bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutagenesis of Ly49B Reveals Key Structural Elements Required for Promiscuous Binding to MHC Class I Molecules and New Insights into the Molecular Evolution of Ly49s
Authors: Mickiewicz Katarzyna M. , Gays Frances , Lewis Richard J. , Brooks Colin G.
Published: January 2014

Ly49B is a potentially important immunoregulator expressed on mouse myeloid cells, and it is thus an unusual member of the wider Ly49 family whose members are ordinarily found on NK cells. Ly49B displays substantial sequence divergence from other Ly49s and in particular shares virtually no amino acid sequence identity with the residues that have been reported to bind to MHC class I (cI) ligands in other Ly49s. Despite this, we show in this study that the BALB/c, but not the C57, isoform of Ly49B displays promiscuous cI binding. Binding was not significantly affected by inactivation of any of the four predicted N-linked glycosylation sites of Ly49B, nor was it affected by removal of the unique 20-aa C-terminal extension found in Ly49B. However, transfer of these C-terminal 20 aa to Ly49A inhibited cI binding, as did the addition of a hemagglutinin tag to the C terminus of Ly49B, demonstrating unexpectedly that the C-terminal region of Ly49s can play a significant role in ligand binding. Systematic exchange of BALB/c and C57 residues revealed that Trp166, Asn167, and Cys251 are of major importance for cI binding in Ly49B. These residues are highly conserved in the Ly49 family. Remarkably, however, Ly49BBALB variants that have C57 residues at positions 166 or 167, and are unable to bind cI multimers, regain substantial cI binding when amino acid changes are made at distal positions, providing an explanation of how highly divergent Ly49s that retain the ability to bind cI molecules might have evolved.
Declining risk of ozone impacts on vegetation in Europe 1990–2050 due to reduced precursor emissions in a changed climate
Authors: Klingberg J. , Engardt M. , Karlsson P. E. , Langner J. , Pleijel H.
Published: January 2014

Abstract. The impacts of climate change and changes in ozone precursor emission on ozone exposure (AOT40) of the vegetation in Europe were investigated. In addition, meteorological conditions influencing stomatal uptake of ozone were analysed to find out if climate change is likely to affect the risk for ozone damage to vegetation. Climate simulations based on the IPCC SRES A1B scenario were combined with ozone precursor emission changes from the RCP4.5 scenario and used as input to the Eulerian Chemical Transport Model MATCH from which projections of ozone concentrations were derived. Provided that the climate projections are realistic and the emission reductions of the emission scenario are undertaken, the ozone exposure of vegetation over Europe will be significantly reduced between the two time periods 1990–2009 and 2040–2059. This decline in AOT40 is larger than the reduction in average ozone concentrations. The reduction is driven by the emission reductions assumed by the RCP4.5 emission scenario, rather than changes in the climate. Higher temperatures in a future climate will result in a prolonged growing season over Europe as well as larger temperature sums during the growing season. Both the extended growing season and higher temperatures may enhance ozone uptake by plants in colder parts of Europe. The future climate suggested by the regional climate model will be dryer in terms of higher vapour pressure deficit (VPD) and lower soil moisture in southern Europe, which may reduce ozone uptake. VPD and soil moisture was not projected to change in north and north-west Europe to an extent that would influence ozone uptake by vegetation. This study shows that substantial reductions of ozone precursor emissions have the potential to strongly reduce the risk for ozone effects on vegetation, even if concurrent climate change promotes ozone formation.
Synthesis, Crystal Structures and Properties of Two Heterometallic Complexes [Cu2M] (M = Cd, Mn) with a Novel Oxamato-bridged Ligand
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Qing-Xia , Li A-Hui , Liu Bao-Lin , Tao Ruo-Jie
Published: January 2014

Two novel trinuclear oxamato-bridged thiosemicarbazone complexes, [Cu(obte)]2Cd(DMF)2 (2) and [Cu(obte)]2Mn(DMF)2 (3) (H2obte = N-(2-benzaldehyde) oxamic acid ethyl ester thiosemicarbazone (1); DMF=dimethylformamide), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 2 and 3 are isostructural, displaying a trinuclear structure. The luminescence properties of complexes 2 and 3 were investigated in the solid state at room temperature. The ligand 1 and its complex 2 have been evaluated for their antitumor activities against K562 cells.
2,3-Dihydro-1,3,4,5-tetraisopropylimidazol-2-yliden / 2,3-Dihydro-1,3,4,5-tetraisopropylimidazol-2-ylidene
Authors: Bläser Dieter , Boese Roland , Göhner Martin , Herrmann Florian , Kuhn Norbert , Ströbele Markus
Published: January 2014

2,3-Dihydro-1,3,4,5-tetraisopropylimidazol-2-ylidene (1d) is obtained from 1,3,4,5-tetraisopropylimidazolin- 2-thion (2d) and potassium in excellent yield. On comparison with 2,3-dihydro-1,3- diethyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene (1b) and 2,3-dihydro-1,3-diisopropyl-4,5-dimethylimidazol- 2-ylidene (1c), 2d exhibits a markedly decreased reactivity towards electrophiles which can be explained by differences in the molecular structures in the crystal.
The Hexaammine Copper(II) Fluoride Monohydrate [Cu(NH3)6][F(H2O)F]: Synthesis and Crystal Structure
Authors: Woidy Patrick , Meng Weizhe , Kraus Florian
Published: January 2014

We report the synthesis and crystal structure of the monohydrate of hexaammine copper(II) difluoride, [Cu(NH3)6]F2 · H2O, which was synthesized from CuF2 · 2 H2O in liquid ammonia. The compound crystallizes in the chiral space group P3221 (no. 154) as traffic-blue, plate-shaped crystals with a = 6.738(1), c = 18.210(6) Å, V = 715.9(3) Å3 at 150 K with Z = 3. It contains the rare [F(H2O)F2- anion bound by strong O-H···F hydrogen bonding.
La medición de las audiencias de televisión en la era digital
Authors:   Grupo Time (Chile), Buzeta Cristian , Moyano Patricio ,   Grupo Time (Chile)
Published: January 2014

La introducción de la Televisión Digital Terrestre (TDT) en Chile trae consigo problemáticas nuevas para el proceso de medición de audiencias en televisión. En un contexto multiseñal, con la aparición de nuevos contenidos y enfrentando de lleno la convergencia tecnológica contemporánea, la correcta representación de las conductas de visionado enfrenta un desafío metodológico sin precedentes. Esto propicia las condiciones para desarrollar nuevas metodologías, fruto de la experiencia profesional y de la propia investigación en el campo. En el caso de Chile, en la medición de audiencias de TV se ha optado por un nuevo enfoque metodológico, a través del “Audio Matching”. Con esto, la medición a través de audímetros (people meters) entra en una nueva era, enfrentando el reto de la medición dual –digital y análoga–, en un escenario mixto de emisión de televisión. Además, logra responder efectivamente a las nuevas realidades de consumo de televisión en el hogar, relacionadas al visionado diferido y la televisión grabada. A la vez, este nuevo enfoque metodológico es compatible con futuros sistemas de medición para otros ámbitos y plataformas de consumo.
Academic rhinology: a survey of residency programs and rhinology faculty in the United States
Authors: Tabaee Abtin , Chen Leon , Smith Timothy L. , Hwang Peter H. , Schaberg Madeleine , Raithatha Roheen , Brown Seth M.
Published: January 2014

Background

Rhinology has rapidly evolved as a subspecialty over the past decade. The professional activities of rhinology faculty in otolaryngology residency programs is an important defining feature of this process but remains incompletely understood.

Methods

An examination of faculty profiles of otolaryngology residency programs in the United States was performed to examine the professional activities of rhinologists. An anonymous, web‐based survey of rhinology faculty was also performed to query professional activities and career satisfaction.

Results

Nine percent of chairmen and 12% of residency program directors were rhinologists. The number of full‐time rhinology faculty members varied significantly among departments (mean 1; range, 0‐4). Rhinology faculty members were noted to have a high number of scientific publications over the past 5 years (mean 15 per faculty), a high level of membership to the American Rhinologic Society (90%) and modest levels of membership to other societies. As reported by the 45 respondents who successfully completed the survey, higher percentages of professional time was devoted to clinical medicine when compared with administrative and research activities. Inflammatory sinusitis represented the most common clinical condition treated, and there was variability with respect to other disorders and procedures. Career satisfaction scores were highest for medical and surgical care, teaching activities, financial and emotional well being, and overall career to date. Lower satisfaction scores were noted for research and administrative activities and for balance of personal life with work.

Conclusion

This study further defines the professional, clinical, and surgical activities of academic rhinologists. Continued analysis of the subspecialization of rhinology is required.
Building Communities for All Ages: Lessons Learned from an Intergenerational Community‐building Initiative
Authors: Brown Corita , Henkin Nancy
Published: January 2014

The outcomes of the Communities for All Ages initiative suggest that a lifespan approach to community building helps foster social capital across diverse populations and increase public will among younger generations to address ageing issues. This is crucial as global ageing and immigration trends impact age relations and resource distribution. Although demographic changes create many opportunities for connection and collaboration, decisions about public investments, land use planning and service delivery are becoming increasingly complex. To build support for older adults, we need strategies that foster ‘shared fate’ across age, race and ethnicity and encourage alliances rather than competition. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical presentation and outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with low flow/low gradient severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Elhmidi Yacine , Piazza Nicolo , Krane Markus , Deutsch Marcus‐André , Mazzitelli Domenico , Lange Rüdiger , Bleiziffer Sabine
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To identify predictors of mortality, functional status, and hemodynamical changes of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for low flow/low gradient aortic stenosis (LF/LG AS).

Background

There is little published data regarding the outcomes of patients with LF/LG AS following TAVI.

Methods

Sixty‐eight patients with severe AS, left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction [EF] <35%) and low flow (LF) AS underwent TAVI. Patients were stratified according to the aortic mean pressure gradient (low gradient [LG]; with Pmean ≤40 mm Hg and high gradient [HG]: Pmean >40 mm Hg). The baseline parameters and clinical outcomes were subsequently compared among the two groups. Cox proportional hazards were used to identify predictors of 6‐month mortality.

Results

There were 38 patients in the LG group and 30 patients in the HG group. There were no significant difference in 30‐day mortality between the two groups. The 6‐month and 1‐year mortality, however, was 3.8‐fold and 2.8‐fold higher in the LG group than in the HG group (37.8% vs. 10.3%, P = 0.01 and 37.8% vs. 13.3%, respectively, P = 0.01). Univariable predictors for 6‐month mortality were: STS Score, aortic valve area, and aortic mean pressure gradient. However, only STS Score (HR 1.08, 1.04–1.12, P < 0.001) remained as independent predictor in the multivariable analysis. Six months after TAVI, hemodynamical (EF > 50%) and clinical (NYHA class I) improvements were shown in both HG and LG groups.

Conclusions

LF/LG AS does not influence procedural mortality after TAVI but exhibits a strong impact on 6‐month and 1‐year mortality. The survivors, however, exhibit considerable hemodynamical and clinical improvements. Therefore, risk stratification and TAVI benefit should be weighted in every patient with LF/LG AS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term outcome in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction and multivessel disease treated with culprit‐only, immediate, or staged multivessel percutaneous revascularization strategies: Insights from the REAL registry
Authors: Manari Antonio , Varani Elisabetta , Guastaroba Paolo , Menozzi Mila , Valgimigli Marco , Menozzi Alberto , Magnavacchi Paolo , Franco Nicoletta , Marzocchi Antonio , Casella Gianni
Published: January 2014

Objectives

To examine the differences in cardiac outcomes for patients with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and multivessel disease (MVD) as a function of whether they underwent culprit‐only primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) or multivessel PCI, either during PPCI or as a staged procedure.

Background

MVD occurs in about 40% of patients presenting with STEMI, and it has been associated with a worse outcome compared to single‐vessel disease. The most favorable PCI strategy for dealing with significant nonculprit lesions has to be established.

Methods

A total of 2061 STEMI patients with MVD undergoing PPCI, prospectively enrolled in the REAL Registry between July 2002 and December 2010, were considered: 706 underwent culprit‐only PPCI; 367 multivessel PCI during the index procedure; 988 had a staged PCI within 60 days. Mortality and outcomes were calculated at 30 days and 2 years.

Results

At multivariate analysis, culprit‐only PPCI was associated with higher rates of cardiac outcomes as compared to staged multivessel PCI, taken as reference [Hazard Ratio (HR): 2.81, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.34–5.89, P = 0.006 for 30‐day mortality, and HR: 1.93, 95% CI: 1.35–2.74, P = 0.0002 for 2‐year mortality, respectively]. Short‐term mortality rates were higher in multivessel PCI group as compared to staged PCI group (HR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.06–6.26, P = 0.03); no differences were observed at 2‐year follow‐up (HR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.64–1.82, P = 0.76).

Conclusions

Our findings support the current guidelines recommendation to perform culprit‐only PPCI in STEMI patients with MVD without hemodynamic compromise, followed by a staged PCI of noninfarct‐related significant lesions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Ring‐Closing Enyne Metathesis Approach to Functionalized Semicyclic Dienes: The Total Synthesis of (–)‐Tetrangomycin
Authors: Moodie Lindon W. K. , Larsen David S.
Published: January 2014

The angucycline antibiotic (–)‐tetrangomycin was synthesized in 13 steps (11 % overall yield) by using a stereoselective Diels–Alder reaction between a naphthoquinone and a semicyclic diene to construct the benz[a]anthraquinone ring system. The diene intermediates were synthesized through a ring‐closing enyne metathesis reaction. The tertiary alcohol at C‐3 was installed by an asymmetric dihydroxylation reaction. The relative stereochemistry of the dienes was verified by the NMR analyses of the cycloadducts that were obtained from their reaction with N‐phenylmaleimide. Selective aromatization of the B ring was achieved under oxidative conditions.
Adsorptive removal of toxic dye from aqueous solution and real industrial effluent by tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine functionalized nanoporous silica
Authors: Badiei Alireza , Mirahsani Arghavan , Shahbazi Afsaneh , Younesi Habibollah , Alizadeh Mostafa
Published: January 2014

Ordered nanoporous silica SBA‐15 was successfully synthesized and functionalized by tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine (Tren), a multi‐amine ligand, to develop efficient cationic dye adsorbent. The prepared materials were characterized by XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, TGA, and FT‐IR analysis. Tren‐SBA‐15 was used for the removal of malachite green (MG) from both aqueous solution and real textile effluent. The effects of various operational parameters including solution pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial concentration and temperature on removal of MG using Tren‐SBA‐15 were investigated in batch adsorption mode. Within the optimum conditions, Tren‐SBA‐15 exhibited an excellent adsorptive capability of 2330 m g−1 (6.38 mmol g−1) with removal of 89.8%. Equilibrium data was best described by the Freundlich and Sips isotherm models indicated a favorable adsorption process (nF > 1) and heterogeneous system for dye adsorption (nS > 1). The adsorption kinetic behavior was influenced by intraparticle diffusion and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model provided well‐fitted to the experimental data. The kinetic rate constant increased with temperature. Qualitative estimates of the thermodynamic parameters showed that the overall adsorption process is spontaneous (ΔG < 0) and a bit endothermic (ΔH > 0), and adsorption mechanism was assumed to be a physisorption. Experiment with real textile wastewater showed 48.7% MG removal by the use of 0.01 g Tren‐SBA‐15. The reusability of the adsorbent in real wastewater was shown to be successful along with its regeneration possibility. Desorption experiments were performed by two deferent eluents to desorbs both cationic ions and dye molecules from Tren‐SBA‐15. The results showed that dye is removed completely from real effluent after two continues adsorption/desorption cycles. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 33: 1242–1250, 2014
Coronate echinoderms from the Ordovician of the Llanddowror area, South Wales
Authors: McDermott Patrick D. , Paul Christopher R. C.
Published: January 2014

A large sample of coronates (over 90 specimens) from a narrow horizon in the Upper Ordovician, Sholeshook Limestone, at Talfan Farm, Llanddowror, South Wales allows assessment of variation and growth in a population of these rare Palaeozoic echinoderms. Variation is extensive and we synonymize two previously described species. This occurrence extends the stratigraphic range of Cupulocorona rugosa Donovan and Paul down to Cautleyan, Zone 2. Internal moulds reveal new morphological features, especially of the coronal canals. The flattened blade‐like and kite‐shaped portions support the idea that the coronal canals functioned in respiratory gas exchange by increasing the surface area. We suggest that internal currents flowed up the inner (adoral) canal and down the outer (aboral) canal. Quantitative estimates of flow rate suggest that a volume of coelomic fluid equivalent to the entire body cavity could be flushed through the coronal canals in 10 seconds at most. These coronates probably lived attached by a relatively long stem with a simple, conical holdfast and bent over in gentle currents. They seem to have been characteristic of relatively high‐energy environments and are not generally distributed in the Sholeshook Limestone of South Wales. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enough is Enough: Cognitive Antecedents of Workaholism and Its Aftermath
Authors: van Wijhe Corine I. , Peeters Maria C. W. , Schaufeli Wilmar B.
Published: January 2014

Workaholism is commonly conceptualized as a compulsive inner drive to work excessively hard. This study investigates to what extent rigid personal beliefs—i.e., performance‐based self‐esteem (self‐esteem that is contingent upon good performance) and an enough continuation rule (continuing with work until one feels one has done enough)—contribute to exhaustion through workaholism. To examine these potential antecedents and consequences of workaholism, data of a two‐wave longitudinal survey study with a six‐month time interval was used (n = 191). Results of structural equation modeling provided support for our hypotheses. Taken together, our findings show that rigid personal beliefs at T1 predicted primarily working compulsively at T2, and working compulsively at T1 influenced exhaustion at T2. Moreover, reciprocal relationships were found between applying the enough continuation rule and working compulsively, and between working compulsively and exhaustion. These results suggest partial mediation from cognitive antecedents (personal beliefs) through workaholism to exhaustion. In practical terms, the results indicate that cognitive antecedents may provide a good starting point for interventions for preventing exhaustion and workaholism. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First‐in‐human study with new recombinant agalsidase beta (ISU303) in healthy subjects
Authors: Kim Choon OK , Oh Eun Sil , Park Min Soo
Published: January 2014

ISU303 is a new recombinant agalsidase beta (Agal) enzyme replacement therapy under investigation for Fabry disease, caused by a deficiency in α‐galactosidase A activity that leads to fatty deposits in tissues. We evaluated the pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, safety and tolerability of ISU303 in healthy adult volunteers. The study was a dose block‐randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, single‐dosing, and dose escalation phase 1 clinical trial. A total of 18 healthy subjects were enrolled (0.3 mg/kg, n = 6; 1.0 mg/kg, n = 6; placebo, n = 6). Blood samples for PK analysis were collected according to planned time. The PK parameters in each 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg Agal group were as follows: Cmax (mU/mL) 43.19 ± 5.9 and 195.86 ± 32.3; AUClast (h·mU/mL) 207.91 ± 25.1 and 939.96 ± 158.3; t1/2 (hours) 1.13 ± 0.3 and 1.46 ± 0.2; Cl (mL/min/kg) 1.79 ± 0.2 and 1.34 ± 0.2, respectively. There were seven adverse events (AE) overall. All AEs were resolved without any complications. None were related to the study drug. There were no immunogenicity or any significant infusion‐related reactions. The new Agal product exhibited a dose‐dependent PK and was well tolerated with no significant AEs in healthy adult volunteers.
Cooperative rearrangement region in nanoclay‐reinforced unsaturated polyester resin
Authors: Poorabdollah Mehdi , Hosain Beheshty Mohammad , Atai Mohammad
Published: January 2014

The effect of nanoclay on structural relaxation of unsaturated polyester (UP) resin containing 3 wt% Cloisite 10A (UP/10A), 3 wt% Cloisite 30B (UP/30B), and the neat resin was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and temperature modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC). X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the morphology of UP/10A and UP/30B nanocomposites. According to the strong‐fragile concept proposed by Angel, the values of the fragility index m were determined. The average size of a cooperative rearranging region (CRR) at the glass transition temperature (Tg) was then calculated. Considering the significant increase in δT (the mean temperature fluctuation) of UP/10A, it was concluded that UP/10A system was more heterogeneous than the neat UP and UP/30B specimen. Significant drop in Tg accompanied by an increase in δT and a decrease in characteristic length of cooperativity at glass transition temperature (ξTg) might be a sign of existence of smaller average CRR sizes in UP/10A nanocomposites. Results showed that the increase in the concentration of styrene between galleries of Cloisite 10A caused a decrease in styrene content outside the nanoclay layers leading to diminishing of crosslink density and as a consequence the decrease of ξTg. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:2859–2865, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan produces steroidal substances that are active against Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler and that may bind to oxysterol‐binding proteins
Authors: Campos Viviane AC , Perina Fabiano J , Alves Eduardo , Sartorelli Jaqueline , Moura Amanda M , Oliveira Denilson F
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

In previous studies, the extract from Anadenanthera colubrina was active against Alternaria alternata in vitro and reduced the disease caused by this fungus on Murcott tangor fruits to levels that have been obtained using commercial fungicides. Therefore, the goal of the present work was to isolate and identify the active substances in this extract and identify in silico their protein target in the fungus.

RESULTS

The bioguided fractionation of the methanol extract from the fruits of A. colubrina resulted in the isolation of β‐sitosterol and β‐sitosteryl linoleate, which had minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 250 and 500 µg mL−1, respectively, against A. alternata. Under the same conditions, the MICs for two commercial fungicides were 1250 and 19 µg mL−1. In silico studies showed that these steroidal substances bind well to oxysterol‐binding proteins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

CONCLUSION

β‐Sitosterol and β‐sitosteryl linoleate, produced by A. colubrina, are active against A. alternata. In silico studies suggest that these substances may act by binding to oxysterol‐binding proteins. Therefore, both substances and these proteins have potential use in the development of new steroidal structures and analogues to control the disease caused by A. alternata. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Health Insurance Status and Psychological Distress among US Adults Aged 18–64 Years
Authors: Ward Brian W. , Martinez Michael E.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this research was to examine the relationship between psychological distress and aspects of health insurance status, including lack of coverage, types of coverage and disruption in coverage, among US adults.

Data from the 2001–2010 National Health Interview Survey were used to conduct analyses representative of the US adult population aged 18–64 years. Multivariate analyses regressed psychological distress on health insurance status while controlling for covariates.

Adults with private or no health insurance coverage had lower levels of psychological distress than those with public/other coverage. Adults who recently (≤1 year) experienced a change in health insurance status had higher levels of distress than those who had not recently experienced a change. An interaction effect indicated that the relationship between recent change in health insurance status and distress was not dependent on whether an adult had private versus public/other coverage. However, for adults who had not experienced a change in status in the past year, the average absolute level of distress is higher among those with no coverage versus private coverage.

Although significant relationships between psychological distress and health insurance status were identified, their strength was modest, with other demographic and health condition covariates also being potential sources of distress. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A comparison of avian habitat in forest management plans produced under three different certification systems in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Euler David
Published: January 2014

Considerable discussion and theoretical reviews of forest certification systems have been published that outline the potential impact of forest certification on biodiversity and wildlife habitat. Three common approaches to forest certification used in Canada include the Forest Stewardship Council, the Canadian Standards Association, and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. In this study, I reviewed forest management plans in Ontario, Canada, and compared the plans' potential impact on habitat for 6 species of birds that use mature and older forests: pileated woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus), ruby‐crowned kinglet (Regulus calendula), boreal chickadee (Poecile hudsonicus), black‐backed woodpecker (Picoides arcticus), great gray owl (Strix nebulosa), and red‐breasted nuthatch (Sitta canadensis). The purpose was to determine whether the different certification systems in use resulted in different impacts on avian habitat, and to compare certified forest management plans with plans prepared for un‐certified forest units. Based on 27 Forest Management Plans in Ontario, there seems to be little reason to believe that certified forests are more likely to protect and conserve habitat for these 6 bird species that use older forests than are forests that are not certified. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Drug Release from Three‐Dimensional Cubic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Controlled by Nanoimpellers
Authors: Choi Eunshil , Lu Jie , Tamanoi Fuyuhiko , Zink Jeffrey I.
Published: January 2014

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles with a cubic (Ia3d) pore structure are derivatized with light‐activated nanoimpellers to control the release of loaded guest molecules under external photo‐control. The nanoimpellers consist of azobenzene derivatives that are attached to the interiors of the three‐dimensional interconnected pores, and undergo photoisomerization that results in dynamic wagging motions of the unbound termini and drives the expulsion of molecules from the pores. Stimulated release experiments monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrate that the nanoimpeller‐functionalized MCM‐48 particles are able to trap and release both hydrophilic and hydrophobic cargo molecules under external photocontrol in aqueous, non‐aqueous, and intracellular environments.
Disaggregation of the electric loads of small customers through the application of the Hilbert transform
Authors: Gabaldón Antonio , Ortiz-García Mario , Molina Roque , Valero-Verdú Sergio
Published: January 2014

This paper is intended to explain how the possibilities of enabling technologies (advanced metering infrastructures) can be expanded on to evaluate end uses at the demand-side level. For example, these data allow validating the effective response to market prices (energy markets) or system events (demand response), and besides, the possibilities that energy efficiency offers (in capacity markets), mainly under the supervision of a load aggregator. Hilbert transform properties along with other mathematical tools are used to extract the characteristics of the more suitable uses for demand response policies from the aggregated load demand of the user. This is achieved without complex statistical analysis of the demand loads. The tool filters pulse waveforms (in this case, the components of daily demand) and provides the aggregator the main characteristics of load, both in normal state or under response to system events or market prices.
A novel assay to evaluate olfactory modulation of honeybee aggression
Authors: van der Burg Nicole M. D. , Lavidis Nicholas , Claudianos Charles , Reinhard Judith
Published: January 2014

Numerous assays exist to measure aggressive behaviour in honeybees, most of them using free-flying bees under natural conditions, with results often variable due to environmental factors. Our study describes a novel, laboratory-based Petri dish assay that uses a moving target treated with the alarm pheromone component isoamyl acetate (IAA). In this assay, aggression levels can be measured in individual bees via recording specific behaviours associated with the different stages of aggression. We used this new assay to investigate the modulating effect of the plant odours lavender and Praescent on aggression in bees, as these odours are reported to have a “calming” effect on animals. Both short-term (5 min) and long-term (48 h) exposure to lavender and Praescent attenuated aggression, even in the presence of the moving target and IAA. Plant odours may thus be an effective treatment for reducing aggressive behaviour in bees.
Training basic laparoscopic skills using a custom-made video game
Authors: Goris Jetse , Jalink Maarten B. , Ten Cate Hoedemaker Henk O.
Published: January 2014

Video games are accepted and used for a wide variety of applications. In the medical world, research on the positive effects of playing games on basic laparoscopic skills is rapidly increasing. Although these benefits have been proven several times, no institution actually uses video games for surgical training. This Short Communication describes some of the theoretical backgrounds, development and underlying educational foundations of a specifically designed video game and custom-made hardware that takes advantage of the positive effects of games on basic laparoscopic skills.
Trends in Ambulatory Physician Opioid Prescription in the United States, 1997‐2009
Authors: Jeffrey Kao Ming‐Chih , Minh Lyly Cao , Huang Grace Y. , Mitra Raj , Smuck Matthew
Published: January 2014

Objective

To describe the changing practice pattern of opioid medication prescription by health care providers and its relationship to shifts in the incidence of back pain, demographics, and health care access.

Design

Retrospective analysis of nationally representative databases.

Setting

In silico.

Participants

Patients who presented at a set of randomly selected health care facilities on the days of data collection.

Methods

Nationally representative surveys from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (National Hospital and Ambulatory Medical Center Survey and National Ambulatory Medical Center Survey) were investigated for 3 ambulatory settings—emergency department (ED), primary care physician (PCP), and specialist physician offices—between the years 1997 and 2009. Diagnoses, prescription medications, insurance source, and demographics were determined. Weighted logistic regression modeling with the SAS program (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) was used to estimate 5‐year odds ratios (ORs) and covariate effects.

Main Outcome Measurements

Diagnoses, prescription medications, insurance source, and demographics were measured. The relationships between opioid medication prescription and (1) the chief complaint and (2) back pain diagnoses were studied. Domain analysis was used to properly account for the stochasticity introduced by subset analyses.

Results

From 1997 to 2009, increasing all‐diagnosis opioid prescription was accompanied by significant shifts in patient demographics and insurance access. For all‐diagnosis opioid prescription, after we adjusted for age, gender, race, and insurance source, the increase persisted at a 5‐year OR of 1.33, 1.29, and 1.53 for ED, PCP clinics, and specialist clinics (95% confidence interval 1.26‐1.41, 1.19‐1.40, and 1.37‐1.69), respectively. The increasing prevalence of back pain diagnosis was eclipsed by increasing opioid prescriptions, estimated at 5‐year ORs of 1.35, 1.38, and 1.75 for ED, PCP clinics, and specialist clinics (95% confidence interval 1.22‐1.48, 1.19‐1.61, 1.40‐2.19), respectively.

Conclusions

In the United States, from 1997‐2009, (1) variable increases in opioid prescription across ambulatory care settings were not accounted for by changing demographics and health care access; (2) significant disparities existed in opioid prescription as a function of age, gender, race/ethnicity, and payer source; and (3) for back pain, increasing opioid prescription was not accounted for by changing incidence.
Cyclical monotonicity and the ergodic theorem
Authors: BEIGLBÖCK MATHIAS
Published: January 2014

It is well known that optimal transport plans are cyclically monotone. The reverse implication that cyclically monotone transport plans are optimal needs some assumptions and the proof is non-trivial even if the costs are given by the squared euclidean distance on ${ \mathbb{R} }^{n} $. We establish this result as a corollary to the ergodic theorem.
TRUST AND CONDOM USE AMONG YOUNG ADULTS IN RELATIONSHIPS IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA
Authors: HATTORI MEGAN KLEIN
Published: January 2014

Young adults in sub-Saharan Africa most often state ‘I trust my partner’ as the reason for not using condoms consistently. This study assesses the extent to which young adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, trust their partners, how trust influences condom use and whether certain relationship characteristics influence the relationship between trust and condom use. Data were taken from the 2003 Tanzania Trust Survey, and the level of trust reported by 509 male and female young adults aged 15–24 who were in relationships was examined. The analysis showed that reported trust in a partner has the expected negative relationship with consistent condom use. However, this negative association differs by relationship characteristics. To facilitate the interpretation of interactions between marriage and trust, the predicted probabilities of consistent condom use by level of trust were calculated for males and for females by marital status, showing that the negative association is strong among those who are not married, but that there is no association between trust and condom use among young married adults.
DEMAND FOR LONG-ACTING AND PERMANENT CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AMONG KURDISH WOMEN IN MAHABAD, IRAN
Authors: HOSSEINI HATAM , TORABI FATEMEH , BAGI BALAL
Published: January 2014

It is anticipated that the demand for contraceptives in Iran will increase in the near future as the number of women of reproductive age increases and with women wanting smaller families. The aim of this paper was to study the demand for long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods (LAPCMs), and its determinants, among Kurdish women in Mahabad city, Iran. Data were taken from the Mahabad Fertility Survey (MFS) conducted on a sample of over 700 households in April 2012. The results show that the demand for LAPCMs was 71.35% at the time of survey, although only 27.7% of women were using these methods. Thus, the number of unintended pregnancies is likely to increase in the future if this gap is not reduced. The multivariate analysis showed significant impacts on the dependent variables of the number of children ever born, perceived contraceptive costs and childbearing intentions. Moreover, women at the end of their reproductive lives and those with higher education were more likely to desire LAPCMs. It is concluded that despite a growing use of contraceptive methods in Iran in recent decades, the development of reproductive health services and promotion of the quality of family planning services remains a necessity.
Wer aufhört Fehler zu machen, lernt nicht mehr dazu
Authors: Weingardt Martin
Published: January 2014

Fehler sind zu nichts nütze, man hat sie zu vermeiden oder auszumerzen so gut es geht – diese Auffassung bestimmt seit Jahrhunderten in unserem Kulturkreis das Denken der meisten Menschen und ihrer Institutionen. Aber der Umgang mit Fehlern in unserer Gesellschaft ändert sich, wird vielschichtiger und differenzierter. Der Beitrag geht dementsprechend in drei Schritten vor. Zunächst werden Tatbestände und Entwicklungen insbesondere in der Schule hinsichtlich der Ursachen von Fehlleistungen und des Umgangs mit ihnen skizziert.

Dies führt notwendig zu einem aktualisierten, interdisziplinär anschlussfähigen Fehlerbegriff und der Forderung einer dreidimensionalen Fehleroffenheit in Bildungsprozessen. Abschließend werden überfachliche Anregungen für die Prävention von Fehlleistungen und deren therapeutische Bearbeitung gegeben.
Breath gas metabolites and bacterial metagenomes from cystic fibrosis airways indicate active pH neutral 2,3-butanedione fermentation
Authors: Whiteson Katrine L , Meinardi Simone , Lim Yan Wei , Schmieder Robert , Maughan Heather , Quinn Robert , Blake Donald R , Conrad Douglas , Rohwer Forest
Published: January 2014

The airways of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are chronically colonized by patient-specific polymicrobial communities. The conditions and nutrients available in CF lungs affect the physiology and composition of the colonizing microbes. Recent work in bioreactors has shown that the fermentation product 2,3-butanediol mediates cross-feeding between some fermenting bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and that this mechanism increases bacterial current production. To examine bacterial fermentation in the respiratory tract, breath gas metabolites were measured and several metagenomes were sequenced from CF and non-CF volunteers. 2,3-butanedione was produced in nearly all respiratory tracts. Elevated levels in one patient decreased during antibiotic treatment, and breath concentrations varied between CF patients at the same time point. Some patients had high enough levels of 2,3-butanedione to irreversibly damage lung tissue. Antibiotic therapy likely dictates the activities of 2,3-butanedione-producing microbes, which suggests a need for further study with larger sample size. Sputum microbiomes were dominated by P. aeruginosa, Streptococcus spp. and Rothia mucilaginosa, and revealed the potential for 2,3-butanedione biosynthesis. Genes encoding 2,3-butanedione biosynthesis were disproportionately abundant in Streptococcus spp, whereas genes for consumption of butanedione pathway products were encoded by P. aeruginosa and R. mucilaginosa. We propose a model where low oxygen conditions in CF lung lead to fermentation and a decrease in pH, triggering 2,3-butanedione fermentation to avoid lethal acidification. We hypothesize that this may also increase phenazine production by P. aeruginosa, increasing reactive oxygen species and providing additional electron acceptors to CF microbes.
Swapping symbionts in spittlebugs: evolutionary replacement of a reduced genome symbiont
Authors: Koga Ryuichi , Moran Nancy A
Published: January 2014

Bacterial symbionts that undergo long-term maternal transmission experience elevated fixation of deleterious mutations, resulting in massive loss of genes and changes in gene sequences that appear to limit efficiency of gene products. Potentially, this dwindling of symbiont functionality impacts hosts that depend on these bacteria for nutrition. One evolutionary escape route is the acquisition of a novel symbiont with a robust genome and metabolic capabilities. Such an acquisition has occurred in an ancestor of Philaenus spumarius, the meadow spittlebug (Insecta: Cercopoidea), which has replaced its ancient association with the tiny genome symbiont Zinderia insecticola (Betaproteobacteria) with an association with a symbiont related to Sodalis glossinidius (Gammaproteobacteria). Spittlebugs feed exclusively on xylem sap, a diet that is low both in essential amino acids and in sugar or other substrates for energy production. The new symbiont genome has undergone proliferation of mobile elements resulting in many gene inactivations; nonetheless, it has selectively maintained genes replacing functions of its predecessor for amino-acid biosynthesis. Whereas ancient symbiont partners typically retain perfectly complementary sets of amino-acid biosynthetic pathways, the novel symbiont introduces some redundancy as it retains some pathways also present in the partner symbionts (Sulcia muelleri). Strikingly, the newly acquired Sodalis-like symbiont retains genes underlying efficient routes of energy production, including a complete TCA cycle, potentially relaxing the severe energy limitations of the xylem-feeding hosts. Although evolutionary replacements of ancient symbionts are infrequent, they potentially enable evolutionary and ecological novelty by conferring novel metabolic capabilities to host lineages.
Organosilicon platforms: bridging homogeneous, heterogeneous, and bioinspired catalysis
Authors: Kung Mayfair C. , Riofski Mark V. , Missaghi Michael N. , Kung Harold H.
Published: January 2014

Organosilicon compounds form versatile structures such as cubic metallasiloxanes, cage-like silsesquioxanes, macromolecular nanocages, and flexible dendrimers and linear metallasiloxanes, and are useful as catalysts, ligands for metal complexes, and catalyst supports.
Soluble conducting polymer-functionalized graphene oxide for air-operable actuator fabrication
Authors: Ramasamy Madeshwaran Sekkarapatti , Mahapatra Sibdas Singha , Yoo Hye Jin , Kim Yoong Ahm , Cho Jae Whan
Published: January 2014

A soluble conducting polymer composite with graphene oxide showed air-operable actuation behavior under different voltages.
SIG 5 Perspectives Vol. 23, No. 2, November 2013
Authors: Karasinski Courtney
Published: January 2014

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Use the CE questions PDF here as study questions to guide your Perspectives reading.
Genetic‐Based Estimates of Adult Chinook Salmon Spawner Abundance from Carcass Surveys and Juvenile Out‐Migrant Traps
Authors: Rawding Daniel J. , Sharpe Cameron S. , Blankenship Scott M.
Published: January 2014

Due to the challenges associated with monitoring in riverine environments, unbiased and precise spawner abundance estimates are often lacking for populations of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. listed under the Federal Endangered Species Act. We investigated genetic approaches to estimate the 2009 spawner abundance for a population of Columbia River Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha via genetic mark–recapture and rarefaction curves. The marks were the genotyped carcasses collected from the spawning area during the first sampling event. The second sampling event consisted of a collection of juveniles from a downstream migrant trap located below the spawning area. The parents that assigned to the juveniles through parentage analysis were considered the recaptures, which was a subset of the genotypes captured in the second sample. Using the Petersen estimator, the genetic mark–recapture spawner abundance estimates based on the binomial and hypergeometric models were 910 and 945 Chinook Salmon, respectively. These results were in agreement with independently derived spawner abundance estimates based on redd counts, area‐under‐the‐curve methods, and carcass tagging based on the Jolly–Seber model. Using a rarefaction curve approach, which required only the juvenile offspring sample, our estimate of successful breeders was 781 fish. Our genetic‐based approaches provide new alternatives to estimate adult Pacific salmon abundance in challenging environmental conditions or for populations with poor or unknown estimates of precision.
Localized Spatial and Temporal Variation in Reproductive Effort of Florida Bass
Authors: Shaw S. L. , Allen M. S.
Published: January 2014

Few studies have explored annual reproductive effort of fish populations, yet factors such as skipped spawning could influence recruitment processes. We estimated the number of broods produced annually as an index of reproductive effort for Florida Bass Micropterus floridanus across four lakes in north‐central Florida. Snorkel surveys were used to estimate reproductive effort in the lakes from 2010 to 2012. Mark–recapture methods were used to estimate the abundance of Florida Bass in each lake during each year. All four lakes contained high‐density Florida Bass populations that showed evidence of relatively slow growth. Average relative weight in all populations was low, ranging from 65.4 to 68.8 for adults (≥25.0 cm TL). Annual reproductive effort (estimated number of broods) varied among lakes and across years. We found evidence for multiple spawning events per adult and for skipped spawning. Devils Hole Lake produced the highest number of broods in all 3 years, ranging from 1.62 broods/spawner in 2012 to 3.72 broods/spawner in 2011 (median = 3.24 broods/spawner in 2010). All other populations exhibited skipped spawning, with the proportion of nonreproductive adults varying across years. Picnic Lake fish had the lowest number of broods overall (only 0.02 broods/spawner in 2011 and 0.01 broods/spawner in 2012). The other two lakes showed variable levels of spawning effort. Spawner abundance in these populations was not related to the estimated annual number of broods, contrary to the general assumption made for many population models. Variability in annual reproductive effort may be more common than anticipated, potentially clouding the relationship between spawner abundance and recruitment. Estimation of annual reproductive effort may provide insight into density‐dependent population regulation and recruitment processes.