bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Family resources and mid‐life level of education: a longitudinal study of the mediating influence of childhood parental involvement
Authors: von Otter Cecilia
Published: July 2013

This paper draws on the concept of parental involvement, popular among educators and policy‐makers, in investigating differences in level of attained education by family background. The question is if parental involvement in children's schooling at age 14 acts as a mediator between family resources and mid‐life level of attained education. Using structural equation modeling we analyze longitudinal survey and register data of a Swedish metropolitan cohort born in 1953 (n = 3300). Several of the commonly used indicators of involvement are investigated, distinguishing between parents' involvement beliefs, such as educational aspirations and agreement with school curriculum, and involvement practices, such as reading children's schoolbooks and helping with homework. We find that parents' educational aspirations are an important mediator between family resources and attained level of education, while other involvement forms are related to academic performance only. We also find that parental involvement is greater in families with more resources, which leads us to warn against developments turning more responsibility for children's schooling over to parents. Unless sensitive to the diverse family contexts this might increase the importance of family resources for children's educational outcomes.
What (a) to do about ‘impact’: a Bourdieusian critique
Authors: Colley Helen
Published: July 2013

This paper presents a research‐based, theoretically‐informed contribution to the debate on ‘impact’ in educational research, and specifically a response to Gardner's 2011 presidential address to the British Educational Research Association. It begins by discussing the development of the research ‘impact’ agenda as a global phenomenon, and reviews the current state of debate about ‘impact’ in the UK's Research Excellence Framework. It goes on to argue that a radical alternative perspective on this agenda is needed, and outlines Bourdieu's sociology—including his much‐neglected concept of illusio—as offering potential for generating critical insights into demands for ‘impact’. The term illusio in particular calls us to examine the ‘stakes’ that matter in the field of educational research: the objects of value that elicit commitment from players and are ‘worth the candle’. This framework is then applied first to analyse an account of how an ESRC‐funded project that I led was received by different research ‘users’ as we sought to generate impact for our findings. Second, it is used to show that the field of educational research has changed; that it has bifurcated between the field of research production and that of research reception; and that the former is being subordinated to the latter. The paper concludes by arguing that, despite many educational researchers' commitments to ‘make a difference’ in wider society, the research ‘impact’ imperative is one that encroaches on academic freedom; and that academics need to find collective ways in which to resist it.
Authors’ reply
Authors: Sozu Takashi , Sugimoto Tomoyuki , Hamasaki Toshimitsu
Published: July 2013

Article: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bimj.201100221

Letter to the Editor: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/bimj.201200254
Flexible editing of human motion by three‐way decomposition
Authors: He Zhiying , Liang Xiaohui , Wang Jian , Zhao Qinping , Guo Chengyu
Published: July 2013

This paper proposes a new generative model for flexible editing of human motion. Different from previous work, three intuitive factors of motion, namely, content, identity and style, can be manipulated directly with the new model. With the new generative model, motion editing can be achieved in various aspects, including transferring an unknown style from an actor to another, synthesizing other styles for an unknown actor and generating a new motion with other content. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influencing the care pathway for prisoners with acute mental illness
Authors: Forrester Andrew , Exworthy Tim , Chao Oriana , Slade Karen , Parrott Janet
Published: July 2013

Background

Despite improved mental health services in prisons in England and Wales, there are often delays in transferring acutely mentally ill prisoners to hospital, particularly in the London area.

Aim

To establish whether clinical pathway interventions can reduce such transfer delays.

Methods

Two clinical pathway interventions – one based in a medium secure forensic hospital and the other in a remand prison (pre‐trial/sentence) – were independently introduced to manage referrals of prisoners with acute mental illness in London, UK. Time taken to transfer to hospital was measured for each and compared with the best available estimates for time to transfer prior to the new pathways.

Results

Both interventions produced significant reductions in prison to hospital transfer times.

Conclusions/implications for practise

The nature of the projects precluded ideal research design, but despite small sample sizes, provision of modestly funded small but dedicated elements of service to target the specified problem of transfer to hospital delays showed a significant advantage for such provision, whether hospital or prison based, psychiatrist or nurse led. Further research is now required to examine the whole pathway. More secure psychiatric beds may be required, at least in the short term, to support diversion policies and enable compliance with national policy directive, and to establish whether redesigned pathways can enhance treatment and behavioural outcomes for acutely mentally ill prisoners on a larger scale. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arrests among youth after out‐of‐home mental health treatment: Comparisons across community and residential treatment settings
Authors: Robst John , Armstrong Mary , Dollard Norín , Rohrer Lodi
Published: July 2013

Background

There are three options in Florida for young people with mental health needs who require out‐of‐home treatment: community‐based group homes, foster families and inpatient group facilities. Prior research has suggested that young people in group settings have poorer criminal justice outcomes, perhaps attributable to negative peer effects in group environments.

