bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological forestry at National Wildlife Refuges: Experiences from Seney National Wildlife Refuge and Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Management Area, USA
Authors: Corace, III R Gregory , Goebel P Charles , Hix David M. , Casselman Tracy , Seefelt Nancy E
Published: February 2014

Although land management over much of the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) has emphasized single-species management, recent policy has encouraged land managers to focus on broader ecosystem restoration goals. One framework for forest ecosystem management that is becoming more popular in the NWRS and other federal and state resource agencies has been termed “ecological forestry”—an approach to forest ecosystem management where the focus is on incorporating an understanding of the outcomes of natural disturbances and stand development processes into designing silvicultural practices. This approach stresses understanding the effects of natural disturbances on biological legacies, structural and compositional heterogeneity, and the recovery periods between disturbance events (including how this recovery period influences stand complexity). Recently, resource managers and ecologists from Seney National Wildlife Refuge, The Ohio State University, and Central Michigan University have partnered to examine how these guiding principles can be integrated into NWRS forest ecosystem management. Specifically, we are partnering to develop management strategies to help: 1) restore the once extensive mixed-pine forest ecosystems of eastern Upper Michigan; 2) mitigate the effects of the beech-bark disease complex on American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.), a foundation species in northern hardwood forests of eastern North America; and 3) promote more natural forest patterns for wildlife species of young jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) forest ecosystems, including the federally endangered Kirtland’s warbler (Dendroica kirtlandii). These efforts are ongoing and will continue to be monitored over time. However, initial collaborations suggest that the NWRS provides an excellent crucible to study the application of ecological forestry principles and develop novel ways to manage forest ecosystems. Key words: ecological forestry, forest restoration, Kirtland’s warbler, National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Respecting the oral and literate in co-management communication
Authors: Greskiw Garth , Innes John L
Published: February 2014

Natural resources planners—especially those involved in forest management—are increasingly being challenged in their ability to “think on their feet” and speak interactively in cross-cultural co-management teams addressing issues of natural resources management. Team learning occurs in the discovery of the best conversations to initiate that will have the potential to discover the relevant questions to ask. Continuous identification and systematic resolution of strategic issues is best done by carefully respecting both oral and written means of communication. This paper reviews historic and recent trends in the re-discovery of a team learning process that honours spoken words and respectfully facilitates dialogue. Balancing orality and literacy in the context of adaptive co-management with communities will enable natural resource stakeholders to continually improve the relevance of their policy, research and management. Key words: oral tradition, natural resources management, adaptive co-management, problem-based learning
Forest inventory research at the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre: Notes from a research coordination workshop, June 3–4, 2009, Pointe Claire, QC
Authors: Pitt Doug , Pineau John
Published: February 2014

As part of its mandate to improve forest sector competitiveness, the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre (CWFC) has directed its research program towards the enhancement of forest inventory tools and systems to enable the spatial identification and forecasting of forest value. A June 2009 workshop attended by inventory researchers and provincial specialists from across the country reviewed current research needs and made recommendations for improvement of the CWFC-funded research program over the next 2- to 5-year period. Current efforts appear well positioned to improve stand-level inventory detail through cost-effective, semi-automated interpretation and quantification of tree species, size, and distribution. Means of incorporating specific attributes to better convey value, such as branch size and wood density, are being actively explored. More effort and resources are required to meet needs for better predictive models, sampling systems that incorporate data from a wide array of available sources, and proactive technology transfer and uptake of research results. Key words: forest inventory, value chain optimization, fibre quality, LiDAR, multispectral digital imagery
Sustainable management of old-growth boreal forests: Myths, possible solutions and challenges
Authors: Le Goff Héloïse , De Grandpré Louis , Kneeshaw Daniel , Bernier Pierre
Published: February 2014

Old-growth boreal forests serve as focal points for many issues affecting the forest sector such as sustainable forest management and the development of a conservation network. They also challenge the implementation of an adaptive management framework and participative natural resources management. Old-growth boreal forests thus provide a good opportunity for the forest sector to develop transparent management that integrates the diversity of social values associated with old-growth boreal forests. In this paper, we review the different issues related to the sustainable management and conservation of old-growth boreal forests and present these issues in terms of myths and solutions. Finally, we identify and discuss the current limits of our understanding of these issues and we propose research priorities to bridge these knowledge gaps.

Key words: sustainable forest management, old-growth boreal forests, biodiversity, social values, adapted silvicultural systems
Juvenile productivity of five hybrid poplar clones and 20 genetically improved white and Norway spruces in boreal clay-belt of Quebec, Canada
Authors: Larchevêque Marie , Larocque Guy R. , Tremblay Francine , Gaussiran Stéphane , Boutin Robert , Brais Suzanne , Beaulieu Jean , Daoust Gaëtan , Périnet Pierre
Published: February 2014

Similar to other boreal regions of Canada, northwestern Quebec has abundant lands available for the establishment of high-productivity plantations. However, few genetically improved species have been tested for this region. Three sites were planted with five hybrid poplar clones; 19 families of white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) of southern Ontario and Quebec origins; 20 families of Norway spruce (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) of northeastern European origins; and a local seed source of white spruce. Survival and productivity were evaluated during their first three growing seasons. Survival rate was high for all selected plant material. For white spruce, genetically improved families were more productive than the local seed source. The use of exotics (Norway spruce or P. maximowiczii hybrids) did not confer any growth benefit at this early stage.

