bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spinal toll‐like receptor 4‐mediated signalling pathway contributes to visceral hypersensitivity induced by neonatal colonic irritation in rats
Authors: Chen Z‐Y. , Zhang X‐W. , Yu L. , Hua R. , Zhao X‐P. , Qin X. , Zhang Y‐M.
Published: May 2014

Background

Although visceral hypersensitivity is a major pathophysiological feature of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a critical pattern recognition molecule of the innate immune system. In this study, we investigated whether the TLR4/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) signalling pathway in the spinal cord contributed to the visceral hypersensitivity induced by neonatal colonic irritation (CI) in rats.

Methods

The Sprague‐Dawley rat model of IBS was induced by colon irritation on post‐natal day (PND) 8, PND10 and PND12. Experiments were conducted in adult rats. TLR4 mRNA and protein, and its downstream signalling molecules, MyD88, inhibitory nuclear factor‐kappa B (IκB) and NF‐κB protein expressions in L2‐S4 spinal segments were detected by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction as well as Western blotting. TLR4 co‐localization was determined by immunohistochemistry. Levels of tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

We found that neonatal CI treatment induced long‐lasting visceral hypersensitivity without identifiable structural abnormalities in descending colons of adult rats. Neonatal CI treatment evoked a significant up‐regulation of the expressions of TLR4 in glia, MyD88, p‐IκB‐α and NF‐κB in adult rats. Neonatal CI treatment also increased the levels of its downstream inflammatory agents TNF‐α and IL‐1β in the L2–S4 regions of the spinal cord of adult rats.

Conclusions

These results suggest that neonatal CI stimulates the production of IL‐1β and TNF‐α through the TLR4/MyD88/NF‐κB signalling pathway in the spinal cord, which contributed to visceral hypersensitivity induced by neonatal CI in rats.
Vaccines for the 21st century
Authors: Delany Isabel , Rappuoli Rino , De Gregorio Ennio
Published: May 2014

In the last century, vaccination has been the most effective medical intervention to reduce death and morbidity caused by infectious diseases. It is believed that vaccines save at least 2–3 million lives per year worldwide. Smallpox has been eradicated and polio has almost disappeared worldwide through global vaccine campaigns. Most of the viral and bacterial infections that traditionally affected children have been drastically reduced thanks to national immunization programs in developed countries. However, many diseases are not yet preventable by vaccination, and vaccines have not been fully exploited for target populations such as elderly and pregnant women. This review focuses on the state of the art of recent clinical trials of vaccines for major unmet medical needs such as HIV, malaria, TB, and cancer. In addition, we describe the innovative technologies currently used in vaccine research and development including adjuvants, vectors, nucleic acid vaccines, and structure‐based antigen design. The hope is that thanks to these technologies, more diseases will be addressed in the 21st century by novel preventative and therapeutic vaccines.
Coexistence of FTTC and FTTDp network architectures in different VDSL2 scenarios
Authors: Mazzenga F. , Petracca M. , Vatalaro F. , Giuliano R. , Ciccarella G.
Published: May 2014

Very high speed Digital Subscriber Line type 2 (VDSL2) systems can achieve significant bit rate values depending on the access network architecture and how far‐end crosstalk (FEXT) interference suppression is implemented. The so‐called vectoring technology recently became an implementation reality. It was introduced to dynamically suppress ‘self‐FEXT’ in a cable of twisted pairs on both downstream (DS) and upstream (US) signals. In the DS direction, crosstalk pre‐compensation precedes modulation, and in the US cancellation follows demodulation. However, vectoring allows to effectively eliminate crosstalk if lines belong to the same vectored group. When this condition is not satisfied, in general, even very few uncontrolled interferers can cause significant performance degradation. In this paper, we evaluate by simulation the VDSL2 performance in scenarios of coexistence between Fibre‐To‐The‐Cabinet (FTTC) with vectoring and Fibre‐To‐The‐Distribution point (FTTDp) architectures. We consider two different combinations of VDSL2 band plans assigned to the FTTC and FTTDp networks. We analyse VDSL2 performance in both cases of absence of spectrum management and implementation of the Downstream Power Back‐Off (DPBO) technique. We also study the throughput trade‐off between the two VDSL2 systems due to DPBO. Results show that, to protect VDSL2 FTTC systems, DPBO must be configured on VDSL2 FTTDp, whereas the investment required to bring the optical fibre to the distribution point could be justified by the improved performance achievable with the FTTDp architecture, even with the VDSL2 band profiles currently used. The presented coexistence analysis can be useful with reference to the G.fast spectrum allocations currently under definition. © 2014 The Authors. Transactions on Emerging Telecommunications Technologies published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of Multicyclic Heterocycles Initiated by C–H Bond Activation Along with “Rollover” Using a Rh(III) Catalyst
Authors: Shibata Takanori , Takayasu Satoshi
Published: May 2014

Various multicyclic heterocycles were synthesized via “rollover” as the key pathway using a Rh(III) catalyst with a catalytic amount of sodium pivalate or copper(II) acetate. 3‐Alkynyl‐2‐heteroarylpyridines were transformed into tri‐ or tetracyclic heterocycles containing two heteroatoms via an intramolecular alkyne insertion. 3‐Aryloyl‐2‐arylpyridines were derived into 4‐azafluoren‐9‐ols via the intramolecular carbonyl insertion.
Copper‐Mediated One‐Pot Access to 2,3‐Dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]oxathiines from o,o′‐Dihydroxydisulfides
Authors: Viglianisi Caterina , Sinni Aidona , Menichetti Stefano
Published: May 2014

o,o′‐Dihydroxydisulfides can be transformed to the corresponding o‐thioquinones using a substoichiometric amount of Cu(II) salts to promote a thiolate anion 1,4‐elimination at sulfur. o‐Thioquinones are trapped in situ as dienes in an inverse electron‐demand hetero Diels–Alder reaction with electron‐rich alkenes acting as dienophiles to give, one‐pot, 2,3‐dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]oxathiine cycloadducts.
Kinetic Resolution of Secondary 2‐Aryl‐1‐cycloalkanols with Phosphoroselenoyl Chloride with a Binaphthyl Group
Authors: Murai Toshiaki , Miwa Tomoaki
Published: May 2014

Phosphoroselenoic acid esters with a binaphthyl group were prepared by reacting phosphoroselenoyl chloride with excess racemic secondary cyclic alcohols. While the reactions of trans‐2‐aryl‐1‐cyclohexanols, 2‐pheny‐1‐cycloheptanols, and 2‐phenyl‐1‐cyclooctanols proceeded with high diastereoselectivity, those of 2‐alkyl‐1‐cylcohexanols and 2‐aryl‐1‐cyclopentanols did not show any diastereoselectivity. The resulting diastereomeric mixtures of the esters were purified by column chromatography on silica gel to give fractions that contained only one of the diastereomers. Reduction of the separated esters gave optically active cyclic alcohols with high enantiomeric excess. Extrusion of the selenium atom of the esters with PBu3 gave optically active phosphites in high yields.
Effects of a classwide teacher‐implemented program to promote preschooler compliance
Authors: Beaulieu Lauren , Hanley Gregory P.
Published: May 2014

We used a multiple baseline design across skills to evaluate the effects of a program to teach a classroom of children to respond to their name and a group call (i.e., precursors) as well as to peer mediate these precursors to promote compliance with a variety of multistep instructions. Teachers taught these skills via classwide behavior skills training and a lottery‐based reward contingency. Results showed that precursors to compliance, peer mediation, and compliance increased as a function of classwide teaching, and the teachers found the procedures and their effects to be highly acceptable.
Estrogen causes ultrastructural changes of fibrin networks during the menstrual cycle: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Swanepoel Albe C. , Lindeque Barend G. , Swart Paul J. , Abdool Zeelha , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Hormonal fluctuations may influence fibrin structure. During the menstrual cycle, plasma fibrinogen levels change, mainly due to the variations of estrogen. Throughout the menstrual cycle estrogen levels peak twice, first during the mid‐follicular phase and then a lower second peak during the luteal phase.

Materials and methods

In order to investigate the possible changes in the fibrin network throughout the menstrual cycle, the fibrin network ultrastructure of six healthy female participants were studied at different intervals in the menstrual cycle where differences in estrogen levels are prevalent. Blood plasma smears were prepared for scanning and transmission electron microscopy analysis.

Results

The external and internal structure of the fibrin fibers showed different morphologies throughout the menstrual cycle. The fibrin fibers were smooth during days 1–5. However, during days 12–14 of the menstrual cycle the fibrin fiber morphology started to change, becoming less smooth. During the luteal phase of the cycle (days 20–25), the network appears sticky, where the minor, thin fibers are more prominent between the thick fibers when compared to the menstrual phase.

Conclusion

The two estrogen peaks of the menstrual cycle coincide with the changes seen in the current qualitative research, where the fibrin morphology changes during the same time as the estrogen peaks occur. Purified fibrinogen confirmed that it is indeed estrogen that causes the altered fibrin network morphology. This research is the first to show ultrastructural changes in fibrin fiber morphology resulting from estrogen changes during the menstrual cycle. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:594–601, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A New Approach to the Synthesis of Poly‐Functionalized Pyrano[2,3‐d]Pyrimidines Derivatives via Microwave‐Assisted Multi‐Component Reactions without Catalyst
Authors: Jia Runhong , Peng Juhua , Jiang Bo , Zhang Junyong , Tu Shu‐Jiang
Published: May 2014

A facile microwave‐assisted synthesis of pyrano[2,3‐d]pyrimidines derivatives is accomplished via reactions of 4‐arylmethylene‐2‐phenyloxazol‐5(4H)‐ones with pyrimidine‐4,6‐diol in ethylene glycol. The reaction is simple to perform and occurs under mild conditions with broad scope of applicability.
Synthesis and Properties of Azoles and Their Derivatives. Part 70. Nitroallylic Systems in [2 + 3] Cycloaddition Reactions with Nitrones: A DFT Computational Study
Authors: Jasiński Radomir
Published: May 2014

The analysis of electrophilicity indexes and the results of potential energy surface (PES) simulations for the reaction pathways proved that the [2 + 3] cycloadditions of nitroallylic systems with nitrones should be considered nonpolar reactions. Our simulations proved that the reactions always proceed via a one‐step mechanism through a prereaction complex. Although the symmetry of respective transition states is quite varied, their polarity is low and does not change when a polar medium is introduced to the reaction environment. When the polarity of the reaction medium increases, the kinetic pathway preference does not change. The regiochemistry of the cycloadditions tested may, however, be controlled to some extent by steric effects.
Efficient Synthesis of 3,5‐Dicarbamoyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines from Pyridinium Salts: Key Molecules in Understanding NAD(P)+/NAD(P)H Pathways
Authors: Mellini Paolo , De Vita Daniela , Di Rienzo Barbara , La Rosa Salvatore , Padova Alessandro , Scipione Luigi , Tortorella Silvano , Friggeri Laura
Published: May 2014

3,5‐Dicarbamoyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines were prepared in high yields using a green protocol by reduction of the corresponding pyridinium salts in aqueous buffered sodium dithionite solutions. The pH value is a fundamental parameter for the reduction step and depends on the nature of substituent groups at positions 1, 3, and 5 of the pyridinium salts. These 3,5‐dicarbamoyl dihydropyridines show a lower tendency towards oxidation and a higher stability than N‐benzyl‐3‐carbamoyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridine at low pH values.
Synthesis of Novel N‐Triazolo Methyl Substituted Fluoroquinolones and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Ravi Kumar A , Sathaiah G. , Chandra Shekhar A. , Raju K. , Shanthan Rao P. , Narsaiah B. , Raju Y. K. , Murthy U. S. N.
Published: May 2014

An elegant synthetic strategy was adopted for the preparation of N‐triazolo methyl substituted fluoroquinolones 4 and screened for their antimicrobial activity. The synthetic methodology starts from N‐propargylation of ethyl 7‐chloro‐6‐fluoro‐4‐hydroxyquinoline‐3‐carboxylate (1) followed by reaction with azides through click reaction under Sharpless conditions furnished triazole substituted quinolone ester 3. The latter quinolone esters were reacted with various secondary amines to furnish the corresponding quinolone derivatives 4. Alternatively, quinolone carboxylic derivatives 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d were prepared in two steps from triazole tagged quinolone ester. All the final products were screened against various bacterial and fungal strains. Compounds 4a, 4b, 4c and 4k showed moderate antibacterial activity, and 4f showed promising activity against fungal strains.
Prognostic performance of preoperative gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI in resectable hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shim Ju Hyun , Han Seungbong , Shin Yong Moon , Lee Young‐Joo , Lee Sung‐Gyu , Kim Kang Mo , Lim Young‐Suk , Lee Han Chu
Published: May 2014

Purpose

To assess the impact of preoperative evaluation by gadoxetic acid‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on early recurrence outcomes after hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resection.

Materials and Methods

The retrospective study included two groups of Child‐Pugh class A patients who underwent curative liver resection for a single HCC; in one group the HCC was identified by dynamic computed tomography (CT) and gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI (n = 174; MRI group); in the other by dynamic CT only (n = 416; non‐MRI group). We compared the two groups with respect to recurrence‐free survival after propensity score matching (162 pairs).

Results

In the matched cohorts, disease‐free survival rates for overall and intrahepatic recurrence were 92.6% and 91.9% at 1 year and 78.3% and 79.4% at 2 years, respectively, for the MRI group versus 82.7% and 82.7% at 1 year and 67.2% and 70.4% at 2 years, respectively, for the non‐MRI group (P < 0.05). Multivariate Cox analyses revealed that the MRI group was independently superior to the non‐MRI group in terms of risk of overall and intrahepatic recurrence at 1 and 2 years in the pooled cohort (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Gadoxetic acid‐enhanced MRI evaluation is more useful than dynamic CT for identifying good surgical candidates at low risk of early recurrence following hepatic resection for HCC. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;41:1115–1123. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Illinois resident attitudes toward recolonizing large carnivores
Authors: Smith Julia B. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Hellgren Eric C.
Published: May 2014

Large carnivores are recolonizing portions of midwestern North America given harvest protection and the presence of suitable habitat in the region. Perhaps more so than other species, the successful management and viability of large carnivore populations is as dependent on social acceptance as on biological factors. However, knowledge of human attitudes and perceptions toward large carnivores in much of the Midwest remains unknown. We assessed attitudes and perceptions of Illinois citizens about black bears (Ursus americanus), cougars (Puma concolor), and gray wolves (Canis lupus) via a mail survey to provide wildlife managers with an understanding of residents' views prior to formulating carnivore management plans. The survey instrument consisted of questions about large carnivores regarding knowledge and beliefs, experiences and encounters, attitudes toward carnivores and management, and demographic questions and behavioral characteristics. We surveyed residents statewide; the sample drawn was stratified by geographic region (northern, central, and southern) and urban or rural county designation within regions. Because we observed differences in demographic variables between respondents (by mail) and non‐respondents (telephone interviewees), we did not pool responses from the 2 groups for analysis; the final response rate for the survey was 13%. More than 70% of survey respondents (n = 791) were male and their average age was 60; 55% were hunters. Approximately 40% were unsure about the population status of large carnivores in Illinois; of the remaining respondents, most (ranging from 20% for black bears to 41% for cougars) believed the presence of all 3 focal species had increased over the past decade. More residents supported protection (43%) and increasing numbers of large carnivores (39%) than opposed them (26%); however, support for black bears was slightly higher than for cougars and wolves. Rural residents and livestock owners were the most likely to want carnivore numbers to decrease and least likely to support their protection; higher levels of education corresponded to positive attitudes toward large carnivores. Our research provides the foundation for well‐informed management plans, policy decisions, and educational initiatives for large carnivores in midwestern states where these species appear to be recolonizing following decades of absence. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Assessing the status and conservation priorities of the short‐eared owl in North America
Authors: Booms Travis L. , Holroyd Geoffrey L. , Gahbauer Marcel A. , Trefry Helen E. , Wiggins David A. , Holt Denver W. , Johnson James A. , Lewis Stephen B. , Larson Matt D. , Keyes Kristen L. , Swengel Scott
Published: May 2014

