bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital technologies for cognitive assessment to accelerate drug development in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Leurent C , Ehlers MD
Published: August 2015

For many neurological and psychiatric diseases, novel therapeutics have been elusive for decades. By focusing on attention interference in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we provide a future vision on how emerging mobile, computer, and device‐based cognitive tools are converting classically noisy, subjective, data‐poor clinical endpoints associated with neuropsychiatric disease assessment into a richer, scalable, and objective set of measurements. Incorporation of such endpoints into clinical drug trials holds promise for more quickly and efficiently developing new medicines.
Sudden cardiac and sudden unexpected death related to antipsychotics: A meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Salvo F , Pariente A , Shakir S , Robinson P , Arnaud M , Thomas SHL , Raschi E , Fourrier‐Réglat A , Moore N , Sturkenboom M , Hazell on behalf of Investigators of the ARITMO Consortium L ,   on behalf of Investigators of the ARITMO Consortium
Published: August 2015

To estimate the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) or sudden unexpected death (SUD) related to individual antipsychotics, a meta‐analysis of observational studies was performed. Adjusted odds ratio (OR) of SCD/SUD with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were extracted and pooled; heterogeneity was studied using Q statistic and I2 index, and its potential causes (e.g., hERG blockade potency) explored using meta‐regression. Two cohort (740,306 person‐years) and four case–control (2,557 cases; 17,670 controls) studies, investigating nine antipsychotics, were included. Compared with nonusers, the risk was increased for quetiapine (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.33–2.23), olanzapine (OR = 2.04, 1.52–2.74), risperidone (OR = 3.04, 2.39–3.86), haloperidol (OR = 2.97, 1.59–5.54), clozapine (OR = 3.67, 1.94–6.94), and thioridazine (OR = 4.58, 2.09–10.05). Heterogeneity was found (Q = 20.0, P = 0.01; I2 = 60.0%), and the increasing mean hERG blockade potency (P = 0.01) accounted for 43% of this. The SCD/SUD risk differed between individual antipsychotics, and mean hERG blockade potency could be an explanatory factor. This should be considered when initiating antipsychotic treatment.
Evaluating trade‐offs in energy‐efficient error detection
Authors: Rokicki Markus , Drozda Martin
Published: August 2015

Due to the fact that in well‐engineered systems, normal behavior is the dominant case, it is necessary that normal behavior can be recognized in an energy‐efficient way. When cascading classification is applied, the task of the first classifier is to impose energy efficiency, whereas the task of the other classifier (or classifiers) is to provide false positives control. Adaptivity to novel or re‐occurring errors can be in this setup carried out by including a feedback loop enabling that the first classifier improves its capability to recognize normal behavior. However, in order to sustain adaptivity, it is necessary to provide the feedback loop with some minimum number of instances from both behavior classes. This results in a trade‐off between energy efficiency and error detection performance. In order to obtain a trade‐off that is suitable in a given situation, it is necessary that a methodology for comparing trade‐offs across qualitatively different types of error detection approaches is available. Therefore, we propose and evaluate an approach for comparing trade‐offs that is based on iso‐performance lines. In addition, we also propose and evaluate several modifications to k‐nearest neighbor and decision tree classifiers, so that different grades of trade‐offs can be obtained. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental investigation of masonry arches exposed to horizontal impact / Experimentelle Untersuchungen von Mauerwerksbögen unter Horizontalanprall
Authors: Proske Dirk , Krawtschuk Alexander , Zeman Oliver , Strauss Alfred
Published: August 2015

Abstract: Arch bridges still form a large part of the bridge stock in German‐speaking countries and in Europe. In general, they have a high loadbearing capacity for vertical loads. However, only a limited number of research investigations into the capacity of these bridges to resist horizontal impact have been carried out. In this paper we describe static and dynamic tests for the evaluation of the loadbearing capacity of masonry arches exposed to horizontal loads in transverse direction. Furthermore, a simple engineering model is developed for such load cases.
Confined Masonry subjected to Lateral Loads / Eingefasstes Mauerwerk unter Plattenbeanspruchung
Authors: Schöps Peter , Jäger Wolfram
Published: August 2015

Just as with shear stress on the edges of masonry walls, prestressing through the confinement and restraint of all four sides of the wall improves the load‐carrying capacity under lateral loads.

The extra load arising from prestressing leads to increased flexural strength of the masonry. The confinement of the edges results in relatively smaller span moments. In this case, the torsional stiffness of the reinforced concrete frame is important. This is determined by the frame itself as well as by its integration within the building.

As a supplement to [4], an examination of panel loading was also performed within the guidelines of a research project at the TU Dresden, Chair for Structural Design, on behalf of the Federal Office for Building and Regional Planning on the subject of “Confined Masonry as an Option for Increasing the Load‐Carrying Capacity of Stiffening Walls”[9].

