bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic capsule robots using reconfigurable modular assembly: A pilot study
Authors: Yoo Seung‐Schik , Rama Suraj , Szewczyk Benjamin , Pui Jason W.Y. , Lee Wonhye , Kim Laehyun
Published: November 2014

Ingestible capsule endoscopy provides a method of imaging the gastrointestinal (GI) tract with increased patient comfort compared to traditional tube‐based endoscopy. However, many capsule endoscopic platforms lack locomotion and inherent size‐restrictions prohibit the implementation of high‐order functionality other than image acquisition. To overcome these limitations, we proposed a modular system of robots containing steerable locomotive elements with unique functionalities that are capable of assembling into a larger and more complex robot via mutual docking. The prototype capsules were approximately the size of D‐cell batteries. The three sets of radio‐controlled modular robotic capsules were designed to move using a combination of continuous‐rotational servos and angular servos for steering and locomotion. A docking mechanism was achieved by permanent magnets (attached to the linear servo installed in the capsule) while a structural slit allowed for correct docking orientation. Additional center capsules were capable of rotational locomotion or image transfer via a housed camera and three docking ports for the capsules to dock. When fully assembled, a four‐capsule assembly exhibited controlled locomotion and wireless video transmission. With potential integration with wireless power transmission, as demonstrated by the acoustic power transmission via focused ultrasound, the proposed reconfigurable robotic capsule platform may provide unique opportunities in administering minimally invasive theragnostic applications.
The Enamel Protein Amelotin Is a Promoter of Hydroxyapatite Mineralization
Authors: Abbarin Nastaran , San Miguel Symone , Holcroft James , Iwasaki Kengo , Ganss Bernhard
Published: November 2014

Amelotin (AMTN) is a recently discovered protein that is specifically expressed during the maturation stage of dental enamel formation. It is localized at the interface between the enamel surface and the apical surface of ameloblasts. AMTN knock-out mice have hypomineralized enamel, whereas transgenic mice overexpressing AMTN have a compact but disorganized enamel hydroxyapatite (HA) microstructure, indicating a possible involvement of AMTN in regulating HA mineralization directly. In this study, we demonstrated that recombinant human (rh) AMTN dissolved in a metastable buffer system, based on light scattering measurements, promotes HA precipitation. The mineral precipitates were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. Colloidal gold immunolabeling of AMTN in the mineral deposits showed that protein molecules were associated with HA crystals. The binding affinity of rh-AMTN to HA was found to be comparable to that of amelogenin, the major protein of the forming enamel matrix. Overexpression of AMTN in mouse calvaria cells also increased the formation of calcium deposits in the culture medium. Overexpression of AMTN during the secretory stage of