bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Changing Face of Terrorism in the 21st Century: The Communications Revolution and the Virtual Community of Hatred
Authors: Post Jerrold M. , McGinnis Cody , Moody Kristen
Published: June 2014

There are no psychological characteristics or psychopathology separating terrorists from the general population. Rather, it is group dynamics, with a particular emphasis on collective identity, that helps to explain terrorist psychology. Just as there is a diverse spectrum of kinds of terrorism, so too is there a spectrum of terrorist psychologies. Some terrorists, those in nationalist‐separatist groups, such as Fatah and the IRA, are continuing with the mission of their parents who are dissident to the regime. The opposite generational provenance is seen among social‐revolutionary terrorists, such as the Weather Underground and the Red Army Faction in Germany, who are rebelling against their parents’ generation, which is loyal to the regime. Four waves of terrorism can be distinguished: the “anarchist wave”; the “anti‐colonial wave” (nationalist‐separatist), with minority groups seeking to be liberated from their colonial masters or from the majority in their country; the “new left” wave (social‐revolutionary); and now the “religious” wave. With the communications revolution, a new phenomenon is emerging which may presage a fifth wave: lone wolf terrorists who through the Internet are radicalized and feel they belong to the virtual community of hatred. A typology of lone wolf terrorism is proposed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein Secondary Structure Prediction from Circular Dichroism Spectra Using a Self‐Organizing Map with Concentration Correction
Authors: Hall Vincent , Sklepari Meropi , Rodger Alison
Published: June 2014

Collecting circular dichroism (CD) spectra for protein solutions is a simple experiment, yet reliable extraction of secondary structure content is dependent on knowledge of the concentration of the protein—which is not always available with accuracy. We previously developed a self‐organizing map (SOM), called Secondary Structure Neural Network (SSNN), to cluster a database of CD spectra and use that map to assign the secondary structure content of new proteins from CD spectra. The performance of SSNN is at least as good as other available protein CD structure‐fitting algorithms. In this work we apply SSNN to a collection of spectra of experimental samples where there was suspicion that the nominal protein concentration was incorrect. We show that by plotting the normalized root mean square deviation of the SSNN predicted spectrum from the experimental one versus a concentration scaling‐factor it is possible to improve the estimate of the protein concentration while providing an estimate of the secondary structure. For our implementation (51 data points 240–190 nm in nm increments) good fits and structure estimates were obtained if the NRMSD (normalized root mean square displacement, RMSE/data range) is <0.03; reasonable for NRMSD <0.05; and variable above this. We also augmented the reference database with 100% helical spectra and truly random coil spectra. Chirality 26:471–482, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the effect of setting of a positive surgical margin in soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Grimer Robert J.
Published: June 2014

Local control in soft tissue sarcomas can be achieved with a high probability in most patients. A planned positive margin can also lead to a low rate of local recurrence with appropriate adjuvants.
Granulocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells expand in human pregnancy and modulate T‐cell responses
Authors: Köstlin Natascha , Kugel Hellen , Spring Bärbel , Leiber Anja , Marmé Alexander , Henes Melanie , Rieber Nikolaus , Hartl Dominik , Poets Christian F , Gille Christian
Published: June 2014

Immune tolerance toward the semiallogeneic fetus plays a crucial role in the maintenance of pregnancy. Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are innate immune cells characterized by their ability to modulate T‐cell responses. Recently, we showed that MDSCs accumulate in cord blood of healthy newborns, yet their role in materno–fetal tolerance remained elusive. In the present study, we demonstrate that MDSCs with a granulocytic phenotype (GR‐MDSCs) are highly increased in the peripheral blood of healthy pregnant women during all stages of pregnancy compared with nonpregnant controls, whereas numbers of monocytic MDSCs were unchanged. GR‐MDSCs expressed the effector enzymes arginase‐I and iNOS, produced high amounts of ROS and efficiently suppressed T‐cell proliferation. After parturition, GR‐MDSCs decreased within a few days. In combination, our results show that GR‐MDSCs expand in normal human pregnancy and may indicate a role for MDSCs in materno–fetal tolerance.
Iron‐Mediated Coupling of Two Ethyl Anions to Form a 2‐Butyne Ligand
Authors: Bauer Heiko , Weismann Daniel , Wolmershäuser Gotthelf , Sun Yu , Sitzmann Helmut
Published: June 2014

The σ‐aryliron complexes [5CpFe(C6H3iPr2‐2,6)] (2, 5Cp = η5‐C5iPr5) and [4CpFe(C6H3iPr2‐2,6)] (6, 4Cp = η5‐C5HiPr4) are available from the halides [5CpFe(μ‐Br)]2 (1) and [4CpFe(μ‐Br)]2 (4) and have been used for σ/π rearrangement reactions with trialkylaluminum compounds. Whereas trimethylaluminum can be added to 2 and 6 to form the aryltrimethylaluminate complexes [5CpFe(μ,η6:η1‐C6H3iPr2‐2,6)AlMe3] (3) and [4CpFe(μ,η6:η1‐C6H3iPr2‐2,6)AlMe3] (7) in clean σ/π rearrangement reactions, the addition of tripropylaluminum to 6 afforded a mixture containing the aryl(bromo)dipropylaluminate complex [4CpFe(μ,η6:η1‐C6H3iPr2‐2,6)AlBr(C3H7)2] (8). With triethylaluminum, a similar product mixture was obtained and could be separated to yield the aryl(bromo)diethylaluminate [4CpFe(μ,η6:η1‐C6H3iPr2‐2,6) AlBr(C2H5)2] (9), the aryltriethylaluminate [4CpFe(μ,η6:η1‐C6H3iPr2‐2,6)Al(C2H5)3] (10), the arene complex [4CpFe(η6‐C6H4iPr2‐1,3)]Br (11), and the 2‐butyne complex [(4CpFe)2(μ,η2:η2‐MeCCMe)] (12). The formation of 12 involves the coupling of two ethyl groups with the loss of four hydrogen atoms and could also be observed in reactions of the bromide dimer 4 or the σ aryl complex 6 with ethylmagnesium bromide. The aluminates 3, 7, 8, and 10, the arene sandwich 11, the 2‐butyne complex 12, as well as the alkylcyclopentadienyliron(II) halides [5CpFe(μ‐Br)]2 (1), [4CpFe(μ‐Br)]2 (4), and [4CpFe(μ‐I)]2 (5) have been crystallographically characterized.
Rare‐Earth Cadmium Tellurite Chlorides with a Structural Type Exhibiting [Ln12(TeO3)12] Slabs Alternating with CdCl6 Octahedral Layers
Authors: Kharitonov Ivan D. , Charkin Dmitri O. , Berdonosov Peter S. , Black Cameron , Downie Lewis J. , Lightfoot Philip , Dolgikh Valery A.
Published: June 2014

A series of new rare‐earth cadmium metal tellurite chlorides were synthesized by the salt flux technique and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The new compounds CdSm2(TeO3)2Cl4 (I), CdEu2(TeO3)2Cl4 (II), and CdGd2(TeO3)2Cl4 (III), adopt layered structures corresponding to sequences of metal oxide [LnTeO3] and metal halide [Cd1–xCl3] layers. They expand the known family of 2D rare‐earth selenium oxyhalides into the realm of tellurium(IV) compounds and add a new targeted structure type involving rock salt slabs formed by edge‐sharing CdCl6 octahedra. The major differences in the structures of Se and Te compounds lie in the composition of the cationic slabs {[Ln11(SeO3)12]9+ vs. [Ln12(TeO3)12]12+} and symmetry (orthorhombic for selenites vs. tetragonal for tellurites).
Double‐Cube‐Shaped Mixed Chalcogen/Pentele Clusters from GaCl3 Melts
Authors: Eich Andreas , Hoffbauer Wilfried , Schnakenburg Gregor , Bredow Thomas , Daniels Jörg , Beck Johannes
Published: June 2014

The reactions of elemental antimony, tellurium, selenium and sulfur as well as antimony telluride and antimony sulfide in melts composed of GaCl3/SbCl3/ACl (A = Cu+, Ag+, PPh4+) yielded Ag(Sb7Te8)[GaCl4]6 (1), (Sb7Se8)[GaCl4]2[Ga2Cl7]3 (2), (Sb7Se8Cl2)[GaCl4]3 (3) and (Sb7S8Cl2)[GaCl4]3 (4). SbCl3 plays the role of the oxidant, and GaCl3 plays the role of the Lewis acidic chloride ion acceptor. All of the compounds form orange, air‐sensitive crystals. The crystal structures consist of discrete, double‐cube‐shaped, mixed antimony–chalcogen cationic clusters (Sb7Te8)5+, (Sb7Se8)5+, (Sb7Se8Cl2)3+ and (Sb7S8Cl2)3+. The anions are discrete chloridogallate [GaCl4]– and [Ga2Cl7]– anions. All compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive electron‐beam X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman vibrational spectroscopy and solid‐state 77Se NMR spectroscopy. Supporting gas‐phase and periodic DFT calculations allowed the assignments of the spectra and provided insights into the bonding situation of the hypervalent Sb atoms.
Asymmetric Organocatalytic Quadruple Cascade Reaction of 2‐Hydroxychalcone with Cinnamaldehyde for the Construction of Tetrahydro‐6H‐benzo[c]chromene Containing Five Stereocenters
Authors: Liu Lingyan , Zhu Yunna , Huang Kaimeng , Wang Bing , Chang Weixing , Li Jing
Published: June 2014

An asymmetric organocatalytic quadruple cascade reaction was developed for the stable and sterically hindered 2‐hydroxychalcones and substituted cinnamaldehydes. This process proceeded through an oxa‐Michael–Michael–Michael–aldol condensation to afford highly functionalized tetrahydro‐6H‐benzo[c]chromene derivatives with high diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity (>99 % ee). The structure of adduct 4g with five stereocenters was unambiguously confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and valuable mass spectrometry data provided direct support for the proposed reaction mechanism.
The potential role of lung microbiota in lung cancer attributed to household coal burning exposures
Authors: Hosgood H. Dean , Sapkota Amy R. , Rothman Nathaniel , Rohan Thomas , Hu Wei , Xu Jun , Vermeulen Roel , He Xingzhou , White James Robert , Wu Guoping , Wei Fusheng , Mongodin Emmanuel F. , Lan Qing
Published: June 2014

