bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antisocial Behavior and Crime
Authors: Lugo Melissa
Published: December 2015

Antisocial behavior spans various types of crime. To fully understand the relationship between antisocial behavior and crime one must first examine its development. Biosocial criminology provides insight regarding the relationship between antisocial behavior and crime by examining domains of biology along with environmental influences. While criminological theorists have assessed how antisocial behaviors impact crime through the life course, the literature is still lacking. By examining the interaction of both genetics and social influences, biosocial research can vastly reduce the impact of antisocial behaviors on criminal offending.
Crime and Punishment inPortugal
Authors: Leite D'Almeida Agostinho F. , Fernández‐Pacheco Gloria
Published: December 2015

This entry aims to provide an approach to the reforms introduced in criminal law in recent years in Portugal and to the results achieved by these reforms in terms of diminishing the sense of insecurity felt by the Portuguese, as expressed in official statistics and victimization studies. Some of the main available materials concerning criminal law and public order tend to emphasize this feeling of insecurity, particularly about violent crimes; yet Portugal is regarded as the ninth safest country in the world and the second in Europe as far as prevalence of crime is concerned. This entry aims to make a modest contribution to the understanding of some of the ideas and goals underlying the reforms in criminal policies designed and followed by Portuguese authorities.
Social Learning Theory
Authors: Capece Michael
Published: December 2015

Akers and Sellers (2013) use four criteria to evaluate a theory: clearly defined concepts and logically stated propositions, testability, empirical support, and the usefulness and the policy implications of the theory. This entry touches on each of the criteria with an emphasis on the application for the prevention and treatment of deviant and criminal behavior. The future of social learning theory will also be discussed.
Crime and Punishment inRussia
Authors: Semukhina Olga
Published: December 2015

All crimes in Russia are identified by the Federal Criminal Code of 1996. In 2012 the registered crime rate per capita was 1,608 per 100,000, which ranks Russia in the 50th place among other countries in the world. Leading registered crimes include theft, drug‐related crimes, and fraud offences. Recorded Russian crime rates spiked during the transitional period ofperestroikabut started to decline after 2007. Following the dynamics of crime rates, Russia also experienced increase in the number of registered offenders and convicted persons during 1990–2007. In spite of recent decreases in crime and offenders, there is a continuous problem of growing repeat, female, and immigrant offenders. Homelessness, alcohol intoxication, and lack of stable employment also play an important role in explaining crime in Russia. Despite the country's effort to decrease custodial sentencing, its prison population is among the top ten in the world. Russia is also one of the top three countries in terms of female and pretrial imprisonment populations.
Political Crime
Authors: Ross Jeffrey Ian
Published: December 2015

Political crime is understandably and frequently one of the most misunderstood concepts in the field of criminology and criminal justice. This entry clarifies both definitional and conceptual issues. It briefly reviews the most dominant books and case studies that have examined the concept in whole or in part. It then examines research that has been conducted on political crime in the Anglo‐American democracies of the United States, Great Britain, Australia, and Canada. The entry is rounded out with examinations of recent scholarship and theoretical concerns, and research methods that are typically applied to political crime.
Criminalistics
Authors: Khey David N.
Published: December 2015

Criminalistics covers a diverse set of scientific approaches to and procedures of analyzing physical evidence from a crime scene. Such approaches and procedures include the analysis of hair and fibers, paint, glass, bodily fluids, botanicals and soil, weapons, fingerprints and footprints – and much more. In fact the vast majority of forensic services fall in the realm of criminalistics, which makes this term quite convoluted for laypersons. Trained experts in these methods, called criminalists, may operate at an active crime scene, in a crime laboratory, or both; however, the professionalization of the field is driving practitioners to specialize in smaller segments of criminalistics so as to best serve the needs of modern forensic units. Accordingly, this entry provides a practical introduction to modern criminalistics.
Sampling Strategies
Authors: Twersky Glasner Aviva
Published: December 2015

Researchers in the social sciences are most frequently looking for answers with respect to human behavior and society's response to that behavior. In the criminal justice field, such research is conducted for some of the following reasons: to test hypotheses, to look for correlations, to discover causality, to track trends in crime rates and locations, and to evaluate programs and public policies. Depending on the type of research method that is being used, or the reason for the research, sampling takes on special importance.
Reintegration
Authors: Brown Joe M.
Published: December 2015

Prisoner reentry was designed to support the successful reintegration of ex‐offenders from prisons back into their communities through the use of programs and services. The transition from incarceration to their community is difficult and problematic for the ex‐offender, families, and society as a whole. Social conditions such as poverty, employment, underemployment, low educational attainment, mental illness, and substance abuse are probable risk factors that may be conducive to further criminal behavior. In order to proactively negate the harmful factors in communities that can facilitate criminal behavior, community‐based correctional agencies must form partnerships with community resource providers (housing, education, employment, mental health providers) who will enable an offender to sustain their survival. Without access to these needed resources, a likelihood of reoffending exists.
Philosophies of Punishment
Authors: Kania Richard R. E.
Published: December 2015

The philosophical orientation toward punishment that one favors often is derived from how one perceives crime and the criminal, and what it is that one hopes to achieve by punishing someone. Various aims for punishment have been pursued: retribution, deterrence, reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration among them.
U
nited
S
tates
M
arshals
S
ervice
Authors: Williamson James C.
Published: December 2015

