bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enjoying New Ways to Work: An HRM‐Process Approach to Study Flow
Authors: Peters Pascale , Poutsma Erik , Van der Heijden Beatrice I. J. M. , Bakker Arnold B. , Bruijn Thomas de
Published: March 2014

This article investigates the relationships between human resource management practices associated with New Ways to Work (employee empowerment, home‐based teleworking, and creating trust relationships) and work‐related flow as experienced by employees (absorption, work enjoyment, and intrinsic work motivation). Hypotheses, based on a combined perspective integrating insights from the HRM‐process model and the job demands‐resources model, are tested using multiactor multilevel data comprising employees (N = 1,017) and their line managers (N = 89), across 89 job categories in 30 organizations. Although organizations may implement management practices aimed at empowering employees in particular job categories, this study showed that anticipated effects on work‐related flow (particularly work enjoyment) are not achieved when employees themselves do not experience being empowered, and when they do not use and experience their working conditions as job resources (home‐based teleworking and trust relationships characterized by supporting leadership, collegial support, and collegial commitment). The article concludes with recommendations regarding organizational change aimed at implementing New Ways to Work and suggestions for future research. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Migration Linked to FUCCI‐Indicated Cell Cycle Is Controlled by PTH and Mechanical Stress
Authors: Shirakawa Jumpei , Ezura Yoichi , Moriya Shuichi , Kawasaki Makiri , Yamada Takayuki , Notomi Takuya , Nakamoto Tetsuya , Hayata Tadayoshi , Miyawaki Atsushi , Omura Ken , Noda Masaki
Published: March 2014

Bone metabolism is maintained via balanced repetition of bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts. Osteoblastic cells are capable of conducting self‐renewal and differentiation that are basically associated with cell‐cycle transition to enable cell specification and bone formation. Osteoblasts are also migrating to fill the resorption cavity curved by osteoclasts during bone remodeling to maintain homeostasis of bone mass whose imbalance leads to osteoporosis. However, technical difficulties have hampered the research on the dynamic relationship between cell cycle and migration in osteoblasts. In this report, we overcome these problems by introducing fluorescent ubiquitination‐based cell cycle indicator (FUCCI) reporter system in calvarial osteoblastic cells and reveal that the cells in G1 as well as S/G2/M phase are migrating. Furthermore, the osteoblastic cells in S/G2/M phase migrate faster than those in G1 phase. Interestingly, parathyroid hormone (PTH) as an anabolic agent enhances migration velocity of the cells. Mechanical stress, another anabolic signal, also enhances migration velocity. In contrast, in the presence of both PTH and mechanical stress, the migration velocity returns to the base line levels revealing the interaction between the two anabolic stimuli in the regulation of cell migration. Importantly, PTH and mechanical stress also interact when they regulate the transition of cell cycle. These data demonstrate that osteoblastic migration is linked to cell cycle and it is under the control of mechanical and chemical stimuli that coordinate to regulate bone mass. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 1353–1358, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship between soil geochemistry and grape composition in Tuscany (Italy)
Authors: Protano Giuseppe , Rossi Sara
Published: March 2014

The concentrations of 13 trace elements were determined in soils and Sangiovese grapes collected in vineyard zones of Tuscany (Italy). The purpose was to establish a correspondence among the chemical composition of grape, the geochemistry of vineyard soil and the geolithological features of cultivation zone, and determine the provenance of the grapes by means of their chemical fingerprints. Statistical analysis of Ba, Rb and Sr concentrations distinguished three classes of grapes according to the geochemical and geopedological characteristics of the soils. Grapes with the highest Sr levels grew on high‐Sr soils derived from calcareous, calcareous‐marly and marly‐clayey rocks, whereas the most elevated Rb concentrations characterized the berries cultivated on soils formed from clayey‐marly and sandy‐marly lithologies. Grapes with the highest Ba concentrations grew on soil derived from arenaceous rocks and carbonate lithologies of evaporitic origin. These findings suggested that Ba, Rb and Sr could be used as fingerprints for the chemical traceability of Sangiovese grapes.
Soil evaporation under different types of land use in southern African savanna ecosystems
Authors: Metzger Johanna Clara , Landschreiber Lars , Gröngröft Alexander , Eschenbach Annette
Published: March 2014

For dryland ecosystems, soil evaporation is a major factor of the soil water balance. Often handled in one term with transpiration, little is known quantitatively about evaporation and impacts of soil and vegetation on it. On 12 plots at three sites in Angola, Namibia, and Botswana, potential and actual evaporation was measured using microlysimeters and parameterized. Dependencies on micrometeorological, soil, and site properties were statistically examined. In simulation runs with SWAP, the microlysimeter measurements were tried to be reproduced. Measured potential evaporation rates varied from 3.0 mm d–1 to 8.6 mm d–1. The evaporational parameter β ranged between 0.9 mm1/2 and 4.3 mm1/2. Evaporation was found to be strongly impacted by vegetation and land use, increasing from homogeneous bush areas over heterogeneous, more open woodlands to sparsely covered dryland agricultures. Correlations of evaporation variables with temperature, humidity, shading, topsoil water content, pF, bulk density, texture, and C content were found. Relationships were non‐explicit, which could be achieved by combining different factors. The simulation showed satisfying results with small deviations, confirming the model's general ability to depict the process. The application of the Boesten‐Stroosnijder‐model in combination with the used methods showed to be very useful to express evaporational properties, yet further research is necessary to improve consistency. A basis for evaporation prediction from known plot and soil characteristics and temporal and spatial up‐scaling could be given.
Prognostic value of lymphoscintigraphy in patients with gynecological cancer‐related lymphedema
Authors: Yoo Jang , Choi Joon Young , Hwang Ji Hye , Kim Dong Ik , Kim Young Wook , Choe Yearn Seong , Lee Kyung‐Han , Kim Byung‐Tae
Published: March 2014

