors: Del Carlo M. , Amine A. , Haddam M. , della Pelle F. , Fusella G. C. , Compagnone D.
Published: February 2012

The complexing ability of molybdate vs. o‐diphenols has been exploited for their selective electrochemical detection. Graphite screen printed and carbon paste electrodes have been evaluated as electrochemical transducers for the selective mediated detection of o‐diphenol compounds in the presence of Na2MoO4. Immobilization of the mediator onto the electrode surface has also been achieved using different types of single and multiwall carbon nanotubes. The best sensor in terms of selectivity, sensitivity and stability was the Mo‐MW‐CNT‐NH2 modified electrode. Using the mediator either in solution or immobilized, detection of o‐diphenols with linearity in the ppm range was achieved. An amperometric flow injection analysis set‐up was used to detect the o‐diphenolic content of phenolic extracts obtained from olive oil samples.
Evaluation of Rayleigh damping and its influence on engineering demand parameter estimates
Authors: Erduran Emrah
Published: February 2012

The effects of Rayleigh damping model on the engineering demand parameters of two steel moment‐resisting frame buildings were evaluated. Two‐dimensional models of the buildings were created and response history analysis were conducted for three different hazard levels. The response history analysis results indicate that mass‐proportional damping leads to high damping forces compared with restoring forces and may lead to overestimation of floor acceleration demands for both buildings. Stiffness‐proportional damping, on the other hand, is observed to suppress the higher‐mode effects in the nine‐story building resulting in lower story drift demands in the upper floors compared with other damping models. Rayleigh damping models, which combine mass‐proportional and stiffness‐proportional components, that are anchored at reduced modal frequencies lead to reasonable damping forces and floor acceleration demands for both buildings and does not suppress higher‐mode effects in the nine‐story building. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reflective Functioning in 70 Patients Suffering from Bulimia Nervosa
Authors: Pedersen Signe Holm , Lunn Susanne , Katznelson Hannah , Poulsen Stig
Published: February 2012

Objective

This study is the first to evaluate the reflective functioning abilities of patients suffering from bulimia nervosa (BN).

Method

Seventy patients fulfilling Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for BN were interviewed with the Adult Attachment Interview, which was subsequently coded for reflective functioning (RF).

Results

On average, the sample of patients suffering from BN had close to normal mentalizing abilities. However, the distribution of RF scores was significantly different from the distribution of RF in a non‐clinical control group, showing a more polarized pattern with more low and high RF scores.

Conclusion

The study indicates that the theory of mentalization may contribute to understanding BN. However, bulimic pathology may develop and be maintained despite good mentalizing abilities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Disturbance, geomorphic processes and recovery of wildfire slopes in North Tyrol
Authors: Sass Oliver , Heel Michael , Leistner Iris , Stöger Florence , Wetzel Karl‐Friedrich , Friedmann Arne
Published: February 2012

Wildfires in the sub‐alpine belt of the Austrian Limestone Alps sometimes cause severe vegetation and soil destruction with increased danger of secondary natural hazards such as avalanches and debris flows. Some of the affected areas remain degraded to rocky slopes even decades after the fire, raising the question as to whether the ecosystems will ever be able to recover. The mean fire interval, the duration of recovery and the role of geomorphic processes for vegetation regeneration are so far unknown. These questions were tackled in a broad research approach including investigation of historical archives to determine the frequency of historical wildfires, mapping vegetation regeneration on 20 slopes of different post‐fire ages, and soil erosion measurements on two slopes. To date, > 450 historical wildfires have been located in the study area. The mean fire interval per square kilometre is c. 750 years, but can be as low as 200–500 years on south‐facing slopes. Vegetation regeneration takes an extremely long time under unfavourable conditions; the typical window of disturbance is between 50 and 500 years, which is far longer than in any other wildfire study known to us. Soil erosion constantly increases in the years after the fires and the elevated intensity can be maintained for decades. A two‐part vegetation regeneration model is proposed depending upon the degree of soil loss. In the case of moderate soil erosion, spreading grassland communities can slow down shrub re‐colonization. In contrast, after severe soil destruction the slopes may remain degraded for a century or longer, before rather rapid regeneration occurs. The reasons are not fully understood but are probably governed by geomorphic process intensity. The interdependence of vegetation regeneration and geomorphic processes is a paradigm of ecology–geomorphology interaction, and is a unique example of a very long‐lasting disturbance response caused by wildfire in a non‐resilient ecosystem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
European Neolithization and Ancient DNA: An Assessment
Authors: Deguilloux Marie‐France , Leahy Rachael , Pemonge Marie‐Hélène , Rottier Stéphane
Published: February 2012

Neolithic processes underlying the distribution of genetic diversity among European populations have been the subject of intense debate since the first genetic data became available. However, patterns observed in the current European gene pool are the outcome of Paleolithic and Neolithic processes, overlaid with four millennia of further developments. This observation encouraged paleogeneticists to contribute to the debate by directly comparing genetic variation from the ancient inhabitants of Europe to their contemporary counterparts. Pre‐Neolithic and Neolithic paleogenetic data are becoming increasingly available for north and northwest European populations. Despite the numerous problems inherent in the paleogenetic approach, the accumulation of ancient DNA datasets offers new perspectives from which to interpret the interactions between hunter‐gatherer and farming communities. In light of information emerging from diverse disciplines, including recent paleogenetic studies, the most plausible model explaining the movement of Neolithic pioneer groups in central Europe is that of leapfrog migration.
The microRNAs, MiR‐31 and MiR‐375, as candidate markers in Barrett's esophageal carcinogenesis
Authors: Leidner Rom S. , Ravi Lakshmeswari , Leahy Patrick , Chen Yanwen , Bednarchik Beth , Streppel Mirte , Canto Marcia , S.Wang Jean , Maitra Anirban , Willis Joseph , Markowitz Sanford D. , Barnholtz‐Sloan Jill , Adams Mark D. , Chak Amitabh , Guda Kishore
Published: February 2012

There is a critical need to identify molecular markers that can reliably aid in stratifying esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) risk in patients with Barrett's esophagus. MicroRNAs (miRNA/miR) are one such class of biomolecules. In the present cross‐sectional study, we characterized miRNA alterations in progressive stages of neoplastic development, i.e., metaplasia–dysplasia–adenocarcinoma, with an aim to identify candidate miRNAs potentially associated with progression. Using next generation sequencing (NGS) as an agnostic discovery platform, followed by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) validation in a total of 20 EACs, we identified 26 miRNAs that are highly and frequently deregulated in EACs (≥4‐fold in >50% of cases) when compared to paired normal esophageal squamous (nSQ) tissue. We then assessed the 26 EAC‐derived miRNAs in laser microdissected biopsy pairs of Barrett's metaplasia (BM)/nSQ (n = 15), and high‐grade dysplasia (HGD)/nSQ (n = 14) by qPCR, to map the timing of deregulation during progression from BM to HGD and to EAC. We found that 23 of the 26 candidate miRNAs were deregulated at the earliest step, BM, and therefore noninformative as molecular markers of progression. Two miRNAs, miR‐31 and −31*, however, showed frequent downregulation only in HGD and EAC cases suggesting association with transition from BM to HGD. A third miRNA, miR‐375, showed marked downregulation exclusively in EACs and in none of the BM or HGD lesions, suggesting its association with progression to invasive carcinoma. Taken together, we propose miR‐31 and −375 as novel candidate microRNAs specifically associated with early‐ and late‐stage malignant progression, respectively, in Barrett's esophagus. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SETTING PAY FOR PERFORMANCE TARGETS: DO POOR PERFORMERS GIVE UP?
Authors: Dowd Bryan , Feldman Roger , Nersesian WILLIAM
Published: February 2012

We examine the effect of a health plan's pay for performance incentives on the percentage of outpatient drug prescriptions that are filled with generic rather than brand‐name drugs in physicians' practices in an established physician network – the generic prescription rate (GPR). The financial reward was based on the performance of the entire network, but the network implemented rewards at the practice level. Practice‐level rewards were awarded on an all‐or‐nothing basis if the GPR met or exceeded specialty‐specific targets that increased each year. Although that design gave the practices a strong incentive to meet the target, practices performing far below the target might ‘give up’, costing the network its reward. Using a partial adjustment model, we estimate that in the absence of pay for performance, the average equilibrium value of GPR was 58.3%. We estimate that GPR would be maximized if the target were set at 77%. The GPR‐maximizing target would induce an improvement in average GPR from 58.3% to 65.8% or 7.5 percentage points. When the target is set above 80%, practices with equilibrium GPR below 58.3% will ‘give up’ in the sense that they will not improve relative to their equilibrium value. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Love Hurts (in More Ways Than One): Specificity of Psychological Symptoms as Predictors and Consequences of Romantic Activity Among Early Adolescent Girls
Authors: Starr Lisa R. , Davila Joanne , Stroud Catherine B. , Clara Li Po Ching , Yoneda Athena , Hershenberg Rachel , Ramsay Miller Melissa
Published: February 2012

Objective

Research has linked adolescent romantic and sexual activities to depressive symptoms. The current study examines whether such activities are uniquely linked to depressive symptoms versus symptoms of other disorders (including anxiety, externalizing, and eating disorders), and whether co‐occurring symptoms more precisely account for the association between depressive symptoms and romantic involvement.

Method

Early adolescent girls (N = 83; mean age = 13.45) participated in baseline and 1‐year follow up data collection.

Results

Romantic (i.e., dating and sexual) activities were longitudinally related to numerous types of symptoms. The association between depressive symptoms and romantic variables remained when considering co‐occurring symptoms. Girls with more comorbid disorders reported more romantic activities.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the maladaptive consequences and precipitants of adolescent romantic activities extend beyond depression, but also imply that this association is not secondary to comorbid symptoms. Future work should clarify causal pathways.
Student Ratings of Selection Factors for PsyD Programs
Authors: Dornfeld Mitchell D. , Green-Hennessy Sharon , Lating Jeffrey , Kirkhart Matthew
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To explore which factors doctor of psychology (PsyD) students feel are important to consider when selecting a PsyD program.

Design

This article analyzes the survey responses of 394 enrolled PsyD students and 17 directors of clinical training (DCTs), in which the respondents rated the importance of 18 factors in program selection to understand what qualities PsyD students and DCTs value in a PsyD program. Students were also asked to assess how their program fared on the same 18 dimensions.

Results

Results indicated that participants rated the program's structure, tone, and reputed quality of training as the most important factors in program selection (M's of 4.13 to 4.54 on a 5‐point scale). Additionally, students rated their current program as high in quality on the same factors that they felt were most important in program selection (r's ranging from .15 to .37).

Conclusions

PsyD students rated a program's structure, tone, and reputation as particularly important factors to consider in selecting a program. Students' quality ratings were used to determine the top 5 programs for each of the factors assessed in the study.
Appearing Anxious Leads to Negative Judgments by Others
Authors: Gee Bethany A. , Antony Martin M. , Koerner Naomi , Aiken Audrey
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To investigate people's perceptions of anxiety symptoms and the disclosure of anxiety by others, and how one's own level of social anxiety affects these perceptions.

Design

Undergraduate students and community members high (n = 83) and low (n = 80) in social anxiety, as measured by the Social Interaction Anxiety Scale (SIAS; Mattick & Clark, 1998), were randomly assigned to watch 1 of 4 videos in which the target individual either appeared or did not appear anxious, and either disclosed or did not disclose her anxiety. Participants rated the target individual on various characteristics on which socially anxious individuals often fear being judged, and completed measures of their own level of social anxiety, perceived similarity to the target individual, and reasons for their ratings.

Results

Participants negatively evaluated others who looked anxious on qualities related to awkwardness, social skills, and weakness, and the disclosure of anxiety was associated with fewer negative judgments. Participants’ own levels of social anxiety were not related to their judgments.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence that the concerns held by socially anxious individuals that others will judge them negatively based on their signs of anxiety is accurate to a degree. These findings might inform the process of cognitive restructuring for social anxiety.
Naturalistic Changes in Subjective Distress Outside of Therapy
Authors: Swift Joshua K. , Callahan Jennifer L. , Herbert Gregory L. , Heath Christopher J.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To establish the effectiveness or efficacy of psychological interventions, it is important to understand the nature of changes that occur in the absence of therapy.

Design

In this study, clinically distressed college students from 2 universities (n = 228) completed the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ)‐45.2 on a weekly basis throughout a single semester.

Results

Although 56.6% of the sample made no change or deteriorated, 43.4% made a reliable improvement. Change status was predicted by previous therapy experience and length of study participation. Multilevel growth modeling also indicated that participants’ OQ‐45.2 scores decreased over time (following a cubic trend) and the amount of decrease was associated with Time 1 OQ‐45.2 scores.

Conclusions

Limitations of the study and further implications for treatment outcome research are discussed.
Depression and Anxiety Among Coronary Heart Disease Patients: Can Affect Dimensions and Theory Inform Diagnostic Disorder‐Based Screening?
Authors: Tully Phillip J. , Penninx Brenda W.
Published: February 2012

Objectives

To examine the association between low positive affect, somatic anxiety and general distress with affective disorders, anxious misery, and visceral fear among coronary heart disease patients.

Participants

Patients awaiting a coronary revascularization procedure (N = 158; 20.9% female; median age = 65, interquartile range 58–73) underwent structured interview with the Mini‐International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Patients completed a brief version of the Mood and Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (i.e., Anxiety Depression Distress Inventory‐27) and a measure of Type D personality.

Results

Somatic anxiety scores yielded an area under the curve (AUC) = .784 and 75.0% sensitivity and 68.5% specificity in relation to panic disorder. Low positive affect yielded AUC = .811 and 70.4% sensitivity and 77.1% specificity for major depression. General distress yielded AUC = .795 and 75.0% sensitivity and 72.5% specificity for generalized anxiety disorder. No affective dimension was optimally associated with the anxious misery or visceral fear cluster. Trait negative affect was not a suitable screener for any disorder.

Conclusions

The Anxiety Depression Distress Inventory‐27 dimensions of low positive affect and somatic anxiety provided optimal detection of depression and panic disorder, respectively, as hypothesized, supporting discriminant validity.
PI3K‐independent AKT activation in cancers: A treasure trove for novel therapeutics
Authors: Mahajan Kiran , Mahajan Nupam P.
Published: February 2012

AKT/PKB serine threonine kinase, a critical signaling molecule promoting cell growth and survival pathways, is frequently dysregulated in many cancers. Although phosphatidylinositol‐3‐OH kinase (PI3K), a lipid kinase, is well characterized as a major regulator of AKT activation in response to a variety of ligands, recent studies highlight a diverse group of tyrosine (Ack1/TNK2, Src, PTK6) and serine/threonine (TBK1, IKBKE, DNAPKcs) kinases that activate AKT directly to promote its pro‐proliferative signaling functions. While some of these alternate AKT activating kinases respond to growth factors, others respond to inflammatory and genotoxic stimuli. A common theme emerging from these studies is that aberrant or hyperactivation of these alternate kinases is often associated with malignancy. Consequently, evaluating the use of small molecular inhibitors against these alternate AKT activating kinases at earlier stages of cancer therapy may overcome the pressing problem of drug resistance surfacing especially in patients treated with PI3K inhibitors. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3178–3184, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CIZ/NMP4 is expressed in B16 melanoma and forms a positive feedback loop with RANKL to promote migration of the melanoma cells
Authors: Sakuma Tomomi , Nakamoto Tetsuya , Hemmi Hiroaki , Kitazawa Sohei , Kitazawa Riko , Notomi Takuya , Hayata Tadayoshi , Ezura Yoichi , Amagasa Teruo , Noda Masaki
Published: February 2012

Tumor metastasis to bone is a serious pathological situation that causes severe pain, and deterioration in locomoter function. However, the mechanisms underlying tumor metastasis is still incompletely understood. CIZ/NMP4 is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein and its roles in tumor cells have not been known. We, therefore, hypothesized the role of CIZ/NMP4 in B16 melanoma cells that metastasize to bone. CIZ/NMP4 is expressed in B16 cells. The CIZ/NMP4 expression levels are correlated to the metastatic activity in divergent types of melanoma cells. Overexpression of CIZ/NMP4 increased B16 cell migration in Trans‐well assay. Conversely, siRNA‐based knockdown of CIZ/NMP4 suppressed migratory activity of these cells. As RANKL promotes metastasis of tumor cells in bone, we tested its effect on CIZ in melanoma cells. RANKL treatment enhanced CIZ/NMP4 expression. This increase of CIZ by RANKL promoted migration. Conversely, we identified CIZ/NMP4 binding site in the promoter of RANKL. Furthermore, luciferase assay indicated that CIZ/NMP4 overexpression enhanced RANKL promoter activities, revealing a positive feedback loop of CIZ/NMP4 and RANKL in melanoma. These observations indicate that CIZ/NMP4 is critical regulator of metastasis of melanoma cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 2807–2812, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gadd45a and Gadd45b modulate innate immune functions of granulocytes and macrophages by differential regulation of p38 and JNK signaling
Authors: Salerno Dominic M. , Tront Jennifer S. , Hoffman Barbara , Liebermann Dan A.
Published: February 2012

Gadd45 proteins function as stress sensors in response to various physiological and environmental stressors, interacting with other cellular proteins implicated in cellular stress responses, including p38 and JNK. This study shows that mice lacking either Gadd45a or Gadd45b are defective in the recruitment of granulocytes and macrophages to the intra‐peritoneal cavity following intra‐peritoneal administration of the bacterial cell wall pathogen‐associated molecular pattern lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Bone marrow derived granulocytes and macrophages lacking either Gadd45a or Gadd45b are shown to be impaired in their chemotactic response to LPS, as well as other inflammatory stimuli such as N‐formyl‐methionine–leucine–phenylalanine and IL‐8. Evidence was obtained also implicating Gadd45a and Gadd45b in other myeloid innate immune functions, including reactive oxygen species production, phagocytosis, and adhesion. Gadd45a and Gadd45b activation of p38 kinase was implicated in the response of granulocytes to LPS mediated chemotaxis, whereas Gadd45a and Gadd45b curtailment of JNK activation was linked to chemotaxis of macrophages in response to LPS. Collectively, these data highlight a novel role for both Gadd45a and Gadd45b in myeloid innate immune functions by differential modulation of p38 and JNK signaling in granulocytes compared to macrophages. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3613–3620, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biofiltration of a styrene/acetone vapor mixture in two reactor types under conditions of acetone overloading
Authors: Paca Jan , Halecky Martin , Novak Vratislav , Jones Kim , Kozliak Evguenii
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the biodegradation interactions between styrene and acetone, two typical paint solvents and vapor phase pollutants differing in water solubility and biodegradability, was conducted both in a trickle bed reactor (TBR) and a biofilter (BF). The loading rate experiments were performed by increasing the acetone concentration in the inlet air while keeping the styrene concentration and loading rate constant.