Aims

To compare arrest rates during and after out‐of‐home treatment for youth across the three settings. To test the hypothesis that arrest rates during treatment are independently related to arrest rates after treatment, after allowing for pre‐treatment characteristics and placement type.

Methods

Florida Medicaid claims data were used to identify children and adolescents in out‐of‐home mental health care from 2003–2007. These were then matched with Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and Law Enforcement records. Propensity score matching was used to allow for observed differences between youth in different treatment settings. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to test relationships between arrest rates.

Results

Unadjusted arrest rates for youth in therapeutic group home care were higher than in psychiatric inpatient units or foster care during and after treatment. Arrests during the treatment episode accounted for a substantial proportion of the difference in arrests after out‐of‐home treatment. After accounting for differences in arrest rates during treatment, the group versus non‐group nature of the treatment setting per se was not a strong determinant of arrest after the treatment episode.

Conclusions and implications for practise

Attention to the causes of higher arrest rates in group homes, which may include peer contagion and staff policies, could improve outcomes. For youths without a major psychiatric disorder, therapeutic foster care may be better than community‐based group care. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical and Enzymatic Polymerization of Polyaniline/Ag Nanocomposites
Authors: Nabid M. R. , Asadi S. , Sedghi R. , Bayandori Moghaddam A.
Published: July 2013

Polyaniline (PANI)/Ag nanocomposites were successfully synthesized via in situ chemical oxidative and enzymatic polymerization of aniline based on 2‐aminothiophenol (2‐ATP)‐capped Ag nanoparticles. The approach to the fabrication included three steps: (i) the preparation of silver nanoparticles; (ii) the formation of an ATP monolayer on the silver particle surface, which serves as a binder; and (iii) the polymerization of aniline monomers joined to ATP by using ammonium persulfate in the chemical method, and horseradish peroxidase in the presence of sulfonated polystyrene as a polyanionic template and H2O2 as an oxidized agent in the enzymatic method. Comparison of the results revealed that the enzymatic method is more suitable because not only the size of the nanocomposites was smaller but also their thermal stability was more improved with the enzymatic method than with chemical one.
Pyrrolic Tripodal Receptors for the Molecular Recognition of Carbohydrates: Ditopic Receptors for Dimannosides
Authors: Francesconi Oscar , Nativi Cristina , Gabrielli Gabriele , Gentili Matteo , Palchetti Marco , Bonora Beatrice , Roelens Stefano
Published: July 2013

Synthetic ditopic receptors, designed for the molecular recognition of dimannosides, have been prepared by bridging two monotopic units effectively recognizing mannosides with linkers of the appropriate size and flexibility, endowed with hydrogen‐bonding groups. Affinities toward the α and β glycosides of the biologically relevant Manα(1–2)Man disaccharide were measured by NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) in polar organic media (30–40 % DMF in chloroform). Significant selectivities and affinities in the micromolar range were observed in most cases, with two newly designed receptors being the most effective receptors of the set, together with a distinct preference of the dimannosides for the (S) enantiomer of the receptor in all cases. A 3D view of the recognition mode was elucidated by a combined NMR spectroscopic/molecular modeling approach, showing the dimannoside included in the cleft of the receptor. Compared to the monotopic precursors, the ditopic receptors showed markedly improved recognition properties, proving the efficacy of the modular receptor design for the recognition of disaccharides.
Nanoscopic Imaging of meso‐Tetraalkylporphyrins Prepared in High Yields Enabled by Montmorrilonite K10 and 3 Å Molecular Sieves
Authors: Plamont Rémi , Kikkawa Yoshihiro , Takahashi Mayuko , Kanesato Masatoshi , Giorgi Michel , Chan Kam Shun Anita , Roussel Christian , Balaban Teodor Silviu
Published: July 2013

We have developed a high‐yielding synthesis of meso‐tetraalkylporphyrins, which previously have been obtained only in lower yields. By employing Montmorrilonite K10 as the acid catalyst and 3 Å molecular sieves as the dehydrating agent, yields that reached 70 % could be achieved with some aliphatic aldehydes. The free‐base porphyrins with decyl (C10) or longer chains were imaged at the single‐molecule level at the solvent/surface interface. Highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) was used as a π‐stacking surface, whereas 1‐phenyloctane and 1‐phenylnonane were used as solvents. An odd–even effect was observed from C13 to C16. For C13 a single‐crystal X‐ray structure allowed an unprecedented insight into how packing from two dimensions is expanded into a three‐dimensional crystal lattice.
Graphene Oxide Protected Nucleic Acid Probes for Bioanalysis and Biomedicine
Authors: Cui Liang , Song Yanling , Ke Guoliang , Guan Zhichao , Zhang Huimin , Lin Ya , Huang Yishun , Zhu Zhi , Yang Chaoyong James
Published: July 2013

Recently, the binding ability of DNA on GO and resulting nuclease resistance have attracted increasing attention, leading to new applications both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, nucleic acids absorbed on GO can be effectively protected from enzymatic degradation and biological interference in complicated samples, making it useful for targeted delivery, gene regulation, intracellular detection and imaging with high uptake efficiencies, high intracellular stability, and very low toxicity. In vitro, the adsorption of ssDNA on GO surface and desorption of dsDNA or well‐folded ssDNA from GO surface result in the protection and deprotection of DNA from nucleic digestion, respectively, which has led to target‐triggered cyclic enzymatic amplification methods (CEAM) for amplified detection of analytes with sensitivity 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than that of 1:1 binding strategies. This Concept article explores some of the latest developments in this field.
Differential Effects of Ornithine Enantiomers on the Activity of Anti‐oxidant Enzymes, Polyamines Content, and Growth of Tobacco Cells under Osmotic Stresses
Authors: Gholami Morteza , Ghanati Faezeh , Fakhari Ali Reza , Yousefzadeh Borojeni Laleh , Safari Masoumeh
Published: July 2013

Ornithine (Orn) plays an essential role in the metabolism of plant cells through incorporation in polyamines biosynthesis, the urea cycle and nitrogen metabolism. Herein, we show that Orn enantiomers have different effects on anti‐oxidant enzymes activities, polyamines and proline biosynthesis and also an alleviation effect of osmotic stresses on tobacco cells. The type of stress has a significant impact on the function of L‐ and D‐Orn for improvement of the stress effect on the cells. Under saline conditions, both enantiomers restored cell growth, though D‐Orn was more beneficial to some extent. This was accompanied with a higher biosynthesis of putrescine, proline, and up‐regulated activity of certain anti‐oxidant enzymes by D‐Orn. Under drought stress conditions, a distinct differential behavior emerged and only L‐Orn showed an alleviative effect on the cell growth. Regulation of hydrogen peroxide content via the activity of catalase/peroxidase and production of osmolytes, e.g., proline and fructans, was dependent on the type of enantiomers. Activity of anti‐oxidant enzymes and production of malondialdehyde from cell membranes were differently regulated following treatment with either Orn enantiomer. The results suggest that management of H2O2 content is a determining feature of the function of Orn enantiomers in tobacco cells under salinity and drought stress conditions. Chirality 25:583–588, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Marginal treatment benefit in anaplastic thyroid cancer
Authors: Haymart Megan R. , Banerjee Mousumi , Yin Huiying , Worden Francis , Griggs Jennifer J.
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Because anaplastic thyroid cancer is a rare malignancy with a high mortality rate, the benefit of multimodality treatment was evaluated.

METHODS

Overall survival was determined in the 2742 patients captured by the National Cancer Database who were diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer between 1998 and 2008. Kaplan‐Meier analysis and then Cox proportional hazard regression was performed, controlling for patient characteristics and treatment.

RESULTS

Only older age (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] for ≥ 85 years = 3.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.34‐5.03; for 75‐84 years, AHR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.97‐4.11; for 65‐74 years, AHR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.53‐3.15; for 45‐64 years, AHR = 2.08, 95% CI = 1.47‐2.95) and omission of treatment were associated with greater mortality (omission of surgery: AHR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.61‐1.99; omission of radiation therapy: AHR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.41‐1.73; and omission of chemotherapy: AHR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.15‐1.43). In subgroup analysis of patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage IVA, IVB, and IVC anaplastic thyroid cancer, combination therapy with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy was associated a difference in median survival of months.

CONCLUSIONS

Multimodality management of anaplastic thyroid cancer results in a marginal treatment benefit. The poor overall survival of all anaplastic thyroid cancer patients, regardless of treatment, emphasizes the need for informed patients whose preferences are incorporated into treatment decision‐making. Cancer 2013;119:3133–3139. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Higher surgeon and hospital volume improves long‐term survival after radical cystectomy
Authors: Kulkarni Girish S. , Urbach David R. , Austin Peter C. , Fleshner Neil E. , Laupacis Andreas
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

Hospital and surgeon (provider) volume are associated with clinically significant outcomes for many types of surgery. Volume‐outcome studies in patients undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer have focused primarily on postoperative mortality. In the current study, the authors assessed the effect of cystectomy provider volume on long‐term mortality.

METHODS

Using administrative databases, 2535 patients who underwent cystectomy by 199 surgeons in 90 hospitals in Ontario, Canada, between 1992 and 2004 were identified. The impact of provider volume on overall survival (OS) was assessed using Cox proportional hazards models fully adjusted for patient and tumor characteristics. Separate models were fit to examine the effect of surgeon and hospital volume. To confirm that the impact of volume on OS was independent of the effect of volume on short‐term mortality, analyses were repeated excluding those patients experiencing postoperative deaths.

RESULTS

Of 2535 patients, 1796 (70.9%) died during the study period. Both higher hospital volume (hazards ratio [per unit increase in average annual number of procedures], 0.995; 95% confidence interval, 0.990‐1.000 [P = .044]) and higher surgeon volume (hazards ratio, 0.984; 95% confidence interval, 0.975‐0.994 [P = .002]) were found to be significantly associated with improved OS. Excluding post‐operative deaths did not alter the results. Further analyses revealed that the benefit of high volume was attained by receiving care from either high‐volume hospitals or high‐volume surgeons.

CONCLUSIONS

High‐volume providers were associated with improved long‐term mortality rates compared with low‐volume providers. This finding was independent of the effect of volume on perioperative mortality, suggesting that provider volume effects continue to manifest long after surgery. Cancer 2013;119:3546–3554.. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Dynamic conformational transitions of the EGF receptor in living mammalian cells determined by FRET and fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy
Authors: Ziomkiewicz Iwona , Loman Anastasia , Klement Reinhard , Fritsch Cornelia , Klymchenko Andrey S. , Bunt Gertrude , Jovin Thomas M. , Arndt‐Jovin Donna J.
Published: July 2013

We have revealed a reorientation of ectodomain I of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR; ErbB1; Her1) in living CHO cells expressing the receptor, upon binding of the native ligand EGF. The state of the unliganded, nonactivated EGFR was compared to that exhibited after ligand addition in the presence of a kinase inhibitor that prevents endocytosis but does not interfere with binding or the ensuing conformational rearrangements. To perform these experiments, we constructed a transgene EGFR with an acyl carrier protein sequence between the signal peptide and the EGFR mature protein sequence. This protein, which behaves similarly to wild‐type EGFR with respect to EGF binding, activation, and internalization, can be labeled at a specific serine in the acyl carrier tag with a fluorophore incorporated into a 4′‐phosphopantetheine (P‐pant) conjugate transferred enzymatically from the corresponding CoA derivative. By measuring Förster resonance energy transfer between a molecule of Atto390 covalently attached to EGFR in this manner and a novel lipid probe NR12S distributed exclusively in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, we determined the apparent relative separation of ectodomain I from the membrane under nonactivating and activating conditions. The data indicate that the unliganded domain I of the EGFR receptor is situated much closer to the membrane before EGF addition, supporting the model of a self‐inhibited configuration of the inactive receptor in quiescent cells. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Study of low speed flow cytometry for diffraction imaging with different chamber and nozzle designs
Authors: Sa Yu , Feng Yuanming , Jacobs Kenneth M. , Yang Jun , Pan Ran , Gkigkitzis Ioannis , Lu Jun Q. , Hu Xin‐Hua
Published: July 2013

Achieving effective hydrodynamic focusing and flow stability at low speed presents a challenging design task in flow cytometry for studying phenomena such as cell adhesion and diffraction imaging of cells with low‐cost cameras. We have developed different designs of flow chamber and sheath nozzle to accomplish the above goal. A 3D computational model of the chambers has been established to simulate the fluid dynamics in different chamber designs and measurements have been performed to determine the velocity and size distributions of the core fluid from the nozzle. Comparison of the simulation data with experimental results shows good agreement. With the computational model significant insights were gained for optimization of the chamber design and improvement of the cell positioning accuracy for study of slow moving cells. The benefit of low flow speed has been demonstrated also by reduced blurring in the diffraction images of single cells. Based on these results, we concluded that the new designs of chamber and sheath nozzle produce stable hydrodynamic focusing of the core fluid at low speed and allow detailed study of cellular morphology under various rheological conditions using the diffraction imaging method. © 2013 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Combining genetic and demographic data for prioritizing conservation actions: insights from a threatened fish species
Authors: Paz‐Vinas Ivan , Comte Lise , Chevalier Mathieu , Dubut Vincent , Veyssiere Charlotte , Grenouillet Gaël , Loot Geraldine , Blanchet Simon
Published: July 2013

Prioritizing and making efficient conservation plans for threatened populations requires information at both evolutionary and ecological timescales. Nevertheless, few studies integrate multidisciplinary approaches, mainly because of the difficulty for conservationists to assess simultaneously the evolutionary and ecological status of populations. Here, we sought to demonstrate how combining genetic and demographic analyses allows prioritizing and initiating conservation plans. To do so, we combined snapshot microsatellite data and a 30‐year‐long demographic survey on a threatened freshwater fish species (Parachondrostoma toxostoma) at the river basin scale. Our results revealed low levels of genetic diversity and weak effective population sizes (<63 individuals) in all populations. We further detected severe bottlenecks dating back to the last centuries (200–800 years ago), which may explain the differentiation of certain populations. The demographic survey revealed a general decrease in the spatial distribution and abundance of P. toxostoma over the last three decades. We conclude that demo‐genetic approaches are essential for (1) identifying populations for which both evolutionary and ecological extinction risks are high; and (2) proposing conservation plans targeted toward these at risk populations, and accounting for the evolutionary history of populations. We suggest that demo‐genetic approaches should be the norm in conservation practices.
Platinum(II) Complexes Bearing 2‐(9,9‐Dihexadecyl‐7‐R‐fluoren‐2‐yl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline Ligands: Synthesis, Photophysics and Reverse Saturable Absorption
Authors: Liu Xu‐Guang , Sun Wenfang
Published: July 2013