Background and Objectives

We investigated the prognostic value of qualitative lymphoscintigraphy in gynecological cancer‐related lymphedema, which is a common complication after treatment.

Methods

All 152 patients underwent 99mTc tin‐colloid lymphoscintigraphy before complex decongestive therapy (CDT). We analyzed the uptake patterns of the inguinal lymph nodes, main lymphatic vessel and collateral lymphatic vessels, as well as dermal back flow. We compared these lymphoscintigraphic findings and other clinical variables between good and poor therapeutic responders using Pearson's Chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Eighty‐nine patients (58.6%) had a poor therapeutic response to CDT. In univariate analysis, there were significant differences between good and poor responders in clinical stage (P < 0.001), therapy compliance (P < 0.001), main lymphatic vessel uptake pattern (P < 0.01), collateral lymphatic vessel uptake pattern (P < 0.01) and severity of dermal back flow (P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, only severity of dermal back flow (P < 0.005), clinical stage (P < 0.05) and therapy compliance (P < 0.001) were found to be independent predictors of therapeutic response.

Conclusions

Lymphoscintigraphy may be useful to predict the outcome of patients with gynecological cancer‐related lymphedema undergoing CDT along with clinical stage and compliance. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:760–763. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An evaluation of varying protocols for high‐level disinfection of flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopes
Authors: Liming Bryan , Funnell Ian , Jones Anthony , Demons Samandra , Marshall Kathryn , Harsha Wayne
Published: March 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

The use of flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopes (FFLs) is ubiquitous in otolaryngology practices. As with any medical device, there exists a small risk for transmission of pathogenic microorganisms between patients, necessitating high‐level decontamination between uses. Most of the literature to date has studied channeled scopes such as those used in esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy. A recent study of nonchanneled flexible laryngoscopes suggested that current high‐level decontamination practices in use at some institutions, including ours, may be overly aggressive. We sought to evaluate and compare the efficacy of varying techniques of high‐level disinfection of FFLs.

Study Design

FFLs were used in routine clinical encounters and then disinfected with a variety of techniques. The FFLs were then cultured for bacteria and fungi, and the rates of positive cultures were compared between the techniques and the controls.

Methods

In this study, we took FFLs following use in routine clinical practice and disinfected them using one of eight decontamination protocols. We compared the bacterial and fungal culture results to positive and negative controls.

Results

We demonstrated that each of the eight cleaning protocols was statistically efficacious at removing bacterial contamination. Our results for fungal cultures did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

Using in vitro inoculation of FFLs, this study demonstrated that quicker and more cost‐effective practices are equally efficacious to more time‐consuming and expensive techniques with regard to bacterial contamination of FFLs.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 124:2498–2501, 2014
Silk‐Pectin Hydrogel with Superior Mechanical Properties, Biodegradability, and Biocompatibility
Authors: Numata Keiji , Yamazaki Shoya , Katashima Takuya , Chuah Jo‐Ann , Naga Naofumi , Sakai Takamasa
Published: March 2014

A new method is developed to prepare silk hydrogels and silk‐pectin hydrogels via dialysis against methanol to obtain hydrogels with high concentrations of silk fibroin. The relationship between the mechanical and biological properties and the structure of the silk‐pectin hydrogels is subsequently evaluated. The present results suggest that pectin associates with silk molecules when the silk concentration exceeds 15 wt%, suggesting that a silk concentration of over 15 wt% is critical to construct interacting silk‐pectin networks. The silk‐pectin hydrogel reported here is composed of a heterogeneous network, which is different from fiber‐reinforced, interpenetrated networks and double‐network hydrogels, as well as high‐stiffness hydrogels (elastic modulus of 4.7 ± 0.9 MPa, elastic stress limit of 3.9 ± 0.1 MPa, and elastic strain limit of 48.4 ± 0.5%) with regard to biocompatibility and biodegradability.
Peptide‐Directed Self‐Assembly of Functionalized Polymeric Nanoparticles Part I: Design and Self‐Assembly of Peptide–Copolymer Conjugates into Nanoparticle Fibers and 3D Scaffolds
Authors: Ding Xiaochu , Janjanam Jagadeesh , Tiwari Ashutosh , Thompson Martin , Heiden Patricia A.
Published: March 2014

A robust self‐assembly of nanoparticles into fibers and 3D scaffolds is designed and fabricated by functionalizing a RAFT‐polymerized amphiphilic triblock copolymer with designer ionic complementary peptides so that the assembled core–shell polymeric nanoparticles are directed by peptide assembly into continuous “nanoparticle fibers,” ultimately leading to 3D fiber scaffolds. The assembled nanostructure is confirmed by FESEM and optical microscopy. The assembly is not hindered when a protein (insulin) is incorporated within the nanoparticles as an active ingredient. MTS cytotoxicity tests on SW‐620 cell lines show that the peptides, copolymers, and peptide–copolymer conjugates are biocompatible. The methodology of self‐assembled nanoparticle fibers and 3D scaffolds is intended to combine the advantages of a flexible hydrogel scaffold with the versatility of controlled release nanoparticles to offer unprecedented ability to incorporate desired drug(s) within a self‐assembled scaffold system with individual control over the release of each drug.
Hydrogen‐Bonded Supramolecular Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles for White Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Lin Jin‐Yi , Wong JenIt , Xie Ling‐Hai , Dong Xiao‐Chen , Yang Hui Ying , Huang Wei
Published: March 2014

Supramolecular polyfluorenol enable assembly into conjugated polymer nanoparticles (CPNs). Poly{9‐[4‐(octyloxy)phenyl]fluoren‐9‐ol‐2,7‐diyl} (PPFOH)‐based supramolecular nanoparticles are prepared via reprecipitation. PPFOH nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 40 to 200 nm are obtained by adding different amounts of water into DMF solution. Size‐dependent luminescence is observed in PPFOH‐based hydrogen‐bonded nanoparticles that is different from that of poly(9,9‐dioctylfluorenes). Finally, white light‐emitting devices using CPNs with a size of 80 nm exhibit white emission with the CIE coordinates (0.31, 0.34). Amphiphilic conjugated polymer nanoparticles are potential organic nano‐inks for the fabrication of organic devices in printed electronics.

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Combined fenobam and amantadine treatment promotes robust antidyskinetic effects in the 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐lesioned primate model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ko Wai Kin D. , Pioli Elsa , Li Qin , McGuire Steve , Dufour Audrey , Sherer Todd B. , Bezard Erwan , Facheris Maurizio F.
Published: March 2014

Amantadine, an N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist, is currently the only pharmacological treatment for levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson's disease (PD), but causes adverse effects on the central nervous system at therapeutic doses. Fenobam, a negative modulator of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5, has recently been reported to attenuate LID in MPTP‐treated macaques. The aim of the current study was to investigate the treatment interactions of fenobam and amantadine on LID in the MPTP‐treated macaque model of PD. The antidyskinetic and ‐parkinsonian effects were measured after administration of fenobam (10‐30 mg/kg) and amantadine (10‐30 mg/kg) alone and in combination. Fenobam (30 mg/kg) and amantadine (30 mg/kg) alone reduced LID, whereas lower doses of either drug did not cause any significant effects. A combined treatment of fenobam and amantadine at subthreshold doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly reduced LID without worsening PD disability. These data suggest that a low‐dose combination of fenobam and amantadine can be used for alleviating dyskinesia without causing adverse motor effects. Such combined therapies may offer a new therapeutic strategy for treatment of LID in PD patients. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Independent component analysis (ICA) algorithms for improved spectral deconvolution of overlapped signals in 1H NMR analysis: application to foods and related products
Authors: Monakhova Yulia B. , Tsikin Alexey M. , Kuballa Thomas , Lachenmeier Dirk W. , Mushtakova Svetlana P.
Published: March 2014

The major challenge facing NMR spectroscopic mixture analysis is the overlapping of signals and the arising impossibility to easily recover the structures for identification of the individual components and to integrate separated signals for quantification. In this paper, various independent component analysis (ICA) algorithms [mutual information least dependent component analysis (MILCA); stochastic non‐negative ICA (SNICA); joint approximate diagonalization of eigenmatrices (JADE); and robust, accurate, direct ICA algorithm (RADICAL)] as well as deconvolution methods [simple‐to‐use‐interactive self‐modeling mixture analysis (SIMPLISMA) and multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS)] are applied for simultaneous 1H NMR spectroscopic determination of organic substances in complex mixtures. Among others, we studied constituents of the following matrices: honey, soft drinks, and liquids used in electronic cigarettes. Good quality spectral resolution of up to eight‐component mixtures was achieved (correlation coefficients between resolved and experimental spectra were not less than 0.90). In general, the relative errors in the recovered concentrations were below 12%. SIMPLISMA and MILCA algorithms were found to be preferable for NMR spectra deconvolution and showed similar performance. The proposed method was used for analysis of authentic samples. The resolved ICA concentrations match well with the results of reference gas chromatography–mass spectrometry as well as the MCR‐ALS algorithm used for comparison. ICA deconvolution considerably improves the application range of direct NMR spectroscopy for analysis of complex mixtures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the difficulty of virtual private network instances
Authors: Moradi Ahmad , Lodi Andrea , Hashemi S. Mehdi
Published: March 2014

The virtual private network design problem has attracted an impressive number of theoretical contributions but, surprisingly, very little computational attempts. This might be due to the fact that the compact formulation proposed in [Altın et al. Networks 49 (2007), 100–115] turned out to be very tight, that is, showing very little or no integrality gap in the computational experiments. In this short note, we first confirm the observations in [Altın et al. Networks 49 (2007), 100–115] by analyzing in detail the behavior of the compact formulation on a larger but similar testbed, and then we provide a set of difficult instances exposing large integrality gaps. This new insight is likely to reinvigorate efforts to develop effective exact computational approaches. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 63(4), 327–333 2014
Finite heterogeneous element method using sliced microstructures for linear elastic analysis
Authors: Suzuki Yoshiro
Published: March 2014

A new finite heterogeneous element consisting of sliced microstructures (FHES) is applied in a multi‒scale technique. The FHES represents a heterogeneous material with microscopic constituents without homogenization or microscopic finite element analysis. A representative volume element extracted from a heterogeneous structure is thinly sliced. Each slice is modeled as a combined spring to calculate properties of the FHES. Each FHES has the same number of nodes as an ordinary finite element, and the macroscopic analysis cost is the same as that for ordinary finite element analysis. However, the FHES retains information about the microscopic material layout (i.e., the distribution of a material's property) in itself that is lost during homogenization. In the proposed approach, materials are not homogenized. The FHES does not have a constant (homogenized) material property and can ‘change stiffness’ depending on its deformation behavior. This reduces error due to coarse‒graining and allows us to calculate the macroscopic deformation behavior with sufficient accuracy even if a large gradient of strain is generated in the macroscopic field. The novelty of the research is the development of rational heterogeneous finite elements. The paper presents the theory behind the FHES and its practical application to a linear elastic problem. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endothelial cells promote stem‐like phenotype of glioma cells through activating the Hedgehog pathway
Authors: Yan Guang‐Ning , Yang Lang , Lv Yang‐Fan , Shi Yu , Shen Li‐Li , Yao Xiao‐Hong , Guo Qiao‐Nan , Zhang Peng , Cui You‐Hong , Zhang Xia , Bian Xiu‐Wu , Guo De‐Yu
Published: March 2014

Microenvironmental regulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) strongly influences the onset and spread of cancer. The way in which glioma cells interact with their microenvironment and acquire the phenotypes of CSCs remains elusive. We investigated how communication between vascular endothelial cells and glioma cells promoted the properties of glioma stem cells (GSCs). We observed that CD133+ GSCs were located closely to Shh+ endothelial cells in specimens of human glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In both in vitro and in vivo studies, we found that endothelial cells promoted the appearance of CSC‐like glioma cells, as demonstrated by increases in tumourigenicity and expression of stemness genes such as Sox2, Olig2, Bmi1 and CD133 in glioma cells that were co‐cultured with endothelial cells. Knockdown of Smo in glioma cells led to a significant reduction of their CSC‐like phenotype formation in vitro and in vivo. Endothelial cells with Shh knockdown failed to promote Hedgehog (HH) pathway activation and CSC‐like phenotype formation in co‐cultured glioma cells. By examination of glioma tissue specimens from 65 patients, we found that the survival of glioma patients was closely correlated with the expression of both Shh by endothelial cells and Gli1 by perivascular glioma cells. Taken together, our study demonstrates that endothelial cells in the tumour microenvironment provide Shh to activate the HH signalling pathway in glioma cells, thereby promoting GSC properties and glioma propagation. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Diagnosis and management of lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Rodrigo Chamira , Lim Wei Shen
Published: March 2014

Lower respiratory tract infections in the community lead to considerable morbidity and days off work. Our Drug review considers the assessment of disease severity, when to prescribe antibiotics and recommended management of LRTIs, followed by sources of further information.
The Merrison and Greenfield reports and the Limited List
Authors: Baines Darrin
Published: March 2014

In our series on the history of prescribing policy, Dr Darrin Baines traces how successive governments have attempted to curb drug costs. Here, he describes the recommendations made by the Merrison and Greenfield reports and the introduction of the Limited List.
Mixing‐length controls on high‐resolution simulations of convective storms
Authors: Hanley Kirsty E. , Plant Robert S. , Stein Thorwald H. M. , Hogan Robin J. , Nicol John C. , Lean Humphrey W. , Halliwell Carol , Clark Peter A.
Published: March 2014

We perform simulations of several convective events over the southern UK with the Met Office Unified Model (UM) at horizontal grid lengths ranging from 1.5 km to 200 m. Comparing the simulated storms on these days with the Met Office rainfall radar network allows us to apply a statistical approach to evaluate the properties and evolution of the simulated storms over a range of conditions. Here we present results comparing the storm morphology in the model and reality which show that the simulated storms become smaller as grid length decreases and that the grid length that fits the observations best changes with the size of the observed cells. We investigate the sensitivity of storm morphology in the model to the mixing length used in the subgrid turbulence scheme. As the subgrid mixing length is decreased, the number of small storms with high area‐averaged rain rates increases. We show that, by changing the mixing length, we can produce a lower‐resolution simulation which produces similar morphologies to a higher‐resolution simulation.
Effect of small‐scale surface heterogeneities and buildings on radiation fog: Large‐eddy simulation study at Paris–Charles de Gaulle airport
Authors: Bergot Thierry , Escobar Juan , Masson Valery
Published: March 2014

Large‐eddy simulations (LES) of radiation fog were performed over an airport area to study the effect of urban canopy on fog. These LES were performed with the Meso‐NH research model at very high resolution: 1.5 m in the horizontal and 1 m in the vertical and over a domain 4.5 km × 1.5 km.

The blocking effect of the airport buildings led to strong wind shear and consequently to the production of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE). The airport buildings also had a strong effect on vertical velocity, with a subsidence region behind the buildings. The increase of both turbulence and vertical velocity strongly modified the fog formation. The fog layer took more time to form in the airport area, but the increase in turbulence facilitated the vertical development of the fog layer.

The fog took 1.5 h to form over the whole simulated airport area. The fog height was heterogeneous during the formation phase, with the formation of very low clouds locally. The effect of airport buildings on vertical velocity could explain these heterogeneities of the fog height. During the mature phase of the fog, the buildings had little impact on the fog layer characteristics. The fog dynamics were mainly controlled by processes at its top.

These results suggest that the inclusion of high levels of detail in the building representation remains important for the local forecasting of fog formation. Particularly, small‐scale heterogeneities can explain the spatial variability of fog formation. It seems necessary to take small‐scale variability of the urban canopy into account for local and accurate forecasts of fog formation over airport areas.
Impact of the inflow moisture on the evolution of a warm conveyor belt
Authors: Schäfler Andreas , Harnisch Florian
Published: March 2014

This case study of a warm conveyor belt (WCB) event that was probed on a research flight during the THORPEX (The Observing‐System Research and Predictability Experiment) Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T‐PARC) field experiment in 2008, investigates the sensitivity of the forecast of the WCB, the associated cyclone and the downstream waveguide to the moisture content in the inflow region of the WCB. By assimilating water vapour profiles of a differential absorption lidar (DIAL) into the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Integrated Forecasting System (IFS), the inflow moisture in the analysis fields is adjusted and humidity is reduced in a broad region around the flight track. The initial reduction of moisture in the WCB inflow affects the latent heat release along the WCB, as well as the potential vorticity (PV) production at lower levels. This change led to a substantially lower outflow height of the forecasted WCB. Further, the height of the tropopause was reduced up to 20 hPa, which caused a change in the jet stream wind speeds of up to 15% downstream. Although the impact on the developing surface cyclone was small, improvements of the PV structure as well as of the kinetic energy could be identified.
Characterization of N‐glycan heterogeneities of erythropoietin products by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and multivariate analysis
Authors: Hashii Noritaka , Harazono Akira , Kuribayashi Ryosuke , Takakura Daisuke , Kawasaki Nana
Published: March 2014

RATIONALE

Glycan heterogeneity on recombinant human erythropoietin (rEPO) product is considered to be one of the critical quality attributes, and similarity tests of glycan heterogeneities are required in the manufacturing process changes and developments of biosimilars. A method for differentiating highly complex and diverse glycosylations is needed to evaluate comparability and biosimilarity among rEPO batches and products manufactured by different processes.

METHODS

The glycan heterogeneities of nine rEPO products (four innovator products and five biosimilar products) were distinguished by multivariate analysis (MVA) using the peak area ratios of each glycan to the total peak area of glycans in mass spectra obtained by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) of N‐glycans from rEPOs.

RESULTS

Principal component analysis (PCA) using glycan profiles obtained by LC/MS proved to be a useful method for differentiating glycan heterogeneities among nine rEPOs. Using PC values as indices, we were able to visualize and digitalize the glycan heterogeneities of each rEPO. The characteristic glycans of each rEPO were also successfully identified by orthogonal partial least‐squares discrimination analysis (OPLS‐DA), an MVA method, using the glycan profile data.

CONCLUSIONS

PCA values were useful for evaluating the relative differences among the glycan heterogeneities of rEPOs. The characteristic glycans that contributed to the differentiation were also successfully identified by OPLS‐DA. PCA and OPLS‐DA based on mass spectrometric data are applicable for distinguishing glycan heterogeneities, which are virtually indistinguishable on rEPO products. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signal suppression can bias selected reaction monitoring ratios. Implications for the confirmation of positive findings in residue testing
Authors: Kaufmann Anton , Widmer Miryam , Maden Kathryn
Published: March 2014

RATIONALE

Selected reaction monitoring (SRM) ratios based on two or more transitions are commonly used to confirm the identity of a suspected finding in residue testing. International norms like the EU directive commission decision 2002/657/EC (CD) require the use of such ratios to prove the unequivocal identification of a particular compound detected at trace level (confirmation of a suspected residue).

METHODS

In this study, the relative abundances of different precursor ions (e.g. protonated molecule, solvent adducts, characteristic fragment ions or multiply charged ions) derived from the same analyte molecule were found to be differently (asymmetrically) affected by matrix‐related signal suppression effects. This observation was made when analyzing veterinary drug residues (colistin and amoxicillin) in animal tissue extracts.

RESULTS

The term 'asymmetric signal suppression' was coined since different ionic species produced from the same analyte molecule are differently (asymmetrically) suppressed by co‐eluting matrix compounds. In the case of the colistin assay, the extent of asymmetric signal suppression is such that the measured SRM ratios lie beyond the defined (CD) tolerances. Hence, the compound present in a sample cannot be confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

The [M+H]+ ion may be the most commonly used precursor ion in liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray operated in the positive ionization mode. However, the absence of a sufficiently intensive confirmation transition frequently leads to the selection of another precursor ion to be utilized for the confirmation transition. The SRM ratio derived from such transitions should not be compared to the SRM ratio derived from pure standard solutions but spiked blank matrix extracts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiviral drug resistance in herpesviruses other than cytomegalovirus
Authors: Piret Jocelyne , Boivin Guy
Published: March 2014

The discovery of acyclovir (ACV), a nucleoside analogue, more than 30 years ago, represents a milestone in the management of HSV and VZV infections. The modest activity of ACV against CMV prompted the development of another nucleoside analogue, ganciclovir, for the management of systemic and organ‐specific CMV diseases. Second‐line agents such as the pyrophosphate analogue foscarnet and the nucleotide analogue cidofovir have been approved subsequently. In contrast to ACV and ganciclovir, the latter drugs do not require selective phosphorylation by viral protein kinases to be converted into their active forms. Since the introduction of these antivirals, the emergence of drug‐resistant mutants has been constantly reported particularly in severely immunocompromised patients such as bone marrow and solid organ transplant recipients as well as HIV‐infected individuals. In this manuscript, we discuss the characteristics of the antiviral agents currently approved for the management of HSV, VZV and CMV diseases. In recent years, the resistance of CMV to antiviral drugs has been extensively reviewed. The emergence of antiviral drug resistance is also observed with other members of the Herpesviridae family, namely HSV‐1, HSV‐2, VZV and HHV‐6, which are the focus of this review. More specifically, we describe the laboratory methods for assessing drug susceptibilities, the frequency and clinical significance of drug‐resistant infections and their management. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Plasmonic Nanoparticles on the Optoelectronic Characteristics of CdTe Nanowires
Authors: Luo Lin‐Bao , Huang Xiao‐Li , Wang Ming‐Zheng , Xie Chao , Wu Chun‐Yan , Hu Ji‐Gang , Wang Li , Huang Jian‐An
Published: March 2014

In this work, a simple strategy is proposed to improve the device performance of photodetector by modifying plasmonic nanoparticles onto the surface of semiconductors nanostructure. Both experimental analysis and theoretical simulation show that the plasmonic metal nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibits obvious localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) which can trap incident light efficiently, leading to enhanced photocurrents and improved performance of photoelectronic devices. It is also observed that the AuNPs modified CdTeNW photodetector exhibit apparent sensitivity to 510 nm light, to which pure CdTeNWs is virtually blind. What is more, after AuNPs decoration, the response speed of the photodetector is increased substantially from 6.12 to 1.92 s. It is believed that this result will open up new doors for manipulating light and further improving the efficiency of semiconductor nanostructures based optoelectronic devices.
Thermal and Thermoelectric Properties of Graphene
Authors: Xu Yong , Li Zuanyi , Duan Wenhui
Published: March 2014

The subject of thermal transport at the mesoscopic scale and in low‐dimensional systems is interesting for both fundamental research and practical applications. As the first example of truly two‐dimensional materials, graphene has exceptionally high thermal conductivity, and thus provides an ideal platform for the research. Here we review recent studies on thermal and thermoelectric properties of graphene, with an emphasis on experimental progresses. A general physical picture based on the Landauer transport formalism is introduced to understand underlying mechanisms. We show that the superior thermal conductivity of graphene is contributed not only by large ballistic thermal conductance but also by very long phonon mean free path (MFP). The long phonon MFP, explained by the low‐dimensional nature and high sample purity of graphene, results in important isotope effects and size effects on thermal conduction. In terms of various scattering mechanisms in graphene, several approaches are suggested to control thermal conductivity. Among them, introducing rough boundaries and weakly‐coupled interfaces are promising ways to suppress thermal conduction effectively. We also discuss the Seebeck effect of graphene. Graphene itself might not be a good thermoelectric material. However, the concepts developed by graphene research might be applied to improve thermoelectric performance of other materials.
Impact of the Microstructure on the U–O Forming Simulations of a Ferrite–Pearlite Pipeline Tube
Authors: Laschet Gottfried , Shukla Mohit , Henke Thomas , Fayek Patrick , Bambach Markus , Prahl Ulrich
Published: March 2014

In order to take into account the dual‐phase ferrite/pearlite microstructures of the X65 steel in the simulations of the U‐ and O forming steps of the production of a gas pipeline tube, a multi‐scale approach based on a two‐level homogenization scheme is applied. Three different scales are introduced: the nano‐scale of a ferrite‐cementite bi‐lamella of pearlite, the pearlite/ferrite microstructure and the macro‐scale. Firstly, homogenization is applied to a bi‐lamella representative volume element (RVE) of pearlite. Secondly, pearlite is treated at the micro‐scale as an effective phase with an anisotropic flow curve in an elasto‐plastic ferrite matrix. The predicted flow curves of the X65 steel are in a rather good agreement with experimental stress–strain curves in rolling and transverse directions, respectively. The cooling step produces in the steel sheet different microstructures in the center and at its skins. The surficial microstructure has slightly less pearlite content, reduced lamella spacing and a lower residual dislocation density. The effective flow behavior at the sheet skins is determined and the impact of the different microstructure features is quantified. At the macro‐scale, 2D plane strain FE simulations of the U–O forming steps are then performed twice: once with the reference flow curve and once with different flow curves in the sheet center and at its skins. Thus, the accuracy increase due to locally different flow curves is outlined. Eventually, the most critical local macro‐stress/strain state of the O forming step is extracted and applied as boundary condition on the corresponding microstructure in order to evaluate the micro‐stresses and strains and to locate its critical areas.
Small College Unions
Authors: Crone Ian , Tammes Eric
Published: March 2014

This chapter examines the current state of college unions at small colleges and offers a forecast of their future.
Polychlorinated biphenyl quinone induces mitochondrial‐mediated and caspase‐dependent apoptosis in HepG2 cells
Authors: Xu Demei , Li Lingrui , Liu Lichao , Dong Hui , Deng Qin , Yang Xiaojia , Song Erqun , Song Yang
Published: March 2014

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) quinones are known to cause toxic effects, but their mechanisms are quite unclear. In this study, we examined whether 2,3,5‐trichloro‐6‐phenyl‐[1,4]benzoquinone, PCB29‐pQ, induces cell death via apoptosis pathway. Our result showed PCB29‐pQ exposure decreased HepG2 cell viability in a time‐dependent manner. Lactate dehydrogenase leakage assay also implied the cytotoxicity of PCB29‐pQ. 4′,6‐Diamidino‐2‐phenylindole dihydrochloride staining and flow cytometry assays both confirmed PCB29‐pQ caused dose‐dependent apoptotic cell death in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, we found that PCB29‐pQ exposure increased cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and induced the translocation of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol in HepG2 cells. Moreover, PCB29‐pQ exposure induced B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) downregulation and Bcl‐2‐associated X (Bax) upregulation, poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase cleavage, accompanied with the increased caspase‐3/9 and p53 expressions. Taking together, these results suggested PCB29‐pQ induced HepG2 cells apoptosis through a ROS‐driven, mitochondrial‐mediated and caspase‐dependent pathway. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 1063–1072, 2015.
Corvid cognition
Authors: Taylor Alex H.
Published: March 2014

Numerous myths and legends across the world have suggested that corvids are intelligent. However, it is only in the last two decades that their cognition has become the subject of serious scientific investigation. Here I review what we currently know about the temporal, social, and physical cognition of this group. I argue that, while the work to date establishes corvids as one of the most intelligent groups of animals on the planet, the real scientific potential of the Corvidae has yet to be realized. However, a novel ‘signature‐testing’ experimental approach is required if we want to unlock this group's promise and gain insights into the evolution of human and animal minds.

This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Evolutionary Roots of Cognition

Psychology > Comparative Psychology
Mono‐ and Di‐chloro‐bridged Discrete Dimers and Trimers and Mono‐Chloro‐Bridged 1D‐Coordination Polymer of Copper(II). Magneto‐structural Studies
Authors: Singh Ravindra , Lloret Francesc , Mukherjee Rabindranath
Published: March 2014

The synthesis, structural characterization, and magnetic properties of three copper(II) complexes, a mono‐chloro‐bridged [Cu2II(L6)2(μ‐Cl)(Cl)(CuIICl4)] (1) and a dichloro‐bridged [CuII2(L7)2(μ‐Cl)2][ClO4]2 (3) discrete trimers and dimers, and a mono‐chloro‐bridged 1D‐coordination polymer [CuII(L6)(μ‐Cl)][ClO4]·CH3CN (2), are reported. Molecular structures were authenticated by X‐ray crystallography. Temperature‐dependent magnetic measurements carried out on powdered samples of 1–3 indicated a very weak antiferromagnetic exchange‐coupling within the {CuII(μ‐Cl)CuII(μ‐Cl)CuIICl3}+ units in 1 [Curie‐Weiss plot: θ = –0.19(1) K and g = 2.07(1)], a ferromagnetic behavior within {CuII(μ‐Cl)2CuII}2+ units in 3 [Ĥ = –JS1·S2: J = +6.0(1) cm–1, D (zero‐field splitting parameter) = 4.5(2) cm–1, and g = 2.11], and a weak intrachain antiferromagnetic behavior due to {CuII(μ‐Cl)CuII}3+ units in 2 [single‐chain polymer: J = –0.20(1) cm–1 and g = 2.11]. The square‐pyramidal stereochemistry of the central copper(II) atoms in 1–3 was identified by their absorption spectral properties in acetontrile. An attempt was made to rationalize the observed magneto‐structural behavior.
Revenue Management in Make-To-Order Manufacturing: Case Study of Capacity Control at ThyssenKrupp VDM
Authors: Hintsches André , Spengler Thomas S. , Volling Thomas , Wittek Kai , Priegnitz Gerald
Published: March 2014

While revenue management (RM) is traditionally considered a tool of service operations, RM shows considerable potential for application in manufacturing operations. The typical challenges in make-to-order manufacturing are fixed manufacturing capacities and a great variety in offered products, going along with pronounced fluctuations in demand and profitability. Since Harris and Pinder in the mid-90s, numerous papers have furthered the understanding of RM theory in this environment. Nevertheless, results to be expected from applying the developed methods to a practical industry setting have yet to be reported. To this end, this paper investigates a possible application of RM at ThyssenKrupp VDM, leading to considerable improvements in several areas.
Early Versus Late Effort in Dynamic Agencies with Unverifiable Information
Authors: Schöndube Jens Robert
Published: March 2014

In this paper we analyze a dynamic agency problem where contracting parties do not know the agent’s future productivity at the beginning of the relationship. We consider a two-period model where both the agent and the principal observe the agent’s second-period productivity at the end of the first period. This observation is assumed to be non-verifiable information. We compare long-term contracts with short-term contracts with respect to their suitability to motivate effort in both periods. On the one hand, short-term contracts allow for a better fine-tuning of second-period incentives as they can be aligned with the agent’s second-period productivity. On the other hand, in short-term contracts first-period effort incentives might be distorted as contracts have to be sequentially optimal. Hence, the difference between long-term and short-term contracts is characterized by a trade-off between inducing effort in the first and in the second period. We analyze the determinants of this trade-off and demonstrate its implications for performance measurement and information system design.
Insider Trading in Germany — Do Corporate Insiders Exploit Inside Information?
Authors: Dymke Björn M. , Walter Andreas
Published: March 2014

Our study focuses on the question whether corporate insiders in Germany exploit inside information while trading in their company’s stock. In contrast to prior international studies, which are not able to link insider transactions to a formal definition of inside information, we relate insider transactions to subsequent releases of inside information via ad-hoc news disclosures. We find evidence that corporate insiders as a group seem to trade on inside information. Moreover, members of the supervisory board seem to be most active in exploiting inside information, since they realize exceptionally high profits with their frequent front-running transactions.
Empleo del comportamiento estacional para mejorar el pronóstico de un commodity: el caso del mercado internacional del azúcar
Authors: Alonso Julio César , Arcila Andrés Mauricio
Published: March 2014

Este trabajo estudia el comportamiento estacional de los precios internacionales del azúcar transados enNueva York y Londres. Para este caso, empleando pruebas de raíces estacionales y una muestra mensualdesde enero de 1989 hasta diciembre de 2010, se encuentra la existencia de un comportamiento estacionalestocástico no estacionario. Dicha conducta implica que un “verano” se puede convertir en un “invierno”,resultado que no había sido documentado previamente en estos mercados. Por otro lado, empleando dichohallazgo, los resultados muestran que es posible construir un modelo autorregresivo de media móvil que secomporta relativamente mejor al pronosticar el precio frente a un modelo que no tiene en cuenta dichotipo de estacionalidad.
Diagnóstico del sistema profesional de carrera y certificación de competencias gerenciales de los servidores públicos en México
Authors: Rivas Tovar Luis Arturo , Trujillo Flores Mara , Lámbarry Vilchis Fernando , Chávez Adela , Chávez Espejel José Antonio
Published: March 2014

Esta investigación realiza una análisis del concepto de servidor público, describe y diferencia los servicios civilesy los profesionales de carrera y realiza un diagnóstico documental del estado del sistema profesional de carreraen México. Asimismo, diagnostica la operación del servicio profesional de carrera en la Consejería Jurídica de laPresidencia de México, a partir de un análisis documental y entrevistas focales realizadas a los responsables desu Administración, así como a candidatos aspirantes. A partir de lo anterior, se detectó una falta de congruenciade los instrumentos de evaluación, por lo que se propone un nuevo modelo de competencias para los servidorespúblicos en México, para evaluarlos y garantizar la congruencia con los principios rectores.
Symptomatic Thromboembolism as an Uncommon Postoperative Complication in Young Patients with Spinal Deformity
Authors: Farzad Omidi-Kashani , Mohammad Hasani , Ali Moradi , Dawood Rahimi Mohammad
Published: March 2014

Background/Purpose

Thromboembolism continues to be one of the most appalling postoperative complications. We aim to extend the findings of earlier authors on clinically symptomatic thromboembolic complications in young patients (<30 years old) operated due to major spinal deformity.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 297 patients (98 males and 199 females), with a mean age of 17.8 ± 4.2 years (range, 1.8–29.8 years) and a mean follow-up period of 12.3 ± 5.9 months (range, 6–84 months), who had been operated due to major spinal deformity from August 2005 to December 2012. A complete clinical examination was performed in all patients throughout the postoperative period to find out any symptomatic thromboembolism.

Results

We found three (1.01%) and two (0.67%) cases with symptomatic thromboembolism and extensive pulmonary embolism, respectively. All of them had a positive history of anterior spine surgery, and one of them had been placed in a poor posture for a long time to improve the inflammation of a surgical wound.

Conclusion

Despite the rarity of thromboembolism after surgery for major spinal deformities in young patients, the possibility still exists, and patients with a positive history of anterior spinal surgery or poor posturing are probably more susceptible.
On Space and Time
Authors: Polkinghorne John , Penrose Roger , Taylor Andrew , Connes Alain , Heller Michael
Published: March 2014

This book gets to the heart of science by asking a fundamental question about its essence: what is the true nature of space and time? Both defy modern physics and scientists find themselves continually searching for answers. This unique volume brings together world leaders in cosmology, particle physics, quantum gravity, mathematics, philosophy and theology, to provide fresh insights into the deep structure of space and time. In an attempt to understand the question, subjects ranging from dark matter to the philosophical and theological implications of spacetime are covered, ensuring that the issue is thoroughly explored. Interesting and thought-provoking answers provide a well-rounded read.