bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antiviral activity and CSF concentrations of 600/100 mg of darunavir/ritonavir once daily in HIV-1 patients with plasma viral suppression
Authors: Di Yacovo Maria S. , Moltó José , Ferrer Elena , Curran Adrian , Else Laura , Gisslén Magnus , Clotet Bonaventura , Tiraboschi Juan M. , Niubò Jordi , Vila Antonia , Zetterberg H. , Back David , Podzamczer Daniel
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess whether a lower dose than the currently used one of darunavir/ritonavir might achieve good CSF concentrations and contribute to inhibition of CNS viral replication.

Patients and methods

This was a substudy of a randomized, open, multicentre study (eudraCT 2011-006272-39), comparing the efficacy and safety of 800/100 mg of darunavir/ritonavir (darunavir 800) versus 600/100 mg of darunavir/ritonavir (darunavir 600) once daily plus tenofovir/emtricitabine or abacavir/lamivudine in 100 virologically suppressed patients. Paired blood and CSF samples were obtained. Total plasma darunavir concentrations were determined by HPLC, and CSF concentrations by liquid chromatography–tandem MS. Viral load (VL) was determined in plasma and CSF (limit of detection = 40 copies/mL) by PCR.

Results

Sixteen patients were enrolled. The median (range) of darunavir CSF concentrations in darunavir 600 (n = 8) and darunavir 800 (n = 8) patients was 17.08 (5.79–30.19) and 13.23 (3.47–32.98) ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.916). The median (range) darunavir CSF:plasma ratio was 0.010 (0.005–0.022) in darunavir 600 patients and 0.008 (0.004–0.017) in the darunavir 800 arm (P = 0.370). All 16 patients had a VL < 40 copies/mL in plasma and 14 had a VL < 40 copies/mL in CSF. Of the two patients with detectable CSF VL (280 copies/mL and 159 copies/mL), one was receiving darunavir 600 and the other darunavir 800 plus tenofovir/emtricitabine. Of note, these patients had the lowest CSF darunavir concentrations in their respective groups: 5.79 ng/mL (802 ng/mL in plasma) and 3.47 ng/mL (958 ng/mL in plasma).

Conclusions

Darunavir CSF and plasma concentrations were comparable between the two arms. However, one patient from each group (with the lowest CSF darunavir concentrations in their respective groups) had detectable CSF VL despite undetectable plasma VL.
EOSDB: The database for nuclear equations of state
Authors: Ishizuka Chikako , Suda Takuma , Suzuki Hideyuki , Ohnishi Akira , Sumiyoshi Kohsuke , Toki Hiroshi
Published: January 2015

The nuclear equation of state (EoS) plays an important role in understanding the formation of compact objects such as neutron stars and black holes. The true nature of the EoS has been a matter of debate at any density range not only in nuclear physics but also in astronomy and astrophysics. We have constructed a database of EoSs by compiling data from the literature. Our database contains the basic properties of the nuclear EoS of symmetric nuclear matter and of pure neutron matter. It also includes detailed information about the theoretical models, for example the adopted methods and assumptions in individual models. The novelty of the database is to consider new experimental probes such as symmetry energy, its slope with respect to the baryon density, and incompressibility, which enables users to check their model dependence. We demonstrate the performance of the EOSDB through examinations of model dependence among different nuclear EoSs. It is revealed that some theoretical EoSs, commonly used in astrophysics, do not satisfactorily agree with the experimental constraints.
Biomechanical Effects of a Dynamic Topping off Instrumentation in a Long Rigid Pedicle Screw Construct
Authors: Reichl Michael , Kueny Rebecca A. , Danyali Reza , Obid Peter , Übeyli Hüseyin , Püschel Klaus , Morlock Michael M. , Huber Gerd , Niemeyer Thomas , Richter Alexander
Published: January 2015

Study Design:

Biomechanical ex vivo study.

Objective:

To determine if topping off instrumentation can reduce the hypermobility in the adjacent segments when compared with the classic rigid spinal instrumentation.

Summary of the Background Data:

Long rigid instrumentation might increase the mechanical load in the adjacent segments, the resulting hypermobility, and the risk for adjacent segment disease. Topping off instrumentation intends to reduce the hypermobility at the adjacent level by more evenly distributing segmental motion and, thereby, potentially mitigating adjacent level disease.

Materials and Methods:

Eight human spines (Th12–L5) were divided into 2 groups. In the rigid group, a 3-segment metal rod instrumentation (L2–L5) was performed. The hybrid group included a 2-segment metal rod instrumentation (L3–L5) with a dynamic topping off instrumentation (L2–L3). Each specimen was tested consecutively in 3 different configurations: native (N=8), 2-segment rod instrumentation (L3–L5, N=8), 3-segment instrumentation (rigid: N=4, hybrid: N=4). For each configuration the range of motion (ROM) of the whole spine and each level was measured by a motion capture system during 5 cycles of extension-flexion (angle controlled to ±5 degrees, 0.1 Hz frequency, no preload).

Results:

In comparison with the intact spine, both the rigid 3-segment instrumentation and the hybrid instrumentation significantly reduced the ROM in the instrumented segments (L2–L5) while increasing the movement in the adjacent segment L1–L2 (P=0.002, η2=0.82) and in Th12–L1 (P<0.001, η2=0.90). There were no ROM differences between the rigid and hybrid instrumentation in all segments.

Conclusions:

Introducing the dynamic topping off did not impart any significant difference in the segmental motion when compared with the rigid instrumentation. Therefore, the current biomechanical study could not show a benefit of using this specific topping off instrumentation to solve the problem of adjacent segment disease.
Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Following Posterior Hemivertebra Resection and Short Fusion in Children Younger Than 10 Years
Authors: Wang Yingsong , Kawakami Noriaki , Tsuji Taichi , Ohara Tetsuya , Suzuki Yoshitaka , Saito Toshiki , Nohara Ayato , Tauchi Ryoji , Kawakami Kazuki
Published: January 2015

Study Design:

A retrospective study.

Objective:

To investigate whether proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) or obvious proximal junctional angle (PJA) changes in the sagittal plane develops following short fusion in children younger than 10 years of age with congenital scoliosis, and to investigate the possible risk factors.

Summary of Background Data:

PJK following long spinal fusion in adolescents and adults is a serious postoperative complication. Although the same problem may occur in patients with early-onset scoliosis who have undergone spine fusion, few studies have been reported any relationship between PJK and spinal fusion in young children with congenital scoliosis.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty-seven children treated in a single institution between 1998 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The inclusion criteria included (1) younger than 10 years of age at the time of operation; (2) simple congenital deformity; (3) hemivertebra treated by posterior hemivertebrectomy with short fusion at a maximum of 5 motion segments; and (4) minimum follow-up for 2 years. The PJA from the caudal endplate of the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) to the cephalad endplate of the vertebra adjacent to the UIV, thoracic kyphosis (T5–T12), lumbar lordosis (T12–S1), global sagittal balance, and magnitude of scoliosis of the major curves and upper compensated curves were measured on lateral radiographs. PJK was defined by a PJA>10 degrees during the follow-up and at least 10 degrees greater than the preoperative or early postoperative measurement. Wilcoxon tests were performed for statistical analysis.

Results:

PJK occurred in 7 of 37 patients (18.9%), during an average of 4.5±3.2 years of follow-up (2–12 y). The UIV level of children with PJK was on T9 in 4 patients, and T11, T12, and L1 in 1. Screw malposition at UIV was confirmed by postoperative computed tomography images in 6 patients. Only 1 patient with a screw deviation did not develop PJK during the follow-up period. None of the patients with PJK was symptomatic, and no patients required revision surgery because of PJK. PJK occurred and progressed during the first 6 months after surgery followed by almost no progression or slight improvement in patients that could be followed up beyond 6 months postoperatively; in association with an increase of the lumbar lordosis.

Conclusions:

PJK occurred in pediatric patients with simple congenital deformities following hemivertebrectomy and short fusion. PJK was more common in patients with (1) greater immediately postoperative segmental kyphosis and PJA; (2) screw malposition on the UIV; and (3) hemivertebra located on the lower thoracic or the thoracolumbar region.
Survey of Immunization Practices in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among Pediatric Gastroenterologists
Authors: Lester Rachael , Lu Ying , Tung Jeanne
Published: January 2015

Objectives:

We aimed to determine vaccination practices of pediatric gastroenterologists, as well as barriers to following immunization guidelines in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods:

Institutions listed in the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition clinical research registry and/or ImproveCareNow were contacted. A total of 657 physicians from 129 institutions were asked to complete a 16‐question electronic survey.

Results:

A total of 178 physicians (27.1%) responded, of whom 55% were male and 83.1% practiced in an academic setting. A total of 11 physicians (6.2%) do not routinely assess vaccination status, whereas 63.5% assess at the time of diagnosis, 29.8% at “well” visits, and 44.4% before initiating immunosuppression. At diagnosis, 51.1% verbally inquire about immunization status, 30.9% obtain records, and 9.0% obtain serology.

The influenza (78%), hepatitis B (84%), and varicella (82%) vaccines were most frequently assessed. Fewer than 55.5% of physicians reviewed other vaccines. Physicians using a reminder mechanism were more likely to review immunizations at established visits (41.1% vs 20.8%), and before transfer to an adult gastroenterologist (14.4% vs 2.6%). Lack of coordination of care with primary care practitioners (41%), poor access to immunization records (36%), and inability to offer vaccinations in their immediate area (55%) are barriers to vaccination. Only 28% believed that primary care practitioners were solely responsible for immunizations.

Conclusions:

There is practice variation among pediatric gastroenterologists in assessment of immunizations in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, including the specific vaccines assessed, and timing and method of assessment. Inability to coordinate care, access immunization records, and offer vaccines through their medical practice are barriers to adhering to immunization guidelines.
Dipteran wing motor-inspired flapping flight versatility and effectiveness enhancement
Authors: Harne R. L. , Wang K. W.
Published: January 2015

Insects are a prime source of inspiration towards the development of small-scale, engineered, flapping wing flight systems. To help interpret the possible energy transformation strategies observed in Diptera as inspiration for mechanical flapping flight systems, we revisit the perspective of the dipteran wing motor as a bistable click mechanism and take a new, and more flexible, outlook to the architectural composition previously considered. Using a representative structural model alongside biological insights and cues from nonlinear dynamics, our analyses and experimental results reveal that a flight mechanism able to adjust motor axial support stiffness and compression characteristics may dramatically modulate the amplitude range and type of wing stroke dynamics achievable. This corresponds to significantly more versatile aerodynamic force generation without otherwise changing flapping frequency or driving force amplitude. Whether monostable or bistable, the axial stiffness is key to enhance compressed motor load bearing ability and aerodynamic efficiency, particularly compared with uncompressed linear motors. These findings provide new foundation to guide future development of bioinspired, flapping wing mechanisms for micro air vehicle applications, and may be used to provide insight to the dipteran muscle-to-wing interface.
Carry-over body mass effect from winter to breeding in a resident seabird, the little penguin
Authors: Salton Marcus , Saraux Claire , Dann Peter , Chiaradia André
Published: January 2015

Using body mass and breeding data of individual penguins collected continuously over 7 years (2002–2008), we examined carry-over effects of winter body mass on timing of laying and breeding success in a resident seabird, the little penguin (
Eudyptula minor
). The austral winter month of July consistently had the lowest rate of colony attendance, which confirmed our expectation that penguins work hard to find resources at this time between breeding seasons. Contrary to our expectation, body mass in winter (July) was equal or higher than in the period before (‘moult-recovery’) and after (‘pre-breeding’) in 5 of 7 years for males and in all 7 years for females. We provided evidence of a carry-over effect of body mass from winter to breeding; females and males with higher body mass in winter were more likely to breed early and males with higher body mass in winter were likely to breed successfully. Sex differences might relate to sex-specific breeding tasks, where females may use their winter reserves to invest in egg-laying, whereas males use their winter reserves to sustain the longer fasts ashore during courtship. Our findings suggest that resident seabirds like little penguins can also benefit from a carry-over effect of winter body mass on subsequent breeding.
Multimodal method and conformal mapping for the scattering by a rough surface
Authors: Favraud Gael , Pagneux Vincent
Published: January 2015

The scattering of a wave from a periodic rough surface in two dimensions is considered. The proposed method is based on the use of a conformal mapping and of the multimodal admittance method. The use of the conformal mappings induces a spatially varying refractive index and transforms the boundary condition on the rough surface into a boundary condition on a flat surface. Then, the multimodal admittance method reduces this problem to a Riccati equation for the modal admittance matrix, which is solved numerically with a Magnus–Möbius scheme. The method is shown to converge exponentially with the number of Fourier modes. The method also allows to find geometries having trapped modes, or quasi-trapped modes, at a given frequency, by looking at singularities, or quasi-singularities, of this Riccati equation. Besides, a simple perturbation expansion, based on a small roughness approximation, is developed.
Structure of γ-conglutin: insight into the quaternary structure of 7S basic globulins from legumes
Authors: Czubinski Jaroslaw , Barciszewski Jakub , Gilski Miroslaw , Szpotkowski Kamil , Debski Janusz , Lampart-Szczapa Eleonora , Jaskolski Mariusz
Published: January 2015

γ-Conglutin from lupin seeds is an unusual 7S basic globulin protein. It is capable of reducing glycaemia in mammals, but the structural basis of this activity is not known. γ-Conglutin shares a high level of structural homology with glycoside hydrolase inhibitor proteins, although it lacks any kind of inhibitory activity against plant cell-wall degradation enzymes. In addition, γ-conglutin displays a less pronounced structural similarity to pepsin-like aspartic proteases, but it is proteolytically dysfunctional. Only one structural study of a legume 7S basic globulin, that isolated from soybean, has been reported to date. The quaternary assembly of soybean 7S basic globulin (Bg7S) is arranged as a cruciform-shaped tetramer comprised of two superposed dimers. Here, the crystal structure of γ-conglutin isolated fromLupinus angustifoliusseeds (LangC) is presented. The polypeptide chain of LangC is post-translationally cleaved into α and β subunits but retains its covalent integrity owing to a disulfide bridge. The protomers of LangC undergo an intricate quaternary assembly, resulting in a ring-like hexamer with noncrystallographicD3symmetry. The twofold-related dimers are similar to those in Bg7S but their assembly is different as a consequence of mutations in a β-strand that is involved in intermolecular β-sheet formation in γ-conglutin. Structural elucidation of γ-conglutin will help to explain its physiological role, especially in the evolutionary context, and will guide further research into the hypoglycaemic activity of this protein in humans, with potential consequences for novel antidiabetic therapies.
Insight into cofactor recognition in arylamineN-acetyltransferase enzymes: structure ofMesorhizobium lotiarylamineN-acetyltransferase in complex with coenzyme A
Authors: Xu Ximing , Li de la Sierra-Gallay Inés , Kubiak Xavier , Duval Romain , Chaffotte Alain F. , Dupret Jean-Marie , Haouz Ahmed , Rodrigues-Lima Fernando
Published: January 2015

ArylamineN-acetyltransferases (NATs) are xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes that catalyze the acetyl-CoA-dependent acetylation of arylamines. To better understand the mode of binding of the cofactor by this family of enzymes, the structure ofMesorhizobium lotiNAT1 [(RHILO)NAT1] was determined in complex with CoA. The F42W mutant of (RHILO)NAT1 was used as it is well expressed inEscherichia coliand displays enzymatic properties similar to those of the wild type. The apo and holo structures of (RHILO)NAT1 F42W were solved at 1.8 and 2 Å resolution, respectively. As observed in theMycobacterium marinumNAT1–CoA complex, in (RHILO)NAT1 CoA binding induces slight structural rearrangements that are mostly confined to certain residues of its `P-loop'. Importantly, it was found that the mode of binding of CoA is highly similar to that ofM. marinumNAT1 but different from the modes reported forBacillus anthracisNAT1 andHomo sapiensNAT2. Therefore, in contrast to previous data, this study shows that different orthologous NATs can bind their cofactors in a similar way, suggesting that the mode of binding CoA in this family of enzymes is less diverse than previously thought. Moreover, it supports the notion that the presence of the `mammalian/eukaryotic insertion loop' in certain NAT enzymes impacts the mode of binding CoA by imposing structural constraints.
Nitrogenase MoFe protein fromClostridium pasteurianumat 1.08 Å resolution: comparison with theAzotobacter vinelandiiMoFe protein
Authors: Zhang Li-Mei , Morrison Christine N. , Kaiser Jens T. , Rees Douglas C.
Published: January 2015

The X-ray crystal structure of the nitrogenase MoFe protein fromClostridium pasteurianum(Cp1) has been determined at 1.08 Å resolution by multiwavelength anomalous diffraction phasing. Cp1 and the ortholog fromAzotobacter vinelandii(Av1) represent two distinct families of nitrogenases, differing primarily by a long insertion in the α-subunit and a deletion in the β-subunit of Cp1 relative to Av1. Comparison of these two MoFe protein structures at atomic resolution reveals conserved structural arrangements that are significant to the function of nitrogenase. The FeMo cofactors defining the active sites of the MoFe protein are essentially identical between the two proteins. The surrounding environment is also highly conserved, suggesting that this structural arrangement is crucial for nitrogen reduction. The P clusters are likewise similar, although the surrounding protein and solvent environment is less conserved relative to that of the FeMo cofactor. The P cluster and FeMo cofactor in Av1 and Cp1 are connected through a conserved water tunnel surrounded by similar secondary-structure elements. The long α-subunit insertion loop occludes the presumed Fe protein docking surface on Cp1 with few contacts to the remainder of the protein. This makes it plausible that this loop is repositioned to open up the Fe protein docking surface for complex formation.
Structural insights into the efficient CO2-reducing activity of an NAD-dependent formate dehydrogenase fromThiobacillussp. KNK65MA
Authors: Choe Hyunjun , Ha Jung Min , Joo Jeong Chan , Kim Hyunook , Yoon Hye-Jin , Kim Seonghoon , Son Sang Hyeon , Gengan Robert M. , Jeon Seung Taeg , Chang Rakwoo , Jung Kwang Deog , Kim Yong Hwan , Lee Hyung Ho
Published: January 2015

CO2fixation is thought to be one of the key factors in mitigating global warming. Of the various methods for removing CO2, the NAD-dependent formate dehydrogenase fromCandida boidinii(CbFDH) has been widely used in various biological CO2-reduction systems; however, practical applications of CbFDH have often been impeded owing to its low CO2-reducing activity. It has recently been demonstrated that the NAD-dependent formate dehydrogenase fromThiobacillussp. KNK65MA (TsFDH) has a higher CO2-reducing activity compared with CbFDH. The crystal structure of TsFDH revealed that the biological unit in the asymmetric unit has two conformations,i.e.open (NAD+-unbound) and closed (NAD+-bound) forms. Three major differences are observed in the crystal structures of TsFDH and CbFDH. Firstly, hole 2 in TsFDH is blocked by helix α20, whereas it is not blocked in CbFDH. Secondly, the sizes of holes 1 and 2 are larger in TsFDH than in CbFDH. Thirdly, Lys287 in TsFDH, which is crucial for the capture of formate and its subsequent delivery to the active site, is an alanine in CbFDH. A computational simulation suggested that the higher CO2-reducing activity of TsFDH is owing to its lower free-energy barrier to CO2reduction than in CbFDH.
A simple approach to estimate isotropic displacement parameters for hydrogen atoms
Authors: Madsen Anders Østergaard , Hoser Anna Agnieszka
Published: January 2015

A simple combination of riding motion and an additive term is sufficient to estimate the temperature-dependent isotropic displacement parameters of hydrogen atoms, for use in X-ray structure refinements. The approach is validated against neutron diffraction data, and gives reasonable estimates in a very large temperature range (10–300 K). The model can be readily implemented in common structure refinement programs without auxiliary software.
Philosophical assumptions undermining responsible management education
Authors: Painter-Morland Mollie
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to perform a philosophical interrogation of some assumptions that underpin management education. It offers an analysis of how these assumptions may influence the promotion the responsible management agenda within business schools.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is a theoretical exploration based on a literature review and philosophical analysis.

Findings

– The ontological and epistemological assumptions that underpin management education pose barriers to responsible management education. A combination of ontological and epistemological assumptions privilege an instrumental approach based on simplistic utilitarian premises. These assumptions make it difficult to engage with the long term, relational and complex nature of the ethics and sustainability concerns that are central to responsible management education.

Practical implications

– Understanding the assumptions that underpin management education may assist in challenging the current paradigm and rethinking our approaches to responsible management.

Originality/value

– The paper pursues the tacit assumptions that may underpin empirical findings around the blockages experienced when schools pursue responsible management education. It takes the research into the current state of business school education further by exploring what informs and sustains its current functioning.
On the very notion of compliance with some help from William James
Authors: Raatzsch Richard
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to reach more clarity regarding the notion of compliance, in particular with regard to relation between this notion and the notion of integrity.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is a conceptual investigation, following a broadly understood Wittgensteinian approach.

Findings

– The main result is: there is no such thing as compliance in the full sense of that word without integrity. Compliance without integrity is a pathological case of compliance.

Originality/value

– So far, issues of compliance and integrity have either been treated as being essentially separate or as one coming in addition to the other one. If the paper’s argument is correct, this should no longer be accepted. The whole discussion should, instead, take another route.
Three trends in higher education and their potential impact on information agencies
Authors: Cervone H Frank
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– In this paper three technological trends are explored. While these trends are not directly related to each other, the author posits that they are all manifestations of areas where libraries and librarians could play a more active role in using the technology to further the mission of the library. Taken together, the author discusses how these trends become a call to action for libraries and librarians to more directly engage in areas of responsibility outside their traditional domain if they wish to maintain a relevant role in the academy.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, an analysis of three of the trends discussed in the “NMC Horizon Project short list: 2013 higher education edition” report is undertaken. From this analysis, the author evaluates the relevance, in both the short- and long-terms, of these trends to academic libraries.

Findings

– These three trends represent areas where libraries and librarians should attempt to become more directly involved in either using or exploiting technology. While two of these trends involve technology that is outside the traditional boundaries of librarianship, each of these technology trends will be increasingly critical to the higher education environment and it would behoove librarians to be at the forefront of thought leadership in these areas.

Originality/value

– In this article, the author takes what seem to be unrelated trends and finds a common thread among them. Part of understanding how the needs of a library’s user community may evolve over time is through identifying how a number of factors, many apparently unrelated, come together to change the overall focus and direction of patron needs. By looking at technology trends that are seemingly unrelated to libraries directly, the author develops a picture of what future directions academic libraries may take if they desire to maintain relevancy in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Functions and development of red pulp macrophages
Authors: Kurotaki Daisuke , Uede Toshimitsu , Tamura Tomohiko
Published: January 2015

Macrophages are extremely heterogeneous mononuclear phagocytes widely distributed throughout the body. They play unique roles in each organ where they reside. Among macrophage subsets, red pulp macrophages (RPMs) that localize in the splenic red pulp, are critical for maintenance of blood homeostasis by actively phagocytosing injured and senescent erythrocytes and blood‐borne particulates. Recent evidence indicates that RPMs are mainly generated during embryogenesis and are maintained during adult life. Furthermore, the cell‐intrinsic and ‐extrinsic factors (namely, Spi‐C, IRF8/4, heme oxygenase‐1, and M‐CSF) that regulate the development and survival of RPMs have been identified. Although the immunological properties of RPMs have yet to be elucidated fully, pioneering studies have demonstrated that these cells are capable of inducing differentiation of regulatory T cells via expression of transforming growth factor‐β and secrete a large amount of type I interferons during parasitic infections. In this review, we describe recent advances in understanding of the functions and development of RPMs.
Managing Co‐creation Design: A Strategic Approach to Innovation
Authors: Frow Pennie , Nenonen Suvi , Payne Adrian , Storbacka Kaj
Published: January 2015

Co‐creation offers firms and their network of actors significant opportunities for innovation, as each actor offers access to new resources through a process of resource integration. However, despite the significant advantages that co‐creation can offer, there is surprisingly little research providing a strategic approach for identifying the most advantageous co‐creation opportunities, especially when many possible options are available. Recently, scholars have called for research that develops tools and processes related to co‐creation. This study addresses these priorities, making two contributions. First, in contrast to previous work considering co‐creation more generally, or focusing on one specific form only, e.g. co‐production, this paper offers a detailed and granular approach to co‐creation design. A co‐creation design framework is developed, which incorporates multiple design dimensions and categories that can reveal new co‐creation opportunities. Second, the research extends the application of a design approach, specifically within the context of co‐creative activities. The authors use field‐based research with senior executives to develop a framework that includes key co‐creation design elements. A morphological approach is used to explore how a lead firm can identify attractive co‐creation opportunities. An innovation solution in one organization provides an illustration of how the co‐creation design framework can be applied.
Wildlife conservation without financial viability? The potential for payments for dispersal areas' services in Namibia
Authors: Lapeyre R.
Published: January 2015

Read the Feature Paper: Community‐based wildlife management failing to link conservation and financial viability; other Commentaries on this paper: Achieving ecological conservation impact is not enough: setting priorities based on multiple criteria and the Response from the authors: Continuous financial support will be needed
The Temporary Importance of Role Models for Women's Political Representation
Authors: Gilardi Fabrizio
Published: January 2015

This article investigates the supply side of women's political representation by focusing on how the election of female politicians affects the motivation of women to run for office in other units. The analysis relies on an original data set of over 1,500 municipal elections in Switzerland, starting with the first election after the introduction of women's suffrage. In the first election in which women could participate, the election of a woman in a given municipality was associated in the next election with an additional female candidate in 10% of its neighbors. The relationship decreases over time, fades away after 16 years, and is driven primarily by new female candidates in units where no female incumbents are running for reelection. These findings suggest that role models are important for improving women's representation, but only in its early stages. This conclusion could be relevant for understanding the political representation of other underrepresented groups.
Bortezomib in combination with infusional dose‐adjusted EPOCH for the treatment of plasmablastic lymphoma
Authors: Castillo Jorge J. , Reagan John L. , Sikov William M. , Winer Eric S.
Published: January 2015

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare and aggressive CD20‐negative lymphoma. Despite improvements of the biology behind PBL, it still represents a challenge from the diagnostic and therapeutic perspectives for pathologists and clinicians. PBL is characterized by high rates of relapse and short median survival with standard approaches. Here, we report the use of the combination of bortezomib and infusional etoposide, prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin (V‐EPOCH) in three patients with PBL; two were HIV‐positive and one was HIV‐negative. All three patients obtained a durable complete response to V‐EPOCH with survival times of 24, 18 and 12 months respectively.
P38 and JNK signal pathways are involved in the regulation of phlorizin against UVB‐induced skin damage
Authors: Zhai Yimiao , Dang Yongyan , Gao Wenke , Zhang Ye , Xu Peng , Gu Jun , Ye Xiyun
Published: January 2015

Phlorizin is well known to inhibit sodium/glucose cotransporters in the kidney and intestine for the treatment of diabetes, obesity and stress hyperglycaemia. However, the effects of phlorizin against ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation and its molecular mechanism are still unknown. We examined the effects of phlorizin on skin keratinocyte apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, pro‐inflammatory responses after UVB irradiation and the changes of some signal molecules by in vitro and in vivo assay. We observed that phlorizin pretreatments inhibited HaCaT cell apoptosis and overproduction of ROS induced by UVB. Phlorizin also decreased the expression of UVB‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) at the mRNA level. Topical application of phlorizin on UVB‐exposed skin of nude mice prevented the formation of scaly skin and erythema, inhibited the increase of epidermal thickness and reduced acute inflammation infiltration in skin. Additionally, PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemical data showed that phlorizin reversed the overexpression of cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox‐2) induced by UVB irradiation both in vitro and in vivo. The activation of p38 and JNK mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) after UVB irradiation was also inhibited by phlorizin. These findings suggest that phlorizin is effective in protecting skin against UVB‐induced skin damage by decreasing ROS overproduction, Cox‐2 expression and the subsequent excessive inflammation reactions. It seemed that p38 and JNK MAPK signal pathways are involved in the regulation of the protective function of phlorizin.
Oxidation of Fe(II)‐EDTA by nitrite and by two nitrate‐reducing Fe(II)‐oxidizing Acidovorax strains
Authors: Klueglein N. , Picardal F. , Zedda M. , Zwiener C. , Kappler A.
Published: January 2015

The enzymatic oxidation of Fe(II) by nitrate‐reducing bacteria was first suggested about two decades ago. It has since been found that most strains are mixotrophic and need an additional organic co‐substrate for complete and prolonged Fe(II) oxidation. Research during the last few years has tried to determine to what extent the observed Fe(II) oxidation is driven enzymatically, or abiotically by nitrite produced during heterotrophic denitrification. A recent study reported that nitrite was not able to oxidize Fe(II)‐EDTA abiotically, but the addition of the mixotrophic nitrate‐reducing Fe(II)‐oxidizer, Acidovorax sp. strain 2AN, led to Fe(II) oxidation (Chakraborty & Picardal, 2013). This, along with other results of that study, was used to argue that Fe(II) oxidation in strain 2AN was enzymatically catalyzed. However, the absence of abiotic Fe(II)‐EDTA oxidation by nitrite reported in that study contrasts with previously published data. We have repeated the abiotic and biotic experiments and observed rapid abiotic oxidation of Fe(II)‐EDTA by nitrite, resulting in the formation of Fe(III)‐EDTA and the green Fe(II)‐EDTA‐NO complex. Additionally, we found that cultivating the Acidovorax strains BoFeN1 and 2AN with 10 mm nitrate, 5 mm acetate, and approximately 10 mm Fe(II)‐EDTA resulted only in incomplete Fe(II)‐EDTA oxidation of 47–71%. Cultures of strain BoFeN1 turned green (due to the presence of Fe(II)‐EDTA‐NO) and the green color persisted over the course of the experiments, whereas strain 2AN was able to further oxidize the Fe(II)‐EDTA‐NO complex. Our work shows that the two used Acidovorax strains behave very differently in their ability to deal with toxic effects of Fe‐EDTA species and the further reduction of the Fe(II)‐EDTA‐NO nitrosyl complex. Although the enzymatic oxidation of Fe(II) cannot be ruled out, this study underlines the importance of nitrite in nitrate‐reducing Fe(II)‐ and Fe(II)‐EDTA‐oxidizing cultures and demonstrates that Fe(II)‐EDTA cannot be used to demonstrate unequivocally the enzymatic oxidation of Fe(II) by mixotrophic Fe(II)‐oxidizers.
Comparing US paediatric and adult weight classification at the transition from late teenage to young adulthood
Authors: Maring B. , Greenspan L. C. , Chandra M. , Daniels S. R. , Sinaiko A. , Prineas R. J. , Parker E. D. , Adams K. F. , Daley M. F. , Sherwood N. E. , Kharbanda E. O. , Margolis K. L. , Magid D. J. , O'Connor P. J. , Lo J. C.
Published: January 2015

Background

Although paediatric growth charts are recommended for weight assessment prior to age 20, many teenagers transition earlier to adult care where absolute body mass index (BMI) is used. This study examines concordance of weight classification in older teenagers using paediatric percentiles and adult thresholds.

Methods

BMI from 23 640 US teens ages 18–19 years were classified using paediatric BMI percentile criteria for underweight (< 5th), normal (5th to < 85th), overweight (85th to < 95th), obesity (≥ 95th) and severe obesity (≥ 120% × 95th percentile) and adult BMI (kg m−2) criteria for underweight (< 18.5), normal (18.5–24.9), overweight (25–29.9) and obesity: class I (30–34.9), class II (35–39.9) and class III (≥ 40). Concordance was examined using the kappa (κ) statistic. Blood pressure (BP) from the same visit was classified hypertensive for BP ≥ 140/90.

Results

The majority of visits (72.8%) occurred in adult primary care. Using paediatric/adult criteria, 3.4%/5.2% were underweight, 66.6%/58.8% normal weight, 15.7%/21.7% overweight, 14.3%/14.3% obese and 4.9%/6.0% severely/class II–III obese, respectively. Paediatric and adult classification for underweight, normal, overweight and obesity were concordant for 90.3% (weighted κ 0.87 [95% confidence interval, 0.87–0.88]). For severe obesity, BMI ≥ 120% × 95th percentile showed high agreement with BMI ≥ 35 kg m−2 (κ 0.89 [0.88–0.91]). Normal‐weight males and moderately obese females by paediatric BMI percentile criteria who were discordantly classified into higher adult weight strata had a greater proportion with hypertensive BP compared with concordantly classified counterparts.

Conclusions

Strong agreement exists between US paediatric BMI percentile and adult BMI classification for older teenagers. Adult BMI classification may optimize BMI tracking and risk stratification during transition from paediatric to adult care.
Microanalysis of Calcium Codoped LaAl(Si6−zAlz)(N10−zOz) (z~1): Ce3+ Blue Phosphor
Authors: Takahashi Kohsei , Dierre Benjamin , Cho Yujin , Sekiguchi Takashi , Xie Rong‐Jun , Hirosaki Naoto
Published: January 2015

Cathodoluminescence spectra of Ca codoped (La,Ce)Al(Si6−zAlz)(N10−zOz) (z~1) (termed JEM phase) phosphors were analyzed microscopically. The as‐prepared samples consisted of a major JEM phase and a small amount of β‐sialon and/or α‐sialon depending on the Ca concentration. A microscale distribution of three different emission spectra was clearly observed on one phosphor particle, which was originated from the blue‐emitting JEM:Ce (430 nm), β‐sialon:Ce (435 nm) and Ca‐α‐sialon:Ce (475 nm), respectively. The volume ratio of the three phases thus led to changes in the bandwidth and the maximum position of the emission spectrum, and the redshift of CL spectra with increasing Ca concentration was dominantly attributed to the enhanced emission from Ca‐α‐sialon. The microanalysis of phosphor particles with the aid of cathodoluminescence spectroscopy indicated a similar result of the phase assembly that was identified by the powder X‐ray diffraction.
Constrained Sintering of a Low‐Fire, Polycrystalline Bi2(Zn1/3Nb2/3)2O7 Dielectric
Authors: Chu Yung‐Ju , Jean Jau‐Ho
Published: January 2015

The densification behavior of a low‐fire, polycrystalline Bi2(Zn1/3Nb2/3)2O7 (BZN) dielectric under constrained sintering at 800°C–900°C is investigated. Although the constrained densification is retarded in relative to free sintering, a high sintered density of >95% is obtained at 900°C. No significant anisotropy with similar grain sizes is developed under free and constrained sintering. The densification behavior and stress development during constrained sintering of BZN is thus analyzed by using the well‐known isotropic constitutive laws.
Optimizing Microwave‐Assisted Extraction of Phenolic Antioxidants from Red Delicious and Jonathan Apple Pomace
Authors: Chandrasekar Vaishnavi , Martín‐González M.F. San , Hirst Peter , Ballard Tameshia S.
Published: January 2015

Microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) of phenolic antioxidants from the pomace of Red Delicious and Jonathan apple varieties was optimized using response surface methodology. Optimization parameters included solvent type, microwave power, solvent volume to sample ratio and extraction time. Optimum conditions were based on the total polyphenol content (TPC) of extracts. Antioxidant activities of optimized extracts were also measured by inhibition percentage (IP) of the DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) free radical. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to identify and quantify some of the major phenolics extracted. Red Delicious pomace had the highest TPC (15.8 mg GAE/g) obtained under the optimum extraction conditions of 735 W power and 149 s extraction time with 10.3 mL of ethanol per gram dry sample. The DPPH IP of this extract was 77.1%. Phloridzin, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and quercetrin were some of the major polyphenols identified in the extracts. MAE was found to be an effective method of extracting antioxidant compounds from apple pomace.

Practical Applications

Extraction of phenolics from apple pomace using microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) has significant potential compared with traditional extraction methods, as it significantly reduces extraction time and solvent consumption while generating higher extraction yields. The optimized extraction conditions obtained in this study resulted in extracts with high concentrations of polyphenols and high DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) radical‐scavenging activity. Optimized extraction conditions were found to be independent of apple variety and therefore can be extended to extraction of phenolics from the pomace of other apple cultivars. This work opens the door for further research on the feasibility of an industrial‐scale continuous MAE process for the recovery of these valuable compounds from apple pomace. In addition, there is promise for these value‐added extracts to be used in a number of applications, including the extension of product shelf life (as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants), functional food ingredients and dietary supplements.
Analysis of leaf surfaces using scanning ion conductance microscopy
Authors: WALKER SHAUN C. , ALLEN STEPHANIE. , BELL GORDON , ROBERTS CLIVE J.
Published: January 2015

Leaf surfaces are highly complex functional systems with well defined chemistry and structure dictating the barrier and transport properties of the leaf cuticle. It is a significant imaging challenge to analyse the very thin and often complex wax‐like leaf cuticle morphology in their natural state. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and to a lesser extent Atomic force microscopy are techniques that have been used to study the leaf surface but their remains information that is difficult to obtain via these approaches. SEM is able to produce highly detailed and high‐resolution images needed to study leaf structures at the submicron level. It typically operates in a vacuum or low pressure environment and as a consequence is generally unable to deal with the in situ analysis of dynamic surface events at submicron scales. Atomic force microscopy also possess the high‐resolution imaging required and can follow dynamic events in ambient and liquid environments, but can over exaggerate small features and cannot image most leaf surfaces due to their inherent roughness at the micron scale. Scanning ion conductance microscopy (SICM), which operates in a liquid environment, provides a potential complementary analytical approach able to address these issues and which is yet to be explored for studying leaf surfaces. Here we illustrate the potential of SICM on various leaf surfaces and compare the data to SEM and atomic force microscopy images on the same samples. In achieving successful imaging we also show that SICM can be used to study the wetting of hydrophobic surfaces in situ. This has potentially wider implications than the study of leaves alone as surface wetting phenomena are important in a range of fundamental and applied studies.
Migration of pediatric epidural catheters
Authors: Strandness Thomas , Wiktor Marisa , Varadarajan Jaya , Weisman Steven
Published: January 2015

Background

Postoperative pain control in the pediatric population frequently involves epidural catheters placed intraoperatively. A retrospective review of epidural catheter tip position was conducted by evaluation of routine chest anterior–posterior (A‐P) X‐rays obtained by the surgical and ICU teams.

Methods

Of the 174 pediatric epidural catheters placed during a 1‐year period at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, 59 pediatric patients with chest X‐rays demonstrating epidural catheter tip on at least 2 days were reviewed. The change in epidural catheter position was then calculated. The overall reason for discontinuation of epidural analgesia in the larger population was also compiled.

Results

It was determined that epidural catheters migrated more frequently in patients <10 kg and 10–40 kg, when compared to those >40 kg P < 0.001. The average migration seen on X‐ray was 1.1 levels inward in those <40 kg and 0.3 levels inward in those >40 kg. The incidence of catheters discontinued secondary to falling out, or migrating in, was also increased in those patients <40 kg when compared to those >40 kg.

Conclusion

Results suggest that epidural catheters move inward more frequently and fall out more frequently in patients <40 kg.
The Equity Premium and Inflation: Evidence from the US
Authors: Azar Samih Antoine
Published: January 2015

There is recent and strong evidence that nominal stock returns are independent of inflation. In what amounts to the same thing, when real stock returns are regressed on inflation the resulting estimated coefficient on inflation is negative and unitary. These two propositions are mathematically equivalent. The purpose of this paper is to show that the market stock return is also independent of expected inflation, as measured by the T-bill rate. Firstly, regressions of the equity premium on inflation produce invariably slope coefficients that are statistically insignificantly different from -1. The inflation variable on the right hand side of the regression picks up the sign and the magnitude of the T-bill rate in the equity premium on the left hand side of the regression. This is as expected because the T-bill rate is an unbiased predictor of the future inflation rate, or, in other terms, the T-bill rate is a proxy for expected inflation. Hence regressions of real stock returns on inflation are in substance the same as regressions of the equity premium on inflation, and in both cases nominal stock returns are independent of inflation, and of its expected proxy, the T-bill rate. Secondly, additional evidence is provided from regressions of stock market returns on the inflation rate and the T-bill rate taken together. The hypothesis that the sum of the two coefficients on these two variables is statistically insignificantly different from zero is strongly supported. Moreover, the joint null hypothesis that the first coefficient is equal to -1 and that the second coefficient is equal to +1 is also strongly supported. As a conclusion stock prices already reflect macroeconomic shocks and there is neither money illusion nor over and under adjustment on the part of investors.