bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat recovery from mineworkings: opportunities in the Glasgow area
Authors: Hytiris Nicholas , Emmanuel Rohinton , Aaen Bjorn , Church Emma Suzanne , Campbell Diarmad Seumas , Ninikas Konstantinos , Robertson Andrew
Published: August 2015

Glasgow is one of many locations within the United Kingdom once dotted with a number of thriving coal mines. Before the suitability of the water stored in mines can be determined for use in ground source heat pump (GSHP) heating applications, it is essential to rule out any risk of contamination caused by exposure to this water. This study examines water samples obtained from boreholes drilled directly above abandoned and flooded mine workings. It indicates that the chemistry of the water flooding the mines beneath Glasgow is suitable for use in GSHP heating applications. The development of such systems in the future could help bring Glasgow forward in its ambition to become one of Europe’s top 10 sustainable cities by the year 2020, as well as helping to transform previously neglected and impoverished areas of the city, to areas full of potential by creating a number of jobs, homes and opportunities for the people living in this area.
Um verso de Castro Alves
Authors: Miranda José Américo
Published: August 2015

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Construção & decepação da amada
Authors: Diniz Valdimir
Published: August 2015

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Temporis II
Authors: Santos Ailton
Published: August 2015

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BIOPROSPECÇÃO DE ANTIBIÓTICOS PRODUZIDOS POR FUNGOS DA CAATINGA
Authors: Clementino Leandro Costa , Barbosa Camila Castro , Silva Dayse Pereira Dias , Silva Felipe Douglas , Queiroz Jean César Farias
Published: August 2015

O desenvolvimento de novos antibióticos está atrelado ao desafio de combater microrganismos super-resistentes, bem como possuir amplo espectro de ação. Para atingir essa meta, várias fontes de obtenção são pesquisadas nos mais diversos ambientes. Nesse sentido, este trabalho buscou a utilização de fungos filamentosos coletados no Bioma Caatinga na microrregião do Cariri paraibano para a produção de antibióticos, considerando-se a importância de pesquisas nesse sentido, utilizando fungos dessa região, abrindo expectativa de inovação na indústria farmacêutica. As amostras fúngicas foram coletadas e avaliadas quanto ao seu potencial em produzir compostos antimicrobianos contra linhagens patogêncas de Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922) e Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923). Entre os 72 isolados avaliados, 57 (79,17%) apresentaram alguma atividade antimicrobiana, dos quais 27 (47,37%) possuíram atividade contra ambas as bactérias, e 30 (52,63%) com atividade contra apenas uma delas. Nos testes antibiograma, foram selecionados os isolados CDSA30 e CDSA71 para a purificação dos extratos antibacterianos por meio de CLAE-FR. Na purificação dos extratos antimicrobianos, foram encontradas duas substâncias que apresentaram atividade antibiótica contra as duas cepas bacterianas utilizadas; esses fungos foram identificados como pertencentes ao gênero Aspergillus. O estudo do efeito da temperatura sobre a produção de antibióticos mostrou que há maior rendimento na produção de metabólitos com atividade antimicrobiana quando a temperatura de cultivo for a 45 ºC.

Palavras-chave: Metabólitos secundários. Biotecnologia. Purificação. Antibiograma.
One-Bit Quantization and Distributed Detection with an Unknown Scale Parameter
Authors: Gao Fei , Guo Lili , Li Hongbin , Fang Jun
Published: August 2015

We examine a distributed detection problem in a wireless sensor network, where sensor nodes collaborate to detect a Gaussian signal with an unknown change of power, i.e., a scale parameter. Due to power/bandwidth constraints, we consider the case where each sensor quantizes its observation into a binary digit. The binary data are then transmitted through error-prone wireless links to a fusion center, where a generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) detector is employed to perform a global decision. We study the design of a binary quantizer based on an asymptotic analysis of the GLRT. Interestingly, the quantization threshold of the quantizer is independent of the unknown scale parameter. Numerical results are included to illustrate the performance of the proposed quantizer and GLRT in binary symmetric channels (BSCs).
Hedgehog Signaling in the Maintenance of Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Cochrane Catherine , Szczepny Anette , Watkins D. , Cain Jason
Published: August 2015

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a rare population of cells with the capacity to self-renew and give rise to heterogeneous cell lineages within a tumour. Whilst the mechanisms underlying the regulation of CSCs are poorly defined, key developmental signaling pathways required for normal stem and progenitor functions have been strongly implicated. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is an evolutionarily-conserved pathway essential for self-renewal and cell fate determination. Aberrant Hh signaling is associated with the development and progression of various types of cancer and is implicated in multiple aspects of tumourigenesis, including the maintenance of CSCs. Here, we discuss the mounting evidence suggestive of Hh-driven CSCs in the context of haematological malignancies and solid tumours and the novel strategies that hold the potential to block many aspects of the transformation attributed to the CSC phenotype, including chemotherapeutic resistance, relapse and metastasis.
On-Board State-of-Health Estimation at a Wide Ambient Temperature Range in Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Tiansi , Pei Lei , Wang Tingting , Lu Rengui , Zhu Chunbo
Published: August 2015

A state-of-health (SOH) estimation method for electric vehicles (EVs) is presented with three main advantages: (1) it provides joint estimation of cell’s aging states in terms of power and energy (i.e., SOHP and SOHE)—because the determination of SOHP and SOHE can be reduced to the estimation of the ohmic resistance increase and capacity loss, respectively, the ohmic resistance at nominal temperature will be taken as a health indicator, and the capacity loss is estimated based on a mechanistic model that is developed to describe the correlation between resistance increase and capacity loss; (2) it has wide applicability to various ambient temperatures—to eliminate the effects of temperature on the resistance, another mechanistic model about the resistance against temperature is presented, which can normalize the resistance at various temperatures to its standard value at the nominal temperature; and (3) it needs low computational efforts for on-board application—based on a linear equation of cell’s dynamic behaviors, the recursive least-squares (RLS) algorithm is used for the resistance estimation. Based on the designed performance and validation experiments, respectively, the coefficients of the models are determined and the accuracy of the proposed method is verified. The results at different aging states and temperatures show good accuracy and reliability.
Influence of Pre-Freezing Temperature on the Corneal Endothelial Cytocompatibility and Cell Delivery Performance of Porous Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Carriers
Authors: Lai Jui-Yang
Published: August 2015

The development of porous hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels for corneal endothelial tissue engineering is attractive because they can be used as functional cell delivery carriers to help in the reconstruction of damaged areas. The purpose of this study was to investigate the corneal endothelial cytocompatibility and cell delivery performance of porous HA hydrogel biomaterials fabricated at different pre-freezing temperatures. As compared to their counterparts prepared at −80 °C, the HA samples fabricated at higher pre-freezing temperature (i.e., 0 °C) exhibited a larger pore size and higher porosity, thereby leading to lower resistance to glucose permeation. Live/dead assays and gene expression analyses showed that the restricted porous structure of HA carriers decreases the viability and ionic pump function of cultured corneal endothelial cells (CECs). The results also indicated that the porous hydrogel biomaterials fabricated at high pre-freezing temperature seem to be more compatible with rabbit CECs. In an animal model of corneal endothelial dysfunction, the wounded rabbit corneas receiving bioengineered CEC sheets and restricted porous-structured HA carriers demonstrated poor tissue reconstruction. The therapeutic efficacy of cell sheet transplants can be improved by using carrier materials prepared at high pre-freezing temperature. Our findings suggest that the cryogenic operation temperature-mediated pore microstructure of HA carriers plays an important role in corneal endothelial cytocompatibility and cell delivery performance.
The Effects of Thermophysical Properties and Environmental Conditions on Fire Performance of Intumescent Coatings on Glass Fibre-Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Kandola Baljinder , Luangtriratana Piyanuch , Duquesne Sophie , Bourbigot Serge
Published: August 2015

Intumescent coatings are commonly used as passive fire protection systems for steel structures. The purpose of this work is to explore whether these can also be used effectively on glass fibre-reinforced epoxy (GRE) composites, considering the flammability of the composites compared to non-flammable steel substrate. The thermal barrier and reaction-to-fire properties of three commercial intumescent coatings on GRE composites have been studied using a cone calorimeter. Their thermophysical properties in terms of heating rate and/or temperature dependent char expansion ratios and thermal conductivities have been measured and correlated. It has been suggested that these two parameters can be used to design coatings to protect composite laminates of defined thicknesses for specified periods of time. The durability of the coatings to water absorption, peeling, impact, and flexural loading were also studied. A strong adhesion between all types of coatings and the substrate was observed. Water soaking had a little effect on the fire performance of epoxy based coatings. All types of 1 mm thick coatings on GRE helped in retaining ~90% of the flexural property after 2 min exposure to 50 kW/m2 heat flux whereas the uncoated laminate underwent severe delamination and loss in structural integrity after 1 min.
The “A Graceful Death Exhibition”: Portraits and Words from the End of Life
Authors: Rolls Antonia
Published: August 2015

This article discusses the lack of knowledge and awareness that hampers end of life experiences, for both the dying and those left behind. It draws on personal experiences, and explores working creatively with dying people, using observations, painting and writing to communicate ideas. Asking the dying to tell us and show us what it is like is very successful in raising awareness, and the article concludes that less separation within our communities from the dying would normalise the process and lessen the fear.
Review of Display Technologies Focusing on Power Consumption
Authors: Fernández María , Casanova Eduardo , Alonso Ignacio
Published: August 2015

