bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐Layered Scaffolds for Osteochondral Tissue Engineering: In Vitro Response of Co‐Cultured Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Amadori Sofia , Torricelli Paola , Panzavolta Silvia , Parrilli Annapaola , Fini Milena , Bigi Adriana
Published: June 2015

A promising strategy for osteochondral interface regeneration consists in the development of hybrid scaffolds, composed of distinct but integrated layers able to mimic the different regions of cartilage and bone. We developed multi‐layered scaffolds by assembling a gelatin layer with layers containing different amounts of gelatin and hydroxyapatite nanocrystals, and using a gelatin solution (as a glue) to stick layers together. The scaffolds exhibit a high, interconnected porosity and mechanical properties varying with composition along the thickness of the scaffolds up to values of compressive stress and modulus of about 1 and 14 MPa, respectively. In vitro tests demonstrate that the different layers of the scaffolds promote chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation of Human Mesenchimal Stem Cells (hMSC).
A Novel Janus Initiator for ATRP: Initiator Design and Application in Polymerization
Authors: Wu Ying , Zhang Wei , Li Na , Zhang Zhengbiao , Pan Xiangqiang , Zhu Jian , Cheng Zhenping , Zhu Xiulin
Published: June 2015

A novel Janus compound containing azo‐based thermal initiator and bromo‐based atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator group is synthesized. Such compound can be applied in the living radical polymerization of alkyl methacrylate monomers, such as methyl methacrylate, tert‐butyl methacrylate, and 2‐(N,N‐dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate. Polymers with controlled molecular weights and narrow molecular weight distributions are obtained. The structure of polymers is identified by 1H NMR spectroscopy and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrum. A modified initiator for continuous activator regeneration ATRP mechanism is proposed according to the polymerization behavior, hydrolysis of chain backbone, and end group identification.

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Predictors of Adherence to a Falls Prevention Exercise Program for People with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Allen Natalie E. , Song Jooeun , Paul Serene S. , Sherrington Catherine , Murray Susan M. , O'Rourke Sandra D. , Lord Stephen R. , Fung Victor S.C. , Close Jacqueline C.T. , Howard Kirsten , Canning Colleen G.
Published: June 2015

Background

Long‐term benefits of exercise for people with Parkinson's disease (PD) require regular and sustained participation. This study aimed to investigate predictors of adherence to a minimally supervised exercise program designed to reduce falls in people with PD.

Method

People with idiopathic PD who participated in the exercise arm of a randomized, controlled trial were included. Exercises were prescribed three times per week for 6 months. Adherence was defined as the percentage of prescribed sessions participants reported as having undertaken. Potential predictors of adherence included baseline measures of demographic variables, disease severity and duration, falls and fear of falling, pain, self‐reported health and quality of life, cognition, physical activity levels, freezing of gait, functional mobility and balance, and knee extensor strength.

Results

The 108 participants included undertook a mean of 72% (standard deviation: 38%) of prescribed sessions. Participants had higher levels of adherence if they had shorter disease duration, less bodily pain, and better self‐reported health and quality of life. A multivariate model (including disease duration, severity of bodily pain, self‐reported physical well‐being, the Frontal Assessment Battery, the Short Physical Performance Battery, and maximum walking time) explained 9% of the variance in exercise adherence, with shorter disease duration and less pain the strongest predictors (both predictors standardized β = −0.2; P = 0.04).

Conclusion

Disease duration and pain are likely to negatively influence exercise participation in people with PD. Given that most of the variance in adherence is unexplained, further work is required to determine other predictors of adherence to long‐term exercise programs.
Rotary scanning acquisition in ultra‐low‐field MRI
Authors: Hsu Yi‐Cheng , Zevenhoven Koos C.J. , Chu Ying‐Hua , Dabek Juhani , Ilmoniemi Risto J. , Lin Fa‐Hsuan
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To develop a method of achieving large field of view (FOV) imaging with a smaller amount of data in ultra‐low‐field (ULF) MRI.

Theory

In rotary scanning acquisition (RSA), data from the imaging object is acquired at multiple angles by rotating the object or the scanner. RSA is similar to radial‐trajectory acquisition but simplifies the measurement and image reconstruction when concomitant fields are nonnegligible.

Methods

RSA was implemented to achieve large FOV with only three localized superconductive quantum interference device (SQUID) sensors at the ULF‐MRI field of 50 μT.

Results

Simulations suggest benefits of RSA, including reduced concomitant field artifacts, large FOV imaging, and SNR improvement. Experimental data demonstrate the feasibility of reconstructing large FOV images using only three SQUID sensors with 33% of the amount of data collected using a Cartesian trajectory.

Conclusion

RSA can be useful in low‐field, low‐weight, or portable MRI to generate large FOV images with only a few sensors. Magn Reson Med 75:2255–2264, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiscale reconstruction for MR fingerprinting
Authors: Pierre Eric Y. , Ma Dan , Chen Yong , Badve Chaitra , Griswold Mark A.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

To reduce the acquisition time needed to obtain reliable parametric maps with Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting.

Methods

An iterative‐denoising algorithm is initialized by reconstructing the MRF image series at low image resolution. For subsequent iterations, the method enforces pixel‐wise fidelity to the best‐matching dictionary template then enforces fidelity to the acquired data at slightly higher spatial resolution. After convergence, parametric maps with desirable spatial resolution are obtained through template matching of the final image series. The proposed method was evaluated on phantom and in vivo data using the highly undersampled, variable‐density spiral trajectory and compared with the original MRF method. The benefits of additional sparsity constraints were also evaluated. When available, gold standard parameter maps were used to quantify the performance of each method.

Results

The proposed approach allowed convergence to accurate parametric maps with as few as 300 time points of acquisition, as compared to 1000 in the original MRF work. Simultaneous quantification of T1, T2, proton density (PD), and B0 field variations in the brain was achieved in vivo for a 256 × 256 matrix for a total acquisition time of 10.2 s, representing a three‐fold reduction in acquisition time.

Conclusion

The proposed iterative multiscale reconstruction reliably increases MRF acquisition speed and accuracy. Magn Reson Med 75:2481–2492, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inversion group (IG) fitting: A new T1 mapping method for modified look‐locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) that allows arbitrary inversion groupings and rest periods (including no rest period)
Authors: Sussman Marshall S. , Yang Issac Y. , Fok Kai‐Ho , Wintersperger Bernd J.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

The Modified Look‐Locker Inversion Recovery (MOLLI) technique is used for T1 mapping in the heart. However, a drawback of this technique is that it requires lengthy rest periods in between inversion groupings to allow for complete magnetization recovery. In this work, a new MOLLI fitting algorithm (inversion group [IG] fitting) is presented that allows for arbitrary combinations of inversion groupings and rest periods (including no rest period).

Theory and Methods

Conventional MOLLI algorithms use a three parameter fitting model. In IG fitting, the number of parameters is two plus the number of inversion groupings. This increased number of parameters permits any inversion grouping/rest period combination. Validation was performed through simulation, phantom, and in vivo experiments.

Results

IG fitting provided T1 values with less than 1% discrepancy across a range of inversion grouping/rest period combinations. By comparison, conventional three parameter fits exhibited up to 30% discrepancy for some combinations. The one drawback with IG fitting was a loss of precision—approximately 30% worse than the three parameter fits.

Conclusion

IG fitting permits arbitrary inversion grouping/rest period combinations (including no rest period). The cost of the algorithm is a loss of precision relative to conventional three parameter fits. Magn Reson Med 75:2332–2340, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Iterative selection of countermeasures for intelligent threat agents
Authors: Baiardi Fabrizio , Tonelli Federico , Bertolini Alessandro
Published: June 2015

We describe a model‐based approach to select cost‐effective countermeasures for an information and communication technology infrastructure under attack by intelligent agents. Each agent tries to reach some predefined goals through a sequence of attacks. The proposed approach builds the models of the infrastructure and of the agents, and then it applies a Monte Carlo method that runs multiple, independent simulations of the agent attacks. These simulations produce a statistical sample that is used to assess the risk. The selection of countermeasures works in an iterative way where each iteration selects some countermeasures and applies the Monte Carlo method to evaluate any residual risk. In this way, it takes into account that an intelligent agent may select distinct attacks to replace those affected by the countermeasures. To improve cost effectiveness, the selection focuses on useful attacks to reach a goal. The Haruspex suite is an integrated set of tool to support this approach. Some of its tools build the models of the agents and the one of the system. Another tool uses these models to apply the Monte Carlo method and simulate the agent attacks. This tool is iteratively invoked by the one that select countermeasures. We describe the adoption of the suite to assess and manage the risk of three industrial control systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized Rybicki Press algorithm
Authors: Ambikasaran Sivaram
Published: June 2015

This article discusses a more general and numerically stable Rybicki Press algorithm, which enables inverting and computing determinants of covariance matrices, whose elements are sums of exponentials. The algorithm is true in exact arithmetic and relies on introducing new variables and corresponding equations, thereby converting the matrix into a banded matrix of larger size. Linear complexity banded algorithms for solving linear systems and computing determinants on the larger matrix enable linear complexity algorithms for the initial semi‐separable matrix as well. Benchmarks provided illustrate the linear scaling of the algorithm. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A conceptual framework for understanding and developing entrepreneurial behaviour: implications for social marketers
Authors: Jebarajakirthy Charles , Thaichon Paramaporn
Published: June 2015

Inculcating entrepreneurial behaviour is beneficial to both individuals and the society at large. The Theory of Planned Behaviour has been generally applied to understand and examine entrepreneurial behaviour. However, as the underpinnings of this theory are not adequate for understanding the entire process of the development of entrepreneurial behaviour, a more comprehensive theoretical framework is required. Combining the Theory of Planned Behaviour with the Stages of Change Theory provides such a comprehensive theoretical framework. The Stages of Change Theory is used in the social marketing field to facilitate behavioural change, which has also been recently applied in organizational‐related studies, such as change management. A methodological and analytical approach is also suggested for empirically validating the framework developed in this study. The implications of this framework for theory and practice are discussed, as are directions for future research, which would be of use to researchers and practitioners in the social marketing field.

Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracking the progression of dispersion of graphite nanoplates in a polypropylene matrix by melt mixing
Authors: Cunha Eunice , Paiva Maria C. , Hilliou Loic , Covas José A.
Published: June 2015

This work reports the dispersion of graphite nanoplates (GnP) in polypropylene by melt mixing using a small‐scale continuous prototype mixer. The focus is to study the progression of the dispersion of GnP, a process that is not well understood. Composites were prepared with 2 and 4 wt% of GnP, as‐produced and functionalized by grafting polypropylene modified with maleic anhydride to the GnP surface. The processability of the composites was similar to that of polypropylene, as assessed by capillary rheometry. The nanoparticle dispersion was analyzed by optical microscopy. The progression of the number of agglomerates and their size, for pristine and functionalized nanoparticles, was observed along the mixer. The final agglomerate dimensions were found to be similar for pristine and functionalized GnP, and indicated that agglomerate dispersion progressed toward individual nanoparticles. The interface improvement of functionalized GnP with polypropylene was observed by scanning electron microscopy. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:947–954, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Exploring the Relationship between Rework Projects and Risk Indicators
Authors: Yim Rachel L. , Castaneda Jason M. , Doolen Toni L. , Tumer Irem Y. , Malak Richard
Published: June 2015

When projects fail to adequately meet requirements, organizations are forced to either abandon the project or to initiate a new project to address the original project requirements. Because the organization already has experience with and exposure to many project details, it is possible that the second attempt to address the original requirements (a rework project) will create different challenges for the project team. The purpose of this study was to examine risk indicators for rework projects and to determine whether or not risk indicators were the same or different for rework projects. A risk indicator is a factor that has predictive power about the likelihood of a risk occurring in the course of a project's life cycle. The projects studied for this research were undertaken by a large engineering design organization. The results show that there are some important differences in the types of risk indicators experienced by project managers and project teams in rework projects. Specifically, the risks associated with project urgency, quality, and technological changes were more common in rework projects. By understanding and attending to these differences in rework project risks, project managers will be better equipped to successfully guide rework projects to completion.
Synthesis of new optically active α,α′,β‐trisubstituted‐β‐lactones as monomers for stereoregular biopolyesters
Authors: Belibel Rima , Barbaud Christel
Published: June 2015

Various optically active (4R)‐alkyloxycarbonyl‐3,3‐dialkyl‐2‐oxetanones as monomers were synthesized from L‐(S)‐malic acid in six steps to prepare a new family of stereopolyesters for biomedical applications. The synthesis began with an esterification followed of a dialkylation in the aim to introduce hydrophobic groups as methyl or reactive group as allyl. Then, a saponification has permitted to obtain the corresponding diacids that reacted with appropriate alcohols to furnish different monoesters. The last and most important step was activation of hydroxyl group of monoesters with the asymmetric carbon configuration inversion according to the Mitsunobu reaction. Thus, this reaction has provided lactones from monoesters with 100% enantiomeric excess which was confirmed by 1H NMR and by the synthesis of corresponding isotactic and semicrystalline homopolyesters. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 2586–2597
Psychometric properties of the Cancer and Treatment Distress (CTXD) measure in hematopoietic cell transplantation patients
Authors: Syrjala Karen L. , Yi Jean C. , Langer Shelby L.
Published: June 2015

Background

This study examines the psychometric properties of a measure of distress specific to cancer and its treatment, as tested in patients receiving hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT).

Methods

With multicenter enrollment, the Cancer and Treatment Distress (CTXD) measure was administered to adults beginning HCT as part of an assessment that included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CESD), Profile of Mood States, and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 (SF‐36).

Results

From eight transplant centers, 176 of 219 eligible patients completed the assessment. Average age was 46.7 years (SD = 11.9), 59% were male, and the majority were identified as Caucasian (93%). Principal components analysis with the CTXD identified 22 items that loaded onto six factors explaining 69% of the variance: uncertainty, health burden, identity, medical demands, finances, and family strain. Internal consistency reliability for the 22 items was 0.91. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve was 0.85 (95% CI [0.79, 0.91]), with a cut point of 1.1 resulting in a sensitivity rate of 0.91 and a specificity rate of 0.58. Convergent validity and divergent validity were confirmed with large correlations of the CTXD total score with the CESD, Profile of Mood States, and SF‐36 mental health; and a smaller correlation with the SF‐36 physical function (r = −0.30).

Conclusions

The CTXD is a reliable and valid measure of distress for HCT recipients and captures nearly all cases of depression on the CESD in addition to detecting distress in those who are not depressed. It has potential value as both a research and clinical screening measure for distress. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geriatric assessment findings independently associated with clinical depression in 1092 older patients with cancer: the ELCAPA Cohort Study
Authors: Canoui‐Poitrine Florence , Reinald Nicoleta , Laurent Marie , Guery Esther , Caillet Philippe , David Jean‐Philippe , Tournigand Christophe , Lagrange Jean‐Leon , Bastuji‐Garin Sylvie , Lemogne Cedric , Paillaud Elena ,   on behalf of the ELCAPA Study Group
Published: June 2015

Objective

We aim to assess the prevalence and associated factors of clinical depression in older patients with cancer.

Methods

We studied a prospective cohort of cancer patients aged ≥70 years and referred to geriatric oncology clinics between 2007 and 2012. A multidimensional geriatric assessment was performed before choosing the cancer‐treatment strategy. Clinical depression was diagnosed by senior geriatricians by a semi‐structured interview. It encompassed criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fourth edition) and of the International Classification of Diseases (10th edition). Multivariate logistic regression was performed.

Results

Of 1121 consecutive patients, 1092 had available data (mean age, 80.4 years; women, 48.8%; metastases, 51.3%; cancer location: colorectal 21.1%, breast 16.8%, kidney, bladder or urinary tract 14.0%, and prostate 11.4%). The overall prevalence of clinical depression was 28.4% (95% confidence interval, 25.7–31.2). Factors independently associated with clinical depression by multivariate analysis adjusting for all following factors plus gender, and metastasis were impaired mobility (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.35; 1.59–3.46), impaired functional status defined as Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status ≥ 2 (aOR, 2.39; 1.66–3.43) or as activities of daily living < 6 (aOR, 2.43; 1.73–3.41), inpatient status (aOR, 1.68; 1.20–2.37), inadequate social support (aOR, 1.66; 1.16–2.37), cognitive impairment (aOR, 1.76; 1.24–2.49), polypharmacy defined as five or more non‐antidepressant drugs (aOR, 1.65; 1.14–2.38), multimorbidity (aORadditional CIRS‐G point, 1.08; 1.04–1.12), and cancer‐related pain (aOR, 1.76; 1.26–2.46).

Conclusion

In older patients with as‐yet untreated cancer at various sites and stages, clinical depression was highly prevalent. Clinical depression was independently associated with several geriatric assessment findings (impaired mobility and function, inadequate social support, cognitive impairment, polypharmacy, and multimorbidity) independently from gender, tumor site, and metastatic status. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organization of the multiaminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase complex and the cotranslational protein folding
Authors: Berezovsky Igor N. , Zheng Zejun , Kurotani Atsushi , Tokmakov Alexander A. , Kurochkin Igor V.
Published: June 2015

Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (ARSs) play an essential role in the protein synthesis by catalyzing an attachment of their cognate amino acids to tRNAs. Unlike their prokaryotic counterparts, ARSs in higher eukaryotes form a multiaminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase complex (MARS), consisting of the subset of ARS polypeptides and three auxiliary proteins. The intriguing feature of MARS complex is the presence of only nine out of twenty ARSs, specific for Arg, Asp, Gln, Glu, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, and Pro, regardless of the organism, cell, or tissue types. Although existence of MARSs complex in higher eukaryotes has been already known for more than four decades, its functional significance remains elusive. We found that seven of the nine corresponding amino acids (Arg, Gln, Glu, Ile, Leu, Lys, and Met) together with Ala form a predictor of the protein α‐helicity. Remarkably, all amino acids (besides Ala) in the predictor have the highest possible number of side‐chain rotamers. Therefore, compositional bias of a typical α‐helix can contribute to the helix's stability by increasing the entropy of the folded state. It also appears that position‐specific α‐helical propensity, specifically periodic alternation of charged and hydrophobic residues in the helices, may well be provided by the structural organization of the complex. Considering characteristics of MARS complex from the perspective of the α‐helicity, we hypothesize that specific composition and structure of the complex represents a functional mechanism for coordination of translation with the fast and correct folding of amphiphilic α‐helices.
Estimating first‐passage time distributions from weighted ensemble simulations and non‐Markovian analyses
Authors: Suárez Ernesto , Pratt Adam J. , Chong Lillian T. , Zuckerman Daniel M.
Published: June 2015

First‐passage times (FPTs) are widely used to characterize stochastic processes such as chemical reactions, protein folding, diffusion processes or triggering a stock option. In previous work (Suarez et al., JCTC 2014;10:2658‐2667), we demonstrated a non‐Markovian analysis approach that, with a sufficient subset of history information, yields unbiased mean first‐passage times from weighted‐ensemble (WE) simulations. The estimation of the distribution of the first‐passage times is, however, a more ambitious goal since it cannot be obtained by direct observation in WE trajectories. Likewise, a large number of events would be required to make a good estimation of the distribution from a regular “brute force” simulation. Here, we show how the previously developed non‐Markovian analysis can generate approximate, but highly accurate, FPT distributions from WE data. The analysis can also be applied to any other unbiased trajectories, such as from standard molecular dynamics simulations. The present study employs a range of systems with independent verification of the distributions to demonstrate the success and limitations of the approach. By comparison to a standard Markov analysis, the non‐Markovian approach is less sensitive to the user‐defined discretization of configuration space.
Structural mapping of the ClpBATPases of Plasmodium falciparum: Targeting protein folding and secretion for antimalarial drug design
Authors: AhYoung Andrew P. , Koehl Antoine , Cascio Duilio , Egea Pascal F.
Published: June 2015

Caseinolytic chaperones and proteases (Clp) belong to the AAA+ protein superfamily and are part of the protein quality control machinery in cells. The eukaryotic parasite Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria, has evolved an elaborate network of Clp proteins including two distinct ClpB ATPases. ClpB1 and ClpB2 are involved in different aspects of parasitic proteostasis. ClpB1 is present in the apicoplast, a parasite‐specific and plastid‐like organelle hosting various metabolic pathways necessary for parasite growth. ClpB2 localizes to the parasitophorous vacuole membrane where it drives protein export as core subunit of a parasite‐derived protein secretion complex, the Plasmodium Translocon of Exported proteins (PTEX); this process is central to parasite virulence and survival in the human host. The functional associations of these two chaperones with parasite‐specific metabolism and protein secretion make them prime drug targets. ClpB proteins function as unfoldases and disaggregases and share a common architecture consisting of four domains—a variable N‐terminal domain that binds different protein substrates, followed by two highly conserved catalytic ATPase domains, and a C‐terminal domain. Here, we report and compare the first crystal structures of the N terminal domains of ClpB1 and ClpB2 from Plasmodium and analyze their molecular surfaces. Solution scattering analysis of the N domain of ClpB2 shows that the average solution conformation is similar to the crystalline structure. These structures represent the first step towards the characterization of these two malarial chaperones and the reconstitution of the entire PTEX to aid structure‐based design of novel anti‐malarial drugs.
An ALS disease mutation in Cdc48/p97 impairs 20S proteasome binding and proteolytic communication
Authors: Barthelme Dominik , Jauregui Ruben , Sauer Robert T.
Published: June 2015

Cdc48 (also known as p97 or VCP) is an essential and highly abundant, double‐ring AAA+ ATPase, which is ubiquitous in archaea and eukaryotes. In archaea, Cdc48 ring hexamers play a direct role in quality control by unfolding and translocating protein substrates into the degradation chamber of the 20S proteasome. Whether Cdc48 and 20S cooperate directly in protein degradation in eukaryotic cells is unclear. Two regions of Cdc48 are important for 20S binding, the pore‐2 loop at the bottom of the D2 AAA+ ring and a C‐terminal tripeptide. Here, we identify an aspartic acid in the pore‐2 loop as an important element in 20S recognition. Importantly, mutation of this aspartate in human Cdc48 has been linked to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In archaeal or human Cdc48 variants, we find that mutation of this pore‐2 residue impairs 20S binding and proteolytic communication but does not affect the stability of the hexamer or rates of ATP hydrolysis and protein unfolding. These results suggest that human Cdc48 interacts functionally with the 20S proteasome.
Effect of plasma composition on nanocrystalline diamond layers deposited by a microwave linear antenna plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition system
Authors: Taylor Andrew , Ashcheulov Petr , Čada Martin , Fekete Ladislav , Hubík Pavel , Klimša Ladislav , Olejníček Jiří , Remeš Zdeněk , Jirka Ivan , Janíček Petr , Bedel‐Pereira Eléna , Kopeček Jaromir , Mistrík Jan , Mortet Vincent
Published: June 2015

The addition of CO2 into the process gas has a significant impact on the quality and the incorporation of boron in CVD diamond layers. In this report we study the effect of CO2 addition in the gas phase on the properties of boron doped nano‐crystalline diamond (BNCD) layers grown at low substrate temperatures (450–500 °C) using a microwave linear antenna plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition apparatus (MW‐LA‐PECVD). Experimental results show an increase in the layers' conductivity with a reduction in CO2 concentration, which is consistent with the variation in the atomic boron emission line intensity measured by optical emission spectroscopy (OES). At CO2 concentrations close to zero, we observed the formation of a smooth, transparent and highly resistive layer on unseeded substrates. This layer has been identified as silicon carbide (SiC) by transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron microscopy. The presence of silicon in the plasma is confirmed by OES and it is attributed to quartz tube etching. In this specific deposition condition, diamond growth is in competition with SiC growth, which affects the diamond layer properties.

SEM image of layer growth on a silicon substrate at low CO2 concentration on unseeded area (left) with a smooth, highly resistive and transparent SiC layer and seeded area (right) with a boron doped nano‐crystalline diamond layer.
Iterative image reconstruction for limited‐angle inverse helical cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Yu Wei , Zeng Li
Published: June 2015

Helical trajectory satisfying the condition of exact reconstruction, has been widely utilized in the commercial computed tomography (CT). While limited by the scanning environment in some practical applications, the conventional helical cone‐beam CT imaging is hard to complete, thus, developing an imaging system suited for long‐object may be valuable. Three‐dimensional C‐arm CT is an innovative imaging technique which has been greatly concerned. Since there is a high degree of freedom of C‐arm, more flexible image acquisition trajectories for 3D imaging can be achieved. In this work, a fast iterative reconstruction algorithm based on total variation minimization is developed for a trajectory of limited‐angle inverse helical cone‐beam CT, which can be applied to detect long‐object without slip‐ring technology. The experimental results show that the developed algorithm can yield reconstructed images of low noise level and high image quality. SCANNING 38:4–13, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pretreatment of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Manipulates Their Vasculoprotective Potential While Not Altering Their Homing Within the Injured Gut
Authors: Kavanagh Dean P.J. , Suresh Shankar , Newsome Philip N. , Frampton Jon , Kalia Neena
Published: June 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown therapeutic promise in many experimental and clinical models of inflammation. However, a commonly reported feature of MSC transplantation is poor homing to injured tissues. Previously, we have shown that pretreatment with cytokines/chemical factors enhances hematopoietic SC adhesion within intestinal microvasculature following ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Using intravital microscopy, the ability of similar pretreatment strategies to enhance the recruitment of murine MSCs to murine intestinal microvasculature following IR injury was investigated. Primary MSCs were isolated from bone marrow and selected on the basis of platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α and SC antigen-1 positivity (PDGFRα+/Sca-1+). MSC recruitment was similar in IR injured gut mucosa when compared with sham operated controls, with limited cell adhesion observed. MSCs appeared contorted in microvessels, suggesting physical entrapment. Although not recruited specifically by injury, MSC administration significantly reduced neutrophil recruitment and improved tissue perfusion in the severely injured jejunum. Vasculoprotective effects were not demonstrated in the lesser injured ileum. Pretreatment of MSCs with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, CXCL12, interferon (IFN)-γ, or hydrogen peroxide did not enhance their intestinal recruitment. In fact, TNFα and IFNγ removed the previous therapeutic ability of transplanted MSCs to reduce neutrophil infiltration and improve perfusion in the jejunum. We provide direct evidence that MSCs can rapidly limit leukocyte recruitment and improve tissue perfusion following intestinal IR injury. However, this study also highlights complexities associated with strategies to improve MSC therapeutic efficacy. Future studies using cytokine/chemical pretreatments to enhance MSC recruitment/function require careful consideration and validation to ensure therapeutic function is not impeded. Stem Cells  2015;33:2785–2797
Talking about Beauty: A Study of Everyday Aesthetics among Low‐Income Citizens of Milan
Authors: Ruggerone Lucia , Jenkings Neil
Published: June 2015

This paper reports on research undertaken into the aesthetics of the everyday. As well as the subject matter of aesthetic philosophy, art criticism and of the sociology of art, beauty, and beautiful are of course very ordinary matters too. To shed light on the meanings of beauty as used in everyday settings and in natural language, we use the data collected in a study conducted with a group of low‐income residents of the city of Milan. In this study we were interested in analyzing their lifestyle in terms of their relationship with aesthetics, i.e., with “beautiful” objects and/or experiences. Participants' self‐reported aesthetic appreciations suggest that conceptions of “beauty” are used as devices to narrate pieces of identity, memories, experiences, etc. Their aesthetic judgements take on an anthropological function, creating a framework of meanings that help the participants make sense of the world of objects and of their own lives with/through them.
Bioactive Structure of Membrane Lipids and Natural Products Elucidated by a Chemistry‐Based Approach
Authors: Murata Michio , Sugiyama Shigeru , Matsuoka Shigeru , Matsumori Nobuaki
Published: June 2015

Determining the bioactive structure of membrane lipids is a new concept, which aims to examine the functions of lipids with respect to their three‐dimensional structures. As lipids are dynamic by nature, their “structure” does not refer solely to a static picture but also to the local and global motions of the lipid molecules. We consider that interactions with lipids, which are completely defined by their structures, are controlled by the chemical, functional, and conformational matching between lipids and between lipid and protein. In this review, we describe recent advances in understanding the bioactive structures of membrane lipids bound to proteins and related molecules, including some of our recent results. By examining recent works on lipid‐raft‐related molecules, lipid–protein interactions, and membrane‐active natural products, we discuss current perspectives on membrane structural biology.
Mindsets matter: Implications for branding research and practice
Authors: John Deborah Roedder , Park Ji Kyung
Published: June 2015

Implicit theories provide an important framework to help understand consumer behavior. In this article, we focus on applications within the context of branding research and practice. First, we explore application areas of relevance to branding practitioners, such as brand advertising and positioning, brand extensions, brand architecture, and brand dilution. We situate propositions forwarded by Murphy and Dweck into traditional areas of branding research to discuss their importance to branding and suggest extensions of these ideas. Second, we consider application areas of personal relevance to consumers. We discuss how mindsets can affect the benefits consumers derive from using brands, such as self‐enhancement, self‐threat recovery, and overcoming difficult challenges in their lives.
Exploring women's fear of childbirth in a high maternal mortality setting on the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Kempe Annica , Theorell Töres , Alwazer Fatoom Noor-Aldin , Taher Samera Abdullah , Christensson Kyllike
Published: June 2015

Background.

Few studies from low-income countries have addressed women's fear of childbirth (FOC) although likely to affect women during both pregnancy and childbirth. The aim of this study was to explore FOC in a high maternal mortality setting in the Arab region, Yemen.

Methods.

A multi-stage (stratified–purposive–random) sampling process was used. We interviewed 220 women with childbirth experience in urban/rural Yemen. Answers to the question ‘Were you afraid of giving birth?’ were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results.

Women perceived childbirth as a place of danger. Fear of death and childbirth complications stemming from previous traumatic childbirth and traumatic experience in the community was rampant. Husbands’ and in-laws’ disappointment in a girl infant constituted a strong sociocultural component of FOC. Women's perception of living in tension ‘between worlds’ of tradition and modernity reinforced fear of institutional childbirth. Women without FOC gave reasons of faith, social belonging and trust in either traditional or modern childbirth practice, past positive experience of childbirth and the desire for social status associated with children.

Conclusions.

The numerous maternal and infant deaths have a strong impact on women's FOC. Antenatal care has an important role in reducing fear including that of institutional childbirth and in strengthening a couple in welcoming a female infant. Staff should be sensitized to the fears of both husband and wife and women be allowed support during childbirth. Within the scope of the Millennium Development Goals and strengthening of reproductive mental health programs, FOC urgently needs to be addressed.
COMPANIES AND THEIR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS: A COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Oliver Peter
Published: June 2015

This article explores the case law of the European Court of Human Rights, the European Court of Justice and the US Supreme Court on the fundamental rights of commercial companies. The rights considered include property, the privilege against self-incrimination, freedom of speech, double jeopardy, the right to make political donations, and the freedom of religion. The article highlights the dangers of taking the fundamental rights of companies too far, as has recently occurred in the US; and it advocates a cautious and coordinated approach to this delicate issue, which has become increasingly important on both sides of the Atlantic.
The Participation of theAmicus CuriaeInstitution in Human Rights Litigation in Botswana and South Africa: A Tale of Two Jurisdictions
Authors: Jonas Obonye
Published: June 2015

It has become a standard feature of litigation foramicito appear before courts, acting as the vindicator of rights for the politically powerless and marginalized. Their appearance has thus contributed to the promotion and protection of human rights before municipal courts and international tribunals. They have done this through the submission of briefs that seek to broaden perspectives of cases and by advancing innovative legal and factual viewpoints, thus assisting the courts in reaching appropriate conclusions. In Botswana,amicus curiaeparticipation is still at a nascent stage. This is largely due to inflexible rules of standing and the general lack of knowledge of the potential usefulness of the institution by the judiciary. This article argues that, to enhanceamicusparticipation in litigation, thereby enhancing the epistemological quality of its public law jurisprudence, Botswana must pay close attention to the practices and experiences of South Africa whereamicusparticipation has resulted in the phenomenal growth of constitutional jurisprudence.
Bonus-Driven Repurchases
Authors: Cheng Yingmei , Harford Jarrad , Zhang Tianming (Tim)
Published: June 2015

Using a large hand-collected database of chief executive officer (CEO) bonus structures, we find that when a CEO’s bonus is directly tied to earnings per share (EPS), his company is more likely to conduct a buyback. This effect is especially pronounced when a company’s EPS is right below the threshold for a bonus award. Share repurchasing increases the probability the CEO receives a bonus and the magnitude of that bonus, but only when bonus pay is EPS based. Bonus-driven repurchasing firms do not exhibit positive long-run abnormal returns.
Schrödinger equations with asymptotically periodic terms
Authors: de Marchi Reinaldo
Published: June 2015

We study the existence of non-trivial solutions for a class of asymptotically periodic semilinear Schrödinger equations in ℝN. By combining variational methods and the concentration-compactness principle, we obtain a non-trivial solution for the asymptotically periodic case and a ground state solution for the periodic one. In the proofs we apply the mountain pass theorem and its local version.
Multistate outbreak of listeriosis caused by imported cheese and evidence of cross-contamination of other cheeses, USA, 2012
Authors: HEIMAN K. E. , GARALDE V. B. , GRONOSTAJ M. , JACKSON K. A. , BEAM S. , JOSEPH L. , SAUPE A. , RICOTTA E. , WAECHTER H. , WELLMAN A. , ADAMS-CAMERON M. , RAY G. , FIELDS A. , CHEN Y. , DATTA A. , BURALL L. , SABOL A. , KUCEROVA Z. , TREES E. , METZ M. , LEBLANC P. , LANCE S. , GRIFFIN P. M. , TAUXE R. V. , SILK B. J.
Published: June 2015

Listeria monocytogenesis a foodborne pathogen that can cause bacteraemia, meningitis, and complications during pregnancy. In July 2012, molecular subtyping identified indistinguishableL. monocytogenesisolates from six patients and two samples of different cut and repackaged cheeses. A multistate outbreak investigation was initiated. Initial analyses identified an association between eating soft cheese and outbreak-related illness (odds ratio 17·3, 95% confidence interval 2·0–825·7) but no common brand. Cheese inventory data from locations where patients bought cheese and an additional location where repackaged cheese yielded the outbreak strain were compared to identify cheeses for microbiological sampling. Intact packages of imported ricotta salata yielded the outbreak strain. Fourteen jurisdictions reported 22 cases from March–October 2012, including four deaths and a fetal loss. Six patients ultimately reported eating ricotta salata; another reported eating cheese likely cut with equipment also used for contaminated ricotta salata, and nine more reported eating other cheeses that might also have been cross-contaminated. An FDA import alert and US and international recalls followed. Epidemiology-directed microbiological testing of suspect cheeses helped identify the outbreak source. Cross-contamination of cheese highlights the importance of using validated disinfectant protocols and routine cleaning and sanitizing after cutting each block or wheel.
The impact of heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on the incidence of childhood community-acquired pneumonia and bacteriologically confirmed pneumococcal pneumonia in Japan
Authors: NAITO S. , TANAKA J. , NAGASHIMA K. , CHANG B. , HISHIKI H. , TAKAHASHI Y. , OIKAWA J. , NAGASAWA K. , SHIMOJO N. , ISHIWADA N.
Published: June 2015

Heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced to Japan in 2010. We investigated the impact of PCV7 on childhood community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and pneumococcal pneumonia (PP). Children aged <5 years living in Chiba city, Japan, who were admitted to hospitals were enrolled to estimate the incidence of CAP based on the mid-year population. PP was determined by the presence ofStreptococcus pneumoniaein cultured blood and/or sputum samples of CAP patients. The incidence of CAP andS. pneumoniaeisolated from PP patients was compared before (April 2008–March 2009) and after (April 2012–March 2013) the introduction of PCV7 immunization. The annual incidence of CAP was reduced [incidence rate ratio 0·81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·73–0·90]. When comparing post-vaccine with pre-vaccine periods, the odds ratio for PP incidence was 0·60 (95% CI 0·39–0·93,P= 0·024). PCV7-covered serotypes markedly decreased (66·6% in pre-vaccinevs. 15·6% in post-vaccine,P< 0·01), and serotypes 6C, 15A, 15C and 19A increased. Multidrug-resistant international clones in the pre-vaccine period (Spain6B-2/ST90, Taiwan19F-14/ST236) decreased, while Sweden15A-25/ST63 was the dominant clone in the post-vaccine period. A significant reduction in the incidence of both CAP hospitalizations and culture-confirmed PP of vaccine serotypes was observed at 2 years after PCV7 vaccination.
The importance of stories in understanding people’s relationship to food: narrative inquiry methodology has much to offer the public health nutrition researcher and practitioner
Authors: O’Kane Gabrielle , Pamphilon Barbara
Published: June 2015

Objective

Despite the usefulness of quantitative research, qualitative research methodologies are equally needed to allow researchers to better understand the important social and environmental factors affecting food choice and eating habits. The present paper contributes insights from narrative inquiry, a well-established qualitative methodology, to a food-related doctoral research study. The connections between food shoppers and the producer, family, friends and others in the food system, between eaters and the earth, and how these connections affect people’s meaning-making of food and pathways to food citizenship, were explored in the research.

Design

The research used narrative inquiry methodology and focus groups for data collection.

Setting

Five different food-ways in the Canberra region of Australia were selected for the present research; that is, community gardens, community-supported agriculture, farmers’ markets, fresh food markets and supermarkets.

Subjects

Fifty-two people voluntarily attended eight focus groups with four to nine participants in each.

Results

From a practical perspective, the present paper offers a guide to the way in which narrative inquiry has been applied to one research project. The paper describes the application of narrative inquiry methodology, revealing the important place of narratives in generating new knowledge. The paper further outlines how phased narrative analysis can lead to a defensible and rigorous interpretive framework grounded in the data generated from people’s stories and meaning-making.

Conclusions

We argue that individual, social and system change will not be possible without further rigorous qualitative studies to inform and complement the empirical basis of public health nutrition practice.
Quantitative Chemical Mapping of InGaN Quantum Wells from Calibrated High-Angle Annular Dark Field Micrographs
Authors: Carvalho Daniel , Morales Francisco M. , Ben Teresa , García Rafael , Redondo-Cubero Andrés , Alves Eduardo , Lorenz Katharina , Edwards Paul R. , O’Donnell Kevin P. , Wetzel Christian
Published: June 2015

We present a simple and robust method to acquire quantitative maps of compositional fluctuations in nanostructures from low magnification high-angle annular dark field (HAADF) micrographs calibrated by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) mode. We show that a nonuniform background in HAADF-STEM micrographs can be eliminated, to a first approximation, by use of a suitable analytic function. The uncertainty in probe position when collecting an EDX spectrum renders the calibration of HAADF-STEM micrographs indirect, and a statistical approach has been developed to determine the position with confidence. Our analysis procedure, presented in a flowchart to facilitate the successful implementation of the method by users, was applied to discontinuous InGaN/GaN quantum wells in order to obtain quantitative determinations of compositional fluctuations on the nanoscale.