bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic response of northern spotted owls to barred owl removal
Authors: Diller Lowell V. , Hamm Keith A. , Early Desiree A. , Lamphear David W. , Dugger Katie M. , Yackulic Charles B. , Schwarz Carl J. , Carlson Peter C. , McDonald Trent L.
Published: February 2016

Federally listed as threatened in 1990 primarily because of habitat loss, the northern spotted owl (Strix occidentalis caurina) has continued to decline despite conservation efforts resulting in forested habitat being reserved throughout its range. Recently, there is growing evidence the congeneric invasive barred owl (Strix varia) may be responsible for the continued decline primarily by excluding spotted owls from their preferred habitat. We used a long‐term demographic study for spotted owls in coastal northern California as the basis for a pilot barred owl removal experiment. Our demography study used capture–recapture, reproductive output, and territory occupancy data collected from 1990 to 2013 to evaluate trends in vital rates and populations. We used a classic before‐after‐control‐impact (BACI) experimental design to investigate the demographic response of northern spotted owls to the lethal removal of barred owls. According to the best 2‐species dynamic occupancy model, there was no evidence of differences in barred or northern spotted owl occupancy prior to the initiation of the treatment (barred owl removal). After treatment, barred owl occupancy was lower in the treated relative to the untreated areas and spotted owl occupancy was higher relative to the untreated areas. Barred owl removal decreased spotted owl territory extinction rates but did not affect territory colonization rates. As a result, spotted owl occupancy increased in the treated area and continued to decline in the untreated areas. Prior to and after barred owl removal, there was no evidence that average fecundity differed on the 2 study areas. However, the greater number of occupied spotted owl sites on the treated areas resulted in greater productivity in the treated areas based on empirical counts of fledged young. Prior to removal, survival was declining at a rate of approximately 0.2% per year for treated and untreated areas. Following treatment, estimated survival was 0.859 for the treated areas and 0.822 for the untreated areas. Derived estimates of population change on both study areas showed the same general decline before removal with an estimated slope of –0.0036 per year. Following removal, the rate of population change on the treated areas increased to an average of 1.029 but decreased to an average of 0.870 on the untreated areas. The results from this first experiment demonstrated that lethal removal of barred owls allowed the recovery of northern spotted owl populations in the treated portions of our study area. If additional federally funded barred owl removal experiments provide similar results, this could be the foundation for development of a long‐term conservation strategy for northern spotted owls. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
The challenges facing library and information science journals: Editors' opinions
Authors: Ollé Castellà Candela , López‐Borrull Alexandre , Abadal Ernest
Published: February 2016

This study aimed to gather the opinions of editors of Library and Information Science journals indexed in Scopus and the Web of Knowledge regarding the current situation and their forecasts on open access, peer review procedures, functionalities, and specialization. The response rate was 23%, and some noteworthy conclusions can be drawn according to editors' opinions: Within 5–10 years, the main business model for journal publishing will be open access. Institutional support is the preferred source of financing. The review process requires less than 2 months, and the main problems are low quality of texts and finding reviewers. Functionalities such as mobile versions of the journals, social media, data policy, and altmetrics have yet to be exploited; interdisciplinarity will increase the presence of these functionalities in journals, especially through the influence of the related areas of Communication, Management, and Computer Science. Finally, the area that will see the most changes is the management of research data.
Internationalization of scientific publishing over time: Analysing publishers and fields differences
Authors: Gazni Ali , Ghaseminik Zahra
Published: February 2016

The changes in journal internationality in mainstream science were examined using 1,398 journals and 2,557,229 papers during 1991–2014. The authors’ country of affiliation in journals’ papers and references of multinational and national publishers were analysed. The results showed that journals’ papers and references have become more globalized over time. On average, older journals are more international than the newer ones. Although multinational publishers publish more international journals than the national ones do, journals from national publishers have internationalized faster than those from multinationals. The difference between these two groups of publishers is much greater in authoring compared to referencing. For both groups of publishers, the most changes in journal internationality occurred between the fourth and sixth year of indexing in Web of Science. Journals and papers in Humanities journals have the highest rate of increase of internationality although Natural Sciences and Engineering and Technology have the most international papers. Agricultural Sciences has the least international papers; however, these papers cite a wider range of countries’ papers compared to other fields. Journals in Medical and Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Agricultural Sciences have the most international references.
Daclatasvir combined with sofosbuvir or simeprevir in liver transplant recipients with severe recurrent hepatitis C infection
Authors: Fontana Robert J. , Brown Robert S. , Moreno‐Zamora Ana , Prieto Martin , Joshi Shobha , Londoño Maria‐Carlota , Herzer Kerstin , Chacko Kristina R. , Stauber Rudolf E. , Knop Viola , Jafri Syed‐Mohammed , Castells Lluís , Ferenci Peter , Torti Carlo , Durand Christine M. , Loiacono Laura , Lionetti Raffaella , Bahirwani Ranjeeta , Weiland Ola , Mubarak Abdullah , ElSharkawy Ahmed M. , Stadler Bernhard , Montalbano Marzia , Berg Christoph , Pellicelli Adriano M. , Stenmark Stephan , Vekeman Francis , Ionescu‐Ittu Raluca , Emond Bruno , Reddy K. Rajender
Published: February 2016

Daclatasvir (DCV) is a potent, pangenotypic nonstructural protein 5A inhibitor with demonstrated antiviral efficacy when combined with sofosbuvir (SOF) or simeprevir (SMV) with or without ribavirin (RBV) in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Herein, we report efficacy and safety data for DCV‐based all‐oral antiviral therapy in liver transplantation (LT) recipients with severe recurrent HCV. DCV at 60 mg/day was administered for up to 24 weeks as part of a compassionate use protocol. The study included 97 LT recipients with a mean age of 59.3 ± 8.2 years; 93% had genotype 1 HCV and 31% had biopsy‐proven cirrhosis between the time of LT and the initiation of DCV. The mean Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was 13.0 ± 6.0, and the proportion with Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) A/B/C was 51%/31%/12%, respectively. Mean HCV RNA at DCV initiation was 14.3 × 6 log10 IU/mL, and 37% had severe cholestatic HCV infection. Antiviral regimens were selected by the local investigator and included DCV+SOF (n = 77), DCV+SMV (n = 18), and DCV+SMV+SOF (n = 2); 35% overall received RBV. At the end of treatment (EOT) and 12 weeks after EOT, 88 (91%) and 84 (87%) patients, respectively, were HCV RNA negative or had levels <43 IU/mL. CTP and MELD scores significantly improved between DCV‐based treatment initiation and last contact. Three virological breakthroughs and 2 relapses occurred in patients treated with DCV+SMV with or without RBV. None of the 8 patient deaths (6 during and 2 after therapy) were attributed to therapy. In conclusion, DCV‐based all‐oral antiviral therapy was well tolerated and resulted in a high sustained virological response in LT recipients with severe recurrent HCV infection. Most treated patients experienced stabilization or improvement in their clinical status. Liver Transplantation 22 446‐458 2016 AASLD
Synthesis, Self‐Assembly, and Host–Guest Response of Naphthalic Anhydride‐Ended Hyperbranched Polyesters
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Jin Can , Han Qiaorong , Jiang Yuliang , Zeng Fanyang , Ma Zhenye , Wang Bingxiang
Published: February 2016

Self‐assemblies fabricated from hyperbranched polymers have exhibited unique performances and a wide range of applications. However, the direct self‐assembly of such hyperbranched polymers into highly ordered macrostructures remains challenging, due to their high polydispersities, irregular architectures, and poorly defined shapes. Herein, hyperbranched polyesters (HBPE) modified with naphthalic anhydride terminal groups, so called HBPE‐(NA‐COOH)3 and HBPE‐(NA‐COOH)6, are synthesized by a convenient one‐pot procedure. Furthermore, highly ordered dendritic morphologies are obtained based on their self‐assembly, wherein the interlayer interactions are enhanced by the multiple hydrogen bonds among the carboxyl groups and the π–π stacking among the aromatic rings. In addition, the host–guest interactions of the naphthalic anhydride‐ended hyperbranched polyesters are investigated. Among them, HBPE‐(NA‐COOH)3 is a promising fluorescent probe to anthracene, while HBPE‐(NA‐COOH)6 is a promising probe to pyrene.

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The Effect of Residual Solvent N,N′‐Dimethylformamide on the Curing Reaction and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy and Lignin Epoxy Composites
Authors: Sun Jiaotong , Li Hui , Wang Cun , Yuan Du , Stubbs Ludger P. , He Chaobin
Published: February 2016

The effect of residual N,N′‐dimethylformamide (DMF) on curing behavior and mechanical properties of neat epoxy and lignin epoxy composites is studied. The significant enhancement in their mechanical properties is found to be induced by residual DMF for the first time. The spectra and mechanical analysis indicates that the entrapped DMF is likely to decompose at high temperature to yield dimethylamine, which should act like excess amine and take part in the formation of network structure, lower the crosslink density, increase the chain packing, improve the Van der Waal's interaction, and eventually enhance their mechanical performances. Lignin epoxy composites prepared with the aid of tetrahydrofuran or DMF show significant difference in their mechanical properties. It is therefore important to distinguish the filler effect from the solvent effect when a solvent is used in epoxy composites preparation.

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Tuning Syneresis Properties of Kappa‐Carrageenan Hydrogel by C2‐Symmetric Benzene‐Based Supramolecular Gelators
Authors: Zhang Jia , Ji Wei , Liu Tian , Feng Chuanliang
Published: February 2016

Syneresis property limits the further application of Kappa‐carrageenan (κ‐CG) in cell culture scaffold. To address this problem, κ‐CG hydrogel is tailored by blending with a C2‐symmetric benzene‐based supramolecular gelator (B2). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy confirm the semi­interpenetrating (semi‐IPN) structure of the blended hydrogels and their wettability or thermal stability is also found to be improved. Based on the reduced syneresis, the growth and proliferation of the cultured HCT 116 cells on the blended hydrogels is enhanced compared with pure κ‐CG hydrogels. This study paves an easy and feasible way to achieve stable and biocompatible κ‐CG/B2 blended hydrogels with high water retention and it helps broaden the promising applications of κ‐CG hydrogels in tissue engineering.

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Enhancement of Mechanical and Self‐Healing Performance in Multiwall Carbon Nanotube/Rubber Composites via Diels–Alder Bonding
Authors: Kuang Xiao , Liu Guoming , Dong Xia , Wang Dujin
Published: February 2016

Mechanically robust and self‐healing rubbers are highly desired to satisfy the increasing demand of high‐performance smart tires and related materials. Herein, a self‐healing rubber nanocomposite with enhanced mechanical and self‐healing performance based on Diels–Alder chemistry has been investigated. The furfuryl grafted styrene‐butadiene rubber and furfuryl terminated MWCNT (MWCNT‐FA) are reacted with bifunctional maleimide to form a covalently bonded and reversibly cross‐linked rubber composite. Obvious reinforcing effect is obtained at high cross‐linking density. Over 200–300% increase in the Young's modulus and toughness can be achieved in the rubber nanocomposites with 5 wt% MWCNT‐FA. Meanwhile, the healing efficiency increased with MWCNT‐FA content. MWCNT‐FA plays dual roles of effective reinforcer and a kind of healant.

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The Expert Perspective in Treatment of Functional Gastrointestinal Conditions: A Multi‐Criteria Decision Analysis Using AHP and BWS
Authors: Mühlbacher Axel C. , Kaczynski Anika
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to identify and weight the expert's relevant decision criteria with regard to drug treatment of functional dyspepsia and motility disorders. Attributes such as onset of action, reduction of symptoms and side effects were to be examined in order to test their relevance to healthcare decision makers. Moreover, the objective was to verify the extent to which the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and best–worst scaling (BWS) are suitable for use in context of an expert panel.

Method

In order to identify patient‐relevant therapy characteristics, a literature search and qualitative interviews were conducted. On this basis, a questionnaire was developed using multi‐criteria decision analysis. By means of the AHP and BWS, the study elicited the experts' priorities as regards the various aspects of treatments and gastrointestinal symptoms. The data collection from experts in gastroenterology was performed in real time within a group discussion using an item‐response system.

Results

As a result of the interviews, seven characteristics and 10 symptoms were established. A total of N = 20 experts took part in the survey. The following criteria were shown to be the most relevant in the AHP: ‘reduction of abdominal cramps’ (w: 0.302), ‘reduction of epigastric pain’ (w: 0.250) and ‘time to onset of action’ (w: 0.117). In the BWS, it was shown that the gastrointestinal symptoms ‘vomiting’ (sqrt(b/w): 0.118), ‘abdominal cramps’ (sqrt(b/w): 0.157) and ‘epigastric pain’ (sqrt(b/w): 0.356) were the most significant.

Discussion

The methods represent a suitable and scientifically transparent approach for the elicitation of experts' priorities. Using AHP, it was possible to ascertain the most important aspects of drug treatment and to correlate positive and negative characteristics. The BWS showed which gastrointestinal symptoms had the least and most pronounced negative impact on patient well‐being from expert perspective. The item‐response system served as a valuable instrument to collect data based on a group discussion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinicopathological Correlates in a PRNP P102L Mutation Carrier with Rapidly Progressing Parkinsonism‐Dystonia
Authors: Umeh Chizoba C. , Kalakoti Piyush , Greenberg Michael K. , Notari Silvio , Cohen Yvonne , Gambetti Pierluigi , Oblak Adrian L. , Ghetti Bernardino , Mari Zoltan
Published: February 2016

Parkinsonism‐dystonia is rare in carriers of the prion protein (PrP) gene (PRNP) proline‐to‐leucine substitution at codon 102 (P102L mutation). The severity and distribution of PrP deposition may influence the clinical presentation. The authors present such clinicopathological correlation in a 56‐year‐old man who had a PRNP P102L mutation associated with a phenotype characterized by rapidly progressing parkinsonism‐dystonia. The patient was studied clinically (videotaped examinations, brain magnetic resonance images [MRIs]) and was analyzed using molecular genetics (gene sequence analysis) and neuropathology (histology, immunohistochemistry) during his 7‐month disease course. The patient had parkinsonism, apraxia, aphasia, and dystonia, which progressed rapidly. Molecular genetic analysis revealed his PRNP P102L mutation carrier status. Brain MRIs revealed progressive, global volume loss and T2‐weighted/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensity in the neocortex and basal ganglia. Postmortem examination showed neuronal loss, gliosis, spongiform changes, and PrP deposition in the striatum. PrP immunohistochemistry revealed widespread, severe PrP deposition in the thalamus and cerebellar cortex. Based on the neuropathological and molecular‐genetic analyses, the rapidly progressing parkinsonism‐dystonia was correlated with nigrostriatal, thalamic, and cerebellar pathology.
Relationship between uric acid levels and progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Brody David M. , Litvan Irene , Warner Steve , Riley David E. , Hall Deborah A. , Kluger Benzi M. , Shprecher David R. , Cunningham Christopher R.
Published: February 2016

Introduction

The pathophysiology of both PD and PSP is characterized by a pro‐oxidant state. Uric acid is an oxidative stress marker. High uric acid blood levels have been associated with a reduced risk of PD and a decreased rate of disease progression. We investigated whether a low serum concentration of uric acid is also associated with PSP.

Methods

We measured serum uric acid concentrations in a subsample of the ENGENE PSP Cohort that included 75 cases and 75 frequency‐matched‐by‐sex healthy controls (69 spouses, 6 in‐laws) from four centers willing to participate (Case Western, Rush University, University of Utah, and University of Louisville). Case severity was characterized using the total PSP‐Rating Scale, UPDRS, and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale. Unconditional logistic regression, Pearson's chi‐squared test, and analysis of variance were used, as appropriate.

Results

The mean uric acid level among cases (4.0 mg/dL) was not significantly lower than that of controls (4.1 mg/dL). When controlling for sex, there were no between‐group statistical differences in uric acid levels. Uric acid levels were not correlated with disease severity.

Conclusions

The results of this study do not provide evidence of uric acid having a protective role in PSP, even if oxidative injury is important in the pathophysiology of this disorder. The lack of statistical significance suggests that there is no direct association between uric acid levels and PSP. However, a small inverse association cannot be excluded. © 2016 Movement Disorder Society
Fuzhuan tea consumption imparts hepatoprotective effects and alters intestinal microbiota in high saturated fat diet‐fed rats
Authors: Foster Michelle T. , Gentile Christopher L. , Cox‐York Kimberly , Wei Yuren , Wang Dong , Estrada Andrea L. , Reese Lauren , Miller Tirrel , Pagliassotti Michael J. , Weir Tiffany L.
Published: February 2016

Scope

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an obesity‐related disorder characterized by lipid infiltration of the liver. Management is limited to lifestyle modifications, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic options. The objective of this study was to examine if fermented Fuzhuan tea prevents metabolic impairments associated with development of hepatic steatosis.

Methods and results

Rats consumed control (CON) or high saturated fat (SAT) diets with or without Fuzhuan tea for 8 weeks. Outcomes included enzymatic and gene expression measures of metabolic dysregulation in liver and adipose tissue. Pyrosequencing was used to assess intestinal microbiota adaptations. Fuzhuan tea prevented diet‐induced inflammation in the liver. Liver triglycerides of ∼18 mg/g were observed in SAT‐fed animals, but remained similar to CON diet levels (∼12 mg/g) when supplemented with Fuzhuan tea. In adipose tissue, tea treatment prevented SAT‐induced inflammation and reduced plasma leptin approximately twofold. Fuzhuan tea also altered intestinal function and was associated with a threefold increase in two Lactobacillus spp.

Conclusions

These data suggest that Fuzhuan tea protects against liver and adipose tissue stress induced by a high SAT diet and positively influences intestinal function. Further investigation of the molecular targets of Fuzhuan tea is warranted.
Lingonberries reduce atherosclerosis in Apoe‐/‐ mice in association with altered gut microbiota composition and improved lipid profile
Authors: Matziouridou Chrysoula , Marungruang Nittaya , Nguyen Thao Duy , Nyman Margareta , Fåk Frida
Published: February 2016

Scope

To investigate the efficacy of lingonberries in prevention of atherosclerosis, using atherosclerosis‐prone Apoe‐/‐ mice and to clarify whether effects were associated with changes in the gut microbiota, gut metabolites, and lipid metabolism.

Methods and results

Male Apoe‐/‐ mice were fed either low‐fat diet, high‐fat diet, or high‐fat diet with 44% lingonberries for 8 weeks. Blood lipid profiles, hepatic gene expression, atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic root region of the heart, bacterial 16S rRNA gene profiles, and cecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed. Triglyceride levels and amount of atherosclerotic plaques decreased in the group fed lingonberries in comparison to the high‐fat group. Hepatic expression of the bile acid synthesis gene Cyp7a1 was significantly upregulated in the lingonberry group. Lingonberries increased the cecal relative abundance of bacterial genera Bacteroides, Parabacteroides and Clostridium. The cecal levels of total SCFAs were significantly lower in the lingonberry group, while the cecal proportion of propionic acid was higher in mice fed lingonberries.

Conclusion

Intake of lingonberries resulted in decreased triglyceridemia and reduced atherosclerosis. The altered gut microbiota composition and SCFA profile was associated with increased hepatic bile acid gene expression in mice fed lingonberries.
At the interface of antioxidant signalling and cellular function: Key polyphenol effects
Authors: Kerimi Asimina , Williamson Gary
Published: February 2016

The hypothesis that dietary (poly)phenols promote well‐being by improving chronic disease‐risk biomarkers, such as endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation and plasma uric acid, is the subject of intense current research, involving human interventions studies, animal models and in vitro mechanistic work. The original claim that benefits were due to the direct antioxidant properties of (poly)phenols has been mostly superseded by detailed mechanistic studies on specific molecular targets. Nevertheless, many proposed mechanisms in vivo and in vitro are due to modulation of oxidative processes, often involving binding to specific proteins and effects on cell signalling. We review the molecular mechanisms for 3 actions of (poly)phenols on oxidative processes where there is evidence in vivo from human intervention or animal studies. (1) Effects of (poly) phenols on pathways of chronic inflammation leading to prevention of some of the damaging effects associated with the metabolic syndrome. (2) Interaction of (poly)phenols with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, leading to effects on blood pressure and endothelial dysfunction, and consequent reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. (3) The inhibition of xanthine oxidoreductase leading to modulation of intracellular superoxide and plasma uric acid, a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.
Quadrupole interactions: NMR, NQR, and in between from a single viewpoint
Authors: Bain Alex D.
Published: February 2016

Nuclear spins with quantum numbers >1/2 can interact with a static magnetic field, or a local electric field gradient, to produce quantized energy levels. If the magnetic field interaction dominates, we are doing nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). If the interaction of the nuclear electric quadrupole with electric field gradients is much stronger, this is nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR). The two are extremes of a continuum, as the ratio of one interaction to the other changes. In this work, we look at this continuum from a single, unified viewpoint based on a Liouville‐space approach: the direct method. This method does not require explicit operators and their commutators, unlike Hamiltonian methods. We derive both the quadrupole‐perturbed NMR solution and also the Zeeman‐perturbed NQR results. Furthermore, we examine the polarization of these signals, because this is different between pure NMR and pure NQR spectroscopy. Spin 3/2 is the focus here, but the approach is perfectly general and can be applied to any spin. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Universal pulses: A new concept for calibration‐free parallel transmission
Authors: Gras Vincent , Vignaud Alexandre , Amadon Alexis , Le Bihan Denis , Boulant Nicolas
Published: February 2016

Purpose

A calibration‐free parallel transmission method is investigated to mitigate the radiofrequency (RF) field inhomogeneity problem in brain imaging at 7 Tesla (T).

Theory and Methods

Six volunteers were scanned to build a representative database of RF and static field maps at 7T. Small‐tip‐angle and inversion pulses were designed with joint kT‐points trajectory optimization to work robustly on all six subjects. The returned “universal” pulses were then inserted in an MPRAGE sequence implemented on six additional volunteers without further field measurements and pulse optimizations. Similar acquisitions were performed in the circularly polarized mode and with subject‐based optimizations for comparison. Performance of the different approaches was evaluated by means of image analysis and computation of the flip angle normalized root mean square errors (NRMSE).

Results

For both the excitation and inversion, the universal pulses (NRMSE∼11%) outperformed the circularly polarized (NRMSE∼28%) and RF shim modes (NRMSE∼20%) across all volunteers and returned slightly worse results than for subject‐based optimized pulses (NRMSE∼7%).

Conclusion

RF pulses can be designed to robustly mitigate the RF field inhomogeneity problem over a population class. This appears as a first step toward another plug and play parallel transmission solution where the pulse design can be done offline and without measuring subject‐specific field maps. Magn Reson Med 77:635–643, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
A theoretical and numerical framework for modeling gypsum cavity dissolution
Authors: Guo Jianwei , Laouafa Farid , Quintard Michel
Published: February 2016

In this paper, a large‐scale diffuse interface model is used to describe the evolution of a gypsum cavity formation induced by dissolution. The method is based upon the assumption of a pseudo‐component dissolving with a thermodynamic equilibrium boundary condition. A methodology is proposed based on numerical computations with fixed boundaries in order to choose suitable parameters for the diffuse interface model, and hence predict the correct dissolution fluxes and surface recession velocity. Additional simulations were performed to check which type of momentum balance equation should be used. The numerical results did not show a strong impact of this choice for the typical initial boundary value problems under consideration. Calculations with a variable density and Boussinesq approximation were also performed to evaluate the potential for natural convection. The results showed that the impact of density driven flows was negligible in the cases under investigation. The potential of the methodology is illustrated on two large‐scale configurations: one corresponding to a gypsum lens located strictly within a porous rock formation and the other to an isolated pillar in a flooded gypsum room and pillar quarry. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Private Foundation's Involvement in Low‐Income Housing Project Found Not to Result in Unrelated Business Income or Be Excess Business Holding
Authors: Gross Virginia C.
Published: February 2016

The IRS ruled that a private foundation's ownership of 100 percent of the membership interests of a limited liability company (LLC) operating a low‐income housing project for the elderly was a charitable endeavor of the foundation. The IRS also ruled that the income from the housing project flowing to the foundation from the LLC would not be treated as unrelated business income and that the foundation's ownership of the LLC was not an excess business holding because it was a functionally related business within the meaning of IRC § 4943 (Priv. Ltr. Rul. 201603032).
A Quantitative Summary of The Listening Program (TLP) Efficacy Studies: What Areas Were Found to Improve by TLP Intervention?
Authors: Vargas Sadako , Lucker Jay R.
Published: February 2016

A quantitative summary of existing research examining the effects of The Listening Program (TLP) on various functions in children is presented. Nine studies were used, looking at TLP intervention effects across studies, within each study and for various outcome measures. The studies looked at TLP intervention on children with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, auditory processing disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, Rhett syndrome, dyspraxia, cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia, arthritis and stroke. The magnitude of the TLP effect size revealed a mean value of 0.41 across all studies. For each individual study, effect size ranged from 0.23 to 1.28. Two studies yielded significantly larger effect size than the other studies. One of these studies (effect size 1.19) examined the improvement in auditory processing for children identified with autism. The other study (effect size 1.28) examined improvement in academically related skills of underachieving school children. Larger effect sizes were obtained for research that examined auditory processing/listening skills (mean effect size 0.72) than for research looking at non‐auditory areas (mean effect size 0.31), although all revealed positive changes. The effect size of various outcome measures is discussed in order to identify variables that might affect the outcomes as well as what these results mean to occupational therapists who would consider TLP intervention for clients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dual governing system of the People's Republic of China
Authors: Blair John G.
Published: February 2016

The dual governing system of the People's Republic of China has proved to be an effective way to cope with the extraordinary problems of managing a polity on the massive scale of China. Because it is unusual in the world today, perhaps even unique, it is important to clarify how the present order came about and how it functions. Some outsiders may unthinkingly assume that the Chinese government operates as the power governing the country. But in the People's Republic of China, the government is in fact the outward and visible face of the governance system. Behind (and above) the government is the Communist Party of China. The Party now has around 85 million members, between 5% and 6% of the population. This group defines the political class in today's China and functions as a leadership oligarchy. The Party determines policy and oversees appointments at all levels of public service. These officials are in fact in charge, dominating their government counterparts through the dual system of governance. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent Evolution of Public Sector Structure in Latin America: Describing and Explaining Shifts in Autonomy Trends in Colombia and Venezuela
Authors: González Camilo Ignacio , Verhoest Koen
Published: February 2016

This article has two objectives. The first objective is to review and assess the recent evolution of agency design in Colombia and Venezuela. More specifically, we study the agencies' formal autonomy in these two countries since the year 1999 when Venezuela experienced a major change in government policy towards socialism. Thus, we attempt to explore how this policy change is reflected in the formal autonomy of agencies. Our second objective is to test if, despite the differences in policy choices the two countries have taken in the recent years, there are theoretical factors related to the agencies' design that can explain the level of formal autonomy of the agencies. The results show two main elements: first, even though the patterns of formal agency autonomy in Colombia and Venezuela differed before Venezuela's latter policy change, the differences between these two countries have increased since 2000. This indicates that each country's policy preferences may account for the differences. Second, for both countries, we found that, despite the differences, agency level factors such as the primary tasks that are performed by the agencies and the policy sector in which they are active have had an impact on their level of formal autonomy. However, the results indicate that these relationships do not follow the predictions that have been made based on the different theoretical perspectives. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroblastoma With Intraspinal Extension: Health Problems in Long‐Term Survivors
Authors: Kraal Kathelijne , Blom Thomas , Tytgat Lieve , van Santen Hanneke , van Noesel Max , Smets Anne , Bramer Jos , Caron Huib , Kremer Leontien , van der Pal Heleen
Published: February 2016

Aim

To evaluate the prevalence of health problems in 5‐year survivors treated for neuroblastoma (NBL) with intraspinal extension.

Patients and Methods

Retrospective, single center cohort study (using data from Childhood Cancer Registry and medical records) of patients treated for NBL with intraspinal extension (between 1980 and 2007) who survived ≥ 5 years after diagnosis. Health problems were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAEv.3.0).

Results

All eligible patients (n = 19) were included (n = 7 no neurological symptoms at diagnosis), median age at diagnosis was 1.2 years (0.6–10.8 years), and median follow‐up time was 15.6 years (6.3–29.5 years). Ninety‐five percent of survivors had ≥1 health problem and 48% of survivors had ≥4 health problem with a mean of 3.8 per survivor. Fifty‐three percent of survivors had at least one severe (grade 3) or life‐threatening/disabling (grade 4) health problem. The three most prevalent health problems were kyphosis and/or scoliosis (68% of patients), motor neuropathy (32% of patients), and sensory neuropathy (26% of patients). Of the 13 patients who underwent a laminectomy, 54% (seven of 13) developed a grade 3 and 23% (three of 13) developed a grade 4 health problem. Among six patients, without laminectomy, 17% developed (one of six) a grade 3 and in 17% developed (one of six) a grade 4 health problem.

Conclusions

Ninety‐five percent of 5‐year survivors treated for a childhood intraspinal NBL have health problems. The high prevalence of grade 3 and 4 health problems (especially in the laminectomy group) emphasizes the importance of specialized long‐term multidisciplinary follow‐up and identifies optimal treatment with limited morbidity and maximal efficacy.
Vincristine Sulfate Liposomes Injection (VSLI, Marqibo®): Results From a Phase I Study in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Refractory Solid Tumors or Leukemias
Authors: Shah Nirali N. , Merchant Melinda S. , Cole Diane E. , Jayaprakash Nalini , Bernstein Donna , Delbrook Cindy , Richards Kelly , Widemann Brigitte C. , Wayne Alan S.
Published: February 2016

Background

Vincristine sulfate liposome injection (VSLI; Marqibo®) is an encapsulated preparation of standard vincristine in sphingomyelin/cholesterol liposomes. Clinical trials in adults have demonstrated safety, tolerability, and activity, leading to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for adults with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Pediatric experience with VSLI is limited.

Procedure

This single center, phase I dose escalation study examined the safety, toxicity, maximum tolerated dose, and pharmacokinetics of VSLI administered weekly to pediatric patients age <21 years with relapsed or chemotherapy‐refractory solid tumors or leukemia.

Results

Twenty‐one subjects were treated in total. Median age was 13.3 years (range 2–19). Fourteen subjects completed one 28‐day cycle of therapy and five subjects completed more than one cycle. No subject experienced dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) at the first dose level (1.75 mg/m2/dose, dose range: 2–3.7 mg). At the second dose level (2.25 mg/m2/dose, dose range: 1.3–4.5 mg), one subject had transient dose‐limiting grade 4 transaminase elevation, and this dose level was expanded with no additional DLT observed. The second dose level then opened to an expansion phase to evaluate activity in ALL. Clinical activity included minimal residual disease negative complete remission in one subject with ALL and stable disease in nine subjects. Clearance of total vincristine was found to be approximately 100‐fold lower in comparison to published data using standard vincristine.

Conclusions

Children tolerate 2.25 mg/m2/dose of weekly VSLI (the adult FDA‐approved dose) with evidence for clinical activity without dose‐limiting neurotoxicity. Future plans include studying VSLI as substitution for standard vincristine with combination chemotherapy in children with ALL.
Quality of serious adverse events reporting to academic sponsors of clinical trials: far from optimal
Authors: Crépin Sabrina , Villeneuve Claire , Merle Louis
Published: February 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of the serious adverse events (SAE) reported to an academic sponsor. Assessing the safety of a clinical trial relies on information gathering the collection of adverse events reported by the investigators to the sponsor. The accuracy of safety evaluation depends in particular on the quality of the reporting.

Methods

All SAE case report forms, reported in 2012 to the sponsor from all clinical trials, were evaluated for completeness and accuracy with a standardized data quality evaluation form. Several items were assessed: regulatory mandatory information and items concerning the reported events. For statistical comparisons, Chi2/exact Fisher test was performed.

Results

Investigators or patients were not identified in <3% of the reports. The investigational product was not identified in 11.2%. In 3.6% of the reports, the seriousness of the event was unknown. The causality assessment was missing in 9.3%. In 15.0%, the verbatim of the event was considered as not consistent with the description of the event. In 32.4%, the sponsor considered there were insufficient data concerning relevant laboratory/additional examinations performed or relevant history required to help in the assessment. The onset date of SAE was not mentioned in 5.7% of the reports and patient outcome in 12.1%.

Conclusions

This study highlighted the far from optimal quality of reporting both in terms of completeness and accuracy. The accurate coding of the events using MedDRA and the safety evaluation by the sponsor can be difficult. The training of investigators in SAE reporting must be improved. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prescription patterns of antiepileptic drugs in young women: development of a tool to distinguish between epilepsy and psychiatric disorders
Authors: Naldi Ilaria , Piccinni Carlo , Mostacci Barbara , Renzini Jessica , Accetta Gabriele , Bisulli Francesca , Tappatà Maria , Piazza Antonella , Pagano Paola , Bianchi Stefano , D'Alessandro Roberto , Tinuper Paolo , Poluzzi Elisabetta ,   ESPEA (Emilia‐Romagna Study on Pregnancy and Exposure to Antiepileptic drugs) Group
Published: February 2016

Background

Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are also prescribed for therapeutic indications other than epilepsy (EPI), namely, psychiatric disorders (PSY). Our aim was to develop an algorithm able to distinguish between EPI and PSY among childbearing age women based on differences in AED exposure in these patient groups.

Methods

Two groups of women (18–45 years) with EPI or PSY treated with AEDs in the first semester of 2010 or 2011 were extracted from paper or electronic medical charts of specialized centers. Through the prescription database of Bologna Local Health Authority (Italy), AEDs, treatment schedule and co‐treatments were collected for each patient. A prescription‐based hierarchical classification system was developed. The algorithm obtained was subsequently validated on internal and external data.

Results

Eighty‐one EPI and 94 PSY subjects were recruited. AED monotherapy was the most common choice in both groups (69% EPI vs 79% PSY). Some AEDs were used only in EPI, others exclusively in PSY. Co‐treatments with antipsychotics (6% vs 67%), lithium (0% vs 9%), and antidepressants (7% vs 70%) were fewer in EPI than in PSY. The hierarchical classification system identified antipsychotics, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), and number of AEDs as variables to discriminate EPI and PSY, with an overall error rate estimate of 9.7% (95%CI: 5.3% to 14.1%).

Conclusion

Among the differences between EPI and PSY, prescription data alone allowed an algorithm to be developed to diagnose each childbearing age woman receiving AEDs. This approach will be useful to stratify patients for risk estimates of AED‐treated patients based on administrative databases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radiation damage in polymer films from grazing‐incidence X‐ray scattering measurements
Authors: Vaselabadi Saeed Ahmadi , Shakarisaz David , Ruchhoeft Paul , Strzalka Joseph , Stein Gila E.
Published: February 2016

Grazing‐incidence X‐ray scattering (GIXS) is widely used to analyze the crystallinity and nanoscale structure in thin polymer films. However, ionizing radiation will generate free radicals that initiate crosslinking and/or chain scission, and structural damage will impact the ordering kinetics, thermodynamics, and crystallinity in many polymers. We report a simple methodology to screen for beam damage that is based on lithographic principles: films are exposed to patterns of X‐ray radiation, and changes in polymer structure are revealed by immersing the film in a solvent that dissolves the shortest chains. The experiments are implemented with high throughput using the standard beam line instrumentation and a typical GIXS configuration. The extent of damage (at a fixed radiation dose) depends on a range of intrinsic material properties and experimental variables, including the polymer chemistry and molecular weight, exposure environment, film thickness, and angle of incidence. The solubility switch for common polymers is detected within 10–60 s at ambient temperature, and we verified that this first indication of damage corresponds with the onset of network formation in glassy polystyrene and a loss of crystallinity in polyalkylthiophenes. Therefore, grazing‐incidence X‐ray “patterning” offers an efficient approach to determine the appropriate data acquisition times for any GIXS experiment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2016, 54, 1074–1086
Assessment of CASP11 contact‐assisted predictions
Authors: Kinch Lisa N. , Li Wenlin , Monastyrskyy Bohdan , Kryshtafovych Andriy , Grishin Nick V.
Published: February 2016

We present an overview of contact‐assisted predictions in the eleventh round of critical assessment of protein structure prediction (CASP11), which included four categories: predicted contacts (Tp), correct contacts (Tc), simulated sparse NMR contacts (Ts), and cross‐linking contacts (Tx). Comparison of assisted to unassisted model quality highlighted a relatively poor overall performance in CASP11 using predicted Tp and crosslinked Tx contact information. However, average model quality significantly improved in the correct Tc and simulated NMR Ts categories for most targets, where maximum improvement of unassisted models reached an impressive 70 GDT_TS. Comparison of the performance in the correct Tc category to CASP10 suggested the improvement in CASP11 model quality originated from an increased number of provided contacts per target. Group rankings based on a combination of scores used in the CASP11 free modeling (FM) assessment for each category highlight four top‐performing groups, with three from the Lee lab and one from the Baker lab. We used the overall performance of these groups in each category to develop hypotheses for their relative outperformance in the correct Tc and simulated NMR Ts categories, which stemmed from the fraction of correct contacts provided (correct Tc category) and a reduced fraction of correct contacts offset by an increased coverage of the correct contacts (simulated NMR Ts category). Proteins 2016; 84(Suppl 1):164–180. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hog1p activation by marasmic acid through inhibition of the histidine kinase Sln1p
Authors: Jacob Stefan , Schüffler Anja , Thines Eckhard
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

The histidine kinase (HK) MoHik1p within the high‐osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway is known to be the target of the fungicide fludioxonil. Treatment of the fungus with fludioxonil causes an uncontrolled hyperactivation of the pathway and cell death. In this study, we used a target‐based in vivo test system with mutant strains of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae to search for new fungicidal compounds having various target locations within the HOG pathway. Mutants with inactivated HOG signalling are resistant to fungicides having the target located in the HOG pathway.

RESULTS

The HK MoSln1p was identified as being involved in the new antifungal mode of action of marasmic acid, as single inactivation of the genes MoSLN1, MoSSK1, MoSSK2, MoPBS2 and MoHOG1 resulted in mutant strains resistant against the sesquiterpenoid, whereas the wild‐type strain and the ΔMohik1 mutant were susceptible. Western blot analysis of phosphorylated MoHog1p confirmed the hypothesis that marasmic acid interferes with the HOG pathway, as a strong phosphorylation of MoHog1p was detectable after sesquiterpenoid treatment in the wild‐type strain but not in the ΔMosln1 mutant.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence for marasmic acid activating the HOG pathway via the HK MoSln1p, and we propose that the sesquiterpenoid has a new mode of action in M. oryzae that differs from that of known HOG inhibitors, e.g. fludioxonil. © 2016 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
RNAi‐mediated plant protection against aphids
Authors: Yu Xiu‐Dao , Liu Zong‐Cai , Huang Si‐Liang , Chen Zhi‐Qin , Sun Yong‐Wei , Duan Peng‐Fei , Ma You‐Zhi , Xia Lan‐Qin
Published: February 2016

Aphids (Aphididae) are major agricultural pests that cause significant yield losses of crop plants each year by inflicting damage both through the direct effects of feeding and by vectoring harmful plant viruses. Expression of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) directed against suitable insect target genes in transgenic plants has been shown to give protection against pests through plant‐mediated RNA interference (RNAi). Thus, as a potential alternative and effective strategy for insect pest management in agricultural practice, plant‐mediated RNAi for aphid control has received close attention in recent years. In this review, the mechanism of RNAi in insects and the so far explored effective RNAi target genes in aphids, their potential applications in the development of transgenic plants for aphid control and the major challenges in this regard are reviewed, and the future prospects of using plant‐mediated RNAi for aphid control are discussed. This review is intended to be a helpful insight into the generation of aphid‐resistant plants through plant‐mediated RNAi strategy. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry