bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagation of Coulomb stress uncertainties in physics‐based aftershock models
Authors: Cattania Camilla , Hainzl Sebastian , Wang Lifeng , Roth Frank , Enescu Bogdan
Published: September 2014

Stress transfer between earthquakes is recognized as a fundamental mechanism governing aftershock sequences. A common approach to relate stress changes to seismicity rate changes is the rate‐and‐state constitutive law developed by Dieterich: these elements are the foundation of Coulomb‐rate‐and‐state (CRS) models. Despite the successes of Coulomb hypothesis and of the rate‐and‐state formulation, such models perform worse than statistical models in an operational forecasting context: one reason is that Coulomb stress is subject to large uncertainties and intrinsic spatial heterogeneity. In this study, we characterize the uncertainties in Coulomb stress inherited from different physical quantities and assess their effect on CRS models. We use a Monte Carlo method and focus on the following aspects: the existence of multiple receiver faults; the stress heterogeneity within grid cells, due to their finite size; and errors inherited from the coseismic slip model. We study two well‐recorded sequences from different tectonic settings: the Mw = 6.0 Parkfield and the Mw= 9.0 Tohoku earthquakes. We find that the existence of multiple receiver faults is the most important source of intrinsic stress heterogeneity, and CRS models perform significantly better when this variability is taken into account. The choice of slip model also generates large uncertainties. We construct an ensemble model based on published slip models and find that it outperforms individual models. Our findings highlight the importance of identifying sources of errors and quantifying confidence boundaries in the forecasts; moreover, we demonstrate that consideration of stress heterogeneity and epistemic uncertainty has the potential to improve the performance of operational forecasting models.
Hypoiodite‐Mediated Catalytic Cyclopropanation of Alkenes with Malononitrile
Authors: Yoshimura Akira , Jones T. Nicholas , Yusubov Mekhman S. , Zhdankin Viktor V.
Published: September 2014

An efficient synthetic procedure for dicyano‐cyclopropanation of alkenes using catalytic amounts of molecular iodine as a precatalyst and tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as a terminal oxidant under mild conditions has been developed. This catalytic reaction works especially well for the aryl‐substituted double bond affording products of cyclopropanation in high yields. A catalytic cycle based on the generated in situ hypoiodite species has been proposed.

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An exploration of the communication patterns and language used between clinical geneticists and parents of children with dysmorphic features
Authors: Steel Emma J. , Hodgson Jan , Stirling Lesley , White Susan M.
Published: September 2014

The present study aims to provide insight into the interactions between clinical geneticists and parents of children with dysmorphic features during syndrome assessment. Seven families attending a dysmorphology clinic for syndrome assessment consented to have their consultation recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content and discourse analyses were used to study the language and communication patterns of problematic and challenging sections of the consultations, primarily sections concerning the child's appearance and diagnosis which were marked by dysfluency and hesitation, indicators of problematic communication. Findings revealed that the clinical geneticists used a range of communicative strategies when discussing a child's appearance, such as comparing the child's features with those of parents or other individuals and minimizing differences. In doing so they displayed an orientation to the “face‐threatening” nature of this communicative task. While geneticists discussed the child's appearance in an extremely sensitive manner, parents tended to describe their child's appearance using direct and objective language. These findings provide novel insight into the complexity of syndrome assessment consultations in a dysmorphology clinic. We suggest that parents may be seeking a more open discussion of their child's appearance, and clinician engagement with this may prove a more effective communication strategy than those currently employed, while remaining sensitive to parents' responses to such a discussion. At the start of the consultation it is important to give parents the opportunity to voice their concerns and expectations, and to explain to parents that a diagnosis may not be reached. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of a novel missense mutation in the WFS1 gene as a cause of autosomal dominant nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in all‐frequencies
Authors: Bai Xiaohui , Lv Huaiqing , Zhang Fengguo , Liu Jinzhi , Fan Zhaomin , Xu Lei , Han Yuhang , Chai Renjie , Li Jianfeng , Wang Haibo
Published: September 2014

Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder affecting 278 million people in the world, and more than 60% of hearing loss patients can be attributed to genetic causes. Although many loci have been linked to hereditary hearing impairment, most of the causative genes have not been identified as yet. The goal of this study was to investigate the cause of dominantly inherited sensorineural all‐frequency hearing loss in a six‐generation Chinese family. We performed exome sequencing to screen responsible candidate genes in three family members with all‐frequency hearing loss and one member with normal hearing. Sanger sequencing was employed to examine the variant mutations in the members of this family and 200 healthy persons. PCR‐RFLP was performed to further confirm the nucleotide mutation. A novel missense mutation c.2389G > A (GAC → AAC) in WFS1 gene was identified, which was co‐segregated with the hearing loss phenotype. No mutation was found in 200 controls and the family members with normal hearing in this site. The present study identifies, for the first time, a novel mutation in WFS1 gene that causes non‐syndromic hearing loss in all, rather than in low or high, frequencies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Polymer properties associated with chemical permeation performance of disposable nitrile rubber gloves
Authors: Phalen Robert N. , Wong Weng Kee
Published: September 2014

