bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcapsular sinus macrophages limit acute gammaherpesvirus dissemination
Authors: Frederico Bruno , Chao Brittany , Lawler Clara , May Janet S. , Stevenson Philip G.
Published: April 2015

Lymphocyte proliferation, mobility and longevity make them prime targets for virus infection. Myeloid cells that process and present environmental antigens to lymphocytes are consequently an important line of defence. Subcapsular sinus macrophages (SSMs) filter the afferent lymph and communicate with B-cells. How they interact with B-cell-tropic viruses is unknown. We analysed their encounter with murid herpesvirus-4 (MuHV-4), an experimentally accessible gammaherpesvirus related to Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. MuHV-4 disseminated via lymph nodes, and intranasally or subcutaneously inoculated virions readily infected SSMs. However, this infection was poorly productive. SSM depletion with clodronate-loaded liposomes or with diphtheria toxin in CD169–diphtheria toxin receptor transgenic mice increased B-cell infection and hastened virus spread to the spleen. Dendritic cells provided the main route to B-cells, and SSMs slowed host colonization, apparently by absorbing virions non-productively from the afferent lymph.
Ensembler: Enabling high-throughput molecular simulations at the superfamily scale
Authors: Parton Daniel L. , Grinaway Patrick B. , Hanson Sonya M. , Beauchamp Kyle A. , Chodera John D.
Published: April 2015

The rapidly expanding body of available genomic and protein structural data provides a rich resource for understanding protein dynamics with biomolecular simulation. While computational infrastructure has grown rapidly, simulations on anomicsscale are not yet widespread, primarily because software infrastructure to enable simulations at this scale has not kept pace. It should now be possible to study protein dynamics across entire (super)families, exploiting both available structural biology data and conformational similarities across homologous proteins. Here, we present a new tool for enabling high-throughput simulation in the genomics era.Ensemblertakes any set of sequences—from a single sequence to an entire superfamily— and shepherds them through various stages of modeling and refinement to produce simulation-ready structures. This includes comparative modeling to all relevant PDB structures (which may span multiple conformational states of interest), reconstruction of missing loops, addition of missing atoms, culling of nearly identical structures, assignment of appropriate protonation states, solvation in explicit solvent, and refinement and filtering with molecular simulation to ensure stable simulation. The output of this pipeline is an ensemble of structures ready for subsequent molecular simulations using computer clusters, supercomputers, or distributed computing projects like Folding@home.Ensemblerthus automates much of the time consuming process of preparing protein models suitable for simulation, while allowing scalability up to entire superfamilies. A particular advantage of this approach can be found in the construction of kinetic models of conformational dynamics—such as Markov state models (MSMs)—which benefit from a diverse array of initial configurations that span the accessible conformational states to aid sampling. We demonstrate the power of this approach by constructing models for all catalytic domains in the human tyrosine kinase family, using all available kinase catalytic domain structures from any organism as structural templates.

Ensembleris free and open source software licensed under the GNU General Public License (GPL) v2. It is compatible with Linux and OS X. The latest release can be installed via the conda package manager, and the latest source can be downloaded fromhttps://github.com/choderalab/ensembler.
Development of a computational efficient tool for robust structural optimization
Authors: Motta Renato de Siqueira , Afonso Silvana Maria Bastos , Lyra Paulo Roberto , Willmersdorf Ramiro Brito
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Optimization under a deterministic approach generally leads to a final design in which the performance may degrade significantly and/or constraints can be violated because of perturbations arising from uncertainties. The purpose of this paper is to obtain a better strategy that would obtain an optimum design which is less sensitive to changes in uncertain parameters. The process of finding these optima is referred to as robust design optimization (RDO), in which improvement of the performance and reduction of its variability are sought, while maintaining the feasibility of the solution. This overall process is very time consuming, requiring a robust tool to conduct this optimum search efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the authors propose an integrated tool to efficiently obtain RDO solutions. The tool encompasses suitable multiobjective optimization (MO) techniques (encompassing: Normal-Boundary Intersection, Normalized Normal-Constraint, weighted sum method and min-max methods), a surrogate model using reduced order method for cheap function evaluations and adequate procedure for uncertainties quantification (Probabilistic Collocation Method).

Findings

– To illustrate the application of the proposed tool, 2D structural problems are considered. The integrated tool prove to be very effective reducing the computational time by up to five orders of magnitude, when compared to the solutions obtained via classical standard approaches.

Originality/value

– The proposed combination of methodologies described in the paper, leads to a very powerful tool for structural optimum designs, considering uncertainty parameters, that can be extended to deal with other class of applications.
Acceleration of free-vibrations analysis with the Dual Reciprocity BEM based on ℋ-matrices and CUDA
Authors: Wei Yixiong , Wang Qifu , Huang Yunbao , Wang Yingjun , Xia Zhaohui
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a novel strategy used for acceleration of free-vibration analysis, in which the hierarchical matrices structure and Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) platform is applied to improve the performance of the traditional dual reciprocity boundary element method (DRBEM).

Design/methodology/approach

– The DRBEM is applied in forming integral equation to reduce complexity. In the procedure of optimization computation, ℋ-Matrices are introduced by applying adaptive cross-approximation method. At the same time, this paper proposes a high-efficiency parallel algorithm using CUDA and the counterpart of the serial effective algorithm in ℋ-Matrices for inverse arithmetic operation.

Findings

– The analysis for free-vibration could achieve impressive time and space efficiency by introducing hierarchical matrices technique. Although the serial algorithm based on ℋ-Matrices could obtain fair performance for complex inversion operation, the CUDA parallel algorithm would further double the efficiency. Without much loss in accuracy according to the examination of the numerical example, the relative error appeared in approximation process can be fixed by increasing degrees of freedoms or introducing certain amount of internal points.

Originality/value

– The paper proposes a novel effective strategy to improve computational efficiency and decrease memory consumption of free-vibration problems. ℋ-Matrices structure and parallel operation based on CUDA are introduced in traditional DRBEM.
An evolutionary approach for simultaneous optimization of material property distribution and topology of FG structures
Authors: Maleki Jebeli Saeed , Shariat Panahi Masoud
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to introduce an evolutionary heuristic method for simultaneous optimization of topology and material property distribution of functionally graded (FG) structures under a prescribed loading condition.

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed procedure is inspired by heuristic nature of bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) and genetic algorithm (GA). The optimization algorithm is developed in the context of minimum compliance (maximum stiffness) design problem. The problem is modeled by means of finite element method (FEM). The element-wise material volume fractions and elements’ status (i.e. existence or nonexistence in FE model) are introduced as design variables. After FE analysis, sensitivities are obtain and filtered according to BESO. Having determined sensitivities, by means of a heuristic scheme combined by GA, topology and material property distribution for the next cycle of optimization are determined by updating design variables.

Findings

– The adopted method has been tested by means of several examples previously reported in literature. The comparison showed the superiority of the proposed method against its rival in terms of relative reduction in compliance, smoother material property distribution and computational cost.

Originality/value

– The value of the described method lies in its simple (yet efficient) nature. In contrast with its only rival in literature which more relied on mathematical approach, proposed method uses a series of logic-based heuristic ideas to drive reasonable solutions but with far less computational cost.
Behind league tables and ranking systems
Authors: Berbegal-Mirabent Jasmina , Ribeiro-Soriano D. Enrique
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of university ranking systems as instruments of university quality assessment. Some controversy surrounds the methodology used to compile such instruments. Accordingly, different compilers have adopted different methods to produce these rankings. This study examines to what extent this diversity in methodology is now converging in the context of Spanish university rankings.

Design/methodology/approach

– To conduct this research, a two-step approach was adopted. First, the indicators used in four Spanish rankings were examined. Second, empirical analysis was used to identify differences between university rankings.

Findings

– Results reveal that, despite the vast number and variety of indicators, there is a positive, significant relationship between rankings. Spanish university rankings thus show some degree of convergence.

Social implications

– Because rankings influence behavior and shape institutional decision making, a better understanding of how these assessment tools are devised is essential. Research on these ranking systems therefore offers an important contribution to improving the quality of higher education institutions.

Originality/value

– This paper presents the results of a comprehensive survey of Spanish university rankings. It offers a new perspective of the state of the art of the Spanish university ranking system. The paper also presents a set of managerial implications for improving these benchmarking tools.
This is the sound of one voice: singing to see beyond boundaries in a university community choir
Authors: Monk Sue , Mackinlay Elizabeth
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore their experiences as singers in a community choir called Arrkula (a Yanyuwa word meaning “one voice”) based in the School of Education at the University of Queensland as performance of song, self, social justice and seeing beyond boundaries. Performing at “gigs” inside and outside the university, Arrkula has been singing together since 2011, and despite an environment replete with neo-liberal ideals of individualism, competitiveness and capitalist driven research agendas, at the centre of their song remains a yearning for social connection, equality and renewed consciousness.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors take an autoethnographic creative approach and bring performance of song together with their stories and interviews with choir members to link the “secret space” of the rehearsal with the “public space” of staged performances.

Findings

– The authors’ aim is to think and perform the potential the voice and voices of Arrkula hold in terms of heightening senses of agency, provoking and empowering a pursuit of freedom and transforming lived worlds through song.

Originality/value

– The value of this paper is the authors’ take up of Maxine Greene’s (2005, p. 38) question, “if we can link imagination to our sense of possibility and our ability to respond to other human beings, can we link it to the making of community as well?” to consider what singing for democracy and difference might mean individually and collectively in the current climate of higher education.
Case writing for collaborative practice in education studies
Authors: Carr Amanda , Gilmore Gwen , Cacciattolo Marcelle
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss that in 2012, a small group of teaching staff in a new diploma of Education Studies program came together to critically reflect on teaching approaches that either hindered or encouraged learners to thrive in the transition environment in higher education (HE).

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper reports on the use of case writing as a methodological tool for engaging in reflexive inquiry in a HE cross-faculty setting; it also adds a further dimension to the work of (Burridge et al., 2010). The team used a systematic coding activity, known as “threading,” to unpack over-arching themes that were embedded in each other’s narratives.

Findings

– Throughout the two years of the project, 12 cases were presented on key critical teaching moments that the researchers had experienced. The themes varied and included topics like student reflections on why they found learning challenging, teachers’ mixed emotions about failing students, difficulties for teachers in having to persuade students to read academic texts, teacher/student confrontations and student resilience amidst challenges linked to their personal and student lives.

Social implications

– A central theme to emerge from the research was that complexities arise for teachers when they are faced with learners who are apparently not suited to the career pathway they have signed up for.

Originality/value

– Through using a collaborative practitioner research framework, enunciating concerns were raised and different interpretations of the same incident were shared. The paper concludes that case writing can assist academics to be more informed of teaching approaches that lead to successful learning outcomes.
“I was made to feel very discriminated against as an anglo-saxon”
Authors: Faulkner Julie , Crowhurst Michael
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– Critical discussion of the social conditions that shape educational thinking and practice is now embedded in accredited teacher education programmes. Beneath beliefs that critique of educational inequality is desirable, however, lie more problematic questions around critical pedagogies, ethics and power. Emotional investments can work to protect habituated ways of thinking, despite attempts to move students beyond their comfort zone. This strategic process can shift attitudes and promote intellectual and emotional growth, but can also produce defensive reactions. This paper, a self-study in relation to an incident in a tertiary education programme, examines how student feedback on content and pedagogy positions teachers and learners. The purpose of this paper is to frame and reframe ways in which learner feedback to critical approaches might be read. The argument examines, through dialogue, the potential of disruptive teaching approaches for recontextualising both learner and teacher response. Such exploration articulates particular tensions and challenges inherent in critical teacher education pedagogies.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a reflective practitioner piece – involving journaling and the use of dialogue – to explore a critical incident.

Findings

– This is an exploratory piece – the authors explore the workings of tension in critical/poststructural pedagogical work.

Originality/value

– The deployment of dialogue as a method and as a way of presenting key issues is somewhat novel. The paper works through quite complex terrain in an accessible and reasonably clear fashion.
Festival as methodology: the African cultural youth arts festival
Authors: Wright Peter R. , Wakholi Peter M.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose this paper is to consider festivals as sites for inquiry and learning.

Design/methodology/approach

– The research employed a pluralistic approach to the inquiry drawing on critical African-centred pedagogy, participatory action research, and performance as research inquiry. These arts-based research methods allowed insights to be gained in ways that were congruent to the arts and participants who enacted them. In total, 12 young people and six elders of diverse African heritage as well as two artists were participants in the research.

Findings

– The research revealed that the festival as a research methodology was both dialogic and performative and a rich site for the exploration of identity negotiation. Through these arts-based approaches the aesthetic elements often missed by traditional social science methods were highlighted as key in exploring acculturation socialistaion experiences and deconstructing exclusionist discourses emanating from the dominant culture.

Research limitations/implications

– The research affirmed the power of multi-modal approaches to research and the importance of evocative discourses in identity exploration and development.

Originality/value

– This research is the first known attempt to theorise an arts-based festival as a research approach in reference to enculturation and cultural memory.
Shape matters: corolla curvature improves nectar discovery in the hawkmoth Manduca sexta
Authors: Campos Eric O. , Bradshaw Harvey D. , Daniel Thomas L.
Published: April 2015

We measured the effects of variation in corolla curvature and nectary aperture radius on pollinator foraging ability using the hawkmoth Manduca sexta and 3D‐printed artificial flowers whose shapes were mathematically specified.

In dimorphic arrays containing trumpet‐shaped flowers and flat‐disc flowers, hawkmoths were able to empty the nectaries of significantly more trumpet‐shaped flowers regardless of nectary aperture size. Interestingly, trumpet‐shaped flowers needed to deviate only slightly from the flat‐disc morphotype in order to significantly increase hawkmoth foraging ability.

Whole‐flower three‐dimensional shape, particularly corolla curvature, has the potential to act as a mechanical guide for M. sexta, further implicating direct flower‐proboscis contact as an important contributor to foraging success during flower handling in hawkmoths.
An assessment of the effects of habitat structure on the scat finding performance of a wildlife detection dog
Authors: Leigh Kellie A. , Dominick Martin
Published: April 2015

As threatened species decline in number, they become more difficult to detect and assess, decreasing our ability to make informed conservation management decisions. Wildlife scat detection dogs are a promising non‐invasive survey method for increasing detection rates of these species. However, a complexity of variables can reduce the certainty of this method, which may contribute to low uptake rates by land managers. One of the variables discussed in dog training literature is the potential for habitats with more complex vegetation to inhibit dispersion of target odours, reducing the dog's ability to detect scats.

We undertook the first experimental study to test the effects of habitat structure on scat detection dog performance. We used a domestic dog trained to detect scats from endangered spotted‐tailed quolls to undertake 120 searches across 3 habitats in both winter and summer conditions in NSW, Australia. Scat searches were located in open grassland, woodland and dense heath, and we recorded temperature, relative humidity and wind speed. Performance was measured by recording the distance at which the scat was first detected, the total search duration and the success rate of detection in each habitat.

Scat detection rates were 83% or higher in all habitats, and there was no significant difference in first detection distances between habitat structures. However, within habitats there was a significant, positive relationship between first detection distance and total search duration in the most complex habitat (P = 0·0002, R2 = 0·23, d.f. = 1, SE = 0·53).

The results support other findings showing that detection dogs can work effectively across a diversity of habitats, but specifically demonstrate that searches in complex vegetation should allow for increased search effort compared to relatively open vegetation. Otherwise, the risks of a type II error, of failing to detect a species when it is present, are likely to be higher in these habitats and this has significant implications for conservation management. The high detection rates in our results are discussed in the context of the odour thresholds used to train wildlife scat detection dogs, and we recommend future documentation of training methods to allow comparison of surveys across species and sites.
Towards a comprehensive developmental model of pathological gambling
Authors: Blanco Carlos , Hanania Joan , Petry Nancy M. , Wall Melanie M. , Wang Shuai , Jin Chelsea J. , Kendler Kenneth S.
Published: April 2015

Aims

To develop a comprehensive etiological model of pathological gambling (PG) for men and women based on Kendler's development model for major depression, which groups 22 risk factors into five developmental tiers (childhood, early adolescence, late adolescence, adulthood, last year). We hypothesized that: (1) all risk factors would be associated significantly with PG; (2) the effect of risk factors in earlier developmental tiers would be accounted for by later tiers; and (3) there would be few gender differences.

Design

Separate models were built for life‐time gambling and for 12‐month PG among those with life‐time gambling.

Setting

Data drawn from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) in the United States.

Participants

Respondents to NESARC wave 1 (n = 43 093).

Measurements

Odds ratios (OR) and adjusted OR (AOR) were used to determine the risk factors in multiple models.

Findings

After mutually adjusting for other risk factors, family history of substance use disorders (SUD) or depression, impulsivity, childhood‐onset anxiety, number of Axis I and II disorders, history of SUD, nicotine dependence, social deviance in adulthood, and past‐year history of SUD, nicotine dependence and independent stressful life events predicted life‐time gambling. Past history of PG, number of personality disorders and past year nicotine dependence were associated significantly with 12‐month PG (all P < 0.05). There were no significant gender interactions for 12‐month PG.

Conclusions

A modification of Kendler's model for major depression provides a foundation for the development of a comprehensive developmental model of pathological gambling. Life‐time history of gambling and 12‐month pathological gambling appear to be determined by risk factors in several developmental levels, with the effect of earlier development tiers accounted for by later ones.
Estimating the number of people with hepatitis C virus who have ever injected drugs and have yet to be diagnosed: an evidence synthesis approach for Scotland
Authors: Prevost Teresa C. , Presanis Anne M. , Taylor Avril , Goldberg David J. , Hutchinson Sharon J. , De Angelis Daniela
Published: April 2015

Aims

To estimate the number of people who have ever injected drugs (defined here as PWID) living in Scotland in 2009 who have been infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and to quantify and characterize the population remaining undiagnosed.

Methods

Information from routine surveillance (n = 22 616) and survey data (n = 2511) was combined using a multiparameter evidence synthesis approach to estimate the size of the PWID population, HCV antibody prevalence and the proportion of HCV antibody prevalent cases who have been diagnosed, in subgroups defined by recency of injecting (in the last year or not), age (15–34 and 35–64 years), gender and region of residence (Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the rest of Scotland).

Results

HCV antibody‐prevalence among PWID in Scotland during 2009 was estimated to be 57% [95% CI=52−61%], corresponding to 46 657 [95% credible interval (CI) = 33 812–66 803] prevalent cases. Of these, 27 434 (95% CI = 14 636–47 564) were undiagnosed, representing 59% [95% CI=43−71%] of prevalent cases. Among the undiagnosed, 83% (95% CI = 75–89%) were PWID who had not injected in the last year and 71% (95% CI = 58–85%) were aged 35–64 years.

Conclusions

The number of undiagnosed hepatitis C virus‐infected cases in Scotland appears to be particularly high among those who have injected drugs more than 1 year ago and are more than 35 years old.
An immunophenotypic pre‐treatment predictor for poor response to induction chemotherapy in older acute myeloid leukaemia patients: blood frequency of CD34+ CD38low blasts
Authors: Khan Naeem , Freeman Sylvie D. , Virgo Paul , Couzens Steve , Richardson Peter , Thomas Ian , Grech Angela , Vyas Paresh , Grimwade David , Russell Nigel H. , Burnett Alan K. , Hills Robert K.
Published: April 2015

Many older patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) that receive standard intensive chemotherapy fail to achieve complete remission (CR). Upfront identification of patients unlikely to benefit from standard induction chemotherapy would be important for exploration of novel therapies. This study evaluated if a flow cytometric assay measuring pre‐treatment CD34+ CD38low blast frequency could predict therapeutic‐resistance in 736 AML patients entered into the UK National Cancer Research Institute AML16 trial. High peripheral blood CD34+ CD38low blast frequency (>7% of leucocytes), present in 18% of assessable patients, conferred significantly reduced CR rates (38% vs. 76%, P < 0·0001) and poor survival, and was independently prognostic for all endpoints of treatment resistance by multivariate analysis.
Processes controlling dripwater hydrochemistry variations in Xueyu Cave, SW China: implications for speleothem palaeoclimate signal interpretations
Authors: Pu Junbing , Wang Aoyu , Yin Jianjun , Shen Licheng , Sun Yuchuan , Yuan Daoxian , Zhao Heping
Published: April 2015

Cave dripwater hydrochemistry responds to environmental changes, both within and outside of the cave, and thereby conveys this information to any stalagmite fed by the drips. As stalagmites are important archives of climate proxy information, understanding how dripwater hydrochemistry responds to environmental forcing is critical. However, despite the large number of speleothems in SW China, the response of dripwater to regional climate variability is not yet adequately understood. A 3‐year study of three drip sites in Xueyu Cave, Chongqing Municipality, SW China, revealed the most important mechanisms controlling dripwater chemical variability. The principal chemical indices (pH, specific conductivity, Ca2+, Mg2+, Sr2+ and ) in collected dripwaters and the local climate data were analysed in this study. The principal controls on the hydrochemistry were found to be the external climate and its changes, groundwater residence time, cave ventilation and prior calcite precipitation (PCP) processes. Dripwater hydrochemistry showed strongly coherent seasonal patterns despite the fact that all sites are Ca–HCO3 type waters and supersaturated with calcite. Seasonal changes in dripwater hydrochemistry were influenced by the soil and vadose zone CO2 content as well as groundwater residence time in the upper karst zone. Cave‐air CO2 seasonal variations were consistent with changes in dripwater PCO2 and cave ventilation. Trace element ratios (Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca) of dripwater were controlled by PCP processes. Seasonal variations in dripwater Mg/Ca and Sr/Ca ratios in Xueyu Cave showed inverse changes with the Asia Monsoon Index during the monitoring period, reflecting the seasonal climate changes that may have been recorded in the speleothems. Based on a linear regression of PCO2 and the Ca2+ data in the cold–dry winter season, a 130‐ppm shift in cave‐air PCO2 results in a 1‐ppm shift in dripwater Ca2+ concentration in Xueyu Cave. This study illustrates the importance of understanding factors controlling the changes in the composition of dripwater before it reaches the speleothem.
Comparisons between macro‐ and microfabrics in a pebble‐rich, sandy till deposited by the Cordilleran Ice Sheet
Authors: Neudorf Christina M. , Brennand Tracy A. , Lian Olav B.
Published: April 2015

It is standard practice to measure particle fabrics in glacial studies to infer palaeo‐ice flow directions and processes of till formation but few studies examine the relationships between particle fabrics at different (i.e. the macro‐ and micro‐) scales. This knowledge is critical to inform the utility of the methods and limitations of the associated interpretations. Micro‐ (sand grain) and macro‐ (pebble) fabrics of pebble‐rich, sandy subglacial till (Kamloops Lake till) deposited by the Cordilleran Ice Sheet, south‐central British Columbia, were compared to assess their similarities and differences, and therefore their utility for understanding subglacial processes. Before comparisons were made, the data were tested for robustness by assessing various controls (e.g. sampling face orientation, number of particles measured, statistical variation resulting from sampling effects, particle shape, size and concentration) on particle fabrics. A new method of microfabric analysis was applied that involves the identification and delineation of distinct clusters of similarly orientated sand grains in order to compare them with macrofabrics and inferred ice‐flow directions. The results show that microfabrics, on their own, are an unreliable indicator of ice‐flow direction in Kamloops Lake till in the study area and should not be used as a substitute for macrofabric data, as they probably record late‐stage microscale strain patterns and pore‐water flow in addition to till deposition and deformation by overriding ice. We suspect that this would also be the case for coarse‐grained till elsewhere. Our findings suggest that till microfabric interpretations should always be made after assessing corresponding macrofabric data alongside sedimentological and structural observations.
Open‐label, randomized, comparative, phase III study on effects of reducing steroid use in combination with Palonosetron
Authors: Komatsu Yoshito , Okita Kenji , Yuki Satoshi , Furuhata Tomohisa , Fukushima Hiraku , Masuko Hiroyuki , Kawamoto Yasuyuki , Isobe Hiroshi , Miyagishima Takuto , Sasaki Kazuaki , Nakamura Michio , Ohsaki Yoshinobu , Nakajima Junta , Tateyama Miki , Eto Kazunori , Minami Shinya , Yokoyama Ryoji , Iwanaga Ichiro , Shibuya Hitoshi , Kudo Mineo , Oba Koji , Takahashi Yasuo
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy of a single administration of dexamethasone (DEX) on day 1 against DEX administration on days 1–3 in combination with palonosetron (PALO), a second‐generation 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist, for chemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in non‐anthracycline and cyclophosphamide (AC) moderately‐emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC). This phase III trial was conducted with a multi‐center, randomized, open‐label, non‐inferiority design. Patients who received non‐AC MEC as an initial chemotherapy were randomly assigned to either a group administered PALO (0.75 mg, i.v.) and DEX (9.9 mg, i.v.) prior to chemotherapy (study treatment group), or a group administered additional DEX (8 mg, i.v. or p.o.) on days 2–3 (control group). The primary endpoint was complete response (CR) rate. The CR rate difference was estimated by logistic regression with allocation factors as covariates. The non‐inferiority margin was set at −15% (study treatment group − control group). From April 2011 to March 2013, 305 patients who received non‐AC MEC were randomly allocated to one of two study groups. Overall, the CR rate was 66.2% in the study treatment group (N = 151) and 63.6% in the control group (N = 154). PALO plus DEX day 1 was non‐inferior to PALO plus DEX days 1–3 (difference, 2.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −7.8%–12.8%; P‐value for non‐inferiority test = 0.0004). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of complete control rate (64.9 vs 61.7%) and total control rate (49.7% vs 47.4%). Anti‐emetic DEX administration on days 2–3 may be eliminated when used in combination with PALO in patients receiving non‐AC MEC.
Clinical presentations of 23 half‐siblings from a mosaic neurofibromatosis type 1 sperm donor
Authors: Ejerskov C. , Farholt S. , Skovby F. , Vestergaard E.M. , Haagerup A.
Published: April 2015

The Danish sperm donor number 7042 has fathered several offspring with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) worldwide. NF1 is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the NF1 gene and more than 1000 NF1 mutations are identified. Analysis of the donor sperm demonstrated gonosomal mosaicism with an intragenic deletion involving exons 15–29 in the NF1 gene. At the two Danish reference centres for NF1 patients, we evaluated 23 half‐siblings from the donor. Nine were diagnosed with NF1. The severity grade of NF1 progressed from minimal to mild/moderate within 3 years of follow‐up. The NF1 phenotype shows great variability in intra‐ and inter‐family expressivity and to date only two NF1 genotype–phenotype correlations have been established. This rare possibility of a long‐term follow‐up of a cohort of half‐siblings with NF1 makes further studies including phenotypic variability and search for modifier genes possible. To achieve this goal, we have initiated The International Donor 7042 NF1 Offspring Registry. Research facilitated via this registry may reveal important new knowledge of clinical characteristics and prognostics for the specific NF1 genotype and thereby contribute to future individualised targeted clinical follow‐up and treatment.
Lower weight loss expectations and healthier eating attitudes in older overweight and obese women attempting weight loss
Authors: Evans E. H. , Boothroyd L. G. , Muscariello E. , Stephan B. C. M. , Nasti G. , Colantuoni A. , Siervo M.
Published: April 2015

Weight loss outcomes in overweight and obese individuals may be influenced by individual weight loss expectations (WLEs). Research on these phenomena in older women is lacking. This cross‐sectional study compared groups of younger and older women on their WLEs and related attitudes (body dissatisfaction and disordered eating). Twenty‐six younger (18–38 years) and 33 older (60–78 years) overweight and obese women were recruited from a weight loss clinic, prior to treatment. Disordered eating attitudes and body dissatisfaction were assessed using validated questionnaires and a pictorial figure‐choice scale. Participants reported 10 WLEs categorized according to personal, lifestyle and social factors. Overall, women with a higher body mass index had greater WLEs. Older women reported lower WLEs than younger women (−14.5 kg vs. −22.4 kg) in all categories except past weight. Older women perceived that career success would necessitate the greatest level of weight loss (−18.5 kg), whereas younger women derived their greatest WLEs from mass media (−28.5 kg). Both older and younger groups perceived that their families would be supportive of the smallest amount of weight loss (−8.4 and −17.6 kg, respectively). The groups did not differ on body dissatisfaction, but younger women's disordered eating attitudes were significantly higher (p < .001). Older overweight and obese women have lower WLEs than younger women but experience similar levels of body dissatisfaction and healthier eating attitudes. The attitudinal constructs underlying these differences may be useful in clinical practice to tailor age‐specific weight loss interventions.
Rebooting and Rerouting: Women's Articulations of Frayed Careers in Science, Engineering and Technology Professions
Authors: Herman Clem
Published: April 2015

This paper expands on previous work about women's non‐linear and frayed careers by examining the experiences of women who have attempted to return to science, engineering and technology (SET) professions in the UK and Republic of Ireland after taking a career break. These women potentially offer an important perspective on gender and career, because of the deep‐rooted, gendered associations of science and technology with masculinity. Drawing on qualitative interviews with women SET professionals, the paper identifies three narratives — Rebooting, Rerouting and Retreating — which women use to talk about their careers. Some of these women present themselves as career changers, having often made compromises and trade‐offs, while others, who have returned to their substantive professions, focus on continuity in their career narratives. The precarious nature of their careers is also apparent and in some cases leads to opting out or retreating. The paper concludes by exploring how women's scientist and technical identities persist, even among those who had not returned to work, and are drawn on in narratives of return and career change.
Order–Disorder Phase Transition and Magneto‐Dielectric Properties of (1−x)LiFe5O8–xLi2ZnTi3O8 Spinel‐Structured Solid Solution Ceramics
Authors: He Li , Mi Shao‐Bo , Jin Xiaowei , Zhang Hui , Zhou Di , Xiang Feng , Yang Haibo , Wang Hong
Published: April 2015

In this study, the spinel solid solution ceramics (1−x)LiFe5O8–xLi2ZnTi3O8 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) were prepared via the solid‐state reaction method. The phase evolution, sintering behaviors, microstructures, magneto‐dielectric properties, and microwave dielectric properties were systematically investigated. The XRD and SEM analysis indicated that the LiFe5O8 phase and the Li2ZnTi3O8 phase were almost fully soluble in each other at any proportion. Meanwhile, the evidence of ionic substitution has been directly observed at the atomic scale by means of scanning transmission electron microscopy, which is further confirmed by the Raman spectroscopy. Evidence shows that the magnetic and dielectric properties are quite sensitive to the compositions. The optimal results with remarkable magneto‐dielectric properties of μ′ = 38.2, tanδμ = 0.25, ε′ = 19.6, tanδε = 8 × 10−3 at 1 MHz, and ε′ = 19.1, Q × f = 10 400 GHz at about 7 GHz have been obtained in 0.25LiFe5O8–0.75Li2ZnTi3O8 sample. The design of complex spinel solid solution can generate novel magneto‐dielectric single‐phase ceramics combining both high permeability and good dielectric properties, which provides a way in developing multifunctional materials for applications in electronic devices.
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy of Transparent Polycrystalline Magnesium Aluminate (MgAl2O4) Spinel
Authors: Rubat du Merac Marc , Reimanis Ivar E. , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim
Published: April 2015

Transparent polycrystalline magnesium aluminate spinel is one of few materials capable of fulfilling certain demanding optical applications. However, LiF additive typically required to enhance sintering and impart transparency also degrades mechanical properties and causes scatter, precluding wider application. To shed light on the cause of altered properties, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was performed between 500°C and 900°C, in oxidizing and reducing atmosphere, on fully dense, polycrystalline spinel compacts hot‐pressed with and without LiF. In combination with electron microscopy, chemical analysis, and secondary‐ion mass spectroscopy, bulk and grain‐boundary dielectric behavior were related to microstructure and chemistry. Decades higher conductivity than for comparable single crystals correlated with Al2O3‐rich stoichiometry, impurities, and small grain size, and suggested increased conduction and current‐line detouring along Mg‐depleted, impurity‐rich, field‐parallel grain boundaries. LiF addition reduced conductivity by one decade and increased the activation energy for conductivity, attributed to impurity removal, larger grain size, and point defects caused by lithium incorporation.
Global phylogeography and geographical variation in warning coloration of the wood tiger moth (Parasemia plantaginis)
Authors: Hegna Robert H. , Galarza Juan A. , Mappes Johanna
Published: April 2015

Aim

To investigate the phylogeography of the aposematic wood tiger moth (Parasemia plantaginis) across its Holarctic distribution and to explore how its genetic structure relates to geographical differences in hindwing warning coloration of males and females. Males have polymorphic hindwing coloration, while female hindwing coloration varies continuously, but no geographical analyses of coloration or genetic structure exist.

Location

The Holarctic.

Methods

We sequenced a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) from 587 specimens. We also examined more current population structure by genotyping 569 specimens at 10 nuclear microsatellite loci. Species distribution modelling for present conditions and the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) was performed to help understand genetic structure. Geographical patterns in hindwing warning coloration were described from 1428 specimens and compared to the genetic analyses.

Results

We found only two instances of genetic divergence that coincided with distinct, yet imperfect, shifts in male hindwing coloration in the Caucasus region and Japan. A shift in female hindwing colour did not appear to be associated with genetic structure. A change from sexual monomorphism to sexual dimorphism was also observed. Mitogenetic (mtDNA) structure does not show the influence of glacial refugia during the LGM. Climate shifts following the LGM appear to have isolated the red Caucasus populations and other southerly populations. Populations at opposite ends of the moth's distribution showed high levels of differentiation in the microsatellite data analysis compared to the shallow mitogenetic structure, supporting a more recent divergence.

Main conclusions

Parasemia plantaginis populations appeared to have been historically well connected, but current populations are much more differentiated. This raises the possibility that incipient speciation may be occurring in portions of the species' distribution. Some changes in colour align to genetic differences, but others do not, which suggests a role for selective and non‐selection based influences on warning signal variation.
Anatomoclinical study of 30 cases of sclerosing sweat duct carcinomas (microcystic adnexal carcinoma, syringomatous carcinoma and squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma)
Authors: Frouin E. , Vignon‐Pennamen M.D. , Balme B. , Cavelier‐Balloy B. , Zimmermann U. , Ortonne N. , Carlotti A. , Pinquier L. , André J. , Cribier B.
Published: April 2015

Background

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC), syringomatous carcinoma (SC) and “Squamoid eccrine ductal carcinoma” (SEDC) are rare sclerosing adnexal tumours.

Objective

To understand the histogenesis of these tumours and possible clinical implications.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 30 cases, 18 MAC, 5 SC and 7 SEDC reviewed and classified by a panel of dermatopathology experts, with immunohistochemical analysis of keratins, including K77, a new keratin specific of eccrine ducts, and PHLDA1 expressed in adnexal structures.

Results

There was a strong female predominance, with only five cases occurring in men. Patients with MAC and SC were younger (mean age 56 and 47 years) than those with SEDC (mean age 81 years). The most common localization was the cheek in SC and SEDC and the periocular area in MAC. Two cases of SEDC were found in organ transplant patients. No recurrence or metastases were observed after complete surgery of MAC, or SC (mean follow‐up 7.2 years and 4.7 years), whereas one case of SEDC recurred and another could not be fully excised. MAC and SC had similar histological features, except for cysts. In MAC, calcifications, granulomas, connection to follicles, keratin expression pattern, PHLDA1 positivity and K77 negativity indicated a follicular histogenesis, whereas in SC, K77 positivity and keratin expression pattern were consistent with a differentiation towards eccrine apparatus. SEDC was composed of strands centred by ducts and nests with squamous differentiation and displayed K77 ductal positivity in all cases, a finding consistent with an eccrine origin.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that MAC and SC have similar clinical characteristics, although histogenesis differs and show arguments for the individualization of SEDC.
Generation of a neutral FST baseline for testing local adaptation on gill raker number within and between European whitefish ecotypes in the Baltic Sea basin
Authors: Ozerov M. Y. , Himberg M. , Aykanat T. , Sendek D. S. , Hägerstrand H. , Verliin A. , Krause T. , Olsson J. , Primmer C. R. , Vasemägi A.
Published: April 2015

Divergent selection at ecologically important traits is thought to be a major factor driving phenotypic differentiation between populations. To elucidate the role of different evolutionary processes shaping the variation in gill raker number of European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus sensu lato) in the Baltic Sea basin, we assessed the relationships between genetic and phenotypic variation among and within three whitefish ecotypes (sea spawners, river spawners and lake spawners). To generate expected neutral distribution of FST and to evaluate whether highly variable microsatellite loci resulted in deflated FST estimates compared to less variable markers, we performed population genetic simulations under finite island and hierarchical island models. The genetic divergence observed among (FCT = 0.010) and within (FST = 0.014–0.041) ecotypes was rather low. The divergence in gill raker number, however, was substantially higher between sea and river spawners compared to observed microsatellite data and simulated neutral baseline (PCT > FCT). This suggests that the differences in gill raker number between sea and river spawners are likely driven by divergent natural selection. We also found strong support for divergent selection on gill raker number among different populations of sea spawners (PST > FST), most likely caused by highly variable habitat use and diverse diet. The putative role of divergent selection within lake spawners initially inferred from empirical microsatellite data was not supported by simulated FST distributions. This work provides a first formal test of divergent selection on gill raker number in Baltic whitefish, and demonstrates the usefulness of population genetic simulations to generate informative neutral baselines for PST–FST analyses helping to disentangle the effects of stochastic evolutionary processes from natural selection.