bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress-induced self-biasing of magnetoelectric coupling in embedded Ni/PZT/FeNi composite
Authors: Jing W. Q. , Fang F.
Published: May 2015

In this study, a self-biased magnetoelectric (ME) composite is designed without employing the epoxy and magnetization-graded materials. The composite is referred to as the three-phases-embedded one, consisting of a PZT ring with an inner disc of Ni50Fe50 and an outer ring of Ni via hard contact (Ni/PZT/FeNi composite). A large self-biased ME response and apparent hysteresis behavior are observed in the composites. Stress analysis and finite element simulation are carried out to reveal the underlying mechanism of the self-biased ME coupling and the magnetic-elastic-electric coupling of the embedded composites. The results indicate that the assembly stress induces magnetization of Ni at zero bias, and renders the self-biased ME coupling effect for the embedded Ni/PZT/FeNi composite.
High-endurance megahertz electrical self-oscillation in Ti/NbOx bilayer structures
Authors: Li Shuai , Liu Xinjun , Nandi Sanjoy Kumar , Venkatachalam Dinesh Kumar , Elliman Robert Glen
Published: May 2015

Electrical self-oscillation is reported for a Ti/NbOx negative differential resistance device incorporated in a simple electric circuit configuration. Measurements confirm stable operation of the oscillator at source voltages as low as 1.06 V, and demonstrate frequency control in the range from 2.5 to 20.5 MHz for voltage changes as small as ∼1 V. Device operation is reported for >6.5 × 1010 cycles, during which the operating frequency and peak-to-peak device current decreased by ∼25%. The low operating voltage, large frequency range, and high endurance of these devices makes them particularly interesting for applications such as neuromorphic computing.
Photoconductive response of a single Au nanorod coupled to LaAlO3/SrTiO3 nanowires
Authors: Jnawali Giriraj , Chen Lu , Huang Mengchen , Lee Hyungwoo , Ryu Sangwoo , Podkaminer Jacob P. , Eom Chang-Beom , Irvin Patrick , Levy Jeremy
Published: May 2015

Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy is an important tool that provides resonant access to free carrier motion, molecular rotation, lattice vibrations, excitonic, spin, and other degrees of freedom. Current methods using THz radiation suffer from limits due to diffraction or low-sensitivity, preventing application at the scale of single nanoscale objects. Here, we present coupling between plasmonic degrees of freedom in a single gold nanorod and broadband THz emission generated from a proximal LaAlO3/SrTiO3 nanostructure. A strong enhancement of THz emission is measured for incident radiation that is linearly polarized along the long axis of the nanorod. This demonstration paves the way for the investigation of near-field plasmonic coupling in a variety of molecular-scale systems.
Genetic effects of an air discharge plasma on Staphylococcus aureus at the gene transcription level
Authors: Xu Zimu , Wei Jun , Shen Jie , Liu Yuan , Ma Ronghua , Zhang Zelong , Qian Shulou , Ma Jie , Lan Yan , Zhang Hao , Zhao Ying , Xia Weidong , Sun Qiang , Cheng Cheng , Chu Paul K.
Published: May 2015

The dynamics of gene expression regulation (at transcription level) in Staphylococcus aureus after different doses of atmospheric-pressure room-temperature air plasma treatments are investigated by monitoring the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The plasma treatment influences the transcription of genes which are associated with several important bio-molecular processes related to the environmental stress resistance of the bacteria, including oxidative stress response, biofilm formation, antibiotics resistance, and DNA damage protection/repair. The reactive species generated by the plasma discharge in the gas phase and/or induced in the liquid phase may account for these gene expression changes.
Coverage dependent work function of graphene on a Cu(111) substrate with intercalated alkali metals
Authors: Cook Brandon , Russakoff Arthur , Varga Kálmán
Published: May 2015

Using first-principles calculations, it is shown that the work function of graphene on copper can be adjusted by varying the concentration of intercalated alkali metals. Using density functional theory, we calculate the modulation of work function when Li, Na, or K are intercalated between graphene and a Cu(111) surface. The physical origins of the change in work function are explained in terms of phenomenological models accounting for the formation and depolarization of interfacial dipoles and the shift in the Fermi-level induced via charge transfer.
Enhancing solid-liquid interface thermal transport using self-assembled monolayers
Authors: Tian Zhiting , Marconnet Amy , Chen Gang
Published: May 2015

The thermal conductance across solid-liquid interfaces is of interest for many applications. Using time-domain thermoreflectance, we measure the thermal conductance across self-assembled monolayers, grown on Au, to ethanol. We systematically study the effect of different functional groups and the alkyl chain length on the thermal conductance. The results show that adding this extra molecular layer can enhance the thermal transport across the solid-liquid interface. While the enhancement is up to 5 times from hexanedithiol, the enhancement from hexanethiol, undecanethiol, and hexadecanethiol is approximately a factor of 2.
25 Gbit/s differential phase-shift-keying signal generation using directly modulated quantum-dot semiconductor optical amplifiers
Authors: Zeghuzi A. , Schmeckebier H. , Stubenrauch M. , Meuer C. , Schubert C. , Bunge C.-A. , Bimberg D.
Published: May 2015

Error-free generation of 25-Gbit/s differential phase-shift keying (DPSK) signals via direct modulation of InAs quantum-dot (QD) based semiconductor optical amplifiers (SOAs) is experimentally demonstrated with an input power level of −5 dBm. The QD SOAs emit in the 1.3-μm wavelength range and provide a small-signal fiber-to-fiber gain of 8 dB. Furthermore, error-free DPSK modulation is achieved for constant optical input power levels from 3 dBm down to only −11 dBm for a bit rate of 20 Gbit/s. Direct phase modulation of QD SOAs via current changes is thus demonstrated to be much faster than direct gain modulation.
A vibration-driven nanogenerator fabricated on common paper substrate for harvesting energy from environment
Authors: Lei J. X. , Qiu Y. , Yang D. C. , Zhang H. Q. , Yin B. , Ji J. Y. , Zhao Y. , Hu L. Z.
Published: May 2015

There are numerous sources of mechanical energy in our environment, such as ultrasonic waves, body movement, and irregular air flow/vibration. Here, we present a simple, cost-effective approach for fabricating a flexible nanogenerator and apply it to harvest energy from environmental mechanical vibrations. The nanogenerator was based on ZnO nanorods grown on common paper substrate using a low-temperature hydrothermal method. Piezoelectric currents were measured by attaching the nanogenerator on the surface of a cantilever and a wind-up drum, respectively. At the same time, the vibrations of the cantilever and wind-up drum could also be characterized by the corresponding output signals. This is a practical and versatile technology with the potential for converting a variety of environment energy into electric energy, and also with the application for pre-warning of emergency, such as earthquake and burgling.
A tunable acoustic barrier based on periodic arrays of subwavelength slits
Authors: Rubio Constanza , Uris Antonio , Candelas Pilar , Belmar Francisco , Gomez-Lozano Vicente
Published: May 2015

The most usual method to reduce undesirable enviromental noise levels during its transmission is the use of acoustic barriers. A novel type of acoustic barrier based on sound transmission through subwavelength slits is presented. This system consists of two rows of periodic repetition of vertical rigid pickets separated by a slit of subwavelength width and with a misalignment between them. Here, both the experimental and the numerical analyses are presented. The acoustic barrier proposed can be easily built and is frequency tunable. The results demonstrated that the proposed barrier can be tuned to mitigate a band noise without excesive barrier thickness. The use of this system as an environmental acoustic barrier has certain advantages with regard to the ones currently used both from the constructive and the acoustical point of view.
The Traditions of Grammar Writing in Karl Philipp Moritz’s (1756–1793) Grammars of English (1784) and Italian (1791)
Authors: Tintemann Ute
Published: May 2015

Until the late 18th century, authors of vernacular grammars often adopted the categories of Latin grammar to describe these languages. However, by adapting the Latin system to English, German or Italian, grammarians could succeed only in part, because these languages work in different ways. In the present paper, the author discusses the solutions that Karl Philipp Moritz (1756–1793) proposes in hisEnglischeandItaliänische Sprachlehre für die Deutschen, textbooks for German learners. The author analyses to what extent Moritz’s grammar descriptions were influenced by the Latin model as well as by the traditions of English and Italian grammar writing that he encountered in his sources. It will be demonstrated that he translated extensively from the works of other authors: For his English textbook (Moritz 1784), he mainly used James Greenwood’s (1683?–1737)The Royal English Grammar(1737), and for Italian (Moritz 1791), he profited especially from Benedetto Rogacci’s (1646–1719)Pratica, e compendiosa istruzione circa l’uso emendato, ed elegante della Lingua Italiana(1711).
Iconicity in Saussure’s Linguistic Work
Authors: Joseph John E.
Published: May 2015

Ferdinand de Saussure (1857–1913) is routinely criticized for denying the possibility of iconicity in language through his principle of the arbitrariness of linguistic signs. Yet two of his articles, one from the beginning (1877) and the other from the end (1912) of his career, propose analyses of the development of certain Latin verbs and adjectives in which iconicity plays a key role. Saussure did not dismiss iconicity, but limited its sphere of application to the relationship between signs and their referents, which falls outside linguistics as he defined it. Hence iconicity does not contradict arbitrariness, which applies to the relationship between signifier and signified within the linguistic sign.
European identities and the revival of nationalism in the European Union
Authors: Wodak Ruth , Boukala Salomi
Published: May 2015

To date, the concept of ‘European identity’ remains quite vague and obscure. Who is European and who is not? What values do Europeans share, and who is included in or excluded from the European community? This paper deals with the renegotiation of European identity/ies and the simultaneous increase of discourses about national security and nationalism in Europe, especially during the financial crisis since 2008. We first discuss a range of theoretical approaches to European identity from an interdisciplinary perspective. In a second step, after summarising theDiscourse-Historical Approach(DHA) to Critical Discourse Studies (CDS) and especially the concept oftopos, we illustrate the link between discursive constructions of European identities and cultural ‘Others’ via some recent examples of European and national debates on migration and economic issues. More specifically, we first analyse a speech by Geert Wilders on immigration and multiculturalism after the clashes in Tunisia in 2011 and the subsequent arrival of many refugees in Italy; secondly, we focus on a speech about British relations to the European Union in the 21st century by the British Prime Minister, David Cameron. It becomes apparent that debates about European identities – especially since the financial crisis of 2008 – have increasingly been accompanied by debates about both more traditional racialised cultural concerns and more recently, about economic security, leading to new distinctions between ‘Us’, the ‘real Europeans’, and ‘Them’, the ‘Others’. In this way, the socio-political unification of Europe is challenged – once again.
What Happens When Food Marketers Require Restrictive Farming Practices?
Authors: Saitone Tina L. , Sexton Richard J. , Sumner Daniel A.
Published: May 2015

The dimensions that define a food product have expanded rapidly to include characteristics of the production process, marketing arrangements, and implications that production and consumption of the product have for the environment. Some market intermediaries have responded by requiring that their suppliers abide by restrictive production practices. We examine the economic effects of such restrictions and apply this analysis to limitations on the use of antibiotics in U.S. pork production. Results from conceptual and simulation analyses show that, in the absence of demand growth, less pork is sold due to higher costs in the restricted segment, and both pork consumers (on average) and producers are harmed. Demand growth of between 6–11% from adding new consumers who will consume the restricted (antibiotic‐free) product but not the conventional product is needed to return consumer surplus to the level in the base case, and between 2–4% demand growth was required to return producer surplus to base. When restricted and conventional products are modeled using a vertical differentiation framework, results depend importantly on the ease with which consumers can switch to a seller who offers their desired product type. Significant distributional impacts among consumers are present when switching costs are prohibitive.
Cyclic Lipopeptides of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens subsp. plantarum Colonizing the Lettuce Rhizosphere Enhance Plant Defense Responses Toward the Bottom Rot Pathogen Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Chowdhury Soumitra Paul , Uhl Jenny , Grosch Rita , Alquéres Sylvia , Pittroff Sabrina , Dietel Kristin , Schmitt-Kopplin Philippe , Borriss Rainer , Hartmann Anton
Published: May 2015

The commercially available inoculant Bacillus amyloliquefaciens FZB42 is able to considerably reduce lettuce bottom rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani. To understand the interaction between FZB42 and R. solani in the rhizosphere of lettuce, we used an axenic system with lettuce bacterized with FZB42 and inoculated with R. solani. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that FZB42 could delay the initial establishment of R. solani on the plants. To show which secondary metabolites of FZB42 are produced under these in-situ conditions, we developed an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry–based method and identified surfactin, fengycin, and bacillomycin D in the lettuce rhizosphere. We hypothesized that lipopeptides and polyketides play a role in enhancing the plant defense responses in addition to the direct antagonistic effect toward R. solani and used a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction–based assay for marker genes involved in defense signaling pathways in lettuce. A significant higher expression of PDF 1.2 observed in the bacterized plants in response to subsequent pathogen challenge showed that FZB42 could enhance the lettuce defense response toward the fungal pathogen. To identify if surfactin or other nonribosomally synthesized secondary metabolites could elicit the observed enhanced defense gene expression, we examined two mutants of FZB42 deficient in production of surfactin and the lipopetides and polyketides, by expression analysis and pot experiments. In the absence of surfactin and other nonribosomally synthesized secondary metabolites, there was no enhanced PDF 1.2–mediated response to the pathogen challenge. Pot experiment results showed that the mutants failed to reduce disease incidence in lettuce as compared with the FZB42 wild type, indicating, that surfactin as well as other nonribosomally synthesized secondary metabolites play a role in the actual disease suppression and on lettuce health. In conclusion, our study showed that nonribosomally synthesized secondary metabolites of FZB42 are actually produced in the lettuce rhizosphere and contribute to the disease suppression by mediating plant defense gene expression toward the pathogen R. solani.
Fretting wear mapping: the influence of contact geometry and frequency on debris formation and ejection for a steel-on-steel pair
Authors: Warmuth A. R. , Shipway P. H. , Sun W.
Published: May 2015

This paper examines the influence of contact geometry and oscillation frequency in a steel cylinder-on-steel flat fretting contact, with contact geometry being varied via the cylinder radius. Fretting frequency did not significantly impact the wear behaviour for more-conforming contacts, but did so for less-conforming contacts where, at high frequency, the wear rate is approximately 50% of that observed for low-frequency fretting. It is proposed that frequency and contact conformity fundamentally control wear behaviour through influence of both the debris type and the retention or ejection of that debris from the contact. The debris type (either oxide or metallic) is influenced by fretting frequency (which controls the interval between asperity contacts) and by contact conformity (which controls the distance that oxygen has to travel to fully penetrate the contact). Debris retention within the contact is promoted by higher fretting frequencies (the associated higher contact temperature promotes debris agglomeration and sintering in the contact) and by higher contact conformity (which acts as a physical barrier to debris egress). Maps are presented which categorize the observed behaviour and outline a phenomenological framework by which the basic physical processes which influence fretting behaviour can be understood.
Linear Taylor–Couette stability of a transversely isotropic fluid
Authors: Holloway C. R. , Dyson R. J. , Smith D. J.
Published: May 2015

Fibre-laden fluids are found in a variety of situations, while Couette devices are used for flow spectroscopy of long biological molecules, such as DNA and proteins in suspension. The presence of these fibres can significantly alter the rheology of the fluid, and hence must be incorporated in any modelling undertaken. A transversely isotropic fluid treats these suspensions as a continuum with an evolving preferred direction, through a modified stress tensor incorporating four viscosity-like parameters. We consider the axisymmetric linear stability of a transversely isotropic viscous fluid, contained between two rotating co-axial cylinders, and determine the critical wave and Taylor numbers for varying gap width and inner cylinder velocity (assuming the outer cylinder is fixed). Through the inclusion of transversely isotropic effects, the onset of instability is delayed, increasing the range of stable operating regimes. This effect is felt most strongly through incorporation of the anisotropic shear viscosity, although the anisotropic extensional viscosity also contributes. The changes to the rheology induced by the presence of the fibres therefore significantly alter the dynamics of the system, and hence should not be neglected.
The structure and function of ‘active zone material’ at synapses
Authors: Szule Joseph A. , Jung Jae Hoon , McMahan Uel J.
Published: May 2015

The docking of synaptic vesicles on the presynaptic membrane and their priming for fusion with it to mediate synaptic transmission of nerve impulses typically occur at structurally specialized regions on the membrane called active zones. Stable components of active zones include aggregates of macromolecules, ‘active zone material’ (AZM), attached to the presynaptic membrane, and aggregates of Ca2+-channels in the membrane, through which Ca2+enters the cytosol to trigger impulse-evoked vesicle fusion with the presynaptic membrane by interacting with Ca2+-sensors on the vesicles. This laboratory has used electron tomography to study, at macromolecular spatial resolution, the structure and function of AZM at the simply arranged active zones of axon terminals at frog neuromuscular junctions. The results support the conclusion that AZM directs the docking and priming of synaptic vesicles and essential positioning of Ca2+-channels relative to the vesicles' Ca2+-sensors. Here we review the findings and comment on their applicability to understanding mechanisms of docking, priming and Ca2+-triggering at other synapses, where the arrangement of active zone components differs.
Where will the axe fall?
Authors: Amankwah-Amoah Joseph
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the types of attributions after a business failure. Although business failure has garnered a plethora of scholarly attention, there remains an ambiguity and a lack of clarity about the process and types of attribution after a business failure.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on a synthesis of the multiple streams of research on the subject. This led to the development of an integrated framework of attributions after business failure.

Findings

– The paper integrates the business failure literature and attribution theory to develop a 2 × 2 conceptual framework which accounts for not only the effect on pace (time) but alsolocusof causality in the attribution process. Crossing the two main causes of business failure with two types of attribution produces the 2 × 2 matrix of types of attribution after a business failure which includes early internal attribution, late internal attribution, early external attribution and late external attribution.

Research limitations/implications

– The theorisation of the literature offers a number of implications for theory and practice.

Originality/value

– The study also explains the underlying processes inherent in learning from others’ failures and consequences of business failure. The framework removes some of the ambiguity in the existing literature and outlines a number of fruitful avenues for future research.
LSS, a problem solving skill for graduates and SMEs
Authors: Shokri Alireza , Nabhani Farhad
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of a systematic Lean Six Sigma (LSS) education through the curriculum of business schools to respond to the existing gap between the graduate’s expectation of employability and skill requirements by the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

– A UK business school has been used as a case study to conduct extensive module and programme review followed by a semi-structured interview with potentially suitable core and programme-specific module tutors and comparative analysis.

Findings

– The result revealed a high potential of the existing modules in the business schools equivalent to the private sector training providers to increase the level of LSS problem-solving knowledge and skill for all graduates and improve their employability and productivity for the SMEs.

Originality/value

– The result of this study highlights the role of LSS to reduce the knowledge and skill gap between the business schools as the source of the explicit knowledge, graduates as the knowledge and skill bearer and SMEs as the knowledge and skill users.
Violent work environments
Authors: Tutenges Sébastien , Søgaard Thomas Friis , Krøll Lea Trier , Bloomfield Kim , Hesse Morten
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Over the last decade a substantial pool of research has emerged on bouncers and their influence on the safety conditions in nightlife environments. Comparatively little, however, has been written on bouncers themselves and their working conditions. The purpose of this paper is to identify the perceived risks, stress and other work-related problems among bouncers working in Danish nightlife.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey was conducted. In total, 238 bouncers were contacted and 159 of them completed a questionnaire.

Findings

– In total, 40 percent reported having been threatened with a weapon and 58 percent reported that they had been physically assaulted at work. Moreover, 16 percent reported feeling stressed and 50 percent reported weekly sleeping difficulties.

Originality/value

– These findings highlight some of the costs of working in the night-time economy. They may be used to improve the working conditions of bouncers and, by implication, help improve the general safety conditions in nightlife environments.
Evaluation of torque as a means of in-process sensing of tool wear in friction stir welding of metal matrix composites
Authors: Prater Tracie , Gibson Brian , Cox Chase , Cook George E. , Strauss Al , Longhurst William
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the tool experiences using torque during welding as a means of in-process sensing for tool wear. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are materials with immense potential for aerospace structural applications. The major barrier to implementation of these materials is manufacturability, specifically joining MMCs to themselves or other materials using fusion welding. Friction stir welding (FSW) is an excellent candidate process for joining MMCs, as it occurs below the melting point of the material, thus precluding the formation of degradative intermetallics’ phases present in fusion welded joints. The limiting factor for use of FSW in this application is wear of the tool. The abrasive particles which give MMCs their enhanced properties progressively erode the tool features that facilitate vertical mixing and consolidation of material during welding, resulting in joints with porosity. While wear can be mitigated by careful selection of process parameters and/or the use of harder tool materials, these approaches have significant complexities and limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates using the torque the tool experiences during welding as a means of in-process sensing for tool wear. Process signals were collected during linear FSW of Al 359/SiC/20p and correlated with wear of the tool probe. The results of these experiments demonstrate that there is a correlation between torque and wear, and the torque process signal can potentially be exploited to monitor and control tool wear during welding.

Findings

Radial deterioration of the probe during joining of MMCs by FSW corresponds to a decrease in the torque experienced by the tool. Experimentally observed relationship between torque and wear opens the door to the development of in-process sensing, as the decay in the torque signal can be correlated to the amount of volume lost by the probe. The decay function for tool wear in FSW of a particular MMC can be determined experimentally using the methodology presented here. The decay of the torque signal as the tool loses volume presents a potential method for control of the wear process.

Originality/value

This work has near-term commercial applications, as a means of monitoring and controlling wear in process could serve to grow commercial use of MMCs and expand the design space for these materials beyond net or near-net-shape parts.
Ecological connectivity research in urban areas
Authors: LaPoint Scott , Balkenhol Niko , Hale James , Sadler Jonathan , van der Ree Rodney
Published: May 2015

The successful movement of individuals is fundamental to life. Facilitating these movements by promoting ecological connectivity has become a central theme in ecology and conservation. Urban areas contain more than half of the world's human population, and their potential to support biodiversity and to connect their citizens to nature is increasingly recognized. Promoting ecological connectivity within these areas is essential to reaching this potential. However, our current understanding of ecological connectivity within urban areas appears limited.

We reviewed the published scientific literature to assess the state‐of‐the‐art of ecological connectivity research in urban areas, summarized trends in study attributes and highlighted knowledge gaps.

We found 174 papers that investigated ecological connectivity within urban areas. These papers addressed either structural (48) or functional connectivity (111), and some addressed both (15), but contained substantial geographic and taxonomic biases. These papers rarely defined the aspect of connectivity they were investigating and objective descriptions of the local urban context were uncommon. Formulated hypotheses ora prioripredictions were typically unstated and many papers used suboptimal study designs and methods.

We suggest future studies explicitly consider and quantify the landscape within their analyses and make greater use of available and rapidly developing tools and methods for measuring functional connectivity (e.g. biotelemetry or landscape genetics). We also highlight the need for studies to clearly define how the terms ‘urban’ and ‘connectivity’ have been applied.

Knowledge gaps in ecological connectivity in urban areas remain, partly because the field is still in its infancy and partly because we must better capitalize on the state‐of‐the‐art technological and analytical techniques that are increasingly available. Well‐designed studies that employed high‐resolution data and powerful analytical techniques highlight our abilities to quantify ecological connectivity in urban areas. These studies are exemplary, setting the standards for future research to facilitate data‐driven and evidence‐based biodiversity‐friendly infrastructure planning in urban areas.
Efficacy and safety of chemotherapy for newly diagnosed advanced non‐small cell lung cancer with venous thromboembolism
Authors: Zhang Xueli , Li Huiqiao , Chen Wenhui , Yang Yuanhua , Wang Chen , Zhang Yuhui
Published: May 2015

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication in patients with lung cancer. The benefit of chemotherapy for lung cancer patients with VTE remains unknown. This study was conducted to elucidate the efficacy and safety of chemotherapy for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients with VTE.

Methods

Newly diagnosed patients with advanced (i.e. stage IIIB and IV) NSCLC with VTE who received systemic chemotherapy were studied. Response rates, progression‐free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

In this study, 21 patients who received chemotherapy plus anticoagulation therapy between December 2009 and February 2011 were included. The objective response and disease control rates within the first regimen were 14.29% (3/21) and 76.19 %(16/21), respectively. The median PFS, one‐year survival rate, and median OS were 5.50 months, 33.30%, and 8.70 months, respectively. The main grade 3/4 toxicities observed included neutropenia (28.57%), nausea 4 (19.05%), and anemia 2 (9.52%). Major bleeding was not observed.

Conclusion

Chemotherapy for newly diagnosed patients with advanced NSCLC and VTE was feasible and had acceptable toxicity; however, the survival of these patients remained inferior to that of patients without VTE.
Diagnostic criteria in 72 women with erosive vulvovaginal lichen planus
Authors: Kennedy Harriet , Oakley Amanda , Rowan Darion , Lamont Duncan
Published: May 2015

Background

Erosive vulvovaginal lichen planus (EVLP) is a chronic, painful dermatosis affecting mucocutaneous sites. Clinicopathological diagnostic criteria have been described on the basis of expert consensus. The aim of this study was to review the presentation of EVLP, particularly assessing the frequency of suggested diagnostic criteria.

Methods

Clinical signs, symptoms and histological features of women with a clinical diagnosis of EVLP were identified from clinical records and photographs.

Results

In all, 72 women with an average age of 67 years were included. Pain or burning were documented in 66/72 cases (92%) and itch in 36 (50%). Clinical images showed well‐demarcated red shiny areas or erosions at the vaginal introitus (96%), scarring with loss of normal architecture (88%) and hyperkeratotic border and Wickham striae (46%). A total of 27 women had mucosal disease at another site (38%) and 24 had vaginal involvement (33%). Vulval histology was available for 45/72 cases (63%). The most prevalent histological finding was a band of inflammation with predominant lymphocytes (35/72, 49%). Overall, 97% of cases had at least three of nine suggested diagnostic criteria.

Conclusions

The most frequent findings in women with EVLP were symptoms of pain or burning, well‐demarcated red shiny areas or erosions at the introitus and scarring with loss of architecture. Our findings support the recently described diagnostic criteria for EVLP.
Archaeometric Characterization of Amphorae from the Late Antique City ofEmporiae(Catalonia, Spain)
Authors: Fantuzzi L. , Cau Ontiveros M. A. , Aquilué X.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this work is to present the results of the archaeometric characterization of amphorae recovered at the Late Antique city of Emporiae, currently Sant Martí d'Empúries (Catalonia, Spain). A total of 53 amphora samples have been analysed using a combination of techniques, including X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffraction and optical microscopy by thin‐section analysis. The integrated results shed light on the provenance of these materials, providing evidence for the study of the commercial trends of Emporiae mainly for the fifth and sixth centuriesad. The majority of the imports were related to Tunisian amphorae, for which a diversity of compositions was revealed, evidencing a shift from northern to central Tunisian production centres supplying the city from the sixth century. A number of Eastern Mediterranean, South Hispanic and Italic products were also identified, associated with a large variety of compositional groups. This diversity is also evident within the same production region and for amphorae of the same typology, indicating the arrival of similar products from different workshops, as has been observed especially for the Eastern Mediterranean LRA 1 amphora type.
Using Moral Foundations to Predict Voting Behavior: Regression Models from the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election
Authors: Franks Andrew S. , Scherr Kyle C.
Published: May 2015

The current research examined the ability of moral foundations to predict candidate choice in the 2012 U.S. Presidential Election across three studies. Results indicated that endorsement of moral foundations predicted voting outcomes beyond that predicted by important demographic variables that are traditionally included in election forecasts and research. When moral foundations were collapsed into two variables (individualizing and binding foundations), increased endorsement of the individualizing foundations consistently predicted support for Barack Obama, and increased endorsement of the binding foundations consistently predicted support for Mitt Romney. The most reliable unique predictor of candidate choice among the five separate foundations was purity, which strongly motivated support for Mitt Romney. Additionally, increased endorsement of the fairness foundation uniquely predicted support for Barack Obama. The effects observed across the three studies demonstrate a direct relationship between moral foundations endorsements and candidate choice. Implications for those using moral appeals in their political influence strategies are discussed.
Use of developmental temperature and gastrointestinal tract location to isolate pure Trichostrongylus vitrinus from mixed, naturally acquired trichostrongylid infections in sheep
Authors: Blackburn PJ , Carmichael IH , Walkden‐Brown SW , Greenslade S
Published: May 2015

Objective

To isolate Trichostrongylus vitrinus from naturally‐acquired mixed trichostrongylid infections (predominantly Trichostrongylus spp. and Teladorsagia circumcincta) in sheep using differential larval development temperatures and the anatomical location of adults.

Methods

Faeces were collected from ewes with mixed, naturally acquired trichostrongylid infection, and incubated at low temperatures (4°C or 8°C) for 20–68 days depending on temperature. Harvested infective larvae were passaged through worm‐free lambs, from which the first 5 m of small intestine was collected and adult worms recovered. Purity of infection with T. vitrinus was assessed by examination of spicules on 100 adult male worms. Eggs of recovered adult female worms were cultured at 25°C and harvested larvae were re‐passaged through worm‐free lambs.

Results

Low temperature incubation (≤8°C) successfully exploited variation in the developmental temperature required by pre‐parasitic stages of small intestinal nematodes, allowing T. vitrinus to develop while others did not. Differential organ harvest from infected sheep allowed isolation of T. vitrinus from other gastrointestinal nematodes, with amplification of pure T. vitrinus achieved by passage through a further generation of lambs.

Conclusion

A successful method for the isolation of pure T. vitrinus from mixed infections is described. The resulting pure strain of T. vitrinus has been amplified and is held by two institutions for use in research (CSIRO reference SARDI 2011 strain).
Retrospective evaluation of the efficacy of isolating bacteria from synovial fluid in dogs with suspected septic arthritis
Authors: Scharf VF , Lewis ST , Wellehan JF , Wamsley HL , Richardson R , Sundstrom DA , Lewis DD
Published: May 2015

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of synovial fluid culture in obtaining the causative organism from dogs with suspected septic arthritis.

Methods

In this retrospective evaluation, synovial fluid cytology and microbiology submissions from dogs with suspected septic arthritis from March 2007 to August 2011 were reviewed. Synovial fluid cytology consistent with joint sepsis was identified. Cultures of synovial fluid from dogs with clinical histories and abnormalities consistent with septic arthritis were used to evaluate the efficacy of bacterial isolation.

Results

In total, 36 dogs met the inclusion criteria. Initial aerobic cultures of joint fluid yielded bacterial growth in 44% of these dogs. All anaerobic cultures were negative. In 19% of the dogs with positive cultures, antibiotics had been administered prior to arthrocentesis compared with 10% of dogs with negative cultures. There was no association between culture efficacy and the administration of antimicrobial treatment prior to synovial fluid culture or recent surgery involving the affected joint (P = 0.637 and P = 0.106, respectively).

Conclusion

Culture of synovial fluid from dogs with suspected septic arthritis has a low yield, necessitating a more effective means of identifying bacteria from suspected septic joints in dogs.
Loss of RUNX1/AML1 arginine‐methylation impairs peripheral T cell homeostasis
Authors: Mizutani Shinsuke , Yoshida Tatsushi , Zhao Xinyang , Nimer Stephen D. , Taniwaki Masafumi , Okuda Tsukasa
Published: May 2015

RUNX1 (previously termed AML1) is a frequent target of human leukaemia‐associated gene aberrations, and it encodes the DNA‐binding subunit of the Core‐Binding Factor transcription factor complex. RUNX1 expression is essential for the initiation of definitive haematopoiesis, for steady‐state thrombopoiesis, and for normal lymphocytes development. Recent studies revealed that protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1), which accounts for the majority of the type I PRMT activity in cells, methylates two arginine residues in RUNX1 (R206 and R210), and these modifications inhibit corepressor‐binding to RUNX1 thereby enhancing its transcriptional activity. In order to elucidate the biological significance of these methylations, we established novel knock‐in mouse lines with non‐methylable, double arginine‐to‐lysine (RTAMR‐to‐KTAMK) mutations in RUNX1. Homozygous Runx1KTAMK/KTAMK mice are born alive and appear normal during adulthood. However, Runx1KTAMK/KTAMK mice showed a reduction in CD3+ T lymphoid cells and a decrease in CD4+ T cells in peripheral lymphoid organs, in comparison to their wild‐type littermates, leading to a reduction in the CD4+ to CD8+ T‐cell ratio. These findings suggest that arginine‐methylation of RUNX1 in the RTAMR‐motif is dispensable for the development of definitive haematopoiesis and for steady‐state platelet production, however this modification affects the role of RUNX1 in the maintenance of the peripheral CD4+ T‐cell population.
Comprehensive characterization of mesenchymal stromal cells from patients with Fanconi anaemia
Authors: Mantelli Melissa , Avanzini Maria Antonia , Rosti Vittorio , Ingo Daniela M. , Conforti Antonella , Novara Francesca , Arrigo Giulia , Boni Marina , Zappatore Rita , Lenta Elisa , Moretta Antonia , Acquafredda Gloria , de Silvestri Annalisa , Cirillo Valentina , Cicchetti Elisa , Algeri Mattia , Strocchio Luisa , Vinti Luciana , Starc Nadia , Biagini Simone , Sirleto Pietro , Bernasconi Paolo , Zuffardi Orsetta , Maserati Emanuela , Maccario Rita , Zecca Marco , Locatelli Franco , Bernardo Maria Ester
Published: May 2015

Fanconi anaemia (FA) is an inherited disorder characterized by pancytopenia, congenital malformations and a predisposition to develop malignancies. Alterations in the haematopoietic microenvironment of FA patients have been reported, but little is known regarding the components of their bone marrow (BM) stroma. We characterized mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) isolated from BM of 18 FA patients both before and after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Morphology, fibroblast colony‐forming unit (CFU‐F) ability, proliferative capacity, immunophenotype, differentiation potential, ability to support long‐term haematopoiesis and immunomodulatory properties of FA‐MSCs were analysed and compared with those of MSCs expanded from 15 age‐matched healthy donors (HD‐MSCs). FA‐MSCs were genetically characterized through conventional karyotyping, diepoxybutane‐test and array‐comparative genomic hybridization. FA‐MSCs generated before and after HSCT were compared. Morphology, immunophenotype, differentiation potential, ability in vitro to inhibit mitogen‐induced T‐cell proliferation and to support long‐term haematopoiesis did not differ between FA‐MSCs and HD‐MSCs. CFU‐F ability and proliferative capacity of FA‐MSCs isolated after HSCT were significantly lower than those of HD‐MSCs. FA‐MSCs reached senescence significantly earlier than HD‐MSCs and showed spontaneous chromosome fragility. Our findings indicate that FA‐MSCs are defective in their ability to survive in vitro and display spontaneous chromosome breakages; whether these defects are involved in pathophysiology of BM failure syndromes deserves further investigation.
Whole body diffusion weighted MRI – a new view of myeloma
Authors: Messiou Christina , Kaiser Martin
Published: May 2015

The recent consensus statement from the International Myeloma Working Group has introduced the role of whole body (WB) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) into the management pathway for patients with multiple myeloma. The speed, coverage and high sensitivity of WB diffusion weighted (DW)‐MRI and the unique capability to quantify both burden of disease and response to treatment has led to increasing implementation at leading centres worldwide for imaging malignant marrow disease, both primary and metastatic. WB DW‐MRI is likely to have a significant impact on management decisions and pathways for patients with multiple myeloma. This review will introduce the basic principles of DW‐MRI, present current evidence for patients with myeloma and will discuss practicalities and exciting future applications.
Novel digital imaging techniques to assess the outcome in oral rehabilitation with dental implants: a narrative review
Authors: Benic Goran I. , Elmasry Moustafa , Hämmerle Christoph H. F.
Published: May 2015

Aim

To examine the literature on novel digital imaging techniques for the assessment of outcomes in oral rehabilitation with dental implants.

Material and methods

An electronic search of Medline and Embase databases including studies published prior to 28th December 2014 was performed and supplemented by a manual search. A synthesis of the publications was presented describing the use of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, optical scanning, spectrophotometry or optical coherence tomography (OCT) related to the outcome measures in implant therapy.

Results and conclusions

Most of the digital imaging techniques have not yet sufficiently been validated to be used for outcome measures in implant dentistry. In clinical research, cone beam CT (CBCT) is increasingly being used for 3D assessment of bone and soft tissue following augmentation procedures and implant placement. Currently, there are no effective methods for the reduction of artifacts around implants in CBCT. Optical scanning is being used for the 3D assessment of changes in the soft tissue contour. The combination of optical scan with pre‐operative CBCT allows the determination of the implant position and its spatial relation to anatomical structures. Spectrophotometry is the method most commonly used to objectively assess the color match of reconstructions and peri‐implant mucosa to natural dentition and gingiva. New optical imaging techniques may be considered possible approaches for monitoring peri‐implant soft tissue health. MRI and ultrasonography appear promising non‐ionizing radiation imaging modalities for the assessment of soft tissue and bone defect morphologies. Optical scanners and OCT may represent efficient clinical methods for accurate assessment of the misfit between the reconstructions and the implants.
Early development of circadian rhythmicity in the suprachiamatic nuclei and pineal gland of teleost, flounder (Paralichthys olivaeus), embryos
Authors: Mogi Makoto , Uji Susumu , Yokoi Hayato , Suzuki Tohru
Published: May 2015

Circadian rhythms enable organisms to coordinate multiple physiological processes and behaviors with the earth's rotation. In mammals, the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN), the sole master circadian pacemaker, has entrainment mechanisms that set the circadian rhythm to a 24‐h cycle with photic signals from retina. In contrast, the zebrafish SCN is not a circadian pacemaker, instead the pineal gland (PG) houses the major circadian oscillator. The SCN of flounder larvae, unlike that of zebrafish, however, expresses per2 with a rhythmicity of daytime/ON and nighttime/OFF. Here, we examined whether the rhythm of per2 expression in the flounder SCN represents the molecular clock. We also examined early development of the circadian rhythmicity in the SCN and PG. Our three major findings were as follows. First, rhythmic per2 expression in the SCN was maintained under 24 h dark (DD) conditions, indicating that a molecular clock exists in the flounder SCN. Second, onset of circadian rhythmicity in the SCN preceded that in the PG. Third, both 24 h light (LL) and DD conditions deeply affected the development of circadian rhythmicity in the SCN and PG. This is the first report dealing with the early development of circadian rhythmicity in the SCN in fish.