Unlike other chemical protective clothing and devices, disposable gloves are not reliably certified to exceed chemical permeation performance standards. In light of generalized chemical compatibility charts, significant variability in performance exists between similar products on the market. This study evaluates whether nitrile rubber composition and uniformity are better associated with the observed product variability in chemical resistance than the available mechanical testing (e.g., tensile strength) done on these products. The independent variables evaluated include two physical, three mechanical, and four compositional parameters. Based on correlation and multiple regression analyses, the factors associated with variation in permeation of ethanol are area density, acrylonitrile content, carboxylation of the base polymer, the amount of extractable oils and oily plasticizers, and polymer uniformity. Increases in area density, acrylonitrile content, and carboxylation improve chemical resistance. Decreases in extractable oils and polymer variability (uniformity) also improve chemical resistance. On average, these combined factors accounted for about 53–67% of the observed variability in permeation, which were moderate but not strong associations. In contrast, tensile strength accounted for about 1% of the observed variability, a negligible effect. These results support the notion that standardized tests and certification criteria need to address polymer composition and uniformity to reduce gaps in performance. However, in light of the lack of strong correlations, further evaluation with tighter control over chemical composition is warranted. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41449.
Self‐Control Moderates Decision‐Making Behavior When Minimizing Losses versus Maximizing Gains
Authors: Pang Bo , Otto A. Ross , Worthy Darrell A.
Published: September 2014

We examined (1) whether people would be more responsive to the delayed consequences of their decisions when attempting to minimize losses than when attempting to maximize gains in a history‐dependent decision‐making task and (2) how trait self‐control would moderate such an effect. In two experiments, participants performed a dynamic decision‐making task where they chose one of two options on each trial. The increasing option always gave a smaller immediate reward but caused future rewards for both options to increase. The decreasing option always gave a larger immediate reward but caused future rewards for both options to decrease. In Experiment 1 where the two options had equivalent expected value in the long run, participants were more prone to select the increasing option, which yielded larger benefits on future trials, in the loss‐minimization condition than in the gain‐maximization condition. Trait self‐control moderated the effect of losses by enhancing the effect for low self‐control participants while attenuating it for high self‐control participants. In Experiment 2 where selecting the increasing option was suboptimal, low self‐control participants still attempted to reduce losses on future trials by selecting the increasing option more often than high self‐control participants. These results suggest that decision makers value delayed consequences of their actions more in a losses domain relative to a gains domain and low self‐control individuals are more susceptible to such an effect. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of cellular proliferation and enhancement of hydrogen peroxide production in fibrosarcoma cell line by weak radio frequency magnetic fields
Authors: Castello Pablo R. , Hill Iain , Sivo Frank , Portelli Lucas , Barnes Frank , Usselman Robert , Martino Carlos F.
Published: September 2014

This study presents experimental data for the effects of weak radio frequency (RF) magnetic fields on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and cellular growth rates of fibrosarcoma HT1080 cells in vitro. Cells were exposed either to 45 µT static magnetic fields (SMFs)‐oriented vertical to the plane of growth or to SMFs combined with weak 5 and 10 MHz RF magnetic fields of 10 µTRMS intensity perpendicular to the static field. Cell numbers were reduced up to 30% on Day 2 for the cells exposed to the combination of SMF and a 10 MHz RF magnetic field compared with the SMF control cells. In addition, cells exposed to 10 MHz RF magnetic fields for 8 h increased H2O2 production by 55%. The results demonstrate an overall magnetic field‐induced biological effect that shows elevated H2O2 levels with accompanying decrease in cellular growth rates. Bioelectromagnetics 35:598–602, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Task‐dependent reorganization of functional connectivity networks during visual semantic decision making
Authors: DeSalvo Matthew N. , Douw Linda , Takaya Shigetoshi , Liu Hesheng , Stufflebeam Steven M.
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Functional MRI is widely used to study task‐related changes in neuronal activity as well as resting‐state functional connectivity. In this study, we explore task‐related changes in functional connectivity networks using fMRI. Dynamic connectivity may represent a new measure of neural network robustness that would impact both clinical and research efforts. However, prior studies of task‐related changes in functional connectivity have shown apparently conflicting results, leading to several competing hypotheses regarding the relationship between task‐related and resting‐state brain networks.

Methods

We used a graph theory‐based network approach to compare functional connectivity in healthy subjects between the resting state and when performing a clinically used semantic decision task. We analyzed fMRI data from 21 healthy, right‐handed subjects.

