bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering in Integrated Project Teams
Authors: Dawson A. J.
Published: November 2014

Development teams consisting of user and contractor personnel are becoming recognised as the best way to deliver systems which are focused on the needs of the user. Whilst there are obvious project management and contractual issues, there are also impacts on the engineering process. This paper describes those issues and the lessons learnt from a real project In summary one needs to build on the different skills users and engineers possess, to have a defined engineering process with clearly defined roles, to have a subset of engineering data specially tailored to be understandable to the users and a managed mechanism for assessing and prioritising user comments. These lessons can be applied to a wide range of project types where a mixture of non‐engineers and engineers have to work together.
Using RDD‐1001 to Develop Technical Baseline at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory
Authors: Gibson Patrick L.
Published: November 2014

RDD‐100 was used to develop the technical baseline for infrastructure operations at the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory (INEEL). Systems engineers in the Environmental Management Integration (EMI) office of Lockheed Martin Idaho Technologies Company (LMITCO), working with functional managers in the infrastructure organizations, developed the technical baseline. Key elements were entered into the RDD‐100 systems engineering tool to provide an easily maintained, dynamic baseline database. The baseline is placed under configuration control and will serve as the foundation for change control and work scope evaluations.
Effect of microseparation on contact mechanics in metal‐on‐metal hip replacements—A finite element analysis
Authors: Liu Feng , Williams Sophie , Fisher John
Published: November 2014

Some early failures of metal‐on‐metal (MoM) hip replacements associated with elevated wear have caused concerns for the use of this bearing combination. Simulator studies have shown that microseparation and its associated rim contact and edge loading may produce the most severe wear in MoM bearings. It is generally recognized that this high wear can be attributed to the high contact stress of the head on the rim of the cup. In this study, an improved finite element contact model that incorporates an elastic‐perfectly plastic material property for cobalt‐chrome alloy of the metal bearing was developed in an attempt to provide an accurate prediction of the stress and strain for the rim contact. The effects of the microseparation displacement (0.1−2 mm), cup inclination angle (25−65°) and cup rim radius (0.5−4 mm) on the contact stress/strain were investigated. The results show that a translational displacement >0.1 mm under a load >0.5 kN can produce a highly concentrated contact stress at the surface of the cup rim which can lead to plastic deformation. This study also suggests that the magnitude of translational displacement was the major factor that determined the severity of the contact conditions and level of stress and strain under microseparation conditions. Future studies will address the effect of surgical translational and rotational malposition and component design on the magnitude of microseparation, contact stress and strain and severity of wear. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part B: Applied Biomaterials Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1312–1319, 2015.
TNFα Shedding in Mechanically Stressed Cardiomyocytes is Mediated by Src Activation of TACE
Authors: Niu Airu , Wang Bin , Li Yi‐Ping
Published: November 2014

Synthesized by the heart under hemodynamic overloading (mechanical stress), TNFα exerts complex effects on the heart —beneficial as a membrane protein and detrimental as a secreted protein, which presents a dilemma in the treatment of congestive heart failure. We postulate that by selectively blocking mechanical stress‐induced cardiomyocyte secretion of TNFα, a function of TNFα converting enzyme (TACE), the detrimental effect of TNFα can be mitigated. However, the mechanism through which mechanical stress activates TACE in cardiomyocytes is unknown. Here, we report a molecular mechanism that mediates TACE activation in mechanically stressed cardiomyocytes. We found that the non‐receptor tyrosine kinase Src mediates TACE activation in mechanically stretched rat cardiomyocytes by phosphorylating the Tyr‐702 residue within the intracellular tail of TACE. The rapid activation of Src in mechanically stretched cardiomyocytes is followed by TACE phosphorylation on Tyr‐702, leading to activation of p38 MAPK, a kinase that is an effector of TNFα receptor activation. Pharmacological inhibition or silencing of Src attenuated stretch‐induced TACE phosphorylation on Tyr‐702 and p38 activation. Overexpression of a TACE mutant in which Tyr‐702 was replaced by alanine (TACE‐Y702A) attenuated stretch‐induced TNFα release from cardiomyocytes as well as activation of p38. These data suggests that Src mediates TACE activation in mechanically stressed cardiomyocytes and this mechanism could be exploited for specific blockade of TNFα secretion and its detrimental effects in congestive heart failure. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 559–565, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Hepatic Transcriptome of Young Suckling and Aging Intrauterine Growth Restricted Male Rats
Authors: Freije William A. , Thamotharan Shanthie , Lee Regina , Shin Bo‐Chul , Devaskar Sherin U.
Published: November 2014

Intrauterine growth restriction leads to the development of adult onset obesity/metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, dyslipidemia, and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease/steatohepatitis. Continued postnatal growth restriction has been shown to ameliorate many of these sequelae. To further our understanding of the mechanism of how intrauterine and early postnatal growth affects adult health we have employed Affymetrix microarray‐based expression profiling to characterize hepatic gene expression of male offspring in a rat model of maternal nutrient restriction in early and late life. At day 21 of life (p21) combined intrauterine and postnatal calorie restriction treatment led to expression changes in circadian, metabolic, and insulin‐like growth factor genes as part of a larger transcriptional response that encompasses 144 genes. Independent and controlled experiments at p21 confirm the early life circadian, metabolic, and growth factor perturbations. In contrast to the p21 transcriptional response, at day 450 of life (d450) only seven genes, largely uncharacterized, were differentially expressed. This lack of a transcriptional response identifies non‐transcriptional mechanisms mediating the adult sequelae of intrauterine growth restriction. Independent experiments at d450 identify a circadian defect as well as validate expression changes to four of the genes identified by the microarray screen which have a novel association with growth restriction. Emerging from this rich dataset is a portrait of how the liver responds to growth restriction through circadian dysregulation, energy/substrate management, and growth factor modulation. J. Cell. Biochem. 9999: 1–15, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 566–579, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel method to predict body weight in children based on age and morphological facial features
Authors: Huang Ziyin , Barrett Jeffrey S. , Barrett Kyle , Barrett Ryan , Ng Chee M.
Published: November 2014

A new and novel approach of predicting the body weight of children based on age and morphological facial features using a three‐layer feed‐forward artificial neural network (ANN) model is reported. The model takes in four parameters, including age‐based CDC‐inferred median body weight and three facial feature distances measured from digital facial images. In this study, thirty‐nine volunteer subjects with age ranging from 6–18 years old and BW ranging from 18.6–96.4 kg were used for model development and validation. The final model has a mean prediction error of 0.48, a mean squared error of 18.43, and a coefficient of correlation of 0.94. The model shows significant improvement in prediction accuracy over several age‐based body weight prediction methods. Combining with a facial recognition algorithm that can detect, extract and measure the facial features used in this study, mobile applications that incorporate this body weight prediction method may be developed for clinical investigations where access to scales is limited.
THE SHORT‐ AND LONG‐TERM EFFECTS OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS: EVIDENCE FROM ETHIOPIA
Authors: Petrikova Ivica
Published: November 2014

This paper examines the short‐term and long‐term impact of development projects on recipients' wellbeing in Ethiopia. Specifically, it compares the effects of five types of development projects—unconditional and conditional direct transfers, agricultural and social‐infrastructure knowledge transfers, and credit projects—on children's nutrition and on household consumption and income levels. The main finding is that knowledge transfers have the largest positive impact on children's nutritional status and household consumption, in both the short and the long term. The impact of direct transfers on children's health is also positive but less significant, whereas the effect of credit projects is here undetectable. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CHALLENGES IN EVALUATING DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATIONS: THE CASE OF A STREET THEATRE PROGRAMME TO ADDRESS RACISM
Authors: Hanley Teresa
Published: November 2014

An evaluation of a pilot street theatre programme presented challenges and stimulated reflections on how evaluation can better contribute to build knowledge on communication for development. The programme addressed racism in Botswana, Kenya, Rwanda and Dominican Republic. It engaged communities effectively. The evaluation faced challenges in dealing with this sensitive subject, dealing with local partners limited monitoring capacity and methodological challenges to assess attitudes and change. It suggests the need for greater collaboration across evaluation and research and among different specialisms to address the evidence and methodological challenges, as well as more resourcing of impact evaluation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of lesion location on the progression of osteoarthritis in a rat knee model
Authors: Knapik Derrick M. , Harrison Ryan K. , Siston Robert A. , Agarwal Sudha , Flanigan David C.
Published: November 2014

To investigate how surgically created acute full‐thickness cartilage defects of similar size and location created on the medial versus lateral femoral condyle influence progression of spontaneous cartilage lesions in a rat model. Full‐thickness cartilage defects of 1 mm were surgically created on the medial or lateral femoral condyles on the right leg of 20 rats (n = 10/group). Ten rats served as controls. Spontaneous lesion progression on the ipsilateral and contralateral surfaces was examined using a high‐resolution digital camera along with H&E and Safranin‐O staining. Chondral defects were scored grossly and histologically. Control femur displayed no cartilage disruption. Surgically treated knees exhibited created and spontaneous cartilage defects with no evidence of healing unless subchondral bone was penetrated. Ipsilateral spontaneous lesions on the lateral condyle were significantly more severe on average (p = 0.009) compared to medial lesions on gross examination. Histological examination found contralateral lesions on the lateral surface following surgically created medial lesions to be more severe (p = 0.057) compared to contralateral lesions. A trend toward more susceptible chondral damage to the lateral condyle was observed following acute lesion creation on either medial or lateral condyles. Mechanisms behind this pattern of spontaneous lesion development are unclear, requring further investigation. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:237–245, 2015.
A contemporary overview of silicon availability in agricultural soils
Authors: Haynes Richard J.
Published: November 2014