Bacteria influence site‐specific disease etiology and the host's ability to metabolize xenobiotics, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Lung cancer in Xuanwei, China has been attributed to PAH‐rich household air pollution from burning coal. This study seeks to explore the role of lung microbiota in lung cancer among never smoking Xuanwei women and how coal burning may influence these associations. DNA from sputum and buccal samples of never smoking lung cancer cases (n = 8, in duplicate) and controls (n = 8, in duplicate) in two Xuanwei villages was extracted using a multi‐step enzymatic and physical lysis, followed by a standardized clean‐up. V1‐V2 regions of 16S rRNA genes were PCR‐amplified. Purified amplicons were sequenced by 454 FLX Titanium pyrosequencing and high‐quality sequences were evaluated for diversity and taxonomic membership. Bacterial diversity among cases and controls was similar in buccal samples (P = 0.46), but significantly different in sputum samples (P = 0.038). In sputum, Granulicatella (6.1 vs. 2.0%; P = 0.0016), Abiotrophia (1.5 vs. 0.085%; P = 0.0036), and Streptococcus (40.1 vs. 19.8%; P = 0.0142) were enriched in cases compared with controls. Sputum samples had on average 488.25 species‐level OTUs in the flora of cases who used smoky coal (PAH‐rich) compared with 352.5 OTUs among cases who used smokeless coal (PAH‐poor; P = 0.047). These differences were explained by the Bacilli species (Streptococcus infantis and Streptococcus anginosus). Our small study suggests that never smoking lung cancer cases have differing sputum microbiota than controls. Further, bacteria found in sputum may be influenced by environmental exposures associated with the type of coal burned in the home. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 55:643–651, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Post‐processing of medium‐range probabilistic hydrological forecasting: impact of forcing, initial conditions and model errors
Authors: Roulin Emmanuel , Vannitsem Stéphane
Published: June 2014

The impact of errors in the forcing, errors in the model structure and parameters, and errors in the initial conditions is investigated in a simple hydrological ensemble prediction system. The hydrological model is based on an input nonlinearity connected with a linear transfer function and forced by precipitation forecasts from the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) Ensemble Prediction System (EPS). The post‐processing of the precipitation and/or the streamflow using information from the reforecasts performed by ECMWF is tested. For this purpose, hydrological reforecasts are obtained by forcing the hydrological model with the precipitation from the reforecast data.

In the present case study, it is found that the post‐processing of the hydrological ensembles with a statistical model fitted on the hydrological reforecasts improves the verification scores better than the use of post‐processed precipitation ensembles. In the case of large biases in the precipitation, combining the post‐processing of both precipitation and streamflow allows for further improvements. During the winter, errors in the initial conditions have a larger impact on the scores than errors in the model structure as designed in the experiments. Errors in the parameter values are largely corrected with the post‐processing. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mental Set Shifting in Childhood: The Role of Working Memory and Inhibitory Control
Authors: Brocki Karin C. , Tillman Carin
Published: June 2014

The role of working memory (WM) and inhibition in mental set shifting was examined from an individual difference perspective in children aged 5–14 years (N = 117). Using the Hearts and Flowers task the rationale of the present study was to directly test the theoretical assumption that mental set shifiting in childhood primarily builds on WM and inhibitory processes. Theoretical predictions about WM and inhibitory demands in the congruent and incongruent conditions of the Hearts and Flowers task were also considered because these blocks underlie relevant measures of set shifting. The findings show that both WM and inhibition (extracted as factors in confirmatory factor analysis) are important for set shifting but that this general association is driven by the link between these executive functions (EFs) and the goal‐representation aspect (i.e. global switch costs) of shifting, rather than to the actual switch‐implementation process (i.e. local switch costs). In addition, our findings are novel in showing that, despite a substantial correlation between the two EF components, it was the variance specific to WM and inhibition that was important for mental set shifting. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physicochemical properties of newly developed bioactive glass cement and its effects on various cells
Authors: Washio Ayako , Nakagawa Aika , Nishihara Tatsuji , Maeda Hidefumi , Kitamura Chiaki
Published: June 2014

Biomaterials used in dental treatments are expected to have favorable properties such as biocompatibility and an ability to induce tissue formation in dental pulp and periapical tissue, as well as sealing to block external stimuli. Bioactive glasses have been applied in bone engineering, but rarely applied in the field of dentistry. In the present study, bioactive glass cement for dental treatment was developed, and then its physicochemical properties and effects on cell responses were analyzed. To clarify the physicochemical attributes of the cement, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and pH measurement were carried out. Cell attachment, morphology, and viability to the cement were also examined to clarify the effects of the cement on odontoblast‐like cells (KN‐3 cells), osteoblastic cells (MC3T3‐E1 cells), human periodontal ligament stem/progenitor cells and neuro‐differentiative cells (PC‐12 cells). Hydroxyapatite‐like precipitation was formed on the surface of the hardened cement and the pH level changed from pH10 to pH9, then stabilized in simulate body fluid. The cement had no cytotxic effects on these cells, and particulary induced process elongation of PC‐12 cells. Our results suggest that the newly developed bioactive glass cement have capability of the application in dental procedures as bioactive cement. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 373–380, 2015.
Development of tissue‐engineered self‐expandable aortic stent grafts (Bio stent grafts) using in‐body tissue architecture technology in beagles
Authors: Kawajiri Hidetake , Mizuno Takeshi , Moriwaki Takeshi , Ishibashi‐Ueda Hatsue , Yamanami Masashi , Kanda Keiichi , Yaku Hitoshi , Nakayama Yasuhide
Published: June 2014

In this study, we aimed to describe the development of tissue‐engineered self‐expandable aortic stent grafts (Bio stent graft) using in‐body tissue architecture technology in beagles and to determine its mechanical and histological properties. The preparation mold was assembled by insertion of an acryl rod (outer diameter, 8.6 mm; length, 40 mm) into a self‐expanding nitinol stent (internal diameter, 9.0 mm; length, 35 mm). The molds (n = 6) were embedded into the subcutaneous pouches of three beagles for 4 weeks. After harvesting and removing each rod, the excessive fragile tissue connected around the molds was trimmed, and thus tubular autologous connective tissues with the stent were obtained for use as Bio stent grafts (outer diameter, approximately 9.3 mm in all molds). The stent strut was completely surrounded by the dense collagenous membrane (thickness, ∼150 µm). The Bio stent graft luminal surface was extremely flat and smooth. The graft wall of the Bio stent graft possessed an elastic modulus that was almost two times higher than that of the native beagle abdominal aorta. This Bio stent graft is expected to exhibit excellent biocompatibility after being implanted in the aorta, which may reduce the risk of type 1 endoleaks or migration. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 381–386, 2015.
Extraperitoneal and intraperitoneal behavior of several biological meshes currently used to repair abdominal wall defects
Authors: Pascual G. , Sotomayor S. , Rodríguez M. , Arteaga V. , Bellón J. M.
Published: June 2014

Background

This study compares the behavior of several cross‐ and noncrosslinked biomeshes (Permacol®, CollaMend®, Surgisis®, Tutomesh®, and Strattice®) currently used for abdominal wall repair when implanted intraperitoneally and extraperitoneally. Material and Methods. Intraperitoneal (IP) implants were fixed on the parietal peritoneum and partial abdominal wall defects (EP) were repaired using each of the biomeshes, in the rabbit abdominal wall. After 90 days of implant, the biomeshes were examined to assess biomesh degradation, collagen I and III expression (Sirius red staining) and the host macrophage response (immunohistochemistry). Results. Following implant, the thinner noncrosslinked biomeshes Tutomesh and Surgisis, were almost fully degraded in both models. In contrast, Strattice behavior was similar to crosslinked biomeshes, showing negligible degree of degradation. This mesh also showed high expression of collagen I, similar to the crosslinked. The noncrosslinked materials elicited lower macrophage counts, significantly so for Strattice. In IP and EP models, Permacol showed similarly high macrophages while counts were lower for CollaMend and Surgisis in the EP model. Conclusions. The intra or extraperitoneal implant of the different meshes did not affect host tissue incorporation or mesh degradation. The crosslinked biomeshes induced a more intense macrophage response regardless of their IP or EP location. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 365–372, 2015.
Safety and efficacy of cryoprecipitate‐poor plasma as a replacement fluid for therapeutic plasma exchange in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura: A single center retrospective evaluation
Authors: Stefanello Bianca , De Paula Erich Vinícius , Andrade Orsi Fernanda , Comenalli Marques Jose Francisco , Gasparotto Roveri Eduardo , Pereira Colella Marina , Castro Ozelo Margareth , Maria Annichino‐Bizzacchi Joyce , Addas‐Carvalho Marcelo
Published: June 2014

Introduction: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a thrombotic microangiopathy caused by decreased activity of ADAMTS13, resulting in reduced clearance of ultralarge von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers. Treatment of TTP is therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) with replacement with fresh frozen plasma (FFP). Cryoprecipitate‐poor plasma (CPP) is a plasma product with lower concentrations of large VWF multimers, and similar amounts of ADAMTS13. CPP is regarded as at least as efficacious as FFP in TTP but evidence of additional benefits has not been demonstrated. Furthermore, there are limited data on the frequency of adverse events associated with CPP. Material and methods: In our center, the choice between CPP and FFP is performed before the 1st TPE session at the physicians' discretion. Here, we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and safety of CPP based on the number of sessions, volume of plasma exposure, frequency of exacerbations/relapses, and adverse events. Results: Fourteen patients with newly diagnosed TTP were included in this analysis. The proportion of CPP:FFP use was 5:9. There were no significant differences in age, gender, initial hemoglobin, platelet count, LDH, or etiology of TTP between groups. We observed a trend toward a higher number of TPE sessions and higher plasma exposure in CPP, compared to FFP‐treated patients. Acute exacerbations were more frequent among patients treated with CPP (OR 26.6; 95%CI 1.01–703.51; P = 0.03). Mild allergic reactions were the most common treatment‐related adverse event in both groups. Discussion: Our data suggest that CPP should not be used as 1st line treatment for newly diagnosed TTP patients. J. Clin. Apheresis 29:311–315 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular mechanism of cholangiocarcinoma carcinogenesis
Authors: Maemura Kosei , Natsugoe Shoji , Takao Sonshin
Published: June 2014