Results

While three nonoverlapping, highly intraconnected functional modules were observed in the resting state, an additional language‐related module emerged during the semantic decision task. Both overall and within‐module connectivity were greater in default mode network (DMN) and classical language areas during semantic decision making compared to rest, while between‐module connectivity was diffusely greater at rest, revealing a more widely distributed pattern of functional connectivity at rest.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that there are differences in network topology between resting and task states. Specifically, semantic decision making is associated with a reduction in distributed connectivity through hub areas of the DMN as well as an increase in connectivity within both default and language networks.
Quantitative Description of Structural Effects on the Stability of Gold(I) Carbenes
Authors: Ringger David H. , Kobylianskii Ilia J. , Serra Daniel , Chen Peter
Published: September 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Prof. Dr. Peter Chen at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland. The cover illustrates how the Chen group puts together an idea with elements stretching from physical to computational to preparative chemistry. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201403988.
The ciliary inner dynein arm, I1 dynein, is assembled in the cytoplasm and transported by IFT before axonemal docking
Authors: Viswanadha Rasagnya , Hunter Emily L. , Yamamoto Ryosuke , Wirschell Maureen , Alford Lea M. , Dutcher Susan K. , Sale Winfield S.
Published: September 2014

To determine mechanisms of assembly of ciliary dyneins, we focused on the Chlamydomonas inner dynein arm, I1 dynein, also known as dynein f. I1 dynein assembles in the cytoplasm as a 20S complex similar to the 20S I1 dynein complex isolated from the axoneme. The intermediate chain subunit, IC140 (IDA7), and heavy chains (IDA1, IDA2) are required for 20S I1 dynein preassembly in the cytoplasm. Unlike I1 dynein derived from the axoneme, the cytoplasmic 20S I1 complex will not rebind I1‐deficient axonemes in vitro. To test the hypothesis that I1 dynein is transported to the distal tip of the cilia for assembly in the axoneme, we performed cytoplasmic complementation in dikaryons formed between wild‐type and I1 dynein mutant cells. Rescue of I1 dynein assembly in mutant cilia occurred first at the distal tip and then proceeded toward the proximal axoneme. Notably, in contrast to other combinations, I1 dynein assembly was significantly delayed in dikaryons formed between ida7 and ida3. Furthermore, rescue of I1 dynein assembly required new protein synthesis in the ida7 × ida3 dikaryons. On the basis of the additional observations, we postulate that IDA3 is required for 20S I1 dynein transport. Cytoplasmic complementation in dikaryons using the conditional kinesin‐2 mutant, fla10‐1 revealed that transport of I1 dynein is dependent on kinesin‐2 activity. Thus, I1 dynein complex assembly depends upon IFT for transport to the ciliary distal tip prior to docking in the axoneme. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Absence of a Clinically Significant Effect of Food on the Single Dose Pharmacokinetics of Vorapaxar, a PAR‐1 Antagonist, in Healthy Adult Subjects
Authors: Behm Martin O. , Kosoglou Teddy , Miltenburg André M.M. , Li Jing , Statkevich Paul , Johnson‐Levonas Amy O. , Martinho Monika , Fackler Paul
Published: September 2014

In this open‐label, randomized, 2‐period crossover study, 16 healthy subjects received a single oral 2.5‐mg dose of vorapaxar in the fed (i.e., standardized high‐fat breakfast) and fasted (i.e., an overnight fast) state with a 6‐week washout. Plasma samples for vorapaxar assay were obtained pre‐dose and up to 72 hours post‐dose. Least squares (LS) geometric mean AUC0–72 hr and Cmax were analyzed by ANOVA. If 90% confidence intervals (CI) for the geometric mean ratios (GMRs; fed/fasted) of AUC0–72 hr and Cmax were within the 50–200% range, then food was deemed not to have a clinically important effect. The LS geometric mean (90% CI) AUC0–72 hr and Cmax of vorapaxar in the fasted state were 314 (284–348) ng hr/mL and 23.4 (20.7–26.4) ng/mL, respectively. The GMRs (fed/fasted) and 90% CIs for AUC0–72 hr and Cmax were 96.9 (92.2–102) and 79.1 (67.6–92.5), respectively. Vorapaxar was generally safe and well tolerated in the presence and absence of food. Concomitant food decreased the rate (i.e., 21% reduction in Cmax and 45‐min delay in Tmax) with no effect on the extent of vorapaxar absorption when administered as a single 2.5‐mg dose. Thus, vorapaxar can be administered without regard to food.
Adaptive‐impulsive function projective synchronization for a class of time‐delay chaotic systems
Authors: Zheng Song
Published: September 2014

This article investigates the function projective synchronization (FPS) for a class of time‐delay chaotic system via nonlinear adaptive‐impulsive control. To achieve the FPS, suitable nonlinear continuous and impulsive controllers are designed based on adaptive control theory and impulsive control theory. Using the generalized Babarlat's lemma, a general condition is given to ensure the FPS. Here, the time‐delay chaotic system is assumed to satisfy the Lipschitz condition while the Lipschitz constants are estimated by augmented adaptation equations. Numerical simulation results are also presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed synchronization scheme. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 333–341, 2015
The adaptor ASC exacerbates lethal Listeria monocytogenes infection by mediating IL‐18 production in an inflammasome‐dependent and ‐independent manner
Authors: Tsuchiya Kohsuke , Hara Hideki , Fang Rendong , Hernandez‐Cuellar Eduardo , Sakai Shunsuke , Daim Sylvia , Chen Xi , Dewamitta Sita R. , Qu Huixin , Mitsuyama Masao , Kawamura Ikuo
Published: September 2014