The United States Marshals Service is one of the most diverse agencies in the federal government. The duties performed by this one agency are very extensive and range from fugitive apprehension, prisoner operations, tactical operations, judicial security, prisoner transportation, and judicial security. The Marshals Service is the enforcement agency for the United States Court System and is steeped in tradition and history. Even though most of its functions are in the background and out of public light, every task performed is important to the daily operations of the courts, judicial system and transportation of inmates in order to keep the criminal justice system operating properly.
Bullying
Authors: Perez Nicholas M.
Published: December 2015

Bullying is a serious social problem with extensive consequences for its victims. Those who are bullied are subjected to constant harassment by peers who are exerting power over them. Bullying victims may be physically assaulted, verbally tormented, socially ostracized, or digitally harassed. These experiences can be harmful to an individual's development and can contribute to an array of negative effects as a result of the victimization. School bullying victims exhibit weaker academic performance, difficulties with school adjustment, mental health issues, increased substance use, and even higher involvement in violence. In addition to a focus on prevention, specialized bullying interventions must also consider the potential aftermath by developing strategies to prevent the potential repercussions for bullying victims and improve their chances for positive development.
Homelessness and Crime
Authors: Mustaine Elizabeth Ehrhardt
Published: December 2015

National estimates of homelessness vary considerably from a low of approximately 1 million to a high of 3 million. Regardless of the numbers, most individuals who are homeless have stories to tell about their experiences being unhoused and poor. These stories often incorporate the challenges of surviving each day: finding enough food, locating shelter when the weather turns bad, dealing with health issues and emergencies, and being confronted with life‐threatening situations. Unfortunately, they also include daily humiliations, stigmatization, and being ignored by the many people living in urban areas who appear unconcerned with their crises.

Another regular experience of the homeless is that of crime. This entry provides a brief review on the relationship between homelessness and crime.
Police Technology
Authors: Lynch Mathew D.
Published: December 2015

Technological innovations in the field of policing have evolved significantly over time. Recently, police departments have been tasked with identifying practices capable of preventing crime, increasing officer accountability, and building positive community relations. Novel technologies (e.g., body‐worn cameras, Global Positioning System, etc.) provide the necessary professional support to achieve organizational goals. Police technology is reactive in nature, and is driven by department funding, public perceptions/social change, and historical events. As a result, the evolution of police technology may continue to drive the modern era of policing for years to come.
Efficacy of Preoperative Progressive Resistance Training on Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Skoffer Birgit , Maribo Thomas , Mechlenburg Inger , Hansen Per M. , Søballe Kjeld , Dalgas Ulrik
Published: December 2015

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of 4 weeks of preoperative and 4 weeks of postoperative progressive resistance training (PRT), compared to 4 weeks of postoperative PRT only on functional performance, muscle strength, and patient‐reported outcomes in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

In total, 59 patients were randomized to 4 weeks of preoperative PRT (intervention group) or to a group who lived as usual (control group). Both groups performed 4 weeks of PRT after TKA. At 6 weeks and 1 week before TKA, and at 1, 6, and 12 weeks after TKA, performance‐based measures (30‐second chair stand test [30sCST], timed‐up‐and‐go [TUG], and walking tests), knee extensor and flexor muscle strength (dynamometry), patient‐reported functional performance, health‐related quality of life, and pain scores were evaluated.

Results

When comparing the changes from baseline to the primary test point 6 weeks after TKA, a significant group difference in favor of the intervention group was found for the 30sCST (2.5 repetitions [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.9, 4.1] versus −1.1 repetitions [95% CI −2.8, 0.7]; P < 0.004), the TUG (−0.7 seconds [95% CI −1.6, 0.1] versus 0.8 seconds [95% CI −0.1, 1.7]; P = 0.015), normalized knee extensor muscle strength (−0.2 Nm/kg [95% CI −0.3, −0.1] versus −0.4 Nm/kg [95% CI −0.5, −0.3]; P = 0.002), and normalized knee flexor muscle strength (0.1 Nm/kg [95% CI 0.0, 0.2] versus 0.0 Nm/kg [95% CI −0.1, 0.1]; P = 0.016). No differences were found between groups on patient‐reported outcomes.

Conclusion

Supervised preoperative PRT is an efficacious and safe intervention for improving postoperative functional performance and muscle strength, but improvements in patient‐reported outcomes were not detected.
Global Prevalence of Spondyloarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Regression Analysis
Authors: Stolwijk Carmen , van Onna Marloes , Boonen Annelies , van Tubergen Astrid
Published: December 2015

Objective

To summarize the prevalence of spondyloarthritis (SpA) and its subtypes in the general population, and to identify demographic and methodologic characteristics that might explain heterogeneity in prevalence estimates.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to identify relevant articles. Risk of bias was assessed and data were extracted. Pooled prevalences were calculated. Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis and meta‐regression analysis.

Results

The prevalence of SpA ranged from 0.20% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.00–0.66) in South‐East Asia to 1.61% (95% CI 1.27–2.00) in Northern Arctic communities; the prevalence of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) from 0.02% (95% CI 0.00–0.21) in Sub‐Saharan Africa to 0.35% (95% CI 0.24–0.48) in Northern Arctic communities; and the prevalence of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) from 0.01% (95% CI 0.00–0.17) in the Middle East to 0.19% (95% CI 0.16–0.32) in Europe. The following characteristics were significantly associated with variation in prevalence of SpA, AS, and/or PsA: proportion of females, mean age of the sample, geographic area and setting (demographic characteristics), year of data collection, case finding, and case ascertainment (methodologic characteristics). For the other SpA subgroups, too few studies were available to conduct a meta‐analysis, but prevalence estimates of reactive arthritis (range 0.0–0.2%), SpA related to inflammatory bowel disease (range 0.0–0.1%), and undifferentiated SpA (range 0.0–0.7%) were generally low.

Conclusion

SpA is a common disease, but with large variation in reported prevalence estimates, which can partly be explained by differences in demographic and methodologic characteristics. Particularly, geographic area as well as case finding account for a substantial part of the heterogeneity.
Approving Restoration Mechanism in 7075 Aluminum Alloy through Constitutive Flow Behavior Modeling
Authors: Moghaddam Mohammad , Zarei‐Hanzaki Abbas , Farabi Ehsan , Taheri‐Mandarjani Mahsa
Published: December 2015

The present study deals with the flow stress characterization of 7075 aluminum alloy using process maps and constitutive flow behavior modeling. The latter was performed employing the work hardening‐DRV and DRX based models. The hot compression tests data in a wide range of temperature and strain rate were used to develop the activation energy map, strain rate sensitivity map, and the processing maps. Furthermore, in comparison with previously hired models, the DRX based model showed a good compatibility with the experimental results and therefore it was approved as a novel technique to justify the main restoration mechanism in 7075 aluminum alloy.
Aerosol‐Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition of Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes on Steel Substrates for Application in Supercapacitors
Authors: Sagu Jagdeep S. , Upul Wijayantha Kahagala Gamage , Bohm Mallika , Bohm Siva , Rout Tapan Kumar
Published: December 2015

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are grown on to steel substrates by aerosol‐assisted chemical vapor deposition using ferrocene in ethanol as the carbon feedstock. The CNTs adopted a highly entangled morphology. Elemental analysis indicates that the main source of carbon for CNT growth is from the cyclopentadiene rings in ferrocene rather than the ethanol solvent. The CNT‐coated steel substrates are evaluated for their performance as supercapacitor electrodes. The electrodes exhibit a high geometric capacitance of 3.4 mF cm−2 which is due to the high internal surface area, but a relatively low specific capacitance of 0.34 F g−1.
Vapor‐Phase Deposited Ultrathin Polymer Gate Dielectrics for High‐Performance Organic Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Seong Hyejeong , Pak Kwanyong , Joo Munkyu , Choi Junhwan , Im Sung Gap
Published: December 2015

A series of new ultrathin polymer dielectric layers (sub‐40 nm) is synthesized via initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) for application in low‐power, flexible organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs): poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (pEGDMA), poly(isobornyl acrylate) (pIBA), and poly(1H, 1H, 2H, 2H‐perfluorodecyl acrylate) (pPFDA). The iCVD process is a solvent‐free, vapor‐phase process to deposit various kinds of functional polymer films with a high purity. The iCVD polymer dielectric layers commonly exhibit low leakage current densities (J
i) less than 10−8 A cm−2 in the range of ±3 MV cm−1, high breakdown field (Ebreak) over 4 MV cm−1, and excellent flexibility up to a tensile strain of 3.3%. Hysteresis‐free, low‐voltage OTFTs made of the iCVD dielectric layers are demonstrated with various kinds of n‐ and p‐type semiconductors. The superior performance of the iCVD dielectrics will enable the polymer films to play a pivotal role in developing various types of future organic electronic devices.
Socialization of adult owl monkeys (Aotus sp.) in Captivity
Authors: Williams Lawrence E. , Coke CS , Weed JL
Published: December 2015

Social housing has often been recommended as one‐way to address the psychological well‐being of captive non‐human primates. Published reports have examined methods to socialize compatible animals by forming pairs or groups. Successful socialization rates vary depending on the species, gender, and environment. This study presents a retrospective look at pairing attempts in two species of owl monkeys, Aotus nancymaae and A. azarae, which live in monogamous pairs in the wild. The results of 477 pairing attempt conducted with captive, laboratory housed owl monkeys and 61 hr of behavioral observations are reported here. The greatest success pairing these owl monkeys occurred with opposite sex pairs, with an 82% success rate. Opposite sex pairs were more successful when females were older than males. Female–female pairs were more successful than male–male (MM) pairs (62% vs 40%). Successful pairs stayed together between 3 and 7 years before the animals were separated due to social incompatibility. Vigilance, eating, and sleeping during introductions significantly predicted success, as did the performance of the same behavior in both animals. The results of this analysis show that it is possible to give captive owl monkeys a social alternative even if species appropriate social partners (i.e., opposite sex partners) are not available. The focus of this report is a description of one potential way to enhance the welfare of a specific new world primate, the owl monkey, under laboratory conditions. More important is how the species typical social structure of owl monkeys in nature affects the captive management of this genus. Am. J. Primatol. 79:e22521, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Three‐layered electrospun PVA/PCL/PVA nanofibrous mats containing tetracycline hydrochloride and phenytoin sodium: A case study on sustained control release, antibacterial, and cell culture properties
Authors: Askari Pouyan , Zahedi Payam , Rezaeian Iraj
Published: December 2015