The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Christmas Bird Count, and regional and national conservation assessments provide convincing evidence that the short‐eared owl (Asio flammeus) is experiencing a range‐wide, long‐term decline in abundance in North America. However, the species has received little conservation or research attention. The short‐eared owl is vulnerable to decline because it relies heavily on large, intact grasslands and a specialized diet of unpredictable small mammal prey. The species' nomadic movements compound these vulnerabilities by making a decline difficult to detect with current monitoring programs while obfuscating stewardship responsibilities for managers. The primary threat to the species is loss, fragmentation, and degradation of large tracts of native grasslands and wetlands. We propose the following conservation priorities to better understand and begin addressing the short‐eared owl's decline: 1) better define and protect important habitats; 2) improve population monitoring; 3) determine seasonal and annual movements; 4) re‐evaluate NatureServe's short‐eared owl national conservation classifications; 5) develop management plans and tools; and 6) classify raptors, including short‐eared owls, as migratory birds in Canada. We contend that the short‐eared owl's need for habitat conservation at large spatial scales, status as a predator, and high reproductive potential that affords the species capacity to recover, make it an effective and useful candidate as an umbrella species for grassland conservation. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Telechelic Poly(disulfide)s and Related Block Copolymer
Authors: Basak Dipankar , Kumar Rajan , Ghosh Suhrit
Published: May 2014

In this communication, a mild, efficient, and generalized polycondensation route is developed for poly(disulfide)s from commercially available monomers 2,2′‐dithiodipyridine and 1,6‐hexanedithiol. Using the stoichiometric imbalance between the two monomers, it is possible to produce telechelic poly(disulfide)s of predictable molecular weight with reactive pyridyl disulfide groups at both the terminals of the chain. The two terminal pyridyl disulfide groups can be quantitatively replaced by a functional thiol using selective thiol‐disulfide exchange and thus produces functional telechelic poly(disulfide)s, which can be used as a macroinitiator to initiate ring‐opening poly­merization of a cyclic lactide monomer generating an ABA‐type triblock copolymer with degradable B block.

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Attractor Structures of Signaling Networks: Consequences of Different Conformational Barcode Dynamics and Their Relations to Network‐Based Drug Design
Authors: Szalay Kristóf Z. , Nussinov Ruth , Csermely Peter
Published: May 2014

Conformational barcodes tag functional sites of proteins and are decoded by interacting molecules transmitting the incoming signal. Conformational barcodes are modified by all co‐occurring allosteric events induced by post‐translational modifications, pathogen, drug binding, etc. We argue that fuzziness (plasticity) of conformational barcodes may be increased by disordered protein structures, by integrative plasticity of multi‐phosphorylation events, by increased intracellular water content (decreased molecular crowding) and by increased action of molecular chaperones. This leads to increased plasticity of signaling and cellular networks. Increased plasticity is both substantiated by and inducing an increased noise level. Using the versatile network dynamics tool, Turbine (www.turbine.linkgroup.hu), here we show that the 10 % noise level expected in cellular systems shifts a cancer‐related signaling network of human cells from its proliferative attractors to its largest, apoptotic attractor representing their health‐preserving response in the carcinogen containing and tumor suppressor deficient environment modeled in our study. Thus, fuzzy conformational barcodes may not only make the cellular system more plastic, and therefore more adaptable, but may also stabilize the complex system allowing better access to its largest attractor.
Hydrologically Based Environmental Flow Methods Applied to Rivers in the Maritime Provinces (Canada)
Authors: Caissie J. , Caissie D. , El‐Jabi N.
Published: May 2014

The demand for water withdrawal continues to increase worldwide. These water withdrawals from rivers can affect fish habitat and aquatic life. As such, environmental flow assessment methods are used in order to protect rivers against excessive water withdrawals. The concept of environmental flow relates to the quantity of water required in rivers to sustain an acceptable level of living conditions for aquatic biota at various phases of their development. For many agencies, environmental flow methods are essential in environmental impact assessments and in the protection of important fisheries resources. The present study deals with the evaluation of hydrologically based environmental flow methods within the Maritime Province of Canada. In total, six hydrologically based environmental flow methods were compared using data from 52 hydrometric stations across the region. Some methods provided adequate environmental flow protection (e.g. 25% mean annual flow and Q50 flow duration method); however, other methods did not provide adequate flow protection (e.g. Q90 flow duration method and 7Q10 and 7Q2 low‐flow frequency). The 70% Q50 method provided adequate flow protection only under good baseflow conditions and should be applied with extreme caution. The present study shows the importance of the hydrologic flow regime, particularly as it pertains to the baseflow component, as a significant determinant in the level of instream flow protection. © 2014 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. River Research and Applications © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Knowledge and the firm: Overview
Authors: Spender J.‐C. , Grant Robert M.
Published: May 2014