The various influences are to be initially researched on the basis of various analytical observations and a small numerical study. A thorough, experimentally‐based clarification of the load‐carrying capacity of the panels was not possible within the framework of the research project.
Know the difference between service and support animals
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: August 2015

Since 2005, service and therapy dogs have become more prevalent on campuses, whether utilized as part of an institutionwide effort to decrease anxiety in students during test‐taking seasons or for individuals with disabilities using therapy dogs regularly. Make sure that both your institution and your students are up to date on the responsibilities for both service animals and support animals on campus. However, the law defines service dogs and emotional support animals differently, and emotional support animals, therapy dogs and comfort animals are not necessarily covered by the laws and rulings that govern service dogs.
Ag Doped Titanium Dioxide Nanocomposite‐modified Glassy Carbon Electrode as Electrochemical Interface for Catechol Sensing
Authors: Ravishankar T. N. , Suresh Kumar K. , Teixeira S. R. , Fernandez C. , Ramakrishnappa T.
Published: August 2015

The electrochemical sensing of catechol (CC) on a glassy carbon electrode modified with the ionothermal assisted synthesis of Ag doped TiO2 a nanoparticle has been successfully demonstrated for the first time.Ag doped TiO2 nanoparticles composite modified glassy carbon electrode exhibits higher electrocatalytic activity towards oxidation of catechol than glassy carbon electrode itself. The modified electrode also exhibits high selectivity towards this analyte in the presence of some of the metal ions and some of the biological compounds. Linear ranges and the limit of detections with the above electrode are 1–15 µM and 0.0249 µM respectively. The optimized protocol has been utilized for monitoring the catechol in some of the natural samples like apple juice and green tea and in industrial effluents.
Genotoxicity of three food processing contaminants in transgenic mice expressing human sulfotransferases 1A1 and 1A2 as assessed by the in vivo alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis assay
Authors: Høie Anja Hortemo , Svendsen Camilla , Brunborg Gunnar , Glatt Hansruedi , Alexander Jan , Meinl Walter , Husøy Trine
Published: August 2015

The food processing contaminants 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine (PhIP), 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) and 2,5 dimethylfuran (DMF) are potentially both mutagenic and carcinogenic in vitro and/or in vivo, although data on DMF is lacking. The PHIP metabolite N‐hydroxy‐PhIP and HMF are bioactivated by sulfotransferases (SULTs). The substrate specificity and tissue distribution of SULTs differs between species. A single oral dose of PhIP, HMF or DMF was administered to wild‐type (wt) mice and mice expressing human SULT1A1/1A2 (hSULT mice). DNA damage was studied using the in vivo alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay. No effects were detected in wt mice. In the hSULT mice, PhIP and HMF exposure increased the levels of DNA damage in the liver and kidney, respectively. DMF was not found to be genotoxic. The observation of increased DNA damage in hSULT mice compared with wt mice supports the role of human SULTs in the bioactivation of N‐hydroxy‐PhIP and HMF in vivo. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 56:709–714, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Environmental and Molecular Mutagenesis Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Co-exposure of ZnO nanoparticles and UV radiation to Daphnia magna and Danio rerio: Combined effects rather than protection
Authors: Azevedo Sofia L. , Ribeiro Fabianne , Jurkschat Kerstin , Soares Amadeu M.V.M. , Loureiro Susana
Published: August 2015

The application of nanoparticles (NPs) in consumer products has been increasing over the past few years. Their release into the environment is likely to happen at any stage of production or during the use of products containing NPs. Zinc oxide NPs (ZnO-NP) are among the most-used NPs on the market due to its intrinsic properties, such as ultraviolet (UV) absorption. The aim of the present study was to assess the combined effects of ZnO-NP and UV radiation on 2 freshwater species: Daphnia magna and Danio rerio. The initial hypothesis was that the presence of ZnO-NP in the aquatic media would decrease the damaging effects of UV radiation for both species. The endpoints assessed for D. magna were immobilization, feeding inhibition, and reproduction output. For D. rerio, egg development was studied during 96 h and mortality, hatching delay, and abnormal development were the endpoints recorded. Combined exposures were designed based on the single toxicity of both stressors and analyzed based on the independent action concept and exploring possible deviations for synergism/antagonism, dose level, and dose ratio. Combined exposures with D. magna induced synergism on reproduction, decreasing the number of neonates produced more than expected based on both stressors' individual toxicity. Single exposures of D. rerio embryos to both stressors induced negative effects. The combined exposures caused a dose-ratio deviation pattern on mortality and hatching, with a synergism observed when ZnO-NP was the dominant stressor, changing to antagonism when UV radiation dominated the combined exposure. Regarding the results attained, studying ZnO toxicity under laboratory conditions may underestimate the risks when considering the potential interaction on effects when combined with UV radiation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:458–467. © 2015 SETAC
Improving guideline sensitivity and specificity for the identification of proactive gastrostomy placement in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Brown Teresa E. , Crombie Jane , Spurgin Ann‐Louise , Tripcony Lee , Keller Jacqui , Hughes Brett G. M. , Dickie Graeme , Kenny Lizbeth Moira , Hodge Robert A.
Published: August 2015

Background

Swallowing and nutrition guidelines for patients with head and neck cancer are available for identification of proactive gastrostomy placement in patients with high nutritional risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate improvements to the validity of these guidelines.

Methods

A multivariate analysis was fitted to the original dataset (n = 501) to examine the variables that may predict gastrostomy placement (eg, tumor site, treatment, sex, and age). Using these factors, the high risk category was modified and retrospectively validated in the same cohort to provide new measures of sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The following were positive predictors of gastrostomy placement: T3 (p = .01), T4 (p < .001), and chemoradiotherapy (p < .001). Laryngeal (p = .02) and skin cancer (p < .001) were negative predictors. Modification of the high risk definition improved sensitivity to 58% and maintained specificity at 92%.

Conclusion

Minor modifications to the high risk definition in the guidelines have improved the guideline sensitivity for future use. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: E1163–E1171, 2016
Review of laboratory-based terrestrial bioaccumulation assessment approaches for organic chemicals: Current status and future possibilities
Authors: Hoke Robert , Huggett Duane , Brasfield Sandra , Brown Becky , Embry Michelle , Fairbrother Anne , Kivi Michelle , Paumen Miriam Leon , Prosser Ryan , Salvito Dan , Scroggins Rick
Published: August 2015

In the last decade, interest has been renewed in approaches for the assessment of the bioaccumulation potential of chemicals, principally driven by the need to evaluate large numbers of chemicals as part of new chemical legislation, while reducing vertebrate test organism use called for in animal welfare legislation. This renewed interest has inspired research activities and advances in bioaccumulation science for neutral organic chemicals in aquatic environments. In January 2013, ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute convened experts to identify the state of the science and existing shortcomings in terrestrial bioaccumulation assessment of neutral organic chemicals. Potential modifications to existing laboratory methods were identified, including areas in which new laboratory approaches or test methods could be developed to address terrestrial bioaccumulation. The utility of “non-ecotoxicity” data (e.g., mammalian laboratory data) was also discussed. The highlights of the workshop discussions are presented along with potential modifications in laboratory approaches and new test guidelines that could be used for assessing the bioaccumulation of chemicals in terrestrial organisms. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:109–122. © 2015 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.

Key Points

Data and information on bioaccumulation of organic chemicals in terrestrial organisms, including plants, is often not considered or plays a minor role in current bioaccumulation assessments. Development of integrated assessment approaches that maximize and expand the use of laboratory toxicity data collected during regulatory testing is important to meet animal welfare concerns. Adaptation of available laboratory tests with terrestrial organisms (e.g., plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates such as birds, mice, rats, etc.) may provide data relevant for terrestrial bioaccumulation assessments. Relevant and meaningful metrics and a tiered framework for the expression and evaluation of the potential for bioaccumulation in terrestrial organisms and food chains need to be developed and agreed upon by the scientific and regulatory communities.
From Where Do You Read the World?
Authors: Jones Stephanie , Woglom James F.
Published: August 2015

This article argues for the expansion of critical literacies in teacher education to include literacies offered by the material turn in social theory. A graphic memoir is used as an example of scholarship produced to engage with critical literacies as well as literacies required for a material‐discursive analysis of the social. The piece is illustrative of the deconstructive and multimodal literacies that are important to cultivate with adolescents and adults in teacher education broadly speaking and literacy teacher education more specifically. From where do you read the world, and why? Is a rich provocation for preservice and inservice teachers to contemplate forces that existed prior to their birth and continue throughout life? Supporting the acquisition of these literacies cannot only enhance one's understanding of lived experiences but can also serve as a repertoire of ways of thinking/speaking/being in more just ways in the world, in the classroom, and as a teacher.
A Comparison of Humiliation Measurement in a Depressive Versus Non‐clinical Sample: A Possible Clinical Utility
Authors: Collazzoni A. , Capanna C. , Bustini M. , Marucci C. , Prescenzo S. , Ragusa M. , Tosone A. , Di Ubaldo V. , Stratta P. , Rossi A.
Published: August 2015

Objective

We aimed to deepen the clinical utility of humiliation assessment in the study of depression.

Method

We performed a correlational analysis of the relationship between humiliation, depression, resilience, and negative primary familial environment in 80 clinically depressed subjects (41 men and 39 women; mean age = 40.71, standard deviation SD = 9.94) and a strictly matched sample of 80 non‐clinical subjects (41 men and 39 women; mean age = 40.64, SD = 10.24). We also implemented a hierarchical multiple regression analysis for each sample, to test the prediction of these variables on depression.

Results

Humiliation showed positive correlations with depressive factors, while negative correlations emerged with resilience in both samples. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed humiliation to be the most predictive factor of depression in the clinical sample only.

Conclusion

This study improves the understanding of the relationship of humiliation and depression in both clinical and non‐clinical populations.
AN EMPIRICAL TEST OF A DIFFUSION FRAMEWORK FOR SCHOOL‐BASED PREVENTION: THE 21 SWEDISH JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDY
Authors: Ferrer‐Wreder Laura , Sundell Knut , Eichas Kyle , Habibi Asgarabad Mojtaba
Published: August 2015

This is a 3‐year, quasi‐experimental trial of an intervention diffusion framework. There were 11 intervention and 10 control junior high schools located in either a large Swedish city or the Swedish countryside. Multilevel structural equation modeling was used to evaluate a 2‐level model (1,337 students nested in 85 classrooms) for each outcome domain: internalizing and externalizing problems, substance use, socioemotional competence, and perception of a positive school environment. Results showed that framework‐related benefits were predominately shown for either 1 gender or 1 gender living in a particular setting. Changes were also primarily of a buffering character, in which a subgroup of comparison participants showed a poorer pattern of change relative to intervention participants. Study results provide (a) evidence for discourse about what is an optimal level of choice for intervention stakeholders to have when implementing interventions and (b) an empirical test of a diffusion framework in routine practice, outside of the United States.
On the optimization of imaging protocol for the mapping of cerebrovascular reactivity
Authors: Ravi Harshan , Thomas Binu P. , Peng Shin‐Lei , Liu Hanli , Lu Hanzhang
Published: August 2015

Background

To devise an improved blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) imaging protocol for cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) measurement that can remove a known artifact of negative values.

Methods

Theoretical and simulation studies were first performed to understand the biophysical mechanism of the negative CVR signals, through which improved BOLD sequence parameters were proposed. This was achieved by equating signal intensities between cerebrospinal fluid and blood, by means of shortening the echo time (TE) of the BOLD sequence. Then, 10 healthy volunteers were recruited to participate in an experimental study, in which we compared the CVR results of two versions of the optimized (“Opt1” and “Opt2”) protocols with that of the standard protocol at 3 Tesla. Two sessions were performed for each subject to test the reproducibility of all three protocols.

Results

Experimental results demonstrated that the optimized protocols resulted in elimination of negative‐CVR voxels. Quantitative CVR results were compared across protocols, which show that the optimized protocols yielded smaller CVR values (Opt1: 0.16 ± 0.01 %BOLD/mmHg CO2; Opt2: 0.15 ± 0.01 %BOLD/mmHg CO2) than (P < 0.001) the standard protocol (0.21 ± 0.01 %BOLD/mmHg CO2), but the CNR was comparable (P = 0.1) to the standard protocol. The coefficient‐of‐variation between repetitions was found to be 5.6 ± 1.4%, 6.3 ± 1.6%, and 6.9 ± 0.9% for the three protocols, but there were no significant differences (P = 0.65).

Conclusion

Based on the theoretical and experimental results obtained from this study, we suggest that the use of a TE shorter than those used in fMRI is necessary to minimize negative artifact in CVR results. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:661–668.
Drumlin sedimentology in a hard‐bed, lowland setting, Connemara, western Ireland: implications for subglacial bedform generation in areas of sparse till cover
Authors: EVANS DAVID J. A. , ROBERTS DAVID H. , COFAIGH COLM Ó
Published: August 2015

Cores of coastal drumlins in Connemara contain stratified diamictons that interdigitate with gravelly clinoforms and finer grained rhythmites. The diamictons are interpreted as subaqueous mud apron deposits delivered by subglacial till advection to continuously failing subaqueous ice‐contact fans, whose strata were being syn‐depositionally over‐steepened by glacitectonic deformation. The localized nature of the stratified sediments reflects the emergence of subglacial deforming tills and meltwater deposits in a glacilacustrine environment to produce interdigitated mass flow diamictons and grounding line fans/wedges. These depo‐centres became glacitectonized and subglacially streamlined during glacier overriding and hence regional drumlin sedimentology reflects the varying degrees of inheritance of pre‐existing glacigenic deposits and suggests that drumlin production relates more to the position of localized sediment accumulations at the glacier bed than full‐depth till deformation processes (e.g. instability mechanisms) within the same drumlin field. Till cored drumlins give way down ice to stratified cored drumlins with till caps and then to stratified drumlins. This zonation is compatible with the increased lateral variability in drumlin composition that would arise from the occurrence of linear assemblages of glacifluvial (esker) and subaqueous (grounding line) sediments in an otherwise marginal‐thickening till sheet.
Natural antimicrobials and high‐pressure treatments on the inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis and Escherichia coliO157:H7 in cold‐smoked salmon
Authors: Montiel Raquel , Martín‐Cabrejas Izaskun , Medina Margarita
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) combined with reuterin and lactoperoxidase system (LPS) has exerted antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes in cold‐smoked salmon at chilled temperatures. Therefore the purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of HHP combined with reuterin, LPS and lactoferrin (LF) on the survival of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis and Escherichia coli O157:H7 in cold‐smoked salmon stored at 4 and 10 °C.

RESULTS

Salmonella Enteritidis and E. coli O157:H7 were reduced more than 3 log colony‐forming units (CFU) g−1 by the pressure treatment (450 MPa/5 min). LPS slightly diminished pathogen levels throughout storage, whereas no effect was recorded when reuterin or LF was added. The Salmonella population was below the detection limit (<1 log CFU g−1) during the storage of HHP‐treated smoked salmon at 4 and 10 °C. The antimicrobial activity of HHP against E. coli O157:H7 was increased when 450 MPa was applied in combination with LPS in cold‐smoked salmon at 4 and 10 °C.

CONCLUSION

HHP at 450 MPa/5 min inactivated S. Enteritidis in cold‐smoked salmon and in combination with LPS would be useful as a hurdle technology approach against E. coli O157:H7, even under mild temperature abuse conditions. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Validation of a gastric cancer nomogram using a cancer registry
Authors: Ashfaq Awais , Kidwell John T. , McGhan Lee J. , Dueck Amylou C. , Pockaj Barbara A. , Gray Richard J. , Bagaria Sanjay P. , Wasif Nabil
Published: August 2015

Background

A Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSKCC) nomogram predicts disease specific survival (DSS) for gastric adenocarcinoma. The goal of this study is to use a cancer registry to compare nomogram predicted survival with actual survival in the general population.

Methods

All patients undergoing surgery for gastric adenocarcinoma from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (1988–2012) were studied.

Results

6954 patients were identified. Majority of cancers were in the antrum (30.2%), and had intestinal histology (73.7%). Median follow‐up was 8.2 years. Five year DSS for nomogram risk groups (0–25%, 26–50%, 51–75%, and 76–100%) was 23%, 48%, 57%, and 81% respectively. Actual DSS was 7–15% lower than nomogram predicted DSS. Relative to patients in the 76–100% 5‐year DSS risk group, patients in the 0–25%, 26–50%, and 51–75% groups had significantly higher risks of death with hazard ratios of 6.84 (95%CI 6.12–7.65), 3.30 (95%CI 2.83–3.86), and 2.64 (95%CI 2.30–3.03), respectively (all P < 0.001). The concordance index for 5‐year nomogram predicted DSS was 0.68 (95%CI 0.67–0.69).

Conclusions

The MSKCC gastric cancer nomogram over‐estimates DSS from gastric cancer in the general population and has a moderate concordance index. Predictive tools generated at specialized institutions may not perform as well in the general population. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015; 112:377–380. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Barriers to Care in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Topper Kegan , van Rooyen Kempie , Grobler Christoffel , van Rooyen Dalena , Andersson Lena M.C.
Published: August 2015

A range of barriers to seeking mental health care in low‐ and middle‐income countries has been investigated. Little, however, is known of the barriers to care and help‐seeking behavior among people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in low‐ and middle‐income countries. This was a population‐based study including 977 people aged 18–40 years from the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Current PTSD was assessed by using a diagnostic questionnaire (Mini International Psychiatric Interview). An additional questionnaire captured socioeconomic and health‐related data. The prevalence of current PTSD was 10.8%. Only 48.1% of people with current PTSD accessed health care services. Younger people aged 18 to 29 years were less likely to seek health care, OR = 0.36, 95% CI [0.15, 0.85]. People earning a salary or wage, OR = 2.91, 95% CI [1.26, 6.71]; and those with tuberculosis, OR = 11.63, 95% CI [1.42, 95.56], were more likely to seek health care. A range of barriers to seeking care were identified, the most striking being stigma and a lack of knowledge regarding the nature and treatment of mental illness. People with current PTSD may seek help for other health concerns and brief screening means those affected may be readily identified.
Corrosion behavior of different parts of the weld of 316L/52M/A508 dissimilar metal welded joint in simulated pressurized water reactor primary water
Authors: Ding J. , Zhang Z.‐M. , Wang J.‐Z. , Wang J.‐Q. , Han E.‐H.
Published: August 2015

The electrochemical behavior and oxide film structure of the weld of 316L/52M/A508 dissimilar metal welded joints were investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), potentiodynamic polarization measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The electrochemical measurements revealed that the weld materials could be arranged in descending order of protectiveness of the oxide film formed on their surface; that is, Alloy52Mw > Alloy52Mb > C52M > C308. The results of EIS and XPS analyses showed that the oxide films formed on these materials were duplex‐structured; this duplex structure consisted of a Cr‐rich (in 52M nickel‐based weld materials) or Cr/Fe‐rich (in C308 stainless steel weld materials) inner layer and a Ni/Fe‐rich (in 52M nickel‐based weld materials) or Fe‐rich (in 308 stainless steel weld materials) porous outer layer.
Characterization of colombeau generalized functions by their pointvalues
Authors: Oberguggenberger M. , Kunzinger M.
Published: August 2015

A new characterization of elements of Colombeau — type algebras of generalized functions is presented. Since Colombeau functions are not uniquely determined by their pointvalues as defined in [1], [2], a concept of generalized points suitable for securing such a pointvalue description is introduced. This characterization provides an affirmative answer to an open question in the theory of algebras of generalized functions and enables a direct transfer of methods from classical analysis to generalized functions.
Strong anticommutativity of dirac operators on boson—fermion fock spaces and representations of a supersymmetry algebra
Authors: Arai Asao
Published: August 2015

On the boson—fermion Fock space F(H, K) associated with two complex Hilbert spaces H and K, there exists a family {Qs | S ∈ C(H, K)} of Dirac type operators, where C(H, K) is the set of densely defined closed linear operators from H to K. A theorem on the strong anticommutativity of two Dirac operators QS and QT is established. As an application, representations on F(H, K) of a supersymmetry algebra arising in a two—dimensional relativistic supersymmetric quantum field theory are discussed.
Variation zum Konzept der Lusternik—Schnirelmann—Kategorie
Authors: Scheerer H. , Tanré D.
Published: August 2015

For any non—empty class a of pointed spaces, we define the notions of a—cat and a—cat in analogy to T. Ganea's definitions of cat and Cat. Let e.g. s be the class of wedges of spheres Sn, n ≥ 1, then the difference s—cat — cat can be arbitrarily large, s—Cat is well known as spherical cone—length, but what is s—Cat — s—cat? If σ is the class of suspensions we recover cat and Cat. We also investigate subclasses a ⊂ σ such that a—cat(x) = σ–cat(X) for large classes of spaces X. As a byproduct we extend known mapping theorems for cat slightly. As an application we obtain a—cat as an upper bound for the solvability (or nilpotency) degree of certain groups of self—equivalences.
Experimentelle Ermittlung von Werkstoffkenngrößen für innovative Leichtbauprodukte – Bauschinger‐Kenngrößen für 54SiCr6 auf Basis von Zug‐/Druckversuchen
Authors: Thomisch M. , Kley M.
Published: August 2015

Um mehrstufige Biegeumformprozesse mit gegensätzlich gerichteter Beanspruchung zu simulieren, müssen geeignete Werkstoffparameter bekannt sein. Für hochfeste Federstähle sind nach heutigem Stand viele dieser Parameter noch nicht untersucht worden. Vorliegender Artikel zeigt die Ermittlung verschiedener Bauschinger‐Parameter bzw. Kenngrößen am Werkstoff 54SiCr6.

Es kann gezeigt werden, dass zum einen der Bauschingereffekt beim Werkstoff 54SiCr6 an sich nachgewiesen werden kann und zum anderen die für numerische Simulationen notwendigen Bauschinger‐Parameter mit der dargestellten Versuchsmethodik ermittelt werden können. Mit den gewonnenen Werten ist es nun möglich, Werkstoffmodelle für Finite‐Element Simulationen entsprechend anzupassen.

Aus den Messungen lassen sich sowohl der Tangentenmodul als auch die plastische Rückverformung jeweils in Abhängigkeit von der plastischen Dehnung ableiten. Der Tangentenmodul sinkt mit zunehmender plastischer Verformung – die plastische Rückverformung nimmt mit steigender plastischer Dehnung zu. Der Tangentenmodul hat ab einer gewissen plastischen Dehnung und darüber hinaus ein konstantes Niveau.
Studies on the potential risk of liquid metal assisted cracking (LMAC) in normal‐temperature and high‐temperature hot‐dip galvanizing of high strength bolts of dimensions greater M24
Authors: Bozorgian B. , Adelmann J. , Beyer J. , Oechsner M.
Published: August 2015

Liquid metal assisted cracking (LMAC) mainly occurs due to an unfavorable interaction of three factors: a susceptible material condition, presence of a liquid metal and sufficient tensile stress. Hot‐dip galvanizing of high‐strength bolts induces high thermal loads in bolts made of tempered steel in the presence of a zinc melt and thus, provides the boundary conditions for the above mentioned critical factors to interact. The focus of this study is on investigating thermally‐induced stresses in large diameter bolts and their impact on the formation of liquid metal assisted cracking (LMAC). In order to calculate the thermal loads in hot‐dip galvanizing, simulations were carried out regarding the thermo‐mechanical behavior of bolts during the hot‐dip galvanizing process. The simulations illustrate that cracks are most likely to occur in the first thread turn. This prediction is confirmed by experimental observations.
Shareholder Value Implications of Compliance with the German Corporate Governance Code
Authors: Kaspereit Thomas , Lopatta Kerstin , Onnen Dennis
Published: August 2015

This study contributes to the ongoing discussion of the German Corporate Governance Code (GCGC) of the Regierungskommission Deutscher Corporate Governance Kodex (Government Commission), which should enhance the confidence of national and international investors. We apply the Feltham and Ohlson () valuation model to a panel dataset of 421 German CDAX firms over the period 2002–2012 and find a positive effect of the level of compliance with the GCGC on the market value of firms. We conclude that the recommendations of the GCGC reflect corporate governance that satisfies investors' needs, as the capital markets perceive them. Our results are in favor of the efforts of the Government Commission, which have attracted criticism from both theorists and practitioners both in the past and at present. From the perspective of managerial and decision economics, the empirical results of this study suggest that executives should follow as many recommendations of the GCGC as possible. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Baseline genetic associations in the Parkinson's Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)
Authors: Nalls Mike A. , Keller Margaux F. , Hernandez Dena G. , Chen Lan , Stone David J. , Singleton Andrew B. ,   on behalf of the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) investigators
Published: August 2015

Background

The Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative is an international multicenter study whose main goal is investigating markers for Parkinson's disease (PD) progression as part of a path to a treatment for the disease. This manuscript describes the baseline genetic architecture of this study, providing not only a catalog of disease‐linked variants and mutations, but also quantitative measures with which to adjust for population structure.

Methods

Three hundred eighty‐three newly diagnosed typical PD cases, 65 atypical PD and 178 healthy controls, from the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative study have been genotyped on the NeuroX or Immunochip arrays. These data are freely available to all researchers interested in pursuing PD research within the Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative.

Results

The Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative represents a study population with low genetic heterogeneity. We recapitulate known PD associations from large‐scale genome‐wide association studies and refine genetic risk score models for PD predictability (area under the curve, ∼0.74). We show the presence of six LRRK2 p.G2019S and nine GBA p.N370S mutation carriers.

Conclusions

The Parkinson's Progression Marker Initiative study and its genetic data are useful in studies of PD biomarkers. The genetic architecture described here will be useful in the analysis of myriad biological and clinical traits within this study. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Repair of a large pharyngocutaneous fistula with a free jejunal patch flap after salvage laryngectomy: A case report
Authors: Hirano Takashi , Iwasaki Taro , Fujita Keigo , Takeno Shinsuke , Suzuki Masashi
Published: August 2015

Preoperative chemoradiation therapy increases the risk of pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF) after laryngectomy. In this report, we describe the use of a free jejunal patch flap and a deltopectoral flap for surgical treatment of a large PCF. A 52‐year‐old man underwent salvage laryngectomy and right neck dissection after concurrent radiotherapy for laryngeal carcinoma. On postoperative day 5, a pharyngeal fistula and neck abscess occurred with the right internal jugular vein thrombosis. We sutured the pharyngeal mucosa to the cervical skin to avoid carotid artery exposure, and we also ligated the right internal jugular vein. The PCF developed afterwards. The patient was being fed through a nasogastric tube and the fistula had increased in size. At the time of surgery, the external orifice became 5 cm × 5 cm in size. We performed the repair with a free jejunal patch flap and a deltopectoral flap. The harvested jejunum was opened along its antimesenteric border to design a sufficient free jejunal flap to cover the large PCF. A deltopectoral pedicled flap was used to reconstruct the neck skin defect to resurface the free jejunal patch flap. Both flaps survived. The patient could resume an oral diet 2 weeks after surgery. At 1 month after surgery, the skin pedicle of the deltopectoral flap was divided. There was no contracture or stricture 3 years after surgery and he maintained a regular diet. Reconstruction with a free jejunal patch flap and a deltopectoral flap may be a suitable method for repair of a large PCF. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 37:61–65, 2017.
Simultaneous quantitative determination of multiple bioactive markers in Ocimum sanctum obtained from different locations and its marketed herbal formulations using UPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS combined with principal component analysis
Authors: Pandey Renu , Chandra Preeti , Srivastava Mukesh , Mishra D. K. , Kumar Brijesh
Published: August 2015

Introduction

Ocimum sanctum L., with phenolic acids, flavonoids, propenyl phenols and terpenoids as active pharmacological constituents, is a popular medicinal herb and is present as an ingredient in many herbal formulations. Therefore, development of a reliable analytical method for simultaneous determination of the pharmacologically active constituents of O. sanctum is of high importance.

Objective

To develop and validate a new, rapid, sensitive and selective UPLC–ESI/MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of 23 bioactive markers including phenolic acids, flavonoids, propenyl phenol and terpenoid in the leaf extract and marketed herbal formulations of O. sanctum.

Methods

An UPLC–ESI/MS/MS method using negative electrospray ionisation (ESI) in multiple‐reaction‐monitoring (MRM) mode was used for simultaneous determination. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18‐column using a gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid in water and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to correlate and discriminate eight geographical collections of O. sanctum based on quantitative data of the analytes.

Results

The developed method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and found to be accurate, with overall recovery in the range 95.09–104.84% (RSD ≤ 1.85%), precise (RSD ≤ 1.98%) and linear (r2 ≥ 0.9971) over the concentration range of 0.5–1000 ng/mL. Ursolic acid was found to be the most abundant marker in all the samples investigated, except for the marketed tablet.

Conclusion

The method established is simple, rapid and sensitive, hence it can be reliably utilised for the quality control of O. sanctum and derived herbal formulations. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ABO blood group alleles and prostate cancer risk: Results from the breast and prostate cancer cohort consortium (BPC3)
Authors: Markt Sarah C. , Shui Irene M. , Unger Robert H. , Urun Yuksel , Berg Christine D. , Black Amanda , Brennan Paul , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. Bas , Gapstur Susan M. , Giovannucci Edward , Haiman Christopher , Henderson Brian , Hoover Robert N. , Hunter David J. , Key Timothy J. , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Canzian Federico , Larranga Nerea , Le Marchand Loic , Ma Jing , Naccarati Alessio , Siddiq Afshan , Stampfer Meir J. , Stattin Par , Stevens Victoria L. , Stram Daniel O. , Tjønneland Anne , Travis Ruth C. , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Ziegler Regina G. , Lindstrom Sara , Kraft Peter , Mucci Lorelei A. , Choueiri Toni K. , Wilson Kathryn M.
Published: August 2015

Background

ABO blood group has been associated with risk of cancers of the pancreas, stomach, ovary, kidney, and skin, but has not been evaluated in relation to risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Methods

We used three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs8176746, rs505922, and rs8176704) to determine ABO genotype in 2,774 aggressive prostate cancer cases and 4,443 controls from the Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium (BPC3). Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate age and study‐adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the association between blood type, genotype, and risk of aggressive prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥8 or locally advanced/metastatic disease (stage T3/T4/N1/M1).

Results

We found no association between ABO blood type and risk of aggressive prostate cancer (Type A: OR = 0.97, 95%CI = 0.87–1.08; Type B: OR = 0.92, 95%CI =n0.77–1.09; Type AB: OR = 1.25, 95%CI = 0.98–1.59, compared to Type O, respectively). Similarly, there was no association between “dose” of A or B alleles and aggressive prostate cancer risk.

Conclusions

ABO blood type was not associated with risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Prostate 75:1677–1681, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Introduction of the RTA‐Bddsx gene induces female‐specific lethal effects in transformed Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)
Authors: Huang Chun‐Yen , Dai Shu‐Mei , Chang Cheng
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

The oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel), can reduce fruit production and quality and is considered to be a major insect pest in many Asian countries. A system combining the toxicity of ricin and the alternative RNA splicing properties of doublesex (RTA‐Bddsx) has been proposed that results in differential sexual processing in vitro. A transgenic approach was used in this study to confirm the existence of female‐specific lethal effects in vivo.

RESULTS

The piggyBac‐based vector PB‐Acp‐CF21‐26, which carries the actin 5C promoter and RTA‐Bddsx, was used to establish transgenic lines. Five surviving male flies (F1) demonstrated the presence of selection marker Ds‐Red(+) throughout their entire bodies following single‐pair mating with wild‐type females, indicating germline transmission. A high percentage of males (59.6–100%) were observed in transformed F3 offspring, and this skewed sex ratio indicated that the female‐lethal effects of the RTA‐Bddsx system were heritable and functioned well in B. dorsalis. Some transformed female flies were observed, and these unexpected results were attributed to the loss of the intact transgene after genomic PCR analyses.

CONCLUSION

This transgenic study provides direct evidence for the female‐specific lethal effects of RTA‐Bddsx in B. dorsalis and offers a novel and promising approach for the control of B. dorsalis in the future. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of interfacial oxide thickness on the photocatalytic activity of magnetron‐sputtered TiO2 coatings on aluminum substrate
Authors: Davíðsdóttir Svava , Petit Jean‐Pierre , Shabadi Rajashekhara , Canulescu Stela , Almtoft Klaus P. , Dirscherl Kai , Andersen Inge H. , Ambat Rajan
Published: August 2015

The influence of the coating/substrate interface on the photocatalytic behavior of Al–TiO2 coatings was investigated. The TiO2 coatings were prepared by magnetron sputtering. The nanoscale structure of the coating was analyzed using X‐ray diffraction; atomic force microscopy; scanning electron microscopy; and transmission electron microscopy. The photocatalytic behavior was investigated through optical spectrophotometry studies and electrochemical experiments; as photo voltage; photocurrent; and electrochemical impedance measurements. Consistent results from both optical and electrochemical measurements showed a maximum UV‐light absorption by titanium dioxide occurring slightly prior to the energy of the maximum photocurrent. The photocurrent of titanium dioxide decreases with increasing thickness of the aluminum oxide interface layer. Aluminum oxide acts as an insulator; disfavoring the electron transport between the coating and the metallic substrate. The highest photocurrents were indeed obtained when the thickness of interfacial aluminum oxide could be reduced by sputtering a thin Ti layer prior to TiO2 coating.

Photocurrent plotted for different photon energy for a TiO2 coating on a Ti interlayer consisting of both rutile and anatase. Two photon‐excitation peaks from the TiO2 coating (anatase and rutile) are observed at a potential of 0.34 V versus SHE, while only one peak was observed at a potential 0.14 V versus SHE closer to the conduction band.
Density-Dependent Metabolic Heterogeneity in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Yijun , Muñoz Nathalie , Bunnell Bruce A. , Logan Timothy M. , Ma Teng
Published: August 2015

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are intrinsically heterogeneous and comprise subpopulations that differ in their proliferation, multi-potency, and functional properties, which are commonly demonstrated by culturing hMSCs at different plating densities. The objective of this study was to investigate the metabolic profiles of different subpopulations of hMSC by testing the hypothesis that the clonogenic hMSC subpopulation, which is selectively enriched in clonal density (CD) and low density (LD) culture (10 and 100 cells per square centimeter, respectively), possesses a metabolic phenotype that differs from that of hMSC in medium- or high-density (MD: 1,000 and HD: 3,000 cells per square centimeter, respectively). Cells at CD and LD conditions exhibited elevated expression of CD146 and colony forming unit-fibroblast compared with cells at MD- or HD. Global metabolic profiles revealed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of cell extracts showed clear distinction between LD and HD cultures, and density-dependent differences in coupling of glycolysis to the TCA cycle. Metabolic inhibitors revealed density-dependent differences in glycolysis versus oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for ATP generation, in glutamine metabolism, in the dependence on the pentose phosphate pathway for maintaining cellular redox state, and sensitivity to exogenous reactive oxygen species. We also show that active OXPHOS is not required for proliferation in LD culture but that OXPHOS activity increases senescence in HD culture. Together, the results revealed heterogeneity in hMSC culture exists at the level of primary metabolism. The unique metabolic characteristics of the clonogenic subpopulation suggest a novel approach for optimizing in vitro expansion of hMSCs. Stem Cells  2015;33:3368–3381