bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Dynamic Control Mechanism of Interrupt Stack Overflow on Real‐Time Embedded Monitor (REMON)
Authors: Nankaku Shigeki , Kawakami Hiroyuki , Koizumi Hisao , Fukuda Akira
Published: February 2015

For embedded systems, it is important to detect changes in the real world and continuing processing properly. The changes are represented by external interrupts, and proper processes are implemented by nested interrupt service routines (hereafter ISRs). Here, a necessity of mutual exclusion arises. In a software execution environment without any real time OS (hereafter RTOS), a traditional mutual exclusion approach was to disable/enable interrupts in a CPU‐specific manner. However, this method typically degrades the real time performance because it defers execution of the mutual‐exclusion‐free part of the system. Considering this situation, we have been studying a real‐time embedded monitor (REMON) which provides a novel mutual exclusion method that can maintain real‐time performance without RTOS. For in‐service embedded systems, one major runtime fault is ISR stack overflow (SOF). It is extremely difficult to test all conditions where ISRs are called from various external conditions. Note that the ISR stack holds not only data but also program instruction addresses, and consequently a SOF may cause a fatal system error. In summary, ISR SOF is a significant issue, but it has not previously been addressed by REMON. This paper proposes two safety extension methods for embedded systems using REMON. The first method detects ISR overflow and safely stops the system before triggering a system‐down or a malfunction. The second method reallocates the ISR stack and resumes system execution automatically.
Dispersed Gold Nanoparticles Supported in the Pores of Siliceous Mesocellular Foam: A Catalyst for Cycloisomerization of Alkynoic Acids to γ‐Alkylidene Lactones
Authors: Eriksson Kristofer , Verho Oscar , Nyholm Leif , Oscarsson Sven , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: February 2015

A versatile approach for the production of dispersed thiol‐stabilized gold nanoparticles in the pores of siliceous mesocellular foam (MCF) is described. The reported method is based on an electrochemical oxidation of a gold surface generating oxidative AuIII species, which give rise to a surface‐confined redox reaction yielding MCF‐supported AuI thiolates. By reducing the corresponding AuI‐S‐MCF species with sodium borohydride, thiol‐stabilized gold nanoparticles in the size range of 1–8 nm were obtained as determined by transmission electron microscopy. Elemental analysis indicated an Au loading of 3 % (w/w) on the MCF. The surface‐confined Au nanoparticles were used to catalyze the cycloisomerization of alkynoic acids to the corresponding γ‐alkylidene lactones in high efficiency and complete 5‐exo‐dig selectivity under mild reaction conditions.
Tests on cyclic behavior of reinforced concrete frames with brick infill
Authors: Chiou Tsung‐Chih , Hwang Shyh‐Jiann
Published: February 2015

This paper reports the results of cyclic loading tests performed on four specimens consisting of reinforced concrete frames with brick infill walls. The brick infill is pre‐laid, followed by the cast in‐place RC columns and beams. Test parameters include the height‐to‐length ratio of the brick infill wall and the mortar compressive strength. Test results reveal that the in‐plane lateral strength of brick infill wall is related to the fracture path. The fracture path for brick infill walls with large height‐to‐length ratios includes bed joints, cross joints, and vertical splitting of bricks. As a result, the lateral strength of this type of brick infill wall is larger. In comparison, the fracture path for brick infill walls with small height‐to‐length ratios only passes through joints, which is the reason why they have lower lateral strength. Mortar with higher strength improves the lateral strength of brick infill wall.

In addition to presenting experimental observations in detail, this paper compares the test results with those obtained from existing methods for assessment of seismic resistance. Comments and recommendations are offered with respect to the capabilities of the assessment methods in predicting stiffness, strength, and ultimate deformation capacity of brick infill walls. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lower and Middle Ordovician conodonts of Laurentian affinity from blocks of limestone in the Rosroe Formation, South Mayo Trough, western Ireland and their palaeogeographic implication
Authors: Stouge Svend , Harper David A. T. , Sevastopulo George D. , O'Mahony Darren , Murray John
Published: February 2015

The Middle Ordovician Rosroe Formation consists of some 1350 m of coarse, mainly siliciclastic to volcaniclastic sedimentary rocks, deposited in a submarine fan environment, and is restricted to the southern limb of the South Mayo Trough, western Ireland. Discrete allochthonous blocks, reaching 5 m in size, are present in the formation at several localities. Conodonts recovered from these blocks, collected from two separate locations, are of late Early and mid Mid Ordovician age. The conodonts have high conodont‐alteration indices (CAI 5) indicative of temperatures as high as 300o to max. 480 °C; some found in the Lough Nafooey area have abnormally high indices (CAI 6), which correspond to temperatures of about 360o to max. 550 °C. The oldest fauna is dominated by Periodon aff. aculeatus and characterized by Oepikodus evae typical of the Oepikodus evae Zone (Floian Stage; Stage Slices Fl2–3, Lower Ordovician). The younger conodont assemblage, characterized by Periodon macrodentatus associated with Oistodella pulchra, is referred to the P. macrodentatus conodont Biozone (lower Darriwilian; Stage Slices Dw1–2). The Rosroe conodont assemblages are of Laurentian affinity; comparable faunas are well known from several locations along the east to south‐eastern platform margin of Laurentia and the Notre Dame subzone of central Newfoundland, Canada. The faunal composition from the limestone blocks suggests a shelf edge to slope (or fringing carbonate) setting. The faunal assemblages are coeval with, respectively, the Tourmakeady Formation (Floian–Dapingian) and Srah Formation (Darriwilian) in the Tourmakeady Volcanic Group in the eastern part of the South Mayo Trough and probably are derived from the same or similar laterally equivalent short‐lived carbonate successions that accumulated at offshore ‘peri‐Laurentian’ islands, close to and along the Laurentian margin. During collapse of the carbonate system in the late Mid Ordovician, the blocks were transported down a steep slope and into deep‐water by debris flows, mixing with other rock types now found in the coarse polymict clastics of the Rosroe Formation. The faunas fill the stratigraphical ‘gap’ between the Lower Ordovician Lough Nafooey Volcanic Group and the upper Middle Ordovician Rosroe Formation in the South Mayo Trough and represent a brief interval conducive to carbonate accumulation in an otherwise siliciclastic‐ and volcaniclastic‐dominated sedimentary environment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring Healthcare Providers' Performances Within Managed Competition Using Multidimensional Quality and Cost Indicators
Authors: Portrait France R. M. , van der Galiën Onno , Van den Berg Bernard
Published: February 2015

Background and objectives: The Dutch healthcare system is in transition towards managed competition. In theory, a system of managed competition involves incentives for quality and efficiency of provided care. This is mainly because health insurers contract on behalf of their clients with healthcare providers on, potentially, quality and costs. The paper develops a strategy to comprehensively analyse available multidimensional data on quality and costs to assess and report on the relative performance of healthcare providers within managed competition.

Data and methods: We had access to individual information on 2409 clients of 19 Dutch diabetes care groups on a broad range of (outcome and process related) quality and cost indicators. We carried out a cost‐consequences analysis and corrected for differences in case mix to reduce incentives for risk selection by healthcare providers.

Results and conclusion: There is substantial heterogeneity between diabetes care groups' performances as measured using multidimensional indicators on quality and costs. Better quality diabetes care can be achieved with lower or higher costs. Routine monitoring using multidimensional data on quality and costs merged at the individual level would allow a systematic and comprehensive analysis of healthcare providers' performances within managed competition. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sertoli cell as a model in male reproductive toxicology: Advantages and disadvantages
Authors: Reis Mariana M. S. , Moreira Ana C. , Sousa Mário , Mathur Premendu P. , Oliveira Pedro F. , Alves Marco G.
Published: February 2015

Pressure towards population aging in the demographic pyramid is not only due to sociological/personal choices but also due to subfertility or infertility. There are several chemicals and mixtures that impair male fertility. While experimental animal models are crucial to identify compounds that affect male fertility, it is essential to use reliable in vitro models to determine cellular targets and intracellular pathways that mediate chemical toxicity in the male reproductive system. In this review, we focused on the somatic Sertoli cell (SC) that, within the testis, is a major target for hormonal signaling and provides physical and nutritional support to developing germ cells. The different outcomes possible in each type of study: in vivo versus in vitro (either in primary or immortalized cell cultures) are analyzed. Herein, we intend to clarify the unique features that render SCs as excellent candidates for a robust in vitro model to study the deleterious effects of chemicals on male reproductive health. The sensitivity of SCs to toxicants/pharmaceuticals is discussed and, based on the literature reviewed we propose the in vitro study of SC physiology as a model to disclose deleterious effects of substances to male fertility. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Loading of Hip Measured by Hip Contact Forces at Different Speeds of Walking and Running
Authors: Giarmatzis Georgios , Jonkers Ilse , Wesseling Mariska , Van Rossom Sam , Verschueren Sabine
Published: February 2015

Exercise plays a pivotal role in maximizing peak bone mass in adulthood and maintaining it through aging, by imposing mechanical loading on the bone that can trigger bone mineralization and growth. The optimal type and intensity of exercise that best enhances bone strength remains, however, poorly characterized, partly because the exact peak loading of the bone produced by the diverse types of exercises is not known. By means of integrated motion capture as an input to dynamic simulations, contact forces acting on the hip of 20 young healthy adults were calculated during walking and running at different speeds. During walking, hip contact forces (HCFs) have a two-peak profile whereby the first peak increases from 4.22 body weight (BW) to 5.41 BW and the second from 4.37 BW to 5.74 BW, by increasing speed from 3 to 6 km/h. During running, there is only one peak HCF that increases from 7.49 BW to 10.01 BW, by increasing speed from 6 to 12 km/h. Speed related profiles of peak HCFs and ground reaction forces (GRFs) reveal a different progression of the two peaks during walking. Speed has a stronger impact on peak HCFs rather than on peak GRFs during walking and running, suggesting an increasing influence of muscle activity on peak HCF with increased speed. Moreover, results show that the first peak of HCF during walking can be predicted best by hip adduction moment, and the second peak of HCF by hip extension moment. During running, peak HCF can be best predicted by hip adduction moment. The present study contributes hereby to a better understanding of musculoskeletal loading during walking and running in a wide range of speeds, offering valuable information to clinicians and scientists exploring bone loading as a possible nonpharmacological osteogenic stimulus. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Osteogenic Priming of Mesenchymal Stem Cells is Impaired in Experimental Diabetes
Authors: Silva J. C. , Sampaio P. , Fernandes M. H. , Gomes P. S.
Published: February 2015

Diabetes mellitus encompasses a group of metabolic conditions embracing the dysfunction and failure of various tissues and organs, including bone. Sustained bone alterations seem to result from anabolic, rather than catabolic processes, and suggest a decreased osteoblastic recruitment and activity. Current knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms were provided by studies performed with osteogenic populations cultured in diabetic‐simulated conditions, and osteogenic‐induced precursor populations harvested from diabetic animals, sustaining an impaired cellular behavior in terms of osteogenic responsiveness and function. However, the reasons leaning to this impairment remain essentially unknown, as the priming capability and functionality of undifferentiated precursors, developed within the diabetic environment, have not been addressed. Accordingly, this work aims to evaluate the functionality and osteogenic priming capability of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), harvested from animals with experimental diabetes, and grown in the absence of any given differentiation factor. MSCs developed within a diabetic microenvironment displayed an impaired behavior, with diminished cell viability and proliferation, altered cytoskeleton organization, impaired osteogenic priming, and increased adipogenic activation. Further, the osteogenic induction of diabetic MSCs resulted in an impaired osteogenic commitment. The modified cell phenotype may be related, at least in part, with altered activity of ERK WNT and p38 signaling pathways in diabetic‐derived cultures. Specific strategies, aiming the modulation of the verified hindrances, may be of therapeutic value to enhance the functionality of diabetic MSCs and sustain an improved outcome in the metabolism and regeneration of the bone tissue in diabetic conditions. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1658–1667, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Probing the interaction of distamycin A with S100β: the “unexpected” ability of S100β to bind to DNA‐binding ligands
Authors: Cerofolini Linda , Amato Jussara , Borsi Valentina , Pagano Bruno , Randazzo Antonio , Fragai Marco
Published: February 2015

DNA‐minor‐groove‐binding ligands are potent antineoplastic molecules. The antibiotic distamycin A is the prototype of one class of these DNA‐interfering molecules that have been largely used in vitro. The affinity of distamycin A for DNA is well known, and the structural details of the complexes with some B‐DNA and G‐quadruplex‐forming DNA sequences have been already elucidated. Here, we show that distamycin A binds S100β, a protein involved in the regulation of several cellular processes. The reported affinity of distamycin A for the calcium(II)‐loaded S100β reinforces the idea that some biological activities of the DNA‐minor‐groove‐binding ligands arise from the binding to cellular proteins. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deployment‐Related Psychiatric and Behavioral Conditions and Their Association with Functional Disability in OEF/OIF/OND Veterans
Authors: Lippa Sara M. , Fonda Jennifer R. , Fortier Catherine B. , Amick Melissa A. , Kenna Alexandra , Milberg William P. , McGlinchey Regina E.
Published: February 2015

Understanding the factors that influence veterans’ functional outcome after deployment is critical to provide appropriately targeted care. Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been related to disability, but other psychiatric and behavioral conditions are not as well examined. We investigated the impact of deployment‐related psychiatric and behavioral conditions on disability among 255 OEF/OIF/OND service members and veterans. Structured clinical interviews assessed TBI and the psychiatric conditions of depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use. Self‐report questionnaires assessed disability and the behavioral conditions of sleep disturbance and pain. Over 90% of participants had a psychiatric and/or behavioral condition, with approximately half presenting with ≥ 3 conditions. Exploratory factor analysis revealed 4 clinically relevant psychiatric and behavioral factors which accounted for 76.9% of the variance: (a) depression, PTSD, and military mTBI (deployment trauma factor); (b) pain and sleep (somatic factor); (c) anxiety disorders, other than PTSD (anxiety factor); and (d) substance abuse or dependence (substance use factor). Individuals with the conditions comprising the deployment trauma factor were more likely to be substantially disabled than individuals with depression and PTSD, but no military mTBI, OR = 3.52; 95% CI [1.09, 11.37]. Depression, PTSD, and a history of military mTBI may comprise an especially harmful combination associated with high risk for substantial disability.
Relation between inherent optical properties and land use and land cover across Gulf Coast estuaries
Authors: Le Chengfeng , Lehrter John C. , Hu Chuanmin , Schaeffer Blake , MacIntyre Hugh , Hagy James D. , Beddick David L.
Published: February 2015

Land use and land cover (LULC) can affect the watershed exports of optically active constituents such as suspended particulate matter and colored dissolved organic matter, and in turn affect estuarine optical properties. We collected optical data from six estuaries in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico with different watershed LULC characteristics and investigated how estuarine optical properties varied across these systems. Differences in LULC corresponded with significant differences in the estuarine inherent optical properties and specific inherent optical properties (SIOPs), which are known surrogates for phytoplankton cell size, organic particle concentration, and the amount of terrigenous dissolved organic carbon. The results indicated that increasing proportions of developed land use (urban + agriculture) in the watersheds resulted in a linear increase in light attenuation in the estuaries primarily through increased absorption by phytoplankton. Estuarine SIOPs were also linearly related to the proportion of developed land. These findings were used to demonstrate how improved knowledge of the factors regulating estuarine SIOPs may be used to increase the accuracy of semianalytical ocean color remote sensing algorithms in optically complex estuaries.
A method for estimating the diffuse attenuation coefficient (KdPAR) from paired temperature sensors
Authors: Read Jordan S. , Rose Kevin C. , Winslow Luke A. , Read Emily K.
Published: February 2015

A new method for estimating the diffuse attenuation coefficient for photosynthetically active radiation (KdPAR) from paired temperature sensors was derived. We show that during cases where the attenuation of penetrating shortwave solar radiation is the dominant source of temperature changes, time series measurements of water temperatures at multiple depths (z1 and z2) are related to one another by a linear scaling factor (α). KdPAR can then be estimated by the simple equation KdPAR = ln(α)/(z2−z1). A suggested workflow is presented that outlines procedures for calculating KdPAR according to this paired temperature sensor (PTS) method. This method is best suited for conditions when radiative temperature gains are large relative to physical noise. These conditions occur frequently on water bodies with low wind and/or high KdPARs but can be used for other types of lakes during time periods of low wind and/or where spatially redundant measurements of temperatures are available. The optimal vertical placement of temperature sensors according to a priori knowledge of KdPAR is also described. This information can be used to inform the design of future sensor deployments using the PTS method or for campaigns where characterizing sub‐daily changes in temperatures is important. The PTS method provides a novel method to characterize light attenuation in aquatic ecosystems without expensive radiometric equipment or the user subjectivity inherent in Secchi depth measurements. This method also can enable the estimation of KdPAR at higher frequencies than many manual monitoring programs allow.
Towed camera imagery and benthic sled catches provide different views of seamount benthic diversity
Authors: Williams Alan , Althaus Franziska , Schlacher Thomas A.
Published: February 2015

Because benthic ecosystems of seamounts support vulnerable biota that are increasingly threatened by mining and fishing, assessments of ecological conditions and impacts are important to balance resource extraction with biological conservation. These assessments rely on ecological metrics generated from physical collections of fauna with sleds or similar gears, or by surveying the seafloor with cameras. If different gears (sled or cameras) “sample” the benthos differently, derived ecological metrics will also differ. Here, we test this hypothesis by comparing data provided by a robust benthic sled and a quantitative towed camera from colocated transects on seamounts off Tasmania (Australia). Our comparison showed these tools provide complementary but not interchangeable metrics of seamount benthic diversity and abundance. Choice of sampler(s) needs to be determined by survey objectives and consider the following trade‐offs: (1) sleds will detect more species than image‐based techniques; (2) specimens obtained by physical sampling (sleds) can considerably extend the scope of ecological analysis through genetic, isotopic, and other analysis of biological material not available from camera surveys; (3) image‐derived data provide significantly and often considerably, higher estimates of megabenthos abundance; and (4) environmental impacts are much lower in camera surveys and therefore are arguably more ethical—an important consideration when repeat surveys are required, especially in areas of high conservation importance or heightened sensitivity. Undersampling by sleds of corals and sponges is an important aspect of gear selectivity because these taxa are consistently prominent indicators in protocols that identify benthic “vulnerable marine ecosystems” in assessments of human impacts.
Molecular basis for the recognition of cyclic‐di‐AMP by PstA, a PII‐like signal transduction protein
Authors: Choi Philip H. , Sureka Kamakshi , Woodward Joshua J. , Tong Liang
Published: February 2015

Cyclic‐di‐AMP (c‐di‐AMP) is a broadly conserved bacterial second messenger that is of importance in bacterial physiology. The molecular receptors mediating the cellular responses to the c‐di‐AMP signal are just beginning to be discovered. PstA is a previously uncharacterized PII‐like protein which has been identified as a c‐di‐AMP receptor. PstA is widely distributed and conserved among Gram‐positive bacteria in the phylum Firmicutes. Here, we report the biochemical, structural, and functional characterization of PstA from Listeria monocytogenes. We have determined the crystal structures of PstA in the c‐di‐AMP‐bound and apo forms at 1.6 and 2.9 Å resolution, respectively, which provide the molecular basis for its specific recognition of c‐di‐AMP. PstA forms a homotrimer structure that has overall similarity to the PII protein family which binds ATP. However, PstA is markedly different from PII proteins in the loop regions, and these structural differences mediate the specific recognition of their respective nucleotide ligand. The residues composing the c‐di‐AMP binding pocket are conserved, suggesting that c‐di‐AMP recognition by PstA is of functional importance. Disruption of pstA in L. monocytogenes affected c‐di‐AMP‐mediated alterations in bacterial growth and lysis. Overall, we have defined the PstA family as a conserved and specific c‐di‐AMP receptor in bacteria.
D‐Optimality in Model‐Based Experimental Designs: Applications in NMRP of Styrene
Authors: Scott Alison J. , Hazlett Mark D. , Vivaldo‐Lima Eduardo , Penlidis Alexander
Published: February 2015

Model‐based D‐optimal design of experiments is applied to the nitroxide‐mediated radical polymerization (NMRP) of polystyrene. Recent studies of this system (in terms of both experimental work and model development) have led to the development of a refined (detailed) mechanistic model and a substantially reduced model. Both the fully mechanistic model and the reduced model are validated by comparing model predictions with experimental data. The D‐optimal designs (formulated using models of different complexity) are compared to each other, and contrasted with work done previously regarding the Bayesian design of experiments applied to the same system, in addition to comparisons with an anti‐correlation criterion.
Neodymium‐Based Catalyst for the Coordination Polymerization of Butadiene: From Fundamental Research to Industrial Application
Authors: Zhu Han , Chen Ping , Yang Chang‐Feng , Wu Yi‐Xian
Published: February 2015

The homogeneous neodymium‐based catalyst systems containing neodymium carboxylate, isobutyl aluminum compound and chlorinating agent were successfully developed for the coordination polymerizations of butadiene, isoprene and styrene in our laboratory. The catalyst possessed high catalytic activity to butadiene polymerization in hexane, leading to an obvious decrease in the dosage of catalyst to low level, e.g Nd/Bd (molar ratio) was around 35 ppm. Simultaneously, the catalyst exhibited high stereo‐selectivity to butadiene polymerization in hexane and polybutadienes with extremely highcis‐1,4 configuration of around 99% could be produced under appropriate reaction conditions. Based on our interesting fundamental research works, the continuous butadiene polymerizations were conducted to produce highcis‐1,4 polybutadiene in pilot scale in SINOPEC. The industrial equipments (capacity: 30 000 t/a) for production of neodymium butadiene rubber (Nd–BR) were successfully built in SINOPEC in 2012 and the innovation technology has been achieved from fundamental research to industrial application for large scale production of Nd–BR. The Nd–BR products are now commercially available with the trade names of BR Nd40, BR Nd50, BR Nd60 with ML(1+4) 100 °C of 45 ± 5, 55 ± 5, and 63 ± 5, respectively. The excellent properties of these highcis‐1,4 Nd–BR products lead to their especially suitable application in green‐tire components.
Sol‐Gel Microspheres Doped with Glycerol: A Structural Insight in Light of Forthcoming Applications in the Polyurethane Foam Industry
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Fidalgo Alexandra , Ilharco Laura M. , Pagliaro Mario
Published: February 2015

Porous silica‐based microspheres encapsulating aqueous glycerol can be potential curing agents for one‐component foams (OCFs). Such agents have the advantage of an enhanced sustainability profile on top of being environmentally friendly materials. A synthetically convenient and scalable sol‐gel process was used to make silica and organosilica microspheres doped with aqueous glycerol. These methyl‐modified silica microspheres, named “GreenCaps”, exhibit remarkable physical and chemical stability. The microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy at reduced pressure, and cryogenic nitrogen adsorption—desorption analysis. The structure of the materials was also analyzed at the molecular level by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy. As expected, the degree of methylation affects the degree of encapsulation and pore structure. Microspheres similarly methylated, however, can differ considerably in surface area and pore size due to the templating effect of glycerol on the organosilica structure. The results of the structure analysis reveal that glycerol is efficiently encapsulated, acts as a template, barely leaches over time, but is released by depressurization. A proper application of these microspheres can later on enhance both the environmental and health profile, as well as the technical performance (curing speed, foam quality, and froth thixotropy) of spray polyurethane foams.
The impact of chemotherapy shortages on COG and local clinical trials: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: G. Salazar Elizabeth , Bernhardt M. Brooke , Li Yimei , Aplenc Richard , Adamson Peter C.
Published: February 2015

Background

Oncology drug shortage is associated with increased patient adverse events and decreased enrollment on clinical trials for adult patients; however, the impact of oncology drug shortages has not been well studied in children with cancer.

Procedure

The Children's Oncology Group (COG) distributed a 5‐item survey to 226 COG site‐specific principal investigators (PI's) and 14‐item survey to 161 COG pharmacists to gather data the impact of chemotherapeutic shortages on clinical trials and patient care.

Results

The response rate was 66.4% (150/226) for PI's and 29.8% (48/161) for pharmacists. COG PI's reported daunorubicin (73%), methotrexate (56%), asparaginase/PEG‐asparaginase (42%), doxorubicin (26%), thiotepa (21%), and cytarabine (20%) were most commonly in shortage, while COG pharmacists reported daunorubicin (80%), methotrexate (66%), vincristine (21%), thiotepa (41%), asparaginase/PEG‐asparaginase (34%), and cytarabine (34%) were most commonly in shortage over the past two years. Pharmacists were twice as likely to report a shortage compared with PI's (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6–2.7, P < 0.0001). Fifty percent (74/147) of COG PI's reported at least one patient enrolled on a clinical trial was impacted by drug shortage, and 66% (98/148) of COG PI's reported at least one patient had clinical care impacted by drug shortage.

Conclusions

Chemotherapy shortages remain widespread across institutions, hinder clinical trials, and may contribute to adverse events in children with cancer. The increased frequency of chemotherapy shortages reported by pharmacists suggests that pharmacist efforts may mitigate negative impact chemotherapy shortages. Over half of pediatric institutions are implementing recommendations to address shortages, such as cross‐institutional collaboration and center‐level guidelines. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:940–944. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Discriminating Lamiophlomis rotata According to Geographical Origin by 1H‐NMR Spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Pan Zheng , Fan Gang , Yang Rong‐ping , Luo Wei‐zao , Zhou Xiang‐dong , Zhang Yi
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Lamiophlomis rotata (Duyiwei) is a folk herbal medicine that traditionally has been used in China as a hemostatic agent. Raw plant materials used for medicinal products from different geographical regions are often inconsistent in chemical composition. Metabolic fingerprinting provides a new approach for distinguishing the geographical origins of L. rotata.

Objective

To identify metabolites that contribute to the different geographical regions of L. rotata samples.

Methods

Lamiophlomis rotata metabolomics were performed by 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and multivariate statistical analyses. The L. rotata metabolic profile was prepared for NMR measurements using methanol‐d4 solvent. Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to analyse the L. rotata 1H‐NMR spectroscopy data.

Results

Nine iridoid glycosides, one flavonoid and three phenylpropanoid glycosides were detected in L. rotata by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. 1H‐NMR measurements and multivariate analysis were used to successfully discriminate samples from three different locations.

Conclusion

The NMR‐based analysis of L. rotata is a more comprehensive approach than traditional chromatographic methods. Simple sample preparation, rapidity and reproducibility of are additional advantages of NMR analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
E‐beam pumped mid‐UV sources based on MBE‐grown AlGaN MQW
Authors: Ivanov S. V. , Jmerik V. N. , Nechaev D. V. , Kozlovsky V. I. , Tiberi M. D.
Published: February 2015

A 60 mW output power has been achieved in mid‐UV (λ = 270 nm) spontaneous sources with electron‐beam pulse‐scanning pumping, fabricated from AlGaN MQW heterostructures grown by PA MBE on c‐Al2O3 substrates. Under the CW pumping at much lower excitation power density the mid‐UV sources demonstrate a 4.7 mW output power. In that regime the power efficiency of the structures is about 0.24%, while their internal quantum efficiency is estimated to be as high as 50%.
CEO compensation in relation to worker compensation across countries: The configurational impact of country‐level institutions
Authors: Greckhamer Thomas
Published: February 2015

Executive compensation and its relation to that of rank and file employees are vital areas of strategy research. This study contributes to our understanding of cross‐national differences in executive compensation by exploring how key formal and informal country‐level institutions of social power structures combine to shapeCEOand worker compensation across countries as well as the resulting pay dispersion. Analyzing data spanning 54 countries using the configurational approachfuzzysetQualitativeComparativeAnalysis (fsQCA), the study also explores the causal asymmetry underlying compensation outcomes by investigating institutional configurations linked to highCEOcompensation, high worker pay, and high pay dispersion and those configurations linked to the absence of these outcomes. The article concludes by discussing the study's implications for theory and research on executive compensation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic In‐Situ Experimentation on Nanomaterials at the Atomic Scale
Authors: Xu Tao , Sun Litao
Published: February 2015

With the development of in situ techniques inside transmission electron microscopes (TEMs), external fields and probes can be applied to the specimen. This development transforms the TEM specimen chamber into a nanolab, in which reactions, structures, and properties can be activated or altered at the nanoscale, and all processes can be simultaneously recorded in real time with atomic resolution. Consequently, the capabilities of TEM are extended beyond static structural characterization to the dynamic observation of the changes in specimen structures or properties in response to environmental stimuli. This extension introduces new possibilities for understanding the relationships between structures, unique properties, and functions of nanomaterials at the atomic scale. Based on the idea of setting up a nanolab inside a TEM, tactics for design of in situ experiments inside the machine, as well as corresponding examples in nanomaterial research, including in situ growth, nanofabrication with atomic precision, in situ property characterization, and nanodevice construction are presented.
Graphene‐Based Integrated Photovoltaic Energy Harvesting/Storage Device
Authors: Chien Chih‐Tao , Hiralal Pritesh , Wang Di‐Yan , Huang I‐Sheng , Chen Chia‐Chun , Chen Chun‐Wei , Amaratunga Gehan A. J.
Published: February 2015

Energy scavenging has become a fundamental part of ubiquitous sensor networks. Of all the scavenging technologies, solar has the highest power density available. However, the energy source is erratic. Integrating energy conversion and storage devices is a viable route to obtain self‐powered electronic systems which have long‐term maintenance‐free operation. In this work, we demonstrate an integrated‐power‐sheet, consisting of a string of series connected organic photovoltaic cells (OPCs) and graphene supercapacitors on a single substrate, using graphene as a common platform. This results in lighter and more flexible power packs. Graphene is used in different forms and qualities for different functions. Chemical vapor deposition grown high quality graphene is used as a transparent conductor, while solution exfoliated graphene pastes are used as supercapacitor electrodes. Solution‐based coating techniques are used to deposit the separate components onto a single substrate, making the process compatible with roll‐to‐roll manufacture. Eight series connected OPCs based on poly(3‐hexylthiophene)(P3HT):phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC60BM) bulk‐heterojunction cells with aluminum electrodes, resulting in a ≈5 V open‐circuit voltage, provide the energy harvesting capability. Supercapacitors based on graphene ink with ≈2.5 mF cm−2 capacitance provide the energy storage capability. The integrated‐power‐sheet with photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting and storage functions had a mass of 0.35 g plus the substrate.
Undifferentiated State Induced by Rb-p53 Double Inactivation in Mouse Thyroid Neuroendocrine Cells and Embryonic Fibroblasts
Authors: Kitajima Shunsuke , Kohno Susumu , Kondoh Atsushi , Sasaki Nobunari , Nishimoto Yuuki , Li Fengkai , Abdallah Mohammed Mohammed Salah , Muranaka Hayato , Nagatani Naoko , Suzuki Misa , Kido Yukiharu , Takahashi Chiaki
Published: February 2015

Retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB) is inactivated more frequently during tumor progression than during tumor initiation. However, its exact role in controlling the malignant features associated with tumor progression is poorly understood. We established in vivo and in vitro models to investigate the undifferentiated state induced by Rb inactivation. Rb heterozygous mice develop well-differentiated thyroid medullary carcinoma. We found that additional deletion of Trp53, without change in lineage, converted these Rb-deficient tumors to a poorly differentiated type associated with higher self-renewal activity. Freshly prepared mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) of Rb−/−; Trp53−/− background formed stem cell-like spheres that expressed significant levels of embryonic genes despite of lacking the ability to form colonies on soft agar or tumors in immune-deficient mice. This suggested that Rb-p53 double inactivation resulted in an undifferentiated status but without carcinogenic conversion. We next established Rb−/−; N-ras−/− MEFs that harbored a spontaneous carcinogenic mutation in Trp53. These cells (RN6), in an Rb-dependent manner, efficiently generated spheres that expressed very high levels of embryonic genes, and appeared to be carcinogenic. We then screened an FDA-approved drug library to search for agents that suppressed the spherogenic activity of RN6 cells. Data revealed that RN6 cells were sensitive to specific agents including ones those are effective against cancer stem cells. Taken together, all these findings suggest that the genetic interaction between Rb and p53 is a critical determinant of the undifferentiated state in normal and tumor cells. Stem Cells  2015;33:1657–1669
Integrin α6β1 Expressed in ESCs Instructs the Differentiation to Endothelial Cells
Authors: Toya Sophie P. , Wary Kishore K. , Mittal Manish , Li Fei , Toth Peter T. , Park Changwon , Rehman Jalees , Malik Asrar B.
Published: February 2015

Adhesion of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to the extracellular matrix may influence differentiation potential and cell fate decisions. Here, we investigated the inductive role of binding of integrin α6β1 expressed in mouse (m)ESCs to laminin-1 (LN1) in mediating the differentiation of ESCs to endothelial cells (ECs). We observed that α6β1 binding to LN1 was required for differentiation to ECs. α6β1 functioned by recruiting the adaptor tetraspanin protein CD151, which activated FAK and Akt signaling and mediated the EC lineage-specifying transcription factor Er71. In contrast, association of the ESC-expressed α3β1, another highly expressed LN1 binding integrin, with CD151, prevented α6β1-mediated differentiation. CD151 thus functioned as a bifurcation router to direct ESCs toward ECs when α6β1 associated with CD151, or prevented transition to ECs when α3β1 associated with CD151. These observations were recapitulated in mice in which α6 integrin or CD151 knockdown reduced the expression of Er71-regulated angiogenesis genes and development of blood vessels. Thus, interaction of α6β1 in ESCs with LN1 activates α6β1/CD151 signaling which programs ESCs toward the EC lineage fate. Stem Cells  2015;33:1719–1729
Brain Vascular Pericytes Following Ischemia Have Multipotential Stem Cell Activity to Differentiate Into Neural and Vascular Lineage Cells
Authors: Nakagomi Takayuki , Kubo Shuji , Nakano-Doi Akiko , Sakuma Rika , Lu Shan , Narita Aya , Kawahara Maiko , Taguchi Akihiko , Matsuyama Tomohiro
Published: February 2015

Brain vascular pericytes (PCs) are a key component of the blood-brain barrier (BBB)/neurovascular unit, along with neural and endothelial cells. Besides their crucial role in maintaining the BBB, increasing evidence shows that PCs have multipotential stem cell activity. However, their multipotency has not been considered in the pathological brain, such as after an ischemic stroke. Here, we examined whether brain vascular PCs following ischemia (iPCs) have multipotential stem cell activity and differentiate into neural and vascular lineage cells to reconstruct the BBB/neurovascular unit. Using PCs extracted from ischemic regions (iPCs) from mouse brains and human brain PCs cultured under oxygen/glucose deprivation, we show that PCs developed stemness presumably through reprogramming. The iPCs revealed a complex phenotype of angioblasts, in addition to their original mesenchymal properties, and multidifferentiated into cells from both a neural and vascular lineage. These data indicate that under ischemic/hypoxic conditions, PCs can acquire multipotential stem cell activity and can differentiate into major components of the BBB/neurovascular unit. Thus, these findings support the novel concept that iPCs can contribute to both neurogenesis and vasculogenesis at the site of brain injuries. Stem Cells  2015;33:1962–1974
Preparation and characterization of a core‐shell impact modifier based on (Acrylates and styrene)‐grafted ground tire rubber and its poly(vinyl chloride) composites
Authors: Fu Xiaowei , Bao Lixia , Lei Jingxin , Wang Jiliang
Published: February 2015

New impact modifiers composed of a ground tire rubber core and acrylates and styrene copolymer shell have been obtained by using a suspension grafting polymerization. The corresponding rigid poly(vinyl chloride)/grafted ground tire rubber (RPVC/GGTR) composites with different contents of GGTR were then prepared in a Haake torque rheometer. Similar composites with raw ground tire rubber (without grafting polymerization) have also been prepared for comparison. Thermal stability, processability, mechanical properties, and surface morphology of the composites were extensively investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), rheological measurement, tensile and impact tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that GGTR improved the processability of the RPVC/GGTR composites. The Izod impact strength of the composites could be significantly enhanced by the GGTR, while the tensile strength of the composites was almost unchanged, thus showing a large potential application in the fields of building materials such as poly(vinyl chloride) profiles. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:452–459, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Early Childhood Education and Care in the United States: An Overview of the Current Policy Picture
Authors: Kamerman Sheila B. , Gatenio-Gabel Shirley
Published: February 2015

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) in the US includes a wide range of part-day, full-school-day, and full-work-day programs, under educational, social welfare, and commercial auspices, funded and delivered in a variety of ways in both the public and the private sectors, designed sometimes with an emphasis on the “care” component of ECEC and at other times with stress on “education” or with equal attention to both. Although ECEC scholars and advocates are increasingly convinced of the need to integrate all these program types, categorical funding coupled with diverse societal values continue to support the differences. The result is a fragmented ECEC system, of wide-ranging quality and with skewed access, but with some movement in recent years toward the integration of early childhood education and care.
The Development and Current Situation of the Early Intervention for Children with Developmental Delay in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Pi-Hsia
Published: February 2015

In this thesis, it introduces the development and current situation of the early intervention for children with developmental delay in Taiwan. First, it gives an explanation on the policy evolution on this issue after the 1993 amendment of “Child Welfare Law” of ROC, and then it depicts the four steps in the process of early intervention for children with developmental delay, i.e. “Screening and Detection”, “Report and Referral”, “Team Evaluation”, “Intervention Service”. Thereafter, a detailed explanation on the major models of intervention service and a plan on the direction of future development are established.
Childcare Policy in Korea: Current Status and Major Issues
Authors: Rhee Ock
Published: February 2015

This paper discusses the main policies and efforts aimed at childcare support undertaken by the Korean Government from 2003 to 2007, as well as dealing with the ensuing policy issues which arose as a result of such efforts. This paper also seeks to review the details and implications of the First and Second Policy Scheme of National Childcare Support, as well as those of the Nationwide Survey of Childcare and Early Childhood Education prepared by the Presidential Committee in 2004 and 2005. In addition, this study investigates changes made to major childcare support policy indicators, which can be said to be the output of implementing policy tasks. Some quantitative indicators such as the supply of childcare facilities and childcare budgets indicate clear increases while other indicators, such as teachers’ salaries, the safety condition of facilities, and the actual measurements of the quality of childcare service do not indicate an increase. This paper also discusses some issues of controversy regarding childcare support policies which the government will encounter in the process of policy creation as well as actually undertaking policy projects. These issues include the expansion of public services as opposed to the utilization of private services, support for low-income families as opposed to general support, control of rather than self-regulation of childcare fees, support for institutions as opposed to direct assistance to young children, and maximization rather than the minimization of governmental intervention. This study concludes that Korea’s childcare policies are evolving from a conservative approach to a more progressive one. National welfare and associated policies are expected to continue to move towards a more progressive perspective, despite the diversity of opinion within Korean society over these issues, as evidenced in current debates. This is because general financial support has been greatly increased on an annual basis and this has taken place against the backdrop of a national consensus which has seen a broadening of governmental support for childcare due to the crisis of an ever lowering fertility rate.