bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic calibration of higher eigenmode parameters of a cantilever in atomic force microscopy by using tip–surface interactions
Authors: Borysov Stanislav S , Forchheimer Daniel , Haviland David B
Published: October 2014

We present a theoretical framework for the dynamic calibration of the higher eigenmode parameters (stiffness and optical lever inverse responsivity) of a cantilever. The method is based on the tip–surface force reconstruction technique and does not require any prior knowledge of the eigenmode shape or the particular form of the tip–surface interaction. The calibration method proposed requires a single-point force measurement by using a multimodal drive and its accuracy is independent of the unknown physical amplitude of a higher eigenmode.
Adapting Cognitive Walkthrough to Support Game Based Learning Design
Authors: Farrell David , Moffat David C
Published: October 2014

For any given Game Based Learning (GBL) project to be successful, the player must learn something. Designers may base their work on pedagogical research, but actual game design is still largely driven by intuition. People are famously poor at unsupported methodical thinking and relying so much on instinct is an obvious weak point in GBL design practice. Cognitive Walkthrough (CW) is a user-interface design technique that helps designers model how a type of user will understand an interface. The authors suggest that CW should be extended for use in any context where a designer must model a user's thinking. They present an extension of CW that is suitable for constructivist GBL and apply it to a previously evaluated game to understand why one section of the game was more successful than another. The CW extension explains hitherto puzzling results and suggests further development of CWs for designer support may be beneficial.
URBAN PLANNING AND LAND MANAGEMENT CHALLENGES IN EMERGING TOWNS OF ETHIOPIA: THE CASE OF ARBA MINCH
Authors: Dube Engida Esayas
Published: October 2014

Sustainability of urbanization requires planned development of urban centers, competent institutional frameworks in place and proactive management and governance strategies. In light of this, the paper examines the practice of master planning and the extent of its implementation and challenges of land management in Arba Minch as emerging regional town in the Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR). The data for the study were generated by household survey of 340 household heads selected through systematic sampling, key informant interview with individuals actors in planning, management, informal land transaction in the town. Personal observation and extensive review of various policies, plans, and directives was made in order to assess the issues planning and management of urban land. The paper revealed that the master plans prepared so far for the town have been implemented; however, could not adequately achieve the primarily intended goals such as joining the two settlements i. e. Secha and Sikella in the first master plan, for instance. The study also showed that archaic land information management system, informal land acquisition, corruption, land speculation and land related conflicts have become the challenges of land management in the town. These problems are associated with top-down planning process and, weak institutional frameworks. These all imply that there is an urgent need for giving adequate attention to the planning approaches and management systems of urban land before things get out of control as it is the case with the oldest urban centers of varying size in Ethiopia. Therefore, the concerned bodies who are responsible of planning, implementation and management of land have to be curious whether what is being carried out is intended to bring sustainability or otherwise. This is mainly because the growth of the town is irreversible and the town is continue to expand spatially, socially and in economic spheres which all together will pose unforeseeable challenges.
Personality as predictor of customer service centre agent performance in the banking industry: An exploratory study
Authors: Blignaut Linda , Ungerer Leona M. , Muller Helene
Published: October 2014

Orientation: Since service quality is an important differentiator in the banking industry, it is essential to select suitable customer service centre staff, particularly those who are responsible for handling queries from clients who hold significant lifetime value in this industry.Research purpose: The aim of the study was to identify personality traits, as measured by the Occupational Personality Questionnaire 32r (item response theory scored version), including the more parsimonious Big Five personality traits, that may act as job performance predictors for customer service centre (CSC) agents in the banking industry.Motivation for the study: This study provides an exploratory investigation of whether specific personality traits differ amongst CSC agents in the banking industry, based on their job performance. No published research in this field could be identified.Research design, approach and method: Purposive sampling was used to collect data from the entire CSC agent base of a particular banking group (N = 89). Responses were analysed by means of quantitative techniques.Main findings and practical/managerial implications: Results indicate that parsimonious traits of personality, expressed as the Big Five personality traits, predict job performance. The importance of carefully selecting suitable job performance criteria for a specific environment, however, emerged as a critical issue in performance prediction.Contribution: The study focuses attention on the importance of CSC agents’ performance as frontline staff in the banking industry and identifying valid criteria for selecting the most suitable agents. Providing a one-contact point of service such as a CSC is a fairly new approach in the South African banking industry and this study provides an initial investigation of personality traits that may serve as job performance predictors in this environment.
Screw-retained crown restorations of single implants: A step-by-step clinical guide
Authors: Assaf Mohammad , Gharbyeh Alaa' Z. Abu
Published: October 2014

This paper shows the clinical steps for preparing a screw-retained crown for the restoration of a single implant. Impression-taking using open-tray technique and delivery of the crown is presented in a step-by-step manner elucidated by detailed photographs. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of screw-retained crowns are discussed in comparison with the cemented restorations.
Influence of genotypic mixtures on field pea yield and competitive ability
Authors: Darras Sid , McKenzie Ross H. , Olson Mark A. , Willenborg Christian J.
Published: October 2014

Darras, S., McKenzie, R. H., Olson, M. A. and Willenborg, C. J. 2015. Influence of genotypic mixtures on field pea yield and competitive ability. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 315–324. Field pea breeding programs have been very successful at improving plant and disease resistance; however, limited success has been achieved in improving the competitive ability of field pea. A study was conducted to determine whether growing field pea in two-way genotypic mixtures could improve the crop's yield and competitive ability. A second objective was to determine if genetic relatedness had any effect on the mixing ability of genotypes. Genotypes were chosen on the basis of pedigree and included two sister lines (CDC1987-3 and CDC1897-14), their common parent (Eclipse), and a distantly related genotype (Midas). The four genotypes were grown as pure stands and as all possible two-way mixtures in field experiments conducted at Lethbridge and St. Albert, Alberta, from 2010 to 2011. The results revealed that CDC1897-3×Eclipse suppressed the model weed (barley); it reduced seed production by 47% (442 kg ha−1) and 61% (391 kg ha−1) compared with the same components within pure stands at Lethbridge 2010 and Lethbridge 2011, respectively. The same mixture also reduced model weed (barley) biomass production by 61% (831 kg ha−1) at St. Albert in 2010, and by 41% (1372 kg ha−1) at Lethbridge in 2010. Although mixtures demonstrated the potential to improve field pea competitive ability, results were not consistent across site-years. However, some mixtures did improve yield and competitive ability over the most poorly competitive genotypes in pure stand.
Soil microbial biomass under pine forests in the north-western Spain: influence of stand age, site index and parent material
Authors: Mahía J. , Pérez-Ventura L. , Cabaneiro A. , Díaz-Raviña M.
Published: October 2014

The effects of stand age, site index and parent material on soil biochemical properties related to biomass (extractable C, microbial C and metabolic quotient) were examined in the 0-15 cm mineral soil layers of Pinus pinaster and Pinus sylvestris stands from NW Spain. Two productivity levels (low and high site index), two ages (young and old) and two parent soil materials (granite and acid schists) were considered. The data indicated that there were differences in microbial parameters in soils under different species. In general in P. pinaster forest higher values of biochemical parameters, expressed on organic C basis, were observed in the stands of high site index as compared with the low ones; in contrast, in P. sylvestris no differences among stand site index were detected. In both species different results were also observed depending on parent material and a significant effect of stand age was detected for extractable C and microbial C in P. pinaster forest developed over granite. The data seem to indicate that measured parameters may have the potential to be used as indicators of the effect of forest management on soil organic matter quality.
The Case for Standards for Youth in Custody in Canada
Authors: Cesaroni Carla
Published: October 2014

Canada has no standards, procedural guidelines, or protocols for best practices in the care of youths in custody. This paper argues that clear, enforceable standards are important in defining a benchmark of acceptable practice. It argues that without standards, issues may arise which can create further difficulty for youths who are under the care of the state. It suggests that the current legal framework for standards is insufficient in its enforceability and its clarity. The new Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) provides the Canadian government with a timely and much-needed opportunity to establish standards of care for youths in custody. Indeed, the YCJA contains specific, comprehensive, and relevant provisions that can be seen as laying a firm foundation for standards of care.
Claiming Our Place: Women with Serious Mental Health Issues and Support Groups for Abused Women
Authors: Preston Sandra L.
Published: October 2014

Many women with serious mental health issues also deal with abuse and have difficulty accessing services. Despite the fact that groups have been found to be one of the most useful tools in healing from the effects of abuse, many professionals see women with serious mental health issues as unable to benefit from counselling and, in particular, from groups for abused women. This study indicates that, when mental health issues are addressed and the group structures and expectations are modified to allow women control over their participation, serious mental health issues are not a barrier to participation in groups.
The Association St. Camille De Lellis in Côte D'Ivoire: Innovations, Potential, and Limits of a Practice Coming from The “Wretched of the Earth”
Authors: Morin Paul , Attoungbre Christian , Dallaire Bernadette
Published: October 2014

The Association St. Camille de Lellis, a Catholic charitable association, serves people with mental health problems in Côte d'Ivoire. The remarkable work of the association, whose innovative character was recognized by the World Health Organization in a recent report, is situated in a particular socio-political and cultural context that combines solidarity and rejection. We describe this context, then we show how the association's activities open the way to new solutions for both developing and industrialized countries. We then present some information and analysis regarding “African madness,” and go on to consider the nature of mental health policies and services in a continent where chronic shortages of financial and material resources have a major impact on African populations. We found 3 of the Association St. Camille de Lellis's practices especially promising: people taking control of their futures, the protection of people's rights, and the establishment of social enterprises. At the same time, we also retain a critical point of view regarding the Association's experience, and we examine the obstacles to replication of this experience in other sites, the therapeutic and psycho-social consequences of some of its practices, and issues regarding financing.
Perceived Social Support of Maritally Abused Women and their Children's Global Self-Worth
Authors: Riesen Yuriko , Porath Marion
Published: October 2014

This study examines the relationships among maritally abused women's educational level, their satisfaction with social support, their children's perceived maternal support, and their children's global self-worth (GSW; Harter, 1985a). The participants, 38 pairs of maritally abused women and their children (aged 7 to 13 years), were recruited through women's shelters and community counselling facilities. The study found that children who have a sense of being emotionally supported by their mothers have a positive sense of self-worth. The hierarchical regression analyses show that children's perceived maternal support has a unique contribution to children's GSW above and beyond their mothers' educational level and mothers' satisfaction with social support (R2 = .31).
Is Mandatory Outpatient Treatment Effective?
Authors: O'Reilly R.L. , Gray J.E.
Published: October 2014

This paper reviews the major studies of mandatory outpatient treatment (MOT) and examines why there has been inconsistency in some of the findings. Attempts to answer the question “is mandatory treatment effective?” must first clarify the type of mandatory treatment being examined, the type of patient being treated, and the outcome by which effectiveness is measured. There is consistent evidence that various forms of MOT increase follow-up with psychiatric services and that court-ordered outpatient committal decreases victimization of patients in the community. It also appears likely that MOT reduces the use of hospitalization; but, due to methodological problems associated with the research, this conclusion remains controversial.
Surface and Interface Engineering of Electrode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Kai‐Xue , Li Xin‐Hao , Chen Jie‐Sheng
Published: October 2014

Lithium‐ion batteries are regarded as promising energy storage devices for next‐generation electric and hybrid electric vehicles. In order to meet the demands of electric vehicles, considerable efforts have been devoted to the development of advanced electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries with high energy and power densities. Although significant progress has been recently made in the development of novel electrode materials, some critical issues comprising low electronic conductivity, low ionic diffusion efficiency, and large structural variation have to be addressed before the practical application of these materials. Surface and interface engineering is essential to improve the electrochemical performance of electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries. This article reviews the recent progress in surface and interface engineering of electrode materials including the increase in contact interface by decreasing the particle size or introducing porous or hierarchical structures and surface modification or functionalization by metal nanoparticles, metal oxides, carbon materials, polymers, and other ionic and electronic conductive species.
Visualizing the Chain‐Flipping Mechanism in Fatty‐Acid Biosynthesis
Authors: Beld Joris , Cang Hu , Burkart Michael D.
Published: October 2014

The acyl carrier protein (ACP) from fatty acid synthases sequesters elongating products within its hydrophobic core, but this dynamic mechanism remains poorly understood. We exploited solvatochromic pantetheine probes attached to ACP that fluoresce when sequestered. The addition of a catalytic partner lures the cargo out of the ACP and into the active site of the enzyme, thus enhancing fluorescence to reveal the elusive chain‐flipping mechanism. This activity was confirmed by the use of a dual solvatochromic cross‐linking probe and solution‐phase NMR spectroscopy. The chain‐flipping mechanism was visualized by single‐molecule fluorescence techniques, thus demonstrating specificity between the Escherichia coli ACP and its ketoacyl synthase catalytic partner KASII.
Antifouling and blood‐compatible poly(ether sulfone) membranes modified by zwitterionic copolymers via In situ crosslinked copolymerization
Authors: Wang Jing‐Jing , Wu Ming‐Bang , Xiang Tao , Wang Rui , Sun Shu‐Dong , Zhao Chang‐Sheng
Published: October 2014

A novel and simple but practical method for the preparation of modified poly(ether sulfone) (PES) membranes was provided by the in situ crosslinked copolymerization of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and sodium p‐styrene sulfonate (NaSS) in PES solution followed by a phase‐separation technique. Then, semi‐interpenetrating network membranes modified by the crosslinked copolymers of poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate‐co‐sodium p‐styrene sulfonate) [P(SBMA‐co‐NaSS)] were prepared. The SBMA‐containing copolymer‐modified membranes showed improved protein antifouling properties with flux recovery ratios above 90%. Furthermore, the anticoagulant properties of the NaSS‐containing copolymer‐modified membranes were obviously enhanced; their activated partial thromboplastin time could be prolonged to about 115 s. Thus, the P(SBMA‐co‐NaSS) zwitterionic copolymer‐modified membranes showed improved antifouling properties and blood compatibility and will provide wide choices for their specific applications. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41585.
KNOCKDOWN OF CS‐SPOOK INDUCES DELAYED LARVAL MOLTING IN RICE STRIPED STEM BORER Chilo suppressalis
Authors: Shahzad Muhammad Faisal , Li Yao , Ge Chang , Sun Yang , Yang Qiupu , Li Fei
Published: October 2014

Spook has essential roles in the biogenesis of the molting hormone 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20‐E). The function of spook in the rice striped stem borer (SSB) Chilo suppressalis remains unclear, prompting our hypothesis that it exerts actions similar to those reported for other insect species. Here we amplified the full‐length transcript of spook (Cs‐Spook) in SSB by 5′ and 3′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Cs‐Spook has conserved P450 motifs such as Helix‐C, Helix‐I, Helix‐K, and PERF motif (PxxFxPxRF). It was highly expressed in late instar larvae but less so in newly molted larvae. Cs‐Spook was highly expressed in prothoracic glands. Cs‐Spook was knocked down by dsRNA treatments. Compared with controls, the gene expression level was reduced to 9% at 24 h post injection (PI), 33% at 48 h PI, and 24% at 72 h PI. The ecdysteroid titer decreased significantly in the dsRNA‐treated group (P < 0.05), resulting in delayed larval development. The delayed development in dsRNA‐treatment group was rescued by treating with 20‐E. Our work demonstrates that Cs‐Spook participates in the biogenesis of 20‐E and regulates the molt of SSB, as seen in other species.
Green tea polyphenol EGCG suppresses Wnt/β‐catenin signaling by promoting GSK‐3β‐ and PP2A‐independent β‐catenin phosphorylation/degradation
Authors: Oh Sangtaek , Gwak Jungsug , Park Seoyoung , Yang Chung S.
Published: October 2014

(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, has been reported to inhibit the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway, which is aberrantly up‐regulated in colorectal cancers, but its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. Here, we used a sensitive cell‐based system to demonstrate that EGCG suppresses β‐catenin response transcription (CRT), activated by Wnt3a‐conditioned medium (Wnt3a‐CM), by promoting the degradation of intracellular β‐catenin. EGCG induced β‐catenin N‐terminal phosphorylation at the Ser33/37 residues and subsequently promoted its degradation; however, this effect was not observed for oncogenic forms of β‐catenin. Pharmacological inhibition or depletion of glycogen synthase kinase‐3β (GSK‐3β) did not abrogate the EGCG‐mediated β‐catenin degradation. EGCG did not affect the activity and expression of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Consistently, the phosphorylation and degradation of β‐catenin was found in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mutated colon cancer cells after EGCG treatment. EGCG repressed the expression of cyclin D1 and c‐myc, which are β‐catenin/T‐cell factor‐dependent genes, and inhibited the proliferation of colon cancer cells. Our findings suggest that EGCG exerts its cancer‐preventive or anticancer activity against colon cancer cells by promoting the phosphorylation and proteasomal degradation of β‐catenin through a mechanism independent of the GSK‐3β and PP2A. © 2014 BioFactors, 40(6):586–595, 2014
Uncovering a Glycosyltransferase Provides Insights into the Glycosylation Step during Macrolactin and Bacillaene Biosynthesis
Authors: Qin Wen , Liu Yang , Ren Pengfei , Zhang Jun , Li Huayue , Tian Li , Li Wenli
Published: October 2014

Macrolactins (MLNs) have unique structural patterns containing a 24‐membered ring lactone and diverse bioactivities. The MLN skeleton is biosynthesized via a trans‐acyl transferase (AT) type I polyketide synthase (PKS) pathway, but the tailoring steps are still unknown. Herein, we report the identification of a glycosyltransferase (GT) gene bmmGT1, which is located at different locus from the MLN gene cluster in the genome of marine‐derived Bacillus marinus B‐9987, and its functional characterization as an MLN GT, thus affording five novel MLNs analogues. Surprisingly, this GT is also capable of catalyzing the glycosylation of bacillaenes (BAEs), which are the prototypes of trans‐AT polyketides, thus suggesting broad substrate flexibility. These results provide the first significant insights into the glycosylation step in MLN and BAE biosynthetic pathways.
Genetic variation as a modifier of association between therapeutic exposure and subsequent malignant neoplasms in cancer survivors
Authors: Bhatia Smita
Published: October 2014

Subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) are associated with significant morbidity and are a major cause of premature mortality among cancer survivors. Several large studies have demonstrated a strong association between the radiation and/or chemotherapy used to treat primary cancer and the risk of developing SMNs. However, for any given therapeutic exposure, the risk of developing an SMN varies between individuals. Genomic variation can potentially modify the association between therapeutic exposures and SMN risk and may explain the observed interindividual variability. In this review, the author provides a brief overview of the current knowledge regarding the role of genomic variation in the development of therapy‐related SMNs and discusses the methodological challenges in undertaking an endeavor to develop a deeper understanding of the molecular underpinnings of therapy‐related SMNs, such as an appropriate study design, the identification of an adequately sized study population together with a reliable plan for collecting and maintaining high‐quality DNA, clinical validation of the phenotype, and the selection of an appropriate approach or platform for genotyping. Understanding the factors that can modify the risk of treatment‐related SMNs is critical to developing targeted intervention strategies and optimizing risk‐based health care for cancer survivors. Cancer 2015;121:648–663. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Final report of a phase 2 clinical trial of lenalidomide monotherapy for patients with T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Toumishey Ethan , Prasad Angeli , Dueck Greg , Chua Neil , Finch Daygen , Johnston James , van der Jagt Richard , Stewart Doug , White Darrell , Belch Andrew , Reiman Tony
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

Patients with T‐cell lymphomas face a poorer prognosis compared with patients with B‐cell lymphomas. New therapeutic approaches need to be developed to improve outcomes for these patients.

METHODS

Forty patients with recurrent and refractory T‐cell lymphomas other than mycosis fungoides and patients with untreated T‐cell lymphoma who were not candidates for combination chemotherapy were prescribed oral lenalidomide at a dose of 25 mg daily on days 1 to 21 of each 28‐day cycle, with standardized dose reductions for toxicity. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR), and secondary endpoints were complete and partial response rates, progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. The authors also determined duration of response (DoR).

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients were enrolled in the current study; 1 patient was subsequently deemed ineligible. The ORR was 10 of 39 patients (26%); 3 patients (8%) achieved complete responses and 7 patients achieved partial responses. Three patients had stable disease for ≥5 cycles. The median OS was 12 months (range <1 month to ≥69 months), the median PFS was 4 months (range, <1 month to ≥50 months), and the median DoR was 13 months (range 2 months to ≥37 months), including 5 responses that lasted >1 year. Toxicity was in keeping with the known safety profile of lenalidomide. Among the patients who had recurrent/refractory peripheral T‐cell lymphoma (29 patients), the ORR was 24%, the median OS was 12 months, the median PFS was 4 months, and the median DoR was 5 months (range, 2 months to ≥37 months).

CONCLUSIONS

In the current study, the use of oral lenalidomide monotherapy demonstrated clinically relevant efficacy among patients with systemic T‐cell lymphomas. It appears to have excellent potential as an agent in combination therapy for patients with T‐cell lymphoma. Cancer 2015;121:716–723. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Nontopological Condensates for the Self‐Dual Chern‐Simons‐Higgs Model
Authors: del Pino Manuel , Esposito Pierpaolo , Figueroa Pablo , Musso Monica
Published: October 2014

For the abelian self‐dual Chern‐Simons‐Higgs model we address existence issues of periodic vortex configurations—the so‐called condensates—of nontopological type as k → 0, where k > 0 is the Chern‐Simons parameter. We provide a positive answer to the longstanding problem on the existence of nontopological condensates with magnetic field concentrated at some of the vortex points (as a sum of Dirac measures) as k → 0, a question that is of definite physical interest. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aerobic Oxidation of Hydroxymethylfurfural and Furfural by Using Heterogeneous CoxOy–N@C Catalysts
Authors: Deng Jin , Song Hai‐Jie , Cui Min‐Shu , Du Yi‐Ping , Fu Yao
Published: October 2014

2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is considered to be a promising replacement for terephthalic acid since they share similar structures and properties. In contrast to FDCA, 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid methyl (FDCAM) has properties that allow it to be easily purified. In this work, we reported an oxidative esterification of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and furfural to prepare corresponding esters over CoxOy–N@C catalysts using O2 as benign oxidant. High yield and selectivity of FDCAM and methyl 2‐furoate were obtained under optimized conditions. Factors which influenced the product distribution were examined thoroughly. The CoxOy–N@C catalysts were recycled five times and no significant loss of activity was detected. Characterization of the catalysts could explain such phenomena. Using XPS and TGA, we made a thorough investigation of the effects of ligand and pyrolysis temperature on catalyst activity.
Invariant natural killer T cells in lupus patients promote IgG and IgG autoantibody production
Authors: Shen Lei , Zhang Hong , Caimol Maria , Benike Claudia J. , Chakravarty Eliza F. , Strober Samuel , Engleman Edgar G.
Published: October 2014

IgG autoantibodies, including antibodies to double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA), are pathogenic in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but the mechanisms controlling their production are not understood. To assess the role of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells in this process, we studied 44 lupus patients. We took advantage of the propensity of PBMCs from patients with active disease to spontaneously secrete IgG in vitro. Despite the rarity of iNKT cells in lupus blood (0.002–0.05% of CD3‐positive T cells), antibody blockade of the conserved iNKT TCR or its ligand, CD1d, or selective depletion of iNKT cells, inhibited spontaneous secretion of total IgG and anti‐dsDNA IgG by lupus PBMCs. Addition of anti‐iNKT or anti‐CD1d antibody to PBMC cultures also reduced the frequency of plasma cells, suggesting that lupus iNKT cells induce B‐cell maturation. Like fresh iNKT cells, expanded iNKT‐cell lines from lupus patients, but not healthy subjects, induced autologous B cells to secrete antibodies, including IgG anti‐dsDNA. This activity was inhibited by anti‐CD40L antibody, as well as anti‐CD1d antibody, confirming a role for CD40L‐CD40 and TCR‐CD1d interactions in lupus iNKT‐cell‐mediated help. These results reveal a critical role for iNKT cells in B‐cell maturation and autoantibody production in patients with lupus.
Phase I study of vandetanib with radiation therapy with or without cisplatin in locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Papadimitrakopoulou Vasiliki A. , Frank Steven J. , Cohen Ezra W. , Hirsch Fred R. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Heymach John V. , Lin Heather , Tran Hai T. , Chen Changhu R. , Jimeno Antonio , Nedzi Lucien , Vasselli Joseph R. , Lowe Elizabeth S. , Raben David
Published: October 2014

Background

Vandetanib, added to cisplatin and radiation therapy (RT) overcomes chemoradiation therapy (CRT) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) lines and models.

Methods

Patients with previously untreated HNSCC received vandetanib daily for 14 days (starting dose 100 mg) and then vandetanib + RT (2.2 Gy/day, 5 days/week) for 6 weeks (regimen 1) or vandetanib + RT (2 Gy/day, 5 days/week) + cisplatin (30 mg/m2 weekly) for 7 weeks (regimen 2). The primary objective was the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of vandetanib with RT +/‐ cisplatin.

Results

Of 33 treated patients, 30 completed therapy (regimen 1, n = 12; regimen 2, n = 18). MTD in regimen 2 was 100 mg (3 dose limiting toxicities [DLTs] at 200 mg), whereas regimen 1 was stopped because of poor recruitment (1 DLT at 200 mg). Most common grade ≥3 adverse events (AEs) were dysphagia (30%), stomatitis (33%), and mucosal inflammation (27%). Five patients discontinued vandetanib because of AEs.

Conclusion

Vandetanib with CRT was feasible. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 439–447, 2016
Tetraspanin CD63 acts as a pro‐metastatic factor via β‐catenin stabilization
Authors: Seubert Bastian , Cui Haissi , Simonavicius Nicole , Honert Katja , Schäfer Sandra , Reuning Ute , Heikenwalder Mathias , Mari Bernard , Krüger Achim
Published: October 2014

The tetraspanin CD63 is implicated in pro‐metastatic signaling pathways but, so far, it is unclear, how CD63 levels affect the tumor cell phenotype. Here, we investigated the effect of CD63 modulation in different metastatic tumor cell lines. In vitro, knock down of CD63 induced a more epithelial‐like phenotype concomitant with increased E‐cadherin expression, downregulation of its repressors Slug and Zeb1, and decreased N‐cadherin. In addition, β‐catenin protein was markedly reduced, negatively affecting expression of the target genes MMP‐2 and PAI‐1. β‐catenin inhibitors mimicked the epithelial phenotype induced by CD63 knock down. Inhibition of β‐catenin upstream regulators PI3K/AKT or GSK3β could rescue the mesenchymal phenotype underlining the importance of the β‐catenin pathway in CD63‐regulated cell plasticity. CD63 knock down‐induced phenotypical changes correlated with a decrease of experimental metastasis whereas CD63 overexpression enhanced the tumor cell‐intrinsic metastatic potential. Taken together, our data show that CD63 is a crucial player in the regulation of the tumor cell‐intrinsic metastatic potential by affecting cell plasticity.
Elevated chronic inflammatory factors and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells indicate poor prognosis in advanced melanoma patients
Authors: Jiang Huanhuan , Gebhardt Christoffer , Umansky Ludmila , Beckhove Philipp , Schulze Torsten J. , Utikal Jochen , Umansky Viktor
Published: October 2014

Chronic inflammation is considered to be one of the hallmarks for tumor initiation and progression. Moreover, a long‐term production and accumulation of inflammatory factors lead to a local and systemic immunosuppression associated with cancer progression. However, the correlation between inflammatory mediators, immunosuppressive cells and the clinical outcome of malignant melanoma patients was poorly investigated. In this study, we performed a complex analysis of various inflammatory factors, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the peripheral blood of patients suffering from malignant melanoma of different stages. We demonstrated that levels of serum IL‐1β, IFN‐γ and CXCL10 were significantly increased in advanced melanoma patients. In addition, these factors were found to be associated with an increased frequency of MDSCs and Tregs as compared to age‐ and gender‐matched healthy donors. Importantly, advanced melanoma patients with signs of progression displayed markedly elevated concentrations of IL‐1β and CXCL10 as compared to patients with stable disease. Moreover, an enrichment of circulating monocytic (Mo)‐MDSCs significantly correlated with a decreased progression free survival of these patients. Our data highlight a complex association between circulating inflammatory mediators, Mo‐MDSCs and the clinical outcome as well as suggest that their levels in patients with advanced melanoma are of important prognostic value allowing the identification of those with high risk of disease progression.
The Relation Between Leadership and Perceived Well‐Being: What Role Does Occupational Self‐Efficacy Play?
Authors: Gregersen Sabine , Vincent‐Höper Sylvie , Nienhaus Albert
Published: October 2014

Current research confirms the link between leadership behavior and subordinates’ health. However, only a few longitudinal surveys have been carried out. The present longitudinal study examined whether occupational self‐efficacy moderates the impact of transformational leadership on perceived negative well‐being. The sample consisted of 339 employees working in the health‐care sector. The correlations between transformational leadership at the first time of measurement (Time 1) and emotional exhaustion and perceived strain at the second time of measurement (Time 2) were negative and significant, but the correlation with depersonalization was not significant. Regression analyses revealed that the effect of transformational leadership behavior on perceived negative well‐being was not moderated by the level of occupational self‐efficacy. Implications for future research are discussed.
Synthesis of Poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate)–Polyisobutylene ABA Block Copolymers by the Combination of Quasiliving Carbocationic and Atom Transfer Radical Polymerizations
Authors: Szabó Ákos , Szarka Györgyi , Iván Béla
Published: October 2014

Systematic investigations are carried out on the synthesis of a series of new, unique ABA‐type triblock copolymers consisting of the hydrophobic and chemically inert polyisobutylene (PIB) inner and the hydrophilic comb‐shaped poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate) (PPEGMA) polymacromonomer as an outer block. Telechelic PIB macroinitiators with narrow molecular weight distributions (MWD) are synthesized by quasiliving carbocationic polymerization of isobutylene with a bifunctional initiator followed by quantitative chain end derivatizations. Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of PEGMAs with various molecular weights is investigated by using these macroinitiators. It is found that CuBr is an inefficient ATRP catalyst, while CuCl leads to high, nearly complete conversions of the PEGMA macromonomers. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analyses reveal slow initiation of PEGMA at relatively high PIB/PEGMA ratios or with PEGMAs of higher molecular weights due to steric hindrance between the macroinitiator and macromonomer. The occurrence of slow initiation, and not permanent termination, is proven by highly efficient ATRP of a low‐molecular‐weight monomer, methyl methacrylate, with the block copolymers as macroinitiators. Successful synthesis of PPEGMA‐PIB‐PPEGMA ABA block copolymers is obtained by using either low‐molecular‐weight PEGMA or relatively low macroinitiator/macromonomer ratios. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicates phase separation and significant suppression of the crystallinity of the pendant poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains in these new block copolymers.

image
A hybrid direct‐automatic differentiation method for the computation of independent sensitivities in multibody systems
Authors: Callejo A. , de Jalón J. García
Published: October 2014

The usefulness of sensitivity analyses in mechanical engineering is very well‐known. Interesting examples of sensitivity analysis applications include the computation of gradients in gradient‐based optimization methods and the determination of the parameter relevance on a specific response or objective. In the field of multibody dynamics, analytical sensitivity methods tend to be very complex, and thus, numerical differentiation is often used instead, which degrades numerical accuracy. In this work, a simple and original method based on state‐space motion differential equations is presented. The number of second‐order motion differential equations equals the number of DOFs, that is, there is one differential equation per independent acceleration. The dynamic equations are then differentiated with respect to the parameters by using automatic differentiation and without manual intervention from the user. By adding the sensitivity equations to the dynamic equations, the forward dynamics and the independent sensitivities can be robustly computed using standard integrators. Efficiency and accuracy are assessed by analyzing three numerical examples (a double pendulum, a four‐bar linkage, and an 18‐DOF coach) and by comparing the results with those of the numerical differentiation approach. The results show that the integration of independent sensitivities using automatic differentiation is stable and accurate to machine precision. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A consistent u‐p formulation for porous media with hysteresis
Authors: Pedroso Dorival M.
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a continuum formulation based on the theory of porous media for the mechanics of liquid unsaturated porous media. The hysteresis of the liquid retention model is carefully modelled, including the derivation of the corresponding consistent tangent moduli. The quadratic convergence of Newton's method for solving the highly nonlinear system with an implicit finite element code is demonstrated. A u‐p formulation is proposed where the time discretisation is carried out prior to the space discretisation. In this way, the derivation of all consistent moduli is fairly straightforward. Time integration is approximated with the Theta and Newmark's methods, and hence the fully coupled nonlinear dynamics of porous media is considered. It is shown that the liquid retention model requires also the consistent second‐order derivative for quadratic convergence. Some predictive simulations are presented illustrating the capabilities of the formulation, in particular to the modelling of complex porous media behaviour. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the graft ratio on the properties of polythiophene‐g‐poly(ethylene glycol)
Authors: Maione Silvana , Fabregat Georgina , del Valle Luis J. , Bendrea Anca‐Dana , Cianga Luminita , Cianga Ioan , Estrany Francesc , Alemán Carlos
Published: October 2014

Graft copolymers formed by anchoring poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains to conjugated polythiophene have been prepared by copolymerizing two compounds: unsubstituted α‐terthiophene (Th3) and a thiophene‐derived macromonomer having an α‐terthiophene conjugated sequence and one Th3 bearing a PEG chain with molecular weight of 2000 as substitute at the 3‐position of the central heterocycle (Th3‐PEG2000). The grafting ratio of the resulting copolymers (PTh3*‐g‐PEG), which were obtained using 75:25 and 50:50 Th3‐PEG2000:Th3 weight ratios, is significantly smaller than that of copolymers derived from polymerization of macromonomers consisting of a α‐pentathiophene sequence in which the central ring bears a PEG chain of Mw = 2000 (PTh5‐g‐PEG). The electroactivity and electrochemical stability of PTh3*‐g‐PEG is not only higher than that of PTh5‐g‐PEG but also higher than that of PTh3, the latter presenting a very compact structure that makes difficult the access and escape of dopant ions into the polymeric matrix during the redox processes. Furthermore, the optical π‐π* lowest transition energy of PTh3*‐g‐PEG is lower than that of both PTh5‐g‐PEG and PTh3. These properties, combined with suitable wettability and roughness, result in an excellent behavior as bioactive platform of PTh3*‐g‐PEG copolymers, which are more biocompatible, in terms of cellular adhesion and proliferation, and electro‐compatible than PTh5‐g‐PEG. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 239–252
New minimum sigma set for unscented filtering
Authors: Menegaz Henrique M. , Ishihara João Y. , Borges Geovany A.
Published: October 2014

In this work, a new minimum set of sigma points for unscented filtering is proposed along with its unscented Kalman filter in both square‐root and nonsquare‐root forms. Comparative with the other reduced sigma sets of the literature, the new sigma set is, in some cases, better defined or, in another case, a generalization. In numerical examples, the unscented transform of the new sigma set is compared with the unscented transforms of the other reduced sigma sets of the literature. In addition, the performance of the new unscented Kalman filter is studied in an aircraft target tracking scenario. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct and Indirect Effects of Unilateral Divorce Law on Marital Stability
Authors: Kneip Thorsten , Bauer Gerrit , Reinhold Steffen
Published: October 2014

Previous research examining the impact of unilateral divorce law (UDL) on the prevalence of divorce has provided mixed results. Studies based on cross-sectional cross-country/cross-state survey data have received criticism for disregarding unobserved heterogeneity across countries, as have studies using country-level panel data for failing to account for possible mediating mechanisms at the micro level. We seek to overcome both shortcomings by using individual-level event-history data from 11 European countries (SHARELIFE) and controlling for unobserved heterogeneity over countries and cohorts. We find that UDL in total increased the incidence of marital breakdown by about 20 %. This finding, however, neglects potential selection effects into marriage. Accordingly, the estimated effect of unilateral divorce laws becomes much larger when we control for age at marriage, which is used as indicator for match quality. Moreover, we find that UDL particularly affects marital stability in the presence of children.
‘It's a Family Responsibility’: Family and Cultural Connection for Aboriginal Children in Kinship Care
Authors: Kiraly Meredith , James Julieanne , Humphreys Cathy
Published: October 2014

Kinship care as a form of protective care in Australia has grown considerably over the past decade. The University of Melbourne Family Links: Kinship Care and Family Contact research project comprised a survey of kinship carers and consultations with key stakeholders. Given the significant over-representation of Indigenous children in kinship care arrangements, the project included a nested study of Indigenous kinship care. Research participants stressed the imperative for Indigenous children to be connected to family, community and culture. However, survey responses indicated that in many cases, family and cultural connections were not being assisted by cultural support planning. Indigenous caseworkers described the complexities of facilitating family contact, highlighting good practice as well as dilemmas and shortcomings in culturally sensitive practice. There was much evidence of the straitened circumstances of Indigenous kinship carers and unmet support needs among carers, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous. Suggestions are made about ways in which children in kinship care might be better supported to maintain their family relationships.
Introduction
Authors: Spaulding Robert Mark
Published: October 2014

The idea of publicly recognizing an important milestone in the life of Mack Walker's book German Home Towns, which appeared in 1971, goes back to January 2011 when David Luebke and Yair Mintzker put out a call for papers to discuss “German Home Towns—Forty Years Later” at the upcoming meeting of the German Studies Association (GSA) in Louisville, Kentucky. The robust response to their call confirmed the wide-ranging impact of Walker's book and validated their hunch that the fortieth anniversary was the right time for a critical celebration of this influential text.
How frequent is the fifth arch artery?
Authors: Gupta Saurabh K. , Bamforth Simon D. , Anderson Robert H.
Published: October 2014

Although usually shown in embryology textbooks, the presence of the fifth pair of pharyngeal arch arteries has long been controversial. To the best of our knowledge, six pairs of bilaterally symmetrical arteries developing within the pharyngeal arches are yet to be found in any mammalian or avian species. Collateral channels between the distal ends of the fourth and sixth arch arteries, in contrast, have been found in up to half of all developing mouse embryos. In only one human embryo, again to the best of our knowledge, has a channel been found that extends from the aortic sac to the dorsal aorta, and hence qualifies as an arch artery. Despite these confounding factors in terms of the developmental heritage of the fifth arch arteries, the purported channels are invoked with increasing frequency to describe various lesions discovered in the setting of the congenitally malformed heart. Persistence of the artery of the fifth arch was initially proposed to explain double-barrelled aorta. It was subsequently proposed to account for various systemic-to-pulmonary channels feeding the pulmonary circulation in the setting of pulmonary atresia. It has also been claimed to persist so as to explain abnormal branching of the brachiocephalic arteries from the aortic arch. In the light of the ongoing doubts concerning the existence of the arteries of the fifth arch themselves, we have reviewed the various descriptions of purported fifth arch arteries within the world literature. We have then sought to validate the descriptions on the basis of our own understanding of development, for this purpose providing images of the remoulding arch arteries in the mouse so as to substantiate our conclusions. While accepting that our own interpretations are speculative, we suggest that more convincing alternative explanations can be advanced to account for the majority of lesions currently interpreted on the basis of persistence of the arteries of the fifth arches. Although the interpretations do not necessarily change the therapeutic approaches to the channels, appropriate description is important in terms of their classification.