bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of transesophageal echocardiography on clinical management of patients over age 50 with cryptogenic stroke and normal transthoracic echocardiogram
Authors: Marino Brian , Jaiswal Abhishek , Goldbarg Seth , Bernardini Gary L. , Kerwin Todd
Published: September 2015

BACKGROUND

The utility of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) subsequent to a normal transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in older patients with an unexplained stroke is uncertain.

METHODS

Two hundred sixty‐three consecutive patients over the age of 50 years hospitalized with a clinical stroke confirmed with brain magnetic resonance imaging and a normal TTE were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, or any other causative reason for stroke were excluded. TEE was analyzed for findings that could explain the etiology of stroke as well as findings that would change therapy based on current guidelines.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics included a mean age of 66.7 years (range, 50–91 years); 42.5% of patients were female. A possible etiology of stroke was discovered by TEE in 111 (42.2%) patients and included 1 or more of the following: complex plaque of the ascending aorta or arch, patent foramen ovale, atrial septal aneurysm, both atrial septal aneurysm and patent foramen ovale, or spontaneous contrast. Only 1 patient (0.4%) had a finding that changed immediate management, which was a thrombus in the left atrial appendage for which anticoagulation was prescribed. Follow‐up was available at 6 months on 85 patients, of whom 13 (15%) had been discovered to have developed atrial fibrillation.

CONCLUSION

In our study population, when performed subsequent to a normal TTE in patients aged >50 years with cryptogenic stroke, TEE demonstrated a high diagnostic value, but had minimal incremental effect on patient management. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:95–98. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Detoxification of hexavalent chromium by Leucobacter sp. uses a reductase with specificity for dihydrolipoamide
Authors: Sarangi Abhipsa , Krishnan Chandraraj
Published: September 2015

Leucobacter sp. belongs to the metal stressed community and possesses higher tolerance to metals including chromium and can detoxify toxic hexavalent chromium by reduction to less toxic trivalent chromium. But, the mechanism of reduction of hexavalent chromium by Leucobacter sp. has not been studied. Understanding the enzyme catalyzing reduction of chromium is important to improve the species for application in bioremediation. Hence, a soluble reductase catalyzing the reduction of hexavalent chromium was purified from a Leucobacter sp. and characterized. The pure chromate reductase was obtained from the cell‐free extract through hydrophobic interaction and gel filtration column chromatographic methods. It was a monomeric enzyme and showed similar molecular weights in both gel filtration (∼68 KDa) and SDS‐PAGE (64 KDa). It reduced Cr(VI) using both NADH and NADPH as the electron donor, but exhibited higher activity with NADH. The optimal activity was found at pH 5.5 and 30 °C. The Km and Vmax for Cr(VI) reduction with NADH were 46.57 μM and 0.37 μmol min−1 (mg protein) −1, respectively. The activity was inhibited by p‐hydroxy mercury benzoate, Ag2+ and Hg2+ indicating the role of thiol groups in the catalysis. The spectrophotometric analysis of the purified enzyme showed the absence of bound flavin in the enzyme. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence and LC/MS analysis of trypsin digested purified enzyme showed similarity to dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase. The purified enzyme had dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase activity with dihydrolipoamide as the substrate, which suggested that Leucobacter sp. uses reductase with multiple substrate specificity for reduction of Cr(VI) detoxification.
Twenty‐first century snowfall projections within the eastern Great Lakes region: detecting the presence of a lake‐induced snowfall signal in GCMs
Authors: Suriano Zachary J. , Leathers Daniel J.
Published: September 2015

In this study, an analysis of model‐derived snowfall from 2006 to 2100 is conducted, investigating the presence of a lake‐induced (LI) snowfall signal to the lee of Lakes Erie and Ontario. Output from seven fully coupled global climate models is used from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. Snowfall trends over the entire study area, and in the defined LI snowbelt, are examined seasonally for two representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios. The term lake‐induced is used to encompass both lake effect processes, along with lake‐enhanced snow. In addition to snowfall, physical mechanisms associated with these trends, such as surface temperatures and snow to total precipitation ratios, are examined.

The models perform well when compared to snowfall observations despite model difficulties in resolving small‐scale orographic and lake effect processes. Modelled snowfall declines by 20–45% over the entire region by 2100, with snowfall increasing in the LI belt during the first quarter century before declining rapidly in RCP 8.5. An additional statistically significant 1.8–1.97 cm signal of LI snow water equivalent is detected within the ensemble mean of the defined snowbelt to the lee of Lakes Erie and Ontario that is not seen in the grid cells outside of the lake belt. This LI signal is also projected to decline more quickly than the non‐lake‐induced signal. Surface 2‐m temperature is found to have a significant impact on snowfall changes in the region, with impacts not only on total precipitation but also on the percentage of precipitation falling as snow.
Tropical cyclone rainfall over Puerto Rico and its relations to environmental and storm‐specific factors
Authors: Hernández Ayala José J. , Matyas Corene J.
Published: September 2015

Although tropical cyclone rainfall (TCR) is common over Puerto Rico, the factors that cause this rain to vary from one storm to another have not been studied. The aim of this article is to understand how storm‐specific characteristics including storm location, duration, storm centre proximity to land, intensity, horizontal translation speed (HTS) and environmental factors like moisture and vertical wind shear affect TCR variability over Puerto Rico. TCR was determined at rain gauge locations for days when storms were within a 500 km radius of Puerto Rico. The station data were then used to calculate an island‐averaged total rainfall value for 86 storms during 1970–2010. The maximum observed rainfall was also examined. Correlation analyses of the individual predictors, principal component regression (PCR) procedures and Mann–Whitney U tests identified precipitable water, storm centre proximity to land, mid‐level relative humidity (MRH), duration, HTS and longitude as the predictors with the strongest influence on rainfall. The PCR showed that a component comprised of precipitable water, MRH and longitude accounted for more than 60% in TCR variability. When an additional component comprised of storm duration, storm centre proximity to land and translation speed was considered, the PCR model explained 70% (52%) of the variability in mean (maximum) TCR. Key threshold values for high rainfall across Puerto Rico are a storm centre distance of 233 km or less and moisture exceeding 44.5 mm of precipitable water and 44.5% of relative humidity with forward speeds of 6.4 m s−1 or less. Extreme rainfall at a single location can occur when a TC's centre is over 450 km away.
Progress in field‐assisted extraction and its application to solid sample analysis
Authors: He Yuanyuan , Xiao Xiaohua , Cheng Yingyi , Li Gongke
Published: September 2015

Sample preparation is the most time‐consuming and laborious procedure during analysis. The rapid and effective extraction of solid and semi‐solid samples is much more difficult than that of gas and liquid samples. In the present review, various extraction methods for solid and semi‐solid samples such as supercritical fluid extraction, ultrasound‐assisted extraction, microwave‐assisted extraction, etc. are summarized based on the principles of field and field synergy effects. The expected trends of field‐assisted extraction methods are discussed and proposed to encourage further development on the rapid and effective extraction for solid and semi‐solid samples.
Cool Laser for Cutting Diamonds
Authors: Shankar Nitin
Published: September 2015

Diamond cutters have been looking for a laser cutting tool that can slice through a diamond without causing any thermal damage.

Raw diamonds can contain inclusions in the form of non‐diamond hybrid materials or air bubbles, making them susceptible to damage from intense heat during laser cutting. The heat of a conventional laser beam can cause the inherent material tension in such inclusions to explode the stone. Thus, a rough diamond worth several thousands of dollars can literally be reduced to worthless bits in a matter of seconds without any warning.
Industrial Fiber Beam Delivery System for Ultrafast Lasers
Authors: Funck Max , Wedel Björn
Published: September 2015

Free space beam delivery has long been the only option to transport high energy laser pulses. But what happens if the free space is surrounded by an optical fiber? Micro‐structured hollow core fibers now make it possible to confine the laser light inside a small hollow core and transmit pico‐ and femtosecond pulses of high energy with excellent beam quality. Packaged into a rugged laser light cable, this is likely the start of a new era in laser beam delivery.
Chemoenzymatic Synthesis of Oligo(l‐cysteine) for Use as a Thermostable Bio‐Based Material
Authors: Ma Yinan , Sato Ryota , Li Zhibo , Numata Keiji
Published: September 2015

Oligomerization of thiol‐unprotected l‐cysteine ethyl ester (Cys‐OEt) catalyzed by proteinase K in aqueous solution has been used to synthesize oligo(l‐cysteine) (OligoCys) with a well‐defined chemical structure and relatively large degree of polymerization (DP) up to 16–17 (average 8.8). By using a high concentration of Cys‐OEt, 78.0% free thiol content was achieved. The thermal properties of OligoCys are stable, with no glass transition until 200 °C, and the decomposition temperature could be increased by oxidation. Chemoenzymatically synthesized OligoCys has great potential for use as a thermostable bio‐based material with resistance to oxidation.
Photodeformable Microspheres from Amphiphilic Azo Polyurethane
Authors: Zhou Yuqi , Wang Xiao Gong
Published: September 2015

Photodeformable microspheres are fabricated from a newly synthesized amphiphilic azo polyurethane (PU) through gradually hydrophobic aggregation. For the synthesis, a PU‐based precursor polymer (PU‐Ph) is synthesized through step polymerization between 4,4′‐methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate) and N‐phenyldiethanolamine. Then, the PU‐based azo polymer (PU‐Azo‐Ph) is obtained by postpolymerization azo‐coupling reaction between PU‐Ph and diazonium salt of 4‐aminobenzoic acid. The microspheres with controllable morphology and narrow size distribution are fabricated by gradually adding H2O into tetrahydrofuran solutions of PU‐Azo‐Ph, which are characterized by laser light scattering and transmission electron micro­scopy. The research indicates that the colloid structures can be significantly modified by adjusting the preset water content in the preparation process. By adjusting the self‐assembling condition, the colloidal microspheres with solid interiors and porous and hollow structures are obtained. Upon exposure to a linearly polarized Ar+ laser beam, the microspheres are elongated along the polarization direction to give ellipsoids and other elongated structures.

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AGET ATRP of Poly[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] Catalyzed by Hydrophobic Iron(III)–Porphyrins
Authors: Proietti Silvestri I. , Cellesi F.
Published: September 2015

Commercially available hydrophobic porphyrins are investigated as an environmentally friendly catalytic system for iron‐mediated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA). Polymerizations in organic solvent are optimized using activators generated by electron transfer (AGET ATRP), based on iron(III)–porphyrin complexes, and tin(II) 2‐ethyl hexanoate or ascorbic acid as a reducing agent. Copper‐free PPEGMA macromolecules are obtained with high conversion, controlled molecular weight, and polydispersity index compared with standard copper‐based ATRP. The facile preparation and availability of the catalyst, together with its expected low toxicity, represent clear advantages for the synthesis of PPEGMA‐based materials for biomedical use.

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Systematic Analysis of Polymer Molecular Weight Influence on the Organic Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Katsouras Athanasios , Gasparini Nicola , Koulogiannis Chrysanthos , Spanos Michael , Ameri Tayebeh , Brabec Christoph J. , Chochos Christos L. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos
Published: September 2015

The molecular weight of an electron donor‐conjugated polymer is as essential as other well‐known parameters in the chemical structure of the polymer, such as length and the nature of any side groups (alkyl chains) positioned on the polymeric backbone, as well as their placement, relative strength, the ratio of the donor and acceptor moieties in the backbone of donor–acceptor (D–A)‐conjugated polymers, and the arrangement of their energy levels for organic photovoltaic performance. Finding the “optimal” molecular weight for a specific conjugated polymer is an important aspect for the development of novel photovoltaic polymers. Therefore, it is evident that the chemistry of functional conjugated polymers faces major challenges and materials have to adopt a broad range of specifications in order to be established for high photovoltaic performance. In this review, the approaches followed for enhancing the molecular weight of electron‐donor polymers are presented in detail, as well as how this influences the optoelectronic properties, charge transport properties, structural conformation, morphology, and the photovoltaic performance of the active layer.

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Wogonoside inhibits angiogenesis in breast cancer via suppressing Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Huang Yujie , Zhao Kai , Hu Yang , Zhou Yuxin , Luo Xuwei , Li Xiaorui , Wei Libin , Li Zhiyu , You Qidong , Guo Qinglong , Lu Na
Published: September 2015

Wogonoside, a main flavonoid component derived from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has been reported to have anti‐angiogenesis and anti‐leukemia activities. However, whether it can inhibit tumor angiogenesis is unclear. In this study, we investigate the inhibitory effect of wogonoside on angiogenesis in breast cancer and its underlying mechanisms. ELISA assay shows that wogonoside (25, 50, and 100 µM) decreases the secretion of VEGF in MCF‐7 cells by 30.0%, 35.4%, and 40.1%, respectively. We find it inhibits angiogenesis induced by the conditioned media from MCF‐7 cells in vitro and in vivo by migration, tube formation, rat aortic ring, and chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. Meanwhile, wogonoside can inhibit the growth and angiogenesis of MCF‐7 cells xenografts in nude mice. The reduction of tumor weight can be found both in wogonoside (80 mg/kg) and bevacizumab (20 mg/kg) treated group, and the tumor inhibition rate is 42.1% and 48.7%, respectively. In addition, mechanistic studies demonstrate that wogonoside suppresses the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in MCF‐7 cells. Wogonoside (100 µM) decreases the intracellular level of Wnt3a, increases the expression of GSK‐3β, AXIN, and promotes the phosphorylation of β‐catenin for proteasome degradation significantly. Furthermore, the nuclear accumulation of β‐catenin and the DNA‐binding activity of β‐catenin/TCF/Lef complex are inhibited by 49.2% and 28.7%, respectively, when treated with 100 µM wogonoside. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that wogonoside is a potential inhibitor of tumor angiogenesis and can be developed as a therapeutic agent for breast cancer. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combination therapies: The next logical Step for the treatment of synucleinopathies?
Authors: Valera Elvira , Masliah Eliezer
Published: September 2015

Currently there are no disease‐modifying alternatives for the treatment of most neurodegenerative disorders. The available therapies for diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD), PD dementia (PDD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA), in which the protein alpha‐synuclein (α‐Syn) accumulates within neurons and glial cells with toxic consequences, are focused on managing the disease symptoms. However, using strategic drug combinations and/or multi‐target drugs might increase the treatment efficiency when compared with monotherapies. Synucleinopathies are complex disorders that progress through several stages, and toxic α‐Syn aggregates exhibit prion‐like behavior spreading from cell to cell. Therefore, it follows that these neurodegenerative disorders might require equally complex therapeutic approaches to obtain significant and long‐lasting results. Hypothetically, therapies aimed at reducing α‐Syn accumulation and cell‐to‐cell transfer, such as immunotherapy against α‐Syn, could be combined with agents that reduce neuroinflammation with potential synergistic outcomes. Here we review the current evidence supporting this type of approach, suggesting that such rational therapy combinations, together with the use of multi‐target drugs, may hold promise as the next logical step for the treatment of synucleinopathies. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Role of forward‐motility‐stimulating factor as an extracellular activator of soluble adenylyl cyclase
Authors: Dey Souvik , Roy Debarun , Majumder Gopal C. , Mukherjee Biswajit , Bhattacharyya Debdas
Published: September 2015

Forward‐motility‐stimulating factor (FMSF) is a protein, originally purified from bubaline serum, that promotes progressive motility of mature spermatozoa. FMSF binds to sperm surface receptors and activates transmembrane adenylyl cyclase (tmAC), causing a rise in intracellular cyclic AMP level ([cAMP]i) and subsequent activation of a protein kinase A/tyrosine kinase‐mediated pathway that enhances forward motility. This article further evaluates how FMSF works in the caprine system, particularly identifying the stimulatory effect of this glycoprotein on soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC). Elevated [cAMP]i, initially resulting from FMSF‐dependent activation of tmAC, was associated with the release of Ca2+ from an intracellular calcium store in the sperm head, likely via an inositol triphosphate‐sensitive calcium ion channel. This peak Ca2+ concentration of ∼125–175 nM was capable of stimulating sAC in vitro in a calmodulin‐independent manner, thereby triggering more cAMP production. Our model proposes that a positive‐feedback loop mediated by cAMP and Ca2+ is established in FMSF‐stimulated sperm, with cAMP playing the role of a chemical messenger at multiple steps, resulting in the observed progressive motility. Thus, FSMF stimulates a novel signaling cascade that synergistically activate both tmAC and sAC to achieve forward sperm motility. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 82: 1001–1014, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cluster analysis of DCE‐MRI data identifies regional tracer‐kinetic changes after tumor treatment with high intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Jacobs Igor , Hectors Stefanie J. C. G. , Schabel Matthias C. , Grüll Holger , Strijkers Gustav J. , Nicolay Klaas
Published: September 2015

Evaluation of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment with MRI is generally based on assessment of the non‐perfused volume from contrast‐enhanced T1‐weighted images. However, the vascular status of tissue surrounding the non‐perfused volume has not been extensively investigated with MRI. In this study, cluster analysis of the transfer constant Ktrans and extravascular extracellular volume fraction ve, derived from dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) data, was performed in tumor tissue surrounding the non‐perfused volume to identify tumor subregions with distinct contrast agent uptake kinetics.

DCE‐MRI was performed in CT26.WT colon carcinoma‐bearing BALB/c mice before (n = 12), directly after (n = 12) and 3 days after (n = 6) partial tumor treatment with HIFU. In addition, a non‐treated control group (n = 6) was included. The non‐perfused volume was identified based on the level of contrast enhancement. Quantitative comparison between non‐perfused tumor fractions and non‐viable tumor fractions derived from NADH‐diaphorase histology showed a stronger agreement between these fractions 3 days after treatment (R2 to line of identity = 0.91) compared with directly after treatment (R2 = 0.74). Next, k‐means clustering with four clusters was applied to Ktrans and ve parameter values of all significantly enhanced pixels. The fraction of pixels within two clusters, characterized by a low Ktrans and either a low or high ve, significantly increased after HIFU. Changes in composition of these clusters were considered to be HIFU induced. Qualitative H&E histology showed that HIFU‐induced alterations in these clusters may be associated with hemorrhage and structural tissue disruption. Combined microvasculature and hypoxia staining suggested that these tissue changes may affect blood vessel functionality and thereby tumor oxygenation. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that, in addition to assessment of the non‐perfused tumor volume, the presented methodology gives further insight into HIFU‐induced effects on tumor vascular status. This method may aid in assessment of the consequences of vascular alterations for the fate of the tissue. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic and bioinformatics profile of paired human alveolar macrophages and peripheral blood monocytes
Authors: Tomechko Sara E. , Lundberg Kathleen C. , Jarvela Jessica , Bebek Gurkan , Chesnokov Nicole G. , Schlatzer Daniela , Ewing Rob M. , Boom W. Henry , Chance Mark R. , Silver Richard F.
Published: September 2015

Little is known about proteomic differences between pluripotent human peripheral blood monocytes (MN) and their terminally‐differentiated pulmonary counterparts, alveolar macrophages (AM). To better characterize these cell populations, we performed a label‐free shotgun proteomics assessment of matched AM and MN preparations from eight healthy volunteers. With an FDR of less than 0.45%, we identified 1754 proteins within AM and 1445 from MN. Comparison of the two proteomes revealed that 1239 of the proteins found in AM were shared with MN, whereas 206 proteins were uniquely identified in MN and 515 were unique to AM. Molecular and cellular functions, protein classes, development associations, and membership in physiological systems and canonical pathways were identified among the detected proteins. Analysis of biologic processes represented by these proteomes indicated that MN were most prominently enriched for proteins involved in cellular movement and immune cell trafficking. In contrast, AM were enriched for proteins involved in protein trafficking, molecular transport, and cellular assembly and organization. These findings provide a baseline proteomic resource for further studies aimed at better understanding of the functional differences between MN and AM in both health and disease.
Chemoenzymatic method for glycomics: Isolation, identification, and quantitation
Authors: Yang Shuang , Rubin Abigail , Eshghi Shadi Toghi , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2015

Over the past decade, considerable progress has been made with respect to the analytical methods for analysis of glycans from biological sources. Regardless of the specific methods that are used, glycan analysis includes isolation, identification, and quantitation. Derivatization is indispensable to increase their identification. Derivatization of glycans can be performed by permethylation or carbodiimide coupling/esterification. By introducing a fluorophore or chromophore at their reducing end, glycans can be separated by electrophoresis or chromatography. The fluorogenically labeled glycans can be quantitated using fluorescent detection. The recently developed approaches using solid‐phase such as glycoprotein immobilization for glycan extraction and on‐tissue glycan mass spectrometry imaging demonstrate advantages over methods performed in solution. Derivatization of sialic acids is favorably implemented on the solid support using carbodiimide coupling, and the released glycans can be further modified at the reducing end or permethylated for quantitative analysis. In this review, methods for glycan isolation, identification, and quantitation are discussed.
Change in psychological distress in longer‐term oesophageal cancer carers: are clusters of illness perception change a useful determinant?
Authors: Graham Lisa , Dempster Martin , McCorry Noleen K. , Donnelly Michael , Johnston Brian T.
Published: September 2015

Objective

This study provides a longitudinal assessment of distress in longer‐term oesophageal cancer carers, while examining illness perception schema as a possible determinant of change in distress over time.

Methods

Oesophageal cancer carers (n = 171), 48 months post‐diagnosis, were assessed at baseline and 12 months later with the Illness Perception Questionnaire‐Revised, Cancer Coping Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Concerns About Recurrence Scale.

Results

Findings report deterioration from normal to probable anxiety in 35.7% of carers and probable depression in 28.7% carers over time. Fear of recurrence remained stable. Changes in control, consequence and cause beliefs were identified as key determinants of a change in psychological morbidity.

Conclusions

Illness beliefs appear to be valuable targets for psychological intervention to improve wellbeing among carers of people with oesophageal cancer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Retrospective Look at How Well a Macro‐Micro Model Can Analyze the Impact of the Global Financial Crisis on a Developing Country
Authors: Chitiga Margaret , Decaluwe Bernard , Mabugu Ramos , Maisonnave Helene , Robichaud Veronique , Shepherd Debra , Van Der Berg Servaas , Von Fintel Dieter
Published: September 2015

This article is a follow‐up to one that looked at the impact of the economic crisis on child poverty in South Africa using a macro–micro modeling technique. The current article's contribution is to position the results of the first article in the context of the actual effects of the crisis. Hence, this article offers a comparative analysis between the results of the modeling with the actual observed outcomes. It also offers explanations for why some model results are different from what obtained in the country after the crisis period.
Recent advances in the treatment and management of asthma
Authors: Thomson Neil C
Published: September 2015

Despite advances in diagnosis and management of asthma many patients have poorly controlled symptoms. This article reviews recent publications on the diagnosis, assessment and management of asthma in adults, including the 2014 update of the British guideline on the management of asthma.
Design and analysis of three‐arm trials with negative binomially distributed endpoints
Authors: Mütze Tobias , Munk Axel , Friede Tim
Published: September 2015

A three‐arm clinical trial design with an experimental treatment, an active control, and a placebo control, commonly referred to as the gold standard design, enables testing of non‐inferiority or superiority of the experimental treatment compared with the active control. In this paper, we propose methods for designing and analyzing three‐arm trials with negative binomially distributed endpoints. In particular, we develop a Wald‐type test with a restricted maximum‐likelihood variance estimator for testing non‐inferiority or superiority. For this test, sample size and power formulas as well as optimal sample size allocations will be derived. The performance of the proposed test will be assessed in an extensive simulation study with regard to type I error rate, power, sample size, and sample size allocation. For the purpose of comparison, Wald‐type statistics with a sample variance estimator and an unrestricted maximum‐likelihood estimator are included in the simulation study. We found that the proposed Wald‐type test with a restricted variance estimator performed well across the considered scenarios and is therefore recommended for application in clinical trials. The methods proposed are motivated and illustrated by a recent clinical trial in multiple sclerosis. The R package ThreeArmedTrials, which implements the methods discussed in this paper, is available on CRAN. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The relevance of political affinity for the initial acquisition premium in cross‐border acquisitions
Authors: Bertrand Olivier , Betschinger Marie‐Ann , Settles Alexander
Published: September 2015

Research summary: In the context of economic nationalism, we investigate the relevance of political affinity between countries to the initial acquisition premium offered in cross‐border acquisitions. Political affinity is defined as the similarity of national interests in global affairs. We argue that political affinity affects how foreign acquirers anticipate their bargaining position in their negotiations with domestic target firms. With decreasing political affinity, the host government becomes increasingly likely to intervene against foreign firms in an acquisition deal. Consequently, foreign acquirers need to provide a more lucrative initial offer to dissuade target firms from leveraging government intervention to oppose the acquisition. Our prediction is supported by strong evidence that political affinity, as revealed by UN general assembly voting patterns, leads to lower initial acquisition premiums.

Managerial summary: Media reports suggest that politics plays an important role in international business transactions. However, we still know very little about how bilateral political relations affect corporate decision‐making. In this article, we analyze the influence of the quality of bilateral political relations on the bidding behavior of foreign acquirers in cross‐border acquisitions. We argue that the host government is more likely to intervene against the foreign acquirer during deal negotiations if the quality of bilateral political relations is poor. A lower political affinity between countries therefore decreases the bargaining power of the acquirer and pushes up the initial bid premium the acquirer has to offer to the local target. Our empirical results confirm our argument. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Problem‐formulation and problem‐solving in self‐organized communities: How modes of communication shape project behaviors in the free open‐source software community
Authors: Foss Nicolai j. , Frederiksen Lars , Rullani Francesco
Published: September 2015

Research summary:Building on the problem‐solving perspective, we study behaviors related to projects and the communication‐based antecedents of such behaviors in the free open‐source software (FOSS) community. We examine two kinds of problem/project‐behaviors: Individuals can set up projects around the formulation of new problems or join existing projects and define and/or work on subproblems within an existing problem. The choice between these two behaviors is influenced by the mode of communication. A communication mode with little a priori structure is the best mode for communicating about new problems (i.e., formulating a problem); empirically, it is associated with project launching behaviors. In contrast, more structured communication fits subproblems better and is related to project joining behaviors. Our hypotheses derive support from data from theFOSScommunity.

Managerial summary:We study how the way in which individuals communicate influence the project‐behaviors they engage in. We find that relatively unstructured communication is associated with the setting up new projects, while communication that is structured around an artifact is associated with joining projects. Our findings hold implications for understanding how management may influence project behaviors and problem‐solving: Firms that need to concentrate on more incremental problem‐solving efforts (e.g., because a sufficient number of attractive problems have already been defined) should create environments in which interaction is undertaken mainly via artifacts. On the other hand, if firms seek to generate new problems (e.g., new strategic opportunities), they should create environments in which open‐ended, verbal conversation is relatively more important than artifact‐based communication.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of resistant starch from Se‐rich rice flour and its anti‐diabetic effect in diabetic ICR mice
Authors: Yuan Huaibo , Wang Wenjuan , Chen Deyi , Zhu Xiping , Cao Shuqing
Published: September 2015

Resistant starch (RS) in Se‐rich rice flour was enhanced by autoclaving and debranching modification. The morphological, crystalline and thermal properties and the in vitro hydrolysis rate of the RS product were analyzed. The RS‐enhanced Se‐rich rice (SR‐RS) was investigated as functional food with a beneficial effect on type 2 diabetes. The effects of SR‐RS on the body weight (BW), fasting blood glucose levels (FBG), serum lipids and insulin (SIN) levels of normal and diabetic mice were investigated. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses confirmed that retrogradation and recrystallization improved the structural and thermal stabilities of RS‐enhanced Se‐rich rice flour. Additionally, the SR‐RS showed a lower in vitro hydrolysis rate than SRF due to its high RS content. Moreover, results from the animal experiment showed SR‐RS have a significant anti‐diabetic effect based on the lower BW, FBG levels, SIN and lipid contents of diabetic mice treated with SR‐RS compared to the diabetic control mice.
Collaborate to make your office, campus safe for students, staff and faculty
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: September 2015

The registrar can be a critical part of campus safety efforts. Michael Hutley, registrar at Santa Fe College in Florida, is a member of a campus threat assessment team that won the NASPA Campus Safety Knowledge Community Award for Best Practice in Prevention Activities.
Managing the water cycle in Kenyan small‐scale maize farming systems: Part 1. Farmer perceptions of drought and climate variability
Authors: Muita Richard R. , van Ogtrop Floris , Ampt Peter , Vervoort R. Willem
Published: September 2015

Farmer perceptions clearly influence the adoption of technology and adaptation to climate change, but may not be consistent with or captured by scientific measurements. There has been a significant research on how perceptions influence water resource management and adaptation to climate, but conclusions are unclear or contradictory. This research aimed to clarify what shapes perceptions and how this understanding can refine meteorological data collection and to make more relevant and useful tools for farmers to adapt to changes in the water cycle. A survey of 244 small‐scale maize farmers was conducted using a questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews in two districts in southern and western Kenya which differed in climate type and farming systems. Farmer perceptions of and adaptation to climate uncertainty were investigated and compared with meteorological data. Most farmers perceived changes in the patterns of rainfall and dry spells, including later onset of rains than in the past. They have already adjusted their management based on these perceptions, including later planting times. Despite this, analysis of meteorological data indicated no major trends in rainfall or dry spell patterns in the two regions. This research confirms that the perception that the water cycle is changing is based on a combination of climatic, economic, or social observations, and farmers are already changing their management to adapt to the perceived changes in climate. The article explores the reasons why these perceptions were inconsistent with the available meteorological data and suggests that research may improve the usefulness of meteorological data to farmers. WIREs Water 2016, 3:105–125. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1118

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Electronic Tuneable Dynamic and Electrochemical Behavior of N‐(Diferrocenylmethylene)anilines
Authors: Saloman Sebastian , Hildebrandt Alexander , Korb Marcus , Schwind Manuel , Lang Heinrich
Published: September 2015

N‐(Diferrocenylmethylene)anilines Fc2C=N‐4‐C6H4–R [3a R = CF3; 3b R = Cl; 3c R = H; 3d R = CH3; 3e R = OCH3; Fc = Fe(η5‐C5H4)(η5‐C5H5)] with different electron‐donating or ‐withdrawing functionalities were synthesized by a Schiff base reaction of substituted anilines H2N‐4‐C6H4‐R (2a–2e) with diferrocenyl ketone (1). Within variable temperature NMR experiments activation enthalpies between 68.1 and 72.3 kJ·mol–1 for an E/Z exchange reaction of the imines were determined. It could be shown that the inversion barrier depends on the nature of the substituent R. Furthermore, electrochemical measurements were performed, demonstrating that the ferrocenyl units are oxidized separately. The electron density at the nitrogen atom is influenced by the electronic nature of the aniline groups R thus giving rise to varying attractive electrostatic interactions to the ferrocenium units. This results in decreasing redox separations for the ferrocenyl oxidation with a decreasing electron‐withdrawing character of the anilines. Spectroelectrochemical measurements confirmed that the redox separations are mainly caused by electrostatic interactions as no electronic metal–metal coupling is observed. For 3a,b,d,e the molecular structure in solid state was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry. In all compounds different forms of π–π interactions occur. Compound 3a shows a complex network of parallel‐ and T‐shaped π–π interactions, whereas 3d is forming 5‐ and 6‐membered cycles.
Synthesis of Hierarchically Porous SiCN Materials and Pd Catalysts based on it for the Oxidation of Methane
Authors: Schwarz Stefan , Friedrich Martin , Motz Günter , Kempe Rhett
Published: September 2015

Polymer derived silicon carbon nitride (SiCN) ceramics are versatile materials with broad potential applications in industry and technology. Their high stability towards thermomechanical and chemical stress makes them a promising support material in heterogeneous catalysis. Due to the challenging process of synthesizing high‐surface‐area porous SiCN only a few examples of porous SiCN based catalysts are reported. Herein, we present a simple and efficient route to obtain mesoporous SiCN containing materials by impregnation of activated carbon with a polymeric silazane precursor. Oxidative removal of the template yields high‐surface‐area SiCN materials with a BET surface area from 200–470 m2·g–1 and high content of mesopores from 70–99 %. By incipient wetness impregnation with palladium, efficient catalysts for the total oxidation of methane were obtained.
Phenol Based‐Ligands with Two Adjacent N,N′,O‐Binding Pockets
Authors: Wilting Alexander , Kügler Merle , Siewert Inke
Published: September 2015

The synthesis of three new ligands and their coordination behavior towards zinc ions with strongly coordinating anions and cobalt ions with weakly coordinating anions are reported. The ligands have two adjacent imidazolyl‐pyridinyl and pyrazolyl‐pyridinyl binding pockets, respectively, which are linked by a phenol unit. We also investigated the dynamic behavior of the ligand having the imidazolyl‐pyridiyl sidearm in solution. The reaction of the ligands and ZnCl2 yielded complexes of the type [LZn2Cl3]. When we used CoII salts with weakly coordinating anions, complexes of the general formula [L2Co2]2+ were formed.
Copper(I) Clusters with Trifunctional Silyl Amide Ligands. Synthesis and Crystal Structures of [Li(THF)4]2[Cu10{RSi(NPh)3}4] (R = Me, Ph, Vin)
Authors: Wagner Christoph , Merzweiler Kurt
Published: September 2015

Treatment of CuCl with the lithiated silyl amides RSi(NLiPh)3 (R = Me, Ph, Vin) in THF as solvent led to the formation of the novel CuI cluster compounds [Li(THF)4]2[Cu10{RSi(NPh)3}4]. For each of the three compounds the X‐ray crystal structure analysis revealed similar Si4N12Cu10 cores which are based on cubane like Cu8 cores bearing two additional peripheral copper atoms. The copper atoms are coordinated nearly linearly by the μ5‐bridging silyl amide ligands with Cu–N distances in the range of 187.1(3) to 194.5(4) pm and N–Cu–N angles of 171.6(1) to 178.7(1)°. For each of the compounds the structural parameters are very similar which indicates that the structures are barely influenced by the different steric requirements of the organic groups bound to silicon.
Mitochondriopathien – neue Trends in Diagnostik und Therapie
Authors: Prokisch Holger , Sperl Wolfgang , Meitinger Thomas , Mayr Johannes A.
Published: September 2015

Mitochondriopathien sind eine klinisch, biochemisch und genetisch ausgesprochen heterogene Krankheitsgruppe mit Mutationen in mehr als 250 Genen, wobei ein Teil davon im mitochondrialen Genom liegt, der Großteil aber im Kerngenom. Die Verteilung der Mutationen auf eine derart große Anzahl an Genen verschaffte den Mitochondriopathien eine Vorreiterrolle bei der Einführung der Next-Generation-Sequenzierung (NGS) in die klinische Praxis, wobei die Exomsequenzierung zurzeit die Methode der Wahl darstellt. Die Bedeutung der funktionellen Tests, vor allem der biochemischen Messung von frischen oder gefrorenen Biopsieproben und der histologischen Untersuchung, bleibt bestehen, in vielen Fällen rücken diese Analysen aber an die zweite Stelle. Diese Analysen sind vor allem zur Bestätigung der genetischen Ergebnisse häufig unerlässlich und bei Akutpatienten weiterhin als initiale bzw. parallele Untersuchung zu wählen. Es ist auch darauf zu achten, dass Mutationen gewebespezifisch auftreten können, vor allem Mutationen der mitochondrialen DNA sind im Blut nicht immer nachweisbar.

Die Therapie von Mitochondriopathien ist nach wie vor meist auf eine symptomatische Behandlung begrenzt, nur bei wenigen, vor allem bei cofaktorabhängigen Erkrankungen konnten bisher gute Therapieeffekte erzielt werden. Erfreulich ist die Entwicklung zahlreicher neuer Therapieansätze, die sich Fortschritte in der Proteinersatz- und Gentherapie zunutze machen. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit hat in jüngster Vergangenheit die Option der Spende von Eizellmitochondrien erhalten, eine in Großbritannien kürzlich zugelassene Methode zur Prävention der Vererbung von Mutationen der mitochondrialen DNA.
Developmental and degenerative modulation of GABAergic transmission in the mouse hippocampus
Authors: Kim Jinwook , Son Yeonghoon , Kim Juhwan , Lee Sueun , Kang Sohi , Park Kyunghwan , Kim Sung‐Ho , Kim Jong‐Choon , Kim Jeongtae , Takayama Chitoshi , Im Heh‐In , Yang Miyoung , Shin Taekyun , Moon Changjong
Published: September 2015

γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in synaptic plasticity. GABAergic transmission is also implicated in developmental and degenerative processes in the brain. The goal of the present study was to understand the developmental and degenerative regulation of GABAergic transmission in the mouse hippocampus by examining changes in GABA receptor subunit mRNA levels and GABA‐related protein expression during postnatal development of the hippocampus and trimethyltin (TMT)‐induced neurodegeneration in the juvenile (postnatal day [PD] 24) and adult hippocampus (PD 56). During postnatal development, the mRNA levels of GABA A receptor (GABAAR) subunits, including α1, α4, β1, β2, and δ; GABA B receptor (GABABR) subunit 2; and the expression of GABA‐related proteins, including glutamic acid decarboxylase, vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), and potassium chloride cotransporter 2 increased gradually in the mouse hippocampus. The results of seizure scoring and histopathological findings in the hippocampus revealed a more pronounced response to the same administered TMT dose in juvenile mice, compared with that in adult mice. The mRNA levels of most GABA receptor subunits in the juvenile hippocampus, excluding GABAAR subunit β3, were dynamically altered after TMT treatment. The mRNA levels of GABAAR subunits γ2 and δ decreased significantly in the adult hippocampus following TMT treatment, whereas the level of GABABR subunit 1 mRNA increased significantly. Among the GABA‐related proteins, only VGAT decreased significantly in the juvenile and adult mouse hippocampus after TMT treatment. In conclusion, regulation of GABAergic signaling in the mouse hippocampus may be related to maturation of the central nervous system and the degree of neurodegeneration during postnatal development and TMT‐induced neurodegeneration in the experimental animals.
The Treatment of Anxiety in Young Children: Results of an Open Trial of the Fun FRIENDS Program
Authors: Barrett Paula , Fisak Brian , Cooper Marita
Published: September 2015

Background: Preschool-aged children exhibit a relatively high prevalence rate of anxiety disorders, and the course of these disorders is often chronic. However, surprisingly few studies have focused on the treatment of anxiety in this age group. In response to this limitation, the purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of an open trial of the Fun FRIENDS (FF) program, a downward extension of the FRIENDS programs for preschool-aged children (5–7 years), in a community clinic setting. Method: The sample included 31 children diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Treatment consisted of 10 weekly sessions administered in a group format. Parents also received two information sessions. Child anxiety, behavioural inhibition, and resiliency were assessed at preintervention, immediate postintervention, and at 12-month follow-up. Results: Significant decreases in child anxiety and shyness and improvements on measures of resiliency were observed following the completion of treatment. Conclusions: The results of this study provide support for the effectiveness of the Fun FRIENDS program as a treatment for anxiety in young children. Further, this study adds to the relatively small body of research focused on the use of CBT to treat anxiety disorders in this population.
Inscribing/Inscribed: Bodies and Landscape in the Ritual of Embodied Remembrance at Souvenance Mystique
Authors: Mazzocca Ann E.
Published: September 2015

There are many ways in which Haitian Vodou ceremonies defy Western binaries of ritual and performance, sacred and profane, and choreography and improvisation. Vodou, a danced religion, is an embodied practice. Souvenance Mystique refers to a place and an event. Eponymously named, it is a mystical remembrance that occurs annually in a weeklong ritual of Vodou ceremonies in the Artibonite Valley outside of Gonaives, Haiti. At Souvenance, the reference to memory and remembrance is embodied, and therefore Souvenance greatly reflects what Diana Taylor refers to as a repertoire of embodied memory. As a scholar, choreographer, and practitioner of Haitian folkloric dance, I have read this ritual in terms of its significations occurring through various signs such as the practitioners' clothing, their proximity to one another, movement, gesture, and ritual choreography.

Souvenance is a site where the multiplicity of histories and bodies signify in relation to one another. While arguably an embodied history in itself, Souvenance also writes. The practitioners enacting the several-days-long ceremonies inscribe upon the surface of the earth. Repetition reinscribes ritual pathways, while a particularly important and meaningful pathway is traversed only twice—at daybreak toward a site and then at sundown returning to the central peristyle. It is the landscape that is inscribed by the practitioners. However, they also become written upon by sweat and sacred blood. In this paper, I will explore the ways in which the rituals at/of Souvenance write history annually and how, simultaneously, the history of Souvenance is being written.