bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
p38γ MAPK Is a Therapeutic Target for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Stimulation of Cancer Stem-Like Cell Expansion
Authors: Qi Xiaomei , Yin Ning , Ma Shao , Lepp Adrienne , Tang Jun , Jing Weiqing , Johnson Bryon , Dwinell Michael B. , Chitambar Christopher R. , Chen Guan
Published: June 2015

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly progressive and lacks established therapeutic targets. p38γ mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (gene name: MAPK12) is overexpressed in TNBC but how overexpressed p38γ contributes to TNBC remains unknown. Here, we show that p38γ activation promotes TNBC development and progression by stimulating cancer stem-like cell (CSC) expansion and may serve as a novel therapeutic target. p38γ silencing in TNBC cells reduces mammosphere formation and decreases expression levels of CSC drivers including Nanog, Oct3/4, and Sox2. Moreover, p38γ MAPK-forced expression alone is sufficient to stimulate CSC expansion and to induce epithelial cell transformation in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, p38γ depends on its activity to stimulate CSC expansion and breast cancer progression, indicating a therapeutic opportunity by application of its pharmacological inhibitor. Indeed, the non-toxic p38γ specific pharmacological inhibitor pirfenidone selectively inhibits TNBC growth in vitro and/or in vivo and significantly decreases the CSC population. Mechanistically, p38γ stimulates Nanog transcription through c-Jun/AP-1 via a multi-protein complex formation. These results together demonstrate that p38γ can drive TNBC development and progression and may be a novel therapeutic target for TNBC by stimulating CSC expansion. Inhibiting p38γ activity with pirfenidone may be a novel strategy for the treatment of TNBC. Stem Cells  2015;33:2738—2747
Dual‐Doppler measurements of a wind ramp event at an Oklahoma wind plant
Authors: Hirth Brian D. , Schroeder John L. , Irons Zack , Walter Kevin
Published: June 2015

An observational case study of a wind ramp event at Enel Green Power North America's wind plant in Oklahoma is presented. Using coordinated measurements collected by the Texas Tech University Ka‐band radars, dual‐Doppler‐synthesized wind fields are merged with data from a meteorological tower and 32 operational turbines to document the evolution and impact of the wind ramp on turbine behavior and performance over a 1 h period. During the event, average power output for turbines within the dual‐Doppler analysis domain increases from 18.3% of capacity to 98.9% of capacity, emphasizing the abrupt impact wind ramp events can have on the electrical grid. The presented measurements and analyses highlight the insights remote sensing technologies can offer towards documenting transient wind ramps and assisting modeling efforts used to forecast such events. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of DL‐3‐n‐butylphthalide in patients with vascular cognitive impairment without dementia caused by subcortical ischemic small vessel disease: A multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Jia Jianping , Wei Cuibai , Liang Junhua , Zhou Aihong , Zuo Xiumei , Song Haiqing , Wu Liyong , Chen Xiaochun , Chen Shengdi , Zhang Junjian , Wu Jiang , Wang Kai , Chu Lan , Peng Dantao , Lv Peiyuan , Guo Hongzhi , Niu Xiaoyuan , Chen Yingzhu , Dong Wanli , Han Xiujie , Fang Boyan , Peng Mao , Li Dan , Jia Qian , Huang Liyuan
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia is very common among the aged and tends to progress to dementia, but there have been no proper large‐scale intervention trials dedicated to it. Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia caused by subcortical ischemic small vessel disease (hereinafter, subcortical Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia) represents a relatively homogeneous disease process and is a suitable target for therapeutic trials investigating Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia. Preclinical trials showed that dl‐3‐n‐butylphthalide (NBP) is effective for cognitive impairment of vascular origin.

Methods

In this randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial, we enrolled patients aged 50–70 years who had a diagnosis of subcortical Vascular cognitive impairment without dementia at 15 academic medical centers in China. Inclusion criteria included a clinical dementia rating ≥0.5 on at least one domain and global score ≤0.5; a mini‐mental state examination score ≥20 (primary school) or ≥24 (junior school or above); and brain magnetic resonance imaging consistent with subcortical ischemic small vessel disease. Patients were randomly assigned to NBP 200 mg three times daily or matched placebo (1:1) for 24 weeks according to a computer‐generated randomization protocol. All patients and study personnel were masked to treatment assignment. Primary outcome measures were the changes in Alzheimer's disease assessment scale‐cognitive subscale (ADAS‐cog) and clinician's interview‐based impression of change plus caregiver input (CIBIC‐plus) after 24 weeks. All patients were monitored for adverse events (AEs). Outcome measures were analyzed for both the intention‐to‐treat (ITT) population and the per protocol population.

Results

This study enrolled 281 patients. NBP showed greater effects than placebo on ADAS‐cog (NBP change −2.46 vs. placebo −1.39; P = .03; ITT) and CIBIC‐plus (80 [57.1%] vs. 59 [42.1%] patients improved; P = .01; ITT). NBP‐related AE were uncommon and primarily consisted of mild gastrointestinal symptoms.

Discussion

Over the 6‐month treatment period, NBP was effective for improving cognitive and global functioning in patients with subcortical vascular cognitive impairment without dementia and exhibited good safety.
Coupled micromorphological and stable isotope analysis of Quaternary calcrete development
Authors: Adamson Kathryn , Candy Ian , Whitfield Liz
Published: June 2015

Pedogenic calcretes are widespread in arid and semi-arid regions. Using calcrete profiles from four river terraces of the Rio Alias in southeast Spain, this study explores the potential of using detailed micromorphological and stable isotopic analysis to more fully understand the impacts of Quaternary environmental change on calcrete development. The four profiles increase in carbonate complexity with progressive age, reflecting calcretisation over multiple glacial–interglacial cycles since MIS 9 (c. 300 ka). Calcrete profiles contain a mixture of Alpha (non-biogenic) and Beta (biogenic) microfabrics. Alpha fabrics have higher δ13C and δ18O values. The profiles contain a range of crystal textures, but there is little difference between the δ13C and δ18O values of spar, microspar, and micrite cements. Strong positive covariance between δ13C and δ18O suggests that both isotopes are responding to the same environmental parameter, which is inferred to be relative aridity. The study reveals that the detailed co-analysis of calcrete micromorphology and stable isotope signatures can allow patterns of calcrete formation to be placed into a wider palaeoclimatic context. This demonstrates the potential of this technique to more reliably constrain the palaeoenvironmental significance of secondary carbonates in dryland settings where other proxy records may be poorly preserved.
LOCAL PREMIUM OR LOCAL DISCOUNT: THE CASE OF PACKAGED FRESH TOMATOES IN HAWAII
Authors: XU XUN , KEAHIOLALO KRISTOPHER , LOKE MATTHEW K. , LEUNG PINGSUN
Published: June 2015

This article utilizes the 2011 Nielsen scanner data for the Honolulu fresh tomato market to explore the existence of price premium for local food. Hedonic analysis is conducted to delineate the price impact of the local attribute. Contrary to the widely perceived local price premium in the consumer preference literature, mixed results of price premiums and discounts are discovered for local tomato products. Additional investigation suggests that the prices of local tomatoes are likely influenced by seasonal output fluctuation. The limited market distribution capacity facing local producers may have contributed further to the retail discounting.
Common Diagnoses and Outcomes in Elderly Patients Who Present to the Emergency Department with Non-Specific Complaints
Authors: Quinn Kathleen , Herman Michael , Lin Daren , Supapol Wendy , Worster Andrew
Published: June 2015

Objective

Elderly patients often present to the emergency department (ED) with non-specific complaints. Previous studies indicate that such patients are at greater risk for life-threatening illnesses than similarly aged patients with specific complaints. We evaluated the diagnoses and outcomes of elderly patients presenting with non-specific complaints.

Methods

Two trained data abstractors independently reviewed all records of patients over 70 years old presenting (to two academic EDs) with non-specific complaints, as defined by the Canadian Emergency Department Information System (CEDIS). Outcomes of interest were ED discharge diagnosis, hospital admission, length of stay, and ED revisit within 30 days.

Results

Of the 743 patients screened for the study, 265 were excluded because they had dizziness, vertigo, or a specific complaint recorded in the triage notes. 419 patients (87.7%) presented with weakness and 59 patients (12.3%) presented with general fatigue or unwellness. The most common diagnoses were urinary tract infection (UTI) (11.3%), transient ischemic attack (TIA) (10.0%), and dehydration (5.6%). There were 11 hospital admissions with median length of stay of five days. Eighty-one (16.9%) patients revisited the ED within 30 days of discharge. Regression analysis indicated that arrival to the ED by ambulance was independently associated with hospital admission.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that elderly patients presenting to the ED with non-specific complaints are not at high risk for life-threatening illnesses. The most common diagnoses are UTI, TIA, and dehydration. Most patients can be discharged safely, although a relatively high proportion revisit the ED within 30 days.
The Role of EMS in Regionalized Systems of Care
Authors: Drennan Ian R. , Verbeek P. Richard
Published: June 2015

The parallel advancement of prehospital and in-hospital patient care has provided impetus for the development and implementation of regionalized systems of health care for patients suffering from acute, life-threatening injury and illness. Regardless of the patient’s clinical condition, regionalized systems of care revolve around the premise of providing the right care to the right patient at the right time. Current regionalization strategies have shown improvements in the time to patient treatment and in patient outcome, with the incorporation of emergency medical services (EMS) bypass as a key component of the system of care. This article discusses the emerging role of EMS as a critical component of regionalized systems essential to ensure effective and efficient use of resources to improve patient outcome. We also examine some of the benefits and barriers to implementation of regionalized systems of care and avenues for future research.
Incidence of Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders in Asian Populations of British Columbia
Authors: Lee Joshua D. , Guimond Colleen , Yee Irene M. , Vilariño-Güell Carles , Wu Zhi-Ying , Traboulsee Anthony L. , Sadovnick A. Dessa
Published: June 2015

Background: Global variation in the incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) is generally ascribed to differences in genetic and environmental risk factors. Here we investigate temporal trends in the incidence of MS and related disorders in British Columbia, Canada, from 1986 to 2010, focusing particularly on the Asian ethnic subpopulation.
Methods: A longitudinal database was screened to identify newly diagnosed cases of MS and related disorders, including neuromyelitis optica and clinically isolated syndromes. Age-standardized, sex-specific mean annual incidence was calculated for the Asian and non-Asian population of British Columbia for 5-year intervals from 1986 to 2010. Temporal changes and cohort differences in incidence rates and demographic characteristics were evaluated. Results: During this period, the incidence of MS and related disorders in the non-Asian population remained relatively unchanged, from 10.41 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.87-10.97) to 9.91 (95% CI: 9.46-10.39) per 100,000 (p=0.167). In contrast, incidence in the Asian population doubled during the same period. This increase was driven by a precipitous rise in the incidence of MS in females from 0.71 (95% CI: 0.01-1.50) to 2.08 (95% CI: 1.43-2.91) per 100,000 (p=0.004), including both Canadian-born and immigrant Asians. The incidence of neuromyelitis optica did not change significantly during this period. Conclusions: The incidence of MS may be increasing among females in the Asian ethnic population of British Columbia.
STABILITY PATTERNS IN REPRESENTATION THEORY
Authors: SAM STEVEN V , SNOWDEN ANDREW
Published: June 2015

We develop a comprehensive theory of the stable representation categories of several sequences of groups, including the classical and symmetric groups, and their relation to the unstable categories. An important component of this theory is an array of equivalences between the stable representation category and various other categories, each of which has its own flavor (representation theoretic, combinatorial, commutative algebraic, or categorical) and offers a distinct perspective on the stable category. We use this theory to produce a host of specific results: for example, the construction of injective resolutions of simple objects, duality between the orthogonal and symplectic theories, and a canonical derived auto-equivalence of the general linear theory.
Building and Validating a Computerized Algorithm for Surveillance of Ventilator-Associated Events
Authors: Mann Tal , Ellsworth Joseph , Huda Najia , Neelakanta Anupama , Chevalier Thomas , Sims Kristin L. , Dhar Sorabh , Robinson Mary E. , Kaye Keith S.
Published: June 2015

OBJECTIVE

To develop an automated method for ventilator-associated condition (VAC) surveillance and to compare its accuracy and efficiency with manual VAC surveillance

SETTING

The intensive care units (ICUs) of 4 hospitals

METHODS

This study was conducted at Detroit Medical Center, a tertiary care center in metropolitan Detroit. A total of 128 ICU beds in 4 acute care hospitals were included during the study period from August to October 2013. The automated VAC algorithm was implemented and utilized for 1 month by all study hospitals. Simultaneous manual VAC surveillance was conducted by 2 infection preventionists and 1 infection control fellow who were blinded to each another’s findings and to the automated VAC algorithm results. The VACs identified by the 2 surveillance processes were compared.

RESULTS

During the study period, 110 patients from all the included hospitals were mechanically ventilated and were evaluated for VAC for a total of 992 mechanical ventilation days. The automated VAC algorithm identified 39 VACs with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 100%. In comparison, the combined efforts of the IPs and the infection control fellow detected 58.9% of VACs, with 59% sensitivity, 99% specificity, 91% PPV, and 92% NPV. Moreover, the automated VAC algorithm was extremely efficient, requiring only 1 minute to detect VACs over a 1-month period, compared to 60.7 minutes using manual surveillance.

CONCLUSIONS

The automated VAC algorithm is efficient and accurate and is ready to be used routinely for VAC surveillance. Furthermore, its implementation can optimize the sensitivity and specificity of VAC identification.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(9):999–1003
Relationship building in empowering leadership processes: A test of mediation and moderation
Authors: Kwak Won Jun , Jackson Christine L
Published: June 2015

The direct positive relationship between empowering leadership and subordinate empowerment is well established. However, leader–member exchange (LMX) research, which concerns a leader’s relationship-building with subordinates in a work unit, suggests that the direct leader empowering–subordinate empowerment association may be more complex than understood in the current literature. Accordingly, this study examined LMX theory-based mediation and moderation processes occurring between empowering leadership and subordinate empowerment. In a field study employing 132 administrative workers in 26 work groups, as expected, an individual subordinate’s perceived LMX mediated the positive effects of empowering leadership on the subordinate’s psychological empowerment. In addition, LMX differentiation cross-level moderated the linkage between empowering leadership and perceived LMX. Together, study findings suggest that subordinates’ perceived LMX in a dyadic relationship with a leader and in a work group needs to be carefully considered in empowering leadership processes.
Descriptive Evaluation of a Smoking Cessation Support Service for Chronic Disease Clients Within a Hospital Admissions Risk Program
Authors: Shields Pam , Bradley Robyn , Graco Marnie , Hutchinson A.
Published: June 2015

Introduction: The Northern Alliance HARP smoking cessation program provides support to chronic disease participants who desired to quit smoking. This is an individualised program with pharmacotherapy and behavioural support, delivered by specialist clinicians.

Aims: The aims of this descriptive evaluation were to explore factors that affect abstinence rates, record those rates, and describe the impact of anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, quality of life and motivation on quit rates at three months.

Methods: Data was collected prospectively from clients enrolled in the service. Participants were assessed for abstinence at three months, six months and one year by carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring and self-reporting. Factors predictive of quitting were analysed using logistic regression; factors with a p value < 0.05 and 95% CI not containing one were considered statistically significant.

Results: 103 clients were assessed and 86 were enrolled in the program. The odds of successful quitting at three months CO verified was higher amongst completers of the program compared to non-completers (OR = 6.6, 95% CI = 2.03–21.57, p = 0.002). The probability of sustained quitting at one year was over 18 times higher in the group who completed the program (n = 16/21 completers and n = 1/4 non-completers) (OR 18.5, 95% CI, 2.32–147.34, p = 0.006). No other factors predicted quitting.

The rate of quitting was 28.7% at three months, 19.5% at six months and 10.3% at one year, CO verified. Measures of anxiety and depression, self-efficacy, quality of life and motivation did not influence either the quit rate or the likelihood of completing the course of treatment at three months.
Hyperactivity and impaired attention in Gamma aminobutyric acid transporter subtype 1 gene knockout mice
Authors: Chen Long , Yang Xiaobo , Zhou Xiaoyong , Wang Cuicui , Gong Xue , Chen Biqin , Chen Yinghui
Published: June 2015

Objectives

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioural disorder. It is conceivable that Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission is implicated in the pathophysiology of ADHD. This study investigated the effect of GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1) on the anxiety-like behaviours and cognitive function in knockout mice.

Methods

In all, 20 adult male mice were divided into two groups: wild-type (WT) group and GAT-1−/−group. The open field test, elevated O-maze (EZM) and Morris water maze were used to evaluate behavioural traits relevant to ADHD.

Results

Compared with WT mice, the GAT-1−/−mice travelled longer and displayed an enhanced kinematic velocity with the significant reduction of rest time in the open field test (p<0.05). The EZM showed that GAT-1−/−mice displayed a significant increase in total entries into the open sectors and the closed sectors compared with the WT mice. The WT mice showed shorter latencies after the training session (p<0.01), whereas the GAT-1−/−mice made no difference during probe test, the GAT-1−/−mice spent less time in the target quadrant (p<0.01).

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that GAT-1−/−mice have phenotypes of hyperactivity, impaired sustained attention and learning deficiency, and the performance of GAT-1−/−mice is similar to ADHD symptoms. So, the study of the GAT-1−/−mice may provide new insights into the mechanisms and the discovery of novel therapeutics for the treatment of ADHD.
Population dynamics of Armigeres subalbatus (Diptera: Culicidae) across a temperate altitudinal gradient
Authors: Chaves L.F. , Imanishi N. , Hoshi T.
Published: June 2015

Understanding the impacts of weather fluctuations, and environmental gradients, on the abundance of vectors is fundamental to grasp the dynamic nature of the entomological risk for disease transmission. The mosquito Armigeres subalbatus (Coquillet) is a common vector of filariasis. Nevertheless, its population dynamics have been relatively poorly studied. Here, we present results from a season long study where we studied spatio-temporal abundance patterns of Ar. subalbatus across the altitudinal gradient of Mt. Konpira in Nagasaki, Japan. Spatially, we found that abundance of adult Ar. subalbatus decreased with altitude and increased in areas where the ground was rich in leaf litter. Similarly, adult activity was observed only when relative humidity was over 65%. Temporally, we found that peaks in abundance followed large rainfall events. Nevertheless, this mosquito was under significant density dependence regulation. Our results suggest that Ar. subalbatus population peaks following large rainfall events could reflect the recruitment of individuals that were dormant as dry eggs. We did not find a clear signal of temperature on abundance changes of this mosquito, but only on its phenology. Since ground cover seemed more critical than temperature to its spatial distribution, we propose that this mosquito might have some degree of autonomy to changes in temperature.
Morphological identification and COI barcodes of adult flies help determine species identities of chironomid larvae (Diptera, Chironomidae)
Authors: Failla A.J. , Vasquez A.A. , Hudson P. , Fujimoto M. , Ram J.L.
Published: June 2015

Establishing reliable methods for the identification of benthic chironomid communities is important due to their significant contribution to biomass, ecology and the aquatic food web. Immature larval specimens are more difficult to identify to species level by traditional morphological methods than their fully developed adult counterparts, and few keys are available to identify the larval species. In order to develop molecular criteria to identify species of chironomid larvae, larval and adult chironomids from Western Lake Erie were subjected to both molecular and morphological taxonomic analysis. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) barcode sequences of 33 adults that were identified to species level by morphological methods were grouped with COI sequences of 189 larvae in a neighbor-joining taxon-ID tree. Most of these larvae could be identified only to genus level by morphological taxonomy (only 22 of the 189 sequenced larvae could be identified to species level). The taxon-ID tree of larval sequences had 45 operational taxonomic units (OTUs, defined as clusters with >97% identity or individual sequences differing from nearest neighbors by >3%; supported by analysis of all larval pairwise differences), of which seven could be identified to species or ‘species group’ level by larval morphology. Reference sequences from the GenBank and BOLD databases assigned six larval OTUs with presumptive species level identifications and confirmed one previously assigned species level identification. Sequences from morphologically identified adults in the present study grouped with and further classified the identity of 13 larval OTUs. The use of morphological identification and subsequent DNA barcoding of adult chironomids proved to be beneficial in revealing possible species level identifications of larval specimens. Sequence data from this study also contribute to currently inadequate public databases relevant to the Great Lakes region, while the neighbor-joining analysis reported here describes the application and confirmation of a useful tool that can accelerate identification and bioassesment of chironomid communities.
Profiting from Sanctions: Economic Coercion and US Foreign Direct Investment in Third-Party States
Authors: Barry Colin M. , Kleinberg Katja B.
Published: June 2015

Scholarship on the determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) flows has produced valuable insights into the role of host state characteristics and home-host relations. This study draws attention to another factor in investment decisions—the political and economic relations that home and host states maintain with third-party states. More narrowly, we focus on how investors respond to their home-state's imposition of economic sanctions against a trading partner. Greater economic integration has allowed states to use economic sanctions more frequently in recent decades. At the same time, economic sanctions are thought to have a distorting effect on global trade and financial flows as firms and governments adjust to new constraints. We argue that as firms at home in the sanctioning state respond to coercive measures against a trading partner by looking for alternative sources of profit, they will shift investments to states that can provide indirect access to the sanctioned economy. In particular, those states that are perceived as prospective sanctions-busters—major trading partners of the sanctions target or states with a history of sanctions-busting behavior—will benefit disproportionately from the misfortune of others. We test this conjecture using data on US economic sanctions and global flows of US FDI from 1966 to 2000. The findings reveal that investor decision making in part responds to political developments beyond the home-host dyad.
Focused parathyroidectomy without intra-operative parathyroid hormone monitoring for primary hyperparathyroidism: results in a low-volume hospital
Authors: Chow T-L , Choi C-Y , Lam S-H
Published: June 2015

Background:

The role of routine intra-operative parathyroid hormone monitoring for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism is contentious. Satisfactory results can be achieved in high-volume centres. The results of low-volume hospitals are rarely studied.

Methods:

A retrospective, non-comparative study was conducted. From November 2002 to October 2012, 105 patients with clinically sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism underwent focused parathyroidectomy without intra-operative parathyroid hormone monitoring. Single adenoma was localised on pre-operative ultrasonography or sestamibi scan. The cure rate, surgical complication rate and pathology findings were evaluated.

Results:

Most of the operations (63.8 per cent) were performed under local anaesthesia. All but two patients (98.1 per cent) were cured after surgery. There was only one case of double adenomas. No recurrent hyperparathyroidism was observed after a mean follow up of 56.9 months. Surgical complications comprised two cases (1.9 per cent) of transient vocal fold palsy and one case (1.0 per cent) of permanent vocal fold palsy. Seven patients (6.7 per cent) suffered temporary hypocalcaemia.

Conclusion:

Satisfactory results of focused parathyroidectomy without routine intra-operative parathyroid hormone monitoring for appropriately selected primary hyperparathyroidism cases can be attained in a low-volume hospital.
Neurocognitive intra-individual variability in mood disorders: effects on attentional response time distributions
Authors: Gallagher P. , Nilsson J. , Finkelmeyer A. , Goshawk M. , Macritchie K. A. , Lloyd A. J. , Thompson J. M. , Porter R. J. , Young A. H. , Ferrier I. N. , McAllister-Williams R. H. , Watson S.
Published: June 2015

Background.

Attentional impairment is a core cognitive feature of major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). However, little is known of the characteristics of response time (RT) distributions from attentional tasks. This is crucial to furthering our understanding of the profile and extent of cognitive intra-individual variability (IIV) in mood disorders.

Method.

A computerized sustained attention task was administered to 138 healthy controls and 158 patients with a mood disorder: 86 euthymic BD, 33 depressed BD and 39 medication-free MDD patients. Measures of IIV, including individual standard deviation (iSD) and coefficient of variation (CoV), were derived for each participant. Ex-Gaussian (and Vincentile) analyses were used to characterize the RT distributions into three components: mu and sigma (mean and standard deviation of the Gaussian portion of the distribution) and tau (the ‘slow tail’ of the distribution).

Results.

Compared with healthy controls, iSD was increased significantly in all patient samples. Due to minimal changes in average RT, CoV was only increased significantly in BD depressed patients. Ex-Gaussian modelling indicated a significant increase in tau in euthymic BD [Cohen's d = 0.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.09–0.69, p = 0.011], and both sigma (d = 0.57, 95% CI 0.07–1.05, p = 0.025) and tau (d = 1.14, 95% CI 0.60–1.64, p < 0.0001) in depressed BD. The mu parameter did not differ from controls.

Conclusions.

Increased cognitive variability may be a core feature of mood disorders. This is the first demonstration of differences in attentional RT distribution parameters between MDD and BD, and BD depression and euthymia. These data highlight the utility of applying measures of IIV to characterize neurocognitive variability and the great potential for future application.
Associations of mood symptoms with ante- and postnatal weight change in obese pregnancy are not mediated by cortisol
Authors: Mina T. H. , Denison F. C. , Forbes S. , Stirrat L. I. , Norman J. E. , Reynolds R. M.
Published: June 2015

Background.

Both maternal obesity and disordered mood have adverse effects on pregnancy outcome. We hypothesized that maternal very severe obesity (SO) is associated with increased anxiety and depression (A&D) symptoms during pregnancy, with adverse effects on gestational weight gain (GWG), postpartum mood and postpartum weight retention (PPWR) and explored any mediation by circulating glucocorticoids.

Method.

We measured A&D symptoms with validated questionnaires at weeks 17 and 28 of pregnancy and 3 months postpartum in 135 lean [body mass index (BMI) ⩽25 kg/m2] and 222 SO (BMI ⩾40 kg/m2) pregnant women. Fasting serum cortisol was measured by radioimmunoassay; GWG and PPWR were recorded.

Results.

A&D symptoms were higher in the SO group during pregnancy and postpartum despite adjusting for multiple confounders including previous mental health diagnosis (p< 0.05), and were non-linearly correlated with total GWG (anxietyR2= 0.06,p= 0.037; depressionR2= 0.09,p= 0.001). In the SO group only, increased maternal anxiety (β= 0.33,p= 0.03) and depression (β= 0.19,p= 0.04) symptoms at week 17 of pregnancy were associated with increased PPWR, independent of total GWG and breastfeeding. Anxiety symptoms at week 28 of pregnancy, but not depression, were non-linearly correlated with serum cortisol level at week 36 of pregnancy (R2= 0.06,p= 0.02). Cortisol did not mediate the link between A&D symptoms and GWG.

Conclusions.

Maternal SO was associated with increased A&D symptoms, and with adverse effects on GWG and PPWR independent of circulating glucocorticoids. Strategies to optimize GWG and postpartum weight management in SO women should include assessment and management of maternal mood in early pregnancy.
Textual and philosophical problems in the translation and transmission oftathāgatagarbhatexts:
Authors: Ruegg D. Seyfort
Published: June 2015

This article examines philological problems relating to descriptions defining thetathāgatagarbha, or “buddha-nature”, in Sanskrit sūtras and exegetical literature, together with the variant Tibetan translations of these descriptions in the bKa’ ’gyur and bsTan ’gyur. Attention is called also to some possible philosophical implications of these variant descriptions.
LIDAR and stereo combination for traversability assessment of off-road robotic vehicles
Authors: Reina Giulio , Milella Annalisa , Worst Rainer
Published: June 2015

Reliable assessment of terrain traversability using multi-sensory input is a key issue for driving automation, particularly when the domain is unstructured or semi-structured, as in natural environments. In this paper, LIDAR-stereo combination is proposed to detect traversable ground in outdoor applications. The system integrates two self-learning classifiers, one based on LIDAR data and one based on stereo data, to detect the broad class of drivable ground. Each single-sensor classifier features two main stages: an adaptive training stage and a classification stage. During the training stage, the classifier automatically learns to associate geometric appearance of 3D data with class labels. Then, it makes predictions based on past observations. The output obtained from the single-sensor classifiers are statistically combined in order to exploit their individual strengths and reach an overall better performance than could be achieved by using each of them separately. Experimental results, obtained with a test bed platform operating in rural environments, are presented to validate and assess the performance of this approach, showing its effectiveness and potential applicability to autonomous navigation in outdoor contexts.
Seroprevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii infection in humans in East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: TILAHUN B. , HAILU Y. , TILAHUN G. , ASHENAFI H. , VITALE M. , DI MARCO V. , GEBREMEDHIN E. Z.
Published: June 2015

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2013 to September 2013 to determine the seroprevalence and possible risk factors for human Toxplasma gondii infection in East Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. Serum samples were analysed using direct agglutination test, and immunosorbent agglutination assay for detecting IgG (n = 354) and IgM (n = 167) T. gondii antibodies. The T. gondii IgG and IgM seroprevalences were 65·8% [95% confidence interval (CI) 60·62–70·75] and 8·98% (95% CI 5·11–14·38), respectively. Gender difference in IgG seroprevalence was not significant (P > 0·05), but 69·5% of adults exhibited an IgG seroresponse to T. gondii. Pregnant women showed 76·4% and 9·3% seropositivity to IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the risk factors significantly associated with T. gondii seropositivity were district [odds ratio (OR) 2·24, 95% CI 1·25–4·01, P = 0·007], pipe water source (OR 6·70, 95% CI 2·70–16·64, P < 0·001), age, with adults (OR 4·32, 95% CI 1·91–9·75, P < 0·001), and keeping cats in the home (OR 2·01, 95% CI 1·11–3·65, P = 0·021). The high seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in the human population in the study area and the corresponding level of IgM seropositivity may be indicative of reactivation or recent infection and further studies on the status of congenital toxoplasmosis in the study area merit consideration.
Neighborhood × Serotonin Transporter Linked Polymorphic Region (5-HTTLPR) interactions for substance use from ages 10 to 24 years using a harmonized data set of African American children
Authors: Windle Michael , Kogan Steven M. , Lee Sunbok , Chen Yi-Fu , Lei Karlo Mankit , Brody Gene H. , Beach Steven R. H. , Yu Tianyi
Published: June 2015

This study investigated the influences of neighborhood factors (residential stability and neighborhood disadvantage) and variants of the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) genotype on the development of substance use among African American children aged 10–24 years. To accomplish this, a harmonized data set of five longitudinal studies was created via pooling overlapping age cohorts to establish a database with 2,689 children and 12,474 data points to span ages 10–24 years. A description of steps used in the development of the harmonized data set is provided, including how issues such as the measurement equivalence of constructs were addressed. A sequence of multilevel models was specified to evaluate Gene × Environment effects on growth of substance use across time. Findings indicated that residential instability was associated with higher levels and a steeper gradient of growth in substance use across time. The inclusion of the5-HTTLPRgenotype provided greater precision to the relationships in that higher residential instability, in conjunction with the risk variant of5-HTTLPR(i.e., the short allele), was associated with the highest level and steepest gradient of growth in substance use across ages 10–24 years. The findings demonstrated how the creation of a harmonized data set increased statistical power to test Gene × Environment interactions for an under studied sample.
Accidental yet transformative: site-specificity of the Turbine Hall of Tate Modern
Authors: Baek Jin , Shin Yoon-Jeong
Published: June 2015

There are similarities between the Turbine Hall of Tate Modern (2000) by Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron, and the Central Nave of Musée d’Orsay (1986) by Pierre Colboc, Renaud Bardon and Jean-Paul Philippon. Both came into being through the conversion of defunct industrial and infrastructural facilities. Their scales are also similar to each other, as the Turbine Hall measures approximately 152 metres long, 22 metres wide and 35 metres high and the Central Nave of Musée d’Orsay, 138 metres long, 40 metres wide and 32 metres high.
Fast-food consumption, diet quality and body weight: cross-sectional and prospective associations in a community sample of working adults
Authors: Barnes Timothy L , French Simone A , Mitchell Nathan R , Wolfson Julian
Published: June 2015

Objective

To examine the association between fast-food consumption, diet quality and body weight in a community sample of working adults.

Design

Cross-sectional and prospective analysis of anthropometric, survey and dietary data from adults recruited to participate in a worksite nutrition intervention. Participants self-reported frequency of fast-food consumption per week. Nutrient intakes and diet quality, using the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010), were computed from dietary recalls collected at baseline and 6 months.

Setting

Metropolitan medical complex, Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Subjects

Two hundred adults, aged 18–60 years.

Results

Cross-sectionally, fast-food consumption was significantly associated with higher daily total energy intake (β=72·5,P=0·005), empty calories (β=0·40,P=0·006) and BMI (β=0·73,P=0·011), and lower HEI-2010 score (β=−1·23,P=0·012), total vegetables (β=−0·14,P=0·004), whole grains (β=−0·39,P=0·005), fibre (β=−0·83,P=0·002), Mg (β=−6·99,P=0·019) and K (β=−57·5,P=0·016). Over 6 months, change in fast-food consumption was not significantly associated with changes in energy intake or BMI, but was significantly inversely associated with total intake of vegetables (β=−0·14,P=0·034).

Conclusions

Frequency of fast-food consumption was significantly associated with higher energy intake and poorer diet quality cross-sectionally. Six-month change in fast-food intake was small, and not significantly associated with overall diet quality or BMI.
Using a supportive care framework to understand and improve palliative care among cancer patients in Africa
Authors: Busolo David S. , Woodgate Roberta L.
Published: June 2015

Objective:

Cancer incidence and mortality are increasing in Africa, which is leading to greater demands for palliative care. There has been little progress in terms of research, pain management, and policies related to palliative care. Palliative care in Africa is scarce and scattered, with most African nations lacking the basic services. To address these needs, a guiding framework that identifies care needs and directs palliative care services could be utilized. Therefore, using the supportive care framework developed by Fitch (Fitch, 2009), we here review the literature on palliative care for patients diagnosed with cancer in Africa and make recommendations for improvement.

Method:

The PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO, Social Sciences Citation Index, and Medline databases were searched. Some 25 English articles on research from African countries published between 2004 and 2014 were selected and reviewed. The reviewed literature was analyzed and presented using the domains of the supportive care framework.

Results:

Palliative care patients with cancer in Africa, their families, and caregivers experience increasing psychological, physical, social, spiritual, emotional, informational, and practical needs. Care needs are often inadequately addressed because of a lack of awareness as well as deficient and scattered palliative care services and resources. In addition, there is sparse research, education, and policies that address the dire situation in palliative care.

Significance of Results:

Our review findings add to the existing body of knowledge demonstrating that palliative care patients with cancer in Africa experience disturbing care needs in all domains of the supportive care framework. To better assess and address these needs, holistic palliative care that is multidomain and multi-professional could be utilized. This approach needs to be individualized and to offer better access to services and information. In addition, research, education, and policies around palliative care for cancer patients in Africa could be more comprehensive if they were based on the domains of the supportive care framework.
122 GHz single-chip dual-channel SMD radar sensor with on-chip antennas for distance and angle measurements
Authors: Girma Mekdes G. , Gonser Markus , Frischen Andreas , Hasch Jürgen , Sun Yaoming , Zwick Thomas
Published: June 2015

This paper describes the design considerations, integration issues, packaging, and experimental performance of recently developed D-Band dual-channel transceiver with on-chip antennas fabricated in a SiGe-BiCMOS technology. The design comprises a fully integrated transceiver circuit with quasi-monostatic architecture that operates between 114 and 124 GHz. All analog building blocks are controllable via a serial peripheral interface to reduce the number of connections and facilitate the communication between digital processor and analog building blocks. The two electromagnetically coupled patch antennas are placed on the top of the die with 8.6 dBi gain and have a simulated efficiency of 60%. The chip consumes 450 mW and is wire-bonded into an open-lid 5 × 5 mm2quad-flat no-leads package. Measurement results for the estimation of range, and azimuth angle in single object situation are presented.
Efficacy of Psychosocial Interventions in Men Over 55
Authors: Price Elizabeth C. , Fiske Amy , Edelstein Barry
Published: June 2015

Whether psychosocial treatments work equally well for late middle-aged and older men and women is unknown. For this critical review, sixteen studies were identified that examined psychosocial treatments for psychopathology in men age 55 and older. The preponderance of evidence showed that treatments worked at least as well in men as in women. Six studies reported statistically significant treatment effects in exclusively male participants. Methodological problems include weak research designs, small sample size, and absence of indication of clinical significance. There continues to be a paucity of research addressing the efficacy of psychosocial interventions for late middle-aged and older men. Researchers are encouraged to include racially and ethnically diverse older men in carefully controlled studies that examine clinically significant change.
Using the CALTAP Lifespan Developmental Framework with Older Adults
Authors: Pachana Nancy A. , Mitchell Leander K. , Knight Bob G.
Published: June 2015

Conceptualizations of psychological assessment and therapy with older adults rarely refer to more generalist lifespan developmental theories. Yet such frameworks can greatly assist experienced practitioners as well as trainees and those who may be new to seeing older clients to orient themselves to specific issues and concerns of this age group. The Contextual Adult Lifespan Theory for Adapting Psychotherapy (CALTAP) model was developed as a way of both understanding clients from a lifespan perspective and adapting psychotherapy to their needs ( Knight & Poon, 2008 ). The CALTAP themes of developmental aging, social context, cohort differences, and cultural issues can inform and guide discussions regarding psychotherapy as was its original intent, but are also relevant for assessment purposes. In this paper we address how CALTAP can inform assessment as well as psychotherapy by practitioners. Moreover, we detail how the model may be used to prompt self-reflection by clients and psychologists alike.
Images of Aging in the Psychotherapeutic Context
Authors: Kessler Eva-Marie , Bowen Catherine E.
Published: June 2015

Both psychotherapists and their clients have mental representations of old age and the aging process. In this conceptual review, we draw on available research from gerontology, social and developmental psychology, and communication science to consider how these “images of aging” may affect the psychotherapeutic process with older clients. On the basis of selected empirical findings we hypothesize that such images may affect the pathways to psychotherapy in later life, therapist-client communication, client performance on diagnostic tests as well as how therapists select and apply a therapeutic method. We posit that interventions to help both older clients and therapists to reflect on their own images of aging may increase the likelihood of successful treatment. We conclude by making suggestions for future research.
The tethering of chromatin to the nuclear envelope supports nuclear mechanics
Authors: Schreiner Sarah M. , Koo Peter K. , Zhao Yao , Mochrie Simon G. J. , King Megan C.
Published: June 2015

The nuclear lamina is thought to be the primary mechanical defence of the nucleus. However, the lamina is integrated within a network of lipids, proteins and chromatin; the interdependence of this network poses a challenge to defining the individual mechanical contributions of these components. Here, we isolate the role of chromatin in nuclear mechanics by using a system lacking lamins. Using novel imaging analyses, we observe that untethering chromatin from the inner nuclear membrane results in highly deformable nuclei in vivo, particularly in response to cytoskeletal forces. Using optical tweezers, we find that isolated nuclei lacking inner nuclear membrane tethers are less stiff than wild-type nuclei and exhibit increased chromatin flow, particularly in frequency ranges that recapitulate the kinetics of cytoskeletal dynamics. We suggest that modulating chromatin flow can define both transient and long-lived changes in nuclear shape that are biologically important and may be altered in disease.
In situ oxidation of carbon-encapsulated cobalt nanocapsules creates highly active cobalt oxide catalysts for hydrocarbon combustion
Authors: Wang Han , Chen Chunlin , Zhang Yexin , Peng Lixia , Ma Song , Yang Teng , Guo Huaihong , Zhang Zhidong , Su Dang Sheng , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2015

Combustion catalysts have been extensively explored to reduce the emission of hydrocarbons that are capable of triggering photochemical smog and greenhouse effect. Palladium as the most active material is widely applied in exhaust catalytic converter and combustion units, but its high capital cost stimulates the tremendous research on non-noble metal candidates. Here we fabricate highly defective cobalt oxide nanocrystals via a controllable oxidation of carbon-encapsulated cobalt nanoparticles. Strain gradients induced in the nanoconfined carbon shell result in the formation of a large number of active sites featuring a considerable catalytic activity for the combustion of a variety of hydrocarbons (methane, propane and substituted benzenes). For methane combustion, the catalyst displays a unique activity being comparable or even superior to the palladium ones.