This paper provides an overview of the main manufacturing technologies of displays, focusing on those with low and ultra-low levels of power consumption, which make them suitable for current societal needs. Considering the typified value obtained from the manufacturer’s specifications, four technologies—Liquid Crystal Displays, electronic paper, Organic Light-Emitting Display and Electroluminescent Displays—were selected in a first iteration. For each of them, several features, including size and brightness, were assessed in order to ascertain possible proportional relationships with the rate of consumption. To normalize the comparison between different display types, relative units such as the surface power density and the display frontal intensity efficiency were proposed. Organic light-emitting display had the best results in terms of power density for small display sizes. For larger sizes, it performs less satisfactorily than Liquid Crystal Displays in terms of energy efficiency.
Antioxidant potential of curcumin-related compounds studied by chemiluminescence kinetics, chain-breaking efficiencies, scavenging activity (ORAC) and DFT calculations
Authors: Slavova-Kazakova Adriana K , Angelova Silvia E , Veprintsev Timur L , Denev Petko , Fabbri Davide , Dettori Maria Antonietta , Kratchanova Maria , Naumov Vladimir V , Trofimov Aleksei V , Vasil’ev Rostislav F , Delogu Giovanna , Kancheva Vessela D
Published: August 2015

This study compares the ability to scavenge different peroxyl radicals and to act as chain-breaking antioxidants of monomers related to curcumin (1): dehydrozingerone (2), zingerone (3), (2Z,5E)-ethyl 2-hydroxy-6-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxohexa-2,5-dienoate (4), ferulic acid (5) and their corresponding C2-symmetric dimers 6–9. Four models were applied: model 1 – chemiluminescence (CL) of a hydrocarbon substrate used for determination of the rate constants (kA) of the reactions of the antioxidants with peroxyl radicals; model 2 – lipid autoxidation (lipidAO) used for assessing the chain-breaking antioxidant efficiency and reactivity; model 3 – oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), which yields the activity against peroxyl radicals generated by an azoinitiator; model 4 – density functional theory (DFT) calculations at UB3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) level, applied to explain the structure–activity relationship. Dimers showed 2–2.5-fold higher values of kA than their monomers. Model 2 gives information about the effects of the side chains and revealed much higher antioxidant activity for monomers and dimers with α,β-unsaturated side chains. Curcumin and 6 in fact are dimers of the same monomer 2. We conclude that the type of linkage between the two “halves” by which the molecule is made up does not exert influence on the antioxidant efficiency and reactivity of these two dimers. The dimers and the monomers demonstrated higher activity than Trolox (10) in aqueous medium (model 3). A comparison of the studied compounds with DL-α-tocopherol (11), Trolox and curcumin is made. All dimers are characterized through lower bond dissociation enthalpies (BDEs) than their monomers (model 4), which qualitatively supports the experimental results.
Japanese Honorifics as Emotive Definite Descriptions
Authors: Potts Christopher , Kawahara Shigeto
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Choice-functional Series of Indefinite Pronouns and Hamblin Semantics
Authors: Yanovich Igor
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Front matter
Authors: Georgala Efthymia , Howell Jonathan
Published: August 2015

Proceedings of the 15th Semantics and Linguistic Theory Conference, held March 25-27, 2005, at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Size Adjectives and Adnominal Degree Modification
Authors: Morzycki Marcin
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
On the negativity of negation
Authors: Potts Christopher
Published: August 2015

Natural language negation is persistently negative in the pragmatic sense, and emphatic and attenuating negative polarity items modulate this effect in systematic ways. I use large corpora of informal texts with meta-data approximating features of the context to characterize this pragmatic negativity, and I attempt to explain it in terms of the ways in which negative sentences engage the questions under discussion. The discussion highlights some of the ways in which quantitative corpus methods can be used to achieve novel results in linguistic pragmatics.
Distributivity and modality: where 'each' may go, 'every' can't follow
Authors: Gagnon Michaël , Wellwood Alexis
Published: August 2015

Von Fintel and Iatridou (2003) observed a striking pattern of scopal noninteraction between phrases headed by strong quantiﬁers like 'every' and epistemically interpreted modal auxiliaries. Tancredi (2007) and Huitink (2008) observed that von Fintel and Iatridou’s proposed constraint, the Epistemic Containment Principle (ECP), does not apply uniformly: it does not apply to strong quantiﬁers headed by 'each'. We consider the ECP effect in light of the differential behavior of 'each' and 'every' in the environment of 'wh-', negative, and generic operators as described by Beghelli and Stowell (1997). Assuming that epistemic and root modals merge at two different syntactic heights (e.g. Cinque 1999) and that modals may act as unselective binders (Heim 1982), we extend Beghelli and Stowell’s topological approach to quantiﬁer scope interactions in order to formulate a novel syntactic account of the ECP.
Experimenting with Degree
Authors: Solt Stephanie , Gotzner Nicole
Published: August 2015

Semantic theories differ in the role they assume for degrees in the interpretation of gradable adjectives, and in the assumptions they make about the nature of degrees and the structure of the scales they comprise. We report on two experiments investigating speakers' use of gradable adjectives across varying contexts, with the goal of gaining insight into the nature of the degree ontology underlying their semantics. We find that the truth conditions for the positive form must be stated in terms of degrees rather than rankings of individuals, and further that the relevant scale structure is one where distances between scale points are meaningful, and not an ordinal scale derived from an ordering relation on a comparison class. We also find no evidence that scale structure depends on the presence or absence of a corresponding system of numerical measures.
Measure semantics and qualitative semantics for epistemic modals
Authors: Holliday Wesley H. , Icard, III Thomas F.
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we explore semantics for comparative epistemic modals that avoid the entailment problems shown by Yalcin (2006, 2009, 2010) to result from Kratzer’s (1991) semantics. In contrast to the alternative semantics presented by Yalcin and Lassiter (2010, 2011) based on finitely additive measures, we introduce semantics based on qualitatively additive measures, as well as semantics based on purely qualitative orderings, including orderings on propositions derived from orderings on worlds in the tradition of Kratzer (1991, 2012). All of these semantics avoid the entailment problems that result from Kratzer’s semantics. Our discussion focuses on methodological issues concerning the choice between different semantics.
Compositional vs. Constructional Meaning: The Case of French "comme-N"
Authors: Lambrecht Knud
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Subjunctive, Habituality and Negative Polarity Items
Authors: Giannakidou Anastasia
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
What Does the Strongest Meaning Hypothesis Mean?
Authors: Winter Yoad
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Tense in Temporal Adjunct Clauses
Authors: Arregui Ana , Kusumoto Kiyomi
Published: August 2015

The behaviour of tense in subordinate clauses is not uniform across languages and theories that deal with the interpretation of tense try to explain this. The interpretation of past and present tense in complement clauses is one of the well known puzzles. Languages differ on this respect, and have been classified accordingly as sequence of tense languages (e.g. English) and non-sequence of tense languages (e.g. Japanese). In this paper we will be concerned mainly with the interpretation of tenses in temporal adjunct clauses (TACs). We will discuss the analysis proposed by Ogihara [1994, 1996] and argue that the differences in tense distribution that we observe between English and Japanese TACs are not to be explained as a case of sequence of tense.
The role of personality in equestrian sports: an investigation
Authors: Wolframm I.A. , Williams J. , Marlin D.
Published: August 2015

Personality has been shown to affect the way individuals think, feel and act, and could impact on the way people behave and perform in a wide variety of activities. Anecdotal evidence suggests that differences in personality exist between equestrians participating in different disciplines and at different levels, but empirical evidence is limited. This study aimed to investigate dispositional tendencies of rider cohorts, in relation to age, nationality, discipline, competitive level, breadth of involvement in different disciplines, and level of risk-seeking behaviour. An online survey was developed, collecting rider demographics relating to nationality, sex, age, competitive level and discipline. A risk scores was assigned to each discipline and an average risk rating was calculated per participant. Personality traits of extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and intellect were measured using the Mini-International Personality Item Pool. Kruskal-Wallis analyses determined differences for personality traits between different survey categories. Univariable analysis of all factors considered informed multivariable logistic regression models to establish how factors including personality traits differed between dichotomous variables: high to low risk discipline, age groups, unaffiliated to affiliated riders and amateur to professional riders. Results showed that riders in their late teens and early twenties considered themselves less agreeable, less conscientious, but more neurotic compared to older generations (P<0.001). Competitive riders considered themselves more conscientious and extroverted than non-competitors (P<0.005). Riders participating in higher risk disciplines considered themselves less agreeable and conscientious (P<0.05). Increases in agreeableness, conscientious and decreases in neuroticism in older riders might predispose them towards a role in coaching and providing support for younger riders. Personality differences between riders of different disciplines and at different competitive levels might be used to help individuals in their choice of equestrian sport and level of involvement. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the value of identifying personality traits across different rider cohorts.
TagFall: Towards Unobstructive Fine-Grained Fall Detection based on UHF Passive RFID Tags
Authors: Ruan Wenjie , Yao Lina , Z. Sheng Quan , Falkner Nickolas , Li Xue , Gu Tao
Published: August 2015

Falls are among the leading causes of hospitalization for the elderly and illness individuals. Considering that the elderly often live alone and receive only irregular visits, it is essential to develop such a system that can effectively detect a fall or abnormal activities. However, previous fall detection systems either require to wear sensors or are able to detect a fall but fail to provide fine-grained contextual information (e.g., what is the person doing before falling, falling directions). In this paper, we propose a device-free, fine-grained fall detection system based on pure passive UHF RFID tags, which not only is capable of sensing regular actions and fall events simultaneously, but also provide caregivers the contexts of fall orientations. We first augment the Angle-based Outlier Detection Method (ABOD) to classify normal actions (e.g., standing, sitting, lying and walking) and detect a fall event. Once a fall event is detected, we first segment a fix-length RSSI data stream generated by the fall and then utilize Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) based kNN to distinguish the falling direction. The experimental results demonstrate that our proposed approach can distinguish the living status before fall happening, as well as the fall orientations with a high accuracy. The experiments also show that our device-free, fine-grained fall detection system offers a good overall performance and has the potential to better support the assisted living of older people.
The viral context instructs the redundancy of costimulatory pathways in driving CD8+ T cell expansion
Authors: Welten Suzanne PM , Redeker Anke , Franken Kees LMC , Oduro Jennifer D , Ossendorp Ferry , Čičin-Šain Luka , Melief Cornelis JM , Aichele Peter , Arens Ramon
Published: August 2015

Signals delivered by costimulatory molecules are implicated in driving T cell expansion. The requirements for these signals, however, vary from dispensable to essential in different infections. We examined the underlying mechanisms of this differential T cell costimulation dependence and found that the viral context determined the dependence on CD28/B7-mediated costimulation for expansion of naive and memory CD8+ T cells, indicating that the requirement for costimulatory signals is not imprinted. Notably, related to the high-level costimulatory molecule expression induced by lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), CD28/B7-mediated costimulation was dispensable for accumulation of LCMV-specific CD8+ T cells because of redundancy with the costimulatory pathways induced by TNF receptor family members (i.e., CD27, OX40, and 4-1BB). Type I IFN signaling in viral-specific CD8+ T cells is slightly redundant with costimulatory signals. These results highlight that pathogen-specific conditions differentially and uniquely dictate the utilization of costimulatory pathways allowing shaping of effector and memory antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses.
An empirical profile of VLF triggered emissions
Authors: Li J. D. , Spasojevic M. , Inan U. S.
Published: August 2015

The Siple Transmitter Experiment operated from 1973 to 1988 and generated a wealth of observations of nonlinear wave‐particle interactions including extensive recordings of triggered emissions generated by VLF signals injected into the magnetosphere from the transmitter at Siple Station, Antarctica. Due to their complex appearance and immensely varied behavior, triggered emissions remain poorly described and understood. This work provides a comprehensive statistical description of observed triggered emissions and establishes statistical bounds on triggered emission type (fallers, risers, and positive and negative hooks) and behavior (frequency changes between 1 kHz and 2.5 kHz with initial sweep rates between −2.5 kHz/s and 2.5 kHz/s, with risers undergoing a median frequency change of 556 Hz and fallers a median frequency change of −198 Hz). The statistical study also reveals an apparent dependence of the triggered emission behavior on the transmitted signal itself. Long tones and rising ramps generate more risers and positive hooks, while short tones and falling ramps produce more fallers and negative hooks. Triggered emissions also appear to favorably initiate with sweep rates similar to that of the triggering element, with the 1 kHz/s rising ramps triggering initial risers with a median sweep rate of 1.03 kHz/s and −1 kHz/s triggering initial fallers with a median sweep rate of −0.73 kHz/s. These results improve observations of wave modification resulting from wave‐particle interactions in the radiation belts and can be used to validate numerical simulations of triggered emissions.
Premolar root and canal variation in extant non‐human hominoidea
Authors: Moore N. Collin , Hublin Jean‐Jacques , Skinner Matthew M.
Published: August 2015

Objectives

The premolar sub‐cervical region in four non‐human extant ape genera are examined to: 1) define a classification scheme for the premolar root system in order to rigorously characterize, quantify and document variation in root and canal, form, number and configuration; 2) compare this variation within and between genera; and 3) test the hypotheses that sex and size (i.e., the “size/number continuum,” Shields, ) of the premolar are determinants of root/canal form and/or number.

Materials and Methods

Microtomography and 3D visualization software are utilized to examine a large sample of Hylobates, Pan, Gorilla, and Pongo (n = 951 teeth). Each premolar root system is examined to ascertain the expected level of variability for each taxon. Cervical surface area (mm2) serves as a metric proxy for tooth size. A Chi‐square test of independence is used to assess for variability differences between and within each taxon, and Mann–Whitney U tests are employed to assess the predicted relationship between tooth size and variation within each taxon.

Results

Our findings indicate that root and canal configurations, non‐metric root traits and tooth size can distinguish between extant ape genera. Within the four ape taxa, premolar size variation is generally, but not always, correlated with canal/root number. Our results indicate that males and females within genera differ in tooth size but not in canal/root form and number.

Discussion

We report previously undocumented variation in the study taxa. Our results are discussed within the context of Miocene Apes as well as the developmental and systematic implications. Am J Phys Anthropol 158:209–226, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of data screening to drug exposure in large risk factor studies of birth defects
Authors: Louik Carol , Werler Martha , Anderka Marlene , Mitchell Allen A.
Published: August 2015

Background

Birth defects are the leading cause of infant death. While causes of most are unknown, those that might be due to medication use are among the most preventable. This study describes an approach to identifying those medications that most warrant attention by using a “screen” program that calculates odds ratios for pairs of exposures and specific birth defects.

Methods

We discuss the development of this tool and illustrate its application to two large risk factor studies, the Slone Epidemiology Center's Birth Defects Study and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Birth Defects Prevention Study, ideal settings for the systematic study of risks and relative safety of drugs in relation to birth defects while recognizing the inherent limitations of such an approach.

Results

Suggestions for establishing criteria for exposures and outcomes that balance the need for specific details with the practical considerations of sample size and volume of output are presented. Selection of appropriate exposure reference categories and control groups is also discussed, as well as the need to address potential confounding. An example that motivated a detailed investigation of possible associations between a medication (butalbital) and selected specific birth defects is provided.

Conclusion

While screening programs such as the one described can be a valuable tool for exploring potential associations in large data bases, they must be applied with caution. The issue of multiple testing and chance findings is a major concern. While statistics are a necessary component, human judgment must be an integral part of the process. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:713–717, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of fertility preservation counseling and treatment on psychological outcomes among women with cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Deshpande Neha A. , Braun Ilana M. , Meyer Fremonta L.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

For many female cancer survivors, the preservation of reproductive potential is central to quality of life (QOL), and concerns regarding infertility may affect treatment decisions. Despite the existence of several consensus guidelines supporting routine fertility preservation consultation, to the authors' knowledge little is known regarding psychological outcomes in female cancer patients who undergo fertility preservation counseling/consultation (FPC), with or without fertility preservation (FP).

METHODS

This literature review examined the effect of FPC alone, or with FP, on psychological outcomes including satisfaction, decisional regret, and QOL. PubMed and PsychINFO were systematically searched for English‐language publications from the earliest available publication date of each database through March 2015. Among 111 unique articles concerning oncofertility, 13 met inclusion criteria: peer‐reviewed articles reporting primary data regarding satisfaction and psychological outcomes among women who underwent FPC alone or with FP.

RESULTS

A majority of women receiving FPC reported that the possibility of FP was instrumental to improved coping. Receiving FPC reduced long‐term regret and dissatisfaction concerning fertility, and was associated with improved physical QOL and trends toward improved psychological QOL. Women also desired prompt, standardized, and written information addressing perceived unmet needs specific to oncofertility. Offering FPC was perceived as critical regardless of age or parity.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of the authors' knowledge, little research to date has addressed the impact of FPC alone, or with FP, on QOL in women with cancer. Clinicians should recognize the existing evidence base supporting the psychological benefit of prompt FPC. Future research must be conducted to elucidate the long‐term psychosocial effects of FP. Cancer 2015;121:3938–3947. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Designing Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution: Are Complex Preparation Strategies Necessary to Produce Active Catalysts?
Authors: Grewe Tobias , Tüysüz Harun
Published: August 2015

A facile synthetic route for the preparation of highly active photocatalysts was developed. The protocol involves the preparation of a photocatalyst through the direct injection of metal alkoxide precursors into solutions in a photoreactor. As a proof of concept, a tantalum oxide based photocatalyst was chosen as a model system. Tantalum ethoxide [Ta(OEt)5] was injected rapidly into a photoreactor filled with a water/methanol mixture, and a TaOx(OH)y composite formed and was able to produce hydrogen under light illumination. Compared to commercial and mesostructured Ta2O5 and NaTaO3 materials, TaOx(OH)y produced by direct injection shows superior hydrogen production activity. Notably, the samples prepared by direct injection are amorphous; however, their photocatalytic performance is much higher than those of their crystalline equivalents. If Ta(OEt)5 was dispersed in methanol before injection, an amorphous framework with higher surface area and larger pore volume was formed, and the hydrogen production rate increased further. The addition of a sodium precursor during the injection further boosted the photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, this concept has also been applied to a titanium‐based photocatalyst, and a much better hydrogen production rate has been obtained in comparison with that of commercial TiO2 (P25‐Degussa); therefore, the direct‐injection synthesis is a flexible method that opens the door to the facile preparation of highly active nanostructured photocatalysts for hydrogen production.
Synthesis of DOHNAA, a Mycobacterium tuberculosis Cholesterol CD Ring Catabolite and FadD3 Substrate
Authors: Stubbing Louise A. , Lott J. Shaun , Dawes Stephanie S. , Furkert Daniel P. , Brimble Margaret A.
Published: August 2015

DOHNAA (2) is a key catabolite in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) cholesterol degradation pathway. The CoA ester of 2 has been implicated in regulation of gene transcription that is ultimately responsible for degradation of the C and D rings of cholesterol. A synthetic route to 2 is reported here, by a key DMSO‐mediated Morita–Bayliss–Hillman‐type alkylation of the Hajos–Parrish dione. As DOHNAA has to date only been available from microbial sources in very small quantities, the synthesis described will enable further studies of the enzymes involved in cholesterol degradation in Mtb and facilitate ongoing structure–activity studies based on this compound scaffold.
Biosorption of Pb2+ from aqueous solution by rice straw modified with citric acid
Authors: Guo Lei , Liang Lingyu , Wang Yaojing , Liu Mingda
Published: August 2015

The rice straw, an enormous agricultural waste after harvest, was converted into biosorbent by using citric acid and sodium hydroxide for promoting its absorbability. The citric acid‐modified rice straw (CRS) was oriented to the potential utilization of removing Pb2+ from aqueous solution. The Langmuir and Dubinin‐Radushkevich isotherm models were more appropriate to describe the Pb2+ biosorption process. Zeta electric potential tests, FTIR, SEM, and XRD could characterize the physical‐chemical and morphological‐structural features of the biosorbent. Further analyses indicated that a great deal of negative charges, reactive functional groups and exchangeable ions which were introduced on the surface of adsorbent. The analyses of adsorption isotherm and thermodynamics revealed that the monolayer chemical adsorption accompanied ion‐exchange process might be the mechanism of the adsorption behaviors. The utilization of CRS might be a reasonable method for removal lead from wastewater. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 359–367, 2016
Is Pushdown Accounting Lifting You Up?
Authors: Cheng Kang , Elbolok Rasha M.
Published: August 2015

In this article, the authors provide a review of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014–17, Business Combination (Topic 805): Pushdown Accounting, a Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force. This article addresses issues on “pushdown accounting by contrasting the new guidelines with the existing practices, and discusses considerations and strategies on how to handle this new accounting standard. Before this Update, the use of “pushdown accounting to account for business combinations was prohibited under certain circumstances and required under the others. The Update not only gives guidelines on the treatments of pushdown accounting but also streamlines the application of such accounting practice. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Choice architecture: A review of why nudge: The politics of libertarian paternalism
Authors: Rachlin Howard
Published: August 2015

Sunstein argues for an exception to John Stuart Mill's principle that government should never interfere with a person's freedom of choice for the person's “own good” unless that choice will harm others. If a particular government‐imposed contingency is soft rather than harsh, if it acts on means rather than ends, if all alternatives remain available, and if the person herself would ultimately have chosen the alternative now made less costly, more salient, or easier to obtain, then that governmental control is a nudge, and for Sunstein nudges are permissible. Sunstein couches his recommendations in a dichotomy between two internal processes (System 1 and System 2) corresponding to areas of the brain governing fast, intuitive thinking and slow, analytic thinking. Nudges nudge people in a direction governed by System 2. This internalization and dichotomization of what is essentially a continuum between long‐term, more abstract contingencies and short‐term, less abstract contingencies may divert the reader's attention away from the contingencies themselves. Such diversion, if it were taken seriously, would hinder the development of effective and at the same time gentle nudges. Fortunately, none of the nudges proposed by Sunstein depend on the “psychology” represented by System 1 and System 2. The book remains focused on choice architecture. The behavioristic reader can easily translate from neurocognitive to behavioral terms and so see nudges as means of bringing behavior under the control of wide and abstract reinforcer contingencies.
Asymmetric AB3 Miktoarm Star Polymers: Synthesis, Self‐Assembly, and Study of Micelle Stability Using AF4 for Efficient Drug Delivery
Authors: Moquin Alexandre , Sharma Anjali , Cui Yiming , Lau Anthony , Maysinger Dusica , Kakkar Ashok
Published: August 2015

A simple and versatile methodology, which employs a combination of ring‐opening polymerization and alkyne–azide click chemistry to synthesize amphiphilic AB3 miktoarm stars, is reported. Their aqueous self‐assembly behavior was studied using dynamic light scattering, fluorescence, and asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation (AF4). AB3 miktoarm stars form micelles which incorporate curcumin with high efficiency, and significantly reduce the viability of glioblastoma cells in spheroids. We demonstrate that AF4 is an effective technique to determine the size distribution of self‐assembled structures exposed to a biological medium. The ease, with which asymmetric AB3 miktoarm polymers are constructed, provides a platform that can be widely employed to deliver a variety of lipophilic drugs.
Neural Stem Cells Secreting Anti-HER2 Antibody Improve Survival in a Preclinical Model of HER2 Overexpressing Breast Cancer Brain Metastases
Authors: Kanojia Deepak , Balyasnikova Irina V. , Morshed Ramin A. , Frank Richard T. , Yu Dou , Zhang Lingjiao , Spencer Drew A. , Kim Julius W. , Han Yu , Yu Dihua , Ahmed Atique U. , Aboody Karen S. , Lesniak Maciej S.
Published: August 2015

The treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing breast cancer has been revolutionized by trastuzumab. However, longer survival of these patients now predisposes them to forming HER2 positive brain metastases, as the therapeutic antibodies cannot cross the blood brain barrier. The current oncologic repertoire does not offer a rational, nontoxic targeted therapy for brain metastases. In this study, we used an established human neural stem cell line, HB1.F3 NSCs and generated a stable pool of cells secreting a high amount of functional full-length anti-HER2 antibody, equivalent to trastuzumab. Anti-HER2Ab secreted by the NSCs (HER2Ab-NSCs) specifically binds to HER2 overexpressing human breast cancer cells and inhibits PI3K-Akt signaling. This translates to HER2Ab-NSC inhibition of breast cancer cell growth in vitro. Preclinical in vivo experiments using HER2Ab overexpressing NSCs in a breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) mouse model demonstrate that intracranial injection of HER2Ab-NSCs significantly improves survival. In effect, these NSCs provide tumor localized production of HER2Ab, minimizing any potential off-target side effects. Our results establish HER2Ab-NSCs as a novel, nontoxic, and rational therapeutic approach for the successful treatment of HER2 overexpressing BCBM, which now warrants further preclinical and clinical investigation. Stem Cells  2015;33:2985–2994
Altered anorectal function in rotating shift workers: Association with autonomic dysfunction and sleep disturbance
Authors: Hung Jui‐Sheng , Liu Tso‐Tsai , Yi Chih‐Hsun , Lei Wei‐Yi , Chen Chien‐Lin
Published: August 2015

Background

We aimed to investigate whether disruption of the circadian rhythm in rotating shift work (RSW) workers would change anorectal motility and cardiac autonomic function. We also determined whether sleep and psychological status (e.g., anxiety and depression) would affect anorectal motility in RSW workers.

Methods

Sixteen RSW workers and 11 control individuals were involved in the study. All study participants underwent anorectal manometry and spectral analysis of heart rate variability. All participants completed three questionnaires: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire, and the Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire (TDQ).

Results

The RSW workers had a lower threshold volume for maximal urge (p = 0.006) and greater rectal compliance (p = 0.02), compared to the controls. The RSW workers had a greater PSQI score (p = 0.002) and TDQ score (p = 0.003), compared to the controls. The RSW workers had a significantly increased low‐frequency power percentage (LF%), compared to the controls (p = 0.03). The RSW workers had a significant correlation between the resting anal sphincter pressure and high‐frequency power percentage (HF%; r = –0.62, p = 0.01), and between the R‐R interval and the threshold for maximal urge (r = 0.51, p = 0.04). The PSQI score was significantly correlated with the threshold volume for urge (r = 0.55, p = 0.03) and for compliance (r = 0.51, p = 0.04) in the RSW workers.

Conclusion

Rotating shift workers have anorectal dysmotility and cardiac sympathetic hyperactivity. Anorectal dysmotility in RSW workers has a close relationship with cardiac autonomic dysfunction, sleep disturbance, and depression, but not with anxiety.
Consensus of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Taiwan with endoscopy‐based approach covered by National Health Insurance
Authors: Sheu Bor‐Shyang , Chiu Cheng‐Tang , Lee Yi‐Chia , Chang Chi‐Yang , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Liou Jyh‐Ming , Wu Ming‐Shiang , Chang Wei‐Lun , Wu Chun‐Ying , Lin Jaw‐Town
Published: August 2015

Background and aims

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is emerging as a clinical complication in the Orient. The consensus comprises recommendations to GERD control under the advantage of endoscopy‐based approach covered by the Taiwan National Health Insurance.

Methods

The steering committee defined the consensus scope to cover diagnostic, therapeutic, unresolved, controversial, or long‐term proton pump inhibitor‐related issues to GERD. The literature review emphasized domestic data, after which the draft statements and statement evidence levels were defined. Thirty‐five experts of GERD in Taiwan formed the expert group to conduct the consensus conference by a modified Delphi process to vote anonymously to reach a consensus, defined by an agreement of ≥ 80% for each statement, and to set the recommendation grade.

Results

The consensus included 22 statements, including seven on diagnostic approach, seven on therapeutic suggestion, and eight on unresolved, controversial, or long‐term proton pump inhibitor‐related issues to GERD. The consensus highlighted that the endoscopy approach to GERD can define the disease spectrum and exclude malignant potential. The questionnaire survey can not only define GERD, but also monitor treatment response and quality of life. The consensus addressed suggestions for the unresolved issues related to extraesophageal presentation and adverse concerns of GERD after long‐term use of proton pump inhibitors. In the endemic area of upper gastrointestinal cancers, Helicobacter pylori eradication is suggested to reduce progression of gastric precancerous lesions, and endoscopic surveillance of Barrett's esophagus with dysplasia deserves prospective research.

Conclusion

The consensus comprises recommendations for the management of GERD in a high upper gastrointestinal cancer area with a national coverage of endoscopic approach.
A new high‐resolution crystal structure of theDrosophila melanogaster angiotensin converting enzyme homologue, AnCE
Authors: Harrison Charlotte , Acharya K. Ravi
Published: August 2015

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is a zinc‐dependent dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase with an essential role in blood pressure homeostasis in mammals. ACE has long been targeted in the treatment of hypertension through ACE inhibitors, however current inhibitors are known to cause severe side effects. Therefore, there is a requirement for a new generation of ACE inhibitors and structural information will be invaluable in their development. ACE is a challenging enzyme to work with due to its extensive glycosylation. As such, theDrosophila melanogaster ACE homologue, AnCE, which shares ∼60% sequence similarity with human ACE, can be used as a model for studying inhibitor binding. The presence of ligands originating from the crystallisation condition at the AnCE active site has proved an obstacle to studying the binding of new inhibitor precursors. Here we present the crystal structure of AnCE (in a new crystal form) at 1.85 Å resolution, using crystals grown under different conditions. This new structure may be more suitable for studying the binding of new compounds, with the potential of developing a new generation of improved ACE inhibitors.