bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genmodifisert mat og forståelse av risiko. En analyse av norske offentlige dokumenter om moderne bioteknologi i matvareproduksjonen
Authors: Haukenes Anne
Published: June 2015

Artikkelen er en analyse av utvalgte norske dokumenter om bruk av moderne bioteknologi i matvareproduksjon. Hvordan behandles temaet risiko i dokumentene? Har risikoforståelsen endret seg, og hvilken betydning tillegges forbrukernes oppfatninger om risiko knyttet til genmodifisert mat, i forhold til ekspertenes oppfatninger? Disse spørsmålene diskuteres i lys av den historiske konteksten dokumentene er utformet innenfor. Analysen er basert på NOU-rapporter fra 1990 og 2000, om bruk av bioteknologi i matproduksjonen og tilhørende risiko. Deler av stortingsmeldinger, stortingsproposisjoner, odelstingsproposisjoner og to lekfolkskonferanser blir også studert for å dokumentere hvordan, når og om eventuelle endringer har funnet sted. Artikkelen viser at forbrukernes opplevde risiko med tiden synes å få endret eller redusert betydning, og at forbrukere og eksperter synes å operere på stadig mer separate arenaer. Det vises videre til en individualiseringstendens, der forventinger til forbrukerne om å ta ansvar og gjøre informerte, rasjonelle valg, tydeliggjøres. Man kan dermed si at den individualiseringstendensen man ser på mange områder i dag, også kan gjenfinnes i utviklingen av regelverk innen matvaresystemet og i beskrivelsen av forbrukeren som aktiv og velgende, også når det gjelder mulig kommende genmodifisert mat.
What makes a good sports parent?
Authors: Petersen Thomas Søbirk
Published: June 2015

Two practical measures that have been introduced in an effort to stop sports parents from behaving badly will be critically discussed. The first measure is known under the slogan quiet weekends'. These prohibit parents from attending games in which their child is participating. Although this strategy calls attention to an important issue, it is unfair. The second, and far more elaborate, measure is to have a set of ethical guidelines informing parents how they should behave towards their child and others in the context of sport. Two central values tend to run through these guidelines: namely parental concern for the child's autonomy and parental concern for the child's well-being. These values are discussed as I apply them to cases in what can be called a grey area, where it is not obvious what is morally right or wrong. In the concluding discussion a tentative checklist will be presented which good sports parents can use when they are confronted with ethical issues.
Marginalisation as a Possible Health Issue: an Exercise in Practice-Based Ethical Education
Authors: Myhrvold Trine
Published: June 2015

With the point of departure in the ongoing discussion of the professional and moral responsibility for those who are not equally included in the established health services, the question of how to include individuals and groups facing marginalisation is one of the major challenges within the ethics of care. This makes marginalisation a core concept in our time, which is challenged by, among other things, differentness with respect to ethnicity and social status as well as breach with norms and laws. The representation of individuals and groups facing marginalisation is not merely an intellectual question, however, but an epistemological one with political, practical and ethical implications. This article discusses a pilot project exploring what we can do within nursing education to sensitise students to professional and moral responsibility for individuals and groups facing marginalisation. A dialogical approach to knowledge, including cooperation with voluntary organisations and low-threshold facilities with a long tradition of trying to prevent people from falling through the net', was chosen to highlight the professional challenges and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the interface between closeness and distance, caring and marginalisation. Evaluation of data indicated that such an approach to knowledge seems to benefit the students' learning.
Integration needs in assessments of nanotechnology in food and agriculture
Authors: Forsberg Ellen-Marie , De Lauwere Carolien
Published: June 2015

In this article we present a study of assessments of nanotechnology in food and agriculture. The study was conducted as a part of a project studying the need for integrated assessment of emerging science and technologies. The article first introduces central hopes and concerns regarding nanotechnology in food and agriculture, and how these are assessed in different assessment spheres. The question of whether there is a need for more integration in assessments in this field is then introduced and the multiple interpretations of this notion are discussed, first in a sustainability context and then in the specific context of emerging science and technologies. This serves as the basis for analysing the current status of integration of nano-food assessments. The validity of our findings is discussed and the article ends with a summary of the main conclusions from the discussion.
Åpent nummer om surrogati, bioetikk, forskningsetikk og minoriteter
Authors: Thorseth May , Carson Siri Granum , Ess Charles
Published: June 2015

Dette nummeret av Etikk i praksis – Nordic Journal of Applied Ethics er kommet i stand i stafettpinneskiftet mellom avtroppende og påtroppende redaksjon. Vi byr på bidrag fra et variert utsnitt av det mangfoldige forskningsfeltet som omfattes av anvendt etikk. Tematisk er det bredde i utvalget, men felles for alle bidragene er at de drøfter svært relevante tema som også er til stede i offentlige medier.
Structured Multi-Skill Assessment (SMSA) in pharmacy: A contextual adaptation for authentic assessment for colleges of pharmacy and beyond
Authors: Kheir Nadir , Awaisu Ahmed , Ndoye Abdou , Wilby Kyle John
Published: June 2015

