bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diastereoselective Additive Trifluoromethylation/Halogenation of Isoxazole Triflones: Synthesis of All‐Carbon‐Functionalized Trifluoromethyl Isoxazoline Triflones
Authors: Kawai Hiroyuki , Sugita Yutaka , Tokunaga Etsuko , Sato Hiroyasu , Shiro Motoo , Shibata Norio
Published: February 2014

Invited for this months cover is the group of Prof. Norio Shibata. The cover shows the Japanese painting “Tsuibamu” (“Pecking”) by Mami Shibata: our novel isoxazoline triflones will support our life. For more details, see the Communication on p. 14 ff.
Synthesis of PANI‐CaO composite nanofibers with controllable diameter and electrical conductivity
Authors: Rahman Khan Mohammad Mizanur , Wee Yee Keat , Mahmood Wan Ahmad Kamil
Published: February 2014

We report the direct evidence of the control of diameter, surface morphology, and conductivity of polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers by systematically varying the addition of CaO in the range from 0.005 to 1.00 g. The possible incorporation of CaO in PANI was revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The diameter of PANI nanofibers was varied with the variation of CaO loadings. The low diameter, 30 nm was obtained for the highest loading of CaO (1.00 g). Field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the addition of CaO between the range of 0.005 and 1.00 g, always produces nanofibers with regular and uniform surface morphology and without secondary growth and agglomeration of primary nanoparticles. Conductivity measurements showed that the highest conductivity value of 6.329 S cm−1 could be obtained by the addition of the lowest amount of CaO (0.005 g). Furthermore, we observed the decreasing trend of conductivity with the increasing of CaO loadings. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:359–366, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Validation of automatic scanning of microscope slides in recovering rare cellular events: application for detection of fetal cells in maternal blood
Authors: Emad Ahmed , Bouchard Eric F. , Lamoureux Josée , Ouellet Annie , Dutta Aparajita , Klingbeil Uli , Drouin Régen
Published: February 2014

Objective

Detection of rare fetal cells (FCs) in the maternal circulation could be used for non‐invasive prenatal diagnosis. Considering that FCs in maternal blood are present in extremely low frequency, manual scanning is cumbersome, time‐consuming, and unsuitable for clinical applications. As an alternative, we optimized a custom‐made classifier for automatic detection of FCs.

Methods

Using MetaSystems' automated platform, we developed a robust detection algorithm and validated its efficiency on retrieval of rare XY cells in a pure population of XX cells. Slides were scanned for presence of predefined XY cells after fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and primed in situ labeling (PRINS). Retrieval of FCs was also performed on samples from maternal blood.

Results

The efficiency of detection of rare XY cells was 88% using FISH (117/133) in comparison with 78% (53/68) with PRINS. FC frequencies per 1 mL of maternal blood ranged from 3 to 6 FCs in normal pregnancies versus 13 to 21 FCs in Down syndrome pregnancies.

Conclusion

Automatic scanning was more efficient and consistent than manual scanning for detection of rare FCs and required considerably less operator time. Automatic scanning using FISH is more sensitive than that using PRINS. The study validates automatic scanning retrieval of FCs from maternal blood. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Top‐down mass spectrometry and hydrogen/deuterium exchange for comprehensive structural characterization of interferons: Implications for biosimilars
Authors: Pan Jingxi , Borchers Christoph H.
Published: February 2014

Rapid development in biopharmaceuticals has put high demands on analytical tools that can provide accurate and comprehensive characterization of protein drugs, including biosimilars. Although the enzyme digestion based “bottom‐up” approach is usually the method of choice for this purpose, it only gives peptide‐level information and sequence coverage is often incomplete. In this work, we used top‐down MS with electron capture dissociation (ECD) to characterize both the primary and higher order structures of a therapeutic protein interferon and its variants. Accurate mass measurement at the intact protein level combined with top‐down ECD fragmentation enabled unambiguous protein sequence confirmation and identification of all PTMs. Combining hydrogen/deuterium exchange and rapid disulfide reduction with top‐down ECD on the LC time scale, we have investigated the differences in higher order structure between the protein variants, as well as the impact of PTMs on protein conformation.
Thiol‐functionalized 1,3‐benzoxazine: Preparation and its use as a precursor for highly polymerizable benzoxazine monomers bearing sulfide moiety
Authors: Kawaguchi Asei W. , Sudo Atsushi , Endo Takeshi
Published: February 2014

We describe a new strategy for preparation of benzoxazine monomers based on in situ preparation of a thiol‐functionalized benzoxazine and successive chemical modification of the thiol moiety. The thiol‐functionalized benzoxazine can be prepared from its precursor bearing two benzoxazine moieties linked by disulfide bond. Reductive cleavage of the disulfide bond of the precursor with using triphenylphosphine as a reducing agent allows successful preparation of the thiol‐functionalized benzoxazine. By performing this reduction process in the presence of epoxides and acrylates, the formation of the thiol moiety and its successive reaction with those electrophiles proceed efficiently to give the corresponding benzoxazines with sulfide moieties. The benzoxazine monomers thus prepared exhibit much higher polymerization ability than those without sulfide moiety. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 1448–1457
Experimental clues of soft glassy rheology in strained filled elastomers
Authors: Ehrburger‐Dolle Françoise , Morfin Isabelle , Bley Françoise , Livet Frédéric , Heinrich Gert , Piché Luc , Sutton Mark
Published: February 2014