Key words: survival, height, root collar diameter, field trial, exotic and native species
Effect of Armillaria root disease on quality and value of green Douglas-fir lumber
Authors: Cruickshank M G
Published: February 2014

For a few tree species, scattered accounts of impact caused by root disease exist in the literature mainly at the tree level. No product quality impacts have ever been measured or properly costed. To provide some information on value impacts, green rough-sawn Douglas-fir lumber was cut from trees with and without Armillaria root disease. This produced 80 boards from six trees in two planted stands. Fewer boards came from living diseased trees compared to healthy trees of similar diameter (1.3 m) at both sites, suggesting that disease may affect stem taper or form. Lumber from diseased trees was affected most often by warp and for healthy trees by knots, but warp affected value the most. Disease appears to have at best no effect, and at worst, a negative effect on lumber value but is not likely to increase value. This is the first report of the impact of a root disease on lumber quality and value, but further work would be required to properly assess this.

Key words: disease, Armillaria root disease, conifer, Douglas-fir, wood quality, lumber warping, lumber value, lumber grading
CERFO: 25 years of innovations in the forestry sector
Authors: Lessard Guy , Blouin Donald , Boulfroy Emmanuelle , Grenon Frank , Ruel Mélanie
Published: February 2014

With activities in most regions of Quebec, CERFO (Centre d’enseignement et de recherche en foresterie de Sainte-Foy inc.) has developed a recognized expertise in forestry topics including silviculture, sustainable forest management, forest ecology, harvesting operations, GIS and wood processing. The Centre is known for addressing practical issues using engineering processes for silviculture, forest management, harvesting and wood supply and for being a technological transfer centre. 2009 marked the 25th anniversary of the Centre and as such this is a good opportunity to summarize the important accomplishments of the Centre in applied research, technical assistance and customized training.

Key words: silviculture, forest management, ecology, irregular high forest, forest certification, management of harvesting operations, optimization, wood processing, agroforestry, technological transfer, training
A red pine provenance test in northwestern Ontario: 48-year results
Authors: Rahi Ali A , Bowling Colin , Simpson Dale
Published: February 2014

Survival, total height and diameter at breast height (DBH) were measured in the fall of 2005 in a 48-year-old red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) provenance trial growing in northwestern Ontario. There was significant variation in both height and diameter among the 23 provenances. Generally, westerly provenances performed well while those from the Maritime Provinces exhibited relatively poor growth. Considering that the plantation is at the northern biological range of red pine, survival was high, averaging 96% after 48 years. Provenances with the best growth rates exceeded a volume of 420 m3ha-1. Some provenances from Minnesota and Wisconsin as well as Fort Frances, Ontario exhibited superior growth and should be considered as seed sources for future planting programs in northwestern Ontario.

Key words: red pine, provenance test, survival, diameter, height, volume, Northwestern Ontario
Conserving biodiversity in managed forest landscapes: The use of critical thresholds for habitat
Authors: Rompré Ghislain , Boucher Yan , Bélanger Louis , Côté Sylvie , Robinson W. Douglas
Published: February 2014

In Canada, as in other large forested countries of the world, managers and scientists alike question what can happen to forest biodiversity under long-term industrial forest management. Recent studies may help us understand how species react when habitat is lost past a certain threshold in the landscape. In the case of population, a “critical threshold for habitat” does exist in forested habitat, which is defined by the minimal proportion of habitat needed to be preserved to avoid drastic population declines or massive species loss. In this paper, two types of thresholds are described, the first refers to population, and the second refers to the community of species. Many ecologists agree with the assumption that the specialist, sensitive species are the first to disappear (local extirpation for specialist species). For most species with large home range (such as birds), the threshold may generally be located between 30% and 40% of the habitat still remaining, compared to the proportion observed under a natural disturbance regime. We suggest, in order to protect the most sensitive species and to deal with uncertainty associated with thresholds, to maintain at least 40% of residual habitats. Although there is still much to understand concerning these thresholds, we nevertheless recommend their use for the diagnostic analysis that must be performed in the context of forest management planning and biodiversity conservation, as these thresholds could represent the minimal proportion of habitat to preserve integrity of the forest ecosystem. However, to be effective, the application of thresholds should be based on detailed knowledge of ecosystem characteristics and dynamics. Key words: ecological threshold, forest management, forest ecosystem, habitat loss, older or late-seral forests, population, community, biodiversity, conservation
Operational and economic feasibility of logging within forested riparian zones
Authors: Holmes Stephen B. , Kreutzweiser David P. , Hamilton Peter S.
Published: February 2014

The placement of riparian setbacks around water bodies has been shown to reduce logging impacts on aquatic and riparian communities and processes. However, the systematic application of no-harvest riparian setbacks can result in unnatural, linear patterns of older-growth forest across the landscape, a pattern that is inconsistent with the goal of emulating natural disturbances. Partial harvesting within riparian zones could provide a partial solution to this problem. As part of a larger project to evaluate the environmental consequences of partial harvesting within stream riparian zones of boreal mixedwood forests, we measured wood volumes removed from riparian zones and compared feller buncher productivity between partially harvested riparian zones and adjacent clearcut uplands. On average, from 20% to 33% of the total basal area (27% to 39% of the spruce/pine/fir basal area) was removed from the riparian zones. The riparian harvest resulted in considerable heterogeneity in residual stand structure, however, with basal areas within 50-m segments along the streams ranging from just over 50% to >95% remaining. Our results suggest that, even though the absolute effort required to harvest trees was greater in riparian zones, the larger average size of the trees more than compensated, so that the wood volume removed per unit effort was higher in riparian zones than in clearcuts. Key words: machine productivity, partial harvest, residual stand structure, riparian zone
Preliminary hazard rating for forest tent caterpillar in British Columbia
Authors: Otvos Imre S. , Omendja Kangakola , Foord Sharene , Conder Nicholas , Borecky Neil , Nevill Ralph
Published: February 2014

Forest tent caterpillar (Malacosoma disstria Hübner) is a major defoliator of hardwoods throughout North America, including aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.). M. disstria has been a major concern in many parts of Canada for the last two decades, but until recently in British Columbia it was considered an aesthetic concern only. However, with the increasing interest in the cultivation of hardwoods for fibre, and more recently for fuel, this insect could become a major concern in hardwood management. Records of past M. disstria outbreaks in British Columbia were summarized. The locations and intensity of six outbreaks were overlaid on biogeoclimatic units to determine which biogeoclimatic zones have experienced repeated outbreaks of M. disstria. Between 1944 and 2003, M. disstria outbreaks have become larger in extent and longer in duration. Analysis indicated that aspen stands in the Boreal White and Black Spruce (BWBS), Sub- Boreal Spruce (SBS) and Interior Cedar-Hemlock (ICH) biogeoclimatic zones have been most frequently attacked. In the BWBS zone, most affected areas (93.3%) were defoliated for only one year (lightly). In the SBS and ICH zones, areas attacked by M. disstria tended to be defoliated two or more consecutive years (40.2% and 56.2%, respectively), and had a greater chance of being more severely defoliated than aspen stands in the BWBS zone. Key words: Malacosoma disstria, forest tent caterpillar, damage, outbreaks, hazard rating
Taking the pulse of civic engagement in forest management
Authors: Robson Mark , Parkins John R.
Published: February 2014

Outdated and unresponsive institutional arrangements are the greatest single obstacle to the achievement of sustainableforestry in Canada. More open civic engagement processes and institutional arrangements are now emerging, however,compelling traditional actors to interact with many more issues and social forces. This article introduces a way of understandingand evaluating civic engagement processes for this special issue on civic engagement in forest management.It reviews the articles for this special issue and critically assesses where we have come from and where we might needto go as forest governance continues to evolve and meet the challenges of a 21st Century Canada.Key words: institutional arrangements, sustainable forestry, forest governance, civic engagement, public participation,evaluation
First Nations’ involvement in forest governance in Québec: The place for distinct consultation processes
Authors: Wyatt Stephen , Fortier Jean-François , Martineau-Delisle Catherine
Published: February 2014

Aboriginal peoples in Canada present a special case of citizen involvement in forest governance, with rights and statusthat go beyond those of other stakeholders and individuals. Increasingly, participation processes aimed specifically atAboriginal representatives are being used to encourage their involvement in forest management. This article asks whatwould be the characteristics of a distinct process that could respond to Aboriginal rights, needs and expectations. We doso by combining the results of a broad Québec-wide study with those from a case study of forestry participation in a singlecommunity. A total of 68 consultation processes are analyzed. These experiences enable the identification of severalcharacteristics of consultation processes used for First Nations. We also note that distinct consultations typically reflectthe same practices that are used more generally for public participation in forestry, raising the question of whether or notthese consultations truly respond to Aboriginal rights, needs and expectations in Québec.Key words: Aboriginal peoples, Aboriginal forestry, forest management, public participation mechanisms, duty to consult,Canada
The ecological interaction of the mountain pine beetle and jack pine budworm in the boreal forest
Authors: Colgan Lindsay J. , Erbilgin Nadir
Published: February 2014