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly malignant cancer of the biliary tract with a poor prognosis, which often arises from conditions causing long‐term inflammation, injury, and reparative biliary epithelial cell proliferation. Several conditions are known to be major risk factors for cancer in the biliary tract or gallbladder, including primary sclerosing cholangitis, liver fluke infection, pancreaticobiliary maljunction, and chemical exposure in proof‐printing workers. Abnormalities in various signaling cascades, molecules, and genetic mutations are involved in the pathogenesis of CCA. CCA is characterized by a series of highly recurrent mutations in genes, including KRAS, BRF, TP53, Smad, and p16INK4a. Cytokines that are affected by inflammatory environmental conditions, such as interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), play an important role in cancer pathogenesis. Prominent signaling pathways important in carcinogenesis include TGF‐β/Smad, IL‐6/STAT‐3, PI3K/AKT, Wnt, RAF/MEK/MAPK, and Notch. Additionally, some microRNAs regulate targets in critical pathways of CCA development and progression. This review article provides the understanding of the genetic and epigenetic mechanism(s) of carcinogenesis in CCA, which leads to the development of new therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of this devastating cancer.
Globuliossei in the long limb bones of Pleurodeleswaltl (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae)
Authors: Quilhac Alexandra , de Ricqlès Armand , Lamrous Hayat , Zylberberg Louise
Published: June 2014

To date, little is known about the structure of the cells and the fibrillar matrix of the globuli ossei, globular structures showing histochemical properties of an osseous tissue, sometimes found in the resorption front of the hypertrophied cartilage in many tetrapods, and easily observed in the long bones of the Urodele Pleurodeles waltl. Here, we present the results obtained from the appendicular long bones of metamorphosed juveniles and subadults using histological and histochemical methods and transmission electron microscopy. The distal part of the cone‐shaped cartilage contains a heterogeneous cell population composed of the typical “light” hypertrophic chondrocytes and scarce “dark” hypertrophic chondrocytes. The “dark” chondrocytes display ultrastructural characteristics suggesting that they probably undergo degeneration through chondroptosis. However, in the hypertrophic, calcified cartilage close to the erosion front by the marrow, several noninvaded chondrocytic lacunae retained cells that do not show any morphological characteristics of degeneration and that cannot be identified as regular chondrocytes or osteocytes. These modified chondrocytes that have lost their regular morphology, appear to be active in the terminal cartilage and synthesize collagen fibrils of a peculiar diameter intermediate between the Type I collagen found in bone and the Type II collagen characteristic of cartilage. It is suggested that the local occurrence of globuli ossei is linked to a low rate of longitudinal growth as is the case in the long bones of postmetamorphic urodeles. J. Morphol. 275:1226–1237, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Montana deer and Elk hunting population: The importance of cohort group, license price, and population demographics on hunter retention, recruitment, and population change
Authors: Schorr Robert A. , Lukacs Paul M. , Gude Justin A.
Published: June 2014

Big‐game hunting is a valuable resource for outdoor recreation opportunities, an economic driver for state and local economies, and the primary mechanism for funding game and non‐game wildlife management. However, hunting license sales are declining, leading many state wildlife management agencies to re‐evaluate funding and management structures. Understanding the mechanisms behind such declines, and diagnosing the persistence of such trends is necessary to anticipate license fund fluctuations. To examine hunter recruitment and retention rates, we analyzed a data set of >490,000 deer and elk license records from 2002 to 2011 from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks' Automated Licensing System. We used a temporal symmetry model in a mark–recapture framework to estimate hunter retention, recruitment rates, and population change, and then used population change estimates to forecast future hunter populations. We used covariates of gender, age, residency, and license price to improve model parsimony. Millennial generation hunters increased during the 11‐year analysis, and this was driven by high recruitment rates of young hunters, especially women, but recruitment decreased dramatically as youth aged. Because Baby Boomers constitute such a large proportion of the hunting population, decreases in recruitment and retention in this cohort drove declines in the Montana hunter population. Increasing license price decreased the probability of recruiting and retaining hunters. The hunter population was stable until 2006, but has been declining since that time with nearly a 50% decline in hunter recruitment from 2002 to 2011. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Pharmacodynamic monitoring of immunosuppressive effects indicates reduced cyclosporine activity during telaprevir therapy
Authors: Roos Katja , Gotthardt Daniel , Giese Thomas , Schnitzler Paul , Stremmel Wolfgang , Czock David , Eisenbach Christoph
Published: June 2014

Drug interactions with immunosuppressive drugs are a major problem associated with protease inhibitor–based antiviral triple therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection after liver transplantation. In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed biomarkers of the immunosuppressive effects of cyclosporine A (CSA) by quantifying nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)–regulated gene expression during telaprevir (TVR) therapy in 5 liver transplant patients. Furthermore, dose adjustments and blood concentrations of CSA as well as the clinical course were analyzed. We observed a clear impact of TVR not only on doses and blood concentrations but also on the immunosuppressive effects of CSA. Despite apparently adequate CSA trough concentrations, the CSA peak concentration decreased to 68% (range = 44%-90%). This was associated with a 1.9-fold (1.6- to 4.1-fold) increase in the residual gene activity of NFAT-regulated genes, which indicated reduced immunosuppressive activity of CSA with TVR co-medication. The median dose of CSA was reduced to 25% (range = 16%-48%) and 31% (range = 22%-64%) after 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. The CSA drug clearance was reduced to 38.7% (range = 31.0%-49.4%). We report excellent antiviral efficacy. At the end of the observation period, all patients were HCV RNA–negative (1 patient at 18 weeks, 1 patient at 12 weeks, and 3 patients at 4 weeks after the end of therapy). Safety was acceptable, with mild acute rejection and reactivation of cytomegalovirus being the most serious adverse events. One patient with histologically proven recurrent cholestatic hepatitis before therapy underwent retransplantation during the course of antiviral therapy. In conclusion, the immunomonitoring of NFAT-regulated gene expression indicated reduced immunosuppressive activity of CSA during antiviral therapy with TVR in our cohort of liver transplant patients. Thus, the immunosuppressive effects of CSA may be overestimated if one is looking only at trough concentrations during co-medication with protease inhibitors or other strong cytochrome P450 3A inhibitors. Immunomonitoring of NFAT-regulated gene expression could, therefore, help to prevent overimmunosuppression or underimmunosuppression. Liver Transpl 20:1106–1117, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Wallerian degeneration and recovery of motor nerves after multiple focused cold therapies
Authors: Hsu Michael , Stevenson Fang F.
Published: June 2014

Introduction: A device has been developed to apply freezing temperatures to temporarily impede nerve conduction, resulting in inhibition of voluntary skeletal muscle contraction. This device was designed as an alternative to the neurotoxins usually used to treat movement disorders. Methods: We evaluated the effects of single and 3 repeat treatments with a cryoprobe device (−55°C) on a sciatic nerve rat model. Long‐term effects of repeated treatment were evaluated through assessments of physiological function and histological analysis. Results: There was consistent weakening of physiological function after each treatment, with recovery of normal function by 8 weeks posttreatment. Histological findings showed axonal degeneration with no disruption to the epineurial or perineurial structures. Progressive axonal regeneration was followed by normal recovery by 24 weeks post‐treatment. Conclusions: Low‐temperature treatment of motor nerves did not result in permanent or long‐term changes to nerve function or structure. Muscle Nerve 51: 268–275, 2015
Polymer/carbon nanofillers films fabricated by latex technology
Authors: Mechrez G. , Suckeveriene R. Y. , Segal E. , Narkis M.
Published: June 2014

This research presents a generic fabrication method for tailoring polymer/carbon nanofillers composites with controlled architecture and composition. Two types of common carbon nanofillers, i.e. multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and graphene nanosheets, are finely dispersed in an aqueous dispersion of polyacrylate followed by a microfiltration process. The second step allows preserving the high dispersion level of the nanofillers within the polymer matrix in the resulting solid films/layers. This study aims to investigate the structure–property relationship of the polyacrylate/nanofiller films, fabricated by the combination of latex technology and microfiltration. The polyacrylate/MWNTs system is studied over the entire MWNTs composition (0 to 100 wt%) and is shown to exhibit a structural transition; from a nanocomposite structure, in which the nanotubes are dispersed within a continuous polymer matrix, to a porous MWNTs macrostructure containing segregated polymer domains. This structural transition is corroborated with the films‐specific surface area values and the mechanical properties versus the MWNTs content. The percolation threshold of the studied polyacrylate/MWNTs systems is obtained at MWNTs content of ~0.04 wt%, an order of magnitude lower compared with cast films, fabricated by conventional latex technology. Polyacrylate/graphene nanosheet nanocomposites that are fabricated using the same method also demonstrate a structural transition from nanofiller/polymer composite material to graphene macrostructures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biocompatible antimicrobial cotton modified with tricarbimide‐based N‐halamine
Authors: Li Lin , Ma Kaikai , Liu Ying , Xie Zhiwei , Huang T. S. , Ren Xuehong
Published: June 2014

Two N‐halamine precursors, 1‐glycidyl‐s‐triazine‐2,4,6‐trione and 1‐(2,3‐dihydroxypropyl)‐s‐triazine‐2,4,6‐trione, were synthesized and tethered onto cotton fabrics via the crosslinking agent 1,2,3,4‐butanetetracarboxylic acid. The modified samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The modified fabrics were rendered biocidal activities upon exposure to dilute hypochlorite solutions. The chlorinated cotton swatches were challenged with Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43895) and exhibited excellent biocidal efficacy. The stability and rechargeability of the modified samples during washing and ultraviolet irradiation were also investigated. In vitro cell cytocompatibility studies demonstrated that the antibacterial cotton has good biocompatibility. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐specific psychological distress in women undergoing noninvasive prenatal testing because of advanced maternal age
Authors: Suzumori Nobuhiro , Ebara Takeshi , Kumagai Kyoko , Goto Shinobu , Yamada Yasuyuki , Kamijima Michihiro , Sugiura‐Ogasawara Mayumi
Published: June 2014

Objective

The objective of our study was to describe our clinical experience in providing noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for fetal aneuploidy to pregnant women, highlighting the degree of non‐specific psychological distress.

Methods

Data were collected from Japanese women who were offered and underwent NIPT after genetic counseling and control pregnant women who did not undergo NIPT as part of the Japan Environment and Children's Study Control A planning. The degree of mental distress was assessed using the Kessler 6 (K6) screening scale with a score of ≥10 indicating depression or anxiety disorder.

Results

Among the 505 women who underwent NIPT because of advanced maternal age, 9.1% had a K6 score of ≥10. Compared with matched controls (n = 1010) adjusted for maternal age and gestational age, the NIPT group showed a trend toward higher K6 scores (odds ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval 0.97–2.13, P = 0.07). Higher K6 scores were associated with women whose husbands were the primary decision makers during NIPT counseling (P = 0.06).

Conclusions

Women electing NIPT tend to have higher scores of depression/anxiety, and those with higher depression scores tended to defer the decision to their husbands. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can Agile Project Management be Adopted by Industries Other than Software Development?
Authors: Conforto Edivandro C. , Salum Fabian , Amaral Daniel C. , da Silva Sérgio Luis , de Almeida Luís Fernando Magnanini
Published: June 2014

This research paper presents evidence from an exploratory survey on the use of agile project management (APM) practices and the presence of APM enablers in 19 medium-and large-sized companies from different industry sectors considering innovative projects. The results show that these companies are possibly struggling to use their current management practices in the face of different project challenges. Additionally, the presence of some APM enablers indicates opportunities to adapt the APM theory for different companies other than those in software development. Future research should explore the correlation between APM practices and enablers in order to develop “hybrid” management models for different industries.
Project Leadership in Becoming: A Process Study of an Organizational Change Project
Authors: Packendorff Johann , Crevani Lucia , Lindgren Monica
Published: June 2014

Drawing on the current research in general leadership, we propose that a process ontology is relevant and rewarding for project leadership studies. We argue that project leadership can be studied as the ongoing social production of direction through the construction of actors' space of action, involving continuous construction and reconstruction of (1) past project activities and events; (2) positions and areas of responsibility; (3) discarded, ongoing, and future issues; and (4) intensity, rhythm, and pace. Through an ethnographic case study of an organizational change project, we show how space of action and hence the project direction are in constant flux and becoming.
Synchronization of Innovation and Vehicle Projects: Proposal of a Management Tool at Renault SAS
Authors: Gidel Thierry , Buet Gael , Millet Dominique
Published: June 2014

The success of a vehicle on the market depends on its price, reliability, and attractiveness; for the latter, innovations are the key elements in the differentiation from competitors. Managing the processes of selecting and integrating innovation projects into vehicle projects is therefore crucial. This article presents a management tool that aims at managing the interplay between innovation projects and vehicle projects. The objectives are to increase and optimize the amount and value of innovation projects integrated into vehicle projects. The tool, called “Profilor,” is based on the concept of intrusiveness, which is presented from a theoretical and empirical point of view.
Evidence of mechanisms occurring in thermally induced phase separation of polymeric systems
Authors: Mannella Gianluca A. , Carfì Pavia Francesco , Conoscenti Gioacchino , La Carrubba Vincenzo , Brucato Valerio
Published: June 2014

Thermally induced phase separation is a fabrication technique for porous polymeric structures. By means of easy‐to‐tune processing parameters, such as system composition and demixing temperature, a vast latitude of average pore dimensions, pore size distributions, and morphologies can be obtained. The relation between demixing temperature and morphology was demonstrated via cloud point curve measurement and foams fabrication with controlled thermal protocols, for the model system poly‐l‐lactide–dioxane–water. The morphologies obtained at a temperature lower than cloud point showed a closed‐pore architecture, suggesting a “nucleation‐and‐growth” separation mechanism, which produced larger pores at higher holding times. Conversely, the porous structures attained when holding the sample above the cloud point exhibited open pores with dimensions independent of time, denoting a phase separation occurring during sample freezing. Finally, the influence of the cooling rate on final morphology was investigated, showing a clear correlation with microstructure and pore size. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 979–983
Copolymer architecture effects on the morphology and surface performance of epoxy thermosets containing fluorinated block copolymers
Authors: Zheng Yaochen , Xue Qingquan , Zhu Lemin , Xin Zhirong , Sheng Yan , Ren Wanzhong
Published: June 2014

The architecture effects on phases and surface enrichment behaviors of epoxy nanocomposites containing fluorinated block copolymers are investigated by the incorporation of two novel copolymers composed of poly (2, 2, 2‐trifluoroethyl methacrylate) (PTFEMA) and poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), PCL‐b‐PTFEMA and PTFEMA‐b‐PCL‐b‐PTFEMA, with identical molecular weight and composition. These fluorinated copolymers in epoxy display distinguished self‐assembled structures, as evidenced by dynamic laser scattering and scanning electron microscopy measurements. Static contact angle detection suggests that the nanocomposites display an obvious improvement in surface water repellency and a reduction in surface free energy. The enhancement in surface hydrophobicity is attributed to the enrichment of PTFEMA blocks at the nanocomposite surface and to the formation of the specific surface morphology, as confirmed by atomic force microscopy. The different architectures of the two block copolymers give rise to differences in phase‐structures, and the ultimate surface performances of composites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1037–1045
The structure of a far‐red fluorescent protein, AQ143, shows evidence in support of reported red‐shifting chromophore interactions
Authors: Wannier Timothy M. , Mayo Stephen L.
Published: June 2014

Engineering fluorescent proteins (FPs) to emit light at longer wavelengths is a significant focus in the development of the next generation of fluorescent biomarkers, as far‐red light penetrates tissue with minimal absorption, allowing better imaging inside of biological hosts. Structure‐guided design and directed evolution have led to the discovery of red FPs with significant bathochromic shifts to their emission. Here, we present the crystal structure of one of the most bathochromically shifted FPs reported to date, AQ143, a nine‐point mutant of aeCP597, a chromoprotein from Actinia equina. The 2.19 Å resolution structure reveals several important chromophore interactions that contribute to the protein's far‐red emission and shows dual occupancy of the green and red chromophores.
Distributed robust control of uncertain linear multi‐agent systems
Authors: Wang Jingyao , Duan Zhisheng , Wen Guanghui , Chen Guanrong
Published: June 2014

In this paper, the distributed H ∞  robust control problem synthesized with transient performance is investigated for a group of autonomous agents governed by uncertain general linear node dynamics. Based on the relative information between neighboring agents and some information of other agents, distributed state‐feedback and observer‐type output‐feedback control protocols are designed and analyzed, respectively. By using tools from robust control theory, conditions for the existence of controllers for solving such a problem are established. It is shown that the problem of distributed H ∞  robust control synthesized with transient performance can be converted to the H ∞  control problem synthesized with transient performance for decoupled linear systems of the same low dimensions. Finally, simulation examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the design. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Memory leak detection in Plumbr
Authors: Šor Vladimir , Srirama Satish Narayana , Salnikov‐Tarnovski Nikita
Published: June 2014

Platforms with automatic memory management, such as the JVM, are usually considered free of memory leaks. However, memory leaks can happen in such environments, as the garbage collector cannot free objects, which are not used by the application anymore, but are still referenced. Such unused objects can eventually fill up the heap and crash the application. Although this problem has been studied extensively, nevertheless, there are still many rooms for improvement in this area. This paper describes the statistical approach for memory leak detection, as an alternative, along with a commercial tool, Plumbr, which is based on the method. The tool is later analyzed with three case studies of real applications and in the process also analyzes strengths and weaknesses of the statistical approach for memory leak detection. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probability of success: estimation framework, properties and applications
Authors: Hu Peter
Published: June 2014

Probability of success (PoS), defined as Bayesian expected power, has drawn more and more attention as an alternative metric complementary to the conventional conditional power for study planning. This paper describes an estimation framework for PoS on the basis of a proposed joint posterior distribution for the location and scale parameters of an effect of interest, followed by illustrations of how to estimate this quantity efficiently. Some features of this PoS framework are disclosed via the affiliated settings with non‐informative prior. The upper limit of PoS, obtained when sample size approaches infinity, is derived in closed form. Three applications of this framework are given to demonstrate the benefits of using the concept of PoS in strategic planning of a confirmatory study and in interim monitoring of drug effectiveness and, as lessons learnt, how a non‐inferiority study could be powered appropriately and how change of trend to achieving non‐inferiority could be tracked. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha in Brasília
Authors: Göppert Knut , Stockhusen Knut , Dziewas Stefan
Published: June 2014

Die brasilianische Hauptstadt, gerade 50 Jahre alt geworden, steht auf der Weltkulturerbeliste der UNESCO. Bauingenieure finden hier kühne und beachtliche Stahlbetonkonstruktionen und für Architekten ist Brasília so etwas wie der heilige Boden der Moderne. Die Architekten von gmp und die Ingenieure von schlaich bergermann und partner empfanden es als große Ehre, Teil des Teams zu sein, das dem Ensemble von Costa und Niemeyer ein weiteres monumentales Bauwerk hinzufügen durfte. Und so entstand, in der Tradition von Brasilia mit einem verwandten formalen und materiellem Ausdruck und den Methoden von heute, ein neues multifunktionales Stadion. Aus der Geschichte des bestehenden Stadions ergab sich eine wichtige Entwurfsvorgabe: Ursprünglich war vorgesehen, die bestehende Stadionschüssel nur zu erweitern und alle Erschließungsfunktionen sowie die neue Dachkonstruktion getrennt davon anzuordnen. Dies erklärt auch den Entwurf, obwohl am Ende aus vielerlei Gründen eine komplett neue Stadionschüssel entstanden ist. Doch gerade das Wechselspiel zwischen Rampen, Brücken, Stützen und dem kraftvollen, perfekt kreisrunden Dach, das außerhalb der Stadionschüssel angeordnet wurde, macht den besonderen Reiz des Gebäudes aus. Und während der schwere Ring auf einer Vielzahl von Stahlbetonstützen ruht und dem Bauwerk seine Monumentalität gibt, schwebt daran verankert ein Leichtbaudach par Excellence.

Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha, Brasília. The Brazilian capital, which just turned 50 years old, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Where civil engineers will find bold and substantial reinforced concrete constructions, for architects Brasília is some kind of holy ground of modernity. For the architects of gmp and the engineers of schlaich bergermann und partner it was a great honor to be part of the team that could add another monumental building to the ensemble of Costa and Niemeyer. And this is how a new multi‐functional stadium was built, in the tradition of Brasilia with its formal and tangible print and with the methods of today. Resulting from the history of the existing stadium, it was an important design requirement to expand the existing stadium bowl and to place all access functions as well as the new roof structure separately. This also gives an explanation of the design, although at the end and for many reasons a completely new stadium bowl was built. But it is precisely the interplay between ramps, bridges, columns and the powerful, perfectly circular roof, placed outside the stadium bowl, that makes the special charm of the building. The heavy ring rests on a variety of reinforced concrete columns giving the building its monumentality, while above floats anchored a lightweight roof par excellence.