The main objective of this work was to prepare a tailor‐made electrospun nanofibrous samples based on poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) containing tetracycline hydrochloride (TC‐HCl) as a middle layer and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) including phenytoin sodium (PHT‐Na) as lateral layers. The characterizations of the three‐layered electrospun samples were carried out by using SEM, ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy along with swelling/weight loss, UV–vis spectrophotometry as well as HPLC, antibacterial and MTT tests. The SEM micrograph images showed that the average diameter of PCL nanofibers was decreased from 243 ± 7 nm to 181 ± 5 nm by adding TC‐HCl. The hydrolytic degradation of PVA nanofibers in the exposure of phosphate buffer solution (PBS) was confirmed by ATR‐FTIR results in which a change at the intensity of the characteristic peak located at 3333 cm−1 corresponding to hydroxyl groups (OH) was observed. The UV–vis outcomes revealed a sustained control release of TC‐HCl from the three‐layered nanofibrous samples (PVA/PCL/PVA) with an amount of about 43% compared to the PCL nanofibers which had an ultimate release of the drug about 79%. Furthermore, the HPLC chromatograms showed the released PHT‐Na from PVA nanofibers about 87%. Finally, the MTT assay along with the antibacterial evaluation exhibited that the surfaces of these electrospun three‐layered nanofibrous samples have no cytotoxicity as well as the controlled release of TC‐HCl from them enabled their prolonged use for preventing the bacterium growth such as S. aureus during 24‐h treatment time. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43309.
Electrospun plasma‐modified chitosan/poly(ethylene terephthalate)/ferrocenyl‐substituted N‐acetyl‐2‐pyrazoline fibers for phosphate anion sensing
Authors: Maslakci Neslihan Nohut , Eren Esin , Topel Seda Demirel , Cin Gunseli Turgut , Oksuz Aysegul Uygun
Published: December 2015

Two ferrocenyl‐substituted N‐acetyl‐2‐pyrazolines, N‐acetyl‐3‐(2‐furyl)‐5‐ferrocenyl‐2‐pyrazoline (Fc‐1) and N‐acetyl‐3‐(2‐thienyl)‐5‐ferrocenyl‐2‐pyrazoline (Fc‐2) electrospun fibers, were produced in the presence of plasma‐modified chitosan (PMCh)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) supporting polymers with an electrospinning method. The morphological and chemical characterizations of the PMCh/PET/Fc‐1 and PMCh/PET/Fc‐2 electrospun fibers were determined by scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis results indicated the presence of ferrocene within the PMCh/PET nanofibers. The electrochemical behavior of the PMCh/PET/Fc‐1 and PMCh/PET/Fc‐2 electrospun fibers were investigated by cyclic voltammetry measurements based on the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple. The new PMCh/PET/Fc‐1 and PMCh/PET/Fc‐2 electrospun fibers aggregated on the indium tin oxide were used for phosphate anion sensing. The highest oxidation peak currents were observed for the PMCh/PET/Fc‐1 electrospun fibers at about 0.56 V in 0.1M phosphate buffer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43344.
Benefits of marine protected areas for tropical coastal sharks
Authors: Yates Peter M. , Tobin Andrew J. , Heupel Michelle R. , Simpfendorfer Colin A.
Published: December 2015

Coastal sharks face increasing pressure from anthropogenic impacts and environmental change. Estimated population declines in some species have created uncertainty about the effectiveness of existing management approaches. In particular, there are scarce data on the benefits of marine protected areas (MPAs) for sharks, including whether they can be used to conserve multiple sympatric species comprising diverse life histories and habitat use patterns.

This study used fishery‐independent longline and gill‐net surveys to investigate the effects of sub‐bay‐sized MPAs (c. 100–300 km2) on the abundance and community structure of tropical coastal sharks. In addition, tag–recapture data from fishery‐dependent and fishery‐independent sources were used to investigate the movements of individuals across MPA boundaries.

Species composition varied significantly between management zones, and overall shark abundance on longlines was higher inside MPAs.

Length–frequency distributions of blacktip (Carcharhinus tilstoni/Carcharhinus limbatus) and pigeye (Carcharhinus amboinensis) sharks inside MPAs included a greater proportion of sharks larger than c. 800 mm compared with those in open zones, although results varied between gear types for pigeye sharks.

Tagging and recapture locations indicated repeated and potentially long‐term use of MPAs by individuals of some species.

Although the potential benefits of MPAs were not equal for all species, coastal MPAs may increase the survival of young sharks to maturity, or shelter parts of breeding stocks, and therefore do not necessarily need to be large to provide benefits.

Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anti–Interferon‐Inducible Protein 16 Antibodies Associate With Digital Gangrene in Patients With Scleroderma
Authors: McMahan Zsuzsanna H. , Shah Ami A. , Vaidya Dhananjay , Wigley Fredrick M. , Rosen Antony , Casciola‐Rosen Livia
Published: December 2015

Objective

To examine the association between anti–interferon‐inducible protein 16 (anti–IFI‐16) antibodies and clinical features of scleroderma.

Methods

Sera from a discovery sample of 94 patients with scleroderma and 47 healthy controls were assayed for anti–IFI‐16 antibodies by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and associations were examined using regression analyses. Since anti–IFI‐16 autoantibodies were found to be strongly associated with digital gangrene in the discovery sample, a subsequent case–control study (with subjects matched 1:1 on disease duration) was designed for further exploration. Cases were patients with scleroderma and digital gangrene, while controls were patients with scleroderma and Raynaud's phenomenon alone (n = 39 matched pairs). Nonparametric, unadjusted matched pairs analysis as well as univariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses were performed.

Results

In the discovery sample, anti–IFI‐16 antibodies were more prevalent in patients with scleroderma than in healthy controls (18% versus 2%; P = 0.01). Patients with anti–IFI‐16 antibodies, compared to anti–IFI‐16 antibody–negative patients, were more likely to have limited scleroderma (77% versus 46%; P = 0.03), a longer disease duration (median 15.2 years [interquartile range 10.6–18.3] versus 6.0 years [interquartile range 3.4–13.8]; P < 0.01), digital gangrene (24% versus 4%; P = 0.02), and a low diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) (P < 0.01). In the case–control study, 35 (45%) of 78 patients were anti–IFI‐16 antibody positive. Anti–IFI‐16 antibody levels were significantly higher in cases with digital gangrene than in matched controls (P = 0.02). In analyses adjusted for age, cutaneous scleroderma subtype, smoking, and DLco, high anti–IFI‐16 antibody levels were associated with the presence of digital gangrene (adjusted odds ratio 2.3, 95% confidence interval 1.0–5.6, P = 0.05). The odds of having digital gangrene increased with higher anti–IFI‐16 antibody titers, in a dose‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

Anti–IFI‐16 antibodies are associated with digital gangrene in patients with scleroderma. Longitudinal prospective studies exploring anti–IFI‐16 antibodies as a disease biomarker, and biologic studies investigating the pathogenicity of these antibodies, are warranted.
Suppressive Effects of Insulin on Tumor Necrosis Factor–Dependent Early Osteoarthritic Changes Associated With Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hamada Daisuke , Maynard Robert , Schott Eric , Drinkwater Christopher J. , Ketz John P. , Kates Stephen L. , Jonason Jennifer H. , Hilton Matthew J. , Zuscik Michael J. , Mooney Robert A.
Published: December 2015

Objective

Obesity is a state of chronic inflammation that is associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), as well as an increased risk of osteoarthritis (OA). This study was undertaken to define the links between obesity‐associated inflammation, insulin resistance, and OA, by testing the hypotheses that 1) tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is critical in mediating these pathologic changes in OA, and 2) insulin has direct effects on the synovial joint that are compromised by insulin resistance.

Methods

The effects of TNF and insulin on catabolic gene expression were determined in fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) isolated from human OA synovium. Synovial TNF expression and OA progression were examined in 2 mouse models, high‐fat (HF) diet–fed obese mice with type 2 DM and TNF‐knockout mice. Insulin resistance was investigated in synovium from patients with type 2 DM.

Results

Insulin receptors (IRs) were abundant in both mouse and human synovial membranes. Human OA FLS were insulin responsive, as indicated by the dose‐dependent phosphorylation of IRs and Akt. In cultures of human OA FLS with exogenous TNF, the expression and release of MMP1, MMP13, and ADAMTS4 by FLS were markedly increased, whereas after treatment with insulin, these effects were selectively inhibited by >50%. The expression of TNF and its abundance in the synovium were elevated in samples from obese mice with type 2 DM. In TNF‐knockout mice, increases in osteophyte formation and synovial hyperplasia associated with the HF diet were blunted. The synovium from OA patients with type 2 DM contained markedly more macrophages and showed elevated TNF levels as compared to the synovium from OA patients without diabetes. Moreover, insulin‐dependent phosphorylation of IRs and Akt was blunted in cultures of OA FLS from patients with type 2 DM.

Conclusion

TNF appears to be involved in mediating the advanced progression of OA seen in type 2 DM. While insulin plays a protective, antiinflammatory role in the synovium, insulin resistance in patients with type 2 DM may impair this protective effect and promote the progression of OA.
Histone Methylation and STAT‐3 Differentially Regulate Interleukin‐6–Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase Gene Activation in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fibroblasts
Authors: Araki Yasuto , Tsuzuki Wada Takuma , Aizaki Yoshimi , Sato Kojiro , Yokota Kazuhiro , Fujimoto Kenta , Kim Yoon‐Taek , Oda Hiromi , Kurokawa Riki , Mimura Toshihide
Published: December 2015

Objective

Synovial fibroblasts (SFs) produce matrix‐degrading enzymes that cause joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Epigenetic mechanisms play a pivotal role in autoimmune diseases. This study was undertaken to elucidate the epigenetic mechanism that regulates the transcription of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in RASFs.

Methods

MMP gene expression and histone methylation profiles in the MMP promoters were examined in RASFs. The effect of WD repeat domain 5 (WDR5) silencing on histone methylation and MMP gene expression in RASFs was analyzed. MMP gene expression, surface expression of the interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) receptor, phosphorylation of STAT‐3, and binding of STAT‐3 in the MMP promoters were investigated in RASFs stimulated with IL‐6.