As climate change facilitates the range and host expansion of insect species into new ecosystems, the development of newstrategies for managing and preventing biological invasion is receiving considerable interest. In recent years, the range ofthe mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) has expanded from lodgepole pine-dominated forests eastof the Rocky Mountains into lodgepole x jack pine hybrid forest of western Alberta, and may soon invade jack pine forestsof the boreal. Our understanding of factors contributing colonization of jack pine by mountain pine beetle is far fromcomplete and several factors may limit its spread in these forests, including tree resistance and competitors. Among these,the jack pine budworm (Choristoneura pinus pinus Freeman) is one of the most important insect enemies of jack pine andan outbreak defoliator that potentially weakens jack pine trees, which may make them more susceptible to MPB attacks.To develop effective management strategies in the face of the short-run impacts of climate change, we need an in-depthunderstanding of factors influencing establishment and survival of the beetle in jack pine forests.Key words: Choristoneura pinus pinus, Dendroctonus ponderosae, jack pine, range expansion, invasion biology, climatechange in the boreal forest, conifer-mediated interactions, tree induced defences, tripartite interactions
Genetically based resistance to the white pine weevil in jack pine and eastern white pine
Authors: Verrez Alice , Quiring Dan , Leinekugel Le Cocq Thibaut , Adams Greg , Sung Park Yill
Published: February 2014

White pine weevil (Pissodes strobi Peck) damage was evaluated in one white pine (Pinus strobus L.) and four jack pine(Pinus banksiana Lamb) half-sib family test sites to determine the role of tree genotype in resistance to the weevil. Halfsibfamily explained a significant proportion of the variation in weevil attack at all sites. Estimates of family (0.16-0.54)and individual (0.09-0.24) heritabilities of jack pine resistance to white pine weevil were moderate. Estimates of family(0.37) and individual (0.22) heritability of resistance of white pine to the weevil were also moderate when the percentageof test trees damaged by the weevil was relatively low, but were insignificant four years later when more than three-quartersof trees were damaged. Significant positive correlations between mean tree height and mean incidence of trees damagedby the weevil were observed for four of seven site-years but relationships were weak, suggesting that any cost, withrespect to height growth, to breeding weevil resistant trees may be small.Key words: Pinus, Pissodes strobi, trade-offs, tree improvement, tree resistance, white pine weevil.
Integrated model for power generation from biomass gasification: A market readiness analysis for northwestern Ontario
Authors: Shahi Chander , Upadhyay Thakur Prasad , Pulkki Reino , Leitch Mathew
Published: February 2014

Biomass gasification, utilized for various energy uses including power generation, provides an attractive option of energysecurity for remote rural communities and simultaneously helps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, widerapplication of biomass gasification technology is limited due to a number of technical and economic challenges. Althougha few studies have developed process-based models for reducing the costs of biomass supply chains through efficient logisticsoperations, there is a dearth of integrated modeling to capture the behaviour of the entire production system. In thispaper an integrated non-linear dynamic mixed-integer programming model, using optimization and simulation techniques,is developed for biomass gasification power plants using General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS) computersoftware. The major variables considered in the model are harvesting and processing costs, logistic costs for biomass feedstockdelivery and storage, capital costs of power plant, operation and maintenance costs including labour, insurance andcapital financing, and other regulatory costs. The model provides different cost-benefit trajectories depending upon thescale of power generation from biomass gasification, thereby providing the prospective investors with information regardingmarket potential of the technology. The application of the model for setting up of a biomass gasification plant at a typicallocation in northwestern Ontario shows decreasing costs with increasing plant capacity up to 50 MW. The total costper MWh production ranged from CAD 47.65 for a 50-MW plant to CAD 79.55 for a 10M-W plant.

Key words: bioenergy, biomass, market potential, modeling, systems analysis
2D Hand Tracking Based on Flocking with Obstacle Avoidance
Authors: Chen Zihong , Zheng Lingxiang , Chen Yuqi , Zhang Yixiong
Published: February 2014

Hand gesture-based interaction provides a natural and powerful means for human-computer interaction. It is also a good interface for human-robot interaction. However, most of the existing proposals are likely to fail when they meet some skin-coloured objects, especially the face region. In this paper, we present a novel hand tracking method which can track the features of the hand based on the obstacle avoidance flocking behaviour model to overcome skin-coloured distractions. It allows features to be split into two groups under severe distractions and merge later. The experiment results show that our method can track the hand in a cluttered background or when passing the face, while the Flocking of Features (FoF) and the Mean Shift Embedded Particle Filter (MSEPF) methods may fail. These results suggest that our method has better performance in comparison with the previous methods. It may therefore be helpful to promote the use of the hand gesture-based human-robot interaction method.
Héraclite dans la Philosophie de la nature de Hegel
Authors: Cantin-Brault Antoine
Published: February 2014

Il est bien connu que Hegel a fait d’Héraclite un jalon nécessaire de sa Logique. Mais Héraclite est plus qu’un penseur du devenir, de la contradiction et de l’infini logique, il est aussi le penseur du temps, du feu, de l’âme et de la vie. En ce sens, il est donc un penseur spéculatif de la nature et, plus précisément encore, Hegel aperçoit en lui les grands moments de sa Philosophie de la nature. Bien qu’abstraite, cette présentation que fait Héraclite de la nature permet surtout de bien comprendre à quel point celle-ci est négativité, contradiction et éternel retour du même, articulation de la nature que Hegel fera sienne à travers ce qu’il appelle la « mauvaise infinité ». Cette influence héraclitéenne sur Hegel permet peut-être de jeter une nouvelle lumière sur la distance qui sépare Hegel de Schelling dans leur saisie respective de la nature. Héraclite fut donc d’une profondeur sans pareille pour Hegel en tant que véritable « germe » philosophique, il l’entraîne dans la négativité qui seule permet la vérité, mais sous des rapports différents, selon qu’il s’agit de la Logique ou de la nature.
Automatic detection of the optimal ejecting direction based on a discrete Gauss map
Authors: Inui Masatomo , Kamei Hidekazu , Umezu Nobuyuki
Published: February 2014

In this paper, the authors propose a system for assisting mold designers of plastic parts. With a CAD model of a part, the system automatically determines the optimal ejecting direction of the part with minimum undercuts. Since plastic parts are generally very thin, many rib features are placed on the inner side of the part to give sufficient structural strength. Our system extracts the rib features from the CAD model of the part, and determines the possible ejecting directions based on the geometric properties of the features. The system then selects the optimal direction with minimum undercuts. Possible ejecting directions are represented as discrete points on a Gauss map. Our new point distribution method for the Gauss map is based on the concept of the architectural geodesic dome. A hierarchical structure is also introduced in the point distribution, with a higher level “rough” Gauss map with rather sparse point distribution and another lower level “fine” Gauss map with much denser point distribution. A system is implemented and computational experiments are performed. Our system requires less than 10 seconds to determine the optimal ejecting direction of a CAD model with more than 1 million polygons.
Food Allergies Are Rarely a Concern When Considering Vaccines for Adolescents
Authors: Buyantseva Larisa V. , Horwitz Alexandra
Published: February 2014

Routine immunization provides protection from numerous infectious diseases and substantially reduces morbidity mortality from these diseases. In the United States, vaccination programs focused on infants and children have successfully decreased the incidence of many childhood vaccine-preventable diseases. However, vaccination coverage among adolescents has remained stagnant. Contributing to this lack of coverage is that patients with food allergies might be advised unnecessarily to avoid certain vaccinations, thus potentially causing adverse personal and community health. Studies have shown that food allergies are rarely contraindications to vaccine administration. Most adolescents who avoid vaccination because of food allergy concerns are actually able to receive their appropriate vaccinations. However, there are situations when evaluation by an allergist is recommended. In the present article, the authors provide guidance for physicians when administering vaccines to patients with food allergies to prevent adverse events and improve disease protection.
The rare moss Acaulon schimperianum (Pottiaceae) in East Asia
Authors: Zhao Dong-Ping
Published: February 2014

The rare moss Acaulon schimperianum formerly known only from North America is reported from China to be a new record to East Asia. The species feature the teeth in the half of upper leaves and the laminal cells strong papillose abaxially. In China it was found on exposed dry soil in the naturally restored of removal lands which is very similar to North America.
Real‐time hostile attribution measurement and aggression in children
Authors: Yaros Anna , Lochman John E. , Rosenbaum Jill , Jimenez‐Camargo Luis Alberto
Published: February 2014

Hostile attributions are an important predictor of aggression in children, but few studies have measured hostile attributions as they occur in real‐time. The current study uses an interactive video racing game to measure hostile attributions while children played against a presumed peer. A sample of 75 children, ages 10–13, used nonverbal and verbal procedures to respond to ambiguous provocation by their opponent. Hostile attributions were significantly positively related to parent‐rated reactive aggression, when controlling for proactive aggression. Hostile attributions using a nonverbal response procedure were negatively related to proactive aggression, when controlling for reactive aggression. Results suggest hostile attributions in real‐time occur quickly and simultaneously with social interaction, which differs from the deliberative, controlled appraisals measured with vignette‐based instruments. The relation between real‐time hostile attributions and reactive aggression could be accounted for by the impulsive response style that is characteristic of reactive aggression, whereas children exhibiting proactive aggression may be more deliberate and intentional in their responding, resulting in a negative relation with real‐time hostile attributions. These findings can be used both to identify children at risk for aggression and to enhance preventive interventions. Aggr. Behav. 40:409–420, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Alternating Copolysiloxane with Terthiophene and Perylenediimide Derivative Pendants for Involatile WORM Memory Device
Authors: Wen Guanyin , Ren Zhongjie , Sun Dianming , Zhang Tingjie , Liu Lili , Yan Shouke
Published: February 2014

Alternating copolysiloxane with both electron donor terthiophene and electron acceptor perylenediimide derivative pendants (PTSi‐alt‐PDISi) is synthesized successfully. The polymer exhibits high decomposition and glass transition temperatures, good film‐forming ability, and high morphological stability. The estimated HOMO and LUMO energy levels of PTSi‐alt‐PDISi are –5.77 and –3.90 eV, respectively. The fabricated memory device with the configuration of ITO/PTSi‐alt‐PDISi/Au(Al) shows nonvolatile write‐once‐read‐many‐times (WORM) memory characteristics. Its turn‐on threshold voltage is 1.7 V, while its ON/OFF current density ratio is around 104 in ambient atmosphere. The well‐defined memory property of PTSi‐alt‐PDISi is attributed to the transition of the pendant terthiophene and perylenediimide groups from the disoriented state to the ordered face‐to‐face conformation at the threshold voltage and the charge transfer interaction between pendent terthiophene donor and perylenediimide acceptor moieties, which are confirmed by XRD patterns and fluorescence emission measurement. This suggests that the new donor–acceptor polysiloxanes have potential applications in the field of memory devices.
Copper‐Catalyzed Selective Semihydrogenation of Terminal Alkynes with Hypophosphorous Acid
Authors: Cao Huanyang , Chen Tieqiao , Zhou Yongbo , Han Daoqing , Yin Shuang‐Feng , Han Li‐Biao
Published: February 2014

A novel copper‐catalyzed selective semihydrogenation of terminal alkynes using hypophosphorous acid as hydrogen donor took place efficiently to afford the corresponding alkenes in high yields. A broad range of substituted terminal aromatic and aliphatic alkenes, including terminal dienes and enynes bearing internal triple bonds, can be efficiently synthesized by this reaction.

magnified image
Phosphine‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Formal [4+2] Tandem Cyclization of Activated Dienes with Isatylidenemalononitriles: Enantioselective Synthesis of Multistereogenic Spirocyclic Oxindoles
Authors: Hu Fang‐Le , Wei Yin , Shi Min
Published: February 2014

The first highly enantioselective formal [4+2] tandem cyclizations between isatylidenemalononitriles and activated dienes catalyzed by bifunctional chiral phosphine catalysts have been developed, yielding multistereogenic spirocyclic oxindoles in high yields and excellent optical purity. This reaction is accomplished via a tandem Rauhut–Currier/Michael/Rauhut–Currier reaction sequence.

magnified image
Nonlinear Consensus Algorithms with Uncertain Couplings
Authors: Proskurnikov Anton V.
Published: February 2014

Distributed algorithms for synchronization and consensus in multi‐agent networks are considered. The agents are assumed to be linear of arbitrary order, the interaction topology may switch, and the couplings are uncertain, assumed only to satisfy certain quadratic constraints. Using the Kalman‐Yakubovich‐Popov lemma and absolute stability theory techniques, consensus criteria for the networks of this type are obtained. These criteria extend a number of known results for agents with special dynamics and are close in spirit to the celebrated circle criterion for the stability of Lurie systems.
Nucleoside Analogues: Synthesis and Biological Properties of Azanucleoside Derivatives
Authors: Hernández Dácil , Boto Alicia
Published: February 2014

The azanucleosides are nucleoside analogues where the furanose ring is replaced by a nitrogen‐containing ring or chain. Many azanucleosides are potent antiviral, anticancer and antimicrobial agents, or serve as valuable components of oligonucleotides with improved stability, binding or hybridization properties. Therefore, the development of new analogues is a very active area in medicinal and synthetic chemistry. Their synthesis and their interesting biological properties are discussed in this microreview.
K2S2O8‐Mediated Aerobic Oxysulfonylation of Olefins into β‐Keto Sulfones in Aqueous Media
Authors: Chawla Ruchi , Singh Atul K. , Yadav Lal Dhar S.
Published: February 2014

β‐Keto sulfones were obtained in good to excellent yields (73–94 %) directly from unactivated olefins by employing inexpensive sodium arenesulfinate salts as sulfonylating agents and K2S2O8 as a radical initiator in open flasks and aqueous media at room temperature under transition‐metal‐free conditions. The reported oxidative sulfonylation protocol is highly practical and environmentally benign, as self‐manifested by the extremely mild reaction conditions.
Sentinel node biopsy for early‐stage oral cavity cancer: the VU University Medical Center experience
Authors: Den Toom Inne J. , Heuveling Derrek A. , Flach Géke B. , van Weert Stijn , Karagozoglu K. Hakki , van Schie Annelies , Bloemena Elisabeth , Leemans C. René , de Bree Remco
Published: February 2014

Background

Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in head and neck cancer is recently introduced as the staging technique of oral squamous cell carcinoma. We report the results of SNB in patients diagnosed with a T1–T2 oral squamous cell carcinoma and clinically negative (N0) neck in a single center.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 90 previously untreated patients who underwent SNB between 2007 and 2012 was performed. The SNB procedure consisted of preoperatively performed lymphoscintigraphy, intraoperative detection using blue dye, and gamma probe guidance and histopathologic examination including step‐serial sectioning (SSS) and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining. A positive SNB was followed by neck dissection, whereas regular follow‐up with ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was done in case of a negative SNB.

Results

The lymphoscintigraphic identification rate was 98% (88 of 90 patients) and the surgical detection rate was 99% (87 of 88 patients). The upstaging rate was 30%. Sensitivity of SNB was 93% and the negative predictive value was 97%. The median follow‐up was 18 months (range, 2–62 months). Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) for SNB negative were 100% and 84% and for SNB positive patients 73% and 88%, respectively.

Conclusion

SNB is a reliable diagnostic staging technique for the clinically negative neck in patients with early‐stage (T1–T2, cN0) oral squamous cell carcinoma. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2014 © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 573–578, 2015
Prevalence of human papillomavirus and Epstein–Barr virus DNA in Chinese children with tonsillar and/or adenoidal hypertrophy
Authors: Xue Xiao‐cheng , Chen Xiao‐ping , Yao Wen‐hao , Zhang Yi , Sun Guang‐bin , Tan Xue‐jun
Published: February 2014

Tonsillar and adenoidal hypertrophy are prevalent otolaryngologic disorders in children, but their pathogenesis is largely unknown. The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) DNA in 146 tonsil and/or adenoid tissue specimens from 104 Chinese children with tonsillar and/or adenoidal hypertrophy were screened using flow‐through hybridization gene‐chip technology and real‐time fluorescence‐based quantitative PCR. Then, the relationships between the prevalence of the viruses and other clinical characteristics of tonsillar and/or adenoidal hypertrophy were analyzed. No patient had HPV DNA. EBV DNA was detected in 19/42 (45.2%) tonsil tissues and 72/104 (69.2%) adenoid tissue specimens (P < 0.05). EBV DNA was not related to the patients' age, gender, disease course, or nationality, but children positive for EBV were less likely to snore; 14/15 (93.3%) patients who did not snore and 59/89 (66.3%) patients who snored were EBV positive. EBV DNA, but not HPV DNA was detected in Chinese children with tonsillar and/or adenoidal hypertrophy. Adenoid tissues might more susceptible than tonsil tissues to EBV infection. In addition, EBV infection did not aggravate snoring in patients with tonsillar and/or adenoidal hypertrophy. J. Med. Virol. 86:963–967, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coxsackievirus B1 reveals strain specific differences in plasmacytoid dendritic cell mediated immunogenicity
Authors: Hämäläinen Sanna , Nurminen Noora , Ahlfors Helena , Oikarinen Sami , Sioofy‐Khojine Amir‐Babak , Frisk Gun , Oberste M. Steven , Lahesmaa Riitta , Pesu Marko , Hyöty Heikki
Published: February 2014

Enterovirus infections are usually mild but can also cause severe illnesses and play a role in chronic diseases, such as cardiomyopathies and type 1 diabetes. Host response to the invading virus can markedly modulate the course of the infection, and this response varies between individuals due to the polymorphism of immune response genes. However, it is currently not known if virus strains also differ in their ability to stimulate the host immune system. Coxsackievirus B1 (CBV1) causes severe epidemics in young infants and it has recently been connected with type 1 diabetes in seroepidemiological studies. This study evaluated the ability of different field isolates of CBV1 to induce innate immune responses in PBMCs. CBV1 strains differed markedly in their capacity to induce innate immune responses. Out of the 18 tested CBV1 strains two induced exceptionally strong alpha interferon (IFN‐α) response in PBMC cultures. The responding cell type was found to be the plasmacytoid dendritic cell. Such a strong innate immune response was accompanied by an up‐regulation of several other immune response genes and secretion of cytokines, which modulate inflammation, and adaptive immune responses. These results suggest that enterovirus‐induced immune activation depends on the virus strain. It is possible that the immunotype of the virus modulates the course of the infection and plays a role in the pathogenesis of chronic immune‐mediated enterovirus diseases. J. Med. Virol. 86:1412–1420, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Kinetic Investigation of the Initialization of Catalyzed Chain Growth of Styrene: The Reaction of Cp*2ZrCl2 with Dibenzylmagnesium
Authors: Primpke Sebastian , Deinert Adrian , Ehlers Florian , Vana Philipp
Published: February 2014

The system Cp*2ZrCl2 and dibenzyl magnesium in toluene, which is a model system for initialization in the catalyzed chain growth (CCG) of styrene using a bifunctional organometallic chain transfer agent, is studied via time‐resolved NMR spectroscopy. Based on these data, a mechanism of initialization is proposed. The experimental concentration profiles of the individual species can successfully be modeled to the proposed kinetic scheme. Refined kinetic coefficients of high significance can be obtained by applying analytical methods using pseudo‐first‐order rate approximations. It is found that the adduct of the Zr catalyst and the Mg compound only slowly transforms via a ligand exchange reaction, yielding the alkylated Zr species. The temperature dependence of these reactions indicates a high reaction barrier of this type of rearrangement, which constitutes the core reaction of CCG in terms of molecular‐weight control.

image
Nitrone‐Mediated Radical Coupling of Polymers Derived from Reverse Iodine‐Transfer Polymerization
Authors: Ranieri Kayte , Vandenbergh Joke , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , Junkers Tanja
Published: February 2014

The current study describes the synthesis of iodine‐end‐capped polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) precursors using reverse iodine‐transfer polymerization, which, in a second step, are used in nitrone‐mediated radical coupling (NMRC) reactions. Initially, the reverse iodine polymerization of both monomers is studied and optimized in order to obtain iodine‐end‐capped materials with controlled molecular weights and low dispersities. Subsequently, NMRC of both PS and PMMA precursors is carried out in the presence of CuCl as a halide‐exchange agent. Coupling efficiencies of xc = 0.754 for PS‐I and 0.84 for PMMA‐I are observed; however, the addition of 10 equivalents of styrene is required to promote the coupling in the case of methacrylate. The presence of the desired alkoxyamine functionality in mid‐chain position of the products is evidenced via quenching experiments.

image
Sequence‐Controlled Multiblock Copolymers via RAFT Polymerization: Modeling and Simulations
Authors: Zetterlund Per B. , Gody Guillaume , Perrier Sébastien
Published: February 2014

The synthesis of high‐order multiblock copolymers by one‐pot sequential monomer addition RAFT polymerization is examined by use of modeling and simulations using PREDICI. The system is the previously experimentally investigated model multiblock homopolymer system comprising 10 blocks of N,N‐dimethyl acrylamide with average degree of polymerization 10 for each block. The simulations show that despite 10 chain extensions to full conversion, the number of dead chains at the end of the process is only ≈7%. The number fraction of dead chains is known from the number of chains generated from the initiator, and the conditions can thus be tailored with regards to the livingness required.
Safety as Experienced by Patients Themselves: A Finnish Survey of the Most Recent Period of Care
Authors: Sahlström Merja , Partanen Pirjo , Turunen Hannele
Published: February 2014

We examined patients' experiences of patient safety and participation in promoting safe care during their most recent care period. A survey of patients (N = 175) revealed that treatment, medication, and device safety were mostly experienced as very good or excellent, but responses varied by age and experience. Patients ages 66–75 were most critical of treatment and medication safety. Device safety was rated the worst aspect of safety. Twenty percent of respondents had experienced errors at some time during their care. Patients who had experienced errors and those who were treated at inpatient wards versus a day surgery unit were most critical towards patient participation. Open and transparent error management involving patients is needed to promote treatment, medication, and especially device safety. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of antifog and antibacterial coatings by photopolymerization
Authors: Tang Ruifen , Muhammad Atif , Yang Jinliang , Nie Jun
Published: February 2014

This paper contains a kind of ultraviolet‐cured antifogging and antibacterial coating. A quaternary ammonium salt (14QAS), which was synthesized in this paper, has been implemented as a monomer. The chemical structure of 14QAS has been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. The nitrogen atom on the surface of the coatings with 14QAS was observed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The Surface wettability of the polymer film was studied by contact angle analysis, which confirmed the hydrophilicity of the coatings with low water contact angle (~25°). The antifog properties were evaluated under different conditions. The antibacterial activity of coatings with 14QAS reached 99.9% against S. aureus and E. coli. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Initial testing (stage 1) of the investigational mTOR kinase inhibitor MLN0128 by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Kang Min H. , Reynolds C. Patrick , Maris John M. , Gorlick Richard , Kolb E. Anders , Lock Richard , Carol Hernan , Keir Stephen T. , Wu Jianrong , Lyalin Dmitry , Kurmasheva Raushan T. , Houghton Peter J. , Smith Malcolm A.
Published: February 2014

MLN0128 is an investigational small molecule ATP‐competitive inhibitor of the serine/threonine kinase mTOR. MLN0128 was tested against the in vitro panel at concentrations ranging from 0.1 nM to 1 μM and against the PPTP in vivo panels at a dose of 1 mg/kg administered orally daily × 28. In vitro the median relative IC50 concentration was 19 nM. In vivo MLN0128 induced significant differences in EFS in 24/31 (77%) solid tumor models, but 0/7 ALL xenografts. The modest activity observed for MLN0128 against the PPTP preclinical models is similar to that previously reported for another TOR kinase inhibitor. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:1486–1489. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In situ polymerization, thermal, damping, and mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes/polyisobutylene‐based polyurethane nanocomposites
Authors: Li Yuqi , Hu KaiFang , Jiao Hongyu , Liu Xiulan , Wang Qihua , Pan Guangqin , Zhang Xinrui , Wang Tingmei
Published: February 2014

Despite the development of strong, durable, and cost efficient polyisobutylene‐based polyurethane (PIB‐based PU) materials has yet to be achieved. The well dispersion and maximum interfacial interaction between the nanofiller and the PIB‐based PU at low loading have been scarcely studied. Here, the preparation of PIB‐based PU nanocomposites with Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) using a simple in situ polymerization method is reported. The thermogravimetric analysis tests show that MWCNTs significantly improved the thermal stability of MWCNTs/PIB‐based PU nanocomposites. Compare to the pure PIB‐based PU the onset temperature of degradation for the nanocomposite was about 20°C higher at 0.7 wt% MWCNTs loading. Efficient load transfer is found between the nanofiller MWCNTs and PIB‐based PU and the mechanical properties of the MWCNTs/PIB‐based PU nanocomposite with well dispersion are improved. A 63% improvement of Young's modulus and slightly increased of tensile strength are achieved by addition of only 0.7 wt% of MWCNTs. The experimentally determined Young's modulus is in well agreement with the theoretical simulation. It is worth noting that the PIB‐based PU and MWCNTs/PIB‐based PU nanocomposites exhibit excellent damping properties (tan δ > 0.3) from −45°C to 8°C. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:198–203, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers