bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and antipathogenic evaluation of a novel quaternary phosphonium tripolyacrylamide and elucidation of the inactivation mechanisms
Authors: Xue Yan , Xiao Huining
Published: November 2015

To mitigate the crisis of pathogen‐caused disease outbreaks, developing novel disinfection agents with broad‐spectrum antipathogenic performance is a severe task. In this work, an antipathogenic tripolyacrylamide containing aliphatic quaternary phosphonium salt (QPS) was prepared. To confirm the broad‐spectrum antipathogenic activity of the as‐prepared polymer, the in vitro antibacterial performance was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and viral inactivation was assessed against influenza virus and adenovirus as well. The polymers exhibited higher bactericidal activity against S. aureus than E. coli in terms of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), while possessing much lower MIC values compared with their corresponding compound. The morphological alterations in polymer treated E. coli, captured by atomic force microscopy, confirmed the membrane‐acting antibacterial mechanism of polymeric QPS. The plaque reduction assay performed on influenza virus and adenovirus demonstrated the as‐prepared tripolymer could efficiently inactivate both enveloped and non‐enveloped viruses, and the two different antiviral mechanisms were elucidated correspondingly. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 747–757, 2016.
SyntheticPAMPSgel activatesBMP/Smad signaling pathway inATDC5 cells, which plays a significant role in the gel‐induced chondrogenic differentiation
Authors: Goto Keiko , Kimura Taichi , Kitamura Nobuto , Semba Shingo , Ohmiya Yoshihiro , Aburatani Sachiyo , Matsukura Satoko , Tsuda Masumi , Kurokawa Takayuki , Ping Gong Jian , Tanaka Shinya , Yasuda Kazunori
Published: November 2015

The purposes of this study were to identify signaling pathways that were specifically activated in ATDC5 cells cultured on poly (2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS) gel in insulin‐free maintenance medium and to evaluate the significance of the determined signaling pathways in the chondrogenic differentiation induced by this gel. In this study, ATDC5 cells cultured on PAMPS gel using the maintenance medium without insulin (PAMPS Culture) were compared with cells cultured on polystyrene using the differentiation medium containing insulin (PS‐I Culture). The microarray analysis, Western blot analysis, and real‐time PCR analysis demonstrated that the TGF‐β/BMP signaling pathway was significantly enhanced at Days 1, 2, and 3 in the PAMPS Culture when compared with the PS‐I Culture. Inhibition of the BMP type‐I receptor reduced the phosphorylation level of Smad1/5 and expression of type‐2 collagen and aggrecan mRNA in the cells accompanied by a reduction in cell aggregation at Day 13 in the PAMPS Culture. The inhibition of the TGF‐β/BMP signaling pathway significantly inhibited the chondrogenic differentiation induced by the PAMPS gel. The present study demonstrated that synthetic PAMPS gel activates the TGF‐β/BMP/Smad signaling pathway in the ATDC5 cells in the absence of insulin, and that this activation plays a significant role in the chondrogenic differentiation induced by PAMPS gel. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 734–746, 2016.
BET Protein BRDT Complexes With HDAC1, PRMT5, and TRIM28 and Functions in Transcriptional Repression During Spermatogenesis
Authors: Wang Li , Wolgemuth Debra J.
Published: November 2015

The expression of BRDT, a member of the BET sub‐family of double bromodomain‐containing proteins, is restricted to the male germ line, specifically to pachytene‐diplotene spermatocytes and early spermatids. We previously showed that loss of the first bromodomain of BRDT by targeted mutagenesis (BrdtΔBD1) resulted in sterility and abnormalities in spermiogenesis, but little is known about BRDT's function at the molecular level. As part of studies designed to identify BRDT‐interacting proteins we stably introduced a FLAG‐tagged BRDT cDNA into 293T cells, which do not normally express BRDT. Affinity‐purification of FLAG‐tagged BRDT complexes indicated that BRDT has novel interactions with the histone deacetylase HDAC1, the arginine‐specific histone methyltransferase 5 PRMT5, and the Tripartite motif‐containing 28 protein TRIM28. Immunofluorescent microscopy revealed that BRDT co‐localized with each of these proteins in round spermatids and co‐immunoprecipitation of testicular extracts showed that these proteins interact with BRDT. Furthermore, they bind the promoter of H1t, a putative target of BRDT‐containing complexes. This binding of H1t was lost in mice expressing the BrdtΔBD1 mutant protein and concomitantly, H1t expression was elevated in round spermatids. Our study reveals a role for BRDT‐containing complexes in the repression of gene expression in vivo that correlates with dramatic effects on chromatin remodeling and the progression of spermiogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1429–1438, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dysregulation of Norepinephrine Release in the Absence of Functional Synaptotagmin 7
Authors: Shih Alvin M. , Varghese Lincy , Bittar Alice , Park Sung‐Hoon , Chung Jin Mo , Shin Ok‐Ho
Published: November 2015

Synaptotagmin 7 (Syt7) is expressed in cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals where norepinephrine (NE) is released in both Ca2+‐dependent exocytosis and Ca2+‐independent norepinephrine transporter (NET)‐mediated overflow. The role of Syt7 in the regulation of NE release from cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals is tested by employing a Syt7 knock‐in mouse line that expresses a non‐functional mutant form of Syt7. In cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals prepared from these Syt7 knock‐in mice, the Ca2+‐dependent component of NE release was diminished. However, these terminals displayed upregulated function of NET (∼130% of controls) and a significant increase in Ca2+‐independent NE overflow (∼140% of controls), which is greater than the Ca2+‐dependent component of NE exocytosis occurring in wild‐type controls. Consistent with a significant increase in NE overflow, the Syt7 knock‐in mice showed significantly higher blood pressures compared to those of littermate wild‐type and heterozygous mice. Our results indicate that the lack of functional Syt7 dysregulates NE release from cardiac sympathetic nerve terminals. J. Cell. Biochem. 117: 1446–1453, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
18‐electron rule and the 3c/4e hyperbonding saturation limit
Authors: Landis C. R. , Weinhold F.
Published: November 2015

We show that the empirical 18‐electron rule of transition metal chemistry corresponds to an intrinsic saturation limit for the 3c/4e hyperbonding interactions that are a ubiquitous feature of D‐block aggregation phenomena. Such a “rule” therefore requires no “p‐orbital participation,” “d2sp3 hybridization,” “valence shell expansion,” or other p‐type intrusions into the Aufbau orbital filling sequence. Instead, 18e stability corresponds to the natural terminus of post‐Lewis 3c/4e resonance‐type stabilizations that lead to successive ligand additions (and formal increments of electron count) at a transition metal center, all within the normal (s + 5d) confines of D‐block valence space. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Liver apparent diffusion coefficient repeatability with individually predetermined optimal cardiac timing and artifact elimination by signal filtering
Authors: Metens Thierry , Absil Julie , Denolin Vincent , Bali Maria Antonietta , Matos Celso
Published: November 2015

Purpose

To prospectively assess liver ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) repeatability from cardiac‐triggered diffusion‐weighted images obtained with an individually predetermined optimal cardiac time window minimizing cardiac‐related effects and to evaluate a signal filtering method aimed at artifact elimination.

Materials and Methods

After Institutional Review Board approval and written informed consent, eight healthy volunteers underwent four repetitions of respiratory‐triggered diffusion‐weighted sequences (3T, b: 0,150,500 s/mm2) without (RTnoCT, 51 sec) and with individually optimized cardiac triggering (RTCT, 306 sec). The optimal cardiac delay was individually predetermined using a 5‐second breath‐hold sequence. Monoexponential liver ADC and left‐to‐right‐liver ADC ratio were computed from region of interest (ROI) signal measurements (two independent readers). A filtering method, excluding signal intensities lower than the mean intensity at fixed b‐value, provided ADC recalculation. Limits‐of‐agreement (LOAs) from 95% confidence intervals for differences across the four repetitions provided the variability range.

Results

For Reader 1 (Reader 2), left‐to‐right‐liver ADC ratios were significantly higher in RTnoCT 1.51 (1.52) than in RTCT 1.12 (1.15), P = 0.012 (P = 0.017). Respectively for RTnoCT and RTCT: left liver LOAs were ±835 (±775), ± 315 (±369) 10‐6mm2/s; right liver LOAs were ±392 (±445), ± 172 (±140) 10‐6mm2/s: LOAs were larger in the left than in the right lobe (both P < 0.001). After filtering, left liver ADC LOAs narrowed to ±650 (±367) 10‐6mm2/s, P = 0.17 (P < 0.001); ± 152 (±208) 10‐6mm2/s (both P < 0.002) and left‐to‐right‐liver ADC ratio decreased to 1.28 (1.20), P = 0.017 (P = 0.012); 1.09 (1.08), P = 0.106 (P = 0.105).

Conclusion

Compared to noncardiac‐triggered acquisitions, individually optimized cardiac‐triggered acquisitions improved ADC repeatability in both liver lobes and reduced ADC differences between left and right liver. Left liver ADC repeatability was further improved after signal filtering. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;43:1100–1110.
Axial Dystonia Mimicking Stiff Person Syndrome
Authors: Balint Bettina , Meinck Hans‐Michael , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: November 2015

Both isolated axial dystonia and stiff person syndrome (SPS) are rare conditions that can look deceivingly similar. Here, we present three cases of axial dystonia resembling SPS with video documentation in order to illustrate the phenomenological similarities. We discuss clinical and paraclinical approaches to help distinction with its obvious implications for further management.
Orthotopic forelimb allotransplantation in the rat model
Authors: Zhu Hainan , Xie Feng , Luo Xusong , Qin Ling , Sherry Liu X. , Scott Levin Lawrence , Li Qingfeng
Published: November 2015

In this report, we present a rat orthotopic forelimb allotransplantation model. Eight forelimbs were transplanted from Brown Norway rats to Lewis rats. Axillary vessels of transplant were used as the vascular pedicles, which were anastomosed to the external jugular vein and common carotid artery of the recipient rat. The ulnar, radial, and median nerves were also repaired. Among rats, a tapered dose of cyclosporine was administered in five rats. In other three rats, no immunosuppressive therapy was given. The viability and signs of rejection of transplanted forelimbs, sensation recovery, bone healing, and histology were assessed up to the 90th postoperative day. All of rats but one survived surgery. All of transplanted forelimbs survived. In the rats treated with cyclosporine the transplanted forelimbs achieved long‐term survival with motion and sensation recovery. On 90th day after surgery, bone healing was achieved. There was no sign of rejection in histology. In the rats without cyclosporine treatment, the transplanted forelimbs experienced tissue necrosis started from day 12 postoperatively. This experimental study showed the feasibility of orthotopic forelimb allotransplantation in the rat model. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:672–675, 2016.
Attractors for autonomous double‐diffusive convection systems based on Brinkman–Forchheimer equations
Authors: Ôtani Mitsuharu , Uchida Shun
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we consider the existence of global attractor and exponential attractor for some dynamical system generated by nonlinear parabolic equations in bounded domains with the dimension N≤4 which describe double‐diffusive convection phenomena in a porous medium. We deal with both of homogeneous Dirichlet and Neumann boundary condition cases. Especially, when Neumann condition is imposed, we need some assumptions and restrictions for the external forces and the average of initial data, since the mass conservation law holds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular response of chorioretinal endothelial cells to complement injury: implications for macular degeneration
Authors: Zeng Shemin , Whitmore S Scott , Sohn Elliott H , Riker Megan J , Wiley Luke A , Scheetz Todd E , Stone Edwin M , Tucker Budd A , Mullins Robert F
Published: November 2015

Age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common, blinding disease of the elderly in which macular photoreceptor cells, retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris endothelial cells ultimately degenerate. Recent studies have found that degeneration of the choriocapillaris occurs early in this disease and that endothelial cell drop‐out is concomitant with increased deposition of the complement membrane attack complex (MAC) at the choroidal endothelium. However, the impact of MAC injury to choroidal endothelial cells is poorly understood. To model this event in vitro, and to study the downstream consequences of MAC injury, endothelial cells were exposed to complement from human serum, compared to heat‐inactivated serum, which lacks complement components. Cells exposed to complement components in human serum showed increased labelling with antibodies directed against the MAC, time‐ and dose‐dependent cell death, as assessed by lactate dehydrogenase assay and increased permeability. RNA‐Seq analysis following complement injury revealed increased expression of genes associated with angiogenesis including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3 and −9, and VEGF‐A. The MAC‐induced increase in MMP9 RNA expression was validated using C5‐depleted serum compared to C5‐reconstituted serum. Increased levels of MMP9 were also established, using western blot and zymography. These data suggest that, in addition to cell lysis, complement attack on choroidal endothelial cells promotes an angiogenic phenotype in surviving cells. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrical properties of polyimide composite films containing TiO2 nanotubes
Authors: Olariu Marius Andrei , Hamciuc Corneliu , Okrasa Lidia , Hamciuc Elena , Dimitrov Lubomir , Kalvachev Yuri
Published: November 2015

A study on the dielectric behavior of polyimide composite films containing different amounts of TiO2 nanotubes (TNs) was performed. The films were prepared by casting solutions resulting from direct mixing of a poly(amic acid) and TNs onto glass plates, followed by thermal imidization. The influence of TNs content on the properties of polyimide composites was investigated. AFM and SEM analyses showed good compatibility between the filler and polymer matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis and broadband dielectric spectroscopy were used to evidence relaxation processes into the films. The electrical properties were evaluated on the basis of dielectric constant and dielectric loss, and their variation with frequency and temperature. At moderate temperature a secondary β relaxation was observed while incorporation of TNs decreased the activation energy and facilitated the appearance of an additional β1 process. An α relaxation and a conductivity process were evidenced at higher temperatures. The values of dielectric constant and dissipation factor increased with TNs amount, and the maximum of σ relaxation peak shifted to higher temperatures. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2584–2593, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hierarchic structure and mechanical property of glass fiber reinforced isotactic polypropylene composites molded by multiflow vibration injection molding
Authors: Mi Dashan , La Renxi , Wang Tao , Zhang Xiongwei , Zhang Jie
Published: November 2015

Maleic anhydride‐grafted polypropylene (Ma‐PP) and β nucleation agents (β‐NA) were used to modify the glass fiber (GF)/isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composite. The interface adhesion, degree of orientation, and crystalline morphologies of the PP/GF composites molded by multiflow vibrate‐injection molding (MFVIM) and conventional injection molding (CIM) were studied by polarized light microscopy (PLM), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray measurements. Results prove that the interface adhesion was improved by the Ma‐PP; γ crystal was generated by the MFVIM due to the instant high pressure and shear during the multiflow; and a hierarchical structure which has a strengthened skin and a toughened core was formed. As a result, the final PP/GF/β‐NA composite has a 60% increase in tensile strength and 80% improvement in impact strength compare with the CIM pure PP/GF composite. Based on the observations, a modified model is proposed to interpret the strengthening and toughening mechanism. Our work paves the way to obtain high‐performance GF/iPP composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:2707–2717, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Underlying Motives of Different Mixed–Motive Games
Authors: Haesevoets Tessa , Van Hiel Alain , Reinders Folmer Chris
Published: November 2015

Haesevoets, Reinders Folmer, and Van Hiel (2015) have shown limited consistency of people's behaviour across various mixed–motive games. According to these authors, the modest relationships among these games call into question the general idea that all mixed–motive games render the conflict between selfish interests and concern for others equally salient. Thielmann, Böhm, and Hilbig (2015), however, argued that these findings can be explained in terms of the motivational differences that underlie the games. In this article, we demonstrate that Thielmann et al.'s descriptive model of the different motives underlying selfish and prosocial choices cannot be straightforwardly applied to the empirical data at hand. Analogous to our previous article, we again stress the need for further empirical research investigating the underlying motivational basis of each mixed–motive game. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
Relationships between Dimensions of Impulsivity and Prospective Memory
Authors: Cuttler Carrie , O'Connell Debra , Marcus David K.
Published: November 2015

Prospective memory refers to the ability to plan and execute future intentions. A burgeoning body of research indicates that a significant proportion of the variability in prospective memory performance can be accounted for by personality traits, with two recent studies revealing that the various dimensions of impulsivity measured by the Barratt Impulsivity Scale–11 (BIS–11) are related to prospective memory failures. The present study was conducted to examine which dimensions of impulsivity indexed by the BIS–11 and UPPS–P relate to prospective memory failures and which dimensions of impulsivity contribute unique variance in the prediction of prospective memory failures. A large sample ( N = 662) of students completed the BIS–11, UPPS–P, Prospective Memory Questionnaire and a habitual prospective memory test. Consistent correlations between six of the seven measures of impulsivity and prospective memory failures were found. Regression analyses further revealed that lack of perseverance, emotional urgency and attentional impulsivity were reliable and unique predictors of prospective memory failures. Thus, difficulty remaining focused on tasks (especially long, boring or difficult tasks); lack of forethought, planning and distaste for challenging tasks; and tendencies to behave impulsively under conditions of strong affect relate most strongly to prospective memory failures. Copyright © 2015 European Association of Personality Psychology
Analysis of effects of detonation of explosive substances on humans from characteristic curves explosive mass–distance from the origin of the explosion
Authors: González Duperón Esther , Martínez Gil Marta , Giménez Francés Borja , González Ferradás Enrique
Published: November 2015

The serious consequences of explosions justify the efforts in prevention. The inherent danger of the phenomenon and the possibility of causing other concatenated accidents (domino effect) can increase the damage. To assess the damage and plan the emergency, it is necessary to determine the possible scope of dangerous magnitudes of the explosion (high pressure, mechanical impulse, and range of the fragments). It is important to consider that the peak overpressure of explosive detonation is relatively high and impulse width short near the source. Both parameters (overpressure and impulse) decrease with the distance but the decrease is not uniform, so that the ratio of contributions of overpressure and impulse to damage of receptors differ. In this work, the TNT equivalence method has been selected to determine the overpressure and impulse of the wave when detonation of high explosives occurs outdoors and the most recognized PROBIT functions to estimate the consequences of such accidents on humans. Combining both methodologies for each type of damage, graphical relationships of the primary parameters were obtained. Previously existing relationships have been parameterized to facilitate its implementation in software and to provide intuitive information to use it in studies of risk analysis of these accidents. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 233–240, 2016
Why are major accidents still occurring?
Authors: Silva Elisio Carvalho
Published: November 2015

The loss of technological knowledge is an important contributing factor to a major accident occurs. This article analyzed several major accident reports to corroborate to this premise. The more an organization moves further away from a known technology, the risk of an accident occurring considerably increases. This work discusses three ways in which technological knowledge can be lost: (1) new technology; (2) loss of knowledge due to inadequate training, procedures, and information; and (3) the failure to incorporate new knowledge (e.g., the lessons learned). For each means of technological knowledge loss, this article refers to an important major accident and shows how it contributed to the accident. It also addresses the types of failures and the concept of independent protection layers to help explain how to reduce the possibility of a major accident occurs. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 35: 253–257, 2016
Neighbours Helping Neighbours in Multi‐ethnic Context
Authors: Fong Eric , Hou Feng
Published: November 2015

A key topic in population and urban studies is neighbourhood social relations. The topic has significant implications for the larger debate about friendship patterns in contemporary North American society. Ties among neighbours provide social support, foster social relations, and facilitate social capital. Our study explores how the exchange of favours among neighbours, a key component in developing and maintaining social relations among neighbours, is related to co‐ethnic proportion, length of time in the neighbourhood, and family life cycle. Our discussion differentiates between relations within groups and overall relations in the neighbourhood. We merged the 2008 Canadian General Social Survey with 2006 Canadian census tract data to explore these issues. The findings present an optimistic view of a diversified society. Most members of the groups included in the analysis experience favour exchange with neighbours. Although co‐ethnic proportion and duration in the neighbourhood do not relate to favour exchange in neighbourhoods for minorities and immigrants, these factors are significant for local‐born population. In addition, as minorities and immigrants marry, their family needs may encourage them to develop social relations with neighbours. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global energy budgets and ‘Trenberth diagrams’ for the climates of terrestrial and gas giant planets
Authors: Read P. L. , Barstow J. , Charnay B. , Chelvaniththilan S. , Irwin P. G. J. , Knight S. , Lebonnois S. , Lewis S. R. , Mendonça J. , Montabone L.
Published: November 2015

The climate on Earth is generally determined by the amount and distribution of incoming solar radiation, which must be balanced in equilibrium by the emission of thermal radiation from the surface and atmosphere. The precise routes by which incoming energy is transferred from the surface and within the atmosphere and back out to space, however, are important features that characterize the current climate. This has been analyzed in the past by several groups over the years, based on combinations of numerical model simulations and direct observations of the Earth's climate system. The results are often presented in schematic form to show the main routes for the transfer of energy into, out of and within the climate system. Although relatively simple in concept, such diagrams convey a great deal of information about the climate system in a compact form. Such an approach has not so far been widely adopted in any systematic way for other planets of the Solar System, let alone beyond, although quite detailed climate models of several planets are now available, constrained by many new observations and measurements. Here we present an analysis of the global transfers of energy within the climate systems of a range of planets within the Solar System, including Mars, Titan, Venus and Jupiter, as modelled by relatively comprehensive radiative transfer and (in some cases) numerical circulation models. These results are presented in schematic form for comparison with the classical global energy budget analyses for the Earth, highlighting important similarities and differences. We also take the first steps towards extending this approach to other Solar System and extrasolar planets, including Mars, Venus, Titan, Jupiter and the ‘hot Jupiter’ exoplanet HD 189733b, presenting a synthesis of both previously published and new calculations for all of these planets.
Forecasting radiation fog at climatologically contrasting sites: evaluation of statistical methods and WRF
Authors: Román‐Cascón C. , Steeneveld G. J. , Yagüe C. , Sastre M. , Arrillaga J. A. , Maqueda G.
Published: November 2015

A six‐year climatology of radiation fog has been compiled at two sites: the Research Centre for the Lower Atmosphere (CIBA, Spain) and the Cabauw Experimental Site for Atmospheric Research (CESAR, The Netherlands). These sites are contrasted in terms of geographical situation, climate zone, altitude, humidity and soil water availability. Therefore, several climatological differences in fog abundance, onset, dissipation and duration have been quantified between the two sites. The more humid site (CESAR) is characterised by relatively short radiation fog events distributed throughout the year. However, radiation fog at the drier site (CIBA) is more persistent and appears during late autumn/winter months. In general, its formation requires more time after sunset (∼2 h more), since further cooling is required to reach saturation. The forecast of these fog events has been evaluated through two different approaches. First, we extend the statistical method presented by Menut et al. (2014) (M14). This method uses statistics to define threshold values on key variables for fog formation (pre‐fog) and verifies its predictability using observations and numerical model output. We present some of the most appropriate threshold values for the forecasting of pre‐fog periods at both sites, which differ from those presented in M14 and depend on the optimisation of the hit rate or the false‐alarm rate. Additionally, we also extend M14 by suggesting other variables as potential predictors for fog formation (friction velocity and visibility tendency). Finally, we focus on fog simulation by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in terms of liquid water content. The WRF model was able to simulate radiation fog when configured with sophisticated physical options and high resolution. However it failed in simulating the onset, dissipation and the vertical extent of fog (which was overestimated). The model results were extremely sensitive to the spin‐up time.
Consequences of misspecified mental models: Contrasting effects and the role of cognitive fit
Authors: Martignoni Dirk , Menon Anoop , Siggelkow Nicolaj
Published: November 2015

Research summary: Mental models, reflecting interdependencies among managerial choice variables, are not always correctly specified. Mental models can be underspecified, missing interdependencies, or overspecified, containing nonexistent interdependencies. Using a simulation model, we find that under‐ and overspecification have opposite effects on exploration, and thereby, performance. The effects are also opposite, depending on whether a manager controls all choice variables. The mechanism underlying our results is a feedback loop: misspecified mental models influence managerial learning about the effectiveness of choices; this learning guides how the environment is explored, which in turn, affects which information will be generated for future learning. We explore implications of these results for strategic management and introduce the notion of “cognitive fit” between the mental model of the decision‐maker and the strategic environment.

Managerial summary: Managers often rely on mental models to guide their decision‐making. These mental models, however, are often misspecified, that is, more or less complex than the situation managers are facing. Using a simulation model, we study the consequences of such misspecified mental models. We find that the performance implications of misspecified mental models crucially depend on whether the manager controls all choice variables. We identify situations in which simpler mental models are better than overly complex ones, and vice versa. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on the physicochemical properties of modified starch‐based wood nanocomposites
Authors: Baishya Prasanta , Maji Tarun K.
Published: November 2015

Bio‐based nanocomposites were prepared from starch and soft wood with water as the solvent via a green route with great engineering aspects. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) modified starch, dimethyloldihydroxyethyleneurea (DMDHEU), wood flour, glycerol, and montmorillonite clay (MMT) were employed to prepare the wood starch nanocomposites (WSNC). Three different percentages of MMT were employed to prepare the starch composites and the properties of MMT modified starch composites were studied through limiting oxygen index test (LOI), mechanical and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The delamination of silicate layers and morphology of clay incorporated nanocomposites were explained by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). WSNC with 3 phr (parts per hundred) MMT showed better properties compared to composites containing 1 and 5 phr MMT. The nanocomposites with 3 phr MMT enhanced the flexural strength and tensile strength by 28% and 112%, respectively, compared to MMT free composites. The WSNC having 3 phr MMT also exhibited an outstanding improvement in thermal stability, water resistance, and flame retardancy properties.
A new approach for calculating the internal forces, moments and deflections of sandwich panels with reinforced concrete facings
Authors: Müller Frank , Kohlmeyer Christian , Schnell Jürgen
Published: November 2015

Software for calculating the internal forces, moments and deflections of sandwich elements with reinforced concrete facings has been developed as part of a research project at Technische Universität Kaiserslautern. Sandwich elements with stiff concrete facings are internally statically indeterminate. Cracking of the concrete facings leads to a redistribution of the internal forces and moments over the length and across the cross‐section of the element. This redistribution must be considered in the structural design of such elements.

An existing program for calculating metal‐faced sandwich elements was considerably extended by an iterative approach that allows the internal forces and moments to be calculated with the exact stiffness of the cracked facings. This iterative approach and the calculation algorithm behind the new software, called swe2+, are explained in this paper. A verification of the calculation results and a parametric study of a two‐span sandwich element are also presented.
Is pelvic organ support different between young nulliparous African and Caucasian women?
Authors: Shek K. L. , Krause H. G. , Wong V. , Goh J. , Dietz H. P.
Published: November 2015

Objective

There seems to be substantial variation in the prevalence of pelvic floor disorders between different ethnic groups. This may be due partially to differences in pelvic floor structure and functional anatomy. To date, data on this issue are sparse. The aim of this study was to compare hiatal dimensions, pelvic organ descent and levator biometry in young, healthy nulliparous Caucasian and African women.

Methods

Healthy nulliparous non‐pregnant volunteers attending a local nursing school in Uganda were invited to participate in this study during two fistula camps. All volunteers underwent a simple physician‐administered questionnaire and a four‐dimensional translabial ultrasound examination. Offline analysis was performed to assess hiatal dimensions, pelvic organ descent, levator muscle thickness and area. To compare findings with those obtained in nulliparous non‐pregnant Caucasians, we retrieved the three‐dimensional/four‐dimensional ultrasound volume datasets of a previously published study.

Results

The dataset of 76 Ugandan and 49 Caucasian women was analyzed. The two groups were not matched but they were comparable in age and body mass index. All measurements of hiatal dimensions and pelvic organ descent were significantly higher among the Ugandans (all P ≤ 0.01); however, muscle thickness and area were not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions

Substantial differences between Caucasian and Ugandan non‐pregnant nulliparae were identified in this study comparing functional pelvic floor anatomy. It appears likely that these differences in functional anatomy are at least partly genetic in nature. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
A multi‐mode IFFT/FFT processor for IEEE 802.11ac: design and implementation
Authors: Ali Abdelmohsen , Hamouda Walaa
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we present 64/128/256/512‐point inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT)/FFT processor for single‐user and multi‐user multiple‐input multiple‐output orthogonal frequency‐division multiplexing based IEEE 802.11ac wireless local area network transceiver. The multi‐mode processor is developed by an eight‐parallel mixed‐radix architecture to efficiently produce full reconfigurability for all multi‐user combinations. The proposed design not only supports the operation of IFFT/FFT for 1–8 different data streams operated by different users in case of downlink transmission, but also, it provides different throughput rates to meet IEEE 802.11ac requirements at the minimum possible clock frequency. Moreover, less power is needed in our design compared with traditional software approach. The design is carefully optimized to operate by the minimum wordlengths that fulfill the performance and complexity specifications. The processor is designed and implemented on Xilinx Vertix‐5 field programmable gate array technology. Although the maximum clock frequency is 377.84 MHz, the processor is clocked by the operating sampling rate to further reduce the power consumption. At the operation clock rate of 160 MHz, our proposed processor can calculate 512‐point FFT with up to eight independent data sequences within 3.2~μs meeting IEEE 802.11ac standard requirements. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale control site selection for population monitoring: An example assessing sage‐grouse trends
Authors: Fedy Bradley C. , O'Donnell Michael S. , Bowen Zachary H.
Published: November 2015

Human impacts on wildlife populations are widespread and prolific and understanding wildlife responses to human impacts is a fundamental component of wildlife management. The first step to understanding wildlife responses is the documentation of changes in wildlife population parameters, such as population size. Meaningful assessment of population changes in potentially impacted sites requires the establishment of monitoring at similar, nonimpacted, control sites. However, it is often difficult to identify appropriate control sites in wildlife populations. We demonstrated use of Geographic Information System (GIS) data across large spatial scales to select biologically relevant control sites for population monitoring. Greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; hearafter, sage‐grouse) are negatively affected by energy development, and monitoring of sage‐grouse population within energy development areas is necessary to detect population‐level responses. We used population data (1995–2012) from an energy development area in Wyoming, USA, the Atlantic Rim Project Area (ARPA), and GIS data to identify control sites that were not impacted by energy development for population monitoring. Control sites were surrounded by similar habitat and were within similar climate areas to the ARPA. We developed nonlinear trend models for both the ARPA and control sites and compared long‐term trends from the 2 areas. We found little difference between the ARPA and control sites trends over time. This research demonstrated an approach for control site selection across large landscapes and can be used as a template for similar impact‐monitoring studies. It is important to note that identification of changes in population parameters between control and treatment sites is only the first step in understanding the mechanisms that underlie those changes. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Educating for Global Leadership: A North–South Collaboration
Authors: Longo Nicholas V. , McMillan Janice
Published: November 2015

This chapter examines two global education programs in higher education, one in the global North and the other in the global South to explore the shift from command to community in leadership.
Women in Britain Since 1900
Authors: Bruley Sue
Published: November 2015

This is the first text devoted exclusively to women in Britain since 1900 which covers the whole century. The author combines evidence from primary research, with an emphasis on personal testimony, with the most up-to-date work of specialist scholars in each field. Embracing social, economic, political and cultural history, it examines the changing meaning of femininity within the broad historical time periods making up the twentieth century. Each chronological chapter maps out developments for women at work, in the family, sexuality, education, feminism and other political movements. It does not seek to provide a triumphalist history of 'great women', but instead offers an account of women's shifting identity within different social, economic and political contexts, divided by class, sexuality, ethnic background and other factors. Blending analysis with humour and emotion in real life testimony, Women in Britain since 1900 is a woman-centred history of Britain from the suffragettes to the 'Diana effect'.
Genes Encoding Cucumber Full-Size ABCG Proteins Show Different Responses to Plant Growth Regulators and Sclareolide
Authors: Rajsz Adam , Warzybok Anna , Migocka Magdalena
Published: November 2015

Full-size members of the ABCG (ATP-binding cassette, subfamily G) subfamily of ABC transporters have been found only in plants and fungi. The plant genes encoding full-size ABCGs identified so far appeared to be differentially regulated under various environmental constraints, plant growth regulators, and microbial elicitors, indicating a broad functional role of these proteins in plant responses to abiotic and biotic stress. Nevertheless, the structure and physiological function of full-size ABCGs in many plant species are still unknown. We have recently identified 16 genes encoding full-size ABCG proteins in cucumber and found that the transcripts of two of them, CsABCG36 (CsPDR8) and CsABCG40 (CsPDR12), are most abundant in roots and are significantly affected by phytohormones and auxin herbicide. In this study, we analyzed the structure and phylogeny of all the full-size cucumber ABCG transporters and studied the organ expression profiles of the remaining 14 CsABCG genes. In addition, we investigated the effect of different plant growth regulators and the diterpene sclareolide on CsABCG expression in cucumber roots. Until now, the full-size plant ABCG transporters have been grouped into five different clusters. The new phylogenetic analysis of full-size ABCGs from model plants and cucumber clustered these proteins into six different subgroups. Interestingly, the expression profiles of cucumber ABCG genes assigned to the same clusters were not correlated, suggesting functional diversification or different regulatory mechanisms of the full-size cucumber ABCG proteins.
Nitrogen application increases phytolith carbon sequestration in degraded grasslands of North China
Authors: Zhao Yuying , Song Zhaoliang , Xu Xiaotian , Liu Hongyan , Wu Xiuchen , Li Zimin , Guo Fengshan , Pan Wenjie
Published: November 2015

Phytolith‐occluded carbon (PhytOC) has significant potential for long‐term biogeochemical carbon (C) sequestration because of its high resistance against decomposition. It may also play a crucial role in slowing the increase in global CO2 concentrations and mitigating climate warming. As phytolith C sequestration flux is usually correlated with phytolith content, C content of phytoliths and above‐ground net primary productivity in plants, we hypothesize that application of fertilizers may increase phytolith C sequestration in some degraded grasslands. In this study, we conducted a field experiment to investigate the effects of external application of nitrogen (N) at six levels (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g N m−2 year−1) from 2011 to 2013 on the potential for phytolith C sequestration in degraded grasslands. Analysis showed that N application increased the PhytOC production flux in the extremely degraded grassland from 0.003 to 0.021 t CO2 ha−1 year−1 and the flux increased with the level of N fertilization peaking in the 20 g N m−2 year−1 treatment at 700 % of the control flux, but decreased at higher N doses. Assuming half of China's grasslands are fertilized with N to recover from degradation and the phytolith C sequestration flux of degraded grasslands amended with N is half of the 700 % increase, the potential of phytolith C sequestration in China's grasslands could be increased at least 60 %. This study demonstrates that optimization of nutritional supply is a promising approach to increase long‐term phytolith C sequestration in degraded grasslands.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis: an update on current technologies and ethical considerations
Authors: Sueoka Kou
Published: November 2015

The aim of reproductive medicine is to support the birth of healthy children. Advances in assisted reproductive technologies and genetic analysis have led to the introduction of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) for embryos. Indications for PGD have been a major topic in the fields of ethics and law. Concerns vary by nation, religion, population, and segment, and the continued rapid development of new technologies. In contrast to the ethical augment, technology has been developing at an excessively rapid speed. The most significant recent technological development provides the ability to perform whole genome amplification and sequencing of single embryonic cells by microarray or next‐generation sequencing methods. As new affordable technologies are introduced, patients are presented with a growing variety of PGD options. Simultaneously, the ethical guidelines for the indications for testing and handling of genetic information must also rapidly correspond to the changes.
Life on hold: Staying in identity diffusion in the late twenties
Authors: Carlsson Johanna , Wängqvist Maria , Frisén Ann
Published: November 2015

This study adds to the understanding of the dark side of identity development by investigating what it means to experience long‐term identity diffusion during the late twenties. In a study of change and stability in identity status between ages 25 and 29 (N = 124; 63 women), seven participants were assigned to identity diffusion at both ages. Longitudinal analysis of interviews with these participants showed that long‐term experiences of identity diffusion may be described through individuals' approach to changing life conditions, the extent to which they engage in meaning making, and how they develop their personal life direction. In questionnaires, participants reported few signs of psychological distress. Even so, qualitative analyses showed a general trend among participants to keep life on hold through decreased activity or increased haphazard activity in relation to changing life conditions, to make little new meaning, and in some cases to dissolve their personal life direction.
Consumption of Young Xin Yimin: The Role of Identity and Tacit Motives
Authors: Ahmed Tanvir , Sullivan Mort Gillian , D'souza Clare
Published: November 2015

In this article, we present an analysis of young migrant consumer culture based on an empirical study of xin yimin living in Australia. We treat xin yimin's desire for appropriating culture to fit a Western ideology of identity. Based on six different types of projective data we develop a meaning of mimic consumption and motivating forces behind this behaviour. Young xin yimin has an embodied passion for Otherness or Western identity. The findings also reveal insights into what is driving the pursuit of desired self, asserted through benign envy and missing self. We further address theoretical implications of these processes behind identity creation for consumer culture theory research.
The Bride who Decides: Feminine Rituals of Bridal Gown Purchase as a Rite of Passage
Authors: Sykes Katherine , Brace-Govan Jan
Published: November 2015

For contemporary Western women, many of whom cohabit for extended periods, the selection of a wedding date initiates the liminal bride-to-be identity. Choosing her central wedding artefact, the bridal gown, is not only an important first step in organising her wedding, but it is also a rite of passage. Within the setting of the Australian bespoke bridal boutique a feminine ritual is enacted. Here brides-to-be reconcile, sometimes competing, cultural and personal scripts about brides through the discovery of the bridal gown that is perfect for them. Accompanied by close friends and her mother, these actors in the ritual support the bride-to-be and reflect an imagined wedding audience, but it is the mother of the bride-to-be who is given licence to be honest. The mother's frankness provides a counterbalance to the frivolity of friends that assists in the reconciliation of the divergent scripts and the personalisation of this important artefact. The retailer stage-manages the spectacle of presenting the bride-to-be to her chosen audience and, at this moment of revelation, brides-to-be transition into the identity of bride. Different from other research, Australian brides-to-be rely on bespoke bridal boutique retailers for their knowledge of contemporary trends, and mothers play a significant role in this feminine shopping ritual.