Tensile stress‐relaxation measurements have been performed on a series of cross‐linked filled elastomers. The fillers are chosen to investigate the effect of the filler–filler and the filler–matrix interactions on the time dependence of the tensile relaxation modulus E(t) after UP and DOWN jumps. For the carbon black‐filled sample (strong filler–elastomer interaction) E(t) decreases as log(t) when the strain ε is strictly larger than 0.2 and reached by UP jumps. For the silica‐filled samples in the same conditions, and for all samples after a DOWN jump, including ε  = 0.2, the experimental data can be fitted with a power law equation characterized by the exponent m. Thus, in all cases, |dE(t)/dt| scales as t−α with α ⩵ m + 1. Pertinence of the soft glassy rheology model for interpreting these results is examined. It is shown that α could be equivalent to the effective noise temperature x and related to the polymer chain mobility. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 647–656
Psychological morbidity and health‐related quality of life in patients with differing awareness of cancer diagnosis: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Wang Dian Can , Guo Chuan Bin , Peng Xin , Su Yan Jie
Published: February 2014

Objective

Concealment of cancer diagnosis from patients is not rare worldwide and physicians in mainland China are in fact discouraged from disclosing a cancer diagnosis to cancer patients. Preventing worsened psychological morbidity is at the core of the argument for nondisclosure. The purpose of this study was to quantify anxiety, depression, and distress among patients with various degrees of awareness of their cancer diagnosis. Quality of life was also measured.

Methods

Using a cross‐sectional and blinded design, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaire, the Distress Thermometer, and the SF‐36 Health Survey were administered to 287 hospitalized patients with oral and maxillofacial tumors. Independently, the patients' awareness of disease was assessed with semistructured interviews.

Results

Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Distress Thermometer, and SF‐36 did not identify significant differences in scores among the hospitalized patients with various degrees of awareness of their cancer diagnosis: an awaiting diagnosis group, a concealed diagnosis group, and a disclosed diagnosis group.

Conclusions

Before surgery, inpatients who were hospitalized because of oral and maxillofacial tumors with various degrees of awareness of their cancer diagnosis had similar psychological morbidity and quality of life. Informing hospitalized cancer patients of their diagnosis before surgery may not deteriorate their psychiatric condition or their quality of life. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical analysis of strategies for improving p‐type conductivity in wurtzite III‐nitride devices for high‐power opto‐ and microelectronic applications
Authors: Satter Md. Mahbub , Liu Yuh‐Shiuan , Kao Tsung‐Ting , Lochner Zachary , Li Xiaohang , Ryou Jae‐Hyun , Shen Shyh‐Chiang , Detchprohm Theeradetch , Dupuis Russell D. , Yoder P. Douglas
Published: February 2014

Achieving high p‐type conductivity is one of the most significant bottlenecks to the efficient operation of wurtzite III‐N based optoelectronic and microelectronic devices. Through judicious volumetric redistribution of fixed negative polarization charge, compositionally graded layers may be exploited to achieve nearly flat valence band profiles free from electrostatic barriers to hole injection into the active region. This may potentially ameliorate problems associated with poor p‐type conductivity and inefficient hole transport that complicates the design of DUV laser diodes and light emitting diodes. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A III‐nitride polarization enhanced electron filter for controlling the spectral response of solar‐blind AlGaN/AlN/SiC photodiodes
Authors: Rodak L. E. , Sampath A. V. , Gallinat C. S. , Smith J. , Chen Y. , Zhou Q. , Campbell J. C. , Shen H. , Wraback M.
Published: February 2014

Heterogeneous aluminium gallium nitride (Alx Ga1‐xN)/aluminium nitride (AlN)/silicon carbide (SiC) based n‐i‐p photodetectors have been demonstrated to effectively tailor the spectral response of SiC within the solar‐blind regime. The differences in polarization at the hetero‐interfaces resulting in negative polarization induced charge at the Alx Ga1‐xN/AlN interface and positive polarization induced charge at the AlN/SiC interface has been exploited to create a large barrier to carrier transport across the interface. This barrier impedes the collection of photo‐excited holes in the Alx Ga1‐xN layers and enables the selective collection of electrons photo‐excited to the Γ and L conduction band valleys of SiC while blocking the collection of electrons in the M valley. In this work, the influence of device design, including the AlN layer thickness and Alx Ga1‐xN composition, on the spectral response is discussed. Thin AlN barrier layers are easily overcome by electrons generated in all valleys of 4H‐SiC with increasing bias voltage while thicker barrier layers successfully minimize the collection of electrons in the M valley of SiC and therefore suppress the long‐wavelength response >260 nm. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth of high crystal quality InN by ENABLE‐MBE
Authors: Williams Joshua J. , Williamson Todd L. , Hoffbauer Mark A. , Wei Yong , Faleev Nikolai N. , Honsberg Christiana
Published: February 2014

