bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of change in cognitive function with anastrozole therapy
Authors: Bender Catherine M. , Merriman John D. , Gentry Amanda L. , Ahrendt Gretchen M. , Berga Sarah L. , Brufsky Adam M. , Casillo Frances E. , Dailey Meredith M. , Erickson Kirk I. , Kratofil Frances M. , McAuliffe Priscilla F. , Rosenzweig Margaret Q. , Ryan Christopher M. , Sereika Susan M.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the effects of the first 18 months of anastrozole therapy on cognitive function in women with breast cancer.

METHODS

This large, longitudinal cohort study was composed of postmenopausal women with early‐stage breast cancer who received chemotherapy plus anastrozole (n = 114) or anastrozole alone (n = 173) and a control group (n = 110). Cognitive function was assessed before systemic therapy and 6, 12, and 18 months after therapy initiation and at comparable time points in controls.

RESULTS

The chemotherapy‐anastrozole and anastrozole‐alone groups had poorer executive function than the controls at nearly all time points (P < .0001 to P = .09). A pattern of deterioration in working memory and concentration was observed during the first 6 months of anastrozole therapy for the chemotherapy‐anastrozole group (P < .0001 and P < .0009, respectively) and the anastrozole‐alone group (P = .0008 and P = .0002, respectively). This was followed by improved working memory and concentration from 6 to 12 months in both groups. The anastrozole‐alone group had a second decline in working memory and concentration from 12 to 18 months after the initiation of therapy (P < .0001 and P = .02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Women with breast cancer had poorer executive functioning from the period before therapy through the entire first 18 months of therapy. A pattern of decline in working memory and concentration with initial exposure to anastrozole was observed. Women receiving anastrozole alone had a second deterioration in working memory and concentration from 12 to 18 months after therapy initiation. The longer term effects (>18 months) of anastrozole on cognitive function remain to be determined. Cancer 2015;121:2627–2636. © 2015 American Cancer Society.
Paths to health equity: Local area variation in progress toward eliminating breast cancer mortality disparities, 1990‐2009
Authors: Rust George , Zhang Shun , Malhotra Khusdeep , Reese Leroy , McRoy Luceta , Baltrus Peter , Caplan Lee , Levine Robert S.
Published: April 2015

BACKGROUND

US breast cancer deaths have been declining since 1989, but African American women are still more likely than white women to die of breast cancer. Black/white disparities in breast cancer mortality rate ratios have actually been increasing.

METHODS

Across 762 US counties with enough deaths to generate reliable rates, county‐level, age‐adjusted breast cancer mortality rates were examined for women who were 35 to 74 years old during the period of 1989‐2010. Twenty‐two years of mortality data generated twenty 3‐year rolling average data points, each centered on a specific year from 1990 to 2009. Mixed linear models were used to group each county into 1 of 4 mutually exclusive trend patterns. The most recent 3‐year average black breast cancer mortality rate for each county was also categorized as being worse or not worse than the breast cancer mortality rate for the total US population.

RESULTS

More than half of the counties (54%) showed persistent, unchanging disparities. Roughly 1 in 4 (24%) had a divergent pattern of worsening black/white disparities. However, 10.5% of the counties sustained racial equality over the 20‐year period, and 11.7% of the counties actually showed a converging pattern from high disparities to greater equality. Twenty‐three counties had 2008‐2010 black mortality rates better than the US average mortality rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Disparities are not inevitable. Four US counties have sustained both optimal and equitable black outcomes as measured by both absolute (better than the US average) and relative benchmarks (equality in the local black/white rate ratio) for decades, and 6 counties have shown a path from disparities to health equity. Cancer 2015;121:2765‐2774. © 2015 American Cancer Society
Carbazole‐Based Molecular Glasses as Hole‐Transporting Materials in Solid State Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Bui Thanh‐Tuân , Shah Said Karim , Abbas Mamatimin , Sallenave Xavier , Sini Gjergji , Hirsch Lionel , Goubard Fabrice
Published: April 2015

Three 3,6‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino N‐alkylated carbazoles were synthesized, characterized and incorporated in solid state dye‐sensitized solar cells. Devices using these compounds as solid hole conductors showed relative high Voc thanks to good energy level matching between them and D102 dye. However, they yield relatively low Jsc and FF compared to spiro‐OMeTAD‐based control devices, which is due to an order of magnitude lower mobility and conductivity with respect to spiro‐OMeTAD. Maximum PCEs for N‐ethyl and N‐hexyl 3,6‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl)amino carbazoles (2 a, 2 b) are 1.6 %, and 1.8 % respectively, whereas spiro‐OMeTAD devices gave 4.4 %. Stability tests in air under continuous illumination have been reported.
Photocatalytic Activity of Au/TiO2 Photocatalysts for H2 Evolution: Role of the Au Nanoparticles as a Function of the Irradiation Wavelength
Authors: Serra Marco , Albero Josep , García Hermenegildo
Published: April 2015

An investigation of hydrogen production with a series of Au/TiO2 photocatalysts reveals that the Au nanoparticles play different roles depending on the wavelength of the light irradiation. Under visible‐light irradiation, the photoactivity is primarily controlled by the intensity of the Au surface plasmon band, whereas under UV irradiation the Au nanoparticles act as co‐catalysts with TiO2.
Immobilization of Distinctly Capped CdTe Quantum Dots onto Porous Aminated Solid Supports
Authors: Rodrigues S. Sofia M. , Ribeiro David S. M. , Frigerio Christian , Costa Susana P. F. , Prior João A. V. , Pinto Paula C. A. G. , Santos João L. M. , Saraiva M. Lúcia M. F. S. , Passos Marieta L. C.
Published: April 2015

Immobilization of quantum dots (QDs) onto solid supports could improve their applicability in the development of sensing platforms and solid‐phase reactors by allowing the implementation of reusable surfaces and the execution of repetitive procedures. As the reactivity of QDs relies mostly on their surface chemistry, immobilization could also limit the disruption of solution stability that could prevent stable measurements. Herein, distinct strategies to immobilize QDs onto porous aminated supports, such as physical adsorption and the establishment of chemical linking, were evaluated. This work explores the influence of QD capping and size, concentration, pH, and contact time between the support and the QDs. Maximum QD retention was obtained for physical adsorption assays. Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms were used to analyze the equilibrium data. Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy were calculated and the stability of immobilized QDs was confirmed.
Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonds Enhance Disparity in Reactivity between Isomers of Photoswitchable Sorbents and CO2: A Computational Study
Authors: Tang Huarong , Lu Dongmei , Wu Chao
Published: April 2015

Reducing the emission of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, requires efficient and reusable capture materials. The energy for regenerating sorbents is critical to the cost of CO2 capture. Here, we design a series of photoswitchable CO2 capture molecules by grafting Lewis bases, which can covalently bond CO2, to azo‐based backbones that can switch configurations upon light stimulation. The first‐principles calculations demonstrate that intramolecular hydrogen bonds are crucial for enlarging the difference of CO2 binding strengths to the cis and trans isomers. As a result, the CO2–sorbent interaction can be light‐adjusted from strong chemical bonding in one configuration to weak bonding in the other, which may lead to a great energy reduction in sorbent regeneration.
The effects of obesity on CD47 expression in erythrocytes
Authors: Wiewiora Maciej , Piecuch Jerzy , Sedek Lukasz , Mazur Bogdan , Sosada Krystyn
Published: April 2015

Background

To investigate the effects of obesity on CD47, phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure, and Caspase‐8 and Caspase‐3 activities in erythrocytes.

Methods

The study included 25 morbidly obese patients and 20 healthy people as the control group. We evaluated CD47 expression on the red blood cell (RBC) membrane surface and eryptosis markers such as PS externalization and caspase activity using flow cytometric analyses.

Results

CD47 expression on the RBC surface was significantly lower in obese patients than in the control group (P = 0.000001). We did not find significant differences in the Caspase‐3 and Caspase‐8 activities between the obese and nonobese control groups. Additionally, we did not find differences in PS exposure on erythrocyte membranes. The fibrinogen levels were higher in the obese group than they were in the control group (P = 0.00002). Correlations between CD47 expression and body mass index (r = −0.65; P = 0.0004), waist circumference (r = −0.54; P = 0.0052), and fibrinogen (r = 0.57; P = 0.0024) were found. Univariate analyses revealed that body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference, and fibrinogen levels were potential predictors of CD47 expression. Multivariate analyses found that fibrinogen levels (β = 0.4708; P = 0.045) independently predicted CD47 expression.

Conclusions

The study demonstrated that CD47 expression is decreased on the surface of RBCs in obese subjects. These changes in CD47 expression on the RBC surface may be an adaptive response to hyperfibrinogenemia associated with obesity. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Principles of minimal residual disease detection for hematopoietic neoplasms by flow cytometry
Authors: Wood Brent L.
Published: April 2015

Flow cytometry has become an indispensible tool for the diagnosis and classification of hematopoietic neoplasms. The ability to rapidly distinguish cellular subpopulations via multiparametric assessment of quantitative differences in antigen expression on single cells and enumerate the relative sizes of the resulting subpopulations is a key feature of the technology. More recently, these capabilities have been expanded to include the identification and enumeration of rare subpopulations within complex cellular mixtures, for example, blood or bone marrow, leading to the application for post‐therapeutic monitoring or minimal residual disease detection. This review will briefly present the principles to be considered in the construction and use of flow cytometric assays for minimal residual disease detection including the use of informative antibody combinations, the impact of immunophenotypic instability, enumeration, assay sensitivity, and reproducibility. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Consensus guidelines for myeloma minimal residual disease sample staining and data acquisition
Authors: Stetler‐Stevenson Maryalice , Paiva Bruno , Stoolman Lloyd , Lin Pei , Jorgensen Jeffrey L. , Orfao Alberto , Van Dongen Jacques , Rawstron Andy C.
Published: April 2015

Background

Flow cytometric (FC) detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) in multiple myeloma (MM) is prognostic and predictive of response to therapy. Therefore, standardization of FC MM MRD testing is vital to ensure better and uniform assessment of response to therapy and clinical prognostication. The International Clinical Cytometry Society and European Society for Clinical Cell Analysis, recognizing the need for standardized FC approaches, organized a working group to develop consensus guidelines on good clinical practice in FC MM MRD. Consensus guidelines are presented for specimen quality, staining process, reagent combinations, and the data acquisition process, all key factors in achieving high quality FC MM MRD testing.

Methods

A group of eight flow cytometrists currently performing FC testing in MM evaluated available literature on FC MM MRD testing. A document presenting best practice was developed and reviewed in successive rounds until consensus was reached.

Results/Conclusion

The consensus on best practice for detection of MRD in MM is that CD38, CD138, and CD45 are analyzed in combination with CD19, CD56, CD27, CD81, and CD117. Consensus guidelines on acceptable specimen quality, staining procedures, panel design, and data acquisition were developed. © 2015 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Risk stratification using cytomorphologic features in endoscopic ultrasonographic‐guided fine‐needle aspiration diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huffman Brandon M. , Esebua Magda , Layfield Lester J. , Witt Benjamin L. , Schmidt Robert L.
Published: April 2015

Background

Endoscopic ultrasonographic‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) is the procedure of choice for the investigation of pancreatic lesions. It shows good sensitivity and excellent specificity. Diagnostic criteria have been published but not statistically validated for the diagnosis of malignancy and stratification of risk for malignancy.

Methods

A training set of 57 EUS‐FNAs and the validation set of 107 EUS‐FNAs were selected. Slides were independently evaluated by three pathologists. Sixteen morphologic features were evaluated in the training set. Average absolute agreement, kappa scores, and association with malignancy were statistically evaluated. Recursive partitioning and multivariant analyses were performed on the features tested in the training set. Agreement data, univariate‐odds ratios, and discriminatory power were calculated for the diagnostic features selected from the training set. The selected morphologic features formed a scoring rule that was then applied to the validation set.

Results

The average absolute agreement in the training set was 72%. Anisonucleosis, nuclear crowding, macro nucleoli, single atypical epithelial cells, and intracytoplasmic mucin showed the highest interrater reliability. Anisonucleosis, macronucleoli, single atypical epithelial cells, and intracytoplasmic mucin were most predictive of malignancy. A simple scoring rule was developed combining these morphologic features and applied to the validation set. Analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve confirmed the statistical validity of the scoring rule.

Conclusion

A scoring system utilizing the presence or absence of anisonucleosis, macronucleoli, single atypical epithelial cells, and mucinous metaplasia yielded good discriminatory power (area under ROC curve = 0.87). Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:613–621. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor: Report of a case with cytomorphologic description
Authors: Ahmed Omar I. , Qasem Shadi A. , Salih Ziyan T.
Published: April 2015

Ossifying fibromyxoid tumor (OFMT) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm with uncertain histogenesis. Most cases behave in a clinically benign fashion; however, a small percentage of tumors may locally recur or metastasize. Herein we present a case of a 56‐year‐old man who presented with an enlarging left groin mass, left inner thigh numbness, burning paresthesia and discomfort in his left groin. The mass sampled by fine‐ needle aspiration and needle core biopsy. Cytology showed bland‐appearing epithelioid cells with round nuclei and fine chromatin, with fragments of fibromyxoid stroma in the background. Immunohistochemical stains performed on the core biopsy showed that the lesional cells were focally positive for S100 protein and negative for desmin, smooth muscle actin, CD34 and cytokeratin AE1/AE3. A benign neoplasm was favored with ossifying fibromyxoid tumor as the main entity in the differential diagnosis. A subsequent resection showed a well‐circumscribed 5 cm mass with firm consistency and focal areas of calcifications. Histologically, the tumor had a nodular growth pattern with relatively bland spindle cells containing round to oval nuclei suspended in a variably collagenous to myxoid stroma. Significant ossification and bone formation was also noted. There was no significant atypia, necrosis or increased mitoses. Ossifying fibromyxoid tumors have distinct cytologic features and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors with prominent ossification. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:646–649. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The evolution of pattern camouflage strategies in waterfowl and game birds
Authors: Marshall Kate L. A. , Gluckman Thanh‐Lan
Published: April 2015

Visual patterns are common in animals. A broad survey of the literature has revealed that different patterns have distinct functions. Irregular patterns (e.g., stipples) typically function in static camouflage, whereas regular patterns (e.g., stripes) have a dual function in both motion camouflage and communication. Moreover, irregular and regular patterns located on different body regions (“bimodal” patterning) can provide an effective compromise between camouflage and communication and/or enhanced concealment via both static and motion camouflage. Here, we compared the frequency of these three pattern types and traced their evolutionary history using Bayesian comparative modeling in aquatic waterfowl (Anseriformes: 118 spp.), which typically escape predators by flight, and terrestrial game birds (Galliformes: 170 spp.), which mainly use a “sit and hide” strategy to avoid predation. Given these life histories, we predicted that selection would favor regular patterning in Anseriformes and irregular or bimodal patterning in Galliformes and that pattern function complexity should increase over the course of evolution. Regular patterns were predominant in Anseriformes whereas regular and bimodal patterns were most frequent in Galliformes, suggesting that patterns with multiple functions are broadly favored by selection over patterns with a single function in static camouflage. We found that the first patterns to evolve were either regular or bimodal in Anseriformes and either irregular or regular in Galliformes. In both orders, irregular patterns could evolve into regular patterns but not the reverse. Our hypothesis of increasing complexity in pattern camouflage function was supported in Galliformes but not in Anseriformes. These results reveal a trajectory of pattern evolution linked to increasing function complexity in Galliformes although not in Anseriformes, suggesting that both ecology and function complexity can have a profound influence on pattern evolution.
Validation of a simple risk stratification tool for patients implanted with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: the VALID‐CRT risk score
Authors: Gasparini Maurizio , Klersy Catherine , Leclercq Cristophe , Lunati Maurizio , Landolina Maurizio , Auricchio Angelo , Santini Massimo , Boriani Giuseppe , Proclemer Alessandro , Leyva Francisco
Published: April 2015