RESULTS: At acetone loading rates (OLAC) between 25 and 35 gc m−3 h−1, the BF featured greater steady state performance characteristics for styrene degradation. At OLAC between 35 and 48 gc m−3 h−1, a decline of removal efficiency (RE) was observed for both pollutants, due to the system's overloading with acetone. Increasing OLAC above 52‐55 gc m−3 h−1 in both reactors resulted in drifts of RE and EC over time to much lower values. A step‐drop of acetone loading rate back to OLAC of 3 gc m−3 h−1 (gc denotes grams of carbon) resulted in lag periods lasting for several hours.

CONCLUSIONS: Two important issues inherent for acetone biofiltration, e.g., from paint booths or polystyrene production, were identified: (1) poor performance at high loadings of this aggressive solvent and (2) acetone back‐stripping into the air following periods of high overloading. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Rapid, effective, and long‐lasting behavioral recovery produced by microsutures, methylene blue, and polyethylene glycol after completely cutting rat sciatic nerves
Authors: Bittner G.D. , Keating C.P. , Kane J.R. , Britt J.M. , Spaeth C.S. , Fan J.D. , Zuzek A. , Wilcott R.W. , Thayer W.P. , Winograd J.M. , Gonzalez‐Lima F. , Schallert T.
Published: February 2012

Behavioral function lost in mammals (including humans) after peripheral nerve severance is slowly (weeks to years) and often poorly restored by 1–2‐mm/day, nonspecifically directed outgrowths from proximal axonal stumps. To survive, proximal stumps must quickly repair (seal) plasmalemmal damage. We report that, after complete cut‐ or crush‐severance of rat sciatic nerves, morphological continuity, action potential conduction, and behavioral functions can be consistently (>98% of trials), rapidly (minutes to days), dramatically (70–85% recovery), and chronically restored and some Wallerian degeneration prevented. We assess axoplasmic and axolemmal continuity by intra‐axonal dye diffusion and action potential conduction across the lesion site and amount of behavioral recovery by Sciatic Functional Index and Foot Fault tests. We apply well‐specified sequences of solutions containing FDA‐approved chemicals. First, severed axonal ends are opened and resealing is prevented by hypotonic Ca2+‐free saline containing antioxidants (especially methylene blue) that inhibit plasmalemmal sealing in sciatic nerves in vivo, ex vivo, and in rat B104 hippocampal cells in vitro. Second, a hypotonic solution of polyethylene glycol (PEG) is applied to open closely apposed (by microsutures, if cut) axonal ends to induce their membranes to flow rapidly into each other (PEG‐fusion), consistent with data showing that PEG rapidly seals (PEG‐seals) transected neurites of B104 cells, independently of any known endogenous sealing mechanism. Third, Ca2+‐containing isotonic saline is applied to induce sealing of any remaining plasmalemmal holes by Ca2+‐induced accumulation and fusion of vesicles. These and other data suggest that PEG‐sealing is neuroprotective, and our PEG‐fusion protocols that repair cut‐ and crush‐severed rat nerves might rapidly translate to clinical procedures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
To reflect or not to reflect: Prior team performance as a boundary condition of the effects of reflexivity on learning and final team performance
Authors: Schippers Michaéla C. , Homan Astrid C. , van Knippenberg Daan
Published: February 2012

A small but growing body of literature adds to our understanding of the role of team reflexivity (i.e., reflecting upon team functioning) in predicting team performance. Although many studies conclude that reflexivity is an asset for teams, the contingencies of team reflexivity have received far less research attention. In this respect, we argue that team reflexivity may be especially helpful for teams with relatively low performance. Teams that are reflexive tend to learn from previous mistakes, errors, and group processes, which in turn will improve the performance of the team. We propose that this relationship will most likely positively affect learning and final team performance under conditions of relatively poor prior performance. When a team is doing relatively well, the relationship between reflexivity and final team performance will be less clear, as reflexivity and learning is less needed. In a longitudinal study (N = 73 teams), we found support for this idea. As predicted, results indicated that this interaction between team reflexivity and initial team performance on future performance was mediated by team learning. We outline how these findings are important for our understanding of the contingencies of team reflexivity and team performance dynamics. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjuvant treatment of early colon cancer with micrometastases: Results of a national survey
Authors: Short Scott S. , Stojadinovic Alexander , Nissan Aviram , Wainberg Zev , Dhall Deepti , Yao Kathy , Bilchik Anton
Published: February 2012

Background and Objectives

Optimal adjuvant treatment for patients with Stage I/II colon cancer with micrometastases (MM) is unknown. Because there is no known adjuvant treatment‐related benefit, we evaluated whether MM influenced treatment decisions.

Method

Review of a national survey from members of the SSO and ASCO.

Results

Of 602 survey responses, 305 (51%) stated that MM had significant prognostic value, 250 (42%) were unsure, and 47 (7%) did not believe that MM held prognostic value. Three hundred seventy‐four (63%) would offer adjuvant therapy in the setting of MM, while 222 (37%) would not. Only 15% routinely performed IHC on lymph nodes. Medical oncologists were more likely to recommend adjuvant therapy compared to surgical oncologists (68% vs. 51%, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

MM in colon cancer apparently influenced adjuvant treatment decisions absent known prognostic benefit. Prospective trials are needed to improve the selection of patients for systemic chemotherapy in early, node‐negative colon cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:119–122. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Low‐Power Upconversion in Dye‐Doped Polymer Nanoparticles
Authors: Simon Yoan C. , Bai Shuo , Sing Michelle K. , Dietsch Hervé , Achermann Marc , Weder Christoph
Published: February 2012

Examples of nanoscale low‐power upconverting systems are rapidly increasing because of their potential application in numerous areas such as bioimaging or drug delivery. The fabrication of dye‐doped cross‐linked rubbery nanoparticles that exhibit upconversion even at relatively low power densities is reported here. The nanoparticles were prepared by surfactant‐free emulsion polymerization of n‐butylacrylate with divinylbenzene as a cross‐linker, followed by dyeing of the resulting particles with a two‐chromophore system composed of a palladium porphyrin sensitizer, and diphenylanthracene. Blue emission (≈440 nm) of these systems was observed upon excitation at 532 nm. In addition to their optical properties, the particles were characterized by electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering.
XatA, an AT‐1 autotransporter important for the virulence of Xylella fastidiosa Temecula1
Authors: Matsumoto Ayumi , Huston Sherry L. , Killiny Nabil , Igo Michele M.
Published: February 2012

Xylella fastidiosa Temecula1 is the causative agent of Pierce's disease of grapevine, which is spread by xylem‐feeding insects. An important feature of the infection cycle is the ability of X. fastidiosa to colonize and interact with two distinct environments, the xylem of susceptible plants and the insect foregut. Here, we describe our characterization of XatA, the X. fastidiosa autotransporter protein encoded by PD0528. XatA, which is classified as an AT‐1 (classical) autotransporter, has a C‐terminal β‐barrel domain and a passenger domain composed of six tandem repeats of approximately 50 amino acids. Localization studies indicate that XatA is present in both the outer membrane and membrane vesicles and its passenger domain can be found in the supernatant. Moreover, XatA is important for X. fastidiosa autoaggregation and biofilm formation based on mutational analysis and the discovery that Escherichia coli expressing XatA acquire these traits. The xatA mutant also shows a significant decrease in Pierce's disease symptoms when inoculated into grapevines. Finally, X. fastidiosa homologs to XatA, which can be divided into three distinct groups based on synteny, form a single, well‐supported clade, suggesting that they arose from a common ancestor.
An approach to the modeling of viscoelastic damage. Application to the long‐term creep of gypsum rock materials
Authors: Nedjar B. , Le Roy R.
Published: February 2012

A three‐dimensional phenomenological model is developed to describe the long‐term creep of gypsum rock materials. The approach is based on the framework of continuum damage mechanics where coupling with viscoelasticity is adopted. Specifically, a local damage model based on the concept of yield surface is proposed and deeply investigated. Among the many possibilities, we choose in this work its coupling with a generalized Kelvin–Voigt rheological model to formulate the whole behavior. Long‐term as well as short‐term relaxation processes can be integrated in the model by means of as many as necessary viscoelastic processes. The numerical discretization is described for an easy integration within a finite element procedure. Finally, a set of numerical simulations is given to show the possibilities of the presented model. It shows good agreement with some experimental results found in the literature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploitation of symmetry in graphs with applications to finite and boundary elements analysis
Authors: Koohestani K.
Published: February 2012

We present explicit and parametric forms of transformation matrices for three well‐known and widely used symmetry groups: S2, C2v and C4v. Group representation theory is the most powerful method for exploiting symmetry. We propose an efficient algorithm for systematic generation of reducible representations that can be combined linearly to obtain the projection operators. The exact column spaces of these projection operators are calculated and integrated through special orderings, leading to exact explicit and parametric forms of transformation matrices. The transformation matrices could be used directly for block diagonalization of single‐variable scalar field problems. Another algorithm is proposed to extend the application of the method to nonscalar and multivariable field problems. Finally, the generality and efficiency of the proposed method in relation to computation times and the accuracy of results are illustrated through examples from spectral decomposition, free vibration, buckling of FEMs and boundary element analysis of a symmetric field. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A recovery‐based error estimator for finite volume methods of interface problems: Conforming linear elements
Authors: Mu Lin , Jari Rabeea , Conner Loralyn
Published: February 2012

In this article, we present a recovery‐based a posteriori error estimator for finite volume methods which use the conforming linear trial functions to approximate elliptic interface problems. The reliability and efficiency bounds for the error estimator are established by recovering the flux from a weighted L2 projection to H(div) conforming finite element spaces. Numerical experiments are given to support the conclusions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2013
Capillary flow of low‐density polyethylene
Authors: Ansari Mahmoud , Zisis Thanasis , Hatzikiriakos Savvas G. , Mitsoulis Evan
Published: February 2012

The capillary flow of a commercial low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) melt was studied both experimentally and numerically. The excess pressure drop due to entry (Bagley correction), the compressibility, the effect of pressure on viscosity, and the possible slip effects on the capillary data analysis have been examined. Using a series of capillary dies having different diameters,D, and length‐to‐diameterL/Dratios, a full rheological characterization has been carried out, and the experimental data have been fitted both with a viscous model (Carreau‐Yasuda) and a viscoelastic one (the Kaye—Bernstein, Kearsley, Zapas/Papanastasiou, Scriven, Macosko, or K‐BKZ/PSM model). Particular emphasis has been given on the pressure‐dependence of viscosity, with a pressure‐dependent coefficient βp. For the viscous model, the viscosity is a function of both temperature and pressure. For the viscoelastic K‐BKZ model, the time‐temperature shifting concept has been used for the non‐isothermal calculations, while the time–pressure shifting concept has been used to shift the relaxation moduli for the pressure‐dependence effect. It was found that only the viscoelastic simulations were capable of reproducing the experimental data well, while any viscous modeling always underestimates the pressures, especially at the higher apparent shear rates andL/Dratios. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
From poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) triblock copolymer to poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) hydrogels: Synthesis and rapid deswelling and reswelling behavior of hydrogels
Authors: Zheng Qinqin , Zheng Sixun
Published: February 2012

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm‐b‐PEO‐b‐PNIPAAm) triblock copolymer was synthesized via the reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer/macromolecular design via the interchange of xanthate (RAFT/MADIX) process with xanthate‐terminated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) as the macromolecular chain transfer agent. The successful synthesis of the ABA triblock copolymer inspired the preparation of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PNIPAAm‐b‐PEO) copolymer networks with N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as the crosslinking agent with the similar approach. With the RAFT/MADIX process, PEO chains were successfully blocked into poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) networks. The unique architecture of PNIPAAm‐b‐PEO networks allows investigating the effect of the blocked PEO chains on the deswelling and reswelling behavior of PNIPAAm hydrogels. It was found that with the inclusion of PEO chains into the PNIPAAm networks as midblocks, the swelling ratios of the hydrogels were significantly enhanced. Furthermore, the PNIPAAm‐b‐PEO hydrogels displayed faster response to the external temperature changes than the control PNIPAAm hydrogel. The accelerated deswelling and reswelling behaviors have been interpreted based on the formation of PEO microdomains in the PNIPAAm networks, which could act as the hydrophilic tunnels to facilitate the diffusion of water molecules in the PNIPAAm networks. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Development of near‐isogenic lines and identification of markers linked to auxinic herbicide resistance in wild mustard (Sinapis arvensis L.)
Authors: Mithila Jugulam , McLean Michael D , Chen Shu , Christopher Hall John
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND: Auxinic herbicides are widely used for selective control of many broadleaf weeds, e.g. wild mustard. An auxinic‐herbicide‐resistant wild mustard biotype may offer an excellent model system to elucidate the mechanism of action of these herbicides. Classical genetic analyses demonstrate that the wild mustard auxinic herbicide resistance is determined by a single dominant gene. Availability of near‐isogenic lines (NILs) of wild mustard with auxinic herbicide resistance (R) and herbicide susceptibility (S) will help to study the fitness penalty as well as the precise characterization of this gene.

RESULTS: Eight generations of backcrosses were performed, and homozygous auxinic‐herbicide‐resistant and auxinic‐herbicide‐susceptible NILs were identified from BC8F3 families. S plants produced significantly more biomass and seed compared with R plants, suggesting that wild mustard auxinic herbicide resistance may result in fitness reduction. It was also found that the serrated margin of the first true leaf was closely linked to auxinic herbicide resistance. Using the introgressed progeny, molecular markers linked to auxinic herbicide resistance were identified, and a genetic map was constructed.

CONCLUSION: The fitness penalty associated with the auxinic herbicide resistance gene may explain the relatively slow occurrence and spread of auxinic‐herbicide‐resistant weeds. The detection of the closely linked markers should hasten the identification and characterization of this gene. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Photoluminescence properties of selectively grown InN microcrystals
Authors: Kamimura Jumpei , Kishino Katsumi , Kikuchi Akihiko
Published: February 2012

We investigated the photoluminescence (PL) properties of regularly arranged N‐polar InN microcrystals with m ‐plane sidewall facets. We observed narrow PL emission at 0.678 eV with a linewidth of ∼14 meV at 4 K and a clear band‐filling effect with increasing excitation power. We also observed a normal red shift of the PL peak energy as large as 51 meV (∼150 nm) with increasing temperature from 4 to 300 K, similar to that observed for non‐degenerated semiconductors. The integrated PL intensity ratio I300K/I4K was measured to be 6.1%. These results indicate that InN microcrystals have a low residual carrier density and excellent optical properties without being adversely affected by surface electron accumulation, despite their relatively high surface area. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tunneling magnetoresistance and electroresistance properties of composite‐barrier ferroelectric tunnel junctions
Authors: Petraru A. , Soni R. , Kohlstedt H.
Published: February 2012

The multiferroic properties of ferroelectric tunnel junctions with a composite barrier comprising a fully epitaxial La0.7Sr0.3MnO3/BaTiO3/SrTiO3/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 heterostructure are reported in this study. The patterned junctions having extended top electrodes show tunnel magnetoresistance ratios ranging from 20% to 110% at 77 K. Furthermore, tunneling electroresistance – induced by ferroelectric polarization switching and showing two‐state memory effect in the dynamic resistance – has also been observed in these junctions. Thus, with the concurrence of tunneling electroresistance and magnetoresistance, these tunnel junctions serve as memory devices with four resistance states. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Axel and DuAxel rovers for the sustainable exploration of extreme terrains
Authors: Nesnas Issa A.D. , Matthews Jaret B. , Abad‐Manterola Pablo , Burdick Joel W. , Edlund Jeffrey A. , Morrison Jack C. , Peters Robert D. , Tanner Melissa M. , Miyake Robert N. , Solish Benjamin S. , Anderson Robert C.
Published: February 2012

Some of the most appealing science targets for future exploration missions in our solar system lie in terrains that are inaccessible to state‐of‐the‐art rover technology. This paper discusses the challenges and constraints of designing a robotic explorer for these “extreme'' terrains and then examines the trade‐offs among different mobility architectures. To address many of these challenges, we have developed the Axel family of rovers. The Axel rover is a two‐wheeled tethered robot capable of rappelling down steep slopes and traversing rocky terrain. The DuAxel rover, which is a four‐wheeled vehicle formed from two Axel rovers, provides untethered mobility to get to extreme terrains. We describe the basic design principles of these rovers and review our efforts to implement the key features of the Axel concept. Limitations found during experiments with prior Axel rover prototypes led to the design of a third‐generation Axel rover. We describe the features of this new rover and then present a thermal analysis conducted to assess the feasibility of exploring lunar cold traps, which are expected to have a temperature range of 40 to 70 K. We conclude the paper with results showcasing Axel and DuAxel's extreme‐terrain performance as evaluated during two recent field tests in a steeply sloped Southern California rock quarry and at a location in Arizona that closely resembles rugged Martian terrain. We also summarize lessons learned during the Axel development program. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
General joint frailty model for recurrent event data with a dependent terminal event: Application to follicular lymphoma data
Authors: Mazroui Yassin , Mathoulin‐Pelissier Simone , Soubeyran Pierre , Rondeau Virginie
Published: February 2012

Many biomedical studies focus on delaying disease relapses and on prolonging survival. Usual methods only consider one event, often the first recurrence or death. However, ignoring the other recurrences may lead to biased results. The whole history of the disease should be considered for each patient. In addition, some diseases involve recurrences that can increase the risk of death. In this case, the death time may be dependent on the recurrent event history. We propose a joint frailty model to analyze recurrences and death simultaneously. Two gamma‐distributed frailties take into account both the inter‐recurrences dependence and the dependence between the recurrences and the survival times. We estimate separate parameters for disease recurrent event times and survival times in the joint frailty model to distinguish treatment effects and prognostic factors on these two types of events. We show how maximum penalized likelihood estimation can be applied to semiparametric estimation of the continuous hazard functions in the proposed joint frailty model with right censoring. We also propose parametrical approach. We evaluate the model by simulation studies and illustrate through a study of patients with follicular lymphoma. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.