bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approach for the Preparation of Various Classes of Peroxides Based on the Reaction of Triketones with H2O2: First Examples of Ozonide Rearrangements
Authors: Yaremenko Ivan A. , Terent'ev Alexander O. , Vil' Vera A. , Novikov Roman A. , Chernyshev Vladimir V. , Tafeenko Viktor A. , Levitsky Dmitri O. , Fleury Fabrice , Nikishin Gennady I.
Published: July 2014

The reaction of β,δ‐triketones with an ethereal solution of H2O2 catalyzed by heteropoly acids in the presence of a polar aprotic co‐solvent proceeds via three pathways to form three classes of peroxides: tricyclic monoperoxides, bridged tetraoxanes, and a pair of stereoisomeric ozonides. The reaction is unusual in that produces bridged tetraoxanes and ozonides with one of the three carbonyl groups remaining intact. In the synthesis of bridged tetraoxanes, the peroxide ring is formed by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with two carbonyl groups at the β positions. The synthesis of ozonides from ketones and hydrogen peroxide is a unique process in which the ozonide ring is formed with the participation of two carbonyl groups at the δ positions. Rearrangements of ozonides were found for the first time after more than one century of their active investigation. Ozonides are interconverted with each other and rearranged into tricyclic monoperoxides, whereas ozonides and tricyclic monoperoxides are transformed into bridged tetraoxanes. The individual reaction products were isolated by column chromatography and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. One representative of each class of peroxides was characterized by X‐ray diffraction.
A Theoretical Investigation of Photochemical Reactions of an Isolable Silylene with Benzene
Authors: Su Ming‐Der
Published: July 2014

The mechanisms of photochemical insertion reactions are investigated theoretically using the model system, an isolable dialkylsilylene and benzene, using the CAS(10,10)/6‐31G(d) and MP2‐CAS‐(10,10)/6‐311++G(df,pd)//CAS(10,10)/6‐31G(d) methods. The structures of the conical intersections, which play a key role in such photoinsertion reactions, are determined to provide a qualitative explanation of the reaction pathways. The model investigation demonstrates that the preferred reaction route for the isolable dialkylsilylene with benzene is as follows: reactants → Franck–Condon region → conical intersection → seven‐membered‐ring photoproduct. The theoretical findings suggest that the singlet excited dialkylsilylene should attack benzene in the perpendicular conformation, and that no silyl radicals should exist during these photoinsertion reactions. The results obtained allow a number of predictions to be made.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative α‐Arylation to β‐Ketonitriles
Authors: Schranck Johannes , Burhardt Mia , Bornschein Christoph , Neumann Helfried , Skrydstrup Troels , Beller Matthias
Published: July 2014

A carbonylative α‐arylation process employing unactivated nitriles for the first time is described. The reaction tolerates a range of (hetero)aryl iodides and several nitrile coupling partners. No prefunctionalization of the nitriles is necessary and the resulting β‐ketonitriles are obtained in good to excellent yields. The methodology also allows for a convenient 13C‐labelling of the generated carbonyl moiety.
How should we “empower” cancer patients?
Authors: Kaur Judith S.
Published: July 2014

Validated measures of empowerment for cancer patients will be very useful for program interventions. In this editorial, the author reviews the 2 articles in this issue that used the Health Education Information Questionnaire and suggests other important populations to study.
Characterization of Silver and Fluorescent Dyes Incorporated in Self‐Assembling Peptides and Their Potential Applications in Biology
Authors: Subbalakshmi Chivukula , Nagaraj Ramakrishnan
Published: July 2014

There is increasing interest in studying the interaction of nanoparticles with biomolecules, microorganisms, and noble metals to explore their unique properties and potential biological applications. The synthetic butyloxycarbonyl (Boc)‐protected methyl esters of peptides composed of only aliphatic amino acids (Boc‐Ile‐Ile‐OMe and Boc‐Leu‐Ile‐Ile‐OMe) self‐assembled into nanotubes and spheres, respectively, has been previously demonstrated. Herein, the characterization of these peptide nanoparticles incorporated with silver by means of various spectrometric methods and electron microscopy imaging techniques is described. The antibacterial activity of Ag‐doped nanoparticles was determined. These peptide nanoparticles were demonstrated to be useful encapsulants of charged fluorescent dyes. This investigation demonstrates the potential of these short peptide nanoparticles to design formulations of antimicrobial agents that will enhance their activity and as fluorescent probes for cell imaging.
Diels–Alder Reaction of o‐Carboryne with Fulvenes: Synthesis of Carboranonorbornadienes and Their Transformations
Authors: Zhang Jie , Qiu Zaozao , Xu Peng‐Fei , Xie Zuowei
Published: July 2014

o‐Carboryne (1,2‐dehydro‐o‐carborane) generated in situ from the precursor 1‐iodo‐2‐lithio‐o‐carborane reacts with 6,6′‐diarylfulvenes to give a series of carboranonorbornadienes in moderate yields with excellent regioselectivity. The resultant [4+2] cycloadducts can be further derivatized, thus leading to the formation of a variety of highly functionalized carboranes. This study shows that such Diels–Alder reaction serves as a convenient method for the preparation of a new class of multifunctionalized o‐carborane derivatives that might find applications in medicine and materials science.
Heterogeneous Catalysis and the Challenges of Powering the Planet, Securing Chemicals for Civilised Life, and Clean Efficient Utilization of Renewable Feedstocks
Authors: Thomas John Meurig
Published: July 2014

This article reviews, first, the prospects, practices and principles of generating solar fuels. It does so with an analysis of recent progress in the light‐driven emission of H2 (and other fuels) as well as O2 from water. To place this challenge in perspective, some current practices entailing the use of well‐proven solid catalysts developed for fossil‐based feedstocks, are described. The massive differences between proven methods of generating fuel and chemicals from non‐renewable and from solar radiation are emphasized with the aid of numerous quantitative examples. Whilst it is acknowledged that a key action in reducing the liberation of greenhouse gases (GHG) is to tackle the challenge of decreasing their evolution in power generation and in the production of steel, aluminium and other bulk commodities (metals, alloys, concrete and ceramics), nevertheless much can be done to diminish the emission of CO2 (and to use it as feedstock) through the agency of new, designed solid catalysts and microalgae. Solar‐thermal converters are also attractive alternatives, even though they are more likely to be used centrally rather than in small modular units like ‘artificial leaves,’ some of which are promising for the purposes of generating energy (and perhaps fuel) in a delocalized, modular manner.
Enhanced Performance and Stability of Polymer BHJ Photovoltaic Devices from Dry Transfer of PEDOT:PSS
Authors: Kim Jung Kyu , Park Insun , Kim Wanjung , Wang Dong Hwan , Choi Dae‐Geun , Choi Yeong Suk , Park Jong Hyeok
Published: July 2014

Polymer solar cells with enhanced initial cell performances and long‐term stability were fabricated by performing a simple dry transfer of a hole extraction layer [poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS)] onto an indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate. Due to the very flat surface of the polyurethane acrylate/polycarbonate (PUA/PC) film, which was used as a mold and resembled the surface of the original substrate (silicon wafer), the transferred layer had a very smooth surface morphology, resulting in enhancement of the interfacial characteristics. The work function of the PEDOT:PSS layer and the morphology of bulk hetero junction (BHJ) layer were tuned by controlling the position of PSS enrichment in the PEDOT:PSS layer using the dry transfer. The power conversion efficiency of PTB7:PC71BM BHJ device prepared by the dry transfer was 8.06 %, which was significantly higher than that of the spin‐cast device (7.32 %). By avoiding direct contact between the ITO substrate and the PEDOT:PSS solution in the dry transfer system, etching and diffusion of indium in the ITO substrate were greatly reduced, thereby improving the stability.
An evolutionary perspective on leaf economics: phylogenetics of leaf mass per area in vascular plants
Authors: Flores Olivier , Garnier Eric , Wright Ian J. , Reich Peter B. , Pierce Simon , Dìaz Sandra , Pakeman Robin J. , Rusch Graciela M. , Bernard‐Verdier Maud , Testi Baptiste , Bakker Jan P. , Bekker Renée M. , Cerabolini Bruno E. L. , Ceriani Roberta M. , Cornu Guillaume , Cruz Pablo , Delcamp Matthieu , Dolezal Jiri , Eriksson Ove , Fayolle Adeline , Freitas Helena , Golodets Carly , Gourlet‐Fleury Sylvie , Hodgson John G. , Brusa Guido , Kleyer Michael , Kunzmann Dieter , Lavorel Sandra , Papanastasis Vasilios P. , Pérez‐Harguindeguy Natalia , Vendramini Fernanda , Weiher Evan
Published: July 2014

In plant leaves, resource use follows a trade‐off between rapid resource capture and conservative storage. This “worldwide leaf economics spectrum” consists of a suite of intercorrelated leaf traits, among which leaf mass per area, LMA, is one of the most fundamental as it indicates the cost of leaf construction and light‐interception borne by plants. We conducted a broad‐scale analysis of the evolutionary history of LMA across a large dataset of 5401 vascular plant species. The phylogenetic signal in LMA displayed low but significant conservatism, that is, leaf economics tended to be more similar among close relatives than expected by chance alone. Models of trait evolution indicated that LMA evolved under weak stabilizing selection. Moreover, results suggest that different optimal phenotypes evolved among large clades within which extremes tended to be selected against. Conservatism in LMA was strongly related to growth form, as were selection intensity and phenotypic evolutionary rates: woody plants showed higher conservatism in relation to stronger stabilizing selection and lower evolutionary rates compared to herbaceous taxa. The evolutionary history of LMA thus paints different evolutionary trajectories of vascular plant species across clades, revealing the coordination of leaf trait evolution with growth forms in response to varying selection regimes.
Finding a home for plasma cells — A niche to survive
Authors: Tellier Julie , Kallies Axel
Published: July 2014

Long‐term survival of plasma cells (PCs) and sustained antibody secretion require a specific microenvironment that provides the appropriate prosurvival signals. This plasma cell niche involves both mesenchymal and hematopoietic components. Although a consensus exists about the essential contribution of CXCL12+ stromal cells in this environment, the identity of the hematopoietic participants remains a matter of debate. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Zehentmeier et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2014. 44: 2306‐2317] aim to identify the components of the bone marrow plasma cell niche in C57BL/6 mice in an unbiased manner by using a streamlined analysis of histological colocalization data. Apart from stromal cells, the authors showed that eosinophils are the only population specifically localized in the vicinity of PCs. In addition, the authors performed intravital imaging demonstrating that PCs are sessile and form stable contacts with reticular stromal cells. This work opens the door to a more rational approach to characterize the plasma cell niche.
Organometallic Approaches to Conjugated Polymers for Plastic Solar Cells: From Laboratory Synthesis to Industrial Production
Authors: Marzano Giuseppe , Ciasca Cosimo V. , Babudri Francesco , Bianchi Gabriele , Pellegrino Andrea , Po Riccardo , Farinola Gianluca M.
Published: July 2014

An overview of the organometallic synthetic approaches to low‐band‐gap polymers for organic solar cells from 2008 to the present is reported. The key role of the synthetic methods in development of materials with increasing performances is outlined, with consideration not only of research laboratory criteria, but also of parameters relevant to mass production: synthetic complexity, amount and toxicity of reactants and by‐products, and purification steps. The review is organized into sections covering the different organometallic polymerization reactions, also including olefin metathesis and the most recent results on direct arylation processes that appear particularly promising in terms of reduced synthetic complexity, costs, and byproducts. In the last section of the review, the discussed synthetic methods are reconsidered from the perspective of industrial scalability, which is one of the most critical issues for making OPV technology an effective route to solar energy exploitation. Interesting considerations are drawn on these basis, and directions for future developments in terms of requirements of the synthetic protocols are outlined.
Total Synthesis of (–)‐Heliespirone A and (+)‐Heliespirone C
Authors: Norcott Philip , McErlean Christopher S. P.
Published: July 2014

Total syntheses of the spiro‐epimeric natural products (–)‐heliespirone A and (+)‐heliespirone C are described. The successful strategy involved an aromatic Claisen rearrangement, a diastereoselective Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) reaction, and an intramolecular oxa‐Michael addition.
Fractalkine receptor regulates microglial neurotoxicity in an experimental mouse glaucoma model
Authors: Wang Ke , Peng Bo , Lin Bin
Published: July 2014

Neuroinflammation underlies a wide variety of pathological processes in the central nerve system (CNS). Although previous experimental and clinical studies indicate that activation of neuroinflammatory signaling occurs early in glaucoma, the mechanisms controlling microglia activation are still poorly defined. In the present study, we investigated the role of the chemokine receptor Cx3cr1 in microglia activation and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death in an experimental mouse glaucoma model with transient elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP). We demonstrated that retinal microglia played a pathogenic role in RGC death. Conversely, pharmacological suppression of microglia activation by minocycline increased RGC survival. Moreover, we found that Cx3cr1 deficiency enhanced microglial neurotoxicity and subsequently induced more extensive RGC loss, suggesting that Cx3cr1 suppressed microglial activation under elevated IOP. Overall, these findings provided novel insight into the mechanisms by which Cx3cr1 modulated microglia activation under elevated IOP. Suppression of microglia activation might be a potential treatment for slowing down the course of the disease and for increasing RGC survival in glaucoma patients. GLIA 2014;62:1943–1954
Characteristics of canonical intrinsic connectivity networks across tasks and monozygotic twin pairs
Authors: Moodie Craig A. , Wisner Krista M. , MacDonald Angus W.
Published: July 2014

Intrinsic connectivity networks (ICNs) are becoming more prominent in the analyses of in vivo brain activity as the field of neurometrics has revealed their importance for augmenting traditional cognitive neuroscience approaches. Consequently, tools that assess the coherence, or connectivity, and morphology of ICNs are being developed to support inferences and assumptions about the dynamics of the brain. Recently, we reported trait‐like profiles of ICNs showing reliability over time and reproducibility across different contexts. This study further examined the trait‐like and familial nature of ICNs by utilizing two divergent task paradigms in twins. The study aimed to identify stable network phenotypes that exhibited sensitivity to individual differences and external perturbations in task demands. Analogous ICNs were detected in each task and these ICNs showed consistency in morphology and intranetwork coherence across tasks, whereas the ICN timecourse dynamics showed sensitivity to task demands. Specifically, the timecourse of an arm/hand sensorimotor network showed the strongest correlation with the timeline of a hand imitation task, and the timecourse of a language‐processing network showed the strongest temporal association with a verb generation task. The area V1/simple visual stimuli network exhibited the most consistency in morphology, coherence, and timecourse dynamics within and across tasks. Similarly, this network exhibited familiality in all three domains as well. Hence, this experiment is a proof of principle that the morphology and coherence of ICNs can be consistent both within and across tasks, that ICN timecourses can be differentially and meaningfully modulated by a task, and that these domains can exhibit familiality. Hum Brain Mapp 35:5532–5549, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Payment Mechanisms and the Composition of Physician Practices: Balancing Cost‐Containment, Access, and Quality of Care
Authors: Barham Victoria , Milliken Olga
Published: July 2014

We take explicit account of the way in which the supply of physicians and patients in the economy affects the design of physician remuneration schemes, highlighting the three‐way trade‐off between quality of care, access, and cost. Both physicians and patients are heterogeneous. Physicians choose both the number of patients and the quality of care to provide to their patients. When determining physician payment rates, the principal must ensure access to care for all patients. When physicians can adjust the number of patients seen, there is no incentive to over‐treat. In contrast, altruistic physicians always quality stint: they prefer to add an additional patient, rather than to increase the quality of service provided. A mixed payment mechanism does not increase the quality of service provided with respect to capitation. Offering a menu of compensation schemes may constitute a cost‐effective strategy for inducing physicians to choose a given overall caseload but may also generate difficulties with access to care for frail patients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Personnel Selection Using Interval 2‐Tuple Linguistic VIKOR Method
Authors: Liu Hu‐Chen , Qin Jiang‐Tao , Mao Ling‐Xiang , Zhang Zhi‐Ying
Published: July 2014

Personnel selection is a very important activity in the human resource management of an organization. However, in many practical circumstances, due to time pressure and lack of information about candidates, decision makers generally tend to provide linguistic assessments and use different linguistic term sets to express their opinions during the personnel selection process. In this article, the VIKOR method combined with interval 2‐tuple linguistic variables is proposed to choose appropriate individuals among candidates in a group decision‐making environment. The interval 2‐tuple linguistic variable, which comprises two linguistic terms and two real numbers, is more flexible and precise to deal with linguistic information in solving personnel selection problems. To demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed interval 2‐tuple linguistic VIKOR method, a numerical example of personnel selection in a tertiary care hospital is provided.
Selective inhibition of miR‐92 in hippocampal neurons alters contextual fear memory
Authors: Vetere Gisella , Barbato Christian , Pezzola Silvia , Frisone Paola , Aceti Massimiliano , Ciotti MariaTeresa , Cogoni Carlo , Ammassari‐Teule Martine , Ruberti Francesca
Published: July 2014

Post‐transcriptional gene regulation mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs) is implicated in memory formation; however, the function of miR‐92 in this regulation is uncharacterized. The present study shows that training mice in contextual fear conditioning produces a transient increase in miR‐92 levels in the hippocampus and decreases several miR‐92 gene targets, including: (i) the neuronal Cl‐ extruding K+Cl‐ co‐transporter 2 (KCC2) protein; (ii) the cytoplasmic polyadenylation protein (CPEB3), an RNA‐binding protein regulator of protein synthesis in neurons; and (iii) the transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2D (MEF2D), one of the MEF2 genes which negatively regulates memory‐induced structural plasticity. Selective inhibition of endogenous miR‐92 in CA1 hippocampal neurons, by a sponge lentiviral vector expressing multiple sequences imperfectly complementary to mature miR‐92 under the control of the neuronal specific synapsin promoter, leads to up‐regulation of KCC2, CPEB3 and MEF2D, impairs contextual fear conditioning, and prevents a memory‐induced increase in the spine density. Taken together, the results indicate that neuronal‐expressed miR‐92 is an endogenous fine regulator of contextual fear memory in mice. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Understanding the shortage of village doctors in China and solutions under the policy of basic public health service equalization: evidence from Changzhou
Authors: Li Xiaohong , Cochran Christopher , Lu Jun , Shen Jay , Hao Chao , Wang Ying , Sun Mei , Li Chengyue , Chang Fengshui , Hao Mo
Published: July 2014

As the most important public health service providers in rural China, village doctors are facing a new challenge of heavier workload resulting from the recent policy of public health service equalization. Studies on the shortage of village doctors, mainly based on the national statistics, have so far been very broad. This study conducted detailed field surveys to identify specific factors of and potential solutions to the shortage in village doctors.

Eight hundred forty‐four village doctors and 995 health decision makers and providers were surveyed through a questionnaire, and some of them were surveyed by in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews and focus group interviews. Opinions on the shortage in village doctors and the potentially effective approaches to addressing the problem were sought.

Some village doctors (51.3%) were at least 50 years old.

Some village doctors (92.3%) did not want their children to become a village doctor, and the main reasons were “low salary” and “lack of social security”. Village doctors felt that it was difficult to provide all the required public health services. Local residents indicated that they established good relationships with village doctors. Some health decision makers and providers (74.0%) thought that they needed more village doctors.

The shortage in village doctors presents a major obstacle toward the realization of China's policy of public health service equalization. The aging of current village doctors exacerbates the problem. Policies and programs are needed to retain the current and attract new village doctors into the workforce. Separate measures are also needed to address disparities in socioeconomic circumstance from village to village. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the Role of Physics and Evolution in Dictating Protein Structure and Function
Authors: Skolnick Jeffrey , Gao Mu , Zhou Hongyi
Published: July 2014

How many of the structural and functional properties of proteins are inherent? Computer simulations provide a powerful tool to address this question. A series of studies on three libraries of proteinsQS, quasi‐spherical, compact polypeptides that lack any secondary structure; ART, artificial proteins comprised of compact homopolypeptides with protein‐like secondary structures; and PDB, native, single‐domain proteinsshows that essentially all native global folds, pockets, and protein‐protein interfaces are in the ART library. This suggests that many protein properties are inherent and that evolution is involved in fine‐tuning. The completeness of the space of ligand‐binding pockets and protein‐protein interfaces suggests that promiscuous interactions are intrinsic to proteins and that the capacity to perform the biochemistry of life at low level does not require evolution. If so, this has profound implications with regard to the origin of life.
Axl mediates tumor invasion and chemosensitivity through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and is transcriptionally regulated by slug in breast carcinoma
Authors: Li Yanyan , Jia Li , Ren Dongliang , Liu Chen , Gong Yanxin , Wang Ning , Zhang Xu , Zhao Yongfu
Published: July 2014

The invasion and chemoresistance are crucial causes of morbidity and relapse for cancer patients. Axl is implicated in the modulation of cell invasion, cancer metastasis, and chemosensitivity in human breast carcinoma cell lines. Both breast cancer cell lines and tissues displayed increased expression of Axl, and it over expressed in highly metastatic breast cancer. The altered expression level of Axl was corresponding to the changed invasive phenotype and chemosensitivity of MDA‐MB‐231 cells both in vitro and in vivo. Further data indicated that experimental inhibition of Axl by RNAi assay inhibited phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway, resulted in the decrease of Slug expression, and further suppressed cell invasion properties and chemosensitivity. What is more, after the detection and statistics in human breast cancer specimens, we found the Axl expression was closely correlated with histological grade, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage (P < 0.01). Taken together, these findings indicate that Axl exerts the role of tumor metastasis and chemosensitivity through activation of the PI3K/Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway, which is transcriptionally regulated by Slug. Our findings support the possibility that Axl is a novel regulator. It means by targeting Axl or its related signaling pathways, we can reduce the invasion and chemosensitivity of breast tumor. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(7):507–518, 2014
Decoding the Ethnic Labels Used by Undergraduates of Latin American Descent
Authors: HIPOLITO‐DELGADO CARLOS P.
Published: July 2014

Ethnic labels provide insights to a client's self‐definition and meaning making. Results from a study of 500 undergraduates indicate that those who identified as Chicana/o, Latina/o, Hispanic, “hyphenated American” (e.g., Cuban American), or who identified by nationality differed on key psychological constructs. The importance of self‐definition in counseling and research is discussed.
Effects of Child‐Centered Play Therapy on Irritability and Hyperactivity Behaviors of Children With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: SWAN KARRIE L. , RAY DEE C.
Published: July 2014

This study evaluates the effects of child‐centered play therapy (CCPT) on hyperactivity and irritability behaviors of two elementary‐aged children identified with an intellectual disability. A single‐case, ABA research design was used to examine the effectiveness of CCPT. Results indicate that CCPT decreased hyperactivity and irritability behaviors following introduction to the treatment intervention. For both participants, improvements in behaviors were maintained. A discussion of limitations and implications for future research are presented.
GOOD CO‐OPERATIVE GOVERNANCE: THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM WITH RURAL POVERTY REDUCTION
Authors: Hannan Rowshan
Published: July 2014

This article argues that good governance is a key component of the co‐operative contribution to poverty reduction. It reports on fieldwork findings in Kenya, which compares a co‐operative with strong governance processes with one facing a number of governance challenges. It concludes that good governance allows processes (or activities) within co‐operatives to be undertaken more effectively, impacting poverty outcomes at the village level. This has important policy implications, particularly for the way in which governments and development agencies work with co‐operatives. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE CO‐OPERATIVE AS INSTITUTION FOR HUMAN DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE STUDY OF COPPALJ, A PRIMARY CO‐OPERATIVE IN BRAZIL
Authors: Vicari Sara
Published: July 2014

What is the added value of co‐operatives in a people‐centred development setting? Applying the human development and capability approach to co‐operatives in a case study in Brazil, this article investigates the impact of co‐operative membership on member agency and well‐being as well as on community development. It uses both participatory and econometric methods to understand the real contribution that co‐operatives, as people‐centred participatory enterprises, can bring to human development and poverty reduction. The article aims to contribute evidence on how co‐operatives work for the poor and identifies the crucial role of policy‐makers in creating the appropriate environment for co‐operative development. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical management of bowel obstruction in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis
Authors: Shariat‐Madar Bahbak , Jayakrishnan Thejus T. , Gamblin T. Clark , Turaga Kiran K.
Published: July 2014

Background

Due to low life expectancy, treatment strategies for malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) due to peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) emphasize improved quality of life and symptom relief. Currently, the value of palliative surgery to treat obstructive PC is unclear.

Methods

A prospectively registered search strategy (PROSPERO) was utilized to identify articles examining outcomes of patients undergoing surgical palliation for MBO from PC in PubMed (2003–2013). Primary outcomes of interest were median overall survival (OS) and treatment complications.

Results

Of 730 articles screened, 64 were selected for full‐text review and 5 were quantitatively synthesized. This comprised 313 patients with MBO, of which 249 (79.5%) presented with PC. The mean age was 61.4 years (range 51–67). The OS for surgical patients was 6.4 months (2.8–19.7, n = 190). Stratification by surgical technique suggested an OS of resection, ostomy, and enteral bypass as 7.2 months (n = 174), 3.4 months (n = 9), and 2.7 months (n = 7), respectively. Major complications occurred in 37.0% of patients that underwent resection.

Conclusions

This study supports surgical resection over surgical bypass to treat obstructive PC, as it offered better OS with fewer complications. Higher quality studies are needed to conclusively assess the role of surgery in patients with obstructive PC. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 110:666–669. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hospitalizations in children with preexisting tracheostomy: A national perspective
Authors: Zhu Hannah , Das Preety , Roberson David W. , Jang Jisun , Skinner Margaret L. , Paine Melody , Yuan Jennifer , Berry Jay
Published: July 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To describe the reasons for hospitalization and characteristics of children with preexisting tracheostomy and to compare hospital utilization between children with and without tracheostomy.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Children with tracheostomy were selected in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database 2009 using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. We compared hospital utilization with the children's clinical characteristics (e.g., chronic condition number and type). We also assessed hospitalizations for tracheostomy complications and ambulatory care sensitive conditions (ACSCs) that could be potentially influenced by high‐quality outpatient and community care delivery.

Results

In 2009, there were 21,541 hospitalizations for children with tracheostomy totalling $1.4 billion (U.S.). On average, children with tracheostomy had five chronic conditions (standard deviation 1.4). Eighty‐one percent (n = 17,448) had one or more complex chronic conditions (CCCs), and 67.1% (n = 14,379) had a gastrostomy. Among children with one or more CCCs, mean hospital charges were greater for hospitalizations of children with tracheostomy compared to without ($69,999 vs. $64,017, P = 0.008). Twenty‐one percent (n = 4,421) of all hospitalizations of children with tracheostomy were due to an ACSC (14.5%, n = 3,122) or a tracheostomy complication (6.0%, n = 1,299). Bacterial pneumonia (9.6% of all hospitalizations, n = 2,059) was the most common ACSC.

Conclusions

Children with tracheostomy are a vulnerable group of children with multiple CCCs who experience lengthy and costly hospitalizations. Many hospitalizations are due to an ambulatory care sensitive condition or a tracheostomy complication. Further investigation is needed to determine whether some of these hospitalizations may be avoidable with improved outpatient and community tracheostomy care.

Level of Evidence

2b. Laryngoscope, 125:462–468, 2015
Spatial Distribution of Surface Soil Acidity, Electrical Conductivity, Soil Organic Carbon Content and Exchangeable Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium in Some Cropped Acid Soils of India
Authors: Behera Sanjib Kumar , Shukla Arvind Kumar
Published: July 2014

Land degradation is a global problem. Best management of degraded land can be done by evaluating the spatial variability of soil properties including chemical properties of degraded land and mapping such variations. Since, a significant portion of arable land in India is chemically degraded due to soil acidity; the present study was conducted to study the spatial variability of soil acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (OC) content, exchangeable potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) contents in some cropped acid soils of India. A total of four hundred (one hundred from each series) representative surface (0–0.15 m depth) soil samples were collected from arable soils representing four soil series namely Hariharapur, Debatoli, Rajpora and Neeleswaram situated in Orissa, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala states of India, respectively, and were analyzed. Soil acidity (pH between 3.90 and 6.45) showed a low variability, in contrast to other soil properties, which showed moderate variability. The coefficients of variation varied from 32.4 to 74.3, 31.2 to 50.9, 45.6 to 100, 71.9 to 93.0 and 59.0 to 79.8% for EC (mean between 0.05 and 0.09 dS m−1), OC (mean between 0.29 to 1.86%), exchangeable K+ (mean between 39.1 and 77.7 mg kg−1), Ca2+ (mean between 148 and 293 mg kg−1) and Mg2+ (mean between 111 and 191 mg kg−1), respectively. Soil pH and OC content were positively and significantly correlated with exchangeable K+, Ca2+ and Mg2+ content. Geostatistical analysis revealed that the best fit models were gaussian, exponential and spherical for different soil properties with moderate to strong spatial dependency. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermoplastic Carbon/Polyamide 12 Composites Containing Functionalized Graphene, Expanded Graphite, and Carbon Nanofillers
Authors: Hofmann Daniel , Keinath Michaela , Thomann Ralf , Mülhaupt Rolf
Published: July 2014

Injection molding and film drawing of polyamide (PA 12) with single and few‐layer functionalized graphene (FG) affords carbon/PA 12 nanocomposites with considerably improved property balance, unparalleled by other carbon nanofillers. As compared to carbon black (CB), expanded graphite (EG 60) and carbon nanotubes (CNT), the addition of FG such as thermally reduced graphite oxide (TRGO) and multilayer graphene (MLG 350) enables the simultaneous improvement of PA 12 matrix reinforcement, electrical conductivity and gas barrier resistance. Hence, FG/PA 12 composites are of interest for envisioned applications such as automotive fuel lines and packaging.
Funktionalisierte, strukturierte Materialien für sauberes Wasser
Authors: Schuhen Katrin
Published: July 2014

Anorganisch‐organische Hybridkieselgele fixieren organische Stressoren im Abwasser und machen sie auf diese Weise unschädlich.
2013 sorgt für einen guten Start
Authors: Bulmahn Maren
Published: July 2014

Ein Überblick über die Chemieindustrie des Jahres 2013 zeigt einen positiven Trend, der sich in diesem Jahr fortsetzte. Bisher liefen die Geschäfte außerhalb Europas besser als innerhalb. Die meisten Unternehmen wollen ihre Spezialchemie stärken.
Comparison between laparoscopic sacral hysteropexy and subtotal hysterectomy plus cervicopexy in pelvic organ prolapse: A pilot study
Authors: Gracia Meritxell , Perelló Maria , Bataller Eduardo , Espuña Montserrat , Parellada Montserrat , Genís Dolores , Balasch Joan , Carmona Francisco
Published: June 2014

Aims

The primary outcome was to evaluate the subjective success rates of two laparoscopic POP operation techniques: uterine‐sparing surgery versus a subtotal hysterectomy plus cervicopexy.

Methods

Prospective cohort of 45 women with symptomatic POP recruited between January and December 2010 who self‐selected surgery group: group A (n = 15), sacral laparoscopic hysteropexy was performed and group B (n = 30), laparoscopically conducted subtotal hysterectomy plus cervicopexy. All patients had a positive answer in the “Epidemiology of prolapse and incontinence” questionnaire (EPIQ, question number 35) and also had a POPQ ≥2nd degree. The primary outcome was the subjective success rate, measured by a negative answer to the Q35 of EPIQ: “Do you have a sensation that there is bulge in vagina or that something is falling out from your vagina” and also by rating their symptoms improvement by the “Patient Global Impression of Improvement”. The secondary outcome was the objective success rate assessed by pelvic examination: cure was considered when POPQ <2nd degree in all vaginal compartments at 6 and 12 months.

Results

Baseline demographic characteristics were similar between groups. Subjective success rate was significantly superior in group B both after 6 and 12 months (P = 0.001). Similarly, objective pelvic examination led to a significantly higher rate of successful apical outcome in group B after 6 and 12 months (P = 0.009 and P = 0.002, respectively). Neither major complications nor vaginal mesh erosions were registered.

Conclusions

The overall success rate was significantly higher in the laparoscopic subtotal hysterectomy plus cervicopexy group, compared with the laparoscopic sacral hysteropexy group. Neurourol. Urodynam. 34:???–???, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A family of noniterative integration methods with desired numerical dissipation
Authors: Chang Shuenn‐Yih
Published: July 2014

A new family of unconditionally stable integration methods for structural dynamics has been developed, which possesses the favorable numerical dissipation properties that can be continuously controlled. In particular, it can have zero damping. This numerical damping is helpful to suppress or even eliminate the spurious participation of high frequency modes, whereas the low frequency modes are almost unaffected. The most important improvement of this family method is that it involves no nonlinear iterations for each time step, and thus it is very computationally efficient when compared with a general second‐order accurate integration method, such as the constant average acceleration method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A defect correction approach to turbulence modeling
Authors: Labovsky Alexander
Published: July 2014

A method for resolving turbulent flow problems is presented, aiming at competing with the existing mathematical tractable Approximate Deconvolution Models in terms of accuracy, and outperforming these models in terms of the computational time needed. Full numerical analysis is performed, and the method is shown to be stable, easy to implement and parallelize, and computationally fast. The proposed method employs the defect correction approach to solve spatially filtered Navier–Stokes equations. A simple numerical test is provided that compares the method against the approximate deconvolution turbulence model (ADM). When resolving a fluid flow at high Reynolds number, the numerical example verifies the key feature of the method: while having the accuracy comparable to that of the ADM, the method computes in less than 80% of the time needed for the turbulence model—even before the parallelization.© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 268–288, 2015
Role of local disorder in martensitic and magnetic interactions in Ni–Mn based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys
Authors: Priolkar K. R.
Published: July 2014

Extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectroscopy have been employed to understand the factors responsible for martensitic transformation in Ni–Mn based ferromagnetic shape memory alloys. Local structural distortions have been found even in the austenitic phase in NiMnZ (Z = Sn and In) alloys. Systematic investigations on NiMnIn (x = 0, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6) reveal a progressive difference between Ni–In and Ni–Mn nearest neighbor bond distances that drive these alloys to martensitic transformation. Thermal evolution of Ni–Mn and Mn–Mn bond distances in the martensitic phase gives a clear evidence of a close relation between structural and magnetic degrees of freedom in these alloys. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy along with XMCD studies highlight the role of Ni 3d–Mn 3d hybridization in the magnetism of the martensitic phase of these alloys.
JSOD: JavaScript obfuscation detector
Authors: AL‐Taharwa Ismail Adel , Lee Hahn‐Ming , Jeng Albert B. , Wu Kuo‐Ping , Ho Cheng‐Seen , Chen Shyi‐Ming
Published: July 2014

JavaScript obfuscation is a deliberate act of making a script difficult to understand by concealing its purpose. The prevalent use of obfuscation techniques to hide malicious codes and to preserve copyrights of benign scripts resulted in (i) missing detection of malicious scripts that are obfuscated and (ii) raising false alarms due to the benign scripts that are obfuscated. Automatic detection of obfuscated JavaScript is generally undertaken by tackling the problem from the readability perspective. Recently, Microsoft research team analyzed different levels of context‐based features to distinguish obfuscated malicious scripts from obfuscated benign ones. In this work, we raise the issue of existing readable versions of obfuscated scripts. Further, we discuss the challenges posed by readably obfuscated scripts against both JavaScript malware detectors and obfuscated scripts detectors. Therefore, we propose JavaScript Obfuscation Detector (JSOD), a completely static solution to detect obfuscated scripts including readable patterns. To evaluate JSOD, we compare it to the state‐of‐the‐art approaches to detect obfuscated malicious and obfuscated benign script, namely, Zozzle and Nofus. Our experimental results demonstrate the importance to detect readably obfuscated scripts and their sophisticated variations. Furthermore, they also show the superiority of JSOD approach against all relevant solutions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Academic Entrepreneur: A Biographical Sketch of Ian C. MacMillan's Contributions to Establishing the Field of Entrepreneurship
Authors: McGrath Rita Gunther
Published: July 2014

Ian C. MacMillan, originally from Africa, is a seminal figure in forging the contours of the present‐day field of entrepreneurship. He was the first to empirically explore topics such as venture capital decision making; entrepreneurial networks; cultural influences on entrepreneurial behavior; and many issues in corporate venturing. Through the creation of vibrant, global, scholarly networks, the founding of the Journal of Business Venturing, his dedication to training and mentoring the next generation of scholars, and establishing the first large‐scale systematic global data collection in the field, Mac has made an irreplaceable contribution to the well‐established field that entrepreneurship has become. He and his students have been acknowledged as having made significant breakthroughs in our understanding of entrepreneurial phenomena, recognized by a burgeoning number of awards and testaments to scholarly recognition. He argues that the challenge for future researchers will be to tackle big, messy problems that do not lend themselves to the popular methodologies employed by academia today. Copyright © 2014 Strategic Management Society.
Stress Mediates the Relationship Between Past Drug Addiction and Current Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Low‐income Women
Authors: Wu Z. Helen , Tennen Howard , Hosain G. M. Monawar , Coman Emil , Cullum Jerry , Berenson Abbey B.
Published: July 2014

This study examined the role of stress as a mediator of the relationship between prior drug addiction and current high‐risk sexual behaviour. Eight hundred twenty women aged 18 to 30 years, who received care at community‐based family planning clinics, were interviewed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and the Sexual Risk Behavior Assessment Schedule. They also completed the brief version of the Self‐Control Scale as a measure of problem‐solving strategies and measures of recent stressful events, daily hassles and ongoing chronic stress. Regardless of addiction history, stress exposure during the previous 12 months was associated with risky sexual behaviour during the previous 12 months. Structural equation modelling revealed that 12‐month stress levels mediated the relationship between past drug addiction and 12‐month high‐risk sexual behaviours, as well as the negative relationship between problem‐solving strategies and high‐risk sexual behaviours. Problem‐solving strategies did not moderate the relationship between drug addiction and high‐risk sexual behaviours. These findings suggest that stress management training may help reduce risky behaviour among young, low‐income women Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Ligand Density and Size in Mediating Quantum Dot Nuclear Transport
Authors: Tang Peter S. , Sathiamoorthy Sarmitha , Lustig Lindsay C. , Ponzielli Romina , Inamoto Ichiro , Penn Linda Z. , Shin Jumi A. , Chan Warren C. W.
Published: July 2014

Studying the effects of the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials on cellular uptake, toxicity, and exocytosis can provide the foundation for designing safer and more effective nanoparticles for clinical applications. However, an understanding of the effects of these properties on subcellular transport, accumulation, and distribution remains limited. The present study investigates the effects of surface density and particle size of semiconductor quantum dots on cellular uptake as well as nuclear transport kinetics, retention, and accumulation. The current work illustrates that cellular uptake and nuclear accumulation of nanoparticles depend on surface density of the nuclear localization signal (NLS) peptides with nuclear transport reaching a plateau at 20% surface NLS density in as little as 30 min. These intracellular nanoparticles have no effects on cell viability up to 72 h post treatment. These findings will set a foundation for engineering more sophisticated nanoparticle systems for imaging and manipulating genetic targets in the nucleus.
Epitaxial Growth of ZnO Nanodisks with Large Exposed Polar Facets on Nanowire Arrays for Promoting Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Chen Haining , Wei Zhanhua , Yan Keyou , Bai Yang , Zhu Zonglong , Zhang Teng , Yang Shihe
Published: July 2014

Single‐crystalline and branched 1D arrays, ZnO nanowires/nanodisks (NWs/NDs) arrays, are fabricated to significantly enhance the performance of photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The epitaxial growth of the ZnO NDs with large exposed polar facets on ZnO NWs exhibits a laminated structure, which dramatically increases the light scattering capacity of the NWs arrays, especially in the wavelength region around 400 nm. The ND branching of the 1D arrays in the epitaxial fashion not only increase surface area and light utilization, but also support fast charge transport, leading to the considerable increase of photocurrent. Moreover, the tiny size NDs can facilitate charge separation and reduce charge recombination, while the large exposed polar facets of NDs reduce the external potential bias needed for water splitting. These advantages land the ZnO NWs/NDs arrays a four times higher power conversion efficiency than the ZnO NWs arrays. By sensitizing the ZnO NWs/NDs with CdS and CdSe quantum dots, the PEC performance can be further improved. This work advocates a trunk/leaf in forest concept for the single‐crystalline NWs/NDs in array with enlarged exposure of polar facets, which opens the way for optimizing light harvesting and charge separation and transport, and thus the PEC water splitting.