Six platinum(II) complexes bearing 2‐(9,9‐dihexadecyl‐7‐R‐fluoren‐2‐yl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline ligands (R = NO2, CN, I, H, benzothiazole, thiophene for ligands 1–6, respectively) were synthesized and their photophysics and reverse saturable absorption (RSA) were systematically investigated. All complexes exhibit intense absorption bands between 350 and 450 nm, which are attributed to 1π,π*/1ILCT (intraligand charge transfer) transitions, and broad 1MLCT (metal to ligand charge transfer) transitions between 475 and 550 nm. All complexes are emissive at room temperature in a variety of solvents and at 77 K in butyronitrile glassy matrix, with the long‐lived, structured emission appearing between 600 and 750 nm. The emitting states are assigned to predominantly the 3π,π* state with an admixture of 3MLCT characters. Upon ns laser excitation at 355 nm, all complexes display broad, moderately strong transient absorption from the visible to the near‐IR region. As a result, RSA is observed from all complexes at 532 nm for ns laser pulses. The strength of the RSA for these complexes follows the trend: Pt‐2 > Pt‐3 > Pt‐4 > Pt‐1 >> Pt‐5 > Pt‐6, which correlates well with the trend of the estimated ΦTσex/σ0 values (where ΦT is the triplet excited state quantum yield, and σex and σ0 are the excited‐state and ground‐state absorption cross‐section, respectively) at 532 nm. It is revealed that substitution at the 7‐position of the fluorenyl component exerts a distinct effect on the photophysics and RSA of the complexes. Aromatic substituents such as benzothiazol‐2‐yl and 2‐thionyl cause pronounced red‐shifts of the absorption bands, the emission bands, and the transient difference absorption bands, but a decrease of the RSA at 532 nm.
Camelina sativa affects the fatty acid contents in M. longissimus muscle of lambs
Authors: Cieslak Adam , Stanisz Marek , Wojtowski Jacek , Pers‐Kamczyc Emilia , Szczechowiak Joanna , El‐Sherbiny Mohamed , Szumacher‐Strabel Malgorzata
Published: July 2013

Ruminant diets supplemented with different sources of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) may be effective for modulating the rumen biohydrogenation process as well as for de novo fatty acid synthesis in animal tissues. Such a supplementation may consequently improve the proportion of fatty acids in animal products. The obtained effect in animal products depends on the quantity and composition of dietary fat; particularly UFAs. This study illustrates the effect of diets in which two doses of Camelina sativa (100 and 200 g in concentrate dry matter, respectively) were given as the primary sources of UFAs. The study shows the effect on the fatty acid contents in longissimus dorsi muscle of lambs. Diets containing C. sativa led to higher contents of either C18:2 c9t11 or C18:2 t10c12 isomers in lamb muscle as well as an increase in vaccenic acid (VA), arachidonic acid (AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) contents. The results also indicated that the addition of C. sativa leads to a higher content of linoleic, oleic and alpha linolenic acids in lamb muscles.

Practical applications: The results of this study showed favorable changes in the UFA contents in longissimus dorsi muscle of lambs. The changes were obtained by supplementing the diets of the lambs with C. sativa cake, the plant cultivated as a biodiesel source. Inclusion of C. sativa cake in the concentrate dry matter for lambs may allow animal products to obtain the nutritionally desired fatty acids. Consumption of enriched products may act as chemopreventive agents and counteract the development of some human diseases.
Evaluation of analytical methodologies used to derive vulnerability functions
Authors: Silva V. , Crowley H. , Varum H. , Pinho R. , Sousa R.
Published: July 2013

The recognition of fragility and vulnerability functions as a fundamental tool in seismic risk assessment has led to the development of more and more complex and elaborate procedures for their computation. Although these functions have been traditionally produced using observed damage and loss data, more recent studies propose the employment of analytical methodologies as a way to overcome the frequent lack of post‐earthquake data. The variation of the structural modelling approach on the estimation of building capacity has been the target of many studies in the past; however, its influence on the resulting vulnerability model for classes of buildings, the impact in loss estimations or propagation of the uncertainty to the seismic risk calculations has so far been the object of limited scrutiny. In this paper, an extensive study of static and dynamic procedures for estimating the nonlinear response of buildings has been carried out to evaluate the impact of the chosen methodology on the resulting capacity, fragility, vulnerability and risk outputs. Moreover, the computational effort and numerical stability provided by each approach have been evaluated and conclusions drawn regarding the optimal balance between accuracy and complexity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Site response analysis with two‐dimensional numerical discontinuous deformation analysis method
Authors: Bao Huirong , Yagoda‐Biran Gony , Hatzor Yossef H.
Published: July 2013

The capability of the numerical discontinuous deformation analysis (DDA) method to perform site response analysis is tested. We begin with modeling one‐dimensional shear wave propagation through a stack of horizontal layers and compare the obtained resonance frequency and amplification with results obtained with SHAKE. We use the algorithmic damping in DDA to condition the damping ratio in DDA by changing the time step size and use the same damping ratio in SHAKE to enable meaningful comparisons. We obtain a good agreement between DDA and SHAKE, even though DDA is used with first order approximation and with simply deformable blocks, proving that the original DDA formulation is suitable for modeling one‐dimensional wave propagation problems. The ability of DDA to simulate wave propagation through structures is tested by comparing the resonance frequency obtained for a multidrum column when modeling it with DDA and testing it in the field using geophysical site response survey. When the numerical control parameters are properly selected, we obtain a reasonable agreement between DDA and the site response experiment in the field. We find that the choice of the contact spring stiffness, or the numerical penalty parameter, is directly related to the obtained resonance frequency in DDA. The best agreement with the field experiment is obtained with a relatively soft contact spring stiffness of k = (1/25)(E × L) where E and L are the Young's modulus and mean diameter of the drums in the tested column. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photovoltaics: between a bright outlook and uncertainty
Authors: Berberi Pellumb , Thodhorjani Spiro , Hoxha Perparim , Muda Valbona
Published: July 2013

There is “breakneck” growth in the global photovoltaics market, with the global market of photovoltaic cells growing by about 47% in 2009, 72% in 2010, and 74% in 2011. Global installed capacity in 2011 was three times more than 2009. Italy and Germany are leading with a 57% share of the global market. Costs are dropping rapidly and photovoltaic (PV) power generation is an attractive option for investors. Increasing support of European Union (EU) for renewable energy in general and PV aims to diversify sources of energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, on nuclear and on imported energy. Energy security is an important dimension for the EU. Almost all experts agree that there is no single technology that will provide a sustainable global supply of cleaner energy. However, the scale, the cost of the change needed and supporting policy and legislation are often subject to debate. High costs could be counterbalanced by economic yields from new businesses, the creation of new jobs, and economic growth from clean energy investments. The current situation in which Germany and Italy account for almost 2/3 of global PV market growth and, also, the strong reliance on supporting policies is unstable. If PV power generation is to continue growing, the balance of development will have to shift to new markets – both inside and outside of Europe. Fixed price policy is a game to be played with caution. This article highlights examples of Spain, Italy, and Germany that illustrate that without robust policy the system can be easily misbalanced. When – or even if – photovoltaic power does become cheap enough to compete without subsidies against more established energy sources, depends upon a number of uncertainties, including the continuing political will to provide financial support, and how readily developing nations such as China and India embrace renewable energies.
Assessment of factors that influence physician decision making regarding medication use in patients with dementia at the end of life
Authors: Parsons Carole , McCorry Noleen , Murphy Kevin , Byrne Stephen , O'Sullivan David , O'Mahony Denis , Passmore Peter , Patterson Susan , Hughes Carmel
Published: July 2013

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the extent to which patient‐related factors and physicians' country of practice (Northern Ireland [NI] and the Republic of Ireland [RoI]) influenced decision making regarding medication use in patients with end‐stage dementia.

Methods

The study utilised a factorial survey design comprising four vignettes to evaluate initiating/withholding or continuing/discontinuing specific medications in patients with dementia nearing death. Questionnaires and vignettes were mailed to all hospital physicians in geriatric medicine and to all general practitioners (GPs) in NI (November 2010) and RoI (December 2010), with a second copy provided 3 weeks after the first mailing. Logistic regression models were constructed to examine the impact of patient‐related factors and physicians' country of practice on decision making. Significance was set a priori at p ≤ 0.05. Free text responses to open questions were analysed qualitatively using content analysis.

Results

The response rate was 20.6% (N = 662) [21.1% (N = 245) for GPs and 52.1% (N = 38) for hospital physicians in NI, 18.3% (N = 348) for GPs and 36.0% (N = 31) for hospital physicians in RoI]. There was considerable variability in decision making about initiating/withholding antibiotics and continuing/discontinuing the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor and memantine hydrochloride, and less variability in decision making regarding statins and antipsychotics. Patient place of residence and physician's country of practice had the strongest and most consistent effects on decision making although effect sizes were small.

Conclusions

Further research is required into other factors that may impact upon physicians' prescribing decisions for these vulnerable patients and to clarify how the factors examined in this study influence prescribing decisions. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical mechanics of wind wave‐induced erosion in shallow tidal basins: Inferences from the Venice Lagoon
Authors: D'Alpaos Andrea , Carniello Luca , Rinaldo Andrea
Published: July 2013

Wind wave‐induced erosional effects are among the chief landscape‐forming processes in tidal biomorphodynamics. Wave‐driven bottom erosion, in fact, controls the equilibrium elevation and dynamics of subtidal and tidal flat surfaces, and the impact of waves against salt marsh margins influences their stability. The relevance of predictive studies projecting wind wave patterns in space and time is thus notable especially in view of the limited insight gained so far. Here we have employed a complete, coupled finite element model accounting for the role of wind waves and tidal currents on the hydrodynamic circulation in shallow basins to analyze the characteristics of combined current‐ and wave‐induced exceedances in bottom shear stress over a given threshold for erosion. The results of our analyses from the Venice Lagoon suggest that wind wave‐induced resuspension events can be modeled as a marked Poisson process, thus allowing one to set up a theoretical framework which can be used to model wind wave effects through the use of Monte Carlo realizations. This bears important consequences for quantitative analyses of the long‐term biomorphodynamic evolution of tidal landscapes.
Magma dynamics feeding Yasur's explosive activity observed using thermal infrared remote sensing
Authors: Bani Philipson , Harris Andrew J. L. , Shinohara Hiroshi , Donnadieu Franck
Published: July 2013

A thermal infrared thermometer was used to record the passage of hot gases and fragments across a measurement area located at the exit of one of Yasur's active vents. Recording was completed over 2 h during September 2011. A total of 200 explosive events were recorded. We define two types of event: low‐energy events with typical thermal energies of 14 kJ and high‐energy events with typical thermal energies of 97 kJ. Around 180 low‐energy events were recorded, which together released 457 kJ of radiant energy. In contrast, only 20 high‐energy events were recorded, but they released 2042 kJ. We suggest that low‐energy events originate from a relatively shallow, degassed magma reservoir and are associated with bursting of bubbles formed by bubble coalescence during ascent. Instead, high‐energy events originate from a relatively deep, fresh magma reservoir and are associated with slugs formed by foam collapse.
The dependence of equilibrium climate sensitivity on climate state: Applications to studies of climates colder than present
Authors: Kutzbach John E. , He Feng , Vavrus Steve J. , Ruddiman William F.
Published: July 2013

We investigate the sensitivity of climate to a broad range of greenhouse gas forcing with coupled atmosphere‐ocean general circulation models using atmospheric CO2 concentrations ranging from ~1400 to ~200 ppm. We show that climate sensitivity is greater when the base state climate is colder, a result noted previously but with models of much lower resolution and different parameterizations. The enhanced cold state sensitivity is more apparent in models coupled to dynamical versus slab oceans. The disproportionately large sensitivity for cold climates has applications to studies of climates colder than present.
Effects of the introduction of rice on evapotranspiration in seasonal wetlands
Authors: Suzuki Tetsuji , Ohta Takeshi , Hiyama Tetsuya , Izumi Yasuhiro , Mwandemele Osmund , Iijima Morio
Published: July 2013

Land use changes in wetland areas can alter evapotranspiration, a major component of the water balance, which eventually affects the water cycle and ecosystem. This study assessed the effect of introduced rice‐cropping on evapotranspiration in seasonal wetlands of northern Namibia. By using the Bowen ratio–energy balance method, measurements of evapotranspiration were performed over a period of 2.5 years at two wetland sites—a rice field (RF) and a natural vegetation field (NVF)—and at one upland field (UF) devoid of surface water. The mean evapotranspiration rates of RF (1.9 mm daytime−1) and NVF (1.8 mm daytime−1) were greater than that in UF (1.0 mm daytime−1). RF and NVF showed a slight difference in seasonal variations in evapotranspiration rates. During the dry season, RF evapotranspiration was less than the NVF evapotranspiration. The net radiation in RF was less in this period because of the higher albedo of the non‐vegetated surface after rice harvesting. In the early growth period of rice during the wet season, evapotranspiration in RF was higher than that in NVF, which was attributed to a difference in the evaporation efficiency and the transfer coefficient for latent heat that were both affected by leaf area index (LAI). Evapotranspiration sharply negatively responded to an increase in LAI when surface water is present according to sensitivity analysis, probably because a higher LAI over a surface suppresses evaporation. The control of LAI is therefore a key for reducing evaporation and conserving water. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of methotrexate exposure in apoptosis and proliferation during early neurulation
Authors: Wang Xiuwei , Wang Jianhua , Guan Tao , Xiang Qian , Wang Mingsheng , Guan Zhen , Li Guannan , Zhu Zhiqiang , Xie Qiu , Zhang Ting , Niu Bo
Published: July 2013

Apoptosis and proliferation play important roles in embryonic development and are required for neural tube closure. The antifolate drug methotrexate (MTX) induces folate dysmetabolism by inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase and causes abnormal apoptosis and proliferation. In this study, we established an animal model of neural tube defects (NTDs) using MTX to investigate the role of apoptosis and proliferation in NTDs caused by folate deficiency. Differential gene expressions were studied by microarray and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in the NTD animal model. Results showed that 30.8% of NTDs were caused by using MTX in treatment regimens. Microarray indicated that 166 genes were significantly different between the control and NTD mice, including four apoptosis‐related genes (Endog, Trp53, Casp3, Bax) and three proliferation‐related genes (Ptch1, Pla2g4a, Foxg1). Levels of Endog, Trp53, Casp3, Bax (fold change > 1.5) were upregulated but Ptch1, Pla2g4a, Foxg1 (fold change < 0.67) were downregulated (P < 0.05). These results were confirmed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. TUNEL, immunohistochemical assays and Western blot were further used to detect apoptosis and proliferation in the NTD animal model. It was found that apoptosis in neuroepithelial cells was increased as determined by TUNEL (P < 0.05). Expressions of caspase‐3 were significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) but expressions of phosphohistone H3 were greatly decreased (P < 0.05). These results concluded that MTX caused a folate and folate‐associated dysmetabolism, and further induced abnormal apoptosis and proliferation, which may play a critical role in the occurrence of NTDs caused by folate deficiency. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rumination, Substance Use, and Self‐Harm in a Representative Australian Adult Sample
Authors: Tait Robert J. , Brinker Jay , Moller Carl I. , French Davina J.
Published: July 2013

Background

There are few data on self‐harm in the general population, especially examining the roles of rumination and substance use.

Objectives

To evaluate the inter‐relationships of rumination, self‐harm, and potential mediating variables.

Method

A cohort with follow‐up every 4 years involving a random sample of adults aged 20–24 and 40–44 years (at baseline) living in Australia. The survey included items on three common forms of self‐harm. Other measures included rumination, Goldberg Anxiety and Depression scales, substance use, coping style (Brief COPE), and demographic risk factors.

Results

The sample comprised 2,184 women and 1,942 men with 287 self‐harm cases (7.0%). Depression and coping style were significant mediators of rumination on self‐harm for men, with depression being the only robust mediator for women. For males, age and education were also significantly associated, while for women, age, smoking, trauma, and sexual abuse were significant.

Conclusions

Men and women differ on mediators of self‐harm.
CD43 Signals Prepare Human T Cells to Receive Cytokine Differentiation Signals
Authors: Galindo‐Albarrán A.O. , Ramírez‐Pliego O. , Labastida‐Conde R.G. , Melchy‐Pérez E.I. , Liquitaya‐Montiel A. , Esquivel‐Guadarrama F.R. , Rosas‐Salgado G. , Rosenstein Y. , Santana M.A.
Published: July 2013

T cells are increasingly used for passive immunotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. Proper ex‐vivo management of the cells is important for the desired therapeutic effects. For differentiation into effector cells of the Th1 and Th2 phenotypes, T‐cells require signals from IFNγ and IL‐4, respectively. Naïve cells have an extremely low expression of the specific receptors that recognize these cytokines, indicating that in order to differentiate, cells need to perceive other signals that will enable them to sense the cytokine milieu. CD43 has been proposed as one of the molecules that make the initial contacts with antigen presenting cells. We report here that in cord blood, adult naïve and total human T cells, CD43 signals induced the expression of both IFNγ and IL‐4 receptors, mediate their capping, increased their signaling and augmented differentiation mediated by these receptors. CD43 signals also stimulated the expression of IFNγ and in neonatal cells that of IL‐4 as well. These data demonstrate an important role for CD43 signals in T‐cell preparedness for differentiation into effector cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 172–180, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interaction of serum amyloid A with human cystatin C—assessment of amino acid residues crucial for hCC–SAA formation (part II)
Authors: Spodzieja Marta , Rafalik Monika , Szymańska Aneta , Kołodziejczyk Aleksandra S. , Czaplewska Paulina
Published: July 2013

Secondary amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is an important complication of some chronic inflammatory diseases, primarily rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is a serious, potentially life‐threatening disorder caused by the deposition of AA fibrils, which are derived from the circulatory, acute‐phase‐reactant, serum amyloid A protein (SAA). Recently, a specific interaction between SAA and the ubiquitous inhibitor of cysteine proteases—human cystatin C (hCC)—has been proved. Using a combination of selective proteolytic excision and high‐resolution mass spectrometry, the binding sites in the SAA and hCC sequences were assessed as SAA(86–104) and hCC(96–102), respectively. Here, we report further details concerning the hCC–SAA interaction. With the use of affinity tests and florescent ELISA‐like assays, the amino acid residues crucial for the protein interaction were determined. It was shown that all amino acid residues in the SAA sequence, essential for the formation of the protein complex, are basic ones, which suggests an electrostatic interaction character. The idea is corroborated by the fact that the most important residues in the hCC sequence are Ser‐98 and Tyr‐102; these residues are able to form hydrogen bonds via their hydroxyl groups. The molecular details of hCC–SAA complex formation might be helpful for the design of new compounds modulating the biological role of both proteins. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.