Indium nitride is of interest as a small band gap material for hot carrier solar cells and for alloying of III‐Nitrides in conventional solar cells. Growth of photovoltaic device quality InN on cost effective sapphire wafers is challenging. Lattice mismatch between sapphire and indium nitride (∼25%) makes growth of epitaxial crystals with low crystalline imperfection problematic. InN films with promising XRD results were grown by MBE using a well‐aligned AlN buffer layer to grow InN on sapphire substrates. Crystal quality, analyzed by HRXRD, gives evidence that films of both AlN on sapphire and InN on AlN are almost fully relaxed by edge dislocations created on the interfaces with a rather low density of closed dislocation loops, created subsequently in the film volume of both epitaxial layers. These films exhibit threading dislocation densities of 3 x 107 cm‐2 and 2 × 108 cm‐2 for AlN and InN. Additional metrics quantifying film quality of AlN and InN characterized by XRD and TEM will be presented. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A Flexible and High‐Voltage Internal Tandem Supercapacitor Based on Graphene‐Based Porous Materials with Ultrahigh Energy Density
Authors: Zhang Fan , Lu Yanhong , Yang Xi , Zhang Long , Zhang Tengfei , Leng Kai , Wu Yingpeng , Huang Yi , Ma Yanfeng , Chen Yongsheng
Published: February 2014

Pursuing higher working voltage and packaged energy density, an internal tandem supercapacitor has been successfully designed and fabricated based on graphene‐based porous carbon hybrid material. Compared with the packaged energy density of 27.2 Wh kgcell −1 and working voltage of 3.5 V using EMIMBF4 electrolyte for the conventional single‐cell supercapacitor, the internal tandem device with the same material achieves a much higher working voltage of 7 V as well as a significantly improved energy density of 36.3 Wh kgcell −1 (increased by 33%), which is also about 7 times of that of the state‐of‐art commercial supercapacitors. A flexible internal tandem device is also designed and fabricated and demonstrated similar excellent performance.
Optical Reading of Contaminants in Aqueous Media Based on Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Du Jianjun , Zhu Bowen , Peng Xiaojun , Chen Xiaodong
Published: February 2014

With increasing trends of global population growth, urbanization, pollution over‐exploitation, and climate change, the safe water supply has become a global issue and is threatening our society in terms of sustainable development. Therefore, there is a growing need for a water‐monitoring platform with the capability of rapidness, specificity, low‐cost, and robustness. This review summarizes the recent developments in the design and application of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) based optical assays to detect contaminants in aqueous media with a high performance. First, a brief discussion on the correlation between the optical reading strategy and the optical properties of AuNPs is presented. Then, we summarize the principle behind AuNP‐based optical assays to detect different contaminants, such as toxic metal ion, anion, and pesticides, according to different optical reading strategies: colorimetry, scattering, and fluorescence. Finally, the comparison of these assays and the outlook of AuNP‐based optical detection are discussed.
Direct Evidence for Structural Transition Promoting Shear Thinning in Cylindrical Colloid Assemblies
Authors: Shikinaka Kazuhiro , Kaneda Keisuke , Mori Saori , Maki Tei , Masunaga Hiroyasu , Osada Yoshihito , Shigehara Kiyotaka
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we describe stimuli‐responsive hydrogels prepared from a rigid rod‐like polyelectrolyte ‘imogolite’ and a dicarboxylic acid. The hydrogel exhibited thixotropy in response to mechanical shock within the order of seconds or sub‐seconds. Here, using the latest structural/rheological characterisation techniques, the relationship between the structural transition processes and the shear thinning was estimated. The evidence obtained by the experiments revealed for the first time the direct relationship between the microscopic structural change and the macroscopic thixotropic behavior that have been extensively discussed. The thixotropic hydrogel has the hierarchical architecture in the combination of imogolite and dicarboxylic acid, i.e., sheathed nanotubes/hydroclusters of cross‐bridged nanotubes/frameworks. The formation and disintegration of the network structure upon resting and agitating, respectively, were the origin of gel/sol transition (thixotropy), although the hydroclusters of cross‐bridged nanotubes were maintained throughout the transition.
Formation and Properties of Mixed Ferritic–Martensitic Microstructures in the Air‐Hardening Steel LH800
Authors: Grydin Olexandr , Nuernberger Florian , Zou Ying , Schaper Mirko , Brosius Alexander
Published: February 2014

Processing of thin metal sheets of air‐hardening steels differs from the usual processing and includes deep drawing in the ferritic condition, a cutting operation and a thermal treatment of austenitizing, air quenching and an optional tempering, respectively. The mechanical properties of the low carbon steel LH800 increase due to air‐hardening, e.g., the tensile strength rises from about 480 MPa in the as‐delivered ferritic condition up to more than 1000 MPa in the martensitic condition. The experimental work aims to create a dual phase microstructure consisting of martensite and ferrite by austenitizing below the Ac3 temperature and to characterize the mechanical properties. Based on the experimental data mechanical properties and microstructural parameters could be correlated. For example, the tensile strength can be calculated using the rule of mixture for the microstructure fractions of martensite and ferrite. The yield stress can be predicted by extending the rule of mixture regarding the Hall–Petch equation. As the results reveal the mechanical properties can be controlled very well regarding tensile strength and yield stress by austenitizing at comparatively low temperatures.
Concise Review: From Greenhouse to Garden: The Changing Soil of the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Microenvironment During Development
Authors: Mirshekar-Syahkal Bahar , Fitch Simon R. , Ottersbach Katrin
Published: February 2014

The hematopoietic system has been intensely studied for many decades. For this reason, it has become the best understood stem cell-derived system that serves as a paradigm for stem cell biology and has found numerous applications in the clinics. While a lot of progress has recently been made in describing the bone marrow components that maintain and control blood stem cell function in the adult, very little is currently known about the regulatory microenvironment in which the first adult-repopulating hematopoietic stem cells are formed during development. Knowledge of these processes is crucial for understanding the basic regulation of hematopoietic stem cell production and behavior and to allow their in vitro expansion and generation from embryonic stem cells or iPS cells for clinical and research purposes. This review summarizes the recent advances that have been made in defining the cellular components, as well as the soluble and physical factors, that are part of the niche involved in regulating hematopoietic stem cell generation in the embryo. The findings are compared with what is known about the adult bone marrow niche to find common pathways for stem cell regulation, but also to highlight processes uniquely required for de novo hematopoietic stem cell generation, as these are the conditions that will need to be recreated for the successful production of blood stem cells in culture. Stem Cells  2014;32:1691–1700
Islet-1 Overexpression in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Vascularization Through Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-3
Authors: Liu Jia , Li Weiqiang , Wang Yinfen , Fan Wendong , Li Panlong , Lin Wanyi , Yang Daya , Fang Rong , Feng Mingzhe , Hu Chengheng , Du Zhimin , Wu Guifu , Xiang Andy Peng
Published: February 2014

The LIM-homeobox transcription factor islet-1 (ISL1) has been proposed to mark a cardiovascular progenitor cell lineage that gives rise to cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether forced expression of ISL1 in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) influenced the differentiation capacity and angiogenic properties of hMSCs. The lentiviral vector, EF1α-ISL1, was constructed using the Multisite Gateway System and used to transduce hMSCs. We found that ISL1 overexpression did not alter the proliferation, migration, or survival of hMSCs or affect their ability to differentiate into osteoblasts, adipocytes, cardiomyocytes, or endotheliocytes. However, ISL1-hMSCs differentiated into smooth muscle cells more efficiently than control hMSCs. Furthermore, conditioned medium from ISL1-hMSCs greatly enhanced the survival, migration, and tube-formation ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro. In vivo angiogenesis assays also showed much more vascular-like structures in the group cotransplanted with ISL1-hMSCs and HUVECs than in the group cotransplanted with control hMSCs and HUVECs. Quantitative RT-PCR and antibody arrays detected monocyte chemoattractant protein-3 (MCP3) at a higher level in conditioned medium from ISL1-hMSCs cultures than in conditioned medium from control hMSCs. Neutralization assays showed that addition of an anti-MCP3 antibody to ISL1-hMSCs-conditioned medium efficiently abolished the angiogenesis-promoting effect of ISL1-hMSCs. Our data suggest that overexpression of ISL1 in hMSCs promotes angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo through increasing secretion of paracrine factors, smooth muscle differentiation ability, and enhancing the survival of HUVECs. Stem Cells  2014;32:1843–1854
BMP Signaling Regulates the Tempo of Adult Hippocampal Progenitor Maturation at Multiple Stages of the Lineage
Authors: Bond Allison M. , Peng Chian-Yu , Meyers Emily A. , McGuire Tammy , Ewaleifoh Osefame , Kessler John A.
Published: February 2014

Novel environmental stimuli, such as running and learning, increase proliferation of adult hippocampal neural stem cells (NSCs) and enlarge the population of new neurons. However, it remains unclear how increased numbers of new neurons can be generated in a time frame far shorter than the time required for proliferating stem cells to generate these neurons. Here, we show that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling in the subgranular zone regulates the tempo of neural progenitor cell (NPC) maturation by directing their transition between states of quiescence and activation at multiple stages along the lineage. Virally mediated overexpression of BMP4 caused NPC cell cycle exit and slowed the normal maturation of NPCs, resulting in a long-term reduction in neurogenesis. Conversely, overexpression of the BMP inhibitor noggin promoted NPC cell cycle entry and accelerated NPC maturation. Similarly, BMP receptor type 2 (BMPRII) ablation in Ascl1+ intermediate NPCs accelerated their maturation into neurons. Importantly, ablation of BMPRII in GFAP+ stem cells accelerated maturation without depleting the NSC pool, indicating that an increased rate of neurogenesis does not necessarily diminish the stem cell population. Thus, inhibition of BMP signaling is a mechanism for rapidly expanding the pool of new neurons in the adult hippocampus by tipping the balance between quiescence/activation of NPCs and accelerating the rate at which they mature into neurons. Stem Cells  2014;32:2201–2214
Endothelial FoxM1 Mediates Bone Marrow Progenitor Cell-Induced Vascular Repair and Resolution of Inflammation following Inflammatory Lung Injury
Authors: Zhao Yidan D. , Huang Xiaojia , Yi Fan , Dai Zhiyu , Qian Zhijian , Tiruppathi Chinnaswamy , Tran Khiem , Zhao You-Yang
Published: February 2014