Listeria monocytogenes induces the formation of inflammasomes and subsequent caspase‐1 activation, and the adaptor apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a CARD (ASC) is crucial for this response. However, the role of ASC in L. monocytogenes infection in vivo is unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that ASC has a detrimental effect on host defense against L. monocytogenes infection at a lethal dose (106 CFU), but not at a sublethal dose (103 CFU). During lethal L. monocytogenes infection, serum levels of IL‐18 and IL‐10 were markedly elevated in WT mice, but not in ASC KO mice. IL‐18 KO mice were more resistant to lethal L. monocytogenes infection than WT mice and had lower levels of serum IL‐10. Furthermore, blockade of IL‐10 receptor resulted in a reduction in bacterial counts, suggesting that ASC and IL‐18 might exacerbate L. monocytogenes infection through induction of IL‐10. We noticed that maturation of IL‐18 during lethal infection was partially independent of caspase‐1, but was critically dependent on ASC. ASC was required for the elevation of serum neutrophil serine protease activity, which correlated with caspase‐1‐independent IL‐18 maturation and IL‐10 production. Collectively, these results suggest that ASC plays a detrimental role in lethal L. monocytogenes infection through IL‐18 production in an inflammasome‐dependent and ‐independent manner.
Synthesis of [3H], [13C3, 15N], and [14C]SCH 900567: an inhibitor of TNF‐α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) converting enzyme (TACE)
Authors: Ren Sumei , Hesk David , McNamara Paul , Koharski David , Borges Scott
Published: September 2014

SCH 900567 is a specific inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha converting enzyme and is a potential candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. [3H]SCH 900567 was synthesized to support the initial drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics studies. Stable isotope‐labeled [13C3, 15N]SCH 900567 was requested by the bioanalytical group as an internal standard for Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method development as well as by the drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics group for a potential microdose study. [13C3, 15N]SCH 900567 is synthesized via a linear sequence of seven steps from commercially available materials in 2.6% overall yield. [14C]SCH 900567 was needed for a quantitative whole body autoradiography studies and was prepared from unlabeled Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) via hydrolysis of the hydantoin moiety followed by rebuilding the hydantoin ring using potassium [14C]cyanate to give the desired product in 42.8% overall yield. Activation of the hydantoin moiety of SCH 900567 to achieve hydrolysis followed by derivatization of the resulting amino acid to avoid decarboxylation during cyclization is also discussed.
Grain Productivity, Fertilizer Response and Nutrient Balance of Farming Systems in Tigray, Ethiopia: A Multi‐Perspective View in Relation to Soil Fertility Degradation
Authors: Kraaijvanger Richard , Veldkamp Tom
Published: September 2014

Application of nutrients is an important way to increase crop productivity. In our study area, Tigray, development agents recommend fertilizer application to boost productivity and counteract nutrient depletion. We analysed soil fertility from different perspectives, using responses and nutrient balances on the basis of on‐farm experimentation. Three perspectives, embedded in the People–Planet–Profit framework and with different temporal and spatial scales and ownership, were considered. Taking a farmer perspective, we found no significant differences in response between recommended and current farmer practices. Taking an agronomist perspective, phosphorus seemed to limit productivity. It however also became obvious that closing nutrient balances at field scale to achieve sustainability is difficult. Only by using considerable amounts of manure and at the cost of productivity this can be achieved. From a long‐term environmentalist perspective, the traditional agricultural system seems sustainable in combining mixed farming and relatively low yields. We conclude that depending on the perspective taken, different interventions will be appropriate. All perspectives however indicate that gradually strengthening the existing mixed farming system by using fertilizers, organic manure and legume fallows supports crop productivity while maintaining other aspects of sustainability such as food security and profitability. In line with this, our analysis of different perspectives suggests that in our study area, farmers will only consider transitions with low risk and this specifically should be addressed in proposing pathways of transition. In processes where stakeholders with different perspectives cooperate, it is important to be aware and make use of the possibilities of comparable multi‐perspective analyses. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Highly Active ppm Level Organic Copper Catalyzed Photo‐Induced ICAR ATRP of Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Jiang Xiaowu , Wu Jian , Zhang Lifen , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: September 2014

A novel photo‐induced homogeneous atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) system is constructed using an organic copper salt (Cu(SC(S)N(C2H5)2)2) as a photo‐induced catalyst at 30 °C. Herein, N,N,N′,N′′,N′′‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) is used as a ligand, ethyl 2‐bromophenylacetate (EBPA) as an ATRP initiator, and (2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoyl) diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO) as a photo‐induced radical initiator to establish an ICAR (initiators for continuous activator regeneration) ATRP using methyl methacrylate (MMA) as a modal monomer. The effect of the concentration of the organic copper on the polymerization is investigated in detail. It is found that well‐controlled polymerization can be obtained even with the amount of (Cu(SC(S)N(C2H5)2)2 decreasing to a 1.56 ppm level, with the molecular weight of the resultant polymers increasing linearly with monomer conversion while maintaining a narrow molecular weight distribution (/ < 1.3).

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Alkylphenyl Substituted Naphthodithiophene: A New Building Unit with Conjugated Side Chains for Semiconducting Materials
Authors: Shi Shaowei , Shi Keli , Qu Rui , Mao Zupan , Wang Hanlin , Yu Gui , Li Xiaoyu , Li Yongfang , Wang Haiqiao
Published: September 2014

In this article, a versatile 2‐D conjugated polymer, PNDTP‐DPP, containing alkylphenyl substituted naphthodithiophene is synthesized and characterized. PNDTP‐DPP exhibits good solubility and crystallinity with a π−π stacking distance of ≈3.7 Å. Investigation of polymer solar cells (PSCs) and organic field‐effect transistors (OFET) demonstrates a promising power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 4.11% and a high hole mobility of up to 0.86 cm2 V–1 s–1, so this is one of the few examples of versatile polymers that show both good field‐effect mobility and PCE.

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Assessment of altered three‐dimensional blood characteristics in aortic disease by velocity distribution analysis
Authors: Garcia Julio , Barker Alex J. , van Ooij Pim , Schnell Susanne , Puthumana Jyothy , Bonow Robert O. , Collins Jeremy D. , Carr James C. , Markl Michael
Published: September 2014

Purpose

To test the feasibility of velocity distribution analysis for identifying altered three‐dimensional (3D) flow characteristics in patients with aortic disease based on 4D flow MRI volumetric analysis.

Methods

Forty patients with aortic (Ao) dilation (mid ascending aortic diameter MAA = 40 ± 7 mm, age = 56 ± 17 years, 11 females) underwent cardiovascular MRI. Four groups were retrospectively defined: mild Ao dilation (n = 10; MAA < 35 mm); moderate Ao dilation (n = 10; 35 < MAA < 45 mm); severe Ao dilation (n = 10; MAA > 45 mm); Ao dilation+aortic stenosis AS (n = 10; MAA > 35 mm and peak velocity > 2.5 m/s). The 3D PC‐MR angiograms were computed and used to obtain a 3D segmentation of the aorta which was divided into four segments: root, ascending aorta, arch, descending aorta. Radial chart displays were used to visualize multiple parameters representing segmental changes in the 3D velocity distribution associated with aortic disease.

Results

Changes in the velocity field and geometry between cohorts resulted in distinct hemodynamic patterns for each aortic segment. Disease progression from mild to Ao dilation + AS resulted in significant differences (P < 0.05) in flow parameters across cohorts and increased radial chart size for root and ascending aorta segments by 146% and 99%, respectively.

Conclusion

Volumetric 4D velocity distribution analysis has the potential to identify characteristic changes in regional blood flow patterns in patients with aortic disease. Magn Reson Med 74:817–825, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Positive and negative mood in men with advanced prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy: considering the role of social support and stress
Authors: Benedict Catherine , Dahn Jason R. , Antoni Michael H. , Traeger Lara , Kava Bruce , Bustillo Natalie , Zhou Eric S. , Penedo Frank J.
Published: September 2014

Advanced prostate cancer patients often undergo androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Advanced disease and adverse ADT side effects are often debilitating and negatively impact mood. Social support has been shown to mitigate detrimental effects of stress on mood.

Objective

This study sought to characterize positive and negative mood in this select patient population and determine whether social support moderated relations between stress and mood.

Methods

Participants (N = 80) completed the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List, Perceived Stress Scale, and Derogatis Affect Balance Scale at a single time point. Hierarchical regression models evaluated relations among social support, stress, and mood controlling for relevant covariates. Standard moderation analyses were performed.

Results

Participants reported higher levels of negative and positive mood compared with published means of localized prostate cancer patients. Overall, mood was more positive than negative. Stress levels were comparable to cancer populations with recurrent disease. Moderated regression analyses showed that social support partially buffered the effects of stress on positive mood; men with high stress and low support reported the lowest levels of positive mood. The model with negative mood as the dependent measure did not support moderation; that is, the relationship between stress and negative mood did not differ by level of social support.

Conclusion

Among individuals living with advanced prostate cancer, social support may be an important factor that sustains positive mood in the presence of stress. Future work should examine the extent to which social support prospectively impacts health‐related quality of life by promoting positive mood. Limitations include cross‐sectional design, which precludes causal inferences. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the making sense of brain tumor program: a randomized controlled trial of a home‐based psychosocial intervention
Authors: Ownsworth Tamara , Chambers Suzanne , Damborg Ea , Casey Leanne , Walker David G. , Shum David H. K.
Published: September 2014

Objective

Despite significant psychosocial morbidity, there are few controlled trials of psychological support for people with brain tumor. This study evaluated the efficacy of the Making Sense of Brain Tumor (MSoBT) program, a home‐based psychosocial intervention.

