bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti–Melanoma Differentiation–Associated Gene 5 Is Associated With Rapidly Progressive Lung Disease and Poor Survival in US Patients With Amyopathic and Myopathic Dermatomyositis
Authors: Moghadam‐Kia Siamak , Oddis Chester V. , Sato Shinji , Kuwana Masataka , Aggarwal Rohit
Published: September 2015

Objective

Clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis (CADM) is a subset of dermatomyositis (DM) presenting with the characteristic rash of DM without objective muscle weakness. Asian studies report that anti–melanoma differentiation–associated gene 5 (anti–MDA‐5) autoantibody in CADM is associated with interstitial lung disease (ILD), particularly rapidly progressive ILD (RPILD). These associations have not been established in US myositis patients. The goal of our study was to determine the association of anti–MDA‐5 autoantibody with ILD, RPILD, and survival in US patients with CADM and classic DM.

Methods

CADM patients were identified in the University of Pittsburgh Myositis Center Database and matched 1:1 (sex and age) to classic DM controls. Anti–MDA‐5 was measured by serum enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Kaplan‐Meier, log rank, and chi‐square tests were used for analysis.

Results

We identified 61 CADM patients (62% women, mean age 48.2 years) and 61 classic DM controls (64% women, mean age 44.8 years). The frequencies of anti–MDA‐5 positivity, ILD, and RPILD were similar in the 2 cohorts (MDA‐5 positive: CADM 13.1% [8 of 61] and DM 13.1% [8 of 61], ILD positive: CADM 31.1% [19 of 61] and DM 26.2% [16 of 61], and RPILD positive: CADM 8.2% [5 of 61] and DM 5% [3 of 61]; P = 1, 0.55, and 0.46, respectively). Anti–MDA‐5 positivity was significantly associated with ILD, since 50% of MDA‐5–positive subjects (8 of 16) had ILD versus 25.5% of MDA‐5–negative subjects (27 of 106; P = 0.04). Anti–MDA‐5 was strongly associated with RPILD (P < 0.001). Anti–MDA‐5–positive patients with ILD had worse baseline pulmonary function testing variables compared to anti–MDA‐5–negative patients. Anti–MDA‐5 positivity was significantly associated with poor survival (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Anti–MDA‐5 antibody is significantly associated with ILD, RPILD, worse pulmonary outcome, and survival in US classic DM and CADM patients.
Fellow As Teacher Curriculum: Improving Rheumatology Fellows’ Teaching Skills During Inpatient Consultation
Authors: Miloslavsky Eli M. , Criscione‐Schreiber Lisa G. , Jonas Beth L. , O'rourke Kenneth S. , McSparron Jakob I. , Bolster Marcy B.
Published: September 2015

Objective

Enhancing rheumatology fellows’ teaching skills in the setting of inpatient consultation may have a broad positive impact. Such efforts may improve fellows’ clinical skills and overall patient care. Most importantly, effective resident‐fellow teaching interactions may not only increase residents’ knowledge of rheumatology but may influence their career choice. However, a number of barriers to the resident‐fellow teaching interaction have been identified, including fellows’ teaching skills. We developed the Fellow As Clinical Teacher (FACT) curriculum in order to enhance fellows’ teaching skills during inpatient consultation.

Methods

The FACT curriculum was delivered in two 45‐minute workshops during the 3‐day Winter Symposium of the Carolinas Fellows Collaborative. We evaluated its effect with self‐assessment surveys and fellow performance on the objective structured teaching exercise (OSTE) before and after participation in the curriculum.

Results

Nineteen fellows from 4 rheumatology training programs participated in the pre‐ and post‐curriculum OSTEs and 18 fellows completed pre‐ and post‐curriculum surveys. OSTE scores improved on 5 of the 8 items assessed, and the total OSTE score improved as well (34.7 versus 29.5; P < 0.01) after the FACT curriculum. Fellows’ self‐assessment of their teaching skills and intent to teach during consultation also increased after participation in the curriculum.

Conclusion

The FACT curriculum, focused on teaching during consultation, improved fellows’ teaching skills and attitudes toward teaching. Improving and increasing fellow teaching, particularly in the consultation setting, may impact patient care, resident and fellow learning, and teaching skills of future faculty, and could potentially influence residents’ career choice.
Histopathologic Findings of Patients With Biopsy‐Negative Giant Cell Arteritis Compared to Those Without Arteritis: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Muratore Francesco , Cavazza Alberto , Boiardi Luigi , Lo Gullo Alberto , Pipitone Nicolò , Germanò Giuseppe , Bisagni Alessandra , Cimino Luca , Salvarani Carlo
Published: September 2015

Objective

To evaluate whether there are histopathologic features of negative temporal artery biopsy (TAB) that allow differentiation between patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and those without.

Methods

All consecutive patients with negative TAB seen between January 2009 and December 2012 were selected retrospectively. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data at presentation and at each followup visit were collected. A pathologist with expertise in vasculitis and blinded to clinical data and final diagnosis reviewed all negative TABs. Histopathologic features evaluated were the presence of a focal mediointimal scar, medial attenuation, intimal hyperplasia, fragmentation of inner elastic lamina, calcification, adventitial fibrosis, and neoangiogenesis.

Results

After a median (interquartile range [IQR]) followup period of, respectively, 19 months (9.2–31.2) and 26.3 months (4.9–36.7) (P = 0.041), 38 (55%) of 69 patients had a final diagnosis of TAB‐negative GCA, while in the remaining 31 (45%) of 69 patients GCA was excluded. The American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for GCA were satisfied by 31 (81.6%) of 38 patients and 2 (6.5%) of 31 patients (P < 0.0001). Compared to non‐GCA patients, those with TAB‐negative GCA had more frequent cranial manifestations and higher erythrocyte sedimentation rates and C‐reactive protein levels. The frequency of patients receiving prednisone, the mean dose, and the duration of prednisone treatment at TAB were similar in the 2 groups. There were no significant differences between TAB‐negative GCA and non‐GCA patients in the frequencies of all the histologic features evaluated.

Conclusion

The histologic features of negative TABs evaluated in this study do not allow for the differentiation between GCA and non‐GCA patients. In the absence of an inflammatory infiltrate, other histologic changes of the temporal artery wall are not specific for GCA.
Comparison of Physician‐Based and Patient‐Based Criteria for the Diagnosis of Fibromyalgia
Authors: Wolfe Frederick , Fitzcharles Mary‐Ann , Goldenberg Don L. , Häuser Winfried , Katz Robert L. , Mease Philip J. , Russell Anthony S. , Jon Russell I. , Walitt Brian
Published: September 2015

Objective

The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 preliminary fibromyalgia diagnostic criteria require symptom ascertainment by physicians. The 2011 survey or research modified ACR criteria use only patient self‐report. We compared physician‐based (MD) (2010) and patient‐based (PT) (2011) criteria and criteria components to determine the degree of agreement between criteria methodology.

Methods

We studied prospectively collected, previously unreported rheumatology practice data from 514 patients and 30 physicians in the ACR 2010 study. We evaluated the widespread pain index, polysymptomatic distress (PSD) scale, tender point count (TPC), and fibromyalgia diagnosis using 2010 and 2011 rules. Bland‐Altman 95% limits of agreement (LOA), kappa statistic, Lin's concordance coefficient, and the area under the receiver operating curve (ROC) were used to measure agreement and discrimination.

Results

MD and PT diagnostic agreement was substantial (83.4%, κ = 0.67). PSD scores differed slightly (12.3 MD, 12.8 PT;P = 0.213). LOA for PSD were −8.5 and 7.7, with bias of −0.42. The TPC was strongly associated with both the MD (r = 0.779) and PT PSD scales (r = 0.702).

Conclusion

There was good agreement in MD and PT fibromyalgia diagnosis and other measures among rheumatology patients. Low bias scores indicate consistent results for physician and patient measures, but large values for LOA indicate many widely discordant pairs. There is acceptable agreement in diagnosis and PSD for research, but insufficient agreement for clinical decisions and diagnosis. We suggest adjudication of symptom data by patients and physicians, as recommended by the 2010 ACR criteria.
Physical Therapist–Delivered Pain Coping Skills Training and Exercise for Knee Osteoarthritis: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bennell Kim L. , Ahamed Yasmin , Jull Gwendolen , Bryant Christina , Hunt Michael A. , Forbes Andrew B. , Kasza Jessica , Akram Muhammed , Metcalf Ben , Harris Anthony , Egerton Thorlene , Kenardy Justin A. , Nicholas Michael K. , Keefe Francis J.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To investigate whether a 12‐week physical therapist–delivered combined pain coping skills training (PCST) and exercise (PCST/exercise) is more efficacious and cost effective than either treatment alone for knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

This was an assessor‐blinded, 3‐arm randomized controlled trial in 222 people (73 PCST/exercise, 75 exercise, and 74 PCST) ages ≥50 years with knee OA. All participants received 10 treatments over 12 weeks plus a home program. PCST covered pain education and training in cognitive and behavioral pain coping skills, exercise comprised strengthening exercises, and PCST/exercise integrated both. Primary outcomes were self‐reported average knee pain (visual analog scale, range 0–100 mm) and physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, range 0–68) at week 12. Secondary outcomes included other pain measures, global change, physical performance, psychological health, physical activity, quality of life, and cost effectiveness. Analyses were by intent‐to‐treat methodology with multiple imputation for missing data.

Results

A total of 201 participants (91%), 181 participants (82%), and 186 participants (84%) completed week 12, 32, and 52 measurements, respectively. At week 12, there were no significant between‐group differences for reductions in pain comparing PCST/exercise versus exercise (mean difference 5.8 mm [95% confidence interval (95% CI) −1.4, 13.0]) and PCST/exercise versus PCST (6.7 mm [95% CI −0.6, 14.1]). Significantly greater improvements in function were found for PCST/exercise versus exercise (3.7 units [95% CI 0.4, 7.0]) and PCST/exercise versus PCST (7.9 units [95% CI 4.7, 11.2]). These differences persisted at weeks 32 (both) and 52 (PCST). Benefits favoring PCST/exercise were seen on several secondary outcomes. Cost effectiveness of PCST/exercise was not demonstrated.

Conclusion

This model of care could improve access to psychological treatment and augment patient outcomes from exercise in knee OA, although it did not appear to be cost effective.
Functionalization of a Collagen–Hydroxyapatite Scaffold with Osteostatin to Facilitate Enhanced Bone Regeneration
Authors: Quinlan Elaine , Thompson Emmet M. , Matsiko Amos , O'Brien Fergal J. , López‐Noriega Adolfo
Published: September 2015

Defects within bones caused by trauma and other pathological complications may often require the use of a range of therapeutics to facilitate tissue regeneration. A number of approaches have been widely utilized for the delivery of such therapeutics via physical encapsulation or chemical immobilization suggesting significant promise in the healing of bone defects. The study focuses on the chemical immobilization of osteostatin, a pentapeptide of the parathyroid hormone (PTHrP107‐111), within a collagen–hydroxyapatite scaffold. The chemical attachment method via crosslinking supports as little as 4% release of the peptide from the scaffolds after 21 d whereas non‐crosslinking leads to 100% of the peptide being released by as early as 4 d. In vitro characterization demonstrates that this cross‐linking method of immobilization supports a pro‐osteogenic effect on osteoblasts. Most importantly, when implanted in a critical‐sized calvarial defect within a rat, these scaffolds promote significantly greater new bone volume and area compared to nonfunctionalized scaffolds (**p < 0.01) and an empty defect control (***p < 0.001). Collectively, this study suggests that such an approach of chemical immobilization offers greater spatiotemporal control over growth factors and can significantly modulate tissue regeneration. Such a system may be adopted for a range of different proteins and thus offers the potential for the treatment of various complex pathologies that require localized mediation of drug delivery.
Aqueous Metal Oxide Inks for Modifying Electrode Work Function in Polymer Solar Cells
Authors: Tan Mein Jin , Chen Wei , Chellappan Vijila
Published: September 2015

A method to prepare aqueous metal oxide inks for tuning the work function (WF) of electrodes is demonstrated. Thin films prepared from the metal oxide ink based on vanadium oxide (V2O5) nanoparticles are found to increase the WF of an indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) electrode. ITO substrates modified with V2O5 films are applied as a hole selective layer (HSL) in polymer solar cells (PSCs) using a poly(3‐hexylthiophene) and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61 butyric acid methyl ester blend as a photoactive layer. The PSCs prepared with V2O5‐modified ITO show better device performance, achieving a power conversion efficiency of 3.6%, demonstrating 15% enhancement compared to conventional ITO/poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT‐PSS) based devices. Furthermore, ITO/V2O5‐modified devices exhibit better ambient stability with 60% improvement in device lifetime than those using PEDOT:PSS as an HSL. This solution‐processable and highly stable WF‐modifying metal oxide film can be a potential alternative material for engineering interfaces in optoelectronic devices.
Regioselective Localization and Tracking of Biomolecules on Single Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Rajeeva Bharath Bangalore , Hernandez Derek S. , Wang Mingsong , Perillo Evan , Lin Linhan , Scarabelli Leonardo , Pingali Bharadwaj , Liz‐Marzán Luis M. , Dunn Andrew K. , Shear Jason B. , Zheng Yuebing
Published: September 2015

Selective localization of biomolecules at the hot spots of a plasmonic nanoparticle is an attractive strategy to exploit the light–matter interaction due to the high field concentration. Current approaches for hot spot targeting are time‐consuming and involve prior knowledge of the hot spots. Multiphoton plasmonic lithography is employed to rapidly immobilize bovine serum albumin (BSA) hydrogel at the hot spot tips of a single gold nanotriangle (AuNT). Regioselectivity and quantity control by manipulating the polarization and intensity of the incident laser are also established. Single AuNTs are tracked using dark‐field scattering spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to characterize the regioselective process. Fluorescence lifetime measurements further confirm BSA immobilization on the AuNTs. Here, the AuNT‐BSA hydrogel complexes, in conjunction with single‐particle optical monitoring, can act as a framework for understanding light–molecule interactions at the subnanoparticle level and has potential applications in biophotonics, nanomedicine, and life sciences.
Influence of Processing Parameters and Molecular Weight on the Morphology and Properties of High‐Performance PffBT4T‐2OD:PC71BM Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Ma Wei , Yang Guofang , Jiang Kui , Carpenter Joshua H. , Wu Yang , Meng Xiangyi , McAfee Terry , Zhao Jingbo , Zhu Chenhui , Wang Cheng , Ade Harald , Yan He
Published: September 2015

The influences of various processing parameters and polymer molecular weight on the morphology and properties of poly[(5,6‐difluoro‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazol‐4,7‐diyl)‐alt‐(3,3′′′‐di(2‐octyldodecyl) 2,2′;5′,2″;5″,2′′′‐quaterthiophen‐5,5′′′‐diyl)] (PffBT4T‐2OD)‐based polymer solar cells (PSCs) are investigated. High spin rate/high temperature conditions are found to significantly reduce polymer crystallinity and change polymer backbone orientation from face‐on to edge‐on. Most surprisingly, it is found that the median domain sizes of PffBT4T‐2OD:PC71BM blends processed at different temperatures/spin rates are nearly identical, while the average domain purity and the molecular orientation relative to polymer:fullerene interfaces can be significantly changed by the processing conditions. A systematic study is carried out to identify the roles of individual processing parameters including processing temperature, spin rate, concentration, and solvent mixtures. Furthermore, the effect of molecular weight on morphology control is also examined. These detailed studies provide important guidance to control and optimize various morphological parameters and thus electrical properties of PffBT4T‐2OD‐type materials for the application in PSC.
Riesiger sphärischer Cluster mit I‐C140‐Fulleren‐Topologie
Authors: Heinl Sebastian , Peresypkina Eugenia , Sutter Jörg , Scheer Manfred
Published: September 2015