The explosion of interest in knowledge and its management reflects the trend towards ‘knowledge work’ and the Information Age, and recognition of knowledge as the principal source of economic rent. The papers in this Special Issue represent an attempt by strategy scholars (and some outside our traditional field) to come to terms with the implications of knowledge for the theory of the firm and its management. They are the product of a convergence of several streams of research which have addressed management implications of knowledge, including the management of technology, the economics of innovation and information, resource‐based theory, and organizational learning. At the theoretical level, knowledge‐centered approaches of Penrose, Arrow, Hayek and others have been enriched by contributions from evolutionary economists (notably Nelson and Winter) and epistemologists (notably M. Polanyi). At the empirical level, research into innovation and its diffusion originated by Mansfield, Griliches and others has been extended through studies which investigate tacit as well as explicit knowledge, and explore knowledge transfer within as well as across firms.
Making knowledge the basis of a dynamic theory of the firm
Authors: Spender J.‐C.
Published: May 2014

Knowledge is too problematic a concept to make the task of building a dynamic knowledge‐based theory of the firm easy. We must also distinguish the theory from the resource‐based and evolutionary views. The paper begins with a multitype epistemology which admits both the pre‐ and subconscious modes of human knowing and, reframing the concept of the cognizing individual, the collective knowledge of social groups. While both Nelson and Winter, and Nonaka and Takeuchi, successfully sketch theories of the dynamic interactions of these types of organizational knowledge, neither indicates how they are to be contained. Callon and Latour suggest knowledge itself is dynamic and contained within actor networks, so moving us from knowledge as a resource toward knowledge as a process. To simplify this approach, we revisit sociotechnical systems theory, adopt three heuristics from the social constructionist literature, and make a distinction between the systemic and component attributes of the actor network. The result is a very different mode of theorizing, less an objective statement about the nature of firms ‘out there’ than a tool to help managers discover their place in the firm as a dynamic knowledge‐based activity system.
Knowledge sourcing by foreign multinationals: Patent citation analysis in the U.S. semiconductor industry
Authors: Almeida Paul
Published: May 2014

Do multinationals go abroad to acquire technological knowledge? Do they also contribute knowledge locally? We investigate the learning and contribution patterns of multinational firms in the U.S. semiconductor industry through the analysis of citations to their patents and through field interviews. We find that the knowledge used in innovation by foreign subsidiaries in U.S. regions is predominantly local (at the regional and country level). In fact, foreign firms use regional knowledge significantly more than similar domestic firms. In the case of European and Korean firms, foreign investment is directed towards offsetting home country technological weaknesses. The study finds that foreign firms also contribute to local technological progress—a significant proportion of the citations to their patents are local. Local learning without contributing may not be possible.
Manganese(II) Coordination Polymer with μ1,1‐Azido Bridge: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Cheng Jing , Zhang Shu Quan , Luo Jun Hua , Song Cheng
Published: May 2014

The manganese(II) coordination polymer [Mn(2‐Meimi)2(μ1,1‐N3)2]n·nH2O (1) (Meimi = 2‐methyl‐imidazole) with μ1,1‐N3 (end‐on, EO) bridge was synthesized by hydrothermal reaction of MnCl2, NaN3, and Meimi. It was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, powder XRD, and magnetic measurements. Single crystal X‐ray analysis revealed that compound 1 features a one‐dimensional (1D) catenated structure and the 1D chains are further connected by strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds to a 3D supramolecular framework. Variable‐temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements revealed that compound 1 displays dominant ferromagnetic interactions through the μ1,1‐N3 (end‐on, EO) bridging mode.
[Th10(μ‐F16)(μ3‐O4)(μ4‐O4)(NH3)32](NO3)8·19.6 NH3 – the Largest Thorium Complex from Solution known to Date
Authors: Woidy Patrick , Kraus Florian
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The reaction of K2Th(NO3)6 and UF4 with liquid ammonia as a solvent leads on air to planar colorless crystals of ditriakontaammine hexadeca‐μ‐fluorido tetra‐μ3‐oxido tetra‐μ4‐oxido decathorium(IV) octanitrate ammonia (1/19.6), [Th10F16O8(NH3)32](NO3)8·19.6 NH3 (1). The compound crystallizes in the tetragonal space group P$\bar{4}$21c (no. 114) with a = 18.4167(2), c = 14.7920(4) Å, and V = 5017.1(2) Å3 at 123 K with Z = 2. The crystal structure shows the presence of a decanuclear thorium core [Th10O4]32+ similar to an “inverse” P4O10 or like 1,3,5,7‐tetramethyladamantane. Such a complex seems to be the largest thorium complex reported so far – a finding that is of great importance for the knowledge of actinoid speciation in solutions.
Impact of Explosive Devices in Modern Armed Conflicts: In‐Depth Analysis of Dutch Battle Casualties in Southern Afghanistan
Authors: Hoencamp Rigo , Huizinga Eelco P. , van Dongen Thijs T. C. F. , Idenburg Floris J. , Ramasamy Arul , Leenen Luke P. H. , Hamming Jaap F.
Published: May 2014

Background

The patterns and mechanisms of injuries of all Dutch battle casualties (BCs) were analyzed to improve the care for injured service members. We performed an in‐depth analysis of all Dutch BCs during the participation of The Netherlands as lead nation in the International Security Assistance Force mission in southern Afghanistan.

Methods

Participants were selected from the trauma registry at the Dutch Role 2 Medical Treatment Facility if they met the criteria for Dutch BC between August 2006 and August 2010.

Results

The trauma registry query resulted in 199 Dutch BCs. The battle injuries were predominantly caused by explosions (83.9 %). The case‐fatality rate was 9.5 %: 16.5 % were killed in action, and 1.1 % died of wounds. The wounding pattern was as follows: head and neck (32.2 %), thorax (7.8 %), abdomen (12.7 %), upper extremity (17.6 %), lower extremity (29.7 %). The mean Abbreviated Injury Scale and Injury Severity Score were 3 (range 0–5) and 11 (range 1–43), respectively in the wounded‐in‐action group.

Conclusions

Explosive devices accounted for almost 85 % of the casualties—much higher than in previous wars. Knowledge of the management of these injuries is also valuable in treating casualties from natural disasters or (terrorist) mass casualty situations. An integral multinational joint approach is highly recommended to develop more effective protective equipment and body armor. Prospective registration in a standardized system of data collection that encompasses all echelons of the medical support organization should be implemented.
Identification and Distribution of Oxygenated Fatty Acids in Plantago Seed Lipids
Authors: Smith Mark A. , Zhang Haixia , Purves Randy W.
Published: May 2014

Plant oils rich in oxygenated fatty acids (FAs) are of interest as renewable raw materials for industry. Previous studies reported unusual oxygenated FAs in the seed lipids of Plantago major and P. ovata. To determine if oxygenated FAs are a common component of Plantago seed oils, seed fatty acyl quality and quantity were determined for 23 Plantago species. Fatty acyl content, as a percentage of dry weight, ranged from 4.9 % in P. sempervirens to 18.8 % in P. coronopus. Oxygenated FAs were a frequent, but not ubiquitous component of Plantago seed lipids, reaching a level of almost 15 % in the seeds of P. nivalis. The oxygenated FAs were identified as isoricinoleic acid (9‐hydroxy‐cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid, IR) and 9‐oxo‐cis‐12‐octadecenoic acid (OX). When present, most species contained both IR and OX. FAs containing oxo groups have not been reported as components of the seed oil of other plant species that synthesize IR or ricinoleic acid (12‐hydroxy‐cis‐9‐octadecenoic acid), suggesting unique aspects to the pathway of oxygenated FA biosynthesis in Plantago. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS) demonstrated that IR and OX are components of triacylglycerol, and triacylglycerol estolides are a minor component of the seed oil of P. lanceolata with secondary acylation by oxygenated FAs.
Depredación organizacional: las consecuencias del uso del poder en la organización
Authors: Castro Ríos Guido Angello , Noguera Hidalgo Ángela Lucía
Published: May 2014

El concepto «depredación» en el ámbito de la organización es usual asociarlo con el deterioro de susrecursos. Sin embargo, al abordarlo desde la ecología de poblaciones, el resultado es un enfoque centradoen las relaciones entre los actores de la organización y la interacción de 3 variables principales: el poderde los actores, la intimidad entre ellos y la letalidad de sus actuaciones. Estas 2 últimas son solicitadas enpréstamo desde la clasificación funcional propuesta por la ecología de poblaciones y es clave en la relaciónpresa-depredador. Este documento pretende aprovechar dichos conocimientos disponibles en la ecología,y argumenta que su estudio facilita la comprensión de los estilos de dirección en la organización.
La cooperación internacional en la internacionalización de pequeñas y medianas empresas de Medellín: un estudio de caso comparado
Authors: Tabares Sabrina , Anzo Edith , Estrada Lina María
Published: May 2014

El objetivo de este documento es evidenciar la contribución de los programas de cooperación internacional en la internacionalización de pymes de Medellín. Para ello se desarrolla una metodología cualitativaa través de un estudio de caso múltiple de 4 empresas que participaron en programas de cooperacióninternacional, cuyo proceso de internacionalización fue evaluado desde el modelo Uppsala. Los resultadosreflejan que los programas contribuyen a la etapa inicial del proceso de internacionalización. Como conclusión se plantea que, independientemente de la ayuda, la internacionalización dependerá de la maneracomo las empresas hagan uso de su conocimiento experimental y desarrollen un modelo de construcciónde confianza y de redes comerciales.
Comparing sub-national policy workers in Canada and the Czech Republic: Who are they, what they do, and why it matters?
Authors: Veselý Arnošt , Wellstead Adam , Evans Bryan
Published: May 2014

This article compares profiles and policy-related activities of policy workers (PWs) in thirteen Canadian provinces and territories with PWs in the Czech Republic regions. Canadian data come from 13 separate surveys conducted in provinces and territories in late 2008 and early 2009 (N = 1357). The Czech data are from analogical large-scale survey carried out at the end of 2012 (N = 783). First, the paper compares basic characteristics of Canadian and Czech PWs. In the two countries the proportion of men and women is similar and PWs are equally highly educated. Examining other characteristics, however, reveals substantial differences. When compared with the Czech PWs, Canadian PWs tend to be older, more often having social science educational backgrounds, more frequently recruited from academia, stay in a single organization for a shorter period of time and anticipate staying in their current position for only a short time. Second, a comparison of policy-related work activities discerns three basic clusters of policy tasks: policy analysis work, evidence-based work, and consulting/briefing. Canadian PWs are much more involved in evidence-based work, especially in evaluation and policy research. They also deal more with policy analysis activities such as identification of policy issues and options. In contrast, Czech PWs are more engaged in consulting with the public and briefing managers and decision-makers. The article concludes with implications for further research and theory building.
Measuring Pro-North Korean sentiment in South Korea during the Kim Jong-il Era
Authors: Owen David A.
Published: May 2014

This study analyzes recent claims regarding positive sentiment towards North Korea among South Koreans using cross-sectional public opinion data from the 2004 and 2006 waves of the Asian Barometer. Pro-North Korean sentiments are proposed to be highest among those who feel a stronger sense of common ancestry and language with North Koreans, the wealthy, the younger, those who trust NGOs, those in Seoul and those in the southwest region. I use ordered logistical regression to test hypotheses derived from these propositions. I find support for the southwest hypothesis, though the percentage of South Koreans with these sentiments is actually very low. The results have important implications for relations on the Korean Peninsula and the study of North Korean politics.
Grape seed extract supplementation attenuates the heat stress-induced responses of jejunum epithelial cells in Simmental × Qinchuan steers
Authors: Li Xiaomin , Yang You , Liu Shimin , Yang Jing , Chen Cheng , Sun Zhihong
Published: May 2014

Grape seed extract (GSE), a rich source of polyphenols, is reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The objective of the present study was to determine whether GSE could attenuate the heat stress-induced responses of jejunum epithelial cells (JEC) in cattle. The JEC of a steer (Simmental ×  Qinchuan) were exposed to heat stress for 2 h in the absence (0 μg/ml) or presence (10, 20, 40 and 80 μg/ml) of GSE in the culture medium. When cultured at 40°C, JEC supplemented with GSE exhibited increased glutathione peroxidase activity (P= 0·04), viability (P= 0·004), and mRNA expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF;P= 0·03) and EGF receptor (EGFR;P= 0·01). Under the same conditions, the cells exhibited decreased mRNA expression ofIL-8(P= 0·01) andTNF-α(P= 0·03) and decreased protein concentrations of IL-1β (P= 0·02), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4;P= 0·04) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70;P< 0·001). When cultured at 43°C, JEC supplemented with GSE exhibited increased catalase activity (P= 0·04), viability (P< 0·001), and mRNA expression ofEGF(P< 0·001) andEGFR(P< 0·001) and decreased protein concentrations of IL-1β (P< 0·001), TLR4 (P= 0·03) and HSP70 (P< 0·001), as well as mRNA expression ofIL-8(P< 0·001),TLR4(P= 0·002) andTNF-α(P< 0·001). Temperature × GSE concentration interactions were also observed for the concentrations of IL-1β (P< 0·001), IL-8 (P< 0·001), TNF-α (P= 0·01) and HSP70 (P= 0·04) and viability (P< 0·001) of JEC. The results of the present study indicate that GSE can attenuate the responses of JEC induced by heat stress within a certain range of temperatures.
Resting-state brain function in schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar probands and their first-degree relatives
Authors: Lui S. , Yao L. , Xiao Y. , Keedy S. K. , Reilly J. L. , Keefe R. S. , Tamminga C. A. , Keshavan M. S. , Pearlson G. D. , Gong Q. , Sweeney J. A.
Published: May 2014

Background

Schizophrenia (SCZ) and psychotic bipolar disorder (PBD) share considerable overlap in clinical features, genetic risk factors and co-occurrence among relatives. The common and unique functional cerebral deficits in these disorders, and in unaffected relatives, remain to be identified.

Method

A total of 59 healthy controls, 37 SCZ and 57 PBD probands and their unaffected first-degree relatives (38 and 28, respectively) were studied using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rfMRI). Regional cerebral function was evaluated by measuring the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF). Areas with ALFF alterations were used as seeds in whole-brain functional connectivity analysis. We then tested whether abnormalities identified in probands were present in unaffected relatives.

Results

SCZ and PBD probands both demonstrated regional hypoactivity in the orbital frontal cortex and cingulate gyrus, as well as abnormal connectivity within striatal-thalamo-cortical networks. SCZ probands showed greater and more widely distributed ALFF alterations including the thalamus and bilateral parahippocampal gyri. Increased parahippocampal ALFF was related to positive symptoms and cognitive deficit. PBD patients showed uniquely increased functional connectivity between the thalamus and bilateral insula. Only PBD relatives showed abnormal connectivity within striatal-thalamo-cortical networks seen in both proband groups.

Conclusions

The present findings reveal a common pattern of deficits in frontostriatal circuitry across SCZ and PBD, and unique regional and functional connectivity abnormalities that distinguish them. The abnormal network connectivity in PBD relatives that was present in both proband groups may reflect genetic susceptibility associated with risk for psychosis, but within-family associations of this measure were not high.
Childhood trauma mediates the association between ethnic minority status and more severe hallucinations in psychotic disorder
Authors: Berg A. O. , Aas M. , Larsson S. , Nerhus M. , Hauff E. , Andreassen O. A. , Melle I.
Published: May 2014

Background

Ethnic minority status and childhood trauma are established risk factors for psychotic disorders. Both are found to be associated with increased level of positive symptoms, in particular auditory hallucinations. Our main aim was to investigate the experience and effect of childhood trauma in patients with psychosis from ethnic minorities, hypothesizing that they would report more childhood trauma than the majority and that this would be associated with more current and lifetime hallucinations.

Method

In this cross-sectional study we included 454 patients with a SCID-I DSM-IV diagnosis of non-affective or affective psychotic disorder. Current hallucinations were measured with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (P3; Hallucinatory Behaviour). Lifetime hallucinations were assessed with the SCID-I items: auditory hallucinations, voices commenting and two or more voices conversing. Childhood trauma was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, self-report version.

Results

Patients from ethnic minority groups (n = 69) reported significantly more childhood trauma, specifically physical abuse/neglect, and sexual abuse. They had significantly more current hallucinatory behaviour and lifetime symptoms of hearing two or more voices conversing. Regression analyses revealed that the presence of childhood trauma mediated the association between ethnic minorities and hallucinations.

Conclusions

More childhood trauma in ethnic minorities with psychosis may partially explain findings of more positive symptoms, especially hallucinations, in this group. The association between childhood trauma and these first-rank symptoms may in part explain this group's higher risk of being diagnosed with a schizophrenia-spectrum diagnosis. The findings show the importance of childhood trauma in symptom development in psychosis.
Style and Substance: Some Metal Figurines from South-West Britain
Authors: Durham Emma
Published: May 2014

A hoard found in Southbroom, Devizes in 1714 contained a group of copper-alloy figurines executed in both classical and local styles and depicting deities belonging to the Graeco-Roman and Gallo-Roman pantheons. The deities in a local style appear to form part of a larger tradition of figurines, predominantly found in the South-West, which are characterised both by a similar artistic style and by the use of Gallo-Roman symbolism and deities, such as the torc, ram-horned snake, carnivorous dog and Sucellus. The unique composition of the hoard in comparison with other hoards of similar date provides insights into the beliefs of Roman Britain.
SWEET BUSINESS: QUANTIFYING THE VALUE ADDED IN THE BRITISH COLONIAL SUGAR TRADE IN THE 18THCENTURY
Authors: Rönnbäck Klas
Published: May 2014

There has been a lot of research into the economic contribution of the periphery to European economic development during the early modern era. This paper estimates quantitatively the value added in the sugar trade from the Caribbean to Britain in the 18thcentury. The trade generated a value equivalent to around 1 per cent of British gross domestic product (GDP) by the early 18thcentury, growing to 4 per cent of GDP a century later. The results show that the sugar trade constituted a dynamic and rapidly growing part of the British economy, most importantly the tertiary sector.
PROSODIC MARKING OF INFORMATION STRUCTURE BY MALAYSIAN SPEAKERS OF ENGLISH
Authors: Gut Ulrike , Pillai Stefanie
Published: May 2014

Various researchers have shown that second language (L2) speakers have difficulties with marking information structure in English prosodically: They deviate from native speakers not only in terms of pitch accent placement (Grosser, 1997; Gut, 2009; Ramírez Verdugo, 2002) and the type of pitch accent they produce (Wennerstrom, 1994, 1998) but also with regard to the phonetic realization of these pitch accents (Atterer & Ladd, 2004; O’Brien & Gut, 2010). This study investigates the prosodic strategies of first language (L1) Malay speakers of English for marking given and new discourse elements. Ten Malay speakers of English were recorded reading out a 179-word story that contained six given and six new words. Additionally, 10 Malay speakers read aloud a 152-word story containing six given and six new words in Malay. The given-new word pairs were analyzed both auditorily and acoustically in terms of type of pitch accent, syllable duration, phonetic realization of the rise, and pitch peak alignment. The results show that the Malay speakers of English produce longer rises on new than on given discourse elements but do not show different pitch accents, syllable duration, pitch peak alignment, or steepness of rises on the two types of words. The average extent and steepness of the rises as well as the pitch peak alignment are almost identical in Malay and the L2 English of Malay speakers, which suggests direct influence from the L1. However, differences in the type of pitch accents produced and the similarities to the patterns produced by other L2 speakers suggest further influencing factors.
SECOND LANGUAGE ACQUISITION OF PITCH RANGE IN GERMAN LEARNERS OF ENGLISH
Authors: Mennen Ineke , Schaeffler Felix , Dickie Catherine
Published: May 2014

This study examines pitch range production in the read speech of female German second language (L2) learners of English of moderate to advanced proficiency. The study set out to identify to what extent the learners deviated from or adopted the language-appropriate pitch range values of the target language. Two potential ways in which the learners could deviate from or approximate the target were recognized: (a) by globally expanding their pitch range or (b) by adjusting their pitch range in a position-sensitive way that is linked to the phonetic realization patterns of underlying high and low tones at different points in intonation contours.

Results showed that the L2 speakers produced pitch range values that were often language appropriate or approximated the target, although some deviations from the target were also identified. Deviations and target approximation were found to be position sensitive; that is, L2 learners were found to adjust their pitch range differently at the beginning as compared to later parts of intonational phrases.