Design

A randomized controlled trial with a wait list condition

Methods

Fifty participants aged 17–82 years with brain tumor (54% benign) were randomly allocated to immediate treatment (n = 27) or a waitlist (n = 23). Measures included Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), McGill Quality of Life (MQOL) Questionnaire, Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐Brain (FACT‐Br). The immediate treatment group received the 10‐session MSoBT program, while the waitlist group received usual care for 10 weeks and were then re‐assessed before receiving the MSoBT program. A 6‐month post‐intervention follow‐up was conducted.

Results

Analysis of covariance adjusting for baseline functioning identified that the immediate treatment group reported significantly lower levels of depression on the MADRS (ηp2 = .19) and higher levels of existential well‐being on the MQOL (ηp2 = .13) and functional well‐being (ηp2 = .21) and global quality of life on the FACT‐Br (ηp2 = .12) at post‐assessment than the waitlist group. At 6‐month follow‐up participants reported significantly lower levels of depression and stress and higher existential well‐being and quality of life relative to pre‐intervention.

Conclusions

The MSoBT program appears to have efficacy for enhancing psychological well‐being and quality of life after brain tumor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Update: EPA actions—chemical safety and security Executive Order
Authors: Jennings Kim , Matthiessen Craig
Published: September 2014

On August 1, 2013, the President signed Executive Order (EO) 13650 designed to improve the safety and security of chemical facilities and reduce the risks of hazardous chemicals to workers and communities. The Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security EO, triggered by incidents such as the devastating explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas in April, 2013, directed the Federal Government to:

Improve operational coordination with state and local partners;

Enhance Federal agency coordination and information sharing;

Modernize policies, regulations, and standards; and

Work with stakeholders to identify best practices.

Considerable work was devoted to these issues over a 10‐month period and on June 6, 2014, the final report, “Executive Order 13650: Actions to Improve Chemical Facility Safety and Security – A Shared Commitment. Report for the President” was released to the public. The report highlights current activities to improve chemical safety and security and provides a plan for moving forward in five thematic areas:

Strengthening community planning and preparedness;

Enhancing Federal operations and coordination;

Improving data management;

Modernizing policies and regulations; and

Incorporating stakeholder feedback and developing best practices.

This article provides a brief update on current and future activities at the US Environmental Protection Agency under this EO Report to the President. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. Process Saf Prog 34: 196–198, 2015
A Novel Diterpene Skeleton: Identification of a Highly Aromatic, Cytotoxic and Antioxidant 5‐Methyl‐10‐demethyl‐abietane‐type Diterpene fromPremna serratifolia
Authors: Habtemariam Solomon , Varghese George K.
Published: September 2014

Premna serratifoliaLinn. (syn:. P. corymbosa(Burm. f.) Merr.,P. integrifoliaL. andP. obtusifoliaR. Br.) is a member of the Verbenaceae family that is extensively used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine in India. As part of our continuous pharmacological and phytochemical studies on medicinal plants, we have screened the methanolic extracts of leaves, root bark (RB) and root wood ofP. serratifoliafor cytotoxic activity against two cancer cell lines: SHSY‐5Y neuroblastoma and B16 melanoma cells. The RB extract that showed promising activity was fractionated using solvents of increasing polarity followed by a combination of Sephadex LH‐20 column and Combiflash chromatography as well as HPLC to afford the active principle. Comprehensive spectroscopic analysis including 1D and 2D NMR (COSY, HMQC, HMBC, NOESY) and MS analysis revealed the identity of the isolated compound as 11,12,16‐trihydroxy‐2‐oxo‐5‐methyl‐10‐demethyl‐abieta‐1[10],6,8,11,13‐pentene that appears to be a novel compound based on a new diterpene skeleton. The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compound was 21 and 23 times higher than the crude extract against the SHSY‐5Y and B16 cells, respectively. The novel compound also possessesin vitroantioxidant effects as evidenced by the DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging effect where an IC50value of 20.4 ± 1.3 μM was obtained. In comparison, the positive control, caffeic acid, showed an IC50value of 14.4 ± 1.6 μM. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing Moral Character
Authors: Seifert Tricia A.
Published: September 2014

This chapter synthesizes WNS research that examined moral character and concludes with recommendations for student affairs practice.
Understanding the Impact of Green Operations on Organizational Financial Performance: An Industry Perspective
Authors: Ngniatedema Thomas , Li Suhong , Illia Abdou
Published: September 2014

Measuring the financial effects of “green” activities across manufacturing and service industry sectors
Visual Solutions for Management System Processes
Authors: Platkus Walt
Published: September 2014

Process maps make complex processes easier to understand and analyze
Social Learning in Collective Participation and Negotiation Environments: The Case of a Hydrographic Basin Committee in Brazil
Authors: da Rosa Gama Madruga Lucia Rejane , da Silva Tania Nunes , Avila Lucas Veiga , Beuron Thiago Antonio
Published: September 2014

Understanding how a committee of diverse interests learns to work together
Mandatory Versus Voluntary Audits: Researching Intents and Outcomes
Authors: Tierney Jessica , Micke Wade
Published: September 2014

Comparing and contrasting two different audit schemes: Part one
Maternal plasma cell‐free DNA in the prediction of pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Rolnik D. L. , O'Gorman N. , Fiolna M. , van den Boom D. , Nicolaides K. H. , Poon L. C.
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Objectives

To examine whether maternal plasma concentrations of total cell‐free (cf)DNA and fetal fraction at 11–13 and 20–24 weeks' gestation in pregnancies that subsequently develop pre‐eclampsia (PE) are different from those without this complication.

Methods

Total cfDNA and fetal fraction were measured in 20 cases of early PE requiring delivery at < 34 weeks, in 20 cases of late PE with delivery at ≥ 34 weeks and in 200 normotensive controls, at 11–13 and 20–24 weeks' gestation. Total cfDNA and fetal fraction measured at 11–13 weeks were converted to multiples of the median (MoM), corrected for maternal characteristics and gestational age. The distributions of total cfDNA and fetal fraction at 20–24 weeks were expressed as MoM of values at 11–13 weeks. The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to determine the significance of differences in the median values in each outcome group relative to that in the controls.

Results

In the early‐PE group at 11–13 weeks, compared with controls, there was a significant increase in median total cfDNA (2104 genome equivalents (GE)/mL vs 1590 GE/mL) and a decrease in median fetal fraction (6.8% vs 8.7%). In the late‐PE group at 20–24 weeks, compared with controls, there was a significant decrease in median fetal fraction (8.2% vs 9.6%). These significant differences between groups were not observed when the values were converted to MoM.

Conclusion

Measurements of total cfDNA and fetal fraction in maternal plasma at 11–13 and 20–24 weeks are not predictive of PE. Copyright © 2014 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Public Awareness of Genetic Nondiscrimination Laws in Four States and Perceived Importance of Life Insurance Protections
Authors: Parkman Alicia A. , Foland Joan , Anderson Beth , Duquette Debra , Sobotka Holly , Lynn Mary , Nottingham Shelley , Dotson William David , Kolor Katherine , Cox Summer L.
Published: September 2014

Genetic testing has grown dramatically in the past decade and is becoming an integral part of health care. Genetic nondiscrimination laws have been passed in many states, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) was passed at the federal level in 2008. These laws generally protect individuals from discrimination by health insurers or employers based on genetic information, including test results. In 2010, Connecticut, Michigan, Ohio, and Oregon added four questions to their Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey to assess interest in genetic testing, awareness of genetic nondiscrimination laws, concern about genetic discrimination in determining life insurance eligibility and cost, and perceived importance of genetic nondiscrimination laws that address life insurance. Survey results showed that awareness of genetic nondiscrimination laws was low (less than 20 % of the adult population), while perceived importance of these types of laws was high (over 80 % of respondents rated them as very or somewhat important). Over two‐thirds of respondents indicated they were very or somewhat concerned about life insurance companies using genetic test results to determine life insurance coverage and costs. Results indicate a need for more public education to raise awareness of protections provided through current genetic nondiscrimination laws. The high rate of concern about life insurance discrimination indicates an additional need for continued dialogue regarding the extent of legal protections in genetic nondiscrimination laws.
ON SOME PROPERTIES OF A CLASS OF MULTIVARIATE ERLANG MIXTURES WITH INSURANCE APPLICATIONS
Authors: Willmot Gordon E. , Woo Jae-Kyung
Published: September 2014

We discuss some properties of a class of multivariate mixed Erlang distributions with different scale parameters and describes various distributional properties related to applications in insurance risk theory. Some representations involving scale mixtures, generalized Esscher transformations, higher-order equilibrium distributions, and residual lifetime distributions are derived. These results allows for the study of stop-loss moments, premium calculation, and the risk allocation problem. Finally, some results concerning minimum and maximum variables are derived and applied to pricing joint life and last survivor policies.
Taking the Bait? Lessons from a Hate Speech Prosecution
Authors: Askola Heli
Published: September 2014

This article uses one case study to explore the use of criminal hate speech provisions against populist politicians. In a high-profile Finnish case, a populist politician was found guilty of hate speech after a four-year criminal process. Though the prosecution was ultimately successful, the various problems with the case helped boost the political popularity of the accused who was turned into a well-known public figure and member of Parliament. The case might thus be seen to warn against tackling populist politicians by means of criminal law. However, further analysis of the political context and a comparison with the Dutch prosecution against anti-immigration politician Geert Wilders complicate this conclusion. This article examines the consequences of hate speech prosecutions of politicians and sheds light on the conditions under which they can achieve (some of) their aims. The case also has lessons for other jurisdictions about when hate speech prosecutions of politicians are likely to be successful in terms of countering prejudice and disempowering those who spread it for electoral purposes.
PARADOXES OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOMANDREPRESSION IN (POST-)SOVIET CONTEXTS
Authors: Pelkmans Mathijs
Published: September 2014

The religious revival that followed the collapse of the USSR provides an excellent opportunity to compare the dynamics of projects of religious freedom with those of religious repression. Based on extensive ethnographic fieldwork in Georgia and Kyrgyzstan, this article documents the contradictory effects that both repressive and liberal policies and laws have on religious expression. Thus, while Soviet anti-religious policies undeniably caused much suffering and hardship, religious repression also contributed to an intensification of religious experience among certain Muslim and evangelical groups. And while religious freedom laws expanded the scope for public religious organization and expression, they also produced new inequalities between religious groups, as the cases of Georgia and Kyrgyzstan demonstrate. Ultimately, the article shows that the effects of liberal and repressive laws are far from straightforward and need to be analyzed in relation to the social context in which they are applied.
Fraud and Monitoring in Non-competitive Elections
Authors: Little Andrew T.
Published: September 2014

This article develops a game-theoretic model that reconciles three facts: (1) fraud is pervasive in non-competitive elections, (2) domestic and international monitoring of elections have become nearly universal and (3) incumbent regimes often invite monitoring and still cheat. The incumbent regime commits fraud to manipulate the information generated by a non-competitive election before a political interaction with someaudience. The audience expects fraud, so the incumbent commits fraud because she would appear weak if not doing so. Increasing the visibility of fraud with monitoring is valuable because it lowers the equilibrium level of costly fraud without changing how popular the incumbent appears. The core results hold under multiple extensions, which produce a rich set of comparative static results.
Patterns of food consumption among vegetarians and non-vegetarians
Authors: Orlich Michael J. , Jaceldo-Siegl Karen , Sabaté Joan , Fan Jing , Singh Pramil N. , Fraser Gary E.
Published: September 2014

Vegetarian dietary patterns have been reported to be associated with a number of favourable health outcomes in epidemiological studies, including the Adventist Health Study 2 (AHS-2). Such dietary patterns may vary and need further characterisation regarding foods consumed. The aims of the present study were to characterise and compare the food consumption patterns of several vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. Dietary intake was measured using an FFQ among more than 89 000 members of the AHS-2 cohort. Vegetarian dietary patterns were defined a priori, based on the absence of certain animal foods in the diet. Foods were categorised into fifty-eight minor food groups comprising seventeen major food groups. The adjusted mean consumption of each food group for the vegetarian dietary patterns was compared with that for the non-vegetarian dietary pattern. Mean consumption was found to differ significantly across the dietary patterns for all food groups. Increased consumption of many plant foods including fruits, vegetables, avocados, non-fried potatoes, whole grains, legumes, soya foods, nuts and seeds was observed among vegetarians. Conversely, reduced consumption of meats, dairy products, eggs, refined grains, added fats, sweets, snack foods and non-water beverages was observed among vegetarians. Thus, although vegetarian dietary patterns in the AHS-2 have been defined based on the absence of animal foods in the diet, they differ greatly with respect to the consumption of many other food groups. These differences in food consumption patterns may be important in helping to explain the association of vegetarian diets with several important health outcomes.
CROWD-SOURCED GOVERNANCE IN A POST-DISASTER CONTEXT
Authors: Ali Shahla F
Published: September 2014

In the wake of recent catastrophic natural disasters, the United Nations (UN) has developed an increasingly sophisticated network of collaborative partnerships to assist with humanitarian relief operations. The growing use of open-source technology such as crowd mapping and resource tracking—being universally accessible, collaboratively designed, subject to ongoing improvement, and responsive to on-the-ground needs—reflects in many respects the emerging UN governance mechanisms developed to support the creation of such technology. The 2008 meeting of the World Economic Forum called for increased documentation and ‘dissemination of the work of humanitarian relief’ and ‘mapping of assets, non-food items’ and resources to prevent duplication.1 However, as yet, little attention has been given to the role of open-source governance mechanisms in the context of disaster response. This article aims to fill this gap by examining the emerging mechanisms by which private sector collaboration is coordinated by international institutions such as the UN. It finds that the emergence of post-disaster open-source humanitarian relief reflects the observations of new governance legal scholars that coordination is increasingly the result of expanded participation and partnership on the part of governments and non-State actors, a learning-focused orientation, with the State increasingly acting as a convener, catalyst and coordinator.
BANKRUPTCY FORUM SHOPPING: THE UK AND US AS VENUES OF CHOICE FOR FOREIGN COMPANIES
Authors: McCormack Gerard
Published: September 2014

This paper critically evaluates ‘forum shopping’ possibilities offered by the UK and US in bankruptcy/insolvency cases. While recognizing that in some quarters forum shopping has a bad name, the paper makes the point that strategic manoeuvring and transaction planning is what litigation and case management is all about. Certain countries are popular as forum shopping venues because of substantive law or the procedural advantages brought about by litigating in that country. The paper concludes that while the UK may have shut its doors too firmly against foreign forum shoppers, the US is too much a safe haven. The paper calls for a measure of jurisdictional restraint through raising entry barriers. While a bit of jurisdictional competition in insolvency law-making may be no bad thing, the US approach runs the risk of undermining important policies considered important by other countries such as the protection of employees and the public purse. It is also asymmetrical in that US bankruptcy jurisdiction is assumed in situations where, if foreign countries had acted on a similar basis, US recognition of the foreign proceedings would be denied.