There is a need for a contextual adaptation model of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) procedures and assessment methods into diverse contexts with great cultural diversity that is both affordable and achievable. This manuscript aims to describe the principles, organizational structure and theoretical framework of the Structured Multi-Skill Assessment (SMSA), a modified version of the OSCE and a performance-based assessment method developed at the Qatar University College of Pharmacy (QU CPH) that addresses contextual and cultural considerations when used in undergraduate pharmacy curricula.
INNOVATIVE RAIL FREIGHT WAGONS – A PRECONDITION TO INCREASE THE MARKET-SHARE OF RAIL FREIGHT
Authors: Hecht Markus
Published: June 2015

Rail transport is a very important type of transport. Due to its environmentally friendly nature it is necessary to dedication him considerable attention. The article stated the need for the implementation of innovative solutions for wagons. This article presents precondition to increase market share of rail freight. Considerations that must be met by modern rail transport were presented in details. The main focus was on provide assumptions to implement innovative wagons and their areas of influence.
Relationships between teachers` pedagogical beliefs, subject cultures, and mediation practices of students' use of digital technology
Authors: Karaseva Agnese , Siibak Andra , Pruulmann-Vengerfeldt Pille
Published: June 2015

Drawing on the data from 26 interviews with different subject teachers in two countries, Estonia and Latvia, this study aimed to reveal how pedagogical beliefs and subject cultures shape the ways primary and secondary school teachers mediate students` use of digital technology. Teachers are acknowledged to be important socializing agents, affecting young people`s experiences with digital technology, but it is still unclear how the mediation practices of teachers are related to such intrinsic factors as teachers` beliefs about the nature of learning, nature of technology, self-efficacy beliefs, and subject cultures. Our study indicates that teachers mainly act as guides or coaches to help students make sense of the various opportunities that digital technology provide. Teachers also use a variety of restrictions related to technology use according to their dominant pedagogical beliefs and subject domains. These two roles are not mutually exclusive, combining according to what teachers believe will best support learning. A small group of teachers in our sample also strive to broaden students` understanding and adopt new skills for using technology in innovative ways. Implications for teacher training and peer-to-peer learning are discussed based on our findings.
Molecular taxonomic study of Trichinella spp. from mammals of Russian Arctic and subarctic areas
Authors: Odoevskaya Irina M. , Spiridonov Sergei E.
Published: June 2015

Analysis of taxonomic affiliation of Trichinella species circulating in the Chukotka Autonomous Region and some subarctic areas of the Russian Federation showed that the representatives of T. spiralis and the Arctic trichinellas - T. nativa (genotype T2) and Trichinella sp. (genotype T6) can be found there. The partial sequences of Coxb (704 bp) of these Arctic Trichinella spp. from Russia differ from Coxb sequences of those genotypes (T2 and T6) deposited in NCBI GenBank (1-3 bp). The cultivated larvae of Trichinella sp., which were established from muscular tissue sample of stray cat (shot on the fur farm in Chukotka peninslula) differ at molecular level (Coxb) even more significantly; 21-24 bp difference between Trichinella sp. and T. nativa and 46-47 bp difference between the same isolate and T. spiralis were recorded.
Phytosociological evaluation of terrestrial habitat types in Pyramiden area (Svalbard, Norway)
Authors: Koroleva Natalia
Published: June 2015

Natural habitats in the area of Pyramiden town (Svalbard, Norway) were assessed as a part of landscape planning for purposes of tourism development. Habitat types evalu-ation was done by using phytosociological units and assessed by IUCN categories. Altogether, 15 main habitat types were united in following groups: 1. Arctic tundra, 2. Barrens, screes, young alluvia areas and glaciers, 4. Wetlands and marshes, 5. Meadows and grasslands, 6. Anthropogenic open plant communities.
The Enduring Low Levels of Europeanization of Slovenian Political Parties: Evidence from Election Manifestos
Authors: Krašovec Alenka , Deželan Tomaž
Published: June 2015

The Europeanization of national political parties is one of the most important topic areas in the Europeanization literature. Slovenian parties have slowly started to act in the arena of the European Union (EU) since the 1990s, and questions regarding the degree of their Europeanization have become increasingly relevant. In light of Ladrech’s conviction that the clearest types of evidence of Europeanization may be found in programme changes, we focus our research on party manifestos. By conducting a computer-assisted content analysis of 65 manifestos between 1990 and 2014, we were able to examine the presence of EU-related topics and the frequency of reference to these topics, utilizing a quantitative measure of party Europeanization. We conclude that the presence of Europe in Slovenian parliamentary party manifestos is a consequence of an incremental process that intensified with the turn of the millennium and peaked with Slovenia’s accession to the EU. In addition, we observe that the interaction of variables has an important effect on the salience of Europe in manifestos, with the variables involved in a mutual feedback process, thus indicating that size, governmental status and EU party links matter. In the case of fringe parties, party family proved relevant as well.
Central role of Th2/Tc2 lymphocytes in pattern II multiple sclerosis lesions
Authors: Planas Raquel , Metz Imke , Ortiz Yaneth , Vilarrasa Nuria , Jelčić Ilijas , Salinas‐Riester Gabriela , Heesen Christoph , Brück Wolfgang , Martin Roland , Sospedra Mireia
Published: June 2015

Objective

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system with marked heterogeneity in several aspects including pathological processes. Based on infiltrating immune cells, deposition of humoral factors and loss of oligodendrocytes and/or myelin proteins, four lesion patterns have been described. Pattern II is characterized by antibody and complement deposition in addition to T‐cell infiltration. MS is considered a T‐cell‐mediated disease, but until now the study of pathogenic T cells has encountered major challenges, most importantly the limited access of brain‐infiltrating T cells. Our objective was to identify, isolate, and characterize brain‐infiltrating clonally expanded T cells in pattern II MS lesions.

Methods

We used next‐generation sequencing to identify clonally expanded T cells in demyelinating pattern II brain autopsy lesions, subsequently isolated these as T‐cell clones from autologous cerebrospinal fluid and functionally characterized them.

Results

We identified clonally expanded CD8+ but also CD4+ T cells in demyelinating pattern II lesions and for the first time were able to isolate these as live T‐cell clones. The functional characterization shows that T cells releasing Th2 cytokines and able to provide B cell help dominate the T‐cell infiltrate in pattern II brain lesions.

Interpretation

Our data provide the first functional evidence for a putative role of Th2/Tc2 cells in pattern II MS supporting the existence of this pathogenic phenotype and questioning the protective role that is generally ascribed to Th2 cells. Our observations are important to consider for future treatments of pattern II MS patients.
Creation of Liquid Metal 3D Microstructures Using Dielectrophoresis
Authors: Tang Shi‐Yang , Zhu Jiuyang , Sivan Vijay , Gol Berrak , Soffe Rebecca , Zhang Wei , Mitchell Arnan , Khoshmanesh Khashayar
Published: June 2015

Patterning customized arrays of microscale Galinstan or EGaIn liquid metals enables the creation of a variety of microfabricated systems. Current techniques for creating microsized 3D structures of liquid metals are limited by the large dimension or low aspect ratio of such structures, and time‐consuming processes. Here, a novel technique for creating 3D microstructures of Galinstan using dielectrophoresis is introduced. The presented technique enables the rapid creation of Galinstan microstructures with various dimensions and aspect ratios. Two series of proof‐of‐concept experiments are conducted to demonstrate the capabilities of this technique. First, the 3D Galinstan microstructures are utilized as 3D microelectrodes to enhance the trapping of tungsten trioxide (WO3) nanoparticles flowing through a microfluidic channel. Second, the patterned Galinstan microstructures are utilized as microfins to improve the dissipation of heat within a microfluidic channel that is located onto a hot spot. The presented technique can be readily used for creating customized arrays of 3D Galinstan microstructures for a wide range of applications.
Poly(benzoquinonyl sulfide) as a High‐Energy Organic Cathode for Rechargeable Li and Na Batteries
Authors: Song Zhiping , Qian Yumin , Zhang Tao , Otani Minoru , Zhou Haoshen
Published: June 2015

In concern of resource sustainability and environmental friendliness, organic electrode materials for rechargeable batteries have attracted increasing attentions in recent years. However, for many researchers, the primary impression on organic cathode materials is the poor cycling stability and low energy density, mainly due to the unfavorable dissolution and low redox potential, respectively. Herein, a novel polymer cathode material, namely poly(benzoquinonyl sulfide) (PBQS) is reported, for either rechargeable Li or Na battery. Remarkably, PBQS shows a high energy density of 734 W h kg–1 (2.67 V × 275 mA h g–1) in Li battery, or 557 W h kg–1 (2.08 V × 268 mA h g–1) in Na battery, which exceeds those of most inorganic Li or Na intercalation cathodes. Moreover, PBQS also demonstrates excellent long‐term cycling stability (1000 cycles, 86%) and superior rate capability (5000 mA g–1, 72%) in Li battery. Besides the exciting battery performance, investigations on the structure–property relationship between benzoquinone (BQ) and PBQS, and electrochemical behavior difference between Li–PBQS battery and Na–PBQS battery, also provide significant insights into developing better Li‐organic and Na‐organic batteries beyond conventional Li‐ion batteries.
Pim Kinase Inhibitors Evaluated with a Single‐Molecule Engineered Nanopore Sensor
Authors: Harrington Leon , Alexander Leila T. , Knapp Stefan , Bayley Hagan
Published: June 2015

Protein kinases are critical therapeutic targets. Pim kinases are implicated in several leukaemias and cancers. Here, we exploit a protein nanopore sensor for Pim kinases that bears a pseudosubstrate peptide attached by an enhanced engineering approach. Analyte binding to the sensor peptide is measured through observation of the modulation of ionic current through a single nanopore. We observed synergistic binding of MgATP and kinase to the sensor, which was used to develop a superior method to evaluate Pim kinase inhibitors featuring label‐free determination of inhibition constants. The procedure circumvents many sources of bias or false‐positives inherent in current assays. For example, we identified a potent inhibitor missed by differential scanning fluorimetry. The approach is also amenable to implementation on high throughput chips.
Development of Chiral Spiro P‐N‐S Ligands for Iridium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of β‐Alkyl‐β‐Ketoesters
Authors: Bao Deng‐Hui , Wu Hui‐Ling , Liu Chao‐Lun , Xie Jian‐Hua , Zhou Qi‐Lin
Published: June 2015

The chiral tridentate spiro P‐N‐S ligands (SpiroSAP) were developed, and their iridium complexes were prepared. Introduction of a 1,3‐dithiane moiety into the ligand resulted in a highly efficient chiral iridium catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation of β‐alkyl‐β‐ketoesters, producing chiral β‐alkyl‐β‐hydroxyesters with excellent enantioselectivities (95–99.9 % ee) and turnover numbers of up to 355 000.
Well‐Defined and Robust Rhodium Catalysts for the Hydroacylation of Terminal and Internal Alkenes
Authors: Prades Amparo , Fernández Maitane , Pike Sebastian D. , Willis Michael C. , Weller Andrew S.
Published: June 2015

A Rh‐catalyst system based on the asymmetric ligand tBu2PCH2P(o‐C6H4OMe)2 is reported that allows for the hydroacylation of challenging internal alkenes with β‐substituted aldehydes. Mechanistic studies point to the stabilizing role of both excess alkene and the OMe‐group.
Flexible /PET/batio3/ layer–layer composite film with enhanced dielectric properties fabricated by highly loaded /batio3/ coating with acrylic resin as binder
Authors: Zhou Yan , Wang Li , Ma Yuhong , Chen Dong , Zhao Changwen , Yang Wantai
Published: June 2015

Flexible layer–layer poly(ethylene phthalate) (PET)/BaTiO3 composite films with enhanced dielectric permittivity were fabricated by spin coating method, consisting of PET substrate film layer and modified BaTiO3/acrylic resin hybrid coating layer. The thickness of coating layer was less than 3 μm (about 2% of PET film thickness), and therefore, the PET/barium titanate (BT) composite films remained flexible even at high volume fraction of BaTiO3 fillers. The volume contents of BaTiO3 were varied from 0 to 80%, and the solid contents of BaTiO3/acrylic resin were in the range of 51.8–72.9%. Scanning electron microscopy showed strong interaction of finely dispersed BaTiO3 particles with acrylic resin. Morphological profile also displayed uniform coating layer of modified BaTiO3/acrylic resin and its strong adhesion with PET film. The dielectric constant of the PET/BaTiO3 composite films increased by about 26% at 60 vol % BaTiO3 loading when compared with the pristine PET film, whereas the dielectric loss decreased slightly. In addition, PET‐grafted poly(hydroxylethyl methacrylate) brushes were used as substrate to introduce covalent bonding with the coating layer. Further enhancement of dielectric constant and reduction of dielectric loss were realized when compared with the composite films with bare PET substrate. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42508.
Anatomy education for the YouTube generation
Authors: Barry Denis S. , Marzouk Fadi , Chulak‐Oglu Kyrylo , Bennett Deirdre , Tierney Paul , O'Keeffe Gerard W.
Published: June 2015

Anatomy remains a cornerstone of medical education despite challenges that have seen a significant reduction in contact hours over recent decades; however, the rise of the “YouTube Generation” or “Generation Connected” (Gen C), offers new possibilities for anatomy education. Gen C, which consists of 80% Millennials, actively interact with social media and integrate it into their education experience. Most are willing to merge their online presence with their degree programs by engaging with course materials and sharing their knowledge freely using these platforms. This integration of social media into undergraduate learning, and the attitudes and mindset of Gen C, who routinely creates and publishes blogs, podcasts, and videos online, has changed traditional learning approaches and the student/teacher relationship. To gauge this, second year undergraduate medical and radiation therapy students (n = 73) were surveyed regarding their use of online social media in relation to anatomy learning. The vast majority of students had employed web‐based platforms to source information with 78% using YouTube as their primary source of anatomy‐related video clips. These findings suggest that the academic anatomy community may find value in the integration of social media into blended learning approaches in anatomy programs. This will ensure continued connection with the YouTube generation of students while also allowing for academic and ethical oversight regarding the use of online video clips whose provenance may not otherwise be known. Anat Sci Educ. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
Micrometric measures and orbits of southern visual double stars
Authors: Argyle R. W. , Alyner A. , van Leeuwen F.
Published: June 2015

525 measures of 213 visual double stars have been made using the 26.5‐inch (67‐cm) Innes telescope in Johannesburg and the Repsold micrometer between 2008.375 and 2008.419, 2010.608 and 2010.652, and 2013.663 and 2013.712. A comparison with known orbits is made. Revised orbits are presented for WDS 01061–4643 (SLR 1), WDS 12415–4858 (HJ 4539), WDS 16253–4909 (COO 197) and WDS 16425–3705 (R 283). (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The simulation of the magnetic field and spin period evolution of accreting neutron stars
Authors: Pan Y. Y. , Song L. M. , Zhang C. M. , Guo Y. Q.
Published: June 2015

By means of the Monte Carlo method, we simulate the evolutionary distribution of accreting neutron stars (NSs) in the magnetic field versus spin period (B‐P) diagram where the accretion induced magnetic‐field decay model is exploited. The simulated results show that by mass accretion the B‐P distribution of the accreting NS would evolve along the equilibrium period line to a region with low field and short period. The B‐P distributions of the simulated accreting NSs are consistent with those of the observed millisecond pulsars (MSPs) after accretion of ∼ 0.1–0.2 M⊙. We also test the effects of the initial magnetic field and the spin period on the evolved B‐P distribution of the accreting NSs. It is shown that the evolved distributions of the simulated samples are independent of the selection of the initial condition when the NS magnetic field decays to a value less than ∼1010 G. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Many paths lead chromatin to the nuclear periphery
Authors: Gordon Molly R. , Pope Benjamin D. , Sima Jiao , Gilbert David M.
Published: June 2015

It is now well accepted that defined architectural compartments within the cell nucleus can regulate the transcriptional activity of chromosomal domains within their vicinity. However, it is generally unclear how these compartments are formed. The nuclear periphery has received a great deal of attention as a repressive compartment that is implicated in many cellular functions during development and disease. The inner nuclear membrane, the nuclear lamina, and associated proteins compose the nuclear periphery and together they interact with proximal chromatin creating a repressive environment. A new study by Harr et al. identifies specific protein–DNA interactions and epigenetic states necessary to re‐position chromatin to the nuclear periphery in a cell‐type specific manner. Here, we review concepts in gene positioning within the nucleus and current accepted models of dynamic gene repositioning within the nucleus during differentiation. This study highlights that myriad pathways lead to nuclear organization.
The effect of pre‐existing mental health comorbidities on the stage at diagnosis and timeliness of care of solid tumor malignances in a Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center
Authors: Wadia Roxanne J. , Yao Xiaopan , Deng Yanhong , Li Jia , Maron Steven , Connery Donna , Gunduz‐Bruce Handan , Rose Michal G.
Published: June 2015

There are limited data on the impact of mental health comorbidities (MHC) on stage at diagnosis and timeliness of cancer care. Axis I MHC affect approximately 30% of Veterans receiving care within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. The purpose of this study was to compare stage at diagnosis and timeliness of care of solid tumor malignancies among Veterans with and without MHC. We performed a retrospective analysis of 408 charts of Veterans with colorectal, urothelial, and head/neck cancer diagnosed and treated at VA Connecticut Health Care System (VACHS) between 2008 and 2011. We collected demographic data, stage at diagnosis, medical and mental health co‐morbidities, treatments received, key time intervals, and number of appointments missed. The study was powered to assess for stage migration of 15–20% from Stage I/II to Stage III/IV. There was no significant change in stage distribution for patients with and without MHC in the entire study group (p = 0.9442) and in each individual tumor type. There were no significant differences in the time intervals from onset of symptoms to initiation of treatment between patients with and without MHC (p = 0.1135, 0.2042 and 0.2352, respectively). We conclude that at VACHS, stage at diagnosis for patients with colorectal, urothelial and head and neck cancers did not differ significantly between patients with and without MHC. Patients with MHC did not experience significant delays in care. Our study indicates that in a medical system in which mental health is integrated into routine care, patients with Axis I MHC do not experience delays in cancer care.
Tumour promotion versus tumour suppression in chronic hepatic iron overload
Authors: Bloomer Steven A. , Brown Kyle E.
Published: June 2015

Although iron‐catalysed oxidative damage is presumed to be a major mechanism of injury leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in hemochromatosis, these events have been difficult to recapitulate in an animal model. In this study, we evaluated regulators of hepatocarcinogenesis in a rodent model of chronic iron overload. Sprague–Dawley rats were iron loaded with iron dextran over 6 months. Livers were harvested and analysed for markers of oxidative stress, as well as the following proteins: p53, murine double minute 2, the Shc proteins p66, p52, p46; β‐catenin, CHOP, C/EBPα and Yes‐associated protein. In this model, iron loading is associated with hepatocyte proliferation, and indices of oxidative damage are mildly increased in tandem with augmented antioxidant defenses. Alterations potentially favouring carcinogenesis included a modest but significant decrease in p53 levels and increases in p52, p46 and β‐catenin levels compared with control livers. Countering these factors, the iron‐loaded livers demonstrated a significant decrease in CHOP, which has recently been implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as a reciprocal increase in C/EBPα and decrease in Yes‐associated protein. Our results suggest that chronic iron overload elicits both tumour suppressive as well as tumour‐promoting mechanisms in rodent liver. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microflow SERS Measurements Using Sensing Particles of Polyacrylamide/Silver Composite Materials
Authors: Visaveliya* Nikunjkumar , Lenke* Steffen , Groß Alexander , Köhler J. Michael
Published: June 2015

The combination of microfluidic techniques with surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) microscopy provides the platform for the analysis, detection, and accurate monitoring of a wide range of analytes. Composite microparticles for SERS sensing were used here for the detection of analytes in a micro‐continuous‐flow arrangement. The sensor particles consisted of a swellable polyacrylamide matrix with in situ incorporated silver nanoparticles. They were prepared by a microfluidic photochemical procedure. A set of sensor particles was placed inside a glass capillary for SERS flow measurements. Highly reproducible sensor signals were observed with the test analytes adenine and histidine using a fiber‐coupled compact Raman spectrometer. The particles are suited for sequential measurements under flow conditions. This could be proven by the use of a microfluidic setup with three syringe pumps for alternative actuation of different analyte and regeneration solutions.
DNA‐Based Oligochromophores as Light‐Harvesting Systems
Authors: Ensslen Philipp , Brandl Fabian , Sezi Sabrina , Varghese Reji , Kutta Roger‐Jan , Dick Bernhard , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: June 2015

The chromophores ethynyl pyrene as blue, ethynyl perylene as green and ethynyl Nile red as red emitter were conjugated to the 5‐position of 2′‐deoxyuridine via an acetylene bridge. Using phosphoramidite chemistry on solid phase labelled DNA duplexes were prepared that bear single chromophore modifications, and binary and ternary combinations of these chromophore modifications. The steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence spectra of all three chromophores were studied in these modified DNA duplexes. An energy‐transfer cascade occurs from ethynyl pyrene over ethynyl perylene to ethynyl Nile red and subsequently an electron‐transfer cascade in the opposite direction (from ethynyl Nile red to ethynyl perylene or ethynyl pyrene, but not from ethynyl perylene to ethynyl pyrene). The electron‐transfer processes finally provide charge separation. The efficiencies by these energy and electron‐transfer processes can be tuned by the distances between the chromophores and the sequences. Most importantly, excitation at any wavelength between 350 and 700 nm finally leads to charge separated states which make these DNA samples promising candidates for light‐harvesting systems.
Non‐linear, cata‐Condensed, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Materials: A Generic Approach and Physical Properties
Authors: Haire Barnaby T. , Heard Kane W. J. , Little Mark S. , Parry Adam V. S. , Raftery James , Quayle Peter , Yeates Stephen G.
Published: June 2015

A generic approach to the regiospecific synthesis of halogenated polycyclic aromatics is made possible by the one‐ or two‐directional benzannulation reactions of readily available (ortho‐allylaryl)trichloroacetates (the “BHQ” reaction). Palladium‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions of the so‐formed haloaromatics enable the synthesis of functionalised polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with surgical precision. Overall, this new methodology enables the facile mining of chemical space in search of new electronic functional materials.
Entrance into a platform‐dominated market: Virtue of an open strategy on the numerical computation market
Authors: Blondel Frédérique , Edouard Serge
Published: June 2015

Strategic and industrial analysis reveals it is extremely difficult to enter a market dominated by an existing platform. In fact, direct or indirect network effects give the established company's platform a considerable competitive edge. This is true of the numerical computation market and the Matlab + Simulink platform by MathWorks. The case study of Scilab Enterprises helps identify conditions of viability for breaking into such a market. We find that alone, the platform strategy is doomed to fail, but accompanied by an open strategy, entering a platform market becomes possible. We hypothesize that a platform strategy is successful when associated with an open innovation process (integration of the open source community) and supported by a business ecosystem (a huge community of developers, users, and allies). Copyright © 2015 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variation in symptom distress in underserved Chinese American cancer patients
Authors: Dhingra Lara K. , Lam Kin , Cheung William , Shao Theresa , Li Zujun , Van de Maele Sandra , Chang Victor T. , Chen Jack , Ye Huiyan , Wong Rhoda , Lam Wan Ling , Chan Selina , Bookbinder Marilyn , Dieckmann Nathan F. , Portenoy Russell
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Cancer is prevalent in the rapidly growing Chinese American community, yet little is known about the symptom experience to guide comprehensive treatment planning. This study evaluated symptom prevalence and patient subgroups with symptom distress in a large sample of Chinese American cancer patients.

METHODS

Patients were consecutively recruited from 4 oncology practices, and they completed a translated cancer symptom scale. Latent class cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups of patients with distinct symptom distress profiles.

RESULTS

There were 1436 patients screened; 94.4% were non–English‐speaking, and 45.1% were undergoing cancer therapy. The cancers included breast (32.6%), lung (14.8%), head and neck (12.5%), and hematologic cancer (10.1%). Overall, 1289 patients (89.8%) had 1 or more symptoms, and 1129 (78.6%) had 2 or more. The most prevalent symptoms were a lack of energy (57.0%), dry mouth (55.6%), feeling sad (49.3%), worrying (47.5%), and difficulty sleeping (46.8%). Symptoms causing “quite a bit” or “very much” distress included difficulty sleeping (37.9%), a lack of appetite (37.2%), feeling nervous (35.8%), pain (35.2%), and worrying (34.0%). Four patient subgroups were identified according to the probability of reporting moderate to high symptom distress: very low physical and psychological symptom distress (49.5%), low physical symptom distress and moderate psychological symptom distress (25.2%), moderate physical and psychological symptom distress (17.4%), and high physical and psychological symptom distress (7.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

Symptom prevalence is high in community‐dwelling Chinese American cancer patients, and nearly half experience severe distress (rated as “quite a bit” or “very much” distressing) from physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, or both. These data have important implications for the development of effective symptom control interventions. Cancer 2015. © 2015 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2015;121:3352–3359. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Phase 2 trial of sunitinib and gemcitabine in patients with sarcomatoid and/or poor‐risk metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Michaelson M. Dror , McKay Rana R. , Werner Lillian , Atkins Michael B. , Van Allen Eliezer M. , Olivier Kara M. , Song Jiaxi , Signoretti Sabina , McDermott David F. , Choueiri Toni K.
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with an aggressive biology and a poor prognosis. Poor‐risk RCC is defined by clinical prognostic factors and demonstrates similarly aggressive behavior. No standard treatment exists for patients with sarcomatoid RCC, and treatment options for patients with poor‐risk disease are of limited benefit. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of antiangiogenic therapy in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy in clinically aggressive RCC.

METHODS

This was a phase 2, single‐arm trial of sunitinib and gemcitabine in patients with sarcomatoid or poor‐risk RCC. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included the time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), safety, and biomarker correlatives.

RESULTS

Overall, 39 patients had sarcomatoid RCC, and 33 had poor‐risk RCC. The ORR was 26% for patients with sarcomatoid RCC and 24% for patients with poor‐risk RCC. The median TTP and OS for patients with sarcomatoid RCC were 5 and 10 months, respectively. For patients with poor‐risk disease, the median TTP and OS were 5.5 and 15 months, respectively. Patients whose tumors had >10% sarcomatoid histology had a higher clinical benefit rate (ORR plus stable disease) than those with ≤10% sarcomatoid histology (P = .04). The most common grade 3 or higher treatment‐related adverse events included neutropenia (n = 20), anemia (n = 10), and fatigue (n = 7).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that antiangiogenic therapy and cytotoxic chemotherapy are an active and well‐tolerated combination for patients with aggressive RCC. The combination may be more efficacious than either therapy alone and is currently under further investigation. Cancer 2015;121:3435–43. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Modeling the spread of Rubella disease using the concept of with local derivative with fractional parameter
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Alkahtani Badr Saad T.
Published: June 2015

Our aim in this work was to examine the model underpinning the spread of the Rubella virus using the novel derivative called beta‐derivative. The study of the equilibrium points together with the analysis of the disease free equilibrium points was presented. Due to the complexity of the modified equation, we introduced a new operator based on the Sumudu transform. The properties of this operator were proposed and proved in detail. We made used of this operator together with the idea of perturbation method to derive a special solution of the extended model. The stability of the method for solving this model was presented. The uniqueness of the special solution was presented, and numerical simulations were done. The graphical representations show that the model depends on both parameters and the fractional order. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 21: 442–451, 2016
HPLC‐MS/MS analysis of steroid hormones in environmental water samples
Authors: Avar P. , Maasz G. , Takács P. , Lovas S. , Zrinyi Z. , Svigruha R. , Takátsy A. , Tóth L. G. , Pirger Z.
Published: June 2015

Today, freshwaters, such as lakes and rivers, are subject to controlled pollution. Steroid hormones are chemically very stable highly lipophilic molecules. Their biological properties have a strong impact on the endocrine regulation of species. Steroids have estrogenic, androgenic, thyroidogenic or progestogenic effects and based on them, they could disturb the physiological mechanisms of freshwater species. We focused on progestins as they are the main active ingredients of contraceptive pharmaceuticals. Progestins have been shown to impair reproduction in fish, amphibians, and mollusks at low ng/L concentrations. Certain progestins, such as levonorgestrel (LNG) have androgenic properties also. We selected the most used active substances drospirenone (DRO), LNG, and progesterone (PRG) and then developed and optimized a liquid chromatographic‐mass spectrometric method with solid‐phase extraction to measure them. Using our sensitive method (LOQ 0.03–0.11 ng/L) we could measure steroids even between 0.1 and 1 ng/L. Analyzing freshwater samples from the Lake Balaton catchment area, we found influents where the concentration of these hormones was 0.26–4.30 (DRO), 0.85–3.40 (LNG), and 0.23–13.67 (PRG) ng/L. Out of 53 collecting places, 21 contained measurable progestin levels, which clearly demonstrates the applicability of our method, legitimates toxicology experiments with effected species, and indicates monitoring efforts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic Synthesis with N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes of Indazole: Synthesis of Benzo(thio)imidates, Benzo[d][1,3]thiazines and Quinazoline‐4‐thiones
Authors: Guan Zong , Nieger Martin , Schmidt Andreas
Published: June 2015

The N‐heterocyclic carbenes of indazole, generated by deprotonation of indazolium salts, proved to be versatile starting materials for organic synthesis. They undergo ring‐opening reactions to generate ketenimines which readily add thiols thus affording what are, to the best of our knowledge, the first examples of 2‐anilinobenzothioimidates. Water converts the ring‐opened intermediates into functionalized 2‐anilinobenzamides which can be thionated with Lawesson's reagent and subsequently cyclized with formaldehyde and propionaldehyde, respectively, to give benzo[d][1,3]thiazines and quinazoline‐4‐thiones. The outcome of the cyclization depends upon the thiobenzamide substitution pattern.
ortho‐Carborane‐Modified N‐Substituted Deoxynojirimycins
Authors: Hoogendoorn Sascha , Mock Elliot D. , Strijland Anneke , Donker‐Koopman Wilma E. , van den Elst Hans , van den Berg Richard J. B. H. N. , Aerts Johannes M. F. G. , van der Marel Gijsbert A. , Overkleeft Herman S.
Published: June 2015

N‐alkyl‐deoxynojirimycins (DNMs) are an important class of glycoprocessing enzyme inhibitors. Our work on DNMs focuses on identifying potent and selective inhibitors of the human enzymes, glucosylceramide synthase (GCS), lysosomal glucosylceramidase (GBA) and neutral glucosylceramidase (GBA2). We have previously reported on N‐alkylated DNM derivatives bearing various hydrophobic head groups (aliphatic, aromatic, branched, cyclic). In this study we report effective procedures for the synthesis of ortho‐carborane‐modified DNMs and establish the inhibitory potency of six new DNM derivatives 3–8 against GCS, GBA and GBA2.
Characterization of a macrophyte microcosm as a surface water treatment system for antibiotics
Authors: Jensen Cory D. , Gujarathi Ninad P.
Published: June 2015

Natural water treatment systems provide for a means to manage nutrient (and carbon) cycles while improving water quality. We present chemical engineering design characteristics from an example flow through and model tertiary water treatment microcosm. This research demonstrates that aquatic macrophytes (Pistia stratiotes and Eichhornia crasippes) can degrade concentrations (0–10 mg/L) of oxytetracycline (OTC). First order OTC degradation rate coefficients (0.07–4.5/day) can be adjusted by altering; agitation, pH, temperature, and aeration mass flows in exudate treatment strategies when simulated wastewater was fed at 10 L/day. Further, we suggest that electronic paramagnetic resonance can be used to aid in hypothesis testing that external elicitation with phytohormones can be used to promote biological based oxidative bursts with methyl jasmonate during water treatment. Finally, we suggest there is a lack of research that considers macrophytes in more holistic natural and human use cycles. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1605–1612, 2015
Sodium intake status in United States and potential reduction modeling: an NHANES 2007–2010 analysis
Authors: Agarwal Sanjiv , Fulgoni Victor L. , Spence Lisa , Samuel Priscilla
Published: June 2015

Limiting dietary sodium intake has been a consistent dietary recommendation. Using NHANES 2007–2010 data, we estimated current sodium intake and modeled the potential impact of a new sodium reduction technology on sodium intake. NHANES 2007–2010 data were used to assess current sodium intake. The National Cancer Institute method was used for usual intake determination. Suggested sodium reductions using SODA‐LO® Salt Microspheres ranged from 20% to 30% in 953 foods and usual intakes were modeled by using various reduction factors and levels of market penetration. SAS 9.2, SUDAAN 11, and NHANES survey weights were used in all calculations with assessment across gender and age groups. Current (2007–2010) sodium intake (mg/day) exceeds recommendations across all age gender groups and has not changed during the last decade. However, sodium intake measured as a function of food intake (mg/g food) has decreased significantly during the last decade. Two food categories contribute about 2/3rd of total sodium intake: “Grain Products” and “Meat, Poultry, Fish & Mixtures”. Sodium reduction, with 100% market penetration of the new technology, was estimated to be 230–300 mg/day or 7–9% of intake depending upon age and gender group. Sodium reduction innovations like SODA‐LO® Salt Microspheres could contribute to meaningful reductions in sodium intake.
Evaluation of the Effect of a Continuous Treatment: A Machine Learning Approach with an Application to Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Kreif Noémi , Grieve Richard , Díaz Iván , Harrison David
Published: June 2015

For a continuous treatment, the generalised propensity score (GPS) is defined as the conditional density of the treatment, given covariates. GPS adjustment may be implemented by including it as a covariate in an outcome regression. Here, the unbiased estimation of the dose–response function assumes correct specification of both the GPS and the outcome‐treatment relationship. This paper introduces a machine learning method, the ‘Super Learner’, to address model selection in this context. In the two‐stage estimation approach proposed, the Super Learner selects a GPS and then a dose–response function conditional on the GPS, as the convex combination of candidate prediction algorithms. We compare this approach with parametric implementations of the GPS and to regression methods. We contrast the methods in the Risk Adjustment in Neurocritical care cohort study, in which we estimate the marginal effects of increasing transfer time from emergency departments to specialised neuroscience centres, for patients with acute traumatic brain injury. With parametric models for the outcome, we find that dose–response curves differ according to choice of specification. With the Super Learner approach to both regression and the GPS, we find that transfer time does not have a statistically significant marginal effect on the outcomes. © 2015 The Authors. Health Economics Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin C‐terminal domain labeled to fluorescent dyes for in vivo visualization of micrometastatic chemotherapy‐resistant ovarian cancer
Authors: Cocco Emiliano , Shapiro Erik M. , Gasparrini Sara , Lopez Salvatore , Schwab Carlton L. , Bellone Stefania , Bortolomai Ileana , Sumi Natalia J. , Bonazzoli Elena , Nicoletti Roberta , Deng Yang , Saltzman W. Mark , Zeiss Caroline J. , Centritto Floriana , Black Jonathan D. , Silasi Dan‐Arin , Ratner Elena , Azodi Masoud , Rutherford Thomas J. , Schwartz Peter E. , Pecorelli Sergio , Santin Alessandro D.
Published: June 2015

Identification of micrometastatic disease at the time of surgery remains extremely challenging in ovarian cancer patients. We used fluorescence microscopy, an in vivo imaging system and a fluorescence stereo microscope to evaluate fluorescence distribution in Claudin‐3‐ and ‐4‐overexpressing ovarian tumors, floating tumor clumps isolated from ascites and healthy organs. To do so, mice harboring chemotherapy‐naïve and chemotherapy‐resistant human ovarian cancer xenografts or patient‐derived xenografts (PDXs) were treated with the carboxyl‐terminal binding domain of the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (c‐CPE) conjugated to FITC (FITC‐c‐CPE) or the near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent tag IRDye CW800 (CW800‐c‐CPE) either intraperitoneally (IP) or intravenously (IV). We found tumor fluorescence to plateau at 30 min after IP injection of both the FITC‐c‐CPE and the CW800‐c‐CPE peptides and to be significantly higher than in healthy organs (p < 0.01). After IV injection of CW800‐c‐CPE, tumor fluorescence plateaued at 6 hr while the most favorable tumor‐to‐background fluorescence ratio (TBR) was found at 48 hr in both mouse models. Importantly, fluorescent c‐CPE was highly sensitive for the in vivo visualization of peritoneal micrometastatic tumor implants and the identification of ovarian tumor spheroids floating in malignant ascites that were otherwise not detectable by conventional visual observation. The use of the fluorescent c‐CPE peptide may represent a novel and effective optical approach at the time of primary debulking surgery for the real‐time detection of micrometastatic ovarian disease overexpressing the Claudin‐3 and ‐4 receptors or the identification of residual disease at the time of interval debulking surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment.