bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase III double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study of gabapentin for the prevention of delayed chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting in patients receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy, NCCTG N08C3 (Alliance)
Authors: Barton Debra L. , Thanarajasingam Gita , Sloan Jeff A. , Diekmann Brent , Fuloria Jyotsna , Kottschade Lisa A. , Lyss Alan P. , Jaslowski Anthony J. , Mazurczak Miroslaw A. , Blair Scott C. , Terstriep Shelby , Loprinzi Charles L.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND

Despite targeted antiemetics, data support an unmet need related to the management of delayed nausea and vomiting (NV). Promising pilot data informed this phase III trial evaluating gabapentin for delayed NV from highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC).

METHODS

Participants were randomized to receive prophylactic treatment with 20 mg of dexamethasone and a 5HT3 receptor antagonist (RA) on the day of chemotherapy, followed by gabapentin 300 mg twice a day and dexamethasone (dex) or placebo and dex after HEC. Gabapentin/placebo was started the day of chemotherapy and continued through day 5 for the first chemotherapy cycle, whereas dex was titrated down on days 2‐4. The primary end point was complete response (CR), defined as no emesis and no use of rescue medications on days 2‐6, using an NV diary. The percentages of those in each group with a CR were compared by Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

Four hundred thirty patients were enrolled in this study. Forty‐seven percent of patients in the gabapentin arm and 41% in the placebo arm had a CR (P = .23). Mean number of emesis episodes was <0.5 daily, and mean nausea severity was < 2 (mild). In both arms, patient satisfaction with NV control was greater than 8 (with 10 being perfectly satisfied). There were no significant differences in unwanted side effects.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, gabapentin did not significantly improve delayed NV. Patients were satisfied with the control of their nausea and vomiting irrespective of arm. The use of a 5HT3 RA and dexamethasone provided good control of nausea and vomiting for most patients. Cancer 2014;120:3575–3583. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
The biologic effects of cigarette smoke on cancer cells
Authors: Sobus Samantha L. , Warren Graham W.
Published: July 2014

Smoking is one of the largest preventable risk factors for developing cancer, and continued smoking by cancer patients is associated with increased toxicity, recurrence, risk of second primary cancer, and mortality. Cigarette smoke (CS) contains thousands of chemicals, including many known carcinogens. The carcinogenic effects of CS are well established, but relatively little work has been done to evaluate the effects of CS on cancer cells. In this review of the literature, the authors demonstrate that CS induces a more malignant tumor phenotype by increasing proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis and by activating prosurvival cellular pathways. Significant work is needed to understand the biologic effect of CS on cancer biology, including the development of model systems and the identification of critical biologic mediators of CS‐induced changes in cancer cell physiology. Cancer 2014;120:3617–3626. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Catecholaminergic connectivity to the inner ear, central auditory, and vocal motor circuitry in the plainfin midshipman fish porichthys notatus
Authors: Forlano Paul M. , Kim Spencer D. , Krzyminska Zuzanna M. , Sisneros Joseph A.
Published: July 2014

Although the neuroanatomical distribution of catecholaminergic (CA) neurons has been well documented across all vertebrate classes, few studies have examined CA connectivity to physiologically and anatomically identified neural circuitry that controls behavior. The goal of this study was to characterize CA distribution in the brain and inner ear of the plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus) with particular emphasis on their relationship with anatomically labeled circuitry that both produces and encodes social acoustic signals in this species. Neurobiotin labeling of the main auditory end organ, the saccule, combined with tyrosine hydroxylase immunofluorescence (TH‐ir) revealed a strong CA innervation of both the peripheral and central auditory system. Diencephalic TH‐ir neurons in the periventricular posterior tuberculum, known to be dopaminergic, send ascending projections to the ventral telencephalon and prominent descending projections to vocal–acoustic integration sites, notably the hindbrain octavolateralis efferent nucleus, as well as onto the base of hair cells in the saccule via nerve VIII. Neurobiotin backfills of the vocal nerve in combination with TH‐ir revealed CA terminals on all components of the vocal pattern generator, which appears to largely originate from local TH‐ir neurons but may include input from diencephalic projections as well. This study provides strong neuroanatomical evidence that catecholamines are important modulators of both auditory and vocal circuitry and acoustic‐driven social behavior in midshipman fish. This demonstration of TH‐ir terminals in the main end organ of hearing in a nonmammalian vertebrate suggests a conserved and important anatomical and functional role for dopamine in normal audition. J. Comp. Neurol. 522:2887‐2927, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biosourced Polymetallic Catalysts: An Efficient Means To Synthesize Underexploited Platform Molecules from Carbohydrates
Authors: Escande Vincent , Olszewski Tomasz K. , Petit Eddy , Grison Claude
Published: July 2014

Polymetallic hyperaccumulating plants growing on wastes from former mining activity were used as the starting material in the preparation of novel plant‐based Lewis acid catalysts. The preparation of biosourced Lewis acid catalysts is a new way to make use of mining wastes. These catalysts were characterized by X‐ray fluorescence, X‐ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. These analyses revealed a complex composition of metal species, present mainly as polymetallic chlorides. The catalysts proved to be efficient and recyclable in a solid‐state version of the Garcia Gonzalez reaction, which has been underexploited until now in efforts to use carbohydrates from biomass. This methodology was extended to various carbohydrates to obtain the corresponding polyhydroxyalkyl furans in 38–98 % yield. These plant‐based catalysts may be a better alternative to classical Lewis acid catalysts that were previously used for the Garcia Gonzalez reaction, such as ZnCl2, FeCl3, and CeCl3, which are often unrecyclable, require aqueous treatments, or rely on metals, the current known reserves of which will be consumed in the coming decades. Moreover, the plant‐based catalysts allowed novel control of the Garcia Gonzalez reaction, as two different products were obtained depending on the reaction conditions.
Experimental Verification of Active Front Steering Based on Driver‐Friendly Reaction Torque Control
Authors: Minaki Ryo , Hoshino Hiroshi , Hori Yoichi
Published: July 2014

In recent years the demand for safer vehicles has increased. Active front steering (AFS) is an effective technology for stabilizing motion control after the detection of dangerous motion in a vehicle such as slip. However, if AFS intervenes excessively during the steering process, it becomes difficult to prevent interference between driver steering and AFS automatic steering. Therefore, at present vehicles are rarely equipped with AFS. This paper proposes a steering torque control method based on reaction torque estimation and variable damping control for use in a human‐friendly AFS system and discusses how an experimental device was used to verify the effectiveness of this control method.
Electron‐Transfer Rate Enhancements in Nanosized Waterpools
Authors: Lorenz Bret B. , Crans Debbie C. , Johnson Michael D.
Published: July 2014

An enhancement in the electron‐transfer rates of metal complexes confined to a nanoscale environment within a sodium bis(2‐ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate/water/isooctane reverse micelle (RM) are reported. The rate constants increase up to two orders of magnitude relative to those in bulk water. These rate enhancements are attributed to changes in solvation (owing to location within the RM) and ion pairing.
Free radical scavenging properties of thienyl and furyl linalool analogues: an experimental and DFT/B3LYP study
Authors: Stobiecka Agnieszka , Bonikowski Radosław , Kula Józef
Published: July 2014

In the present study, thiophene (2a‐b) and furane (3a‐b) linalool analogues were screened for antioxidant/pro‐oxidant activity using experimental and theoretical methods. The new compounds were subjected to two different types of assays: a hydrogen transfer‐based test (i.e. ORACFL measurements) and an electron transfer‐based test (i.e. ABTS assay), respectively. Furthermore, the PM3 semi‐empirical method and the density functional theory (DFT) method with the hybrid B3LYP exchange‐correlation functional have been applied to investigate the free radical scavenging properties of synthetic compounds. The experimental results showed that linalool and its analogues possessed an almost identical ability to neutralize peroxyl radicals. In contrast, new compounds were better ABTS•+ scavenges in comparison with the starting compound but they, in general, exerted very weak antiradical activity in comparison with the synthetic antioxidant, i.e. Trolox. Taking into account the DFT‐predicted reaction enthalpies associated with two possible mechanisms which might be responsible for the antioxidant activity of investigated compounds, i.e. the single electron and proton transfer process (SET‐PT) and the direct H‐atom transfer (HAT) mechanism, it could be concluded that the latter mechanism should be favoured in the polar medium. The theoretical results also revealed that the new odourants may exhibit pro‐oxidant activity by auto‐oxidation. The antioxidant and pro‐oxidant properties of linalool and its analogues were determined by the low bond dissociation enthalpy of a C‐H bond located at allylic carbon atom 5C and the relatively low ionization potential, respectively. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thiophene‐Fused 3‐Methylene‐2,3‐dihydrochalcogenophenes: Fluorescent Dyes Incorporated in a Rigid Dibenzobarrelene Skeleton
Authors: Ishii Akihiko , Kobayashi Shota , Aoki Yutaro , Annaka Tatsuro , Nakata Norio
Published: July 2014

3‐Methylene‐2,3‐dihydrothienothiophene and ‐selenophenothiophene derivatives incorporated in a rigid dibenzobarrelene skeleton were synthesized by intramolecular Diels–Alder reaction, and their structures, fluorescent properties, and electrochemistry were elucidated. In 3‐methylene‐2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,2‐b]thiophene derivatives, silyl and phenyl substituents at the terminal position were effective for strong blue fluorescence (λem = 412–455 nm) with high quantum yields (ΦF = 0.65–0.99), whereas the unsubstituted parent compound was weakly fluorescent (λem = 338 nm, ΦF = 0.03). The phenyl‐substituted [3,2‐b]‐derivative showed strong emission also in the solid state (ΦF = 0.70). The corresponding [2,3‐b]‐isomer showed blueshifted absorption (λabs = 342 nm) and emission (λem = 436 nm) maxima with low‐to‐moderate quantum yields in solution (ΦF = 0.24) and in the solid state (ΦF = 0.41). In the case of the selenium congeners (3‐methylene‐2,3‐dihydroselenopheno[3,2‐b]thiophene derivatives), the heavy atom effect due to the selenium was decisive to decrease the quantum yields (ΦF = 0.01–0.06). The oxidation of phenyl‐substituted [3,2‐b]‐derivative yielded the corresponding sulfoxide and sulfone, which showed strong emission at around 440 nm with high quantum yields in dichloromethane (ΦF = 0.91 and 0.98, respectively). A dimer of the phenyl‐substituted [3,2‐b]‐derivative was prepared by oxidative coupling of the lithio derivative. The dimer had weak redshifted emission (λem = 547 nm, ΦF = 0.10) and showed a reversible cyclic voltammogram with E1/2 = 0.35 V versus Fc/Fc+ redox couple.
2‐(Pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐1,3‐oxaselenolanes from Pyrazole Сarbaldehydes and 2‐Selanyl‐1‐ethanol
Authors: Papernaya Lyubov K. , Shatrova Alexandra A. , Levanova Ekaterina P. , Albanov Alexandr I. , Klyba Lyudmila V. , Rudyakova Elena V. , Levkovskaya Galina G.
Published: July 2014

Pyrazole carbaldehydes react with 2‐selanyl‐1‐ethanol at room temperature in the presence of trimethylchlorosilane followed by treatment with triethyl amine to afford the corresponding 2‐(pyrazol‐4‐yl)‐1,3‐oxaselenolanes. The structure of the novel compounds was confirmed by IR, 13C, 1H, 15N, and 77Se NMR spectroscopy.
A Human‐Oriented Simulation Approach for Labor Assignment Flexibility in Changeover Processes of Manufacturing Cells
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Qiu Junjiang , Zhao Dongfang , Schlick Christopher M.
Published: July 2014

Skilled operators are the most decisive key factors in manufacturing cells. An optimal assignment of operators is crucial for flexibility and productivity. Although there are many publications dealing with labor assignment problems, different forms of human cooperation on the shop floor and decentralized decision making, which are the main factors for system flexibility, are seldom concerned in existing models. In this article, a human‐oriented methodology to analyze, simulate, and evaluate labor assignment flexibility in changeover processes in manufacturing cells is introduced, which is characterized by an agent‐based approach. First, the problem architecture is presented along with the concepts of labor flexibility. Then, different types of human behavior in the changeover process are modeled. Furthermore, a human–machine interaction model is developed to integrate the human agent models into a generalized discrete event dynamic system (DEDS) process model. In this way, work process dynamics and cooperative behavior can be explicitly modeled and simulated. Third, the model is verified on the basis of a motorcycle engine manufacturing cell, and simulation experiments with different labor assignment schemes are designed and conducted. The simulation results show that assignment strategies incorporating different skill levels and cooperation styles have a significant impact on system performance. The agent‐based approach in conjunction with the human–machine interaction model can be used to analyze and solve a large class of assignment problems in flexible manufacturing systems, especially when human cooperation and collaboration are key factors shaping overall system performance.
Risk of breast cancer following fertility treatment—A registry based cohort study of parous women in Norway
Authors: Reigstad Marte Myhre , Larsen Inger Kristin , Myklebust Tor Åge , Robsahm Trude Eid , Oldereid Nan Birgitte , Omland Anne Katerine , Vangen Siri , Brinton Louise Annette , Storeng Ritsa
Published: July 2014

Despite increasing numbers of women availing themselves of assisted reproductive technology (ART), effects on cancer risk remain unresolved. Given hormonal exposures, breast cancer risk is of particular concern. The aim of this study is to investigate breast cancer risk amongst women giving birth following ART as compared to that amongst women who gave birth without ART. Data on all women who gave birth in Norway with or without ART, between 1984 and 2010 were obtained from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN). 808,834 women eligible for study were linked to the Cancer Registry of Norway. Cox proportional models computed hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of breast cancer between the two groups, adjusting for age, parity, age at first birth, calendar period and region of residence. In total, 8,037 women were diagnosed with breast cancer during the study period, 138 ART women and 7,899 unexposed. Total follow‐up time was 12,401,121 person‐years (median 16.0); median age at entry was 32.5 years (range18.6–49.9) for ART women and 26.3 (range 10.5–54.6) for unexposed. Women exposed to ART had an elevated risk of breast cancer (adjusted HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01–1.42). Subgroup analyses gave an HR of 1.30 (95% CI 1.07–1.57) for women treated with IVF and 1.35 (95 % CI 1.07–1.71) for women with follow‐up >10 years, compared with controls. Our findings of increased risk in the study population warrant continued monitoring of women treated with ART as this population advances into more typical cancer age ranges.
Rapid and sensitive profiling and quantification of the human cell line proteome by LC‐MS/MS without prefractionation
Authors: Yin Xuefei , Liu Xiaohui , Zhang Yang , Yan Guoquan , Wang Fang , Lu Haojie , Shen Huali , Yang Pengyuan
Published: July 2014

In this paper, we demonstrate a rapid and reproducible 1D LC‐MS/MS workflow for fast quantitative proteomic research. We have optimized the LC‐MS/MS conditions, including digestion and gradient conditions, sample loading amount, and MS parameter settings. As a result, we were able to obtain twice as many protein identifications compared with the LC‐MS/MS conditions before optimization. More than 4500 protein groups and 50 000 peptides were identified in less than 8 h without any fractionation. This 1D workflow was then applied to the analysis of the MLN4924 treated/untreated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) samples with label‐free quantification. In these experiments, a total of 179 proteins showed a statistically significant expression change after the MLN4924 treatment. Functional analysis showed that these proteins are associated with cell death and survival; gene expression; cell cycle; and DNA replication, recombination, and repair.
Investigating the prediction ability of survival models based on both clinical and omics data: two case studies
Authors: De Bin Riccardo , Sauerbrei Willi , Boulesteix Anne‐Laure
Published: July 2014

In biomedical literature, numerous prediction models for clinical outcomes have been developed based either on clinical data or, more recently, on high‐throughput molecular data (omics data). Prediction models based on both types of data, however, are less common, although some recent studies suggest that a suitable combination of clinical and molecular information may lead to models with better predictive abilities. This is probably due to the fact that it is not straightforward to combine data with different characteristics and dimensions (poorly characterized high‐dimensional omics data, well‐investigated low‐dimensional clinical data). In this paper, we analyze two publicly available datasets related to breast cancer and neuroblastoma, respectively, in order to show some possible ways to combine clinical and omics data into a prediction model of time‐to‐event outcome. Different strategies and statistical methods are exploited. The results are compared and discussed according to different criteria, including the discriminative ability of the models, computed on a validation dataset. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A marginalized two‐part model for semicontinuous data
Authors: Smith Valerie A. , Preisser John S. , Neelon Brian , Maciejewski Matthew L.
Published: July 2014

In health services research, it is common to encounter semicontinuous data characterized by a point mass at zero followed by a right‐skewed continuous distribution with positive support. Examples include health expenditures, in which the zeros represent a subpopulation of patients who do not use health services, while the continuous distribution describes the level of expenditures among health services users. Semicontinuous data are typically analyzed using two‐part mixture models that separately model the probability of health services use and the distribution of positive expenditures among users. However, because the second part conditions on a non‐zero response, conventional two‐part models do not provide a marginal interpretation of covariate effects on the overall population of health service users and non‐users, even though this is often of greatest interest to investigators. Here, we propose a marginalized two‐part model that yields more interpretable effect estimates in two‐part models by parameterizing the model in terms of the marginal mean. This model maintains many of the important features of conventional two‐part models, such as capturing zero‐inflation and skewness, but allows investigators to examine covariate effects on the overall marginal mean, a target of primary interest in many applications. Using a simulation study, we examine properties of the maximum likelihood estimates from this model. We illustrate the approach by evaluating the effect of a behavioral weight loss intervention on health‐care expenditures in the Veterans Affairs health‐care system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐Step, Room‐Temperature Synthesis of Glutathione‐Capped Iron‐Oxide Nanoparticles and their Application in In Vivo T1‐Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Liu Chien‐Liang , Peng Yung‐Kang , Chou Shang‐Wei , Tseng Wei‐Hsuan , Tseng Yu‐Jui , Chen Hsieh‐Chih , Hsiao Jong‐Kai , Chou Pi‐Tai
Published: July 2014

The room‐temperature, aqueous‐phase synthesis of iron‐oxide nanoparticles (IO NPs) with glutathione (GSH) is reported. The simple, one‐step reduction involves GSH as a capping agent and tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC) as the reducing agent; GSH is an anti‐oxidant that is abundant in the human body while THPC is commonly used in the synthesis of noble‐metal clusters. Due to their low magnetization and good water‐dispersibility, the resulting GSH‐IO NPs, which are 3.72 ± 0.12 nm in diameter, exhibit a low r2 relaxivity (8.28 mm−1s−1) and r2/r1 ratio (2.28)—both of which are critical for T1 contrast agents. This, together with the excellent biocompatibility, makes these NPs an ideal candidate to be a T1 contrast agent. Its capability in cellular imaging is illustrated by the high signal intensity in the T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of treated HeLa cells. Surprisingly, the GSH‐IO NPs escape ingestion by the hepatic reticuloendothelial system, enabling strong vascular enhancement at the internal carotid artery and superior sagittal sinus, where detection of the thrombus is critical for diagnosing a stroke. Moreover, serial T1‐ and T2‐weighted time‐dependent MR images are resolved for a rat's kidneys, unveiling detailed cortical‐medullary anatomy and renal physiological functions. The newly developed GSH‐IO NPs thus open a new dimension in efforts towards high‐performance, long‐circulating MRI contrast agents that have biotargeting potential.
Prenatal Sonographic Features and Postnatal Outcome of Congenital Posteromedial Bowing of Tibia: An Experience from a Tertiary Fetal Medicine Center
Authors: Suresh Indrani , Raja Vijayalakshmi , Sriram Vijay , Ravulapalli Surekha , Balusamy Sathya Lakshmi , Sairam Shanthi , Jagadeesh Sujatha , Murlidhar Latha
Published: July 2014

A series of 18 fetuses were identified from the archives, between 2004 and 2013 with findings of unilateral shortening of the tibia and fibula, an acutely dorsiflexed foot and posteromedial bowing of the tibia and fibula. The median gestational age at diagnosis was 23 weeks (range 20–29 weeks). The discrepancy in length between the affected and contralateral tibia varied from 9 to 33 %. Data on pregnancy outcome were available for 14 (78 %) of 18 fetuses. Four patients opted for termination of pregnancy. All the live born babies (10/14) were followed-up postnatally and were well at a median age of 28 months (6–63 months) with milestones appropriate for age at the time of writing. Spontaneous resolution was noted in all the cases and none of them required surgical correction for limb discrepancy so far. Congenital posteromedial bowing of the leg is a benign entity whose outcome includes spontaneous resolution of the angular deformity, albeit with some residual limb length discrepancy and ankle valgus which may need orthopedic intervention around 6–7 years of age. Awareness of this condition helps in making the diagnosis prenatally and in counseling the couples about the prognosis and management options available.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating embryonic neurogenesis in the rodent olfactory epithelium
Authors: Kam Joseph Wai Keung , Raja Reesha , Cloutier Jean‐François
Published: July 2014

Mechanisms that regulate cellular differentiation in developing embryos are maintained across multiple physiological systems, including the nervous system where neurons and glia are generated. The olfactory epithelium, which arises from the olfactory pit, is a stratified tissue in which the stepwise generation of neurons and support cells can easily be assessed and followed during embryogenesis and throughout adulthood. During olfactory epithelium morphogenesis, progenitor cells respond to factors that control their proliferation, survival, and differentiation in order to generate olfactory receptor neurons that detect odorants in the environment and glia‐like sustentacular cells. The tight temporal regulation of expression of proneural genes in dividing progenitor cells, including Mash‐1, Neurogenin‐1, and NeuroD1, plays a central role in the production of olfactory receptor neurons. Multiple factors that either positively or negatively affect the generation of olfactory receptor neurons have been identified and shown to impinge on the transcriptional regulatory network in dividing progenitor cells. Several growth factors, such as FGF‐8, act to promote neurogenesis by ensuring survival of progenitor cells that will give rise to olfactory receptor neurons. In contrast, other molecules, including members of the large TGF‐β family of proteins, have negative impacts on neurogenesis by restricting progenitor cell proliferation and stalling their differentiation. Since recent reviews have focused on neurogenesis in the regenerating adult olfactory epithelium, this review describes neurogenesis at embryonic stages of olfactory epithelium development and summarizes our current understanding of how both cell intrinsic and extrinsic factors control this process.
Valuing lead time
Authors: de Treville Suzanne , Bicer Isik , Chavez‐Demoulin Valérie , Hagspiel Verena , Schürhoff Norman , Tasserit Christophe , Wager Stefan
Published: July 2014

When do short lead times warrant a cost premium? Decision makers generally agree that short lead times enhance competitiveness, but have struggled to quantify their benefits.Blackburn (2012)argued that the marginal value of time is low when demand is predictable and salvage values are high.de Treville et al. (2014)used real‐options theory to quantify the relationship between mismatch cost and demand volatility, demonstrating that the marginal value of time increases with demand volatility, and with the volatility of demand volatility. We use the de Treville et al. model to explore the marginal value of time in three industrial supply chains facing relatively low demand volatility, extending the model to incorporate factors such as tender‐loss risk, demand clustering in an order‐up‐to model, and use of a target fill rate that exceeded the newsvendor profit‐maximizing order quantity. Each of these factors substantially increases the marginal value of time. In all of the companies under study, managers had underestimated the mismatch costs arising from lead time, so had underinvested in cutting lead times.
Immigration, Imagined Communities, and Collective Memories of Asian American Experiences: A Content Analysis of Asian American Experiences in Virginia U.S. History Textbooks
Authors: Suh Yonghee , An Sohyun , Forest Danielle
Published: July 2014

This study explores how Asian American experiences are depicted in four high school U.S. history textbooks and four middle school U.S. history textbooks used in Virginia. The analytic framework was developed from the scholarship of collective memories and histories of immigration in Asian American studies. Content analysis of the textbooks suggests the overall narrative of Asian American history in U.S. history textbooks aligns with the grand narrative of American history, that is, the “story of progress.” This major storyline of Asian Americans – that they suffered from nativist racism and discrimination for a long time, overcame these obstacles through their hard work and efforts, and achieved the American dream – fits well into the master narrative of American progress, highlighting the process of their belonging to the U.S. as citizens. This storyline misrepresents the realities and diversity among Asian ethnic groups and their migration histories as well as the fluid nature of their identities across national borders. These findings stress the continued challenges in representing Asian American experiences as well as other marginalized groups in U.S. history textbooks.
ON A VARIANT OF A QUESTION PROPOSED BY K. MAHLER CONCERNING LIOUVILLE NUMBERS
Authors: MARQUES DIEGO , MOREIRA CARLOS GUSTAVO
Published: July 2014

In this note we shall prove the existence of an uncountable subset of Liouville numbers (which we call the set of ultra-Liouville numbers) for which there exist uncountably many transcendental analytic functions mapping the subset into itself.
Emergency Medical Services Response to Active Shooter Incidents: Provider Comfort Level and Attitudes Before and After Participation in a Focused Response Training Program
Authors: Jones Jerrilyn , Kue Ricky , Mitchell Patricia , Eblan Sgt. Gary , Dyer K. Sophia
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) routinely stage in a secure area in response to active shooter incidents until the scene is declared safe by law enforcement. Due to the time-sensitive nature of injuries at these incidents, some EMS systems have adopted response tactics utilizing law enforcement protection to expedite life-saving medical care.

Objective

Describe EMS provider perceptions of preparedness, adequacy of training, and general attitudes toward active shooter incident response after completing a tactical awareness training program.

Methods

An unmatched, anonymous, closed-format survey utilizing a five-point Likert scale was distributed to participating EMS providers before and after a focused training session on joint EMS/police active shooter rescue team response. Descriptive statistics were used to compare survey results. Secondary analysis of responses based on prior military or tactical medicine training was performed using a chi-squared analysis.

Results

Two hundred fifty-six providers participated with 88% (225/256) pretraining and 88% (224/256) post-training surveys completed. Post-training, provider agreement that they felt adequately prepared to respond to an active shooter incident changed from 41% (92/225) to 89% (199/224), while agreement they felt adequately trained to provide medical care during an active shooter incident changed from 36% (82/225) to 87% (194/224). Post-training provider agreement that they should never enter a building with an active shooter changed from 73% (165/225) to 61% (137/224). Among the pretraining surveys, significantly more providers without prior military or tactical experience agreed they should never enter a building with an active shooter until the scene was declared safe (78% vs 50%, P = .002), while significantly more providers with prior experience felt both adequately trained to provide medical care in an active shooter environment (56% vs 31%, P = .007) and comfortable working jointly with law enforcement within a building if a shooter were still inside (76% vs 56%, P = .014). There was no difference in response to these questions in the post-training survey.

Conclusions

Attitudes and perceptions regarding EMS active shooter incident response appear to change among providers after participation in a focused active shooter response training program. Further studies are needed to determine if these changes are significant and whether early EMS response during an active shooter incident improves patient outcomes.

JonesJ, KueR, MitchellP, EblanG, DyerKS. Emergency Medical Services response to active shooter incidents: provider comfort level and attitudes before and after participation in a focused response training program. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2014;29(4):1-7.
Academic Context and Perceived Mental Workload of Psychology Students
Authors: Rubio-Valdehita Susana , López-Higes Ramón , Díaz-Ramiro Eva
Published: July 2014

The excessive workload of university students is an academic stressor. Consequently, it is necessary to evaluate and control the workload in education. This research applies the NASA-TLX scale, as a measure of the workload. The objectives of this study were: (a) to measure the workload levels of a sample of 367 psychology students, (b) to group students according to their positive or negative perception of academic context (AC) and c) to analyze the effects of AC on workload. To assess the perceived AC, we used an ad hoc questionnaire designed according to Demand-Control-Social Support and Effort-Reward Imbalance models. Using cluster analysis, participants were classified into two groups (positive versus negative context). The differences between groups show that a positive AC improves performance (p < .01) and reduces feelings of overload (p < .02), temporal demand (p < .02), and nervousness and frustration (p < .001). Social relationships with peers and teachers, student autonomy and result satisfaction were relevant dimensions of the AC (p < .001 in all cases).
More great saphenous vein valves - less varicose veins?
Authors: Gräub Anna-Barbara , Naef Markus , Wagner Hans E. , Mouton Wolfgang G.
Published: July 2014

Background: In patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) the number of venous valves and the degree of valve deterioration have not been extensively investigated and are poorly understood. The aim of this prospective study was to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate the venous valves in CVD patients in view of their clinical classification. Patients and methods: Within two years a consecutive series of 152 patients (223 limbs) undergoing primary surgery for great saphenous vein varicose veins was investigated. In all patients the C class according to the basic CEAP-classification was registered preoperatively (C2 to C6) for each limb. Both the quantity and quality of venous valves were assessed in the GSVs after removal. Qualitative evaluation of the valves was based on macroscopic appearance using a classification from 0 to 5 and described as valve disease class. Results: A negative correlation between age and the number of valves was detected (p = 0.0035). There was an increase of C-class with increasing age. No significant correlation between the average number of valves per meter and the C-class was detected. For all C-classes an average of between four and five valves per meter was counted. Valve disease class was positively correlated with the C-class although the valve disease class was never higher than the C-class (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The valve disease class of the great saphenous vein correlates with the C-class of the CEAP-classification. The number of valves did not correlate with the C-class. With each increase in the CEAP class the age increased as well.
Calcium
Authors: Cowan J. A.
Published: July 2014

This chapter summarizes the distribution and physiological roles assumed by calcium ion. A description of fundamental physicochemical and structural properties provides a backdrop to a discussion of the relevance of the cation and a better understanding of its physiological chemistry. Following an introduction of the basic structural and coordination chemistry of protein-bound calcium, there is an overview of cellular uptake of calcium from the diet into serum and cells, the chemistry blood proteins and processes such as blood clotting, intracellular calcium transport, storage and regulation, and the mechanisms of membrane transporters. The role of calcium as a secondary messenger and in neural signalling is also developed, as well as general sensing, buffering and other control mechanisms (cellular homeostasis). A general comparison is made with homologous calcium proteins from prokaryotes and the chemistry of excreted ionophores as antibacterials is outlined. A final closing section details many of the interesting and important questions that remain to be addressed in cellular calcium chemistry.
Ferritin and Its Role in Iron Homeostasis
Authors: Theil Elizabeth C.
Published: July 2014

Nature uses ferritins (protein cages around iron biominerals) to concentrate iron and consume pro-oxidants. Fe2+ released from dissolved ferritin mineral forms cofactors for iron proteins. Ferritin mineral substrates Fe2+, O2 or H2O2 are pro-oxidants, making ferritins one of the antioxidant response proteins encoded in ARE genes. The two ferritin cage sizes are 12 subunit mini-ferritins (prokaryote Dps proteins) and 24 subunit maxi-ferritins (eukaryotes and prokaryotes); subunits fold into 4α-helix bundles and self-assemble into cages featuring multiple sites for iron chemistry. The four known activities of ferritin proteins are: 1. Fe2+ entry/exit (via ion channels); 2. multi-site, enzymatic (ferroxidase) oxidation of Fe2+ by O2 or H2O2; 3. post-enzymatic hydrolysis yielding Fe2O3·H2O precursors (eukaryotic nucleation channels); 4. protein-controlled reductive dissolution of ferritin mineral. Fe2+ is both the precursor and the product of ferritin chemistry and also regulates ferritin biosynthesis (mRNA translation) by binding ferritin IRE-RNA. An inhibitor protein IRP dissociates while an enhancer protein eIF-4F associates with the Fe2+/IRE-RNA complex. When newly synthesized ferritin protein converts Fe2+ to caged ferritin mineral, elevated ferritin protein synthesis stops, shutting down the iron feedback loop. Ferritin proteins hold considerable promise as nano-vessels for sensor and drug delivery, for nano-material syntheses and nano-catalysis. The ferritin future is huge.
Electrochemical sensor with substitutional stripping voltammetry for highly sensitive endotoxin assay
Authors: Takano Shinichiro , Inoue Kumi Y. , Takahashi Satoko , Ino Kosuke , Shiku Hitoshi , Matsue Tomokazu
Published: July 2014

An extra-highly sensitive sensor for detection of endotoxin was developed. In this sensor,p-aminophenol (pAP) was generated with endotoxin-induced enzyme reaction and detected with substitutional stripping voltammetry.
Accurate fast screening for total and inorganic arsenic in rice grains using hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS)
Authors: Chen Bin , Corns Warren T. , Stockwell Peter B. , Huang Jen-How
Published: July 2014

Two novel methods based on hydride generation atomic fluorescence spectrometry for the accurate screening of total and inorganic arsenic (As) in rice grain digests in 5 and 2 minutes, respectively, are proposed here.
Temperature-dependent halogen⋯halogen synthon crossover in coordination compounds
Authors: Khavasi Hamid Reza , Esmaeili Maryam
Published: July 2014

The crossover between type I and type II Br⋯Br synthons on the formation of coordination compounds has been investigated for the first time.
Isolation of a series of uranium organophosphinates
Authors: Yang Weiting , Wang Hao , Du Zi-Yi , Tian Wan-Guo , Sun Zhong-Ming
Published: July 2014

A series of uranyl organophosphinates including one-dimensional chain or two-dimensional sheet structures has been synthesized using hydroxymethyl phenylphosphinic acid (HMPPA) as the ligand.
Aptamer-conjugated theranostic hybrid graphene oxide with highly selective biosensing and combined therapy capability
Authors: Viraka Nellore Bhanu Priya , Pramanik Avijit , Chavva Suhash Reddy , Sinha Sudarson Sekhar , Robinson Christen , Fan Zhen , Kanchanapally Rajashekhar , Grennell Justin , Weaver Ivy , Hamme Ashton T. , Ray Paresh Chandra
Published: July 2014

Cancer is a life-threatening disease, which is rapidly becoming a global pandemic. Driven by this need, here we report for the first time an aptamer-conjugated theranostic magnetic hybrid graphene oxide-based assay for highly sensitive tumor cell detection from blood samples with combined therapy capability. AGE-aptamer-conjugated theranostic magnetic nanoparticle-attached hybrid graphene oxide was developed for highly selective detection of tumor cells from infected blood samples. Experimental data indicate that hybrid graphene can be used as a multicolor luminescence platform for selective imaging of G361 human malignant melanoma cancer cells. The reported results have also shown that indocyanine green (ICG)-bound AGE-aptamer-attached hybrid graphene oxide is capable of combined synergistic photothermal and photodynamic treatment of cancer. Targeted combined therapeutic treatment using 785 nm near-infrared (NIR) light indicates that the multimodal therapeutic treatment is highly effective for malignant melanoma cancer therapy. The reported data show that this aptamer-conjugated theranostic graphene oxide-based assay has exciting potential for improving cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Structuration of ionic liquids in a poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) matrix: its influence on the water vapour permeability and mechanical properties
Authors: Livi Sébastien , Bugatti Valeria , Soares Bluma Guenther , Duchet-Rumeau Jannick
Published: July 2014

The use of new building blocks based on ionic liquids to develop materials combining a structuration on the nanoscale with the dramatic water vapour permeability and mechanical properties was investigated.
Single-step microfluidic fabrication of soft monodisperse polyelectrolyte microcapsules by interfacial complexation
Authors: Kaufman Gilad , Boltyanskiy Rostislav , Nejati Siamak , Thiam Abdou R. , Loewenberg Michael , Dufresne Eric R. , Osuji Chinedum O.
Published: July 2014

A single-step method is introduced to generate microcapsules with 1–2 μm thick shells and tunable mechanical properties based on polyelectrolyte complexation across a water/oil droplet interface.
Synthesis of 2-deoxy-C-glycosides via Lewis acid-mediated rearrangement of 2,3-anhydro-1-thiopyranosides
Authors: Xiong De-Cai , Gao Chao , Li Wenming , Wang Yuan , Li Qin , Ye Xin-Shan
Published: July 2014

The regio- and stereo-selective construction of 2-deoxy-C-glycosides via Lewis acid-mediated rearrangement of 2,3-anhydro-1-thiopyranosides is realized.
Intein based bioprocess for production of a synthetic antimicrobial peptide: an alternative route to solid phase peptide synthesis
Authors: Basu Anindya , Mishra Biswajit , Dey Sharmistha , Leong Susanna Su Jan
Published: July 2014

Intein based bioprocessing strategy for producing antimicrobial peptide candidate was found to be more sustainable compared to solid phase peptide synthesis strategy (SPPS).
Reduction in oxidative stress during cellular responses to chemically functionalised graphene
Authors: Yoon Ok Ja , Jung Chang Yong , Sohn Il Yung , Son Young Min , Hwang Byeong-Ung , Kim Il Jin , Lee Nae-Eung
Published: July 2014

Nitrogen-functionalisation of chemically driven graphene (CDG) thin films effectively reduced the ROS generated from cells on the f-CDG films. The results indicate that N2plasma treatment of CDG is very useful in improving biocompatibility for the bio-application of graphene materials.
Carbon nanomaterials as new tools for immunotherapeutic applications
Authors: Battigelli Alessia , Ménard-Moyon Cécilia , Bianco Alberto
Published: July 2014

The possibility to exploit carbon-based nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes and graphene as immunotherapeutic agents has interesting future prospects. In particular, their applications for anticancer treatment, imaging and vaccine development, together with their immunomodulator properties are highlighted.
Electrospun membranes: control of the structure and structure related applications in tissue regeneration and drug delivery
Authors: Li Haiyan , Xu Yachen , Xu He , Chang Jiang
Published: July 2014

Multilevel structures of electrospun membranes can be controlled and the designed structures can strongly affect cell behavior and drug delivery.
Electrical properties and electronic structure of Si-implanted hexagonal boron nitride films
Authors: He B. , Qiu M. , Yuen M. F. , Zhang W. J.
Published: July 2014

Si ion implantation with a set of ion energies and ion doses was carried out to dope hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) thin films synthesized by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. Hall effect measurements revealed n-type conduction with a low resistivity of 0.5 Ω cm at room temperature, corresponding to an electron concentration of 2.0 × 1019 cm−3 and a mobility of 0.6 cm2/V s. Temperature-dependent resistivity measurements in a wide temperature range from 50 to 800 K demonstrated two shallow donor levels in the hBN band gap induced by Si doping, which was in consistence with the theoretical calculation by density function theory.
Point defects and p-type conductivity in Zn1–xMnxGeAs2
Authors: Kilanski L. , Rauch C. , Tuomisto F. , Podgórni A. , Dynowska E. , Dobrowolski W. , Fedorchenko I. V. , Marenkin S. F.
Published: July 2014

Positron annihilation spectroscopy is used to study point defects in Zn1–xMnxGeAs2 crystals with low Mn content 0≤x≤0.042 with disordered zincblende and chalcopyrite structure. The role of negatively charged vacancies and non-open-volume defects is discussed with respect to the high p-type conductivity with carrier concentration 1019≤p≤1021cm−3 in our samples. Neutral As vacancies, together with negatively charged Zn vacancies and non-open-volume defects with concentrations around 1016−1018cm−3, are observed to increase with increasing Mn content in the alloy. The observed concentrations of defects are not sufficient to be responsible for the strong p-type conductivity of our crystals. Therefore, we suggest that other types of defects, such as extended defects, have a strong influence on the conductivity of Zn1–xMnxGeAs2 crystals.
Electrical spin injection into InGaAs/GaAs quantum wells: A comparison between MgO tunnel barriers grown by sputtering and molecular beam epitaxy methods
Authors: Barate P. , Liang S. , Zhang T. T. , Frougier J. , Vidal M. , Renucci P. , Devaux X. , Xu B. , Jaffrès H. , George J. M. , Marie X. , Hehn M. , Mangin S. , Zheng Y. , Amand T. , Tao B. , Han X. F. , Wang Z. , Lu Y.
Published: July 2014

An efficient electrical spin injection into an InGaAs/GaAs quantum well light emitting diode is demonstrated thanks to a CoFeB/MgO spin injector. The textured MgO tunnel barrier is fabricated by two different techniques: sputtering and molecular beam epitaxy. The maximal spin injection efficiency is comparable for both methods. Additionally, the effect of annealing is also investigated for the two types of samples. Both samples show the same trend: an increase of the electroluminescence circular polarization (Pc) with the increase of annealing temperature, followed by a saturation of Pc beyond 350 °C annealing. Since the increase of Pc starts well below the crystallization temperature of the full CoFeB bulk layer, this trend could be mainly due to an improvement of chemical structure at the top CoFeB/MgO interface. This study reveals that the control of CoFeB/MgO interface is essential for an optimal spin injection into semiconductor.
High-fluence Ga-implanted silicon—The effect of annealing and cover layers
Authors: Fiedler J. , Heera V. , Hübner R. , Voelskow M. , Germer S. , Schmidt B. , Skorupa W.
Published: July 2014

The influence of SiO2 and SiNx cover layers on the dopant distribution as well as microstructure of high fluence Ga implanted Si after thermal processing is investigated. The annealing temperature determines the layer microstructure and the cover layers influence the obtained Ga profile. Rapid thermal annealing at temperatures up to 750 °C leads to a polycrystalline layer structure containing amorphous Ga-rich precipitates. Already after a short 20 ms flash lamp annealing, a Ga-rich interface layer is observed for implantation through the cover layers. This effect can partly be suppressed by annealing temperatures of at least 900 °C. However, in this case, Ga accumulates in larger, cone-like precipitates without disturbing the surrounding Si lattice parameters. Such a Ga-rich crystalline Si phase does not exist in the equilibrium phase diagram according to which the Ga solubility in Si is less than 0.1 at. %. The Ga-rich areas are capped with SiOx grown during annealing which only can be avoided by the usage of SiNx cover layers.