Our current understanding of silicon (Si) availability in agricultural soils is reviewed and knowledge gaps are highlighted. Silicon is a beneficial rather than essential plant nutrient and yield responses to its application have been frequently demonstrated in Si‐accumulator crops such as rice and sugarcane. These crops are typically grown on highly weathered (desilicated) soils where soil solution Si concentrations are low. Increased yields are the result of simultaneous increases in plant tolerance to a wide range of biotic (plant pathogens, insect pests) and abiotic (water shortage, excess salts, metal toxicities) stresses. Traditionally, soil solution Si is viewed as being supplied by dissolution of primary and secondary minerals and buffered by adsorption/desorption of silicate onto Al and Fe hydrous oxide surfaces. In recent years it has become recognized that phytogenic cycling of Si [uptake of Si by plants, formation of phytogenic silica (SiO2 · nH2O) mainly in leaves and subsequent return of this silica to soils in plant litter] is the main determinant of soil solution Si concentrations in natural forests and grasslands. Considerable diminution of the phytogenic Si pool in agricultural soils is likely due to regular removal of Si in harvested products. A range of extractants (unbuffered salts, acetate‐based solutions, and acids) can provide valuable information on the Si status of soils and the likelihood of a yield response in rice and sugarcane. The most common Si fertilizers used are industrial byproducts (e.g., blast furnace slag, steel slag, ferromanganous slag, Ca slag). Since agriculture promotes soil desilication and Si is presently being promoted as a broad spectrum plant prophylactic, the future use of Si in agriculture is likely to increase.

Aspects that require future research include the role of specific adsorption of silicate onto hydrous oxides, the significance of phytogenic Si in agricultural soils, the extent of loss of phytogenic Si due to crop harvest, the role of hydroxyaluminosilicate formation in fertilized soils, and the effect of soil pH on Si availability.
Infrared–metabolomics approach in detecting changes in Andrographis paniculata metabolites due to different harvesting ages and times
Authors: Yusof Nur A'thifah , Isha Azizul , Ismail Intan Safinar , Khatib Alfi , Shaari Khozirah , Abas Faridah , Rukayadi Yaya
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

The metabolite changes in three germplasm accessions of Malaysia Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F.) Nees, viz. 11265 (H), 11341 (P) and 11248 (T), due to their different harvesting ages and times were successfully evaluated by attenuated total reflectance (ATR)–Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and translated through multivariate data analysis of principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least square–discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA). This present study revealed the feasibility of ATR‐FTIR in detecting the trend changes of the major metabolites – andrographolide and neoandrographolide – functional groups in A. paniculata leaves of different accessions. The harvesting parameter was set at three different ages of 120, 150 and 180 days after transplanting (DAT) and at two different time sessions of morning (7:30–10:30 am) and evening (2:30–5.30 pm).

RESULTS

OPLS‐DA successfully discriminated the A. paniculata crude extracts into groups of which the main constituents – andrographolide and neoandrographolide – could be mainly observed in the morning session of 120 DAT for P and T, while H gave the highest intensities of these constituents at 150 DAT.

CONCLUSION

The information extracted from ATR‐FTIR data through OPLS‐DA could be useful in tailoring this plant harvest stage in relation to the content of its two major diterpene lactones: andrographolide and neoandrographolide. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Competition in liver transplantation: Helpful or harmful?
Authors: Saidi Reza F. , Razavi Moaven , Cosimi A. Benedict , Ko Dicken S. C.
Published: November 2014

Improved outcomes of liver transplantation have led to increases in the numbers of US transplant centers and candidates on the list. The resultant and ever‐expanding organ shortage has created competition among centers, especially in regions with multiple liver transplant programs. Multiple reports now document that competition among the country's transplant centers has led to the listing of increasingly high‐risk patients and the utilization of more marginal liver allografts. The transplant and medical communities at large should carefully re‐evaluate these practices and promote innovative approaches to restoring trust in the allocation of donor organs and confirming that there is nationwide conformity in the guidelines used for evaluating and listing potential candidates for this scarce resource. Liver Transpl 21:145‐150, 2015. © 2014 AASLD.
Potential role of the donor in hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation
Authors: Vagefi Parsia A. , Dodge Jennifer L. , Yao Francis Y. , Roberts John P.
Published: November 2014

A subset of liver transplantation (LT) recipients who undergo transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) will develop postoperative recurrence. There has yet to be a thorough investigation of donor factors influencing recurrence. Data regarding adult, primary LT recipients with HCC (n = 5002) who underwent transplantation between January 1, 2006 and September 30, 2010 were extracted from the United Network for Organ Sharing database, and the cumulative incidence of post‐LT recurrence by donor factors was subsequently estimated. Among the HCC LT recipients, 324 (6.5%) developed recurrence. An analysis of donor characteristics demonstrated a higher cumulative incidence of recurrence within 4 years of transplantation among recipients with donors ≥ 60 years old (11.8% versus 7.3% with donors < 60 years old, P < 0.001) and with donors from a nonlocal share distribution (10.6% versus 7.4% with donors with a local share distribution, P = 0.004). The latter 2 findings held true in a multivariate analysis: the risk of HCC recurrence increased by 70% for recipients of livers from donors ≥ 60 years old [subhazard ratio (SHR) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31‐2.20, P < 0.001] and by 42% for recipients of nonlocal share distribution livers (SHR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.09‐1.84, P = 0.009) after adjustments for clinical characteristics. In conclusion, the consideration of certain donor factors may reduce the cumulative incidence of posttransplant HCC recurrence and thus improve long‐term survival after LT. Liver Transpl 21:187‐194, 2015. © 2014 AASLD.
Diblock Copolymers of Polyethylene Glycol and a Polymethacrylamide with Side‐Chains Containing Twin Ortho Ester Rings: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation as Potential pH‐Responsive Micelles
Authors: Zhou Xiaojing , Luo Shi , Tang Rupei , Wang Rui , Wang Jun
Published: November 2014