Results

The MMP‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, and MMP‐13 genes were actively transcribed in RASFs. Correspondingly, the level of histone H3 trimethylated at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) was elevated, whereas that of H3K27me3 was suppressed in the MMP promoters in RASFs. The decrease in H3K4me3 via WDR5 small interfering RNA reduced the levels of messenger RNA for MMP‐1, MMP‐3, MMP‐9, and MMP‐13 in RASFs. Interestingly, IL‐6 signaling significantly increased the expression of MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐13, but not MMP‐9, in RASFs. Although the IL‐6 signaling pathway was similarly active in RASFs and osteoarthritis SFs, STAT‐3 bound to the MMP‐1, MMP‐3, and MMP‐13 promoters, but not the MMP‐9 promoter, after IL‐6 stimulation in RASFs.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that histone methylation and STAT‐3 regulate spontaneous and IL‐6–induced MMP gene activation in RASFs. The combination of chromatin structure and transcription factors may regulate distinct arthritogenic properties of RASFs.
A random forests approach to prioritize Highway Safety Manual (HSM) variables for data collection
Authors: Saha Dibakar , Alluri Priyanka , Gan Albert
Published: December 2015

The Highway Safety Manual (HSM) recommends using the empirical Bayes method with locally derived calibration factors to predict an agency's safety performance. The data needs for deriving these local calibration factors are significant, requiring very detailed roadway characteristics information. Many of these data variables are currently unavailable in most of the agencies' databases. Furthermore, it is not economically feasible to collect and maintain all the HSM data variables. This study aims to prioritize the HSM calibration variables based on their impact on crash predictions. Prioritization would help to identify influential variables for which data could be collected and maintained for continued updates, and thereby reduce intensive data collection efforts. Data were first collected for all the HSM variables from over 2400 miles of urban and suburban arterial road networks in Florida. Using 5 years (2008–2012) of crash data, a random forests data mining approach was then applied to measure the importance of each variable in crash frequency predictions for five different urban and suburban arterial facilities including two‐lane undivided, three‐lane with a two‐way left‐turn lane, four‐lane undivided, four‐lane divided, and five‐lane with a two‐way left‐turn lane. Two heuristic approaches were adopted to prioritize the variables: (i) simple ranking based on individual relative influence of variables; and (ii) clustering based on relative influence of variables within a specific range. Traffic volume was found as the most influential variable. Roadside object density, minor commercial driveway density, and minor residential driveway density variables were the other variables with significant influence on crash predictions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Confidence in Dyadic Decision Making: The Role of Individual Differences
Authors: Schuldt Jonathon P. , Chabris Christopher F. , Woolley Anita Williams , Hackman J. Richard
Published: December 2015

Groups typically express more confidence than individuals, yet how individual‐level confidence combines during collaborative decision tasks is not well understood. We prescreened 686 community members using a novel confidence measure (a true/false trivia test) intentionally designed to be difficult (accuracy rates were not significantly better than chance) and randomly assigned 72 individuals to collaborate on a matched version of the same test in dyads composed of two low‐confidence individuals, two high‐confidence individuals, or one of each (“mixed”). Consistent with past research, we found that the confidence expressed by dyads was higher than the confidence expressed by individuals; importantly, however, this pattern varied markedly by dyad type, with low‐confidence dyads showing the largest increase, mixed dyads showing a moderate increase, and high‐confidence dyads showing no increase—despite the fact that all dyads showed similarly low accuracy (about 55%). These results highlight the conditions under which groups express greater confidence than individuals and offer insights for the composition of collaborative decision‐making teams. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“I can see it in your eyes”: Biased Processing and Increased Arousal in Dishonest Responses
Authors: Hochman Guy , Glöckner Andreas , Fiedler Susann , Ayal Shahar
Published: December 2015

According to self‐maintenance theory, people notice their dishonest acts and thus experience ethical dissonance between their misconduct and their positive moral self. In this view, dishonesty is facilitated by justifications that redefine moral boundaries. By contrast, the bounded ethicality approach suggests that biased perception prevents people from becoming aware of their dishonesty. We tested the key process assumptions behind these accounts using pupillary responses and fixation data and found physiological evidence for both kinds of mechanisms. In particular, physiological arousal increased at the initial stage of cheating responses. This suggests that people are on some level aware of their wrongdoings. At the same time, however, we found attentional biases that can reduce the likelihood for detecting potentially disadvantageous information. We suggest that dishonest acts come at the internal cost of increased tension, which people aim to avoid by pre‐emptive biased processing as well as post hoc justifications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust Bayesian hierarchical model using normal/independent distributions
Authors: Chen Geng , Luo Sheng
Published: December 2015

The multilevel item response theory (MLIRT) models have been increasingly used in longitudinal clinical studies that collect multiple outcomes. The MLIRT models account for all the information from multiple longitudinal outcomes of mixed types (e.g., continuous, binary, and ordinal) and can provide valid inference for the overall treatment effects. However, the continuous outcomes and the random effects in the MLIRT models are often assumed to be normally distributed. The normality assumption can sometimes be unrealistic and thus may produce misleading results. The normal/independent (NI) distributions have been increasingly used to handle the outlier and heavy tail problems in order to produce robust inference. In this article, we developed a Bayesian approach that implemented the NI distributions on both continuous outcomes and random effects in the MLIRT models and discussed different strategies of implementing the NI distributions. Extensive simulation studies were conducted to demonstrate the advantage of our proposed models, which provided parameter estimates with smaller bias and more reasonable coverage probabilities. Our proposed models were applied to a motivating Parkinson's disease study, the DATATOP study, to investigate the effect of deprenyl in slowing down the disease progression.
In vivo pharmacokinetics of and tissue distribution study of physalin B after intravenous administration in rats by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zheng Yunliang , Chen Jing , Liu Lin , Liang Xingguang , Hong Dongsheng
Published: December 2015

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry quantitative analysis method was established for the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study of physalin B in rat. Physalin B and physalin H (internal standard, IS) were separated on an Agilent Eclips XDB C8 column. MS detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in the multiple reaction monitoring mode with a positive eletrospray ionization source. The assay was validated in the concentration ranges of 22.6–22600 ng/mL for heart and lung and 4.52–4520 ng/mL for other tissues. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (RSD) were ≤9.23 and ≤12.51%, respectively, with accuracy (%) in the range of 88.07–113.2%. A pharmacokinetic study showed that physalin B has a long dwell time with a half‐life of 321.2 ± 29.5 min and clearance of 175.4 ± 25.7 mL/min/kg after intravenous administration. Additionally, physalin B showed a wide tissue distribution with a special higher penetration in lung. The data presented in this study could provide useful information for the further study of physalin B. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Ncl. Basalis Meynert volume on the Trail‐Making‐Test are restricted to the left hemisphere
Authors: Lammers Florian , Mobascher Arian , Musso Francesco , Shah Nadim Jon , Warbrick Tracy , Zaborszky Laszlo , Winterer Georg
Published: December 2015

Background

Cortical acetylcholine released from cells in the basal forebrain facilitates cue detection and improves attentional performance. Cholinergic fibres to the cortex originate from the CH4 cell group, sometimes referred to as the Nucleus basalis of Meynert and the Nucleus subputaminalis of Ayala. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of volumes of cholinergic nuclei on attention and executive function.

Methods

The volumes of CH4 and CH4p subregions were measured in a subgroup of 38 subjects (33.5 ± 11 years, 20 females) from a population‐based cohort study of smokers and never‐smokers who have undergone additional MR imaging. To define regions of interest, we applied a DARTEL‐based procedure implemented in SPM8 and a validated probabilistic map of the basal forebrain. Attention and executive function were measured with Trail‐Making Test (TMT A+B) and Stroop‐Task.

Results

We found a quadratic effect of the left CH4 subregion on performance of the TMT. Extremely small as well as extremely large volumes are associated with poor test performance.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that a small CH4 volume predisposes for a hypocholinergic state, whereas an extremely large volume predisposes for a hypercholinergic state. Both extremes have detrimental effects on attention. Comparable nonlinear effects have already been reported in pharmacological studies on the effects cholinergic agonists on attention.
Racial disparities in overall survival among renal cell carcinoma patients with young age and small tumors
Authors: Schwartz Kendra , Ruterbusch Julie J. , Colt Joanne S. , Miller David C. , Chow Wong‐Ho , Purdue Mark P.
Published: December 2015

We examined the overall survival of a population‐based cohort of black and white patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) to better understand the paradox of poorer RCC survival despite more frequent diagnosis at lower stage among blacks. Renal cell carcinoma patients (699 white, 252 black) diagnosed between 2002 and 2007 in metropolitan Detroit were followed for vital status in the Detroit Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry. Hazard ratios (HR) of death for black versus white race and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models stratified by demographic and prognostic factors, and in models successively adjusted for clinical factors, comorbidities, and socioeconomic factors. Mean follow‐up time was 88.4 months for white patients and 89.6 months for black patients (P = 0.49), with 202 white deaths and 89 black deaths (P = 0.06). While black race was weakly associated with poorer overall survival (P = 0.053), black patients <65 years at diagnosis or with tumors <4 cm in size had significantly poorer survival than their white counterparts (HR = 1.46, 95% CI 1.06–2.01 and HR = 2.15, 95% CI 1.51–3.06, respectively). The racial disparities within these two subgroups were minimally affected by adjustment for clinical/treatment factors (HR = 1.49, 95% CI 1.01–2.19 and HR = 1.95, 95% CI 1.27–2.99), but were substantially reduced when renal‐relevant comorbidities were added (HR = 1.30, 95% CI 0.89–1.91 and HR = 1.76, 95% CI 1.16–2.66). After further adjustment for socioeconomic factors, the survival disparities were essentially null (HR = 1.14, 95% CI 0.71–1.85 and HR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.67–1.98). In this population‐based sample of RCC patients, younger black patients and those with small tumors had poorer overall survival than whites. The disparity was explained primarily by racial differences in renal‐relevant comorbidities, particularly chronic renal failure, and socioeconomic deprivation. Future research should focus on younger patients and those with smaller tumors to better understand how these factors may contribute to the survival disparity.
Determination of ETV6‐RUNX1 genomic breakpoint by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Jin Yanliang , Wang Xingwei , Hu Shaoyan , Tang Jingyan , Li Benshang , Chai Yihuan
Published: December 2015

The t(12;21)(p13;q22) ETV6‐RUNX1 gene fusion is one of the most common chromosomal translocation in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is associated with favorable prognosis. The identification of the genomic sequence of the breakpoint flanking regions of the ETV6‐RUNX1 translocation should be the best strategy to monitor minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients with ETV6‐RUNX1‐positive ALL. In this study, the ETV6‐RUNX1 translocation was sequenced by next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in 26 patients with ETV6‐RUNX1‐positive ALL and re‐sequenced by using the Sanger method. Interestingly, the three‐way translocation, including ETV6‐RUNX1, was detected in five patients. Four of them relapsed during or after therapy, while 21 patients without the three‐way translocation were still in remission (P < 0.0001). The three‐way translocation pattern was identical between the diagnosis and relapse samples in three patients, excluding one patient (SCMC‐001245). The relapse samples retained the translocation of ETV6‐RUNX1 relative to the three‐way translocation t(8;12;21) at diagnosis, suggesting that the three‐way translocation might be an important risk factor for relapse in patients with ETV6‐RUNX1‐positive ALL and should be further studied.
Improving the Electrocatalytic Activity of Pt Monolayer Catalysts for Electrooxidation of Methanol, Ethanol and Ammonia by Tailoring the Surface Morphology of the Supporting Core
Authors: Liu Jie , Chen Bin , Ni Zhengyang , Deng Yida , Han Xiaopeng , Hu Wenbin , Zhong Cheng
Published: December 2015

Pt‐monolayer‐decorated Au particles with different surface morphologies were prepared by Au electrodeposition, followed by Cu under‐potential deposition and a Pt replacement reaction. Spherical Au particles with relatively smooth surfaces and flower‐like Au particles consisting of interconnecting thin nanosheets were obtained by controlling the deposition potential and electrolyte concentration. Pt‐monolayer‐decorated flower‐like Au particles exhibit much higher specific activity and stability in the electrooxidation of methanol, ethanol and ammonia compared to Pt‐monolayer‐decorated spherical Au particles. Pt‐monolayer‐decorated flower‐like Au particles also showed better poisoning‐tolerance, especially in the electrooxidation of methanol. The improved electrocatalytic performance is attributed to the high density of catalytically active sites such as surface atomic steps, the edges at sharp tips and edges on the surface of the flower‐like particles, which is revealed by spherical‐aberration‐corrected transmission electron microscopy with atomic resolution.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Morphological Changes of Giant Vesicles by Photoisomerization of a Ruthenium Aqua Complex
Authors: Hirahara Masanari , Tsukamoto Akira , Goto Hiroki , Tada Shigeru , Yagi Masayuki , Umemura Yasushi
Published: December 2015

Visible‐ and red‐light responsive vesicles were prepared by incorporating a ruthenium aqua complex having two alkyl chains on tridentate and asymmetrical bidentate ligands (proximal‐2: [Ru(C10tpy)(C10pyqu)OH2]2+, C10tpy=4′‐decyloxy‐2,2′;6′,2“‐terpyridine, C10pyqu=2‐[2′‐(6′‐decyloxy)‐pyridyl]quinoline). The ruthenium complex of proximal‐2 with closed alkyl chain geometry and a cylinder‐like molecular shape exhibited photoisomerization to distal‐2 with an open alkyl chain geometry and a cone‐like shape, both in an aqueous solution and in vesicle dispersions. We observed that light irradiation of giant vesicles containing proximal‐2 induced diverse morphological changes.
A cyclo‐P6 Ligand Complex for the Formation of Planar 2D Layers
Authors: Heindl Claudia , Peresypkina Eugenia V. , Lüdeker David , Brunklaus Gunther , Virovets Alexander V. , Scheer Manfred
Published: December 2015

The all‐phosphorus analogue of benzene, stabilized as middle deck in triple‐decker complexes, is a promising building block for the formation of graphene‐like sheet structures. The reaction of [(CpMo)2(μ,η6:η6‐P6)] (1) with CuX (X=Br, I) leads to self‐assembly into unprecedented 2D networks of [{(CpMo)2P6}(CuBr)4]n (2) and [{(CpMo)2P6}(CuI)2]n (3). X‐ray structural analyses show a unique deformation of the previously planar cyclo‐P6 ligand. This includes bending of one P atom in an envelope conformation as well as a bisallylic distortion. Despite this, 2 and 3 form planar layers. Both polymers were furthermore analyzed by 31P{1H} magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopy, revealing signals corresponding to six non‐equivalent phosphorus sites. A peak assignment is achieved by 2D correlation spectra as well as by DFT chemical shift computations.
Copper‐Mediated [3+2] Annulation of 3‐N‐Hydroxyallylamines with Nitrosoarenes
Authors: Ghorpade Satish , Jadhav Prakash D. , Liu Rai‐Shung
Published: December 2015

Cu‐mediated annulations of N‐hydroxyallylamines with nitrosoarenes proceed through unprecedented formal [3+2] cycloadditions of N‐hydroxyaminoallyl radicals with nitrosoarenes. Our mechanistic analysis opposes a 5‐endo‐trig cyclization involved in the final ring‐closure step. To manifest the reaction utility, chemical elaborations of resulting isoxazolidinyl products into 2‐ or 3‐substituted quinoline N‐oxides and acyclic 1,3‐diamino‐2‐ols are also described.