bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Was the Economic Crisis of 2008 Good for Icelanders?
Authors: Laufey Ásgeirsdóttir Tinna , Corman Hope , Noonan Kelly , Ólafsdóttir Þórhildur , Reichman Nancy E.
Published: February 2014

This chapter uses the 2008 economic crisis in Iceland to identify the effects of a macroeconomic downturn on a range of health behaviors. We use longitudinal survey data that includes pre‐ and post‐reports from the same individuals on a range of health‐compromising and health‐promoting behaviors. We find that the crisis led to large and significant reductions in health‐compromising behaviors (such as smoking, drinking alcohol or soft drinks, and eating sweets) and certain health‐promoting behaviors (consumption of fruit and vegetables), but to increases in other health‐promoting behaviors (consumption of fish oil and recommended sleep). The magnitudes of effects for smoking are somewhat larger than what has been found in past research in other contexts, while those for alcohol, fruit, and vegetables are in line with estimates from other studies. Changes in work hours, real income, financial assets, mortgage debt, and mental health, together, explain the effects of the crisis on some behaviors (such as consumption of sweets and fast food), while the effects of the crisis on most other behaviors appear to have operated largely through price increases.
Promoting the Health and Wellbeing of Older People
Authors: Park A‐La , McDaid David , Forsman Anna K. , Wahlbeck Kristian
Published: February 2014

This chapter focuses on the wellbeing of older people. It looks at what is known about some of the economic impacts of poor wellbeing in older age, as well as the potential economic benefits of better wellbeing. Contrary to popular opinion, older people make a substantial positive net contribution to the economy through activities such as the provision of informal care, looking after grandchildren, paid employment, and engaging in volunteering. Investing in wellbeing can help further facilitate these benefits, as well as reduce the need for some health‐care services. Cost‐effective actions that can be taken include various social and group activities to counter social isolation and loneliness. Psychological therapies can also be used to help prevent depression in both the general older population and higher risk groups, including the bereaved. Evidence on the cost‐effectiveness of measures to tackle poverty, make use of new social media to combat isolation and encourage participation in adult education are needed.
Promoting and Protecting Mental Wellbeing during Times of Economic Change
Authors: McDaid David , Wahlbeck Kristian
Published: February 2014

History shows that economic shocks, whether boom or bust, can have profound effects on mental health and wellbeing. The magnitude of these effects, and the populations most affected, can vary considerably. In some contexts there may be adverse impacts on suicide rates and interpersonal violence, while stress, anxiety, and depressive disorders may be on the rise. In other contexts these impacts have been minimal. There are many potential explanatory factors. In all cases much can be learned from these past economic shocks as to potential mechanisms that can be used to strengthen resilience and protect mental health and wellbeing. This chapter outlines a range of measures that can safeguard and support mental health and wellbeing during economic shocks. It emphasizes that the promotion and protection of wellbeing cannot be achieved by the health sector alone. The determinants of mental health often lie outside of the remits of the health system and all sectors of society have to be involved in the promotion of mental health.
Introduction
Authors: Chen Peter Y. , Cooper Cary L.
Published: February 2014

Rationales of applying positive psychology to pursue happiness at work are presented, and brief descriptions of subsequent chapters are given.
Wellbeing in the Oldest Old and Centenarians in Japan
Authors: Gondo Yasuyuki , Arai Yasumichi , Hirose Nobuyoshi
Published: February 2014

In Japan, the country with the longest life expectancy at birth in the world, living as an oldest old person (85+) has become the norm, rather than exceptional. Maintaining health, functional capacity, and social relationship are fundamentals of wellbeing in old age; however, in the oldest old, who tend to suffer age‐related physical and cognitive decline, little is known about how functional and social resources influence wellbeing. Empirical evidence has revealed that centenarians maintain relatively high psychological wellbeing regardless of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, suggesting a new model of wellbeing with greater emphasis on positive adaptation to multiple losses with aging. In this chapter we introduce theories of psychological wellbeing with particular focus on gerotranscendence as a possible adaptation model in the oldest old and centenarians.
Reliability of Radiographic Scoring Methods in Axial Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Biagioni Bradly J. , Gladman Dafna D. , Cook Richard J. , Eder Lihi , Wakhlu Anupam , Shen Hua , Chandran Vinod
Published: February 2014

Objective

Important differences exist between axial psoriatic arthritis (AxPsA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index (BASRI), the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS), and the Radiographic Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (RASSS) were developed to score AS, and the Psoriatic Arthritis Spondylitis Radiology Index (PASRI) to score AxPsA. We aimed to develop a computerized scoring application and compare the intra‐ and interrater reliability of these scoring systems in AS and AxPsA.

Methods

A computerized scoring application was developed to facilitate the scoring of radiographic features and calculate total scores for established scoring methods for AS and AxPsA. Digital spinal radiographs of 18 patients with AS and 40 patients with AxPsA were read in random order individually by 4 rheumatologists, data were entered into the application, and scores were obtained. The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of the intra‐ and interrater reliability of scores for each method were then computed.

Results

In AS, the intra‐ and interrater ICC was 0.91 and 0.80 for sacroiliitis grade, 0.96 and 0.86 for BASRI‐spine, 0.98 and 0.86 for mSASSS, 0.96 and 0.75 for RASSS, and 0.99 and 0.93 for PASRI, respectively. In AxPsA, the intra‐ and interrater ICC was 0.81 and 0.67 for sacroiliitis grade, 0.77 and 0.52 for BASRI‐spine, 0.91 and 0.65 for mSASSS, 0.90 and 0.68 for RASSS, and 0.92 and 0.88 for PASRI, respectively.

Conclusion

Available radiographic scoring systems perform well in AS and have moderate intra‐ and interrater reliability when applied to AxPsA. However, PASRI may be superior for assessing structural damage in AxPsA.
Increased Intrarenal Arterial Stiffness May Predict the Occurrence of New Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Rosato Edoardo , Barbano Biagio , Gigante Antonietta , Molinaro Ilenia , Quarta Silvia , Pisarri Simonetta , Amoroso Antonio , Cianci Rosario , Salsano Felice
Published: February 2014

Objective

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) are at high risk for the development of ischemic digital ulcers (DUs), which occur in 35–60% of SSc patients. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between intrarenal arterial stiffness and DUs in SSc patients and to evaluate the prognostic value of Doppler indices to predict new DU occurrence.

Methods

Seventy unselected, consecutive patients with SSc (58 women and 12 men, mean ± SD age 49.5 ± 13.8 years) were enrolled. In all patients, Doppler ultrasound examination was performed. The following Doppler indices of intrarenal stiffness were measured: peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), resistive index (RI), pulsatile index (PI), and systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D).

Results

In total, 30 (42%) of 70 patients experienced new DUs. RI, S/D, and PI were significantly higher in SSc patients with new DUs than in SSc patients without new DUs. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated a good accuracy of new DU prediction for RI (0.94, P < 0.0001), S/D (0.92, P < 0.0001), and PI (0.88, P < 0.0001). Conversely, the ROC curve showed no performance for PSV (0.58, P > 0.05) and EDV (0.28, P > 0.05). Using a cutoff value of 0.70 for RI and 3.25 for S/D, the positive predictive value was 90.6% and 92.9%, respectively.

Conclusion

We can conclude that Doppler indices of intrarenal stiffness are reliable markers of new DU occurrence. Doppler indices could be used in association with the capillaroscopic and clinical findings or serologic tests for the identification of patients at high risk of developing DUs.
Gas Phase Emitter Effect of Thulium within Ceramic Metal Halide Lamps in Dependence on Frequency
Authors: Ruhrmann C. , Depta M. , Bergner A. , Höbing T. , Denissen C. , Suijker J. , Mentel J. , Awakowicz P.
Published: February 2014

The gas phase emitter effect within ceramic metal halide (CMH) lamps reduces the effective work function of the electrode material and, therewith, the electrode temperature. An investigation of the gas phase emitter effect of thulium (Tm) within CMH lamps seeded with Tm iodide (TmI3) is carried out. For this purpose, phase resolved images of the arc attachment and measurements of the electrode temperature, Tm atom and ion densities are performed in dependence on operating frequency by pyrometry and optical emission spectroscopy. Additionally, the influence of a sodium iodide (NaI) admixture is studied.

The emitter effect is generated by means of a monolayer of Tm atoms on the electrode surface generated by a Tm ion current within the cathodic phase. It overlaps onto the anodic phase at higher frequencies of some hundreds of hertz. The reason is the finite life time of the monolayer, which is determined by the adsorption energy of Tm on the tungsten surface. Due to the low electric field strength in front of the anode and the mass inertia, the emitter ions and atoms remain in front of the anode. They retard the decay of the monolayer and with it the increase of the work function. Moreover, a comparison of a lamp seeded with TmI3 and sodium iodide (NaI) with a lamp seeded only with TmI3 illustrates a slight reduction of the electrode tip temperature caused by a higher Tm saturation vapour pressure and a higher Tm amount within the lamp filling. The influence of Na appears to be quite low. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ultra‐Precision Surface Machining with Reactive Plasma Jets
Authors: Arnold Th. , Böhm G. , Paetzelt H.
Published: February 2014

Atmospheric Plasma Jet Machining (PJM) is a technology for non‐mechanical ultra‐precision surface shape generation, shape error correction and smoothing based on atmospheric plasma jets. PJM is favorably applied to generate optical surfaces like aspheres, acylinders, or free‐forms but also to improve the surface shape accuracy in a very fast and cost‐efficient way. For that purpose a mainly fluorine containing plasma jet is brought into contact with a surface to locally remove material by a chemical reaction forming volatile products. Hence, the technology is limited to materials like silicon, fused silica and similar, or silicon carbide. Furthermore, the etch profile results from a convolution of the radical and the temperature distribution at the surface. Since the temperature distribution is also influenced by the plasma jet this leads to a non‐linear dependence of the removal function of the plasma tool on its velocity. Using the dwell‐time algorithm for deterministic surface machining by superposition of the local removal function of the plasma tool an advanced process simulation is necessary. In a first local approximation the velocity dependence of the removal function, which has to be determined previously, must be incorporated. Second order thermal effects due to inhomogeneous heating caused by the part geometry and the tool path can be managed by a sophisticated calculation of the surface temperature evolution during machining based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). With the help of this procedure the accuracy and convergence of the machining process can be significantly improved. In the article several examples of surface processing using plasma jet machining are presented. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Application for Pollution Control in Industrial Processes
Authors: Hammer Th.
Published: February 2014

Economic application of atmospheric pressure plasma technology for industrial pollution control requires fulfilling two propositions: First application of pollution control technologies needs to result in clear environmental, health, or safety benefits motivating political measures. Second plasma technology needs to be competitive as compared to other available pollution control technologies. Thus in this article methods for the evaluation of atmospheric plasma application for industrial pollution control are reviewed: Examples of emission regulations and emission control technologies are given. Requirements of industrial scale emission control and of thermal and non‐thermal exhaust gas treatment technologies are described. The potential of various non‐thermal plasma reactor concepts for cost effective treatment of industrial scale gas flows is analyzed, and methods for the evaluation of plasma energy balance and plasma chemical kinetics are given for them. How to deal with shortcomings of atmospheric pressure plasmas such as lack of plasma‐chemical selectivity is addressed in a section about plasma‐catalytic hybrid processes. Further the progress made recently in electrostatic precipitation is reviewed, and the importance of electro‐hydrodynamic effects for the reactor design both for electrostatic precipitation and for plasma chemical pollution control is considered. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Clinical Plasma Medicine: State and Perspectives of in Vivo Application of Cold Atmospheric Plasma
Authors: von Woedtke Th. , Metelmann H.‐R. , Weltmann K.‐D.
Published: February 2014

Driven by extensive basic research on plasma effects on living cells and microorganisms, plasma medicine has been developed as innovative medical research field during the last years. Besides partially established applications of plasma to treat materials or devices to allow effective medical applications with respect to biocompatibility or microbiological safety, respectively, the primary focus of plasma‐medical research is the direct application of plasma as part of therapeutic concepts. Even if a huge number of atmospheric pressure plasma sources for biomedical applications are described in the literature and characterized by in vitro microbiology and cell biology, there is only a limited number of in vivo experience with animals or human beings up to now. Research in plasma medicine has been mainly focused on applications in dermatology and aesthetic surgery with the aim to support tissue regeneration to improve healing of infected and/or chronic wounds as well as to treat infective and inflamed skin diseases. In general, there are four cold atmospheric plasma sources which were tested comprehensively in animals as well as human beings with respect both to its therapeutic potential and the safety of its application.

Three clinical trials with cold atmospheric pressure plasma sources have been carried out yet. All three studies realized in Germany are focused on ulcer treatment. Two cold atmospheric pressure plasma sources got a CE marking as medical device in 2013. This marks a very important step to bring plasma medicine into the clinical daily routine!

In future, it will become a general practical requirement to adapt special plasma sources to specific medical applications. Consequently, it is one of the main requirements for the physical and technical field of research and development in plasma medicine to find solutions for modular and flexible plasma devices which are adaptive to some extent e.g. to variable target areas. Based on this as well as together with comprehensive basic research to get much more insight into detailed mechanisms of plasma‐induced effects on living structures and the particular role of single plasma components, further fields of plasma application in vivo will be opened or extended, respectively, with both new targets like cancer treatment or new application sites like teeth, lung, eyes, nasal cavity or gastrointestinal tract. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An Inertia Driven Micro‐Actuator for Space Applications
Authors: Mita Makoto , Ataka Manabu , Fujita Hiroyuki , Toshiyoshi Hiroshi
Published: February 2014

We have developed an inertia‐driven micro actuator for the harsh environment of space. Different from the conventional PZT‐driven or other actuators, the newly developed electrostatic mechanism is free from material property change due to temperature. A mass suspended in the actuation system is designed to collide with the internal wall to produce thrust by an impact‐type inchworm mechanism.
Electric Vehicle Range Extension Control System Based on Front‐ and Rear‐Wheel Sideslip Angle and Left‐ and Right‐Motor Torque Distribution
Authors: Sumiya Hayato , Fujimoto Hiroshi
Published: February 2014

In this paper, a range extension control system based on the least‐squares method is proposed for electric vehicles with in‐wheel motors and front active steering. We propose a method that distributes the front and rear‐wheel sideslip angles and the difference in the driving force between the left and right motors resulting from the lateral force and yaw moment. The proposed method allows a reduction in the driving resistance generated due to the front steering angle. In practice, the mileage per charge is increased to about 200 m/kWh. Simulations and experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Direct and indirect interactions in the recognition between a cross‐neutralizing antibody and the four serotypes of dengue virus
Authors: Lisova Olesia , Belkadi Laurent , Bedouelle Hugues
Published: February 2014

Dengue fever is the most important vector‐borne viral disease. Four serotypes of dengue virus, DENV1 to DENV4, coexist. Secondary infection by a different serotype is a risk factor for severe dengue. Monoclonal antibody mAb4E11 neutralizes the four serotypes of DENV with varying efficacies by recognizing an epitope located within domain‐III (ED3) of the viral envelope (E) protein. To better understand the cross‐reactivities between mAb4E11 and the four serotypes of DENV, we constructed mutations in both Fab4E11 fragment and ED3, and we searched for indirect interactions in the crystal structures of the four complexes. According to the serotype, 7 to 12 interactions are mediated by one water molecule, 1 to 10 by two water molecules, and several of these interactions are conserved between serotypes. Most interfacial water molecules make hydrogen bonds with both antibody and antigen. Some residues or atomic groups are engaged in both direct and water‐mediated interactions. The doubly‐indirect interactions are more numerous in the complex of lowest affinity. The third complementarity determining region of the light chain (L‐CDR3) of mAb4E11 does not contact ED3. The structures and double‐mutant thermodynamic cycles showed that the effects of (hyper)‐mutations in L‐CDR3 on affinity were caused by conformational changes and indirect interactions with ED3 through other CDRs. Exchanges of residues between ED3 serotypes showed that their effects on affinity were context dependent. Thus, conformational changes, structural context, and indirect interactions should be included when studying cross‐reactivity between antibodies and different serotypes of viral antigens for a better design of diagnostics, vaccine, and therapeutic tools against DENV and other Flaviviruses. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compound prioritization from inverse docking experiment using receptor‐centric and ligand‐centric methods: a case study on Plasmodium falciparum Fab enzymes
Authors: Kumar Sivakumar Prasanth , Pandya Himanshu A. , Desai Vishal H. , Jasrai Yogesh T.
Published: February 2014

Prioritization of compounds using inverse docking approach is limited owing to potential drawbacks in its scoring functions. Classically, molecules ranked by best or lowest binding energies and clustering methods have been considered as probable hits. Mining probable hits from an inverse docking approach is very complicated given the closely related protein targets and the chemically similar ligand data set. To overcome this problem, we present here a computational approach using receptor‐centric and ligand‐centric methods to infer the reliability of the inverse docking approach and to recognize probable hits. This knowledge‐driven approach takes advantage of experimentally identified inhibitors against a particular protein target of interest to delineate shape and molecular field properties and use a multilayer perceptron model to predict the biological activity of the test molecules. The approach was validated using flavone derivatives possessing inhibitory activities against principal antimalarial molecular targets of fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, FabG, FabI and FabZ, respectively. We propose that probable hits can be retrieved by comparing the rank list of docking, quantitative‐structure activity relationship and multilayer perceptron models. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PET/CT in head and neck oncology: State‐of‐the‐art 2013
Authors: Johnson Jonas T. , Branstetter Barton F.
Published: February 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Combined positron emission tomography with simultaneous computed tomography (PET/CT performed using 18F‐fluorodeoxyglucose [FDG] as a radiopharmaceutical) results in improvement in anatomic localization of tumor. This review explores the contemporary application of PET/CT to pretreatment assessment, posttreatment monitoring, and subsequent treatment planning for patients with squamous carcinoma of the head and neck.

Data Sources

Contemporary publications on the use of PET/CT in head and neck oncology are reviewed and synthesized.

Review Method

This review presents selected literature interpreted by expert opinion.

Results

PET/CT is highly sensitive in staging of patients with squamous cancer of the head and neck. The sensitivity is limited by tumor size, and PET/CT cannot currently replace the information obtained from elective neck dissection in the assessment of cervical metastases. In the setting of posttreatment monitoring, PET/CT allows for identification of persistent carcinoma prior to clinical observation in approximately two‐thirds of cases. However, contemporary reports do not allow assessment of cost effectiveness, and they do not allow determination if the application of PET/CT in this setting results in improved treatment outcomes. PET/CT is insensitive to evaluation of patients with glandular tumors, and those with low volume tumors and cystic metastases.

Conclusions

PET/CT requires further evaluation before recommendations can be made regarding comparative effectiveness when compared to CT or MRI for posttreatment monitoring. The improved sensitivity and specificity of PET/CT during treatment planning justifies its use in this setting for patients with advanced stage squamous cancer of the head and neck. Laryngoscope, 124:913–915, 2014
Electrospinning of Ionic Supramolecular Azo Complexes
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Qian , Bazuin C. Geraldine , Pellerin Christian
Published: February 2014

Electrospinning was applied to DMF solution mixtures of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and MO/PVP, which is an azo‐containing liquid crystalline complex between methyl orange (MO) and methylated poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (PVP), to obtain composite light‐responsive fibers. The average diameter of the fibers, which ranged from 700 nm to 1.5 µm, increases with PMMA content. Differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy show that they are microphase separated in the form of interspersed nanostrips of PMMA‐rich and MO/PVP(‐rich) phases. The MO/PVP(‐rich) phase is liquid crystalline (smectic A) as in the bulk, but with no orientation relative to the fiber axis. The birefringence of the fibers observed by polarized optical microscopy is attributed, at least in part, to form birefringence. This study is promising for the preparation of light‐responsive fibers based on easy‐to‐prepare polymer complexes.
Preliminary Investigation of Improved Solubility of Nifedipine by Co Processing with Vinylcaprolactam/Vinylacetate/PEG6000 copolymer Through Spray Dried Solid Dispersions
Authors: Sharkawi Tahmer , Ruiz Emilie , Cacciaguerra Thomas , Domurado Martine , Bataille Bernard
Published: February 2014

Poorly soluble drug nifedipine was co‐processed through spray‐drying with poly (vinyl caprolactam‐co‐vinyl acetate‐co‐ethylene glycol) (PVCVAEG). The obtained particles were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infra‐red spectroscopy (IR), optical and electronic microscopy. Dissolution kinetics was evaluated and compared to unprocessed and processed samples. Spray‐drying produced smooth spherical particles. Crystallinity of the co‐processed nifedipine and polymeric solubilizer was reduced as showed by XRD and DSC. No specific interaction between nifedipine and the polymeric solubilizer could be observed by IR or DSC. Dissolution kinetics of the co‐processed samples was improved as compared to original nifedipine crystals and to spray‐dried plain nifedipine particles. Solubility parameters showed that nifedipine had strong probabilities of being miscible and to dissolve in the polymeric carrier. Results point to the formation of solid dispersion‐like systems which explain the improved solubility profiles.
A comparative insight into the status of the lobbying regulation debate in Estonia
Authors: Lumi Ott
Published: February 2014

This paper focuses on different approaches towards regulating lobbying. Special attention is paid to policy formulation regarding lobbying regulation in Estonia. The Estonian case study is juxtaposed with the regulatory solutions of lobbying in Scandinavian and post‐communist countries. The reason for choosing such a comparative framework is justified by the fact that these two sets of countries have chosen rather dissimilar approaches in interpreting the role of lobbying in society. As Estonia's policy decisions are often determined by both of these two spaces of political culture, the article polemicizes over the question of which path Estonia could take in terms of regulatory framework for lobbying. The analysis concludes with policy recommendations to Estonia as well as with suggestions for further theoretical research directions for understanding better the policy impact of lobbying regulations designed and implemented by post‐communist states. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent advances in treatment and diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Waters Lisa , Moots Robert
Published: February 2014

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition associated with significant co‐morbidities. Our Drug review discusses the importance of early detection and highlights recent developments in diagnosis and treatment, followed by sources of further information.
Rotarix: rotavirus vaccine for infants of two months
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: February 2014

Steve Chaplin provides an overview of the properties of the rotavirus vaccine, now to be offered routinely to infants at approximately eight weeks of age.
On Assessing the Performance of Sequential Procedures for Detecting a Change
Authors: Kenett Ron S. , Pollak Moshe
Published: February 2014

The literature on statistical process control has focused mostly on the average run length (ARL) to an alarm, as a performance criterion of sequential schemes. When the process is in control, this is the ARL to false alarm, generally denoted by ARL0, and represents the in‐control operating characteristic of the procedure. The ARL from the occurrence of a change to its detection represents an out‐of‐control operating characteristic and is typically embodied by ARL1, the ARL to detection assuming that the change occurs at the very start of surveillance. However, these indices do not tell the whole story, and at times they are not defined well by a single number. We review the role of various operating characteristics in assessing performance of sequential procedures in comparison with ARL0and ARL1. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sampling for Nonconformities and Other Issues in the Forthcoming Revision of ISO 2859‐2
Authors: Göb Rainer , Baillie David
Published: February 2014

ISO 2859 is a multipart series of attribute sampling plans maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In this series, the relevant standard for type A sampling targeted on finite lots is ISO 2859‐2, which was issued in 1985. Some deficiencies of the standard have been observed during its 25 years of existence. The major problem is the standard's exclusive focus on the conforming–nonconforming unit quality paradigm, with an absence of any reference to nonconformities counts as a relevant quality indicator. The responsible subcommittee SC5 Acceptance sampling of the ISO technical committee TC 69 Application of statistical methods has therefore undertaken a revision of ISO 2859‐2. The present study reviews the history, contents and weaknesses of ISO 2859‐2 and describes the major components of the intended revision, in particular with respect to sampling for nonconformities. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Near Infrared Light‐Triggered Drug Generation and Release from Gold Nanoparticle Carriers for Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Cheng Yu , Doane Tennyson L. , Chuang Chi‐Hung , Ziady Assem , Burda Clemens
Published: February 2014

A photoprecursor Pc 227 is covalently bound onto gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to produce the known photodynamic therapy (PDT) drug Pc 4 upon 660 nm photoirradiation. The photochemical formation of the photoproduct Pc 4 is identified by spectroscopy, chromatography, and mass spectrometry and its PDT efficacy is equal to Pc 4 when administered non‐covalently by Au NPs, with the added benefit of improved covalent delivery and targeted NIR‐triggered release from the covalent Pc 227‐Au NP conjugate, while during transport the attached Pc 227 is quenched by the Au NP and PDT inactivated.
A step towards the 3D component method for modelling beam‐to‐column joints
Authors: Heinisuo Markku , Perttola Henri , Ronni Hilkka
Published: February 2014

This paper deals with the component method for the structural design of steel joints in the 3D modelling of loads. The essential features of the method are presented in terms of the local and global analysis model. There is a discussion about the location of the local joint model, the definition of generalized joint displacements and the generic nature of the method. The proposed method is verified for a beam‐to‐column joint. Verification is carried out by a detailed 3D non‐linear finite element analysis of a single joint. Other results in the literature are discussed briefly. One of the new components used in 3D modelling is introduced here. The proposed 3D component method seems to work rather well for moment resistances of joints in both ambient and fire conditions. Initial rotational stiffness needs to be studied more. Validation of the 3D component method is continuing with experiments on the end plate splice joints of rectangular tubular structures.
Modern steel design and construction in Canada’s oil sands industry
Authors: Bedair Osama
Published: February 2014

The continuous improvements in Canada’s oil sands industrial performance have generated engineering challenges that are rarely encountered in conventional oil and gas projects. Significant developments in steel construction procedures have evolved over the past few years to cope with these challenges. New design guidelines have been developed to modernize structural steel design and construction procedures. These procedures have been successfully implemented in oil sands projects that worth billions of dollars. The author was involved in the design developments for these projects and would like to share with readers the difficulties and solutions used to cope with structural challenges that are not addressed by North American or European codes of practice.
Surgical Treatment and Perioperative Management of Idiopathic Abdominal Cocoon: Single‐Center Review of 65 Cases
Authors: Li Ning , Zhu Weiming , Li Yi , Gong Jianfeng , Gu Lili , Li Min , Cao Lei , Li Jieshou
Published: February 2014

Background

The abdominal cocoon (AC) is a condition in which a variable length of healthy small bowel is enveloped in a fibrocollagenous membrane, giving the appearance of a cocoon. Early experiences with treatment were associated with high mortality and morbidity rates and a low preoperative diagnostic rate, leading to underestimation of the treatment benefit of surgery.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 65 patients who were diagnosed as having AC from 2001 to 2011. The clinical data, surgical intervention, and perioperative management were carefully reviewed.

Results

The 65 patients (57 male, 8 female) had a median age of 39 years (range 14–79 years). Patients who received preoperative nutritional support had higher rate of grade 0 complications (p = 0.012) and a lower rate of grade II complications (p = 0.012) than those without nutritional support. Intestinal stenting during surgical intervention also decreased both grade I (p = 0.012) and grade II (p = 0.007) complications. Patients who received preoperative nutritional support and underwent intestinal stenting had a lower rate of postoperative complications (p < 0.05). In addition, patients with preoperative nutritional support were more satisfied postoperatively (p = 0.018) than those without nutritional support. This was also observed in patients with intestinal stenting versus those without it (p = 0.027).

Conclusions

Our single‐center study with a large number of patients provided evidence regarding the epidemiology of AC. Preoperative nutritional support and intestinal stenting significantly reduced postoperative complications and, more importantly, increased postoperative satisfaction.
Displaying Candida antarctica lipase B on the cell surface of Aspergillus niger as a potential food-grade whole-cell catalyst
Authors: Pan Zhi-You , Yang Zhi-Ming , Pan Li , Zheng Sui-Ping , Han Shuang-Yan , Lin Ying
Published: February 2014

Aspergillus niger is a recognized workhorse used to produce food processing enzymes because of its extraordinarily high protein-producing capacity. We have developed a new cell surface display system de novo in A. niger using expression elements from generally recognized as safe certified microorganisms. Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB), a widely used hydrolase, was fused to an endogenous cell wall mannoprotein, CwpA, and functionally displayed on the cell surface. Localization of CALB was confirmed by enzymatic assay and immunofluorescence analysis using laser scanning confocal microscopy. After induction by maltose for 45 h, the hydrolytic activity and synthesis activity of A. niger mycelium-surface displayed CALB (AN-CALB) reached 400 and 240 U/g dry cell, respectively. AN-CALB was successfully used as a whole-cell catalyst for the enzymatic production of ethyl esters from a series of fatty acids of different chain lengths and ethanol. In a solvent-free system, AN-CALB showed great synthetic activity and afforded high substrate mole conversions, which amounted to 87 % for ethyl hexanoate after 2 h, 89 % for ethyl laurate after 2 h, and 84 % for ethyl stearate after 3 h. These results suggested that CwpA can act as an efficient anchoring motif for displaying enzyme on A. niger, and AN-CALB is a robust, green, and cost-effective alternative food-grade whole-cell catalyst to commercial lipase.
A hybrid of the invasive plant Sphagneticola trilobata has similar competitive ability but different response to nitrogen deposition compared to parent
Authors: Ni Guangyan , Zhao P. , Wu W. , Lu X.‐K. , Zhao X.‐H. , Zhu L.‐W. , Niu J.‐F.
Published: February 2014

Hybridization between introduced and related native species has been suggested to be a key driving force of evolutionary processes in invasions that may be accelerated by increasing nitrogen (N) deposition. We carried out two experiments to compare the competitive ability of a newly‐reported putative hybrid (Sphagneticola calendulacea × Sphagneticola trilobata) to that of its invasive paternal parent and investigate its response to different N additions. Growth of the hybrid increased by 39.62 ± 15.69 % when grown with the native parent but showed no significant changes when grown with the invasive parent. Growth of invasive S. trilobata showed no significant changes when grown with the other two taxa. The hybrid and invasive parent inhibited the growth of the native parent by 33.27 ± 15.26 % and 78.56 ± 3.13 %, respectively. Low level N addition (50 kg N ha−1) enhanced the growth of both the hybrid and native parent, whereas medium and high levels of N additions (150, 300 kg N ha−1) had no effects on hybrid growth but decreased native parent growth. However, all N treatments had no significant effects on the growth of the invasive parent. Our results suggest that the hybrid is an equal competitor to its invasive parent and is more susceptible to N deposition. Therefore, this hybrid could be a threat to native diversity but may decline more than the invasive parent under high N conditions.
BV functions and sets of finite perimeter in sub-Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Ambrosio L. , Ghezzi R. , Magnani V.
Published: February 2014

We give a notion of BV function on an oriented manifold where a volume form and a family of lower semicontinuous quadratic forms

G_{p}:T_{p}M\rightarrow [0,\infty ]

are given. When we consider sub-Riemannian manifolds, our definition coincides with the one given in the more general context of metric measure spaces which are doubling and support a Poincaré inequality. We focus on finite perimeter sets, i.e., sets whose characteristic function is BV, in sub-Riemannian manifolds. Under an assumption on the nilpotent approximation, we prove a blowup theorem, generalizing the one obtained for step-2 Carnot groups in [24].
The crystal structure of the amidohydrolase VinJ shows a unique hydrophobic tunnel for its interaction with polyketide substrates
Authors: Shinohara Yuji , Miyanaga Akimasa , Kudo Fumitaka , Eguchi Tadashi
Published: February 2014

VinJ is an amidohydrolase belonging to the serine peptidase family that catalyzes the hydrolysis of the terminal aminoacyl moiety of a polyketide intermediate during the biosynthesis of vicenistatin. Herein, we report the crystal structure of VinJ. VinJ possesses a unique hydrophobic tunnel for the recognition of the polyketide chain moiety of its substrate in the cap domain. Taken together with the results of phylogenetic analysis, our results suggest that VinJ represents a new amidohydrolase family that is different from the known α/β hydrolase type serine peptidases.
Mannan binding lectin attenuates double‐stranded RNA‐mediated TLR3 activation and innate immunity
Authors: Liu Hongzhi , Zhou Jia , Ma Di , Lu Xiao , Ming Siqi , Shan Guiqiu , Zhang Xiaoyong , Hou Jinlin , Chen Zhengliang , Zuo Daming
Published: February 2014

Mannan binding lectin (MBL) functions as a pattern recognition molecule (PRM) which is able to initiate complement activation. Here, we characterize a previously unrecognized attribute of MBL as a double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding protein capable of modifying Toll like receptor 3 (TLR3) activation. MBL interacts with poly(I:C) and suppresses poly(I:C)‐induced activation of TLR3 pathways and subsequent cytokine production. In addition, MBL binds to TLR3 directly. Surprisingly, disrupting the interaction between MBL and complement receptor 1 (CR1) or restraining the traffic of MBL to phagosome reversed the MBL limited TLR3 activation. We demonstrate the importance of MBL guided ligands intracellular localization, emphasizing the significance of understanding the dynamics of TLR agonists complexed with MBL or other PRMs inside the cell in immune defense.
The putative tRNA 2‐thiouridine synthetase Ncs6 is an essential sulfur carrier in Methanococcus maripaludis
Authors: Liu Yuchen , Long Feng , Wang Liangliang , Söll Dieter , Whitman William B.
Published: February 2014

Thiolation of carbon‐2 of uridine located in the first position of the anticodons of urn:x-wiley:00145793:media:feb2s0014579314001082:feb2s0014579314001082-math-si1 urn:x-wiley:00145793:media:feb2s0014579314001082:feb2s0014579314001082-math-si2 and urn:x-wiley:00145793:media:feb2s0014579314001082:feb2s0014579314001082-math-si3 is a conserved RNA modification event requiring the 2‐thiouridine synthetase Ncs6/Ctu1 in archaea and eukaryotes. Ncs6/Ctu1 activates uridine by adenylation, but its role in sulfur transfer is unclear. Here we show that Mmp1356, the Ncs6/Ctu1 homolog in the archaeon Methanococcus maripaludis, forms a persulfide enzyme adduct with an active site cysteine; this suggests that Mmp1356 directly participates in sulfur transfer as a persulfide carrier. Transposon mutagenesis shows that Mmp1356 is likely to be an essential protein.
Adults’ Perspectives on Tweens’ Capacities: Participation or Protection?
Authors: Sargeant Jonathon
Published: February 2014

Childhood, its stages, purpose and duration are matters of ongoing debate in many contemporary societies. Much of the debate centres on the interpretations of childhood as a time of being, becoming or a combination of both, with the varying perspectives compounded by the rapidly evolving information age of the 21st century that offer children access to more unregulated information from multiple sources than at any time in history. As such, the adult community is confronted by a conundrum: prepare children for their future or preserve childhood as a time romanticised and defined by freedom and carefree living. In order to advance a policy and research agenda, whereby adults and children can share their expertise, a clear understanding of the contemporary societal view of childhood is necessary. This paper presents the views of a range of adults regarding children between the ages of 8 and 12 years old, the tween years.
Interaction of two axisymmetric bodies falling side by side at moderate Reynolds numbers
Authors: Ern Patricia , Brosse Nicolas
Published: February 2014

We consider the interaction of two identical disks freely falling side by side in a fluid at rest for Reynolds numbers ranging from 100 to 300, corresponding to rectilinear and oscillatory paths. For the three aspect ratios of the disks investigated, we observed that the bodies always repel one another when the horizontal distance between their centres of gravity is less than 4.5 diameters. They never come closer for distances spanning between 4.5 and 6 diameters. Beyond the latter distance, the disks appear indifferent to each other. For both rectilinear and periodic paths, the repulsion effect is weak, leading to an overall horizontal drift lower than 3 % of the vertical displacement. We propose a model for the repulsion coefficient Cr, which decreases with the separation distance between the bodies and is inversely proportional to the aspect ratio of the bodies, Cr thus being stronger for the thicker ones. Furthermore, in the case of the oscillatory paths, we show that the effect of the interaction reduces to the repulsion effect, since the characteristics of the oscillatory motion of each disk appear unaffected by the presence of the companion disk and no synchronization is observed between the paths, nor between the wakes, of the two disks.
Influence of virgin coconut oil-enriched diet on the transcriptional regulation of fatty acid synthesis and oxidation in rats – a comparative study
Authors: Arunima Sakunthala , Rajamohan Thankappan
Published: February 2014

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of virgin coconut oil (VCO) compared with copra oil, olive oil and sunflower-seed oil on the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids and the molecular regulation of fatty acid metabolism in normal rats. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were fed the test oils at 8 % for 45 d along with a synthetic diet. Dietary supplementation of VCO decreased tissue lipid levels and reduced the activity of the enzymes involved in lipogenesis, namely acyl CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthase (FAS) (P< 0·05). Moreover, VCO significantly (P< 0·05) reduced thede novosynthesis of fatty acids by down-regulating the mRNA expression of FAS and its transcription factor, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, compared with the other oils. VCO significantly (P< 0·05) increased the mitochondrial and peroxisomal β-oxidation of fatty acids, which was evident from the increased activities of carnitine palmitoyl transferase I, acyl CoA oxidase and the enzymes involved in mitochondrial β-oxidation; this was accomplished by up-regulating the mRNA expression of PPARα and its target genes involved in fatty acid oxidation. In conclusion, the present results confirmed that supplementation of VCO has beneficial effects on lipid parameters by reducing lipogenesis and enhancing the rate of fatty acid catabolism; this effect was mediated at least in part via PPARα-dependent pathways. Thus, dietary VCO reduces the risk for CHD by beneficially modulating the synthesis and degradation of fatty acids.
Taking Community Seriously: Lessons from the Israeli Disengagement Plan
Authors: Stern Shai
Published: February 2014

Eminent domain, or the expropriation of private property, is among the most controversial of legal arrangements. The challenges and threats that it poses to private property make it the subject of debate and dispute. Surprisingly, however, most Western jurisdictions embrace a similar formula to address expropriation, both in terms of the purposes that justify such action and the compensation that should be awarded to property owners.

This article challenges the prevailing eminent domain formula, according to which, regardless of the circumstances of the expropriation, compensation to the property owner is determined by reference to the market value of the property. By exploring the case of Israel's 2005 disengagement plan, as a result of which 21 residential communities were uprooted by expropriation, this article argues that loss of communality should be taken into account in expropriations that uproot entire communities. However, in order for the legal arrangement to be efficient, fair and, of no less importance, to reflect the values embodied in the right to property, it should be constituted within a normative infrastructure that takes into account the values that the society wishes to endorse, and the inner meaning of these values.
Green-algal photobiont diversity (Trebouxia spp.) in representatives of Teloschistaceae (Lecanoromycetes, lichen-forming ascomycetes)
Authors: NYATI Shyam , SCHERRER Sandra , WERTH Silke , HONEGGER Rosmarie
Published: February 2014

The green algal photobionts of 12 Xanthoria, seven Xanthomendoza, two Teloschistes species and Josefpoeltia parva (all Teloschistaceae) were analyzed. Xanthoria parietina was sampled on four continents. More than 300 photobiont isolates were brought into sterile culture. The nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region (nrITS; 101 sequences) and the large subunit of the RuBiSco gene (rbcL; 54 sequences) of either whole lichen DNA or photobiont isolates were phylogenetically analyzed. ITS and rbcL phylogenies were congruent, although some subclades had low bootstrap support. Trebouxia arboricola,T. decolorans and closely related, unnamed Trebouxia species, all belonging to clade A, were found as photobionts of Xanthoria species. Xanthomendoza species associated with either T. decolorans (clade A), T. impressa, T. gelatinosa (clade I) or with an unnamed Trebouxia species. Trebouxia gelatinosa genotypes (clade I) were the photobionts of Teloschistes chrysophthalmus,T. hosseusianus and Josefpoeltia parva. Only weak correlations between distribution patterns of algal genotypes and environmental conditions or geographical location were observed.