The diblock copolymer, PEG‐b‐PMEA, was synthesized by reversible‐addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). The PMEA block contained a polymethacrylamide backbone and twin ortho ester rings in the side‐chains. At neutral pH, PEG‐b‐PMEA self‐assembled to form stable micelles. At pH 5, the twin ortho ester rings were quickly hydrolyzed to completion in 12 h, and releasing nearly 70% of the encapsulated Nile Red dye. The PEG‐b‐PMEA micelles were completely nontoxic to cultured cells as determined by the MTT assay. Paclitaxel (PTX)‐loaded micelles showed toxicity toward lung cancer cells comparable to that of the free PTX at equivalent doses. These results suggest that the PEG‐b‐PMEA micelles could be useful nano‐carriers for pH‐responsive delivery of poorly soluble anticancer drugs.
Apathy in untreated early‐stage Parkinson disease: Relationship with other non‐motor symptoms
Authors: Dujardin Kathy , Langlois Carole , Plomhause Lucie , Carette Anne‐Sophie , Delliaux Marie , Duhamel Alain , Defebvre Luc
Published: November 2014

Apathy is a frequent and disabling behavioral disorder in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Its prevalence in treatment‐naive patients with early‐stage PD has not been extensively investigated. Moreover, whether apathy is related to other non‐motor symptoms in early‐stage PD is unknown. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and features of apathy and associated factors in a group of treatment‐naive patients with early‐stage PD. Ninety‐five treatment‐naive patients with early‐stage PD participated in the study. Apathy, depression, motor symptoms, and overall cognitive efficiency were assessed. The presence of the main non‐motor symptoms was checked during a detailed clinical interview. Group comparisons were carried out to investigate the association with apathy. Eighteen patients (18.95%) were diagnosed as apathetic, and five of the latter had concomitant depression. Apathetic patients had significantly more severe motor symptoms (P < 0.001) and a lower cognitive status (P = 0.032) than non‐apathetic patients. When considering non‐motor symptoms, apathy was significantly associated only with fatigue (P = 0.007) and anhedonia (P = 0.010), both of which were more prevalent in apathetic patients than in non‐apathetic patients. In treatment‐naive patients with early‐stage PD, apathy was significantly associated with more severe motor symptoms and a lower cognitive status. After adjustment for these factors, apathy appeared to be a relatively isolated, independent symptom because the only other associated non‐motor symptoms were fatigue and anhedonia. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
SENSE and simultaneous multislice imaging
Authors: Zahneisen Benjamin , Ernst Thomas , Poser Benedikt A.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

Simultaneous multislice (SMS) acquisitions play an important role in the challenge of increasing single‐shot imaging speed. We show that sensitivity encoding in two spatial dimensions (two‐dimensional sensitivity encoding [2D‐SENSE]) can be used to reconstruct SMS acquisitions with periodic but otherwise arbitrary undersampling patterns.

Theory and Methods

By adopting a 3D k‐space representation of the SMS sampling process, the accelerated in‐plane and slice‐encoding directions form a 2D‐reconstruction problem that is equivalent to volumetric controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration (CAIPIRINHA). 2D‐SENSE does not otherwise distinguish between standard volumetric and SMS imaging with arbitrary CAIPIRINHA sampling.

Results

Use of the SENSE algorithm is demonstrated for in vivo brain data obtained with blipped‐CAIPRINHA sampling in 2D SMS‐echo planar imaging (EPI) and rapid acquisition with relaxation enhancement (RARE) acquisitions as well as 3D‐EPI with various in‐plane and through‐plane acceleration factors and CAIPIRINHA shifts. The proposed SENSE reconstruction works for any combination of SMS‐factor and CAIPIRINHA shift by the addition of “dummy slices” that allow for noninteger undersampling in the slice direction. Images with commonly used slice‐generalized autocalibrating partially parallel acquisitions reconstruction are shown for reference.

Conclusion

SENSE is conceptually simple and provides a one‐step reconstruction along both undersampled dimensions. It also provides a contrast‐independent parallel imaging reconstruction for SMS. Magn Reson Med 74:1356–1362, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Free‐running 4D whole‐heart self‐navigated golden angle MRI: Initial results
Authors: Coppo Simone , Piccini Davide , Bonanno Gabriele , Chaptinel Jérôme , Vincenti Gabriella , Feliciano Hélène , van Heeswijk Ruud B. , Schwitter Juerg , Stuber Matthias
Published: November 2014

Purpose

To test the hypothesis that both coronary anatomy and ventricular function can be assessed simultaneously using a single four‐dimensional (4D) acquisition.

Methods

A free‐running 4D whole‐heart self‐navigated acquisition incorporating a golden angle radial trajectory was implemented and tested in vivo in nine healthy adult human subjects. Coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) datasets with retrospective selection of acquisition window width and position were extracted and quantitatively compared with baseline self‐navigated electrocardiography (ECG) ‐triggered coronary MRA. From the 4D datasets, the left‐ventricular end‐systolic, end‐diastolic volumes (ESV & EDV) and ejection fraction (EF) were computed and compared with values obtained from conventional 2D cine images.

Results

The 4D datasets enabled dynamic assessment of the whole heart with isotropic spatial resolution of 1.15 mm3. Coronary artery image quality was very similar to that of the ECG‐triggered baseline scan despite some SNR penalty. A good agreement between 4D and 2D cine imaging was found for EDV, ESV, and EF.

Conclusion

The hypothesis that both coronary anatomy and ventricular function can be assessed simultaneously in vivo has been tested positive. Retrospective and flexible acquisition window selection allows to best visualize each coronary segment at its individual time point of quiescence. Magn Reson Med 74:1306–1316, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Examination of A New Psychometric Method for Optimizing Multi–Faceted Assessment Instruments in the Context of Trait Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Siegling A. B. , Petrides K. V. , Martskvishvili Khatuna
Published: November 2014

Driven by the challenge of representing and measuring psychological attributes, this article outlines a psychometric method aimed at identifying problem facets. The method, which integrates theoretical and empirical steps, is applied in the context of the construct of trait emotional intelligence (trait EI), using data from six different samples (N = 1284) collected across Europe. Alternative representations of the trait EI variance, derived from the outcome variables used in previous validation studies of the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire, were regressed on the 15 trait EI facets using the stepwise method. The analyses revealed five facets, which did not occupy unique construct variance in any of the six samples. As expected, a composite of the remaining 10 facets consistently showed greater construct validity than the original 15–facet composite. Implications for construct and scale development are discussed, and directions for further validation of the method and for its application to other constructs are provided. © 2014 The Authors. European Journal of Personality published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of European Association of Personality Psychology.
Compliance switching for adhesion control
Authors: Risan Jared , Croll Andrew B. , Azarmi Fardad
Published: November 2014

Climbing lizards display numerous advanced features in their locomotion, notably a method to quickly switch between a state of low and high adhesive force capacity. Inspired by the gecko's adhesive switching, a method of mechanically switching between low and high adhesive states is reported. In particular, the first switching of an adhesive system using only a change in system compliance is demonstrated. Mechanical clamping and a novel magnetic clamping system are used to switch an iron/PDMS composite adhesive between a soft and rigid state. The switch in compliance directly influences the maximum load of the adhesive as measured in lap‐shear. Notably, contact area and the contact chemistry remain unaltered despite significant changes in force capacity. The demonstration of a compliance‐only switching mechanism has broad implications for understanding natural adhesive systems—especially in organisms that can dynamically alter their rigidity (e.g. cells). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 48–57
mAb806 binding to epidermal growth factor receptor: a computational study
Authors: Ng Yao Zong , Kannan Srinivasaraghavan , Lane David P. , Fuentes Gloria , Verma Chandra S.
Published: November 2014

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important target in the treatment of cancer. A very potent antibody, mAb806, has been developed against overexpressed EGFR and was found to be particularly active in brain tumors. Structural studies reveal that it binds to an epitope on the extracellular region of the EGFR. However, this epitope is cryptic/buried in crystal structures of the active (untethered) and inactive (tethered) EGFR, and it is unclear as to how the antibody interacts with this region. To explore this interaction, we combined molecular docking, steered molecular dynamics, and equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Our computational models reveal that the antibody induces local unfolding around the epitope to form the antibody–EGFR complex. In addition, regions in the vicinity of the epitope also modulate the interaction, which are in accordance with several other known antibody–antigen interactions, and offers new possibilities for the design of antibodies with increased potency and specificity for this receptor. Proteins 2015; 83:153–168. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crowding, satiation, and saturation: The days of television series' lives
Authors: Barroso Alicia , Giarratana Marco S. , Reis Samira , Sorenson Olav
Published: November 2014

The performance of firms depends not just on the structure of the industries in which they compete but also on their relative positioning within those industries, in terms of operating within particular niches. We propose that demand for these niches depends endogenously on the historical ecology of the products offered:Niches become saturated—reduced in their ability to support products—as a large number of previous offerings allows the audience to satisfy its desire for products of a particular type. Analyzing the survival rates of television series aired in theUnitedStates from 1946 to 2003, we found that the survival rates of future entrants fell with the extensiveness of recent offerings in the niche, and that the negative association between crowding and survival also weakened with this saturation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abstraction and approximation in fuzzy temporal logics and models
Authors: Sotudeh Gholamreza , Movaghar Ali
Published: November 2014

Recently, by defining suitable fuzzy temporal logics, temporal properties of dynamic systems are specified during model checking process, yet a few numbers of fuzzy temporal logics along with capable corresponding models are developed and used in system design phase, moreover in case of having a suitable model, it suffers from the lack of a capable model checking approach. Having to deal with uncertainty in model checking paradigm, this paper introduces a fuzzy Kripke model (FzKripke) and then provides a verification approach using a novel logic called Fuzzy Computation Tree Logic* (FzCTL*). Not only state space explosion is handled using well-known concepts like abstraction and bisimulation, but an approximation method is also devised as a novel technique to deal with this problem. Fuzzy program graph, a generalization of program graph and FzKripke, is also introduced in this paper in consideration of higher level abstraction in model construction. Eventually modeling, and verification of a multi-valued flip-flop is studied in order to demonstrate capabilities of the proposed models.
Fire temperature effects on perennial grasses from northwestern Patagonian grasslands
Authors: Gonzalez Sofía L. , Ghermandi Luciana , Peláez Daniel V.
Published: November 2014

Post‐fire recovery of perennial plants depends on their capacity to regrow from surviving meristems. Plants are adapted to a particular fire regime, which can be altered by human activities and climatic change. Therefore, predicting the impact of changing fire regimes on post‐fire vegetation recovery has become a major ecological concern. We studied the effects of fire temperature on survival and growth of the dominant tussock grasses Festuca pallescens and Pappostipa speciosa for two post‐fire growing seasons in NW Patagonian grasslands. Using a portable propane burner, we applied two fire temperature treatments to individual plants: 200–500 °C (low temperature) and 500–900 °C (high temperature). Plant mortality was higher in F. pallescens than in P. speciosa, possibly due to morphological differences. Fire damaged active meristems in both species, which delayed emergence of new tillers. This in turn affected leaf length of tillers, which was lower in burned plants during the first growing season. Despite this, growth rate was higher in burned plants once they regrow only during the first growing season. In summer, post‐fire hot and dry conditions affected F. pallescens survival. Although fire temperature affected negatively F. pallescens survival, both tussock grasses recovered quickly after the experimental burns. This response could favour their persistence and dominance in the community. Our study increases understanding of post‐fire responses in grasslands and will provide important rangeland management information for grasslands in Patagonia.
Impact of Canolol‐Enriched Extract from Heat‐Treated Canola Meal to Enhance Oil Quality Parameters in Deep‐Frying: a Comparison with Rosemary Extract and TBHQ‐Fortified Oil Systems
Authors: Matthäus Bertrand , Pudel Frank , Chen Yougui , Achary Ayyapan , Thiyam‐Holländer Usha
Published: November 2014

Canolol‐enriched extracts obtained from the extraction of fluidized bed treated canola meal with supercritical carbon dioxide were added to high‐oleic canola oil in different concentrations (200, 500 and 750 mg/kg). After 30 h of deep‐fat frying, oils fortified with canolol‐enriched extracts showed a two to three times better frying performance in comparison to the commonly used antioxidants (TBHQ, 200 mg/kg; rosemary extract, 40 and 200 mg/kg) and a control without antioxidants with regards to the formation of di‐ and polymer triacylglycerols, total polar compounds, secondary degradation products (anisidine value) and the iodine value. The canolol‐enriched extracts were also able to slow down the degradation of α‐ and γ‐tocopherol during frying resulting in significant amounts of tocopherols after 30 h of frying in comparison to the other oils. The influence of the canolol‐enriched extracts indicated strongly concentration‐dependent performance. With increasing concentration of the extract, the thermal stability of the fortified oil was improved. The only disadvantage of the addition of the extracts was an increase in the initial acid value, but within the frying time, only oil fortified with 750 mg canolol‐enriched extract/kg reached the limit given in different countries.
The Complexity of Trust in Business Collaborations
Authors: Jarratt Denise , Ceric Arnela
Published: November 2014

Research on trust in business collaborations is generally founded on the premises that: a) cognitive trust is initially defined within contractual procedures; b) positive experiences lead to adjustments in contractual and/or informal arrangements, and c) cognitive trust is eventually supplanted by affective trust. This dynamic, process view of trust fails to capture the impact of trust experiences in external collaborations on trust emergence in a focal collaboration, and the complexity of trust co-evolution as each actor interprets and responds to the other's communication, behaviour and action. A complexity conceptualisation of trust as a self-organising, adaptive phenomenon can help us better understand the way trust develops. Through engaging with complexity theories as metaphors to enrich trust theory, trust is described as ‘self-organising’ as new cognitive, interpretive schema are evoked, and ‘adapting’ in response to trust experiences external to the collaboration. A complexity perspective evokes a new field of research questions and rich methodological opportunities.
GABA‐A receptor‐dependent mechanisms prevent excessive spine elimination during postnatal maturation of the mouse cortex in vivo
Authors: Chen Yachi
Published: November 2014

Dendritic spine dynamics are implicated in the structural plasticity of cognition‐related neuroconnectivity. This study utilized the transcranial in vivo imaging approach to investigate spine dynamics in intact brains of living yellow fluorescent protein‐expressing mice. A developmental switch in the net spine loss rate occurred at ∼4 months of age. The initially rapid rate slowed down ∼6‐fold due to substantially reduced spine elimination with minor changes in formation. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABA‐A) receptors resulted in significantly increased elimination of pre‐existing spines without affecting new spine formation. Spine elimination returned to normal levels following treatment cessation. Thus, GABA‐A receptor‐dependent mechanisms act as “brakes” – keeping spine elimination in check to prevent over‐pruning, thereby preserving the integrity of cognition‐related cortical circuits.
The transcription factor GFI1 negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages
Authors: Zhu Liuluan , Meng Qingcai , Liang Shuntao , Ma Yaluan , Li Rui , Li Guoli , Zeng Hui
Published: November 2014

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) secretion downstream of Toll‐like receptor (TLR) activation is tightly controlled at the transcriptional and post‐translational levels. NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in the maturation of pro‐IL‐1β, with NLRP3 expression identified as the limiting factor for inflammasome activation. Previously, we had demonstrated that the zinc‐finger protein GFI1 inhibits pro‐IL‐1β transcription. Here, we show that GFI1 inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL‐1β secretion in macrophages. GFI1 suppressed Nlrp3 transcription via two mechanisms: (1) by binding to the Gli‐responsive element 1 (GRE1) in the Nlrp3 promoter; and (2) by antagonizing the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) transcriptional activity. Thus, GFI1 negatively regulates TLR‐mediated IL‐1β production at both transcriptional and post‐translational levels.
Segmental isotope‐labeling of the intrinsically disordered protein PQBP1
Authors: Nabeshima Yuko , Mizuguchi Mineyuki , Kajiyama Asagi , Okazawa Hitoshi
Published: November 2014

Polyglutamine tract‐binding protein 1 (PQBP1) is an intrinsically disordered protein abundantly expressed in the brain. Mutations in the PQBP1 gene are causative for X‐linked mental retardation disorders. Here, we investigated the structure of the C‐terminal segment within the context of full‐length PQBP1. We produced a segmentally isotope‐labeled PQBP1 composed of a non‐labeled segment (residues 1–219; N‐segment) and a 13C/15N‐labeled segment (residues 220–265; C‐segment). Our results demonstrate that the segmental isotope‐labeling combined with NMR spectroscopy is useful for detecting a very weak intra‐molecular interaction in an intrinsically disordered protein.
Enzyme processivity changes with the extent of recalcitrant polysaccharide degradation
Authors: Hamre Anne Grethe , Lorentzen Silje Benedicte , Väljamäe Priit , Sørlie Morten
Published: November 2014

Glycoside hydrolases depolymerize polysaccharides. They can subtract single carbohydrate chains from polymer crystals and cleave glycosidic bonds without dissociating from the substrate after each catalytic event. This processivity is thought to conserve energy during polysaccharide degradation. Herein, we compare the processivity of components of the chitinolytic machinery of Serratia marcescens. The two processive chitinases ChiA and ChiB, the ChiB‐W97A mutant, and the endochitinase ChiC were analyzed for the extent of degradation of three different chitin substrates. Moreover, enzyme processivity was assessed on the basis of the [(GlcNAc)2]/[GlcNAc] product ratio. The results show that the apparent processivity (Papp) greatly diminishes with the extent of degradation and confirm the hypothesis that Papp is limited by the length of obstacle free path on the substrate.
Two-phase filtered mass density function for LES of turbulent reacting flows
Authors: Li Z. , Banaeizadeh A. , Jaberi F. A.
Published: November 2014

This paper describes a new computational model developed based on the filtered mass density function (FMDF) for large-eddy simulation (LES) of two-phase turbulent reacting flows. The model is implemented with a unique Lagrangian–Eulerian–Lagrangian computational methodology. In this methodology, the resolved carrier gas velocity field is obtained by solving the filtered form of the compressible Navier–Stokes equations with high-order finite difference (FD) schemes. The gas scalar (temperature and species mass fractions) field and the liquid (droplet) phase are both obtained by Lagrangian methods. The two-way interactions between the phases and all the Eulerian and Lagrangian fields are included in the new two-phase LES/FMDF methodology. The results generated by LES/FMDF are compared with direct numerical simulation (DNS) data for a spatially developing non-reacting and reacting evaporating mixing layer. Results for two more complex and practical flows (a dump combustor and a double-swirl burner) are also considered. For all flows, it is shown that the two-phase LES/FMDF results are consistent and accurate.
Joint friction estimation for walking bipeds
Authors: Hashlamon Iyad , Erbatur Kemalettin
Published: November 2014

This paper proposed a new approach for the joint friction estimation of non-slipping walking biped robots. The proposed approach is based on the combination of a measurement-based strategy and a model-based method. The former is used to estimate the joint friction online when the foot is in contact with the ground, while the latter adopts a friction model to represent the joint friction when the leg is swinging. The measurement-based strategy utilizes the measured ground reaction forces (GRF) and the readings of an inertial measurement unit (IMU) located at the robot body. Based on these measurements, the joint angular accelerations and the body attitude and velocity are estimated. The aforementioned measurements and estimates are used in a reduced dynamical model of the biped. However, when the leg is swinging, this strategy is inapplicable. Therefore, a friction model is adopted. Its parameters are identified adaptively using the estimated online friction whenever the foot is in contact. The estimated joint friction is used in the feedback torque control signal. The proposed approach is validated using the full-dynamics of 12-DOF biped model. By using this approach, the robot center of mass (CoM) position error is reduced by 10% which demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach.
Motion planning for a rapid mobile manipulator using model-based ZMP stabilization
Authors: Choi Dongil , Oh Jun-ho
Published: November 2014

This paper introduces a novel approach to motion planning for a rapid mobile manipulator using inverted pendulum models. Our aim was to realize an actual rapid mobile manipulator with high acceleration and speed performance for an object's delivery. In our research, we developed an actual rapid mobile manipulator called KDMR-1. We proposed simple motion planning methods using a single inverted pendulum model (SIPM) and a double inverted pendulum model (DIPM), which are easily adaptable to a real-time system with only a small computational burden. The SIPM was useful for basic movement but did not provide object carrying capability. For that, a DIPM was proposed. In both models, we designed linear quadratic optimal controllers to stabilize the Zero Moment Point (ZMP). Two kinds of ZMP stabilization strategies were proposed, fixed ZMP and relaxed ZMP. Using these strategies, we realized optimal ZMP stabilizations for a real-time rapid mobile manipulator. For decoupled forward and rotational linear DIPM, we designed a centrifugal acceleration compensation model in the manner of feedback linearization. The experimental results showed high acceleration and speed performances during rapid object delivery.
Detection and Analysis of the Main Routes of Voluntary Observing Ships in the North Atlantic
Authors: Vettor Roberto , Guedes Soares C.
Published: November 2014

The main routes of ships voluntarily completing meteorological observations across the North Atlantic are detected by the intensity of the geographical distribution of the voluntary ship observations. The routes are then analysed in order to assess the relative intensity of traffic, the seasonal changes and the trend over the years. This paper will provide a better understanding of the North Atlantic trades and the relationship among the different routes, allowing the identification of the busiest areas. A discussion over the impact of routing on the weather that a transoceanic ship can experience during its life is also provided.
Controlled trials of vitamin D, causality and type 2 statistical error
Authors: Gillie OIiver
Published: November 2014

Two recent studies published in The Lancet (Autier et al. (2013) Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol2, 76–89 and Bolland et al. (2014) Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol2, 307–320) have concluded that low levels of vitamin D are not a cause but a consequence of ill health brought about by reduced exposure to the sun, an association known as ‘reverse causality’. The scientific evidence and reasoning for these conclusions are examined here and found to be faulty. A null result in a clinical trial of vitamin D in adults need not lead to a conclusion of reverse causation when low vitamin D is found in observational studies of the same disease earlier in life. To assume an explanation of reverse causality has close similarities with type 2 statistical error.

For example, a null result in providing vitamin D for treatment of adult bones that are deformed in the pattern of the rachitic rosary would not alter the observation that lack of vitamin D can cause rickets in childhood and may have lasting consequences if not cured with vitamin D. Other examples of diseases considered on a lifetime basis from conception to adulthood are used to further illustrate the issue, which is evidently not obvious and is far from trivial.

It is concluded that deficiency of vitamin D in cohort studies, especially at critical times such as pregnancy and early life, can be the cause of a number of important diseases. Denial of the possible benefits of vitamin D, as suggested by insistent interpretation of studies with reverse causation, may lead to serious harms, some of which are listed.
Innovations of Candidate Selection Methods: Polling Primary and Kobo under the New Electoral Rules in Taiwan and Japan
Authors: YU CHING-HSIN , CHEN-HUA YU ERIC , SHOJI KAORI
Published: November 2014

This paper explores the linkage between electoral systems and candidate selection methods (CSMs) by analyzing two innovations of CSMs in Taiwan and Japan: polling primary and kobo, respectively. With an assumption that parties’ CSMs reflect their strategies to win elections, this article offers the rationale behind why and how major parties in Taiwan and Japan adjusted their CSMs to meet the challenges posed by the transition of electoral rules in each country from single non-transferable vote (SNTV) systems to mixed-member majoritarian (MMM) systems. We argue that a party's choice of CSMs reflects its rationale for maximizing the prospects of winning under the given electoral rule, which counters the ‘no-finding’ conclusion in some previous large-N studies on the linkage between electoral systems and choices of CSMs. Additionally, our findings highlight the importance of institutional factors, such as electoral systems, in explaining CSM reforms in a comparative perspective.