Aims

Mortality after cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is difficult to predict. We sought to design and validate a simple prognostic score for patients implanted with CRT, based on readily available clinical variables, including age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, presence/absence of atrial fibrillation, presence/absence of atrioventricular junction ablation, coronary heart disease, diabetes, and implantation of a CRT device with defibrillation.

Methods

For predictive modelling, 5153 consecutive patients enrolled in 72 European centres (79% male; LVEF 25.9 ± 6.85%; NYHA class III–IV 77.5%; QRS 158.4 ± 32.3 ms) were randomly split into derivation (70%) and validation (30%) samples. The primary endpoint was total mortality and the secondary endpoint was cardiovascular mortality. The final predictive model fit was assessed by plotting observed vs. predicted survival.

Results

In the entire cohort, 1004 deaths occurred over a follow‐up of 14 409 person years. Total mortality ranged from 3.1% to 28.2% at 2 years in the first and fifth quintile of the risk score, respectively. At 5 years, total mortality was 10.3%, 18.6%, 27.6%, 36.1%, and 58.8%, from the first to the fifth quintile. Compared with the lowest quintile (Q), total mortality was significantly higher in the other four quintiles [Q2 hazard ratio (HR) = 1.71; Q3 HR = 2.20; Q4 HR = 4.03; Q5 HR = 8.03; all P < 0.001). The final model, which was based on the entire cohort using the above variables, showed a good discrimination (Harrell's c = 0.70) and high explained variation (0.26). The mean predicted survival fitted well with the observed survival for up to 6 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

The VALID‐CRT risk score, which is based on routine, readily available clinical variables, reliably predicted the long‐term total and cardiovascular mortality in patients undergoing CRT. While this score cannot be used to predict the benefit of CRT, it may be useful for predicting survival after CRT. This may have useful implications for follow‐up.
Effects of Co/Ni Ratio on the Supercapacitive Properties of α‐Form Hydroxides
Authors: Liu Lan , Ma Ke‐Yuan , Liu Fu , Zhang Xiao‐Bin , Cheng J. P.
Published: April 2015

α‐Form CoxNi1–xhydroxides with different Co/Ni ratios were synthesized by a chemical co‐precipitation method under mild conditions. The effects of Co/Ni ratio on the structure, morphology, and supercapacitive properties of α‐form CoxNi1–xhydroxides were investigated in detail. α‐Form CoxNi1–xhydroxides had structures similar to those of hydrotalcite and α‐Co(OH)2, and they exhibited better electrochemical performance than α‐Co(OH)2on testing by XRD, FTIR, and electrochemical performance (whenx≠ 0). The highest specific capacitance at 1 A g–1for α‐form CoxNi1–xhydroxides (forx= 0.2) is 1696.7 F g–1. An asymmetric supercapacitor packaged with Co0.6Ni0.4hydroxide and activated carbon as positive and negative material, respectively, had an energy density of 23.5 Wh kg–1at a power density of 412.5 W kg–1.
Potent Reactivity in Solubilised Oxo‐Titanium Polymers
Authors: Nielson Alastair J. , Waters Joyce M.
Published: April 2015

Invited for the cover of this issue are Al Nielson and Joyce Waters from Massey University at Auckland, New Zealand. The cover image shows a titanium–salicylaldimine–oxo polymer being chopped up by an aldehyde molecule into a fiery reactive entity, which, on cooling, gives rise to complexes indicating that both polymer degradation and new carbon‐based chemistry habe taken place.
Suzuki–Miyaura Reactions of Halospirooxindole Derivatives
Authors: El Bouakher Abderrahman , Allouchi Hassan , Abrunhosa‐Thomas Isabelle , Troin Yves , Guillaumet Gérald
Published: April 2015

Starting from 5,5′‐dihalo‐1′‐pentyl‐2H‐spiro[furo[2,3‐b]pyridine‐3,3′‐indolin]‐2′‐one, various 5,5′‐di(het)aryl‐1′‐pentyl‐2H‐spiro[furo[2,3‐b]pyridine‐3,3′‐indolin]‐2′‐ones were synthesized through palladium‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions. A large panel of boronic acids (aryl or heteroaryl) could easily be introduced, leading to a library of new 5‐ or 5′‐monosubstituted and 5,5′‐disubstituted 1′‐pentyl‐2H‐spiro[furo[2,3‐b]pyridine‐3,3′‐indolin]‐2′‐ones.
Adaptive workflow scheduling for diverse objectives in cloud environments
Authors: Ji Haoran , Bao Weidong , Zhu Xiaomin
Published: April 2015

Cloud computing environments facilitate applications by providing virtualised resources through the network and serve the clients by the pay‐as‐you‐go mechanism. It is based on the rapid development of the network. Normally, economic cost is the most important factor of providing cloud services. However, under some special conditions, the objectives may change. In this scenario, it is impractical to reset the scheduling mechanism only for an occasional incident. So an adaptive scheduling mechanism is needed to address the issues of scheduling under different conditions. To the best of our knowledge, no works have well solved this problem. In this paper, we convert the problem to a multi‐objective scheduling problem with varying objective weights and propose a two‐phase algorithm, which is called adaptive priority‐based workflow scheduling (DRAWS) algorithm. The algorithm will self regulate the priorities of tasks to adapt to different objectives. In the experimental part, simulation environments are set up and three classic workflows are used to evaluate the performance. Four comparing algorithms of resource sensitive scheduling algorithm, Best Fit‐millions of instructions per second, Best Fit‐random‐access memory and Best Fit‐Bandwidth are used to evaluate the performance of DRAWS. It is demonstrated that each phase of our algorithm would optimise the scheduling. Furthermore, we obtain the conclusion that DRAWS algorithm shows superior than the comparing algorithms. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved CO2 separation performance of Matrimid®5218 membrane by addition of low molecular weight polyethylene glycol
Authors: Loloei Mahsa , Moghadassi Abdolreza , Omidkhah Mohammadreza , Amooghin Abtin Ebadi
Published: April 2015

Polyethylene glycols have received worldwide attention as a highly permeable CO2‐philic polymer in carbon dioxide separation applications. In this study, we investigated the influence of a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG 200) on physicochemical, morphological, and gas separation properties of Matrimid®5218 as a novel polymer blend. Both symmetric and asymmetric Matrimid flat sheet membranes with 0–20 wt.% PEG were prepared via a dense film‐casting method. The miscibility of blends at low PEG concentrations (3–5 wt.%) was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized light microscopy (PLM). Moreover, the blends were partially miscible at higher PEG concentrations (10–20 wt.%). Matrimid/PEG molecular interactions were further studied by FTIR and XRD analysis. SEM images indicated an impressive influence of PEG on the symmetric structure of Matrimid membrane. An asymmetric structure with a dense thin skin layer and a highly porous sub‐layer was observed for the blends containing 10–20 wt.% PEG. The CO2 permeability and CO2/CH4 selectivity of the best‐yield CO2‐selective blend membrane (Matrimid/PEG (95:5)) incvreased about 25% (from 7.68 to 9.62 Barrer) and 15% (from 35 to 40) compared to pure Matrimid, respectively. Furthermore studying the plasticization pressures of the membranes revealed that the more PEG content in blend the less the plasticization pressure obtained. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
The Mutual Impact of Global Strategy and Organizational Learning: Current Themes and Future Directions
Authors: Hotho Jasper J. , Lyles Marjorie A. , Easterby‐Smith Mark
Published: April 2015

Despite the interest in issues of knowing and learning in the global strategy field, there has been limited mutual engagement and interaction between the fields of global strategy and organizational learning. The purpose of our article is to reflect on and articulate how the mutual exchange of ideas between these fields can be encouraged. To this end, we first conduct a review of the intersection of the fields of global strategy and organizational learning. We then present two recommendations regarding how the interaction between the two fields can be enhanced. Our first recommendation is for global strategy research to adopt a broader notion of organizational learning. Our second recommendation is for global strategy research to capitalize on its attention to context in order to inform and enhance organizational learning theory. We discuss the use of context in a number of common research designs and highlight how the scope for theoretical contributions back to organizational learning varies with the research design that is adopted.
Modulation of protein synthesis by polyamines
Authors: Igarashi Kazuei , Kashiwagi Keiko
Published: April 2015

Polyamines are ubiquitous small basic molecules that play important roles in cell growth and viability. Since polyamines mainly exist as a polyamine‐RNA complex, we looked for proteins whose synthesis is preferentially stimulated by polyamines at the level of translation, and thus far identified 17 proteins in Escherichia coli and 6 proteins in eukaryotes. The mechanisms of polyamine stimulation of synthesis of these proteins were investigated. In addition, the role of eIF5A, containing hypusine formed from spermidine, on protein synthesis is described. These results clearly indicate that polyamines and eIF5A contribute to cell growth and viability through modulation of protein synthesis. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(3):160–169, 2015
Treg‐specific demethylated region activity in isolated regulatory t lymphocytes is a surrogate for disease severity in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Liu Hao‐Run , Li Wei‐Min
Published: April 2015

In certain unique conditions like viral infections of the liver like hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), activation of Tregs may be associated with chronicity of the viral infections and subsequent predisposition to development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by the integrated viral genome. In parallel, potential persistence of Tregs activity may lead to immune evasion of cancerous cells and thus persistence of the carcinomatous conditions. In this study, we hypothesized that although the relative proportions of Tregs may remain unaltered in HCC, persistence of activity of Tregs may lead to immune evasion in advanced stages of HCC. To examine the issue of activation of Treg in liver cancer pathogenesis, we obtained liver biopsy and peripheral blood samples from patients with advanced grades of HCC, isolated Tregs, and examined the methylation status of “Treg‐specific demethylated region” (TSDR), a key region whose methylation suppresses Treg activity and demethylation stimulates its genomic activity. This study provides evidence of demethylation of TSDR, increased gene expression examined by luciferase assays, and nuclear translocation of key transcription factors that function as gene enhancers in CD4+CD25+FoxP3 regulatory T cells in advanced grades of HCC. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 2015 67(5):355–360, 2015
Laser speckle spatiotemporal variance analysis for noninvasive widefield measurements of blood pulsation and pulse rate on a camera‐phone
Authors: Remer Itay , Bilenca Alberto
Published: April 2015

Photoplethysmography is a well‐established technique for the noninvasive measurement of blood pulsation. However, photoplethysmographic devices typically need to be in contact with the surface of the tissue and provide data from a single contact point. Extensions of conventional photoplethysmography to measurements over a wide field‐of‐view exist, but require advanced signal processing due to the low signal‐to‐noise‐ratio of the photoplethysmograms. Here, we present a noncontact method based on temporal sampling of time‐integrated speckle using a camera‐phone for noninvasive, widefield measurements of physiological parameters across the human fingertip including blood pulsation and resting heart‐rate frequency. The results show that precise estimation of these parameters with high spatial resolution is enabled by measuring the local temporal variation of speckle patterns of backscattered light from subcutaneous skin, thereby opening up the possibility for accurate high resolution blood pulsation imaging on a camera‐phone.

Camera‐phone laser speckle imager along with measured relative blood perfusion maps of a fingertip showing skin perfusion response to a pulse pressure applied to the upper arm. The figure is for illustration only; the imager was stabilized on a stand throughout the experiments.

magnified image

Camera‐phone laser speckle imager along with measured relative blood perfusion maps of a fingertip showing skin perfusion response to a pulse pressure applied to the upper arm. The figure is for illustration only; the imager was stabilized on a stand throughout the experiments.
Inter‐ and intramolecular CF···co interactions on aliphatic and cyclohexane carbonyl derivatives
Authors: Cormanich Rodrigo A. , Rittner Roberto , O'Hagan David , Bühl Michael
Published: April 2015

Weak inter‐ and intra‐ molecular Cδ+Fδ−···Cδ+Oδ− interactions were theoretically evaluated in 4 different sets of compounds at different theoretical levels. Intermolecular CH3F···CO interactions were stabilizing by about 1 kcal mol−1 for various carbonyl containing functional groups. Intramolecular CF···CO interactions were also detected in aliphatic and fluorinated cyclohexane carbonyl derivatives. However, the stabilization provided by intramolecular CF···CO interactions was not enough to govern the conformational preferences of compounds 2–4. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Long‐term cardiac safety and tolerability of fingolimod in multiple sclerosis: A postmarketing study
Authors: Paolicelli Damiano , Manni Alessia , Direnzo Vita , D'Onghia Mariangela , Tortorella Carla , Zoccolella Stefano , Trojano Maria
Published: April 2015

Fingolimod is the first oral disease‐modifying therapy approved for multiple sclerosis (MS). The risks associated with the use of fingolimod include cardiovascular adverse events (AEs). First‐dose observation (FDO) is required for all patients for at least 6 hours. We describe FDO data and long‐term cardiac tolerability in a cohort of fingolimod‐treated relapsing MS patients. Two hundred and twelve patients started fingolimod 0.5 mg once daily. Before the first administration, all subjects had an electrocardiogram (ECG) with cardiologist interpretation. Following administration they were monitored for 6 hours and underwent a cardiac monitoring every 3 months. In this cohort, there was a heart rate reduction at the VI hour of 9.6 ± 8 beats per minute (P < .001). Fifty‐four individuals (25.5%) presented an abnormal ECG during the 6 hours. We experienced 1 case (0.22%) of symptomatic second‐degree atrioventricular block. The mean follow‐up period was 1.5 ± 0.7 years. During this period, 1 patient showed atrial fibrillation that needed to be treated. We also observed 5 cases of persistent increase in blood pressure. This postmarketing study shows that fingolimod is well tolerated and tha tcardiologic AEs are generally self‐limited in the long term.
An Algebraic Formulation of the Graph Reconstruction Conjecture
Authors: Oliveira Igor C. , Thatte Bhalchandra D.
Published: April 2015

The graph reconstruction conjecture asserts that every finite simple graph on at least three vertices can be reconstructed up to isomorphism from its deck—the collection of its vertex‐deleted subgraphs. Kocay's Lemma is an important tool in graph reconstruction. Roughly speaking, given the deck of a graph G and any finite sequence of graphs, it gives a linear constraint that every reconstruction of G must satisfy. Let be the number of distinct (mutually nonisomorphic) graphs on n vertices, and let be the number of distinct decks that can be constructed from these graphs. Then the difference measures how many graphs cannot be reconstructed from their decks. In particular, the graph reconstruction conjecture is true for n‐vertex graphs if and only if . We give a framework based on Kocay's lemma to study this discrepancy. We prove that if M is a matrix of covering numbers of graphs by sequences of graphs, then . In particular, all n‐vertex graphs are reconstructible if one such matrix has rank . To complement this result, we prove that it is possible to choose a family of sequences of graphs such that the corresponding matrix M of covering numbers satisfies .
Mr lymphangiography: How i do it
Authors: Mitsumori Lee M. , McDonald Elizabeth S. , Wilson Gregory J. , Neligan Peter C. , Minoshima Satoshi , Maki Jeffrey H.
Published: April 2015

Lymphedema is a chronic progressive edematous disease that in the United States is most commonly related to malignancy and its treatment. Lymphaticovenular anastomosis is a recently introduced microsurgical treatment option for lymphedema that requires the identification and mapping of individual lymphatic channels. While nuclear medicine lymphoscintigraphy has been the primary imaging modality performed to evaluate suspected lymphedema, lymphoscintigraphy does not provide the spatial information necessary for presurgical planning. High‐resolution dynamic 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can noninvasively image abnormal lymphatic channels to both diagnose lymphedema and depict the location and number of individual lymphatic channels for surgical planning. MR lymphangiography can be performed at 1.5T or 3.0T using multichannel phased array surface coils. The main components of the exam are a heavily T2‐weighted 3D sequence to define the severity and extent of edema, a high‐resolution dynamic 3D gradient echo imaging after intracutaneous contrast injection to visualize lymphatic channels, and a delayed 3D gradient echo sequence after intravenous contrast to define veins. This article reviews the pathophysiology and microsurgical treatment of lymphedema, presents the imaging protocol used at our institution, and describes exam interpretation and the image postprocessing performed for surgical planning. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2015;42:1465–1477.
Relationship between HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 45 DNA detection and quantitation and E6/E7 mRNA detection among a series of cervical specimens with various degrees of histological lesions
Authors: Baron Carolina , Henry Mireille , Tamalet Catherine , Villeret Julia , Richet Herve , Carcopino Xavier
Published: April 2015

Better understanding of the correlation between high‐risk HPV DNA testing, viral load quantitation, and E6/E7 mRNA detection is required. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between these markers and the severity of cervical lesions. One‐hundred and fifty one directed cervical specimens were analysed (normal, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and cancer). HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, and 45 DNA detection and quantititation and E6/E7 mRNA detection were performed. DNA was detected in 87 (57.6%) samples and increased from 0% (normal) to 93.9% (cancer). E6/E7 mRNA was detected in 65 (43%) samples and increased with the severity of the lesions from 0% (normal) to 78.8% (26/33) (cancers) (P < 0.001). HPV DNA and E6/E7 mRNA detection were compared in the 141 samples harbouring HPV16, 18, 31, 33, or 45 infection: 45.4% (64/141) of specimens were DNA−/mRNA−, 46% (65/141) were DNA + /mRNA+ and 8.5% (12/141) were DNA + /mRNA−. The proportion of DNA + /mRNA+ specimens increased with the severity of the lesions (P < 0.001). All normal cervix specimens were DNA‐/mRNA‐. Among grade 2 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, prevalence of DNA was higher than that of mRNA: 41.6% (5/12) versus 25% (3/12), whereas it was 79.3% (46/58) versus 62% (36/58) among grade 3 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Full concordance was observed in cancers as all the 26 DNA+ specimens were mRNA +. Median overall HPV load was higher in DNA + /mRNA+ than in DNA + /mRNA− specimens (1.41 × 106 vs. 9.1 × 102 copies per million cells, P < 0.001). Both E6/E7 mRNA detection and concordant DNA + /mRNA+ detection increases with the severity of the lesions and with the HPV DNA load. J. Med. Virol. 87:1389–1396, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Using CSR Theory to Examine Disaster Aid Response to the Wenchuan Earthquake
Authors: Zhao Ming , Wang Fei , Zhao Dingtao , Wei Jiuchang
Published: April 2015

What determines a company's response to a devastating calamity, whether near or far? A study of 454 publicly listed Chinese firms that contributed to relief efforts to aid the victims of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake revealed that a variety of factors can influence the level of corporate disaster aid. These include the company's total assets, the degree of contact with customers, stakeholders’ perceptions, media coverage, and even the length of time that top executives have occupied their position. These findings can guide business leaders in designing and implementing corporate social responsibility strategies that both deliver effective and compassionate assistance to those in need and are aligned with organizational resources and objectives. ©2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diurnal vertical migration rhythms and their photoresponse in four phytoflagellates causing harmful algal blooms
Authors: Shikata Tomoyuki , Matsunaga Shigeru , Nishide Hiroyo , Sakamoto Setsuko , Onistuka Goh , Yamaguchi Mineo
Published: April 2015

We observed diurnal vertical migrations (DVMs) of four noxious phytoflagellates: Chattonella antiqua, Heterosigma akashiwo (raphidophyte), Karenia mikimotoi, and Heterocapsa circularisquama (dinoflagellate) under various light conditions such as fluence rate, day length, light regime, and wavelength in the laboratory. For all flagellates cyclic DVMs were observed at an irradiance of 30 μmol quanta m−2 s−1 on a 12 h : 12 h light : dark (L : D) cycle. Start times of upward and downward migrations under the light condition differed among species, indicating that each flagellate has its own original DVM cycle. The ascent period of C. antiqua during the photoperiod was much longer than the other flagellates, whereas K. mikimotoi remained submerged longer. No flagellate displayed cyclic DVM in the dark, and only K. mikimotoi did even under weak light of 1 μmol quanta m−2 s−1. C. antiqua and K. mikimotoi extended their surface‐accumulation periods at longer photoperiods, but the other species scarcely changed theirs. For all the flagellates, a DVM rhythm was entrained by shifting the L : D cycle; this occurred under white or blue light, but not under red light. These results indicate that all flagellates require (blue) light for maintenance and adjustment of DVM cycle but responses to change in light intensity and day length differ among species. The present study suggests that the species‐specific DVM cycle and its photoresponse property can change time staying in surface or bottom layers in the natural environment, and therefore, may affect photosynthesis and nutrient uptake for survival and growth in four phytoflagellates.
The influence of dissolved organic carbon on primary production in northern lakes
Authors: Seekell David A. , Lapierre Jean‐François , Ask Jenny , Bergström Ann‐Kristin , Deininger Anne , Rodríguez Patricia , Karlsson Jan
Published: April 2015

Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in lakes are changing globally, but little is known about potential ecosystem impacts.We evaluated the relationship between DOC and whole‐lake primary production in arctic and boreal lakes. Both light extinction (inhibits primary production) and nutrient availability (stimulates primary production) are positively and nonlinearly related to DOC concentration. These nonlinearities create a threshold DOC concentration (4.8 mg L−1), below which the DOC‐primary production relationship is positive, and above which the relationship is negative. DOC concentration varies maximally between regions, creating a unimodal relationship between primary production and DOC that emerges at broader scales because arctic lakes largely fall below the threshold DOC concentration, but boreal lakes fall above it. Our analysis suggests that the impact of DOC trends on lake primary production will vary across lakes and regions as a result of contrasting baseline conditions relative to the DOC threshold.
Donor hypernatremia before procurement and early outcomes following pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Kaseje Neema , McLin Valerie , Toso Christian , Poncet Antoine , Wildhaber Barbara E.
Published: April 2015

The demand for transplantable organs far outweighs the supply. Recently, efforts have been made to increase the donor pool by adopting extended criteria for livers, including those from hypernatremic donors. Currently, there is no clear evidence that the use of organs from hypernatremic donors has detrimental effects on pediatric liver transplantation (LT) recipients. Our aim was to use the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database to evaluate the effects of donor hypernatremia on 30‐day outcomes in pediatric LT recipients. We performed an analysis of 2325 children who underwent whole or partial LT between 2005 and 2010. First, we sought to determine a donor sodium threshold for increased mortality following pediatric LT. Second, we examined rates of mortality and graft failure at 30 days after LT in patients receiving grafts from hypernatremic donors compared to patients receiving grafts from normonatremic donors. Hypernatremia was defined as a donor sodium level of ≥160 µmol/L. The primary outcome measure was mortality at 30 days after transplant. The secondary outcome measure was graft failure at 30 days after transplant. There was no threshold sodium level for increased 30‐day mortality following pediatric LT. Mean recipient ages/weights, Pediatric End‐Stage Liver Disease/Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease scores, and mean cold and warm ischemia times were similar between the 2 study groups. There were no significant differences in mortality rates (3.9% versus 4.5%; P = 0.87) and graft failure rates (2.2% versus 1.9%; P = 1.00) in patients receiving grafts from hypernatremic donors compared to patients receiving grafts from normonatremic donors at 30 days after LT. In conclusion, donor hypernatremia just before procurement does not appear to have negative effects on mortality and graft failure rates at 30 days following pediatric LT. Liver Transpl 21:1076‐1081, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.
The impact of pretransplant hepatic encephalopathy on survival following liver transplantation
Authors: Wong Robert J. , Aguilar Maria , Gish Robert G. , Cheung Ramsey , Ahmed Aijaz
Published: April 2015

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a surrogate marker of liver disease severity, and more severe HE is associated with higher mortality among patients with chronic liver disease. However, whether severity of HE at the time of liver transplantation (LT) directly impacts post‐LT survival or whether this suspected mortality linkage is due to more severe liver disease and subsequently higher rates of post‐LT infection is not well defined. Using population‐based data from the 2003 to 2013 United Network for Organ Sharing registry, we evaluated the impact of HE at the time of LT on post‐LT survival among adults in the United States. Survival was stratified by HE severity (none, grade 1‐2, grade 3‐4) and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score and was evaluated using Kaplan‐Meier methods and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models. From 2003 to 2013, 59,937 patients underwent LT (36.1%, no HE; 53.8%, grade 1‐2 HE; 10.2%, grade 3‐4 HE). Compared to no HE, patients with grade 3‐4 HE had significantly lower overall post‐LT survival (1‐year, 82.5% versus 90.3%; P < 0.001; 5‐year, 69.1% versus 74.4%; P < 0.001). On multivariate regression, grade 3‐4 HE was independently associated with lower overall post‐LT survival (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.17‐1.39; P < 0.001). However, the increased mortality associated with HE is observed primarily within the first year following LT and was a reflection of higher rates of infection‐related deaths among patients with more severe HE. In conclusion, grade 3‐4 HE at the time of LT is associated with lower post‐LT survival, with a proposed direct or indirect association of more severe HE before LT with increased rates of post‐LT infections. Increased awareness and vigilance toward treating HE before LT and more aggressive monitoring and treatment for infections in the perioperative setting may improve LT outcomes. Liver Transpl 21:873‐880, 2015. © 2015 AASLD.