Wir berichten über eine effektive Clustererweiterung von CuBr‐verknüpften Aggregaten infolge zunehmenden sterischen Anspruchs des CpR‐Liganden in den fünffach koordinierenden Molekülen [CpRFe(η5‐P5)]. Durch Verwendung von [CpBIGFe(η5‐P5)] (CpBIG=C5(4‐nBuC6H4)5) wird das neuartige mehrschalige Aggregat [{CpBIGFe(η5:2:1:1:1:1:1‐P5)}12(CuBr)92] erhalten, das eine topologische Analogie zum theoretisch vorhergesagten I‐C140‐Fulleren‐Molekül zeigt. Der ballförmige Cluster wurde umfassend mittels verschiedener Methoden in Lösung und im Festkörper charakterisiert.
Regenerative Potential of Human Schneiderian Membrane: Progenitor Cells and Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Derjac‐Aramă A.I. , Sarafoleanu C. , Manea C.M. , Nicolescu M.I. , Vrapciu A.D. , Rusu M.C.
Published: September 2015

An innate osteogenic potential of the Schneiderian membrane (SM) is progressively assessed in studies ranging from non‐human species to human subjects. It has relevance for endosteal placement and osseointegration. Nestin‐expressing osteogenic progenitor cells are allegedly involved in bone formation and remodelling. Nestin phenotype was not assessed previously in human SM. We therefore aimed to fill that particular gap in the literature. Bioptic samples of human adult SM were obtained during surgery from eight adult patients, operated for non‐malignant pathologies. Immunohistochemistry on paraffin‐embedded tissue samples used primary antibodies against nestin, CD45, CD146, cytokeratin 7 (CK7), and alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). Nestin expression was consistently found in endothelial cells, and was scarcely encountered in pericytes, putative stromal stem/progenitor cells, as well as in glandular epithelial cells. Moreover, woven bone formation in the periosteal layer of the SM can also be regarded as evidence of the osteogenic potential of this membrane. Nestin and CD45 expression in cells of the primary bone supports the osteogenic potential of SM nestin‐expressing cells and a possible involvement of hematopoietic stem cells in maxillary sinus floor remodeling. CD146, a known inducer of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), was expressed in epithelia, as was CK7. Isolated stromal cells were found expressing CD146, CK7 and α‐SMA, suggesting that regenerative processes happening in the SM may also involve processes of EMT which generate stem/progenitor cells. This study provides additional evidence for the regenerative potential of the Schneiderian membrane and identifies potential roles for cells of its stem niche in osteogenesis. Anat Rec, 298:2132–2140, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Course of Magnetic Resonance Imaging–Detected Inflammation and Structural Lesions in the Sacroiliac Joints of Patients in the Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Danish Multicenter Study of Adalimumab in Spondyloarthritis, as Assessed by the Berlin and Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada Methods
Authors: Pedersen Susanne J. , Poddubnyy Denis , Sørensen Inge J. , Loft Anne‐Gitte , Hindrup Jens S. , Thamsborg Gorm , Asmussen Karsten , Hendricks Oliver , Nørregaard Jesper , Piil Anne‐Dorthe , Møller Jakob M. , Jurik Anne‐Grethe , Balding Lone , Lambert Robert G. , Sieper Joachim , Østergaard Mikkel
Published: September 2015

Objective

To investigate changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)–assessed inflammation and structural lesions in the sacroiliac (SI) joints during treatment with adalimumab versus placebo.

Methods

In a 48‐week double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, 52 patients with spondyloarthritis were randomized to receive subcutaneous injections of either adalimumab 40 mg (n = 25) or placebo (n = 27) every other week for 12 weeks. Patients in the adalimumab group continued to receive and patients in the placebo group were switched to adalimumab 40 mg every other week for an additional 12 weeks. MRI of the SI joints was performed at weeks 0, 12, 24, and 48, and the images were assessed independently in a blinded manner using the modified Berlin and the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) MRI scores for inflammation and structural lesions of the SI joints.

Results

At baseline, 56% of the adalimumab group and ∼72% of the placebo group had an MRI‐assessed inflammation score of ≥1. Among the patients with inflammation at baseline, the mean percent reductions in MRI scores for inflammation from week 0 to 12 were greater in the adalimumab group compared with the placebo group (Berlin method, −62% versus −5%; SPARCC method, −58% versus −12% [both P < 0.04]). Furthermore, the mean SPARCC erosion score decreased (−0.6) and the SPARCC backfill score increased (+0.8) in the adalimumab group from week 0 to week 12. From week 12 to week 24, larger absolute reductions in the Berlin/SPARCC inflammation scores and the SPARCC erosion score and larger increases in the Berlin/SPARCC fatty lesion scores were seen in the placebo group compared with the adalimumab group. In univariate regression analyses (analysis of covariance) and multivariate stepwise regression analyses, treatment with adalimumab was independently associated with regression of the SPARCC erosion score from week 0 to 12 but not with changes in the other types of MRI lesions.

Conclusion

Significant changes in the Berlin and SPARCC MRI‐assessed inflammation scores and in the SPARCC MRI‐assessed erosion scores occurred within 12 weeks after initiation of adalimumab. Tumor necrosis factor inhibitor treatment was associated with resolution of erosions and the development of backfill.
Elimination of Granulocytic Myeloid‐Derived Suppressor Cells in Lupus‐Prone Mice Linked to Reactive Oxygen Species–Dependent Extracellular Trap Formation
Authors: Vlachou Katerina , Mintzas Konstantinos , Glymenaki Maria , Ioannou Marianna , Papadaki Garyfalia , Bertsias George K. , Sidiropoulos Prodromos , Boumpas Dimitrios T. , Verginis Panayotis
Published: September 2015

Objective

Emerging evidence supports a crucial role of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the regulation of autoimmune diseases. However, their role in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unknown. This study sought to address the role of MDSCs in the pathogenesis of SLE.

Methods

MDSCs from (NZB × NZW)F1 lupus‐prone mice were assessed for phenotype by flow cytometry, and the function of MDSCs was analyzed by in vitro T cell proliferation assay and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Extracellular trap (ET) formation was evaluated by immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by Ly‐6G+ cells was determined by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis.

Results

Expansion of MDSCs was impaired and the function of MDSCs was defective in the lymphoid organs of (NZB × NZW)F1 lupus‐prone mice with established disease, in which involvement of predominantly the granulocytic MDSC (G‐MDSC) cell subset was observed. More specifically, the results showed that increased elimination of G‐MDSCs, driven by the inflammatory milieu of lupus, could be attributed to ET formation, and that cytokines, such as interferon‐α (IFNα), IFNγ, and interleukin‐6, play a role in this process. Induction of ET release by G‐MDSCs was mediated by the production of ROS, since inhibition of ROS generation significantly reduced ET release.

Conclusion

Collectively, the results of this study reveal that elimination of a crucial regulatory immune cell subset is a feature of the SLE microenvironment. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease.
Pricing VIX options in a stochastic vol‐of‐vol model
Authors: Wang Chengxiang , Huang Wenli , Li Shenghong , Bao Qunfang
Published: September 2015

This paper proposes and makes a study of a new model for volatility index option pricing. Factors such as mean‐reversion, jumps, and stochastic volatility are taken into consideration. In particular, the positive volatility skew is addressed by the jump and the stochastic volatility of volatility. Daily calibration is used to check whether the model fits market prices and generates positive volatility skews. Overall, the results show that the mean‐reverting logarithmic jump and stochastic volatility model (called MRLRJSV in the paper) serves as the best model in all the required aspects. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Learning network storage curriculum with experimental case based on embedded systems
Authors: Zhou Qingguo , Wu Jiong , Wu Ting , Shen Jun , Zhou Rui
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we present an experimental case for the course of “Network Storage and Security,” which benefited from an improved learning outcome for our students. The newly designed experiments‐based contents are merged into the current course to help students obtain practical experiences about network storage. The experiments aim to build a network storage system based on available resources instead of any specialized network storage equipment. Technically, students can learn general practical knowledge of network storage on iSCSI (a network storage protocol based on IP technology) and also the technologies of embedded system. Through the experimental case, we found that it could fully enhance students' comprehensive and practical abilities, develop students' teamwork spirit and creativity, and especially improve the learning outcome of network storage curriculum. These learning and thinking methods can also be generalized and applied to other computer science related courses. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:186–194, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21696
Active Sites in Olefin Metathesis over Supported Molybdena Catalysts
Authors: Amakawa Kazuhiko , Kröhnert Jutta , Wrabetz Sabine , Frank Benjamin , Hemmann Felix , Jäger Christian , Schlögl Robert , Trunschke Annette
Published: September 2015

Metathesis of propene to ethene and 2‐butenes was studied over a series of MoOx/SBA‐15 catalysts (molybdenum oxide supported on mesoporous silica SBA‐15; Mo loading 2.1–13.3 wt %, apparent Mo surface density 0.2–2.5 nm−2). The catalysts have been prepared by an ion exchange technique. Nitrogen adsorption, 1H MAS‐NMR, Raman, and FTIR spectroscopies were applied to characterize the catalysts. Adsorption of the reactant propene and the probe molecule NH3 was studied by in situ FTIR spectrometry microcalorimetry and temperature‐programmed desorption. Irrespective of the loading, only ≈1 % of the Mo atoms in the MoOx/SiO2 catalysts transform into active carbene (Mo=CHR) sites catalyzing propene metathesis. Isolated, distorted molybdenum di‐oxo species in close vicinity to two silanol groups have been shown to be the precursor of the active site. Targeted active site creation by pretreatment with methanol resulted in an increase in initial catalytic activity by a factor of 800.
Results of a beer game experiment: Should a manager always behave according to the book?
Authors: Edali Mert , Yasarcan Hakan
Published: September 2015

We investigate the effect of the literature suggested optimal values of the parameters of a dynamic decision‐making heuristic in the presence of semirationally managed supply chain echelons using a soft coded one‐to‐one version of The Beer Game as an experimental platform. According to the counterintuitive results obtained in this study, it is possible for a “rational manager” to obtain higher costs than the costs generated by a “semirational manager.” Thus, the results do not support the use of the well‐established decision parameter values for the echelon of concern if the other echelons' inventories are managed suboptimally. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 190–199, 2016
Parrots as key multilinkers in ecosystem structure and functioning
Authors: Blanco Guillermo , Hiraldo Fernando , Rojas Abraham , Dénes Francisco V. , Tella José L.
Published: September 2015

Mutually enhancing organisms can become reciprocal determinants of their distribution, abundance, and demography and thus influence ecosystem structure and dynamics. In addition to the prevailing view of parrots (Psittaciformes) as plant antagonists, we assessed whether they can act as plant mutualists in the dry tropical forest of the Bolivian inter‐Andean valleys, an ecosystem particularly poor in vertebrate frugivores other than parrots (nine species). We hypothesised that if interactions between parrots and their food plants evolved as primarily or facultatively mutualistic, selection should have acted to maximize the strength of their interactions by increasing the amount and variety of resources and services involved in particular pairwise and community–wide interaction contexts. Food plants showed different growth habits across a wide phylogenetic spectrum, implying that parrots behave as super‐generalists exploiting resources differing in phenology, type, biomass, and rewards from a high diversity of plants (113 species from 38 families). Through their feeding activities, parrots provided multiple services acting as genetic linkers, seed facilitators for secondary dispersers, and plant protectors, and therefore can be considered key mutualists with a pervasive impact on plant assemblages. The number of complementary and redundant mutualistic functions provided by parrots to each plant species was positively related to the number of different kinds of food extracted from them. These mutually enhancing interactions were reflected in species‐level properties (e.g., biomass or dominance) of both partners, as a likely consequence of the temporal convergence of eco‐(co)evolutionary dynamics shaping the ongoing structure and organization of the ecosystem. A full assessment of the, thus far largely overlooked, parrot–plant mutualisms and other ecological linkages could change the current perception of the role of parrots in the structure, organization, and functioning of ecosystems.
Extensive mitochondrial heteroplasmy in hybrid water frog (Pelophylax spp.) populations from Southeast Europe
Authors: Radojičić Jelena M. , Krizmanić Imre , Kasapidis Panagiotis , Zouros Eleftherios
Published: September 2015

Water frogs of the genus Pelophylax (previous Rana) species have been much studied in Europe for their outstanding reproductive mechanism in which sympatric hybridization between genetically distinct parental species produces diverse genetic forms of viable hybrid animals. The most common hybrid is P. esculentus that carries the genomes of both parental species, P. ridibundus and P. lessonae, but usually transfers the whole genome of only one parent to its offsprings (hybridogenesis). The evolutionary cost of transfer of the intact genome and hence the hemiclonal reproduction is the depletion of heterozygosity in the hybrid populations. Pelophylax esculentus presents an excellent example of the long‐term sustained hybridization and hemiclonal reproduction in which the effects of the low genetic diversity are balanced through the novel mutations and periodic recombinations. In this study, we analyzed the mitochondrial (mt) and microsatellites DNA variations in hybrid Pelophylax populations from southern parts of the Pannonian Basin and a north–south transect of the Balkan Peninsula, which are home for a variety of Pelophylax genetic lineages. The mtDNA haplotypes found in this study corresponded to P. ridibundus and P. epeiroticus of the Balkan – Anatolian lineage (ridibundus–bedriagae) and to P. lessonae and a divergent lessonae haplotype of the lessonae lineage. The mtDNA genomes showed considerable intraspecific variation and geographic differentiation. The Balkan wide distributed P. ridibundus was found in all studied populations and its nuclear genome, along with either the lessonae or the endemic epeiroticus genome, in all hybrids. An unexpected finding was that the hybrid populations were invariably heteroplasmic, that is, they contained the mtDNA of both parental species. We discussed the possibility that such extensive heteroplasmy is a result of hybridization and it comes from regular leakage of the paternal mtDNA from a sperm of one species that fertilizes eggs of another. In this case, the mechanisms that protect the egg from heterospecific fertilization and further from the presence of sperm mtDNA could become compromised due to their differences and divergence at both, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. The heteroplasmy once retained in the fertilized egg could be transmitted by hybrid backcrossing to the progeny and maintained in a population over generations. The role of interspecies and heteroplasmic hybrid animals due to their genomic diversity and better fitness compare to the parental species might be of the special importance in adaptations to miscellaneous and isolated environments at the Balkan Peninsula.
Kinetic modeling of the quasi‐homogeneous oxidation of glycerol over unsupported gold particles in the liquid phase
Authors: Díaz José Antonio , Skrzyńska Elżbieta , Girardon Jean‐Sébastien , Ftouni Jamal , Capron Mickaël , Dumeignil Franck , Fongarland Pascal
Published: September 2015

In the present study, kinetic analysis and modelling of the glycerol oxidation reaction over unsupported Au particles were performed. The reaction pathways, which were determined in agreement with the experimental results, comprise two types of reactions, namely oxidation and C–C cleavage. A homogeneous catalytic reaction model was proposed by considering the occurrence of the non‐catalytic reaction, the effect of the temperature, as well as NaOH and catalyst concentrations. The proposed kinetic model could adequately describe the data. The reaction under basic conditions but in the absence of a catalyst favoured the formation of C–C cleavage products (glycolic and formic acids), while in the presence of unsupported Au particles the oxidation to glyceric acid and the direct oxidation of glycerol to formic acid were promoted. Finally, it was observed that the formation of tartronic acid was not promoted by the catalyst and followed the non‐catalytic route.

Practical applications: The building of a kinetic model for glycerol oxidation in liquid phase using gold‐based catalyst allows to better understand the mechanism leading to oxidation and C–C cleavage responsible to some change of selectivities in the process. The model parameters obtained in this study would be used to scale an industrial unit in a reactor modeling.

The present work describes a homogeneous catalytic kinetic model of the glycerol (GLY) oxidation, by using unsupported Au nanoparticles. The proposed model includes the occurrence of the non‐catalysed reaction in basic media and the effect of the reaction temperature, NaOH/GLY ratio and GLY/Au ratio. The model predicted well the experimental results. Unsupported Au nanoparticles were selective to glyceric acid and C–C cleavage products like formic and glycolic acids.
Ex‐situ Antimony Screen‐printed Carbon Electrode for Voltammetric Determination of Ni(II)‐ions in Wastewater
Authors: Barceló Cristian , Serrano Núria , Ariño Cristina , Díaz‐Cruz José Manuel , Esteban Miquel
Published: September 2015

An Ex‐situ antimony film screen‐printed carbon electrode (Ex‐situ SbSPCE) was successfully applied for the determination of Ni(II), by means of adsorptive stripping voltammetry using dimethylglyoxime as complexing agent, in a certified reference wastewater sample. This electrode is proposed as an alternative to more conventional antimony film electrodes. Ex‐situ SbSPCE was analytically characterized and the obtained parameters suggest that Ex‐situ SbSPCE behaves much better than both Ex‐situ BiSPCE and BispSPE for Ni(II) determination. The results confirm the applicability of Ex‐situ SbSPCE for the determination of low concentration levels of Ni(II) in natural samples with a very high reproducibility and good trueness.
Simple synthesis of sandalwood odorant rac‐Osyrol® and its ethoxy homologue
Authors: Parthasarathy Rajasekaran , Sulochana Nagarajan
Published: September 2015

rac‐Osyrol® (3,7‐dimethyl‐7‐methoxyoctane‐2‐ol), a commercially important sandalwood odorant has been prepared from dihydromyrcene in three steps. The key steps in the synthesis are the epoxidation of terminal double bond using urea hydrogen peroxide (UHP) and regioselective reduction of epoxide using Vitride®. The same strategy has been applied to the synthesis of its ethoxy homologue. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Looking for experts (a call for essays)
Authors: Gilbert Susan
Published: September 2015

Genetic research powered by social media has the potential for great benefit: to quickly and inexpensively gather the massive amounts of data that are essential for understanding the genetic basis of diseases. But what are the ethical soft spots or gaps? I invite readers to write commentaries on this question for the blog of the Hastings Center Report.
The Author Replies
Authors: Latham Stephen R.
Published: September 2015

A response to “Normalizing Aid‐in‐Dying within the Practice of Medicine,” by Kathryn L. Tucker.
Why Training in Ecological Research Must Incorporate Ethics Education
Authors: Crozier G.K.D. , Schulte‐Hostedde Albrecht I.
Published: September 2015

Like other science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, ecological research needs ethics. Given the rapid pace of technological developments and social change, it is important for scientists to have the vocabulary and critical‐thinking skills necessary to identify, analyze, and communicate the ethical issues generated by the research and practices within their fields of specialization. The goal of introducing ethics education for ecological researchers would be to promote a discipline in which scientists are willing and able to engage in ethical questions and problem solving, even if they do so inadequately at first. Practicing ecologists ought to be able to identify and critically evaluate the ethical dimensions of their field studies because ecologists are at the forefront of important interfaces between humans and other‐than‐human organisms and natural systems. They are among the first to identify the impact of anthropogenic changes to the environments. Rapidly changing local and global environments mean that ecologists will be on the front line of any efforts to create a sustainable lifestyle for humans on this planet.
Bridging the Gap between Knowledge and Skill: Integrating Standardized Patients into Bioethics Education
Authors: Gligorov Nada , Sommer Terry M. , Ballato Ellen C. Tobin , Frank Lily E. , Rhodes Rosamond
Published: September 2015

Upon entering the examination room, Caitlyn encounters a woman sitting alone and in distress. Caitlyn introduces herself as the hospital ethicist and tells the woman, Mrs. Dennis, that her aim is to help her reach a decision about whether to perform an autopsy on her recently deceased husband. Mrs. Dennis begins the encounter by telling the ethicist that she has to decide quickly, but that she is very torn about what to do. Mrs. Dennis adds, “My sons disagree about the autopsy.” As a standardized patient (SP), a specialized actor, the woman playing Mrs. Dennis has already delivered the same opening lines several times to different learners practicing their clinical ethics consultation skills.

An SP encounter is a simulated patient encounter used for educational purposes that requires the standardization of verbal and behavioral responses. In the encounter, the simulator, or “patient,” uses a scripted medical history to enable the learner to employ a certain skill, say, the ability to perform a neurological exam. The use of standardized patients in the evaluation of clinical skills has become a staple in medical education. To tackle the challenge of teaching clinical ethics consultation skills, we have incorporated SP encounters into the curriculum of the Bioethics Program of The Union Graduate College and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. SP encounters are incorporated into one of our onsite classes, the Onsite Clinical Ethics Practicum, and they are part of the capstone examination, which all of our graduates must complete successfully. The inclusion of simulated encounters into the curriculum is one way in which we equip our students with the core competencies specified by the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Task Force for clinical ethicists.
Classical and Molecular Genetic Research on General Cognitive Ability
Authors: McGue Matt , Gottesman Irving I.
Published: September 2015

Arguably, no psychological variable has received more attention from behavioral geneticists than what has been called “general cognitive ability” (as well as “general intelligence” or “g”), and for good reason. GCA has a rich correlational network, implying that it may play an important role in multiple domains of functioning. GCA is highly correlated with various indicators of educational attainment, yet its predictive utility is not limited to academic achievement. It is also correlated with work performance, navigating the complexities of everyday life, the absence of various social pathologies (such as criminal convictions), and even health and mortality. Although the causal basis for these associations is not always known, it is nonetheless the case that research on GCA has the potential to provide insights into the origins of a wide range of important social outcomes. In this essay, our discussion of why GCA is considered a fundamentally important dimension of behavior on which humans differ is followed by a look at behavioral genetics research on CGA. We summarize behavioral genetics research that has sought to identify and quantify the total contributions of genetic and environmental factors to individual differences in GCA as well as molecular genetic research that has sought to identify genetic variants that underlie inherited effects.
A multi-attribute decision analysis for decommissioning offshore oil and gas platforms
Authors: Henrion Max , Bernstein Brock , Swamy Surya
Published: September 2015

The 27 oil and gas platforms off the coast of southern California are reaching the end of their economic lives. Because their decommissioning involves large costs and potential environmental impacts, this became an issue of public controversy. As part of a larger policy analysis conducted for the State of California, we implemented a decision analysis as a software tool (PLATFORM) to clarify and evaluate decision strategies against a comprehensive set of objectives. Key options selected for in-depth analysis are complete platform removal and partial removal to 85 feet below the water line, with the remaining structure converted in place to an artificial reef to preserve the rich ecosystems supported by the platform's support structure. PLATFORM was instrumental in structuring and performing key analyses of the impacts of each option (e.g., on costs, fishery production, air emissions) and dramatically improved the team's productivity. Sensitivity analysis found that disagreement about preferences, especially about the relative importance of strict compliance with lease agreements, has much greater effects on the preferred option than does uncertainty about specific outcomes, such as decommissioning costs. It found a near-consensus of stakeholders in support of partial removal and “rigs-to-reefs” program. The project's results played a role in the decision to pass legislation enabling an expanded California “rigs-to-reefs” program that includes a mechanism for sharing cost savings between operators and the state. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;X:000–000. © 2015 SETAC

Key Points

Economic and environmental impacts associated with alternative decommissioning options can best be investigated with a decision model. The decision model created for this project, PLATFORM, was used to derive the first quantitative estimates of cost savings from an artificial reefing option, fish production association with the platform habitat, and worst-case air emissions from the complete removal option. A multi-attribute analysis showed that stakeholder preferences for strict compliance (complete platform removal) must be at an extreme level for any combination of preferences to result in a choice for complete removal, whereas all other preference values resulted in a choice for partial removal and artificial reefing.
Cancer risks in twins and singletons from twin and non‐twin families
Authors: Chen Lingjing , Cnattingius Sven , Nyman Iliadou Anastasia , Oberg Anna Sara
Published: September 2015

The unique intrauterine environment has been proposed to put twins at increased risk of certain cancers compared to singletons, still large population comparisons have generally indicated lower risks in twins. To improve the understanding of potential twin influence on cancer we compared twins to their singletons siblings, to target a unique twinning influence. Singletons from twin families were contrasted to singletons from non‐twin families to further capture potential twin family influence on risk of cancer. Family relations were identified using the Swedish Multi‐Generation Register. Among individuals born between 1932 and 1958, 49,156 twins and N = 35,227 singletons were identified from 18,098 unique twin families. All incident cases of specific cancer types were identified in the National Cancer Register up to the end of 2007. Standardized survival functions were estimated using weighted Cox proportional hazard regression and the corresponding cumulative risks plotted against age. Overall, primary cancers were identified in 9% and 18% of all male and female twins, compared to 11% and 19% of their male and female singleton siblings. When specific cancer sites were compared using standardized cumulative risk plots, no consistent statistically significant differences were noted either between twins and singletons of twin families or between singletons of twin and non‐twin families. Despite a different intrauterine experience, twinning does not seem to have any greater negative influence on life‐time risks of cancer. The findings also indicate that twin family membership has no substantial influence on cancer risks.