bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolonged androgenic anabolic steroid (AAS) induced QT interval shortening: a suitable screening tool?
Authors: Sculthorpe Nicholas , Taylor Lee , Grace Fergal M.
Published: June 2015

Androgenic anabolic steroid (AAS) abuse is associated with changes in cardiac electrophysiology. Recently heart rate corrected QT interval (QTc) has been suggested as a method of screening for AAS use in athletes despite conflicting reports. This study aimed to further investigate the effect of AAS on QTc in a cohort of long‐term AAS users in whom the affects may be more pronounced. Using a cross‐sectional cohort design with AAS using resistance trained athletes (AS n = 15) and a group of non‐AAS using resistance trained, age matched controls (C n = 15). AS had a long history of AAS use (18 ± 2 yrs) and AS and C both had >19 years of resistance training. Participants underwent a resting electrocardiogram (ECG), from which, the QTc interval was calculated using the Bazett formula. The main outcome measure was significant differences in mean corrected QTc between groups. A secondary outcome was to calculate a QTc that best differentiated between C and AS. Results indicated that QTc was shorter in AS than in C (382.0 ± 21.01 ms versus 409 ± 18.77 ms for AS and C respectively p < 0.001). Chi squared analyses revealed a greater incidence of QTc < 380 ms in AS versus C p < 0.01, specificity 93% sensitivity 60%). In conclusion these results supports previous findings that AAS use causes a reduction in QTc, however, the specificity and sensitivity in our sample is lower than reported previously and precludes use as a screening tool. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Home pesticide exposures and risk of childhood leukemia: Findings from the childhood leukemia international consortium
Authors: Bailey Helen D. , Infante‐Rivard Claire , Metayer Catherine , Clavel Jacqueline , Lightfoot Tracy , Kaatsch Peter , Roman Eve , Magnani Corrado , Spector Logan G. , Th. Petridou Eleni , Milne Elizabeth , Dockerty John D. , Miligi Lucia , Armstrong Bruce K. , Rudant Jérémie , Fritschi Lin , Simpson Jill , Zhang Luoping , Rondelli Roberto , Baka Margarita , Orsi Laurent , Moschovi Maria , Kang Alice Y. , Schüz Joachim
Published: June 2015

Some previous studies have suggested that home pesticide exposure before birth and during a child's early years may increase the risk of childhood leukemia. To further investigate this, we pooled individual level data from 12 case–control studies in the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium. Exposure data were harmonized into compatible formats. Pooled analyses were undertaken using multivariable unconditional logistic regression. The odds ratio (ORs) for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) associated with any pesticide exposure shortly before conception, during pregnancy and after birth were 1.39 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.25, 1.55) (using 2,785 cases and 3,635 controls), 1.43 (95% CI: 1.32, 1.54) (5,055 cases and 7,370 controls) and 1.36 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.51) (4,162 cases and 5,179 controls), respectively. Corresponding ORs for risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) were 1.49 (95% CI: 1.02, 2.16) (173 cases and 1,789 controls), 1.55 (95% CI: 1.21, 1.99) (344 cases and 4,666 controls) and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.53) (198 cases and 2,655 controls), respectively. There was little difference by type of pesticide used. The relative similarity in ORs between leukemia types, time periods and pesticide types may be explained by similar exposure patterns and effects across the time periods in ALL and AML, participants' exposure to multiple pesticides, or recall bias. Although some recall bias is likely, until a better study design can be found to investigate the associations between home pesticide use and childhood leukemia in an equally large sample, it would appear prudent to limit the use of home pesticides before and during pregnancy, and during childhood.
The application of nanomaterials in controlled drug delivery for bone regeneration
Authors: Shi Shuo , Jiang Wenbao , Zhao Tianxiao , Aifantis Katerina E. , Wang Hui , Lin Lei , Fan Yubo , Feng Qingling , Cui Fu‐zhai , Li Xiaoming
Published: June 2015

Bone regeneration is a complicated process that involves a series of biological events, such as cellular recruitment, proliferation and differentiation, and so forth, which have been found to be significantly affected by controlled drug delivery. Recently, a lot of research studies have been launched on the application of nanomaterials in controlled drug delivery for bone regeneration. In this article, the latest research progress in this area regarding the use of bioceramics‐based, polymer‐based, metallic oxide‐based and other types of nanomaterials in controlled drug delivery for bone regeneration are reviewed and discussed, which indicates that the controlling drug delivery with nanomaterials should be a very promising treatment in orthopedics. Furthermore, some new challenges about the future research on the application of nanomaterials in controlled drug delivery for bone regeneration are described in the conclusion and perspectives part. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 3978–3992, 2015.
Skew Derivations in Banach Algebras
Authors: Liau Pao-Kuei , Liu Cheng-Kai
Published: June 2015

We investigate the global versions of the Kleinecke–Shirokov theorem for skew derivations in Banach algebras. Centralizing skew derivations on Banach algebras are also studied.
Deformation twinning evolution from a single crystal in a face-centered-cubic ternary alloy
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Yang Song , Guo Dongming , Yuan Boya , Guo Xiaoguang , Zhang Bi , Huo Yanxia
Published: June 2015

Deformation twinning evolution from a single crystal is conducted by molecular dynamics simulations, to elucidate a twinned face-centered-cubic alloy in an experiment with hardness up to 100 times as that of single crystals and with ductility simultaneously. Critical twinning stress of cadmium zinc telluride (CdZnTe or CZT) calculated is 1.38 GPa. All the twin boundaries are along the (11-1) orientation, except the one with the (-111) plane that supports the indentation, interpreting the unidirectional and boundary-free characteristics, confirmed in the experiment. Three twin thicknesses after unloading are 3.2, 3.5 and 16 nm, which is consistent with the experimentally repeated pattern of a lamellar twin with thickness larger than 12.7 nm, followed by one or several twins with thicknesses smaller than 12.7 nm. An inverse triangle of a twin combining with three twins generate a synergistic strengthening effect through the hardening and softening functions, illuminating the ultrahigh hardness demonstrated in the experiment. Twinning takes place in loading and detwinning occurs in unloading, which expounds the high ductility observed in the experiment.
The hypoglycemic effect of a polysaccharide (GLP) from Gracilaria lemaneiformis and its degradation products in diabetic mice
Authors: Liao Xubiao , Yang Lawei , Chen Meizhen , Yu Jie , Zhang Shumeng , Ju Yaoyao
Published: June 2015

This study investigated the hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects ofGracilaria lemaneiformispolysaccharides (GLP, GLP1, GLP2) in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.
Wild jujube polysaccharides protect against experimental inflammatory bowel disease by enabling enhanced intestinal barrier function
Authors: Yue Yuan , Wu Shuangchan , Li Zhike , Li Jian , Li Xiaofei , Xiang Jin , Ding Hong
Published: June 2015

Dietary polysaccharides provide various beneficial effects for our health.
Phytochemicals potently inhibit migration of metastatic breast cancer cells
Authors: Ham Stephanie Lemmo , Nasrollahi Samila , Shah Kush N. , Soltisz Andrew , Paruchuri Sailaja , Yun Yang H. , Luker Gary D. , Bishayee Anupam , Tavana Hossein
Published: June 2015

A high throughput screening technology enables identifying natural compounds, phytochemicals, that potently inhibit migration of metastatic breast cancer cells.
Effective solar-based iron oxide supported HY zeolite catalyst for the decolorization of organic and simulated dyes
Authors: Sapawe Norzahir
Published: June 2015

An excellent EGFe2O3/HY catalyst with a size of <30 nm and superior photoactivity was generated via one-pot electrosynthesis.
Ion pairing effects in the zwitterionic ring opening polymerization of δ-valerolactone
Authors: Chang Young A. , Waymouth Robert M.
Published: June 2015

The effect of LiCl additive on the N-heterocyclic carbene mediated zwitterionic ring-opening polymerization of δ-valerolactone was investigated.
Electrochromic polyiminocarbazolylenes with latent hydrogen bonding
Authors: Berns Belinda , Tieke Bernd
Published: June 2015

Electrochromic polyiminoarylenes with carbazole units in main and side chain and thermally cleavable t-butyloxycarbonyl (boc) substituents are described. After removal of the boc groups insoluble, well adhering polymers with high contrast ratio and short switching time are obtained.
Determination of micro and macro elements in iron supplements used for treatment of anemia and evaluation employing chemometric analysis tools
Authors: Barbosa Uenderson Araujo , dos Santos Ivanice Ferreira , Ferreira Sergio Luis Costa , dos Santos Ana Maria Pinto
Published: June 2015

This paper propose a method using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for the determination of micro and macro elements in pharmaceutical formulations used for anemia treatment and evaluation by chemometrics analysis tools.
Sonochemical synthesis of mesoporous ZrFe2O5 and its application for degradation of recalcitrant pollutants
Authors: Chakma Sankar , Moholkar Vijayanand S.
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we have reported the sonochemical synthesis and characterization of zirconium ferrite (ZrFe2O5), and its use as a catalyst in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) using decolorization/degradation of textile dyes as model processes.
Synthesis of bulk and supported nickel phosphide using microwave radiation for hydrodeoxygenation of methyl palmitate
Authors: Xue Yinan , Guan Qingxin , Li Wei
Published: June 2015

Ni2P and Ni2P/SiO2 can be synthesized from nickel hypophosphite precursors at 230 °C for 5 min using microwave radiation.
Adsorption characterization of Pb(ii) ions onto iodate doped chitosan composite: equilibrium and kinetic studies
Authors: Gedam Asha H. , Dongre Rajendra S.
Published: June 2015

Iodate doped chitosan (I-CS) composite was synthesized, characterized and used as an adsorbent for adsorption of Pb(ii) ions from aqueous solution.
Staged inertial microfluidic focusing for complex fluid enrichment
Authors: Reece Amy E. , Kaastrup Kaja , Sikes Hadley D. , Oakey John
Published: June 2015

A staged microfluidic inertial focusing device capable of high-yield, high-throughput complex fluid enrichment has been developed for integrated microfluidic cellular assays and biological micro total analysis systems.
Study on hole-transport-material-free planar TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3 heterojunction solar cells: the simplest configuration of a working perovskite solar cell
Authors: Liu Ying , Ji Shulin , Li Shuxin , He Weiwei , Wang Ke , Hu Haibo , Ye Changhui
Published: June 2015

Perovskite solar cells have been widely investigated owing to their high efficiency and low production cost.
Concept of controlling the usage of nomadic devices in highly automated vehicles
Authors: Lapoehn Stephan , Schieben Anna , Hesse Tobias , Schindler Julian , Köster Frank
Published: June 2015

Today, the automobile industry and several research institutes develop automated vehicles for several driving applications. With increasing capabilities of automation, the driver can be more and more dispensed from the driving task and might want to use his nomadic devices to get entertained, read the news or do office work while driving. However, in some complex driving situations (such as road works, freeway exit ramps or lane closure because of car accidents), the automation still needs to safely hand over the control to the driver. These situations require a lot of attention by the driver who must not be tempted to ignore the warnings of the assistance system and to continue any task on the nomadic device until a critical situation originates. This study describes a method to link nomadic devices to vehicles to support a safe usage during highly automated driving and a first approach to ensure a safe transition between different automation modes. Therefore the automation system is connected to the nomadic device in the vehicle and has the ability to actively control the content on the screen. The proof of concept is demonstrated in a research vehicle that drives on a simulated motorway.
Effect of gold nanorods and nanocubes on electroluminescent performances in organic light-emitting diodes and its working mechanism
Authors: Xu Ying , Zhou Hongwei , Zhang Ran , Liu Yuqi , Zhang Qin , Zhang Shuai , Zhang Lei , Chen Shufen , Deng Lingling , Qian Yan , Wang Lianhui , Huang Wei
Published: June 2015

In this manuscript we investigated the influence of Au nanoparticles on electrical and electroluminescent (EL) performances in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) via doping as-synthesized Au nanorods (NRs) or nanocubes (NCs) into hole transport layer (HTL). Through accurately controlling the distance between the Au NRs and the emitting layer, altering the guest emitter’s lifetime, and replacing Au NRs with Au NCs to satisfy a better spectrum overlap with the emission guest, we got a conclusion that doping Au NRs or NCs into HTL has no significant influence on the device’s electrical and EL performances, although we observed an increase in the spontaneous emission rate in a fluorescent material by the exciton-surface plasmon-coupling. Our results suggest that a further research on emission mechanism in surface plasmon-enhanced OLEDs is still in process.
Rapid preparation of solution-processed InGaZnO thin films by microwave annealing and photoirradiation
Authors: Cheong Heajeong , Ogura Shintaro , Ushijima Hirobumi , Yoshida Manabu , Fukuda Nobuko , Uemura Sei
Published: June 2015

We fabricated solution-processed indium–gallium–zinc oxide (IGZO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) by microwave (MW) annealing an IGZO precursor film followed by irradiating with vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light. MW annealing allows more rapid heating of the precursor film than conventional annealing processes using a hot plate or electric oven and promotes the crystallization of IGZO. VUV irradiation was used to reduce the duration and temperature of the post-annealing step. Consequently, the IGZO TFTs fabricated through MW annealing for 5 min and VUV irradiation for 1 min exhibited an on/off current ratio of 108 and a field-effect mobility of 0.3 cm2 V−1 s−1. These results indicate that MW annealing and photoirradiation is an effective combination for annealing solution processed IGZO precursor films to prepare the semiconductor layers of TFTs.
Role of phase composition for electronic states in CH3NH3PbI3 prepared from CH3NH3I/PbCl2 solution
Authors: Naikaew Atittaya , Prajongtat Pongthep , Lux-Steiner Martha Ch. , Arunchaiya Marisa , Dittrich Thomas
Published: June 2015

Modulated surface photovoltage (SPV) spectra have been correlated with the phase composition in layers of CH3NH3PbI3 (MAPbI3) prepared from MAI and PbCl2 and annealed at 100 °C. Depending on the annealing time, different compositions of MAPbI3, MAPbCl3, MACl, PbI2, and an un-identified phase were found. It has been demonstrated that evaporation of MAI and HI is crucial for the development of electronic states in MAPbI3 and that only the appearance and evolution of the phase PbI2 has an influence on electronic states in MAPbI3. With ongoing annealing, (i) a transition from p- to n-type doping was observed with the appearance of PbI2, (ii) shallow acceptor states were distinguished and disappeared in n-type doped MAPbI3, and (iii) a minimum of the SPV response related to deep defect states was found at the transition from p- to n-type doping. The results are discussed with respect to the further development of highly efficient and stable MAPbI3 absorbers for solar cells.
Two functional types of attachment pads on a single foot in the Namibia bush cricketAcanthoproctus diadematus(Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Grohmann Constanze , Henze Miriam Judith , Nørgaard Thomas , Gorb Stanislav N.
Published: June 2015

Insects have developed different structures to adhere to surfaces. Most common are smooth and hairy attachment pads, while nubby pads have also been described for representatives of Mantophasmatodea, Phasmida and Plecoptera. Here we report on the unusual combination of nubby and smooth tarsal attachment structures in the !nara cricketAcanthoproctus diadematus. Their three proximal tarsal pads (euplantulae) have a nubby surface, whereas the most distal euplantula is rather smooth with a hexagonal ground pattern resembling that described for the great green bush-cricketTettigonia viridissima. This is, to our knowledge, the first report on nubby euplantulae in Orthoptera and the co-occurrence of nubby and smooth euplantulae on a single tarsus in a polyneopteran species. When adhering upside down to a horizontal glass plate,A. diadematusattaches its nubby euplantulae less often, compared to situations in which the animal is hanging upright or head down on a vertical plate. We discuss possible reasons for this kind of clinging behaviour, such as morphological constrains, the different role of normal and shear forces in attachment enhancement of the nubby and smooth pads, ease of the detachment process, and adaptations to walking on cylindrical substrates.
Crystal structure of pymetrozine
Authors: Jeon Youngeun , Kim Jineun , Kang Gihaeng , Kim Tae Ho
Published: June 2015

The title compound, C10H11N5O {systematic name: 6-methyl-4-[(E)-(pyridin-3-ylmethylidene)amino]-4,5-dihydro-1,2,4-triazin-3(2H)-one}, C10H11N5O, is used as an antifeedant in pest control. The asymmetric unit comprises two independent molecules,AandB, in which the dihedral angles between the pyridinyl and triazinyl ring planes [r.m.s. deviations = 0.0132 and 0.0255 ] are 11.60 (6) and 18.06 (4)°, respectively. In the crystal, N—H...O, N—H...N, C—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, together with weak π–π interactions [ring-centroid separations = 3.5456 (9) and 3.9142 (9) Å], link the pyridinyl and triazinyl rings ofAmolecules, generating a three-dimensional network.
Transformational leadership and employee creativity
Authors: Mittal Swati , Dhar Rajib Lochan
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– Among the different styles of leadership, transformational leadership has gained most attention from organisational researchers and academics. Although transformational leadership and its work-associated outcomes have been examined in previous literature, only a small number of studies highlighted the role of transformational leadership style in fostering employee creativity, mediated through their creative self-efficacy (CSE) in the context of Indian organisations. The purpose of this paper is to observe the effect of transformational leadership on employee creativity in small and medium sized IT companies, where CSE is proposed as a mediator and knowledge sharing as a moderator through which a transformational leader tends to influence the creativity of the employees.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were gathered from 348 manager-employee dyads of small and medium size IT companies operating in India. They replied to questions about their leader’s transformational leadership style, employee CSE, knowledge sharing and creativity.

Findings

– Findings of the present study, derived from a hierarchical regression analysis, using the data of 348 manager-employee dyads from Indian IT SMEs professionals, revealed that CSE mediates the relation between transformational leadership and employee creativity. In addition, knowledge sharing acts as a moderator for CSE and employee creativity.

Research limitations/implications

– A sample size is one probable limitation of the study. Another limitation of the study is that factors used for the survey were self-reported by the respondents. Self-reporting may not always produce reliable and accurate response.

Practical implications

– Based on the results, this study presents strong theoretical and managerial implications that can be used by IT organisations to evaluate the consequence of transformational leadership on employee creativity. Through transformational leadership style, leader can develop CSE and employee creativity to do things in a better way and develop knowledge sharing in employees for high performance. Therefore, the IT industry need to understand that creativity is one of the approaches to attaining and sustaining competitive advantage. In addition, it is important for them to find out more about the relation between transformational leadership, CSE and employee creativity.

Originality/value

– The study adds to the existing literature by illuminating the process through which transformational leadership has a significant effect on fostering CSE and employee creativity.
Does family involvement foster IPO value? Empirical analysis on Italian stock market
Authors: Cirillo Alessandro , Romano Mauro , Ardovino Otello
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the relationship between family involvement and Initial Public Offering (IPO) value in the Italian context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a unique hand-collected data set, the authors test the hypotheses on companies that went public between 2000 and 2011, making inference on 113 firms using OLS hierarchical regressions. The authors quantify the IPO value from an outside investors’ perspective with two measures to proxy for IPO value in the short-term and apply robustness checks for long-run performance. In a stewardship framework, the authors examine demographic variables including family firm status, family involvement in managerial positions and family generations.

Findings

– The results suggest that family firm status positively influences IPO value, that greater family involvement corresponds to higher IPO value and lastly, that the beneficial effect of family control is mainly attributable to the first generation. The results are robust to alternative specifications of each phenomenon.

Research limitations/implications

– As a single-country study, the results refer exclusively to the Italian context and thus the evidence provided may not automatically be generalized to IPOs of comparable equity markets.

Originality/value

– This study expands current knowledge by showing how investors “price” family ownership in an IPO; furthermore the authors assess how certain characteristics of family firms affect the IPOs (e.g. family involvement and intergenerational).
Effect of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) on the oxidative stability and storage quality of chicken sausages
Authors: Bhat Z. F. , Kumar Sunil , Kumar Lokesh
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to explore the possibility of utilization of Ocimum sanctum Linn (Tulsi) leaf extract as a natural preservative in muscle foods. The products incorporated with Ocimum sanctum leaf extract were assessed for various oxidative stability and storage quality parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Ocimum sanctum leaf extract was incorporated at 300 mg/kg level in the formulation. Chicken sausages incorporated with Ocimum sanctum leaf extract along with control samples were aerobically packaged in low-density polyethylene pouches and assessed for lipid oxidation, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics under refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) conditions.

Findings

– Ocimum sanctum leaf extract showed a significant (p
<
0.05) effect on the lipid stability, as the treated products exhibited significantly (p
<
0.05) lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (mg malonaldehyde/kg) and free fatty acid (% oleic acid) values in comparison to control. A significant (p
<
0.05) effect was also observed on the microbiological characteristics of the products, as the treated products showed significantly (p
<
0.05) lower values for total plate count, psychrophilic count and yeast and mould count. Significantly, (p
<
0.05) higher scores were also observed for various sensory parameters of the treated products.

Originality/value

– The paper has demonstrated the use of Ocimum sanctum leaf extract as a potential natural preservative, as it successfully improved the oxidative stability and storage quality of the products during refrigerated (4 ± 1°C) storage and may be commercially exploited as a natural preservative in muscle foods.
A Conceptual Framework of Skilled Female Migrant Retention
Authors: Cliff Katie , Grün Bettina , Ville Simon , Dolnicar Sara
Published: June 2015

Women make an increasingly important contribution to the skilled workforce. Nations like Australia that suffer skill shortages need not only to attract but also retain more skilled female migrants. The latter has become an important policy issue in Australia because of modest retention rates. While much of the relevant literature focuses upon migrant attraction, we address the retention decision. We derive and empirically test a framework incorporating the key explanatory factors in the decision of skilled female migrants whether to remain in Australia. Our results have important implications for current policy directions.
5‐Arylaminouracil Derivatives: New Inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Matyugina Elena , Novikov Mikhail , Babkov Denis , Ozerov Alexander , Chernousova Larisa , Andreevskaya Sofia , Smirnova Tatiana , Karpenko Inna , Chizhov Alexander , Murthu Pravin , Lutz Stefan , Kochetkov Sergei , Seley‐Radtke Katherine L. , Khandazhinskaya Anastasia L.
Published: June 2015

Three series of 5‐arylaminouracil derivatives, including 5‐(phenylamino)uracils, 1‐(4′‐hydroxy‐2′‐cyclopenten‐1′‐yl)‐5‐(phenylamino)uracils, and 1,3‐di‐(4′‐hydroxy‐2′‐cyclopenten‐1′‐yl)‐5‐(phenylamino)uracils, were synthesized and screened for potential antimicrobial activity. Most of compounds had a negative effect on the growth of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain, with 100% inhibition observed at concentrations between 5 and 40 μg/mL. Of those, 1‐(4′‐hydroxy‐2′‐cyclopenten‐1′‐yl)‐3‐(4‴‐hydroxy‐2‴‐cyclopenten‐1‴‐yl)‐5‐(4″‐butyloxyphenylamino)uracil proved to be the most active among tested compounds against the M. tuberculosis multidrug‐resistant strain MS‐115 (MIC90 5 μg/mL). In addition, the thymidylate kinase of M. tuberculosis was evaluated as a possible enzymatic target.
Good Work
Authors: Clark Samuel
Published: June 2015

Work is on one side a central arena of self‐making, self‐understanding, and self‐development, and on the other a deep threat to our flourishing. My question is: what kind of work is good for human beings, and what kind bad? I first characterise work as necessary productive activity. My answer to my question then develops a perfectionist account of the human good: (1) the good is the full development and expression of human potentials and capacities; (2) this development and expression happens over a lifetime through appropriate practice. Work is thus a problem of human development, and I address that problem by considering three central human capacities: that we are passionate choosers, skilled makers, and social negotiators. For each, I ask: what does this capacity need from our work if it is to develop towards full and flourishing expression? Answering that question leads to a three‐part account of good work as requiring: (1) a distinctive kind of pleasure, involving both unselfconscious flow and supervisory self‐attention; (2) skill, which I describe via the ideal of craft; and (3) democracy, which I define as a form of life in which each is able to develop and use both expressive and receptive capacities.
Equality as Comparative Fairness
Authors: Temkin Larry
Published: June 2015

The goal of this article is modest. It is simply to help illuminate the nature of egalitarianism. More particularly, I aim to show what certain egalitarians are committed to, and to suggest that equality, as these egalitarians understand it, is an important normative ideal that cannot simply be ignored in moral deliberations. In doing this, I distinguish between equality as universality, equality as impartiality, and equality as comparability, and also between instrumental and non‐instrumental egalitarianism. I then characterise the version of egalitarianism with which I am concerned, which I call equality as comparative fairness. I discuss the relations between equality, fairness, luck, and responsibility, and defend egalitarianism against rival views that focus on subsistence, sufficiency, or compassion. I also defend egalitarianism against the Levelling Down and Raising Up Objections, and present several key examples to illustrate egalitarianism's distinct appeal, in contrast to prioritarianism's. I conclude by considering two common questions about my view: first, whether my ultimate concern is really with comparative fairness, rather than equality, so that my view is not, in fact, a substantive, non‐instrumental version of egalitarianism, and second, whether my view ultimately reduces to a theory about desert.
The impact of ledipasvir/sofosbuvir on patient‐reported outcomes in cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C: the SIRIUS study
Authors: Younossi Zobair M. , Stepanova Maria , Pol Stanislas , Bronowicki Jean‐Pierre , Carrieri Maria Patrizia , Bourlière Marc
Published: June 2015

Background

Interferon‐ and ribavirin (RBV)‐free regimens can improve patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) during treatment.

Aim

To compare PROs during treatment with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) to placebo and to LDV/SOF + RBV.

Methods

Treatment‐experienced CH‐C genotype 1 patients with compensated cirrhosis (N = 154) were randomized to receive 24 weeks of LDV/SOF or 12 weeks of placebo followed by 12 weeks of LDV/SOF + RBV (the SIRIUS clinical trial). While blinded to their HCV RNA level and study treatment, patients completed PRO questionnaires (SF‐36, FACIT‐F, CLDQ‐HCV, WPAI:SHP) at baseline, during and post‐treatment.

Results

Baseline PRO scores were similar between the two study arms. Patients receiving LDV/SOF showed improvement in a number of PROs (predominantly related to mental health) starting as early as 4 weeks after treatment initiation; no PRO decrement from baseline were noted, and no PRO scores were inferior to placebo (all P > 0.05). In the second 12 weeks, patients who were receiving LDV/SOF continued to improve PROs (up to +9.2% from a 100% maximum possible score, P < 0.05), while patients receiving LDV/SOF + RBV had less gains or no improvement in their PRO scores. However, regardless of the regimen, patients who successfully cleared the virus (N = 149) had significant improvement in all aspects of PROs (up to +12.2% by post‐treatment week 12, up to +16.9% by week 24).

Conclusions

Treatment‐experienced cirrhotic patients experience a notable improvement of their PROs during treatment with LDV/SOF. Furthermore, achieving SVR‐12 is associated with significant PRO improvement, which further improves at post‐treatment week 24 in this difficult to treat group of patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Hippocrates on Pediatric Dermatology
Authors: Sgantzos Markos , Tsoucalas Gregory , Karamanou Marianna , Giatsiou Styliani , Tsoukalas Ioannis , Androutsos George
Published: June 2015

Hippocrates of Kos is well known in medicine, but his contributions to pediatric dermatology have not previously been examined. A systematic study of Corpus Hippocraticum was undertaken to document references of clinical and historical importance of pediatric dermatology. In Corpus Hippocraticum, a variety of skin diseases are described, along with proposed treatments. Hippocrates rejected the theory of the punishment of the Greek gods and supported the concept that dermatologic diseases resulted from a loss of balance in the body humors. Many of the terms that Hippocrates and his pupils used are still being used today. Moreover, he probably provided one of the first descriptions of skin findings in smallpox, Henoch–Schönlein purpura (also known as anaphylactoid purpura, purpura rheumatica, allergic purpura), and meningococcal septicemia.
Rethinking Punctuated Equilibrium Theory: A Public Administration Approach to Budgetary Changes
Authors: Flink Carla M.
Published: June 2015

What stimulates policy change in organizations? Punctuated equilibrium theory (PET) posits that over time policy moves slowly, but also experiences large, rapid changes. Explanations for punctuations have centered on institutional friction and disproportionate information processing. Lacking in PET literature is a theoretical understanding of policy change aside from structural and cognitive limitations. Other organizational features can create friction to slow or accelerate the policy process. This study utilizes both public policy and public administration theory by applying a public administration approach to studying budgetary change. Leveraging this approach, this work analyzes the pattern and explanations of budgetary changes. Centering on two concepts understudied in PET literature—policy feedback and endogenous organizational change—data from hundreds of organizations are used to demonstrate how organization performance and personnel instability contribute to budgetary changes for core organization activity. Results indicate that high levels of performance and low levels of personnel instability lead to incremental changes.
Maintaining and Improving Amtrak’s Acela Fleet With Intelligent Data
Authors: Ward Lamont B. , Byrne David P.
Published: June 2015

Amtrak’s High Speed Rail Maintenance Engineering group uses intelligent data to increase the reliability and availability of the Acela fleet. Amtrak has invested in business intelligent software to organize, filter and present raw data obtained from its rolling stock on-board systems and on-time performance database. Using this software to create visuals and dashboards enables the same data to be presented effectively to both shop employees and executive management. The information contained in these presentation devices focuses shop maintenance on specific equipment that is not meeting reliability criteria, on fleet wide issues that have not yet begun to impact the reliability or availability of equipment and on historically seasonal or time sensitive failure modes. Similarly, by altering the focus of these dashboards, visuals and graphs, senior management can determine where to focus resources and funding in order to have the greatest impact on improving performance and service for the customer.
Thermal Benefits of Low Solar Absorption Coating for Preventing Rail Buckling
Authors: Wang Hao , Chen Jiaqi , Balaguru P. N. , Al-Nazer Leith
Published: June 2015

A low solar absorption coating for rail application is developed to reduce the peak rail temperature and buckling risk in summer months. The proposed coating system provides a highly reflective surface through white or off-white color and has constituents to provide high abrasion resistance and self-cleaning properties. The zero volatile organic content (VOC) and one hundred percent inorganic coating system has excellent adhesion to steel surfaces with minimal surface preparation. This paper presented the outdoor temperature monitoring results of the coated rail segments under hot weather. The results show that the application of coating could significantly reduce the peak rail temperature up to 10.5°C. Three-dimensional finite element (FE) models were developed to predict temperature distributions and thermal stresses in the rail. The thermal stress simulation shows that, when the rail neutral temperature (RNT) is relatively low, rail coating decreases the compressive stress in the rail up to about 50% during the hottest hours. Although increasing the RNT decreases compressive thermal stresses in the rail, it could increase the risk of rail break due to the increased tensile stresses in the rail. The coating application could reduce the high RNT requirement during rail placement and prevent rail buckling as the effective RNT decreases after traffic and maintenance. Therefore, the low solar absorption coating could serve as a proactive way to control peak temperatures and thermal stresses in the rail.
Transfer Length Measurements in Pretensioned Concrete Railroad Ties Under Rail Loads
Authors: Beck B. Terry , Bodapati Naga Narendra B. , Peterman Robert J. , Momeni Amir Farid , Wu Chih-Hang John
Published: June 2015

During January 2013, concrete railroad ties were cast at a tie manufacturing plant with fifteen different reinforcement types that are widely employed in manufacturing of railroad ties worldwide. Among these reinforcements; there were 12 different 5.32 mm diameter wires with various surface indent geometries, two different 7-wire strands with 3/8-inch diameter, and one 3-wire strand with 5/16-inch diameter. Four concrete ties were cast for each reinforcement type for a total of 60 concrete ties. Among the four ties for each reinforcement type, two ties were installed in track and subjected to a cumulative in-track loading of 85 million gross tons (MGT). Before being subjected to this loading, special surface preparation was done on the ties to protect the strain measuring points on the bottom surface of the ties from surface abrasion during loading. The other two ties, which are companion ties for each reinforcement type, were not subjected to any loading. Surface strains of concrete railroad ties were measured at three different stages after prestress transfer: immediately after prestress transfer, one year after prestress before ties subjected to loading (January 2014), and after half of the ties were subjected to 85 million gross tons loading (August 2014). Transfer lengths were calculated at all these stages from the measured surface strain values and are presented here. Transfer length results are compared between the ties subjected to loading and the ties not subjected to loading, along with detailed explanation of results.
Feasibility of Load-Shedding to Improve Efficiency and Reduce Energy Consumption on Passenger Locomotives
Authors: Shurland Melissa , Andersen David R. , Prabhakaran Anand , Singh Som P.
Published: June 2015

This paper discusses the feasibility of shedding electrical demand associated with passenger coach HVAC systems during periods of peak traction needs, with the goal of right-sizing the main engine on a passenger locomotive, and possibly eliminating the HEP.

In this study, train operation simulations were conducted to determine the sustained durations of peak traction needs on typical commuter and long distance routes. The simulation results were combined with thermal analyses of a sample passenger coach to investigate whether the required comfortable temperature range could be maintained for the durations of peak traction needs, with the HVAC system deactivated. Additionally, a review of available technology for load-shedding, and an economic analysis were conducted to evaluate the feasibility of implementing load shedding on passenger trains. The study showed that an appropriate load shedding strategy can be implemented without adversely impacting the industrywide passenger comfort standards and eliminating the capital and maintenance costs associated with an HEP.
Preliminary Analysis of LED Enhanced Signs at a Passive Rural Level Crossing
Authors: Hellman Adrian D. , Lamplugh Aaron
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this research was to measure motor vehicle speed profiles at a rural level crossing following the replacement of the existing Crossbuck signs and Advance Warning signs (AWSs) with flashing light-emitting diode (LED) versions. Measurements were recorded at four discrete locations on the approach to the level crossing, during three distinct phases: baseline, or prior to any changes at the crossing, after the installation of LED enhanced Crossbuck signs, and after the installation of LED AWSs. Test results after the installation of the LED enhanced Crossbuck signs showed: 1) a statistically significant decrease of 2.9 mph–3.3 mph in mean vehicle speed at night at the four measurement locations and 2) improvements of 1.5%–2.5% in the rate of mean vehicle speed decrease for both daytime and nighttime data sets. The unplanned addition of a double yellow centerline by the local public works department prevented the evaluation of the LED-enhanced AWS technology.
Basal exon skipping and genetic pleiotropy: A predictive model of disease pathogenesis
Authors: Drivas Theodore G. , Wojno Adam P. , Tucker Budd A. , Stone Edwin M. , Bennett Jean
Published: June 2015

Basal exon skipping, a mechanism by which a cell compensates for deleterious mutations, explains pleiotropic disease pathogenesis in patients with mutations in two different ciliopathy-associated genes.
Hitting the Caspofungin Salvage Pathway of Human-Pathogenic Fungi with the Novel Lasso Peptide Humidimycin (MDN-0010)
Authors: Valiante Vito , Monteiro Maria Cândida , Martín Jesús , Altwasser Robert , El Aouad Noureddine , González Ignacio , Kniemeyer Olaf , Mellado Emilia , Palomo Sara , de Pedro Nuria , Pérez-Victoria Ignacio , Tormo José R. , Vicente Francisca , Reyes Fernando , Genilloud Olga , Brakhage Axel A.
Published: June 2015

Fungal infections have increased dramatically in the last 2 decades, and fighting infectious diseases requires innovative approaches such as the combination of two drugs acting on different targets or even targeting a salvage pathway of one of the drugs. The fungal cell wall biosynthesis is inhibited by the clinically used antifungal drug caspofungin. This antifungal activity has been found to be potentiated by humidimycin, a new natural product identified from the screening of a collection of 20,000 microbial extracts, which has no major effect when used alone. An analysis of transcriptomes and selected
Aspergillus fumigatus
mutants indicated that humidimycin affects the high osmolarity glycerol response pathway. By combining humidimycin and caspofungin, a strong increase in caspofungin efficacy was achieved, demonstrating that targeting different signaling pathways provides an excellent basis to develop novel anti-infective strategies.
UNderstanding uptake of Immunisations in TravellIng aNd Gypsy communities (UNITING): protocol for an exploratory, qualitative study
Authors: Jackson Cath , Bedford Helen , Condon Louise , Crocker Annie , Emslie Carol , Dyson Lisa , Gallagher Bridget , Kerr Susan , Lewis Helen J , Mytton Julie , Redsell Sarah A , Schicker Frieda , Shepherd Christine , Smith Lesley , Vousden Linda , Cheater Francine M
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Gypsies, Travellers and Roma (referred to here as Travellers) experience significantly poorer health and have shorter life expectancy than the general population. They are also less likely to access health services including immunisation. To improve immunisation rates, we need to understand what helps and hinders individuals in these communities in taking up immunisations. This study has two aims: (1) Investigate the barriers and facilitators to acceptability and uptake of immunisations among six Traveller communities in the UK; (2) Identify potential interventions to increase uptake in these Traveller communities.

Methods and analysis

A three-phase qualitative study with six Traveller communities. PHASE 1: In each community, we will explore up to 45 Travellers’ views about the influences on their immunisation behaviours and ideas for improving uptake in their community. PHASE 2: In each community, we will investigate 6–8 service providers’ perspectives on barriers and facilitators to childhood and adult immunisations for Traveller communities with whom they work, and ideas to improve uptake. Interview data will be analysed using the Framework approach. PHASE 3: The findings will be discussed and interventions prioritised in six workshops, each with 10–12 phase 1 and 3–4 phase 2 participants.

Ethics and dissemination

This research received approval from NRES Committee Yorkshire and The Humber-Leeds East (Ref. 13/YH/02). It will produce (1) findings on the barriers and facilitators to uptake of immunisations in six Traveller communities; (2) a prioritised list of potentially feasible and acceptable interventions for increasing uptake in these communities; and (3) methodological development in undertaking research with diverse Traveller communities. The study has the potential to inform new ways of delivering services to ensure high immunisation uptake. Findings will be disseminated to participants, relevant UK organisations with responsibility for the implementation of immunisation policy and Traveller health/welfare; and submitted for publication in academic journals.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN20019630.
Pole-Placement for Collocated Control of Flexible Structures
Authors: Abdulkareem Musa , Mahfouf Mahdi , Theilliol Didier
Published: June 2015

Pole assignment is one of the central problems in most control systems designs. In relation to low-authority active flexible structural systems where robustness is difficult to achieve primarily due to many closely-spaced low-frequency lightly damped modes, pole-placement techniques are commonly used to design constant gain collocated controllers that will ensure that the transient phenomenon of the structure dies down sufficiently fast. In this paper, the active control of flexible structures is presented for collocated control design using a modified pole-placement approach that reduces the control efforts significantly. The effectiveness of employing the proposed approach is demonstrated using tensegrity structures.
Examination of Local Functional Homogeneity in Autism
Authors: Jiang Lili , Hou Xiao-Hui , Yang Ning , Yang Zhi , Zuo Xi-Nian
Published: June 2015

Increasing neuroimaging evidence suggests that autism patients exhibit abnormal brain structure and function. We used the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) sample to analyze locally focal (~8 mm) functional connectivity of 223 autism patients and 285 normal controls from 15 international sites using a recently developed surface-based approach. We observed enhanced local connectivity in the middle frontal cortex, left precuneus, and right superior temporal sulcus, and reduced local connectivity in the right insular cortex. The local connectivity in the right middle frontal gyrus was positively correlated with the total score of the autism diagnostic observation schedule whereas the local connectivity within the right superior temporal sulcus was positively correlated with total subscores of both the communication and the stereotyped behaviors and restricted interests of the schedule. Finally, significant interactions between age and clinical diagnosis were detected in the left precuneus. These findings replicated previous observations that used a volume-based approach and suggested possible neuropathological impairments of local information processing in the frontal, temporal, parietal, and insular cortices. Novel site-variability analysis demonstrated high reproducibility of our findings across the 15 international sites. The age-disease interaction provides a potential target region for future studies to further elucidate the neurodevelopmental mechanisms of autism.
Subcutaneous Emphysema Induced by Cryotherapy: A Complication due to Previous Punctures
Authors: Martínez-Coronado Jared , Torres-Álvarez Bertha , Castanedo-Cázares Juan Pablo
Published: June 2015

Cryosurgery is a common therapeutic modality used in dermatology; therefore we must be aware of its possible adverse effects. We report a case of a patient with subcutaneous emphysema which occurred following the application of cryotherapy after multiple punctures of local anesthetic and intralesional steroids in a chest keloid scar. Despite the fact that this condition was gradually resolved after expectant observation, we warn about this complication when sprayed cryotherapy is preceded by multiple punctures on cutaneous lesions above bony surfaces. In similar settings, cryotherapy must be first administered or a cotton-tip applicator should be used.