Adult stem cell treatment is a potential novel therapeutic approach for acute respiratory distress syndrome. Given the extremely low rate of cell engraftment, it is believed that these cells exert their beneficial effects via paracrine mechanisms. However, the endogenous mediator(s) in the pulmonary vasculature remains unclear. Using the mouse model with endothelial cell (EC)-restricted disruption of FoxM1 (FoxM1 CKO), here we show that endothelial expression of the reparative transcriptional factor FoxM1 is required for the protective effects of bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPC) against LPS-induced inflammatory lung injury and mortality. BMPC treatment resulted in rapid induction of FoxM1 expression in wild type (WT) but not FoxM1 CKO lungs. BMPC-induced inhibition of lung vascular injury, resolution of lung inflammation, and survival, as seen in WT mice, were abrogated in FoxM1 CKO mice following LPS challenge. Mechanistically, BMPC treatment failed to induce lung EC proliferation in FoxM1 CKO mice, which was associated with impaired expression of FoxM1 target genes essential for cell cycle progression. We also observed that BMPC treatment enhanced endothelial barrier function in WT but not in FoxM1-deficient EC monolayers. Restoration of β-catenin expression in FoxM1-deficient ECs normalized endothelial barrier enhancement in response to BMPC treatment. These data demonstrate the requisite role of endothelial FoxM1 in the mechanism of BMPC-induced vascular repair to restore vascular integrity and accelerate resolution of inflammation, thereby promoting survival following inflammatory lung injury. Stem Cells  2014;32:1855–1864
Assessing risks to humans from invasive Burmese pythons in Everglades National Park, Florida, USA
Authors: Reed Robert N. , Snow Ray W.
Published: February 2014

Invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) are now established across a large area of southern Florida, USA, including all of Everglades National Park (NP). The presence of these large‐bodied snakes in the continental United States has attracted intense media attention, including regular reference to the possibility of these snakes preying on humans. Over the course of a decade (2003–2012), we solicited reports of apparently unprovoked strikes directed at humans in Everglades NP. We summarize the circumstances surrounding each of the 5 reported incidents, which occurred between 2006 and 2012. All strikes were directed toward biologists moving through flooded wetlands; 2 strikes resulted in minor injury and none resulted in constriction. We consider most of these strikes to be cases of “mistaken identity,” in which the python initiated a strike at a potential prey item but aborted its predatory behavior prior to constriction and ingestion. No strikes are known to have been directed at park visitors despite visitation rates averaging over one million per year during this period. We conclude that while risks to humans should not be completely discounted, the relative risk of a human being killed by a python in Everglades NP appears to be extremely low. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
High 1H Relaxivity Gadolinium‐Grafted Mesoporous Silica Materials
Authors: Skår Hjørdis , Bienfait André M. , Schnitzlbaumer Malaika , Törnroos Karl W. , Anwander Reiner
Published: February 2014

Soft metal‐organic grafting of periodic mesoporous silica (PMS) has recently been demonstrated to give gadolinium‐loaded nanostructured hybrid materials with interesting 1H relaxometric properties. Here, the sterically demanding alkoxide and aryloxide complexes, [Ln(OCH2CMe3)3]4 and Ln(OC6H3tBu2‐2,6)3 (Ln = La, Gd), respectively, were grafted onto PMS materials MCM‐41, SBA‐15, and SBA‐1. Support materials with distinct topology and pore diameters were utilized in order to direct the metal precursors towards the PMSs internal or external surfaces. All hybrid materials were examined by N2 physisorption, Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform (DRIFT) and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, as well as elemental analysis. The characterization data demonstrated the successful silica attachment of the alk(aryl)oxide complexes via the surface silanol groups. Careful design of the hybrid materials based on findings in our previous studies resulted in GdIII loaded materials with particularly high 1H longitudinal relaxivities at high magnetic field strength (400 MHz). The highest relaxivity of r1 = 31 mM–1s–1 was found for material [Gd(OCH2CMe3)3]4@SBA‐1 showing no intrapore metal loading. This value is amongst the highest relaxivities reported for GdIII loaded mesoporous nanomaterials so far at such high field strength. The metal loading, localization of metal centers (directed by the topology of the PMS), and the particular properties of the metal‐organic precursor are factors found to influence r1.
Differences in Response Rates between Mail, E-mail, and Telephone Follow-Up in Hand Surgery Research
Authors: Nota Sjoerd P. F. T. , Strooker Joost A. , Ring David
Published: February 2014

Background

There is a need to determine the difference in response to mail, e-mail, and phone in clinical research surveys.

Methods

We enrolled 150 new and follow-up patients presenting to our hand and upper extremity department. Patients were assigned to complete a survey by mail, e-mail, or phone 3 months after enrollment, altering the follow-up method every 5 patients, until we had 3 groups of 50 patients. At initial enrollment and at 3 month follow-up (range 2–5 months), patients completed the short version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), the short version of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), and rated their pain intensity.

Results

The percent of patients that completed the survey was 34 % for mail, 24 % for e-mail, and 80 % for phone. Factors associated with responding to the survey were older age, nonsmoking, and lower pain intensity. Working full-time was associated with not responding.

Conclusions

The response rate to survey by phone is significantly higher than by mail or e-mail. Younger age, smoking, higher pain intensity, and working full-time are associated with not responding. Type of study/level of evidence: Prognostic I
The Utilization of the Acyl‐CoA and the Involvement PDAT and DGAT in the Biosynthesis of Erucic Acid‐Rich Triacylglycerols in Crambe Seed Oil
Authors: Furmanek Tomasz , Demski Kamil , Banaś Walentyna , Haslam Richard , Napier Jonathan , Stymne Sten , Banaś Antoni
Published: February 2014

The triacylglycerol of Crambe abyssinica seeds consist of 95 % very long chain (>18 carbon) fatty acids (86 % erucic acid; 22:1∆13) in the sn‐1 and sn‐3 positions. This would suggest that C. abyssinica triacylglycerols are not formed by the action of the phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT), but are rather the results of acyl‐CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) activity. However, measurements of PDAT and DGAT activities in microsomal membranes showed that C. abyssinica has significant PDAT activity, corresponding to about 10 % of the DGAT activity during periods of rapid seed oil accumulation. The specific activity of DGAT for erucoyl‐CoA had doubled at 19 days after flowering compared to earlier developmental stages, and was, at that stage, the preferred acyl donor, whereas the activities for 16:0‐CoA and 18:1‐CoA remained constant. This indicates that an expression of an isoform of DGAT with high specificity for erucoyl‐CoA is induced at the onset of rapid erucic acid and oil accumulation in the C. abyssinica seeds. Analysis of the composition of the acyl‐CoA pool during different stages of seed development showed that the percentage of erucoyl groups in acyl‐CoA was much higher than in complex lipids at all stages of seed development except in the desiccation phase. These results are in accordance with published results showing that the rate limiting step in erucic acid accumulation in C. abyssinica oil is the utilization of erucoyl‐CoA by the acyltransferases in the glycerol‐3‐phosphate pathway.
Properties of Soy Protein Produced by Countercurrent, Two‐Stage, Enzyme‐Assisted Aqueous Extraction
Authors: de Almeida N. M. , de Moura Bell J. M. L. N. , Johnson L. A.
Published: February 2014

Enzyme‐assisted aqueous extraction processing (EAEP) is an environmentally friendly technology where oil and protein can be simultaneously extracted from soybeans by using water and protease. Countercurrent, two‐stage, EAEP was performed at a 1:6 solids‐to‐liquid ratio, 50 °C, pH 9.0, and 120 rpm for 1 h to extract oil and protein from soybeans. The skim fractions were produced by three methods: (1) by treating with 0.5 % protease (wt/g extruded flakes) in both extraction stages; (2) by treating with 0.5 % protease in the 2nd extraction stage only; and (3) by using the same two‐stage extraction procedure without enzymes in either extraction stages. Countercurrent, two‐stage, protein extraction of air‐desolventized, hexane‐defatted, soybean flakes was used as a control. Solubility profiles of the skim proteins were the typical U‐shaped curves with the lowest solubility at the isoelectric point of soy protein (pH 4.5). The use of the enzyme slightly improved solubility of the recovered protein with hydrolyzed proteins having higher solubilities at acid pH. Emulsification and foaming properties were generally reduced by the use of enzyme during EAEP extractions. The skims produced with protease‐extracted (hydrolyzed) proteins gave gels with lower hardness than did unhydrolyzed proteins when heated at 80 °C. The essential amino acid compositions and protein digestibilities were not adversely affected by either extrusion or extraction treatments.
Does Education Improve Cognitive Performance Four Decades After School Completion?
Authors: Schneeweis Nicole , Skirbekk Vegard , Winter-Ebmer Rudolf
Published: February 2014

We study the effect of secondary education on cognitive performance toward the end of working age. We exploit the exogenous variation in years of schooling arising from compulsory schooling reforms implemented in six European countries during the 1950s and 1960s. Using data of individuals, approximately age 60, from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), we assess the causal effect of education on memory, fluency, numeracy, and orientation-to-date. Furthermore, we study education effects on cognitive decline. We find a positive impact of schooling on memory scores. One year of education increases the memory score approximately four decades later by about 0.2, which amounts to 10 % of a standard deviation. Furthermore, we find some evidence for a protective effect of schooling on cognitive decline in terms of verbal fluency.
An environmental snapshot of the Bølling interstadial in Southern Iberia
Authors: García-Alix Antonio , Jiménez-Moreno Gonzalo , Jiménez-Espejo Francisco J. , García-García Fernando , Delgado Huertas Antonio
Published: February 2014

The Bølling–Allerød interstadial is the closest warm time period to the Holocene. The study of the climate variability during this most recent warm scenario provides a natural record of potential environmental changes related with global temperature variations. Little is known about this interstadial in the Southern Iberian Peninsula. Therefore, the exceptional climatic record of the Otiñar paleo-lake (ca. 14.5–14.0 cal ka BP), provides environmental information about the first part of this interstadial (Bølling) in this key region. Although the studied high-resolution isotopic record point to almost invariant hydrological conditions in the paleo-lake, with little change in the carbon budget and important limestone dissolution, the pollen record shows an increase in forest species that can be interpreted as a warming trend and an increase in humidity during the Bølling in the area. This record is one of the few continental archives that show this climatic trend in Southern Iberia, agreeing with many other regional records from the western Mediterranean. This does not agree with higher latitude records that show an opposite trend. This opposite pattern in precipitation between the western Mediterranean and more northern latitudes could be explained by a persistent and increasing negative NAO mode during the Bølling in this area.
Unresolved Issues Regarding the Research and Practice of Cognitive Behavior Therapy: The Case of Guided Discovery Using Socratic Questioning
Authors: Kazantzis Nikolaos , Fairburn Christopher G. , Padesky Christine A. , Reinecke Mark , Teesson Maree
Published: February 2014

This article presents a panel discussion on the integration of collaborative empiricism, specifically Socratic Questioning, into cognitive behaviour therapy. The panel comprised experts in research and practice who had been invited as keynote presenters for the 34th National Conference for the Australian Association of Cognitive and Behaviour Therapy, held in Sydney, Australia. Experts responded to questions regarding (a) the definition of Socratic dialogue, and (b) whether the purpose of Guided Discovery using Socratic Questioning is to impart information, correct, or dispute patient cognitions. The session was well attended by mental health professionals from around the globe and the panel enjoyed the opportunity to discuss questions and comments from those in attendance. This article presents this exchange so that the broader AACBT membership may benefit from the ideas and comments generated.
Conducting a Function-Based Intervention in a School Setting to Reduce Inappropriate Behaviour of a Child With Autism
Authors: Camacho Regina , Anderson Angelika , Moore Dennis W. , Furlonger Brett
Published: February 2014

Although function-based interventions have been shown to be effective, the methods utilised to carry out functional behaviour assessments (FBA) have practical limitations. This study explored the relative utility and feasibility of three FBA methods in a school setting to inform a function-based intervention to reduce problem behaviour in a boy with autism. The study consisted of (1) indirect and direct assessments, (2) a modified functional analysis, and (3) the intervention. New video technology, Behavior Capture, was trialled to facilitate data collection in the classroom. All methods contributed to identifying the function of the problematic behaviour, though only the functional analysis provided conclusive results. A peer-mediated intervention based on these findings conducted in the school playground reduced the problem behaviours. All FBA methods could be applied in the school setting and provided useful information. Novel technology was helpful in facilitating data collection. A naturalistic intervention was successful in reducing problem behaviours and increasing play skills.
Implementing Psychological First-Aid Training for Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers
Authors: Chandra Anita , Kim Jee , Pieters Huibrie C. , Tang Jennifer , McCreary Michael , Schreiber Merritt , Wells Kenneth
Published: February 2014

Objective

We assessed the feasibility and impact on knowledge, attitudes, and reported practices of psychological first-aid (PFA) training in a sample of Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) members. Data have been limited on the uptake of PFA training in surge responders (eg, MRC) who are critical to community response.

Methods

Our mixed-methods approach involved self-administered pre- and post-training surveys and within-training focus group discussions of 76 MRC members attending a PFA training and train-the-trainer workshop. Listen, protect, connect (a PFA model for lay persons) focuses on listening and understanding both verbal and nonverbal cues; protecting the individual by determining realistic ways to help while providing reassurance; and connecting the individual with resources in the community.

Results

From pre- to post-training, perceived confidence and capability in using PFA after an emergency or disaster increased from 71% to 90% (P < .01), but no significant increase was found in PFA-related knowledge. Qualitative analyses suggest that knowledge and intentions to use PFA increased with training. Brief training was feasible, and while results were modest, the PFA training resulted in greater reported confidence and perceived capability in addressing psychological distress of persons affected by public health threats.

Conclusion

PFA training is a promising approach to improve surge responder confidence and competency in addressing postdisaster needs. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-6)
WHAT DOES KNOWLEDGE-YIELDING DEDUCTION REQUIRE OF ITS PREMISES?
Authors: Luzzi Federico
Published: February 2014

According to the principle of Knowledge Counter-Closure (KCC), knowledge-yielding single-premise deduction requires a known premise: if S believes q solely on the basis of deduction from p, and S knows q, then S must know p. Although prima facie plausible, widely accepted, and supported by seemingly compelling motivations, KCC has recently been challenged by cases where S arguably knows q solely on the basis of deduction from p, yet p is false (Warfield 2005; Fitelson 2010) or p is true but not known (Coffman 2008; Luzzi 2010). I explore a view that resolves this tension by abandoning KCC in the light of these challenges, and which acknowledges their force but also their limits. Adopting this view helps identify the epistemic constraints that operate on the premises of knowledge-yielding deduction, clarifies the epistemic role of deduction, and allows us to distil the kernel of truth in the motivations that are standardly taken to support KCC.
The Impact of Masculinity on Anger Arousal in Ambiguous Situations
Authors: Wharton Michelle , Day Andrew , Mohr Philip , Gerace Adam , Howells Kevin
Published: February 2014

This study aimed to investigate the influence of sex and gender role identity on anger experience at varying levels of provocation in a sample of 585 Australian students. Participants viewed videotaped vignettes of a potentially anger-triggering event where the intent of another person was either ambiguous or unambiguous. Measures of self-predicted anger, trait anger, and gender role identity were then completed. Results supported the hypothesis that it is gender role identity rather than sex that is more closely related to angry emotion. There was, however, no support for the hypothesis that anger arousal would be greater in circumstances in which the intention behind a provoking event is ambiguous when the respondent identifies with a masculine gender role. The implications of these findings for the development of anger management programs are discussed.
The Changing Size Distribution of California's North Coast Wineries
Authors: Cyr Don , Kushner Joseph , Ogwang Tomson
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we use three different goodness-of-fit tests for log-normality in conjunction with kernel nonparametric density estimation methods to examine both the size distribution of California North Coast wineries over time and by age. Our kernel density estimates indicate that the size distribution of wineries has changed from positively skewed to bimodal. These results are inconsistent with those in other industries, but are consistent with recent empirical research in the wine industry, which finds that smaller firms are comprising a larger component of market share. In terms of the distribution of firm size by age, our results indicate that as wineries age, the size distribution of firms becomes less skewed and more bimodal, which is also inconsistent with the research on other industries which finds that as firms age, the size distribution becomes more normal. Our results indicate that unlike other industries, where entry is very difficult, small firms can enter the wine industry and survive. (JEL Classifications: L11, L22, L25)
“Affluence of the Heart”: Wastefulness and the Search for Meaning in Millennial Japan
Authors: Siniawer Eiko Maruko
Published: February 2014

In the first decade of the twenty-first century, Japan experienced a surge in the evocation of the word “mottainai,” most simply translated as “wasteful.” Children's literature, mass-market nonfiction, magazines, newspapers, songs, government ministries, corporations, and nongovernmental organizations deliberately used and defined the term as they took up the question of what was to be deemed wasteful. This essay examines how discourses that were ostensibly about wastefulness constituted an articulation of values, a search for meaning and identity, and a certain conception of affluence in millennial Japan. It suggests that this idea ofmottainaireflected wide-ranging principles and beliefs that were thought to define what it meant to be Japanese in the twenty-first century, at a time when there settled in an uneasy acceptance of economic stagnation and a desire to find meaning in an economically anemic, yet still affluent, Japan.
Oil spill, August 1944: the CULA expedition and the North Slope Inupiat
Authors: Perkins Robert A.
Published: February 2014

An oil spill that occurred on 21 August 1944 near the Inupiat village of Barrow on Alaska's North Slope provides the focus for a brief history of activity in the face of extreme conditions and the evolving relationship of US Navy personnel and Inupiat natives of the region. The emotional recollections of an Inupiat elder are contrasted with the growing respect of the navy personnel for the Inupiat. The economic and social effects of oil explorations towards the end of World War II and the early post-war years are briefly discussed. These events form a part of the socio-economic background of current and proposed arctic oil development.
Early development, stress and depression across the life course: pathways to depression in a national British birth cohort
Authors: Colman I. , Jones P. B. , Kuh D. , Weeks M. , Naicker K. , Richards M. , Croudace T. J.
Published: February 2014

Background

The aetiology of depression is multifactorial, with biological, cognitive and environmental factors across the life course influencing risk of a depressive episode. There is inconsistent evidence linking early life development and later depression. The aim of this study was to investigate relationships between low birthweight (LBW), infant neurodevelopment, and acute and chronic stress as components in pathways to depression in adulthood.

Method

The sample included 4627 members of the National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD; the 1946 British birth cohort). Weight at birth, age of developmental milestones, economic deprivation in early childhood, acute stressors in childhood and adulthood, and socio-economic status (SES) in adulthood were assessed for their direct and indirect effects on adolescent (ages 13 and 15 years) and adult (ages 36, 43 and 53 years) measures of depressive symptoms in a structural equation modelling (SEM) framework. A structural equation model developed to incorporate all variables exhibited excellent model fit according to several indices.

Results

The path of prediction from birthweight to age of developmental milestones to adolescent depression/anxiety to adult depression/anxiety was significant (p < 0.001). Notably, direct paths from birthweight (p = 0.25) and age of developmental milestones (p = 0.23) to adult depression were not significant. Childhood deprivation and stressors had important direct and indirect effects on depression. Stressors in adulthood were strongly associated with adult depression.

Conclusions

Depression in adulthood is influenced by an accumulation of stressors across the life course, including many that originate in the first years of life. Effects of early-life development on mental health appear by adolescence.