bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Cigarette Smoke on the Translocator Protein (TSPO) in Cultured Lung Cancer Cells
Authors: Nagler Rafael , Cohen Shiri , Gavish Moshe
Published: May 2015

Lung cancer is prevalent in cigarette smokers. The mitochondrial membrane translocator protein (TSPO), is thought to protect cells from free radical damage. We examined the effect of cigarette smoke (CS) (containing free radicals) alone and in the presence of saliva (containing redox active free iron), on survival of H1299 lung cancer cells and on their mitochondrial characteristics, and whether TSPO binding was influenced by CS and by saliva. We exposed H1299 cells to CS in the presence/absence of saliva and also characterized TSPO binding in the cells using [3H]PK 11195 as a radioligand. CS induced a significant drop in mitochondrial potential (ΔΨm), while addition of saliva did not lead to further loss of ΔΨm (42.5% vs. 39.85%). Scatchard analysis of the saturation curve of [3H]PK 11195 binding (0.2–6 nM final concentration) yielded a straight‐line plot (R =  0.9). Average Bmax value was 3274 ± 787 fmol/mg of protein, and average Kd value was 9.2 ± 1.3 nM. Benzodiazepine diazepam partially prevented decrease in cell survival following exposure to CS and redox active iron containing media (saliva) while benzodiazepine clonazepam did not, indicating that this effect is TSPO‐specific. Exposure of cells to CS resulted in alternation of biomolecules expressed by CLs peroxidation, reduction of TSPO binding, and depletion of the mitochondrial potential. This irreversible damage was enhanced in the presence of saliva. All these modulations may result in cellular death increase following CS exposure, enhanced in the presence of saliva. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2786–2792, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Enhanced equivalence class formation by the delay and relational functions of meaningful stimuli
Authors: Arntzen Erik , Nartey Richard K. , Fields Lanny
Published: May 2015

Undergraduates in six groups of 10 attempted to form three 3‐node 5‐member equivalence classes (A→B→C→D→E) under the simultaneous protocol. In five of six groups, all stimuli were abstract shapes; in the PIC group, C stimuli were pictures with the remainder being abstract shapes. Before class formation, participants in the Identity‐S and Identity‐D groups were given preliminary training to form identity conditional discriminations with the C stimuli using simultaneous and 6 s delayed matching‐to‐sample procedures, respectively. In the Arbitrary‐S and Arbitrary‐D groups, before class formation, arbitrary conditional discriminations were formed between C and X stimuli using simultaneous and 6 s delayed matching‐to‐sample procedures, respectively. With no preliminary training, classes in the PIC and ABS groups were formed by 80% and 0% of participants, respectively. After preliminary training, class formation (yield) increased with delay, regardless of relational type. For each of the two delays, yield was slightly greater after forming arbitrary‐ instead of identity‐relations. Yield was greatest, however, when a class contained a meaningful stimulus (PIC). During failed class formation, probes produced experimenter‐defined relations, participant‐defined relations, and unsystematic responding; delay, but not the relation type in preliminary training influenced relational and indeterminate responding. These results suggest how meaningful stimuli enhance equivalence class formation.
Towards the in vivo prediction of fragility fractures with Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Buckley Kevin , Kerns Jemma G. , Vinton Jacqueline , Gikas Panagiotis D. , Smith Christian , Parker Anthony W. , Matousek Pavel , Goodship Allen E.
Published: May 2015

Fragility fractures, those fractures which result from low level trauma, have a large and growing socio‐economic cost in countries with aging populations. Bone‐density‐based assessment techniques are vital for identifying populations that are at higher risk of fracture, but do not have high sensitivity when it comes to identifying individuals who will go on to have their first fragility fracture. We are developing Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) as a tool for retrieving chemical information from bone non‐invasively in vivo. Unlike X‐ray‐based techniques SORS can retrieve chemical information from both the mineral and protein phases of the bone. This may enable better discrimination between those who will or will not go on to have a fragility fracture because both phases contribute to bone's mechanical properties. In this study we analyse excised bone with Raman spectroscopy and multivariate analysis, and then attempt to look for similar Raman signals in vivo using SORS. We show in the excised work that on average, bone fragments from the necks of fractured femora are more mineralised (by 5–10%) than (cadaveric) non‐fractured controls, but the mineralisation distributions of the two cohorts are largely overlapped. In our in vivo measurements, we observe similar, but as yet statistically underpowered, differences. After the SORS data (the first SORS measurements reported of healthy and diseased human cohorts), we identify methodological developments which will be used to improve the statistical significance of future experiments and may eventually lead to more sensitive prediction of fragility fractures. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New SERS feature of β‐carotene: consequences for quantitative SERS analysis
Authors: Cintă Pinzaru S. , Müller Cs. , Tomšić S. , Venter M. M. , Cozar B. I. , Glamuzina B.
Published: May 2015

While recording SERS spectra of pure β‐carotene at sub‐micromole concentrations for reference purpose, we discovered an unusual spectral response never reported before. In pre‐resonance conditions with the 532‐nm line, SERS of β‐carotene with AgNPs exhibits among the strong υ(CC) mode at 1512 cm−1 unshifted from normal Raman spectrum, additional strong bands at 1649, 1575 and 1387 cm−1 as well as other medium bands not observed in the Raman spectrum of the crystalline powder. Such behavior is explained in terms of selection rules relaxation upon cyclohexene terminal rings of the β‐carotene interaction with the NP surface. AFM images of the SERS system suggested dimers and trimers clustering of the nanoparticles with adsorbed β‐carotene. In light of the new SERS feature the consequences in correct interpretation of the SERS imaging from complex biosystems containing carotenoids are discussed. Relative intensity ratio of the β‐carotene band at 1512 cm−1 and water against concentration allowed a reliable SERS calibration curve for 50 to 500 nmol l−1 concentration range and provided quantitative SERS assessment of the carotenoid content in the sea urchin (Paracentrotus lividus) gonads extracts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cumulative therapeutic effects of phytochemicals in Arnica montana flower extract alleviated collagen‐induced arthritis: inhibition of both pro‐inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress
Authors: Sharma Shikha , Arif Mohammad , Nirala Ranjeet Kumar , Gupta Ritu , Thakur Sonu Chand
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

The plant Arnica montana is used in folk medicine to alleviate pain, inflammation and swelling of muscles and joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. The present study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanism of action of A. montana flower methanol extract (AMME) against both inflammation and oxidative stress in a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) rat model.

RESULTS

Oral administration of AMME was found to reduce clinical signs and improve the histological and radiological status of the hind limb joints. AMME‐treated rats had lower expression levels of nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukins (IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐12) and titer of anti‐type II collagen antibody compared with untreated CIA rats. Furthermore, by inhibiting these mediators, AMME also contributed towards the reversal of disturbed antioxidant levels and peroxidative damage.

CONCLUSION

The alleviation of arthritis in rats was very likely due to the combined action of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, the major constituents identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The study also shed some light on mechanisms involved in diminution of inflammatory mediators and free radical‐generating toxicants and enhancement of the antioxidant armory, thereby preventing further tissue damage, injury and synovial hyperproliferation in arthritis. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Production and properties of rapeseed albumin
Authors: Pudel Frank , Tressel Ralf‐Peter , Düring Klaus
Published: May 2015

Rapeseed is one of the main sources of vegetable proteins worldwide. After oil extraction the protein enriched rapeseed meal is used as it is exclusively for animal feeding, having a low added value. This Special Feature describes a novel technology to produce pure rapeseed proteins. The purification scheme consists of gentle oilseed processing, aqueous protein extraction, precipitation of cruciferin and expanded bed adsorption ion exchange chromatography for isolation of pure napin. The purity of the resulting napin is >98%, and the purity of cruciferin is >95%. With the same methodology but appropriately modified process conditions a defined protein mix consisting of about 56–57% napin and 43–44% cruciferin is obtained. In comparison with egg albumin, the functional properties of napin showed better (for thermal stability) or comparable properties (for solubility, film formation, emulsion stability) and thus napin could replace animal albumins in various applications. Cruciferin and the blend with napin possess excellent foaming properties.
Unusual corrosion of nickel‐aluminium bronze in a hydroelectric power plant
Authors: Linhardt P.
Published: May 2015

Localized phase selective corrosion of turbine runners made from the bronze CuAl10Fe5Ni5 was observed in a hydroelectric power plant. Routine investigation of the corrosion system did not provide a satisfactory explanation for this specific type of corrosion which seems uncommon to occur in freshwater. Corrosion potential measurements of the stainless steel runner rings, galvanically coupled to the runners, indicated ennoblement, creating an effective galvanic couple driving the bronze to corrode. This mechanism was verified by on‐site, in situ electrochemical experiments. Biofilm formation by diatoms was identified as the cause of ennoblement.
The stability of aluminum‐manganese intermetallic phases under the microgalvanic coupling conditions anticipated in magnesium alloys
Authors: Asmussen R. M. , Binns W. J. , Partovi‐Nia R. , Jakupi P. , Shoesmith D. W.
Published: May 2015

The electrochemical behaviour of two Al‐Mn materials (Al‐ 5.5 at % Mn and Al‐ 13.5 at % Mn) has been studied in 0.275 M NaCl and 0.138 M MgCl2 solutions to simulate the cathodic environment of Al‐Mn particles during the corrosion of a Mg alloy. Upon polarization in NaCl solution to a potential in the range expected on a corroding Mg alloy, the Al‐5.5 at % Mn alloy proved unstable undergoing de‐alloying (loss of Al) and delamination of layers of the Al(OH)3 formed. This leads to a steady increase H2O reduction current. When polarized in MgCl2 solution the surface was partially protected from de‐alloying and the current for H2O reduction suppressed by the deposition of Mg(OH)2. The Al‐13.5 at % Mn alloy was considerably more stable when cathodically polarized. This increased stability was attributed to the higher density of Mn‐enriched areas in the alloy surface. This simulation of the microgalvanic cathodic behaviour of Al‐Mn intermetallic particles confirms that the appearance of corrosion product domes on the Al‐Mn intermetallic particles during the corrosion of Mg alloys as an indication of their cathodic behaviour and that Al‐Mn intermetallic particles are efficient, yet unstable cathodes.
Fluorescence Reporting of Binding Interactions of Target Molecules with Core–Shell‐Type Cortisol‐Imprinted Polymer Particles Using Environmentally Responsible Fluorescent‐Labeled Cortisol
Authors: Murase Nobuo , Taniguchi Shin‐Ichi , Takano Eri , Kitayama Yukiya , Takeuchi Toshifumi
Published: May 2015

Core–shell‐type molecularly imprinted polymer particles (MIP‐NPs) bearing specific binding cavities for cortisol in their shell layers by two‐step emulsifier‐free emulsion polymerizations are synthesized, where both the strategies of semicovalent molecular imprinting and noncovalent molecular imprinting are concurrently performed using methacryloyl cortisol and itaconic acid as a template molecule and a functional monomer, respectively. Newly designed fluorescent reporter molecules, dansyl‐labeled cortisol, to investigate the binding capability of MIP‐NPs toward cortisol by fluorescence measurements are developed. The binding rate constant (ka) and affinity constant (Ka) of MIP‐NPs toward cortisol are successfully estimated by curve fitting for fluorescence spectral shift. The ka value of MIP‐NPs is 1.8 times larger than that of reference MIP‐NPs prepared using only methacryloyl cortisol without itaconic acid (semicovalent imprinting), indicating that the concurrent demonstration of both the semicovalent imprinting and noncovalent imprinting processes is effective for constructing high affinity binding cavities for cortisol.

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In pursuit of resolution in time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry: A historical perspective
Authors: Radionova Anna , Filippov Igor , Derrick Peter J
Published: May 2015

Time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry is reviewed from its inception in the 1940s to the present day. The review is concerned with fundamentals of time‐of‐flight analyzers and of ion sources to the extent that sources influence analyzers. The patent literature has been covered, and efforts made to bring to light less well‐known papers and studies © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Mass Spec Rev. 35:738–757, 2016
Novel SiO2‐Supported Chromium Oxide(Cr)/Vanadium Oxide(V) Bimetallic Catalysts for Production of Bimodal Polyethylene
Authors: Cheng Ruihua , Xue Xin , Liu Weiwei , Zhao Ning , He Xuelian , Liu Zhen , Liu Boping
Published: May 2015

Novel SiO2‐supported Cr–V bimetallic oxides catalysts, which were capable of one‐pot synthesizing polyethylene with bimodal molecular weight distribution, had been successfully developed. These catalysts were prepared with a simple introduction of vanadium oxide onto the traditional Phillips CrOx/SiO2 catalyst. The polymerization activity over the Cr–V bimetallic catalysts was significantly improved compared with the V‐free Phillips CrOx/SiO2 catalyst. Moreover, the bimodal ethylene/1‐hexene copolymer prepared by the novel catalyst showed a better short chain branch distribution with more 1‐hexene comonomer inserted into the PE chains with high molecular weight, which would be favorable for the long term mechanical properties of the bimodal PE as potential high grade pipe materials.
Quiet and distortion‐free, whole brain BOLD fMRI using T2‐prepared RUFIS
Authors: Solana Ana Beatriz , Menini Anne , Sacolick Laura I. , Hehn Nicolas , Wiesinger Florian
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To develop and evaluate a novel MR method that addresses some of the most eminent technical challenges of current BOLD‐based fMRI in terms of 1) acoustic noise and 2) geometric distortions and signal dropouts.

Methods

A BOLD‐sensitive fMRI pulse sequence was designed that first generates T2‐weighted magnetization (using a T2 preparation module) and subsequently undergoes three‐dimensional (3D) radial encoding using a rotating ultrafast imaging sequence (RUFIS). The method was tested on healthy volunteers at 3T with motor, visual, and auditory tasks, and compared relative to standard gradient and spin echo planar imaging (EPI) methods.

Results

In combination with parallel imaging the method achieves efficient and robust 3D whole brain coverage (3 mm isotropic resolution in 2.65 s scan time). Compared with standard EPI‐based fMRI, the method demonstrated 1) T2‐weighted imaging clean of geometrical distortions and signal dropout, 2) an acoustic noise reduction of ∼40 dB(A), and 3) a consistent BOLD response that is less sensitive (∼1.3% BOLD change) but spatially more specific.

Conclusion

T2‐prepared RUFIS provides quiet and distortion‐free whole brain BOLD fMRI with minimal demands on the gradient performance. In particular, auditory fMRI and/or studies involving brain regions near air–tissue interfaces are expected to greatly benefit from the proposed method, especially if performed at ultrahigh field strengths. Magn Reson Med 75:1402–1412, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultra‐fast Steady‐State Free Precession Pulse Sequence for Fourier Decomposition Pulmonary MRI
Authors: Bauman Grzegorz , Pusterla Orso , Bieri Oliver
Published: May 2015

Purpose

To assess whether ultra‐fast steady‐state free precession (ufSSFP) can improve image quality in Fourier decomposition (FD) MRI of lung ventilation and perfusion.

Methods

Series of two‐dimensional time‐resolved lung images were acquired in healthy volunteers at 1.5 Tesla (T) and 3T using an FD adapted ufSSFP. For comparison, the imaging protocol was complemented by a standard implementation of the FD MRI technique using balanced steady‐state free precession (bSSFP). Imaging parameters were evaluated to optimize the ufSSFP FD MRI protocol with respect to the signal intensity of the lung parenchyma and the severity of image artifacts.

Results

FD MRI with the adapted ufSSFP pulse sequence resulted in increased signal intensity in the lung tissue by 19% and significantly decreased banding artifacts due to shorter repetition times: 1.46 ms for ufSSFP and 1.90 ms for bSSFP. Despite improved image quality FD MRI is still problematic at 3T.

Conclusion

MRI of the lung with ufSSFP performs better than bSSFP in terms of signal and banding artifacts, and can be used to either increase resolution or overall image quality of FD images. Magn Reson Med 75:1647–1653, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Activity of Krebs cycle enzymes in mdx mice
Authors: Comim Clarissa M. , Hoepers Andreza , Ventura Letícia , Freiberger Viviane , Dominguini Diogo , Mina Francielle , Mendonça Bruna P. , Scaini Giselli , Vainzof Mariz , Streck Emílio L. , Quevedo João
Published: May 2015

Introduction: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a degenerative disease of skeletal, respiratory, and cardiac muscles caused by defects in the dystrophin gene. More recently, brain involvement has been verified. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress may underlie the pathophysiology of DMD. In this study we evaluate Krebs cycle enzymes activity in the cerebral cortex, diaphragm, and quadriceps muscles of mdx mice. Methods: Cortex, diaphragm, and quadriceps tissues from male dystrophic mdx and control mice were used. Results: We observed increased malate dehydrogenase activity in the cortex; increased malate dehydrogenase and succinate dehydrogenase activities in the diaphragm; and increased citrate synthase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and malate dehydrogenase activities in the quadriceps of mdx mice. Conclusion: This study showed increased activity of Krebs cycle enzymes in cortex, quadriceps, and diaphragm in mdx mice. Muscle Nerve 53: 91–95, 2016
A theoretical contribution to the fast implementation of null linear discriminant analysis with random matrix multiplication
Authors: Wu Gang , Feng Ting‐Ting
Published: May 2015

The null linear discriminant analysis method is a competitive approach for dimensionality reduction. The implementation of this method, however, is computationally expensive. Recently, a fast implementation of null linear discriminant analysis method was proposed in the paper of Sharmaet al.In this method, a random matrix multiplication with scatter matrix is used to produce the orientation matrix. In this paper, we consider whether the random matrix can be replaced by an arbitrary full rank matrix of appropriate size, and focus on the necessary and sufficient condition to guarantee full column rank of the orientation matrix. We investigate how to choose the matrix properly, such that the two criteria of the null linear discriminant analysis method are satisfied. Furthermore, we give a necessary and sufficient condition to guarantee full column rank of the orientation matrix, and describe the geometric characterization of this condition. Numerical experiments justify our theoretical analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
European Pond Turtles from Obříství (Bohemia, Czech Republic)
Authors: Kyselý R. , Čuláková K. , Pecinovská M. , Široký P.
Published: May 2015

The paper describes and analyses recent finds of the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) from the archaeological sites at Obříství (Mělník District, at the confluence of the Elbe and Moldau rivers in the Bohemian Basin, Czech Republic). Turtle remains were found in three sunken features dated to the Late Bronze Age or to the Hallstatt period, and in one feature dated to the Neolithic. The high number of osteological finds, particularly the number of individuals found in one place, is unique within Bohemia and very rare for the Bronze Age to Iron Age in Europe. A large number of shell remains were identified, from at least 12 individuals in feature 1480, and from at least 5 individuals in feature 1483. The high numbers support the hypothesis that the European pond turtle was once a regular feature of the local fauna, even though the Bohemian basin is surrounded by mountains, which will have presented difficulties for the process of postglacial recolonization by semiaquatic thermophilous reptiles. The findings from Obříství show evidence of the exploitation of turtles for food. Signs of culinary procedures and the human consumption of turtles include anthropogenic chop marks, signs of burning and the apparently intentional segmentation of the turtle bodies. The quantity of turtle bones is still negligible, however, compared with those of mammals. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isotopic Evidence for Diet Among Historic Bedouin of Khirbat al‐Mudayna, Jordan
Authors: Gregoricka L. A. , Judd M. A.
Published: May 2015

Interpreting the behaviours of nomadic groups from the archaeological record is particularly challenging owing to the ephemeral remains produced by their lifestyle. As such, human burials – even from isolated contexts – provide a wealth of information about these transient groups. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of a series of human skeletal remains (n = 22) from isolated burials were utilized to reconstruct the diet of historic (ca. 13th–19thcentury CE) Bedouin from the Khirbat al‐Mudayna vicinity in modern‐day Jordan. Carbon isotope values ranging from −17.7 to −12.5‰ point to variable dietary contributions from both C3‐ and C4‐based foods, while corresponding faunal δ13C ratios ( = −19.0 ± 1.7‰, 1σ) exhibit depletion in13C characteristic of a predominantly C3diet. While mean human δ15N values ( = 12.7 ± 1.9‰, 1σ) may suggest that the majority of protein consumed by these nomads came from animal and not plant sources, elevated δ15N ratios in some fauna may be indicative of15N‐enriched soils as reported in some arid desert environments. Considerable variability in both δ13C and δ15N values also points to differences in individual life histories and subsistence economies over time. Despite a lack of temporal cohesion, these data illustrate the information that can be gleaned from the isolated interments of nomadic or semi‐nomadic individuals. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resilience as a predictor for emotional response to the diagnosis and surgery in breast cancer patients
Authors: Markovitz Sabine E. , Schrooten Ward , Arntz Arnoud , Peters Madelon L.
Published: May 2015

Objective

The purposes of the present study were to investigate the role of resilience in the prediction of emotional response in breast cancer patients and to examine whether this association is specific for women undergoing this emotionally taxing condition or whether resilience is more generally associated with higher levels of emotional well‐being.

Methods

Two hundred fifty‐three breast cancer patients and 211 healthy female controls completed four psychological questionnaires. Measures comprised the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and two happiness items. Cancer patients were assessed after diagnosis and surgery.

Results

Cancer patients reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and negative affect and lower levels of positive affect and current happiness compared with control women. There was no difference between the two groups in level of resilience. Higher levels of resilience were related to better emotional adjustment both in women with breast cancer and in control women, but this association was stronger within the sample of cancer patients. In fact, patients scoring high on resilience seemed to experience similar levels of anxiety, depression, and current happiness as healthy women.

Conclusion

Our results confirm that resilience may at least partially protect against emotional distress in cancer patients. Our findings suggest that resilience may be a relatively stable trait that is not affected by adversity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationships between parenting self‐efficacy and distress in parents who have school‐aged children and have been treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplant or have no cancer history
Authors: Cessna Julie M. , Pidala Joseph , Jacobsen Paul B.
Published: May 2015

Objective

Studies demonstrate that parents with cancer experience distress and that parenting self‐efficacy (PSE) is related to distress among parents without cancer. However, no study to date has examined the relationships between PSE and psychological distress among parents with cancer. This study sought to address this issue by comparing parents with cancer who had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) to parents without cancer on measures of PSE and psychological distress.

Methods

A sample of 57 patients diagnosed with cancer who had undergone HSCT and a control group of 57 parents with no history of cancer were recruited for participation in the study. Medical record reviews assessed clinical variables, and participants filled out self‐report measures of demographics, PSE, general self‐efficacy, and psychological distress.

Results

As hypothesized, parents with cancer reported less PSE and more psychological distress than controls (all p‐values ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, findings indicated that both PSE and general self‐efficacy mediated the relationship between cancer status and psychological distress.

Conclusions

Findings expand understanding of the potential sources of distress among parents with cancer who have been treated with HSCT and who have school‐aged children. They also suggest that interventions aimed at reducing distress in these individuals should seek to target both parenting and general self‐efficacy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cost‐effectiveness of a behavioral intervention for persistent urinary incontinence in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Zhang Amy Y. , Fu Alex Z.
Published: May 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of a behavioral intervention for urinary incontinence of prostate cancer patients. Study subjects were either participating in or eligible but declined (i.e., nonparticipating) the active intervention study.

Methods

The intervention‐participating subjects were randomized into three groups, including two intervention groups (support and telephone groups) and a usual care reference group. Intervention‐nonparticipating subjects were concurrently enrolled. Intervention effectiveness was assessed on the EQ‐5D measure. The costs included direct healthcare cost from medical billing data, patient out‐of‐pocket expense, caregiver expense, patient loss‐of‐work cost, and intervention cost. We calculated incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) from societal, provider, and patient perspectives.

Results

Two hundred and sixty‐seven intervention‐participating and 69 intervention‐nonparticipating post‐cancer treatment patients were included. The support and telephone groups, but not the usual care group, had significantly higher EQ‐5D index scores (0.054, p = 0.033, and 0.057, p = 0.026, respectively) than the intervention‐nonparticipating group at month 6. Within 6 months, intervention cost per subject was $252 and $484, respectively, for providers, and $564 and $203, respectively, for the support and phone group subjects. The final ICERs were $16,759 per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) and $12,561/QALY for support and telephone groups, compared with those of the intervention‐nonparticipating group. These ICERs are much smaller than $50,000/QALY, the consensus threshold to determine cost‐effectiveness for society.

Conclusions

The study interventions are cost‐effective in consideration of eligible patients who declined the interventions. The interventions can provide meaningful outcome improvement on urinary continence at a low cost. This evidence provides critical information for future health policy decision‐making of healthcare providers and payers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impedimetric immunosensor for the detection of histamine based on reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Delle Lotta E. , Huck Christina , Bäcker Matthias , Müller Frank , Grandthyll Samuel , Jacobs Karin , Lilischkis Rainer , Vu Xuan T. , Schöning Michael J. , Wagner Patrick , Thoelen Ronald , Weil Maryam , Ingebrandt Sven
Published: May 2015

In this work, we present a reduced graphene oxide‐based impedimetric histamine biosensor. Histamine as a bioamine mediates immune‐modulatory effects in acute inflammatory and allergic reactions. In a proof‐of‐principle approach, the low‐cost sensor platform determines low concentrations of histamine in buffer solution with an impedimetric readout technique. As a sensor platform we used ultra‐thin graphene oxide lines fabricated by a simple soft‐lithographic approach. The lines of about 20 μm width were characterised by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Reduction of graphene oxide to a conductive transducer material was performed by a rapid thermal protocol in inert atmosphere. The reduction process was monitored by impedance spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For our biosensor experiments we adopted a commonly‐used protocol for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection of histamine. With our reduced graphene oxide platform we detected antigen‐antibody binding events of histamine with concentrations of 0.1–1 μM via impedance changes in a low frequency range. The results from the rGO sensors were comparable to the SPR detection.
Structural and magnetic properties of indium–gadolinium oxide as a function of temperature
Authors: Qadri S. B. , Wu D. H. , Bussman K. , Qadri S. N.
Published: May 2015

The addition of In2O3 to Gd2O3 results in the formation of solid solutions having the high pressure monoclinic and hexagonal phases of gadolinium oxide. The thermal stability and their thermal expansion coefficients were investigated up to 1000 °C using in situ X‐ray diffraction. No phase transitions were observed in these samples up to 1000 °C. Volume thermal expansion coefficients for the hexagonal and monoclinic phases of bulk Gd2−xInxO3 for x = 0.5 and 1.0 showed increasing trend in comparison to the end compound of In2O3. The inverse susceptibility measurements between 300 and 5 K showed the linear relationship with temperature consistent with the Curie–Weiss law. The Weis constants were small and negative, indicating a slight degree of anti‐ferromagnetic exchange between cations and consistent with the absence of magnetic order down to 5 K.
NimbRo Explorer: Semiautonomous Exploration and Mobile Manipulation in Rough Terrain
Authors: Stückler Jörg , Schwarz Max , Schadler Mark , Topalidou‐Kyniazopoulou Angeliki , Behnke Sven
Published: May 2015

Fully autonomous exploration and mobile manipulation in rough terrain are still beyond the state of the art—robotics challenges and competitions are held to facilitate and benchmark research in this direction. One example is the 2013 DLR SpaceBot Cup, for which we developed an integrated robot system to semiautonomously perform planetary exploration and manipulation tasks. Our robot explores, maps, and navigates in previously unknown, uneven terrain using a three‐dimensional laser scanner and an omnidirectional RGB‐D camera. We developed manipulation capabilities for object retrieval and pick‐and‐place tasks. Many parts of the mission can be performed autonomously. In addition, we developed teleoperation interfaces on different levels of shared autonomy, which allow for specifying missions, monitoring mission progress, and on‐the‐fly reconfiguration. To handle network communication interruptions and latencies between robot and operator station, we implemented a robust network layer for the middleware Robot Operating System (ROS). The integrated system has been demonstrated at the 2013 DLR SpaceBot Cup. In addition, we conducted systematic experiments to evaluate the performance of our approaches.
Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Have Innate Procoagulant Activity and Cause Microvascular Obstruction Following Intracoronary Delivery: Amelioration by Antithrombin Therapy
Authors: Gleeson Birgitta M. , Martin Kenneth , Ali Mohammed T. , Kumar Arun H. S. , Pillai M. Gopala-Krishnan , Kumar Sujith P. G. , O'Sullivan John F. , Whelan Derek , Stocca Alessia , Khider Wisam , Barry Frank P. , O'Brien Timothy , Caplice Noel M.
Published: May 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are currently under investigation as tools to preserve cardiac structure and function following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, concerns have emerged regarding safety of acute intracoronary (IC) MSC delivery. This study aimed to characterize innate prothrombotic activity of MSC and identify means of its mitigation toward safe and efficacious therapeutic IC MSC delivery post-AMI. Expression of the initiator of the coagulation cascade tissue factor (TF) on MSC was detected and quantified by immunofluorescence, FACS, and immunoblotting. MSC-derived TF antigen was catalytically active and capable of supporting thrombin generation in vitro. Addition of MSCs to whole citrated blood enhanced platelet thrombus deposition on collagen at arterial shear, an effect abolished by heparin coadministration. In a porcine AMI model, IC infusion of 25 × 106 MSC during reperfusion was associated with a decrease in coronary flow reserve but not when coadministered with an antithrombin agent (heparin). Heparin reduced MSC-associated thrombosis incorporating platelets and VWF within the microvasculature. Heparin-assisted therapeutic MSC delivery also reduced apoptosis in the infarct border zone at 24 hours, significantly improved infarct size, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, LV volumes, wall motion, and attenuated histologic evidence of scar formation at 6 weeks post-AMI. Heparin alone or heparin-assisted fibroblast control cell delivery had no such effect. Procoagulant TF activity of therapeutic MSCs is associated with reductions in myocardial perfusion when delivered IC may be successfully managed by heparin coadministration. This study highlights an important mechanistic insight into safety concerns associated with therapeutic IC MSC delivery for AMI. Stem Cells  2015;33:2726–2737
Action at an attentional distance: A study of children's reasoning about causes and effects involving spatial and attentional discontinuity
Authors: Grotzer Tina A. , Solis S. Lynneth
Published: May 2015

Spatial discontinuity between causes and effects is a feature of many scientific concepts, particularly those in the environmental and ecological sciences. Causes can be spatially separated from their effects by great distances. Action at a distance, the idea that causes and effects can be separated in physical space, is a well‐studied concept in developmental psychology. However, the extant literature has focused largely on cases where causes and effects are separated in physical space but are contained within the same attentional space, for instance, how magnets on a table interact or how a lamp projected against an object creates a shadow despite the spatial gap between the lamp, object, and shadow. This paper considers the understanding of causes and effects that are separated both in physical and attentional space—a concept referred to here as “action at an attentional distance.” Findings from an in‐depth study of second, fourth and sixth graders' (n = 10) reasoning about action at an attentional distance are presented. Children tended to reason locally, but when they did reason about action at an attentional distance, they relied upon mechanism information and prior knowledge. The implications for causal explanation and instructional design are considered. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 52: 1003–1030, 2015.
Harmonic distortion degradation and filter optimization based on sensitivity studies with considering resonance issue
Authors: Hu Haitao , He Zhengyou , Gao Shibin
Published: May 2015

Voltage distortions are characterized by the harmonic spectrum of the nonlinear load (NLL) and harmonic impedance of the whole system. On one hand, the harmonic impedance is at the peak value when the frequency is at the resonance point, which leads to serious voltage distortions. On the other hand, harmonic distortions will be excited from excessive harmonic emission without resonance. In order to address the above causes, shifting the resonance frequency sensitivity (RFS) and the critical individual harmonic voltage distortion (IHDV) sensitivity (IHDS) indices are presented here to control the critical IHDV and total harmonic voltage distortion (THDV). The main idea is to find and adjust the most sensitive network parameter against these sensitivity indices until the harmonic distortion reaches the required value. A three‐bus test system and the IEEE 14‐bus system are used to verify the proposed method. Comparison of the results shows that these indices complement each other for solving the harmonics problems with or without harmonic resonance. The sensitivity‐based methods can be effective for system optimization and filter design by considering harmonic resonance. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Golgi post‐translational modifications and associated diseases
Authors: Potelle Sven , Klein André , Foulquier François
Published: May 2015

For non specialists, Golgi is a very well known subcellular compartment involved in secretion and correct targeting of soluble and transmembrane proteins. Nevertheless, Golgi is also specifically involved in many different and diverse post‐translational modifications. Through its diverse functions, Golgi is not only able to modify secreted and transmembrane proteins but also cytoplasmic proteins. The Golgi apparatus research field is so broad that an exhaustive review of this organelle is not doable here. The goal of this review is to cover the main post‐translational modifications occurring at the Golgi level and present the identified associated diseases.
Titanium effect on the microstructure and properties of laminated high boron steel plates
Authors: Yuan Lin-lin , Han Jing-tao , Liu Jing , Wei Dong-bin , Abathun Mehari Zelalem
Published: May 2015

High-boron steel is an important material used for thermal neutron shielding. The appropriate amount of added boron must be determined because excessive boron may deteriorate the steel’s workability. A uniform microstructure can be formed by adding titanium to boron steel. In this study, casting and hot rolling were used to fabricate laminated high-boron steel plates whose cores contained 2.25wt% boron and 0wt%–7.9wt% titanium. The effects of titanium content and hot-rolling and heat-treatment processes on the microstructure and properties of the laminated plates were studied. The results indicated that the optimum titanium content was 5.7wt% when the boron content was 2.25wt%, and that the best overall properties were obtained after heat treatment at 1100°C for 4 h. The tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation at the specified temperature and holding time were as high as 526.88 MPa, 219.36 MPa, and 29%, respectively.
PI3K‐C2α: One enzyme for two products coupling vesicle trafficking and signal transduction
Authors: Campa Carlo C. , Franco Irene , Hirsch Emilio
Published: May 2015

The spatial restriction of phosphorylated phosphoinositides generated downstream activated membrane receptors is critical for proper cell response to environmental cues. The α isoform of class II PI3Ks, PI3K‐C2α, has emerged as a modulator of receptor localization, acting both in the control of receptor endocytosis and resensitization. This unexpectedly versatile enzyme was found to differentially produce two distinct 3‐phosphorylated phosphoinositides and to selectively control distinct steps of vesicular traffic such as endocytosis and recycling. This review focuses on the latest discoveries regarding PI3K‐C2α function in vesicle trafficking and its impact on cell biology and mammalian embryonic development.
Integration of PKR‐dependent translation inhibition with innate immunity is required for a coordinated anti‐viral response
Authors: Dalet Alexandre , Gatti Evelina , Pierre Philippe
Published: May 2015

Viral triggering of the innate immune response in infected cells aims at delaying viral replication and prevents tissue spreading. Viral replication is delayed by host protein synthesis inhibition and infected cell apoptosis on one hand, while infection spreading is controlled by the synthesis of specific proteins like type‐I interferons (IFNs) and pro‐inflammatory cytokines on the other hand. How do these two apparent conflicting responses cooperate within the same infected cells to mount effective defenses against pathogens? What are the molecules or the complexes resolving this contradiction over time? Some recent studies reveal unanticipated connections between innate immunity and stress pathways, giving important clues on how the cellular responses are orchestrated to limit infection efficiently.
Afro-Catholic Baptism and The Articulation of a Merchant Community, Agoué 1840–1860
Authors: Parés Luis Nicolau
Published: May 2015

This paper analyzes the “Southern” Afro-Brazilian Catholicism which was brought to West Africa by former slaves from Brazil prior to the expansion of the “Northern” European Catholic missions. In examining two significant mass baptisms held in the town of Agoué in 1846 and 1855, this paper explores the religious history of the Aguda or Afro-Brazilian freed slaves, and how they built a network of ethnic, commercial, and affective relationships by means of Catholic baptism and godparenting. The Aguda’s Catholic affiliation (rather than conversion), beyond being coextensive with Brazilian identity, served to produce a merchant community whose main activity, in the early period, was the slave trade. The paper also discusses the methodological potential of cross referencing and fertilizing West African data with Bahian data in order to elucidate how the returnees’ appropriation of Catholic ritual was shaped by their previous Brazilian experience.
Chlorophyll-a distribution and mesoscale physical processes in upwelling and adjacent oceanic zones off northern Chile (summer–autumn 1994)
Authors: Morales Carmen E. , Blanco José L. , Braun Mauricio , Silva Nelson
Published: May 2015

Chlorophyll-a (chl-a) distribution and associated physical (temperature, salinity) and chemical (dissolved oxygen) conditions off northern Chile (Humboldt Current System), during the austral summer (February–March) and autumn (May) of 1994, were studied in the region bounded by ∼18–24°S and 70–72°W (out to ∼200 km from the coast; 0–100 m depth); within this region, nutrients were measured in an area of persistent coastal upwelling (∼19–22°S, out to 80 km from the coast). Temperature and salinity distributions, as well as nutrient concentrations, indicated the occurrence of active upwelling during both cruises. Also, and together with maps of geopotential anomaly (0/200 dbar) and depth of the thermocline (15°C isotherm), their distribution suggested the presence of a mainly equatorward flow, anticyclonic eddy-like structures, and intrusions of warm (>19°C), high salinity (>35·0 psu), subtropical water towards the coast. A tongue of cooler and lower salinity water, and of lower flow fields, extended from the coast towards the offshore zone during both sampling periods, in association with higher chl-a concentrations (>1 mg m−3, >20 mg m−2 between 0 and 25 m depth) and predominance of net-phytoplankton (>20 μm). The comparison of these results with those for the winter and spring of 1993 in the same area suggest a relatively weak seasonal signal in chl-a concentration during the 1993–1994 period, with higher water column concentrations during the summer and spring periods in the selected upwelling area, though surface chl-a concentrations for the whole of the area did not vary significantly.
Seasonality and vertical zonation of zooplankton in a semi-enclosed sea lough
Authors: Greenwood A. , O'Riordan R.M. , Barnes D.K.A.
Published: May 2015

Zooplankton was collected by a diver-towed net close to the substratum at four depths (0, 6, 12 and 18 m) over a 17 month period in three locations in Lough Hyne, Co. Cork, Ireland. Zooplankton was identified to phylum or class levels and mean numbers were calculated for each taxon, site and depth. Seasonality was observed in several meroplanktonic groups (Echinodermata, Nemertea, Mollusca and fish postlarvae), and in gelatinous zooplankton. Depth preference was found to be statistically significant in the polychaetes (larvae and pelagic species), molluscan and ascidian larvae. However, the influence of depth on overall zooplankton community composition was found to be negligible. Sampling location, adjacent substrata and flow conditions were found to influence zooplankton in that area.
TBT effects on the larvae of Ruditapes decussatus
Authors: Coelho M.R. , Fuentes S. , Bebianno M.J.
Published: May 2015

The effects of sublethal tributyltin (TBT) concentrations on the growth and development of Ruditapesdecussatus larvae were studied. Veliger larvae of R. decussatus were exposed to TBT nominal concentrations of 25, 50, 75 and 100 ng Sn l−1 in the water for a period up to 13 d. Larval growth and development were chosen as endpoints for evaluation of TBT toxicity. Growth of R. decussatus larvae was severely affected by TBT concentrations (25–100 ng Sn l−1). A 3- to 6-fold reduction growth was observed in these early larval stages. Furthermore, R. decussatus larvae exposed to TBT did not develop further than D-larvae while the unexposed ones reached the umbonated stage.
Species differentiation of Sepia officinalis and Sepia hierredda (Cephalopoda: Sepiidae) based on morphological and allozyme analyses
Authors: Guerra Angel , Pérez-Losada Marcos , Rocha Francisco , Sanjuan Andrés
Published: May 2015

Two taxa of commercially exploited cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis and S. hierredda, are compared for the first time on the bases of quantitative morphology and allozyme polymorphisms. Morphometric measurements and meristic counts of selected soft and hard (cuttlebone) body characters, with allozyme electrophoretic analysis are used. Samples were obtained from north-west Iberian Peninsula and Senegalese waters (West Africa). Significant differences in mantle width, arm and hectocotylus length, numbers of rows of reduced suckers on the hectocotylus and in most cuttlebone measurements were found. Canonical discriminant functions of cuttlebone measurements for males and females were calculated. Allozyme electrophoresis for 33 presumptive loci showed low levels of genetic variability and 13 diagnostic loci between the two Sepia taxa. The genetic identities (I) in pairwise comparisons of populations of both taxa were I=0·582–0·596, which are typical values for congeneric species. These congruent morphological and genetic results strongly suggest that S. officinalis and S. hierredda are different species.