bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a novel cell sorting method that samples population diversity in flow cytometry
Authors: Osborne Geoffrey W. , Andersen Stacey B. , Battye Francis L.
Published: May 2015

Flow cytometry based electrostatic cell sorting is an important tool in the separation of cell populations. Existing instruments can sort single cells into multi‐well collection plates, and keep track of cell of origin and sorted well location. However currently single sorted cell results reflect the population distribution and fail to capture the population diversity. Software was designed that implements a novel sorting approach, “Slice and Dice Sorting,” that links a graphical representation of a multi‐well plate to logic that ensures that single cells are sampled and sorted from all areas defined by the sort region/s. Therefore the diversity of the total population is captured, and the more frequently occurring or rarer cell types are all sampled. The sorting approach was tested computationally, and using functional cell based assays. Computationally we demonstrate that conventional single cell sorting can sample as little as 50% of the population diversity dependant on the population distribution, and that Slice and Dice sorting samples much more of the variety present within a cell population. We then show by sorting single cells into wells using the Slice and Dice sorting method that there are cells sorted using this method that would be either rarely sorted, or not sorted at all using conventional single cell sorting approaches. The present study demonstrates a novel single cell sorting method that samples much more of the population diversity than current methods. It has implications in clonal selection, stem cell sorting, single cell sequencing and any areas where population heterogeneity is of importance. © 2015 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Novel lymphocyte screening tube using dried monoclonal antibody reagents
Authors: Hedley Benjamin D. , Keeney Michael , Popma Janice , Chin‐Yee Ian
Published: May 2015

We previously developed a 10‐color 11‐antibody combination including a viability dye, to screen T‐, B‐, and natural killer (NK)‐cell populations in blood, bone marrow, tissue, and body fluids. Recently, Beckman Coulter has introduced a line of dried reagents that, unlike liquid reagents and cocktails, require no refrigeration, titration, or manipulation before using. We evaluated custom tubes based on our standard lymphocyte screening panel, focusing on comparative analysis, ease of use, and advantages compared with our liquid reagent set.

We tested 42 samples from blood (n = 15), bone marrow (n = 17), and tissue (n = 10) with the combination CD4/CD8/KAPPA/LAMBDA/CD19/CD56/CD5/CD20/CD10/CD3/CD45 and a vital dye by both methods and compared positivity and staining intensity for each antigen. Of the 42 samples, 5 were normal samples, 3 were red cell disorders, 20 were B‐cell malignancies, 5 T‐cell malignancies, 4 myeloid malignancies, and the remaining 5 were other diagnoses.

Dried reagents gave equivalent staining intensity results to our standard panel in a variety of sample types, with diagnoses including reactive lymphocytosis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and various lymphomas.

Our standard panel for evaluation of mature lymphoid malignancies allows rapid assessment of any sample type while providing direct assessment of viability. The dried reagent tube reduces preanalytical work, with simple addition of sample and the viability dye to the tube, saving time, reducing potential errors, and obviating need to titrate and monitor individual antibodies. With a shelf life of at least 12 months, the reagents also offer potential savings in reagent costs by reducing wastage due to expiration or tandem breakdown in standard liquid formulation. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Synthesis of Magnaldehydes B and E and Dictyobiphenyl B by Microwave‐Promoted Cross‐Coupling of Boronophenols
Authors: Schmidt Bernd , Riemer Martin
Published: May 2015

Magnaldehydes B and E along with their 4′‐methylated derivatives are naturally occurring 2,4′‐biphenols that have been isolated from the Magnoliaceae. Herein, these natural products have been synthesized from a common intermediate, which was obtained by a microwave‐promoted, heterogeneously catalyzed, and protecting‐group‐free Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction in an aqueous medium. These reaction conditions were also successfully applied to a one‐step synthesis of the slime mold metabolite dictyobiphenyl B.
A depleted mind feels inefficacious: Ego‐depletion reduces self‐efficacy to exert further self‐control
Authors: Chow Jason T. , Hui Chin Ming , Lau Shun
Published: May 2015

Recent research has found that ego‐depletion undermines self‐control by motivating cognition that justifies conservation of mental resource. One potential cognitive mechanism is reduction of self‐efficacy. Specifically, we propose that ego‐depletion might demotivate self‐control by making people believe that they are inefficacious in exerting self‐control in subsequent tasks. Three experiments support the proposal. First, we demonstrated that (a) ego‐depletion can reduce self‐efficacy to exert further control (Experiments 1 to 3) and (b) the temporary reduction of self‐efficacy mediates the effect of depletion on self‐control performance (Experiment 2). Finally, we found that (c) these effects are only observed among participants who endorse a limited (versus non‐limited) theory of willpower and are, hence, more motivated to conserve mental resources (Experiment 3). Taken together, the present findings show that decrease in self‐efficacy to exert further self‐control is an important cognitive process that explains how ego‐depletion demotivates self‐control. This research also contributes to the recent discussion of the psychological processes underlying ego‐depletion.
Some arguments in favor of a Myriophyllum aquaticum growth inhibition test in a water–sediment system as an additional test in risk assessment of herbicides
Authors: Tunić Tanja , Knežević Varja , Kerkez Đurđa , Tubić Aleksandra , Šunjka Dragana , Lazić Sanja , Brkić Dragica , Teodorović Ivana
Published: May 2015

The present study compares the practicability, reproducibility, power, and sensitivity of a Myriophyllum aquaticum growth inhibition test in a water–sediment system with the recently accepted Myriophyllum spicatum test in an equivalent testing system and the standard Lemna sp. test. Special consideration was given to endpoints based on M. aquaticum control plant growth and variability of relative growth rate and yield: shoot length, fresh weight, dry weight, and root weight. Sensitivity analysis was based on tests performed with 3,5-dichlorophenol, atrazine, isoproturon, trifluralin, 2,4-dichlorophenoloxyacetic acid, and dicamba. Growth rates for average M. aquaticum control plants were 0.119 d–1 and 0.112 d–1, with average estimated doubling time 6.33 d and 6.74 d for relative growth rate fresh weight and shoot length, respectively. Intrinsic variability of M. aquaticum endpoints was low: 12.9%, 12.5%, and 17.8% for relative growth rate shoot length, relative growth rate fresh weight and yield fresh weight, respectively. The power of the test was fairly high. When the most sensitive endpoints were used for comparison, the 2 Myriophyllum species were similarly sensitive, more sensitive (in the case of auxin simulators), or at least equally sensitive as Lemna minor to other tested herbicides. The M. aquaticum 10-d test with a 7-d exposure period in a water–sediment system has acceptable sensitivity and can provide repeatable, reliable, and reproducible results; therefore, it should not be disregarded as a good and representative additional test in environmental risk assessment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2104–2115. © 2015 SETAC
Salinity changes impact of hazardous chemicals in Enchytraeus albidus
Authors: Silva Ana L. Patrício , Amorim Mónica J.B. , Holmstrup Martin
Published: May 2015

Supralittoral ecosystems are among the most challenging environments for soil organisms, particularly when salinity fluctuations are involved, frequently combined with the presence of contaminants as a result of intense anthropogenic activities. Knowledge of how salinity influences the effect of contaminants in supralittoral species is crucial for determining the safety factors required when extrapolating results from optimal laboratory conditions to these natural ecosystems. The present study therefore evaluated the effects of 2 metals (copper and cadmium) and 2 organic compounds (carbendazim and 4-nonylphenol) in the absence or presence of 15‰ NaCl in the potworm Enchytraeus albidus, a model organism for ecotoxicology studies commonly found in supralittoral ecosystems, The potworms had a higher reproduction in saline soil than in control soil. Moreover, the effects of copper and carbendazim on reproduction were smaller than when they were tested in nonsaline soil. Potworms exposed to nonsaline soils also had significantly higher tissue concentrations of metals, which partly explains the effects on reproduction. The influence of salinity on effects of 4-nonylphenol was, however, less clear; effects on survival decreased in saline soil, but effects on reproduction were highest in saline soil. The latter slightly correlated with tissue concentrations of the chemical. The present study provides the first evidence that soil salinity has a significant influence on the impact of contaminants evaluated with the enchytraeid reproduction test. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:2159–2166. © 2015 SETAC
field notes
Authors: Murray Thomas H.
Published: May 2015

I met John Arras under unpromising circumstances. Awaiting my ride to The Hastings Center from the Ardsley Acres motel (rooms by the hour), I discovered that, contrary to what I'd been told, a competitor for the Center's coveted National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship was also there—a philosopher from California with wild hair and a ready smile. A grueling day of interviews followed. Eventually, we learned that we'd both have the opportunity to spend a year at Hastings, along with Nancy Rhoden, a brilliant young legal scholar. It was a wonderful, life‐altering experience.
Graphic Medicine: Comics Turn a Critical Eye on Health Care
Authors: Glazer Sarah
Published: May 2015

A patient arrives in the emergency room apparently in a comatose state. But is he really unconscious or just faking? The young doctors on duty are skeptical. Failing to get a reaction with a chest rub, they try a variety of methods that become increasingly sadistic—pressing on the patient's fingernail with a ballpoint pen, spraying his testicles with a skin‐freezing compound, announcing an imminent eye injection to scare the patient awake.

I first encountered those chilling pen‐and‐ink images in a 2012 comic book, Disrepute, authored by Thom Ferrier, the nom de plume for British general practitioner Ian Williams. Disrepute is part of a young but growing genre that Williams helped dub "graphic medicine" when he founded a website by that name in 2007. Using the graphic novel form, doctors, nurses, and patients are producing accounts that often reveal the dark underbelly of the world of medicine. From patients and their families, these include portraits of imperious and insensitive physicians or nurses; from doctors, explorations of the doubt that racks them when their treatment ends in a mistake or a patient's death. While the form is also referred to as “comics,” the work, as in Williams's strip, is bleak just as often as it is humorous.
Mother–Infant Dyadic State Behaviour: Dynamic Systems in the Context of Risk
Authors: Coburn Shayna S. , Crnic Keith A. , Ross Emily K.
Published: May 2015

Dynamic systems methods offer invaluable insight into the nuances of the early parent–child relationship. This prospective study aimed to highlight the characteristics of mother–infant dyadic behavior at 12 weeks post‐partum using state space grid analysis (total n = 322). We also examined whether maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and perceived stress were associated with reduced non‐negative engagement in exchange for more negativity and unengagement, and contrasted them with global observational methods. Non‐negative engagement (NNE) was an attractor for dyads during a teaching task, with a range of flexibility and entropy across dyads. Further, dyads with mothers reporting higher prenatal depressive symptoms demonstrated less 12‐week NNE dyadic behavior and more dyadic negativity. Prenatal maternal perceived stress was associated with reduced negativity and reduced flexibility in NNE states. However, maternal distress of any kind was not associated with entropy of behavior. Finally, direct comparisons with global perspectives of dyadic behavior indicated strong external validity relating to concepts of dyadic affect and engagement, and dynamic approaches remained uniquely related to prenatal distress above and beyond global observations of behavior. Findings lend support to the utility and necessity of dynamic systems approaches for identifying mechanisms of prenatal risk and emerging parent–child social–emotional functioning. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TERT gene harbors multiple variants associated with pancreatic cancer susceptibility
Authors: Campa Daniele , Rizzato Cosmeri , Stolzenberg‐Solomon Rachael , Pacetti Paola , Vodicka Pavel , Cleary Sean P. , Capurso Gabriele , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. B(as) , Werner Jens , Gazouli Maria , Butterbach Katja , Ivanauskas Audrius , Giese Nathalia , Petersen Gloria M. , Fogar Paola , Wang Zhaoming , Bassi Claudio , Ryska Miroslav , Theodoropoulos George E. , Kooperberg Charles , Li Donghui , Greenhalf William , Pasquali Claudio , Hackert Thilo , Fuchs Charles S. , Mohelnikova‐Duchonova Beatrice , Sperti Cosimo , Funel Niccola , Dieffenbach Aida Karina , Wareham Nicholas J. , Buring Julie , Holcátová Ivana , Costello Eithne , Zambon Carlo‐Federico , Kupcinskas Juozas , Risch Harvey A. , Kraft Peter , Bracci Paige M. , Pezzilli Raffaele , Olson Sara H. , Sesso Howard D. , Hartge Patricia , Strobel Oliver , Małecka‐Panas Ewa , Visvanathan Kala , Arslan Alan A. , Pedrazzoli Sergio , Souček Pavel , Gioffreda Domenica , Key Timothy J. , Talar‐Wojnarowska Renata , Scarpa Aldo , Mambrini Andrea , Jacobs Eric J. , Jamroziak Krzysztof , Klein Alison , Tavano Francesca , Bambi Franco , Landi Stefano , Austin Melissa A. , Vodickova Ludmila , Brenner Hermann , Chanock Stephen J. , Delle Fave Gianfranco , Piepoli Ada , Cantore Maurizio , Zheng Wei , Wolpin Brian M. , Amundadottir Laufey T. , Canzian Federico
Published: May 2015

A small number of common susceptibility loci have been identified for pancreatic cancer, one of which is marked by rs401681 in the TERT–CLPTM1L gene region on chromosome 5p15.33. Because this region is characterized by low linkage disequilibrium, we sought to identify whether additional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be related to pancreatic cancer risk, independently of rs401681. We performed an in‐depth analysis of genetic variability of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and the telomerase RNA component (TERC) genes, in 5,550 subjects with pancreatic cancer and 7,585 controls from the PANcreatic Disease ReseArch (PANDoRA) and the PanScan consortia. We identified a significant association between a variant in TERT and pancreatic cancer risk (rs2853677, odds ratio = 0.85; 95% confidence interval = 0.80–0.90, p = 8.3 × 10−8). Additional analysis adjusting rs2853677 for rs401681 indicated that the two SNPs are independently associated with pancreatic cancer risk, as suggested by the low linkage disequilibrium between them (r2 = 0.07, D′ = 0.28). Three additional SNPs in TERT reached statistical significance after correction for multiple testing: rs2736100 (p = 3.0 × 10−5), rs4583925 (p = 4.0 × 10−5) and rs2735948 (p = 5.0 × 10−5). In conclusion, we confirmed that the TERT locus is associated with pancreatic cancer risk, possibly through several independent variants.
A retrospective cohort study of cause‐specific mortality and incidence of hematopoietic malignancies in Chinese benzene‐exposed workers
Authors: Linet Martha S. , Yin Song‐Nian , Gilbert Ethel S. , Dores Graça M. , Hayes Richard B. , Vermeulen Roel , Tian Hao‐Yuan , Lan Qing , Portengen Lutzen , Ji Bu‐Tian , Li Gui‐Lan , Rothman Nathaniel ,   on behalf of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention—U.S. National Cancer Institute Benzene Study Group
Published: May 2015

Benzene exposure has been causally linked with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), but inconsistently associated with other hematopoietic, lymphoproliferative and related disorders (HLD) or solid tumors in humans. Many neoplasms have been described in experimental animals exposed to benzene. We used Poisson regression to estimate adjusted relative risks (RR) and the likelihood ratio statistic to derive confidence intervals for cause‐specific mortality and HLD incidence in 73,789 benzene‐exposed compared with 34,504 unexposed workers in a retrospective cohort study in 12 cities in China. Follow‐up and outcome assessment was based on factory, medical and other records. Benzene‐exposed workers experienced increased risks for all‐cause mortality (RR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.1, 1.2) due to excesses of all neoplasms (RR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.4), respiratory diseases (RR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.2, 2.3) and diseases of blood forming organs (RR = ∞, 95% CI = 3.4, ∞). Lung cancer mortality was significantly elevated (RR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.2, 1.9) with similar RRs for males and females, based on three‐fold more cases than in our previous follow‐up. Significantly elevated incidence of all myeloid disorders reflected excesses of myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia (RR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.2, 6.6) and chronic myeloid leukemia (RR = 2.5, 95% CI = 0.8, 11), and increases of all lymphoid disorders included excesses of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (RR = 3.9, 95%CI = 1.5, 13) and all lymphoid leukemia (RR = 5.4, 95%CI = 1.0, 99). The 28‐year follow‐up of Chinese benzene‐exposed workers demonstrated increased risks of a broad range of myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases and suggested possible associations with other malignant and non‐malignant disorders.
Evaluation of chromatographic columns packed with semi‐ and fully porous particles for benzimidazoles separation
Authors: Gonzalo‐Lumbreras Raquel , Sanz‐Landaluze Jon , Cámara Carmen
Published: May 2015

The behavior of 15 benzimidazoles, including their main metabolites, using several C18 columns with standard or narrow‐bore diameters and different particle size and type were evaluated. These commercial columns were selected because their differences could affect separation of benzimidazoles, and so they can be used as alternative columns. A simple screening method for the analysis of benzimidazole residues and their main metabolites was developed. First, the separation of benzimidazoles was optimized using a Kinetex C18 column; later, analytical performances of other columns using the above optimized conditions were compared and then individually re‐optimized. Critical pairs resolution, analysis run time, column type and characteristics, and selectivity were considered for chromatographic columns comparison. Kinetex XB was selected because it provides the shortest analysis time and the best resolution of critical pairs. Using this column, the separation conditions were re‐optimized using a factorial design. Separations obtained with the different columns tested can be applied to the analysis of specific benzimidazoles residues or other applications.
Ursolic acid increases energy expenditure through enhancing free fatty acid uptake and β‐oxidation via an UCP3/AMPK‐dependent pathway in skeletal muscle
Authors: Chu Xia , He Xuan , Shi Zhiping , Li Chunjuan , Guo Fuchuan , Li Songtao , Li Ying , Na Lixin , Sun Changhao
Published: May 2015

Scope

Ursolic acid (UA) is a triterpenoid compound with multifold biological functions. Our previous studies have reported that UA protects against high‐fat diet‐induced obesity and improves insulin resistance (IR). However, the potential mechanisms are still undefined. Free fatty acid (FFA) metabolism in skeletal muscle plays a central role in obesity and IR. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect and the potential mechanisms of UA on skeletal muscle FFA metabolism.

Methods and results

In diet‐induced obese rats, 0.5% UA supplementation for 6 weeks markedly reduced body weight, increased energy expenditure, decreased FFA level in serum and skeletal muscle and triglyceride content in skeletal muscle. In vitro, the data provided directly evidence that UA significantly increased fluorescently labeled FFA uptake and 3H‐labeled palmitic acid β‐oxidation. UA‐activated AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and downstream targets were involved in the increase of FFA catabolism. Moreover, upregulated uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) by UA contributed to AMPK activation via elevating adenosine monophosphate/adenosine triphosphate ratio.

Conclusion

UA increases FFA burning through enhancing skeletal muscle FFA uptake and β‐oxidation via an UCP3/AMPK‐dependent pathway, which provides a novel perspective on the biological function of UA against obesity and IR.
Resveratrol improves hepatic steatosis by inducing autophagy through the cAMP signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Yong , Chen Ming‐liang , Zhou Yong , Yi Long , Gao Yan‐xiang , Ran Li , Chen Shi‐hui , Zhang Ting , Zhou Xi , Zou Dan , Wu Bin , Wu Ying , Chang Hui , Zhu Jun‐dong , Zhang Qian‐yong , Mi Man‐tian
Published: May 2015

Scope

Resveratrol (RSV), a natural polyphenol, has been reported to attenuate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD); however, its underlying mechanism is unclear. Autophagy was recently identified as a critical protective mechanism during NAFLD development. Therefore, we investigated the role of autophagy in the beneficial effects of RSV on hepatic steatosis.

Methods and results

Via Oil red O staining, triglyceride, and β‐hydroxybutyrate detection, we found that RSV decreased palmitate‐induced lipid accumulation and stimulated fatty acid β‐oxidation in hepatocytes. Based on Western blot assay, confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, we found that RSV induced autophagy in hepatocytes, whereas autophagy inhibition markedly abolished RSV‐mediated hepatic steatosis improvement. Moreover, RSV increased cAMP levels and the levels of SIRT1 (sirtuin 1), pPRKA (phosphorylated protein kinase A), and pAMPK (phosphorylated AMP‐activated protein kinase), as well as SIRT1 activity in HepG2 cells. Incubation with inhibitors of AC (adenylyl cyclase), PRKA, AMPK, SIRT1, or with AC, PRKA, AMPK, or SIRT1 siRNA abolished RSV‐mediated autophagy. Similar results were obtained in mice with hepatic steatosis.

Conclusion

RSV improved hepatic steatosis partially by inducing autophagy via the cAMP‐PRKA‐AMPK‐SIRT1 signaling pathway, which provides new evidence regarding RSV's effects on NAFLD treatment.
Growth and characterization of Ga doped ZnSnAs2 thin films on InP substrates
Authors: Kato Takahiro , Uchiyama Takashi , Toyota Hideyuki , Uchitomi Naotaka
Published: May 2015

We have grown Ga doped ZnSnAs2 thin films on InP substrates using all‐solid source MBE technique. Using the optimum substrate temperature of 340 ºC and Zn:Sn:As4 beam equivalent pressure ratio (BEPR) of 24:1:52, samples were prepared with different Ga concentration achieved by changing the Ga flux. Compositional analysis was performed using electron microprobe microanalysis (EMPA). We found that Ga concentration on the cation sites is 20.9% and 8.7%. XRD patterns of Ga doped samples showed only assignable to ZnSnAs2:Ga and InP substrate. The lattice constant decreases linearly from 0.5862 to 0.5829 nm with decreasing Ga concentration. The observed concentration dependence indicates that the lattice constant of the thin films can be controlled by Ga doping concentration. Hall coefficient and resistivity of Ga 8.7% doped sample can be well explained by the impurity band model. We were able to resolve the experimentally obtained carrier concentration pexp and mobility μexp into valence band carrier concentration pv with mobility μv and acceptor band carrier concentration pa with mobility μa. The computed apparent values papp and μapp are in good agreement with pexp and μexp, respectively. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimization of CIGSe bottom cell for spectral splitting device application
Authors: Jehl‐Li‐Kao Z. , Fukai Hirofumi , Matsuyama Isamu , Nakada T.
Published: May 2015

We investigate on narrow bandgap CIGSe solar cells for tandem application in a spectral splitting devices. Numerical simulations using SCAPS are performed to optimize the Ga content throughout the absorber layer, depending on the illumination condition (AM 1.5 and tandem conditions using two different splitting filters; 620 nm and 880 nm). The simulations show a strong dependence of the efficiency on the minimum bandgap of the absorber, but not on the depth of the narrow bandgap region. Narrow bandgap CIGSe solar cells are experimentally realized and electrically characterized. A similar trend as what was deduced from the simulation is observed on the experiments when the solar cells are characterized in the tandem conditions. For the 880 nm splitting filter, an efficiency of 5.5% is experimentally obtained with a minimum bandgap of 1.05 eV. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temperature dependent spectroscopic ellipsometry of Ag2Se and Ag2S with phase transitions from ionic to superionic conductivity state
Authors: Alekperov O. , Gasimov N. , Khalilova Kh. , Shim Y. , Paucar R. , Abdulzade N. , Samedov O. , Jahangirli Z. , Nakhmedov E. , Wakita K. , Mamedov N.
Published: May 2015

Temperature dependent infrared (IR) and optical spectroscopic ellipsometry methods are used to investigate peculiarities of the transitions from the ionic conductivity to the superionic conductivity states in Ag2S and Ag2Se compounds. The structural phase transitions (SPTs), known as β→α transition in these semiconductors, are investigated also with spectroscopic ellipsometry methods. The electronic band structure of Ag2S at the SPT changes sharply from the monoclinic to the bcc phase, which occurs at T = 453 K in the super ionic conductivity state, where all the interband transitions in optic region, corresponding to the monoclinic structure of β‐phase, disappear. The α‐phase of Ag2S is characterised with new lines in the dielectric functions ε1 and ε2, which arise at 5‐6.5 eV. The interband transitions do not change in the SPT from the orthorhombic to the bcc in Ag2Se, which occurs at T > 406 K. In IR ellipsometry for the degenerated Ag2Se, the free carriers' plasma energy is displaced abruptly from ħω=0.075 eV at T=300 K to ħω=0.125 eV at T=338 K. The same effect is seen in the IR ellipsometry for Ag2S, where negative ε1 appears at T=434‐440 K. These facts indicate a drastic increase of the free carriers concentrations in both of the semiconductors at temperatures before the β→α SPT. In Ag2S the second abrupt shift of the free carriers plasma energy from 0.035eV to 0.1 eV occurs at T=453 K, corresponding to β→ α SPT. The second shift is due to the electronic band structure change of Ag2S. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
IR ellipsometry of silk fibroin films on Al nanoislands
Authors: Gasymov Oktay K. , Aydemirova Arzu , Alekperov Oktay , Aslanov Rasim B. , Khalilova Khuraman , Gasimov Nagi , Mamedov Nazim , Mamedova Irada , Babayev Sardar , Gasanov Namig
Published: May 2015

Infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry (IRSE) is a powerful tool for the characterization of various types of organic and inorganic films. In application to protein films, IRSE can be utilized to detect structural changes, orientation of specific group, etc. Because of sensitivity, enhanced IRSE will be very useful to study protein thin films. Here we show that fibroin films on Al mirror display surface‐enhanced infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry (SEIRSE). AFM data indicate that nanoislands on the Al mirror are responsible for the plasmon‐enhanced mechanism. SEIRSE for fibroin films shows non‐uniform enhancement across the spectrum. Possible mechanisms of such enhancement are provided. Evidently, as proposed previously, at least two mechanisms, the electromagnetic (EM) and chemical, are expected to contribute to the enhancement. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multivariate spatial hierarchical Bayesian empirical likelihood methods for small area estimation
Authors: Porter Aaron T. , Holan Scott H. , Wikle Christopher K.
Published: May 2015

Recent advances in small area estimation incorporating both explicit spatial autocorrelation and empirical likelihood techniques have produced estimates with greater precision. Furthermore, the multivariate Fay–Herriot models take advantage of within‐location correlation between multiple outcomes for a set of small areas. We extend the Fay–Herriot model by utilizing empirical likelihood techniques to the spatially explicit multivariate setting. We then model the five‐year period estimates from the American Community Survey (2006–10) of percent of unemployed individuals and percent of families in poverty for the counties of Missouri. We demonstrate bivariate reduction in leave‐one‐out median absolute deviation over an approximately equivalently specified parametric model. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Vibrational Spectroscopy of the Alkali Diselenates A2Se2O7 (A = Li – Cs)
Authors: Daub Michael , Hillebrecht Harald
Published: May 2015

The reaction of alkali carbonates and selenium acid yielded the “pyroanions” [Se2O7]2– containing alkali diselenates. By varying the alkali carbonates we were able to synthesize and determinate the crystal structures of the whole row from Li to Cs. Li2Se2O7 crystallizes isotypic to Li2S2O7 [Pnma, Z = 4, a = 13.815(3), b = 8.452(2) c = 5.0585(10) Å]. The structure of Na2Se2O7 [P$\bar{1}$, Z = 2, a = 6.9896(14), b = 6.9938(14), c = 7.0829(14) Å, α = 83.32(3), β = 64.56(3), γ = 83.18(3)°] is isotypic to Ag2S2O7. A2Se2O7 (A = K, Rb) [A = K: C2/c, Z = 4, a = 12.851(3), b = 7.5677(15), c = 7.5677(15) Å, β = 93.35(3)°; A = Rb: C2/c, Z = 4, a = 13.118(3), b = 7.7963(16), c = 7.7811(16) Å, β = 94.03(3)°] are isotypic to K2S2O7. The crystal structure of Cs2Se2O7 [P$\bar{1}$, Z = 10, a = 7.7271(3), b = 16.2408(8), c = 18.4427(8) Å, α = 89.685(2), β = 89.193(2), γ = 76.251(2)°] seems to be isotypic to the averaged room‐temperature modification of Cs2S2O7. With exception of the caesium compound all diselenate anions show an ecliptic arrangement and can be therefore classified as dichromate‐like structures. In Cs2Se2O7 most of the [Se2O7]2– units have a staggered alignment. The transition between both orientations can be explained by the increase of the cations size. Additionally the vibrational spectra of A2Se2O7 with A = Li – Cs are discussed as well as the resulting bond forces.
A General Method of Empirical Q-matrix Validation
Authors: de la Torre Jimmy , Chiu Chia-Yi
Published: May 2015

In contrast to unidimensional item response models that postulate a single underlying proficiency, cognitive diagnosis models (CDMs) posit multiple, discrete skills or attributes, thus allowing CDMs to provide a finer-grained assessment of examinees’ test performance. A common component of CDMs for specifying the attributes required for each item is the Q-matrix. Although construction of Q-matrix is typically performed by domain experts, it nonetheless, to a large extent, remains a subjective process, and misspecifications in the Q-matrix, if left unchecked, can have important practical implications. To address this concern, this paper proposes a discrimination index that can be used with a wide class of CDM subsumed by the generalized deterministic input, noisy “and” gate model to empirically validate the Q-matrix specifications by identifying and replacing misspecified entries in the Q-matrix. The rationale for using the index as the basis for a proposed validation method is provided in the form of mathematical proofs to several relevant lemmas and a theorem. The feasibility of the proposed method was examined using simulated data generated under various conditions. The proposed method is illustrated using fraction subtraction data.
The cytotoxicity of BAMLET complexes is due to oleic acid and independent of the α‐lactalbumin component
Authors: Delgado Yamixa , Morales-Cruz Moraima , Figueroa Cindy M. , Hernández-Román José , Hernández Glinda , Griebenow Kai
Published: May 2015

Lipid–protein complexes comprised of oleic acid (OA) non‐covalently coupled to human/bovine α‐lactalbumin, named HAMLET/BAMLET, display cytotoxic properties against cancer cells. However, there is still a substantial debate about the role of the protein in these complexes. To shed light into this, we obtained three different BAMLET complexes using varying synthesis conditions. Our data suggest that to form active BAMLET particles, OA has to reach critical micelle concentration with an approximate diameter of 250 nm. Proteolysis experiments on BAMLET show that OA protects the protein and is probably located on the surface, consistent with a micelle‐like structure. Native or unfolded α‐lactalbumin without OA lacked any tumoricidal activity. In contrast, OA alone killed cancer cells with the same efficiency at equimolar concentrations as its formulation as BAMLET. Our data show unequivocally that the cytotoxicity of the BAMLET complex is exclusively due to OA and that OA alone, when formulated as a micelle, is as toxic as the BAMLET complex. The contradictory literature results on the cytotoxicity of BAMLET might be explained by our finding that it was imperative to sonicate the samples to obtain toxic OA.
Caring for dementia: A population‐based study examining variations in guideline‐consistent medical care
Authors: Sivananthan Saskia N. , Lavergne M. Ruth , McGrail Kimberlyn M.
Published: May 2015

Background

Evidence indicates that early detection and management of dementia care can improve outcomes. We assess variations in dementia care based on processes outlined in clinical guidelines by the BC Ministry of Health.

Method

A population‐based retrospective cohort study of community‐dwelling seniors using patient‐level administrative data in British Columbia, Canada. Guidelines measured: laboratory testing, imaging, prescriptions, complete examination, counseling, and specialist referral.

Results

Older patients were less likely to receive guideline‐consistent medical care. Patients in higher income categories had higher odds of receiving counseling (confidence interval or CI 1.13–153) and referrals (15.1 CI 1.18–1.95) compared with those of lower income. Over a quarter of the cohort received an antipsychotic (28%) or nonrecommended benzodiazepine (26%). Individuals living within “rural” health authorities or of low income were more likely to receive antipsychotic treatment.

Conclusion

Patterns of inequality by age and income may signal barriers to care, particularly for management of dementia care processes.
Do Muscle Characteristics on Lumbar Spine Magnetic Resonance Imaging or Computed Tomography Predict Future Low Back Pain, Physical Function, or Performance? A Systematic Review
Authors: Suri Pradeep , Fry Adrielle L. , Gellhorn Alfred C.
Published: May 2015

Objective

To determine whether lumbar muscle characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) can inform clinicians as to the course of future low back pain (LBP), functional limitations, or physical performance, in adults with or without LBP.

Type

Systematic review.

Literature Review

We searched PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL through October 2014 for articles published in English in which authors assessed lumbar muscle characteristics on conventional MRI/CT as predictors of future LBP, functional limitations, or physical performance in adults. Studies with only postsurgical subjects were excluded. Our search identified 3554 articles, of which 6 observational cohort studies were included in the final review.

Methodology

We used the Newcastle Ottawa Scale to evaluate potential bias. Data were extracted on study design, study population, sample size, participant characteristics, details of MRI/CT assessments, interventions, study outcomes, analysis methods, and study results. Because of heterogeneity between studies, we conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis.

Synthesis

Among high‐quality studies, there was limited evidence that, for individuals with or without LBP, greater MRI‐detected multifidus cross‐sectional area at L5‐S1 predicted greater LBP intensity at 1‐year follow‐up, lesser erector spinae fat infiltration (FI) at L5‐S1 predicted greater LBP intensity at 15‐year follow‐up, and greater erector spinae side‐to‐side FI asymmetry at L3‐L4 predicted lower LBP frequency at 15‐year follow‐up; however, there was also limited evidence that all other MRI‐detected paraspinal muscle characteristics examined were not predictive of LBP incidence, prevalence, frequency, or intensity at follow‐up durations ranging from 1 to 15 years. There was limited evidence that greater CT‐detected trunk muscle FI predicted worse physical performance in older adults at 3‐year follow‐up, but that trunk muscle cross‐sectional area did not.

Conclusion

Few lumbar muscle characteristics have limited evidence for an association with future LBP and physical performance outcomes, and the vast majority have limited evidence for having no association with such outcomes.
Elements of Friction Theory and Nanotribology
Authors: Gnecco Enrico , Meyer Ernst
Published: May 2015

Combining the classical theories of contact mechanics and lubrication with the study of friction on the nanometer range, this multi-scale book for researchers and students alike guides the reader deftly through the mechanisms governing friction processes, based on state-of-the-art models and experimental results. The first book in the field to incorporate recent research on nanotribology with classical theories of contact mechanics, this unique text explores atomic scale scratches, non-contact friction and fishing of molecular nanowires as observed in the lab. Beginning with simple key concepts, the reader is guided through progressively more complex topics, such as contact of self-affine surfaces and nanomanipulation, in a consistent style, encompassing both macroscopic and atomistic descriptions of friction, and using unified notations to enable use by physicists and engineers across the scientific community.
Bilingualism in the Spanish-Speaking World
Authors: Austin Jennifer , Blume María , Sánchez Liliana
Published: May 2015

Bilingualism has given rise to significant changes in Spanish-speaking countries. In the US, the increasing importance of Spanish has engendered an English-only movement; in Peru, contact between Spanish and Quechua has brought about language change; and in Iberia, speakers of Basque, Galician and Catalan have made their languages a compulsory part of school curricula and local government. This book provides an introduction to bilingualism in the Spanish-speaking world, looking at topics such as language contact, bilingual societies, bilingualism in schools, code-switching, language transfer, the emergence of new varieties of Spanish, and language choice - and how all of these phenomena affect the linguistic and cognitive development of the speaker. Using examples and case studies drawn primarily from Spanish/English bilinguals in the US, Spanish/Quechua bilinguals in Peru and Spanish/Basque bilinguals in Spain, it provides diverse perspectives on the experience of being bilingual in distinct cultural, political and socioeconomic contexts.
Self and Meaning in the Lives of Older People
Authors: Coleman Peter G. , Ivani-Chalian Christine , Robinson Maureen
Published: May 2015

More than thirty-five years ago, a longitudinal study was established to research the health and well-being of older people living in an English city. Self and Meaning in the Lives of Older People provides a unique set of portraits of forty members of this group who were interviewed in depth from their later seventies onwards. Focusing on sense of self-esteem and, especially, of continued meaning in life following the loss of a spouse and onset of frailty, this book sensitively illustrates these persons' efforts to maintain independence, to continue to have a sense of belonging and to contribute to the lives of others. It examines both the psychological and the social resources needed to flourish in later life and draws attention to this generation's ability to benefit from strong family support and from belonging to a faith community. In conclusion, it questions whether future generations will be as resilient.
Political Economies of Empire in the Early Modern Mediterranean
Authors: Fusaro Maria
Published: May 2015

Against the backdrop of England's emergence as a major economic power, the development of early modern capitalism in general and the transformation of the Mediterranean, Maria Fusaro presents a new perspective on the onset of Venetian decline. Examining the significant commercial relationship between these two European empires during the period 1450–1700, Fusaro demonstrates how Venice's social, political and economic circumstances shaped the English mercantile community in unique ways. By focusing on the commercial interaction between Venice and England, she also re-establishes the analysis of the maritime political economy as an essential constituent of the Venetian state political economy. This challenging interpretation of some classic issues of early modern history will be of profound interest to economic, social and legal historians and provides a stimulating addition to current debates in imperial history, especially on the economic relationship between different empires and the socio-economic interaction between 'rulers and ruled'.
A Divided Republic Nation State and Citizenship in Contemporary France
Authors: Chabal Emile
Published: May 2015

This book is an original and sophisticated historical interpretation of contemporary French political culture. Until now, there have been few attempts to understand the political consequences of the profound geopolitical, intellectual and economic changes that France has undergone since the 1970s. However, Emile Chabal's detailed study shows how passionate debates over citizenship, immigration, colonial memory, the reform of the state and the historiography of modern France have galvanised the French elite and created new spaces for discussion and disagreement. Many of these debates have coalesced around two political languages - republicanism and liberalism - both of which structure the historical imagination and the symbolic vocabulary of French political actors. The tension between these two political languages has become the central battleground of contemporary French politics. It is around these two poles that politicians, intellectuals and members of France's vast civil society have tried to negotiate the formidable challenges of ideological uncertainty and a renewed sense of global insecurity.
The Political Development of Modern Thailand
Authors: Ferrara Federico
Published: May 2015

Based on extensive, empirical research, The Political Development of Modern Thailand analyses the country's political history from the late nineteenth century to the present day. Long known for political instability, Thailand was thrust into a deep state of crisis by a royalist military coup staged in 2006. Since then, conservative royalists have overthrown more elected governments after violent street protests, while equally disruptive demonstrations staged by supporters of electoral democracy were crushed by military force. Federico Ferrara traces the roots of the crisis to unresolved struggles regarding the content of Thailand's national identity, dating back to the abolition of absolute monarchy in 1932. He explains the conflict's re-intensification with reference to a growing chasm between the hierarchical worldview of Thailand's hegemonic 'royal nationalism' and the aspirations that millions of ordinary people have come to harbour as a result of modernisation.
Probabilistic Forecasting and Bayesian Data Assimilation
Authors: Reich Sebastian , Cotter Colin
Published: May 2015

In this book the authors describe the principles and methods behind probabilistic forecasting and Bayesian data assimilation. Instead of focusing on particular application areas, the authors adopt a general dynamical systems approach, with a profusion of low-dimensional, discrete-time numerical examples designed to build intuition about the subject. Part I explains the mathematical framework of ensemble-based probabilistic forecasting and uncertainty quantification. Part II is devoted to Bayesian filtering algorithms, from classical data assimilation algorithms such as the Kalman filter, variational techniques, and sequential Monte Carlo methods, through to more recent developments such as the ensemble Kalman filter and ensemble transform filters. The McKean approach to sequential filtering in combination with coupling of measures serves as a unifying mathematical framework throughout Part II. Assuming only some basic familiarity with probability, this book is an ideal introduction for graduate students in applied mathematics, computer science, engineering, geoscience and other emerging application areas.
The United States and Fascist Italy
Authors: Migone Gian Giacomo
Published: May 2015

Originally published in Italian in 1980, Gli Stati Uniti e il fascismo: Alle origini dell'egemonia Americana in Italia is regarded today as a crucial text on the relationship between the United States and Italy during the interwar years. Aside from the addition of two new prefaces - one by the author and one by the book's translator, Molly Tambor - the original text has remained unchanged, so that Anglophone readers now have the opportunity to engage with this classic work. By analyzing the enduring relationship between the United States - especially its financial establishment - and fascist Italy up until Mussolini's conquest of Ethiopia in 1935, this book provides answers to some key questions about the interconnectedness of America's rise to hegemonic global financial power in the twentieth century and its support of Italian fascism during this time.
The Neural Code of Pitch and Harmony
Authors: Langner Gerald
Published: May 2015

Harmony is an integral part of our auditory environment. Resonances characterised by harmonic frequency relationships are found throughout the natural world and harmonic sounds are essential elements of speech, communication and, of course, music. Providing neurophysiological data and theories that are suitable to explain the neural code of pitch and harmony, the author demonstrates that musical pitch is a temporal phenomenon and musical harmony is a mathematical necessity based on neuronal mechanisms. Moreover, he offers new evidence for the role of an auditory time constant for speech and music perception as well as for similar neuronal processing mechanisms of auditory and brain waves. Successfully relating current neurophysiological results to the ancient ideas of Pythagoras, this unique title will appeal to specialists in the fields of neurophysiology, neuroacoustics, linguistics, behavioural biology and musicology as well as to a broader audience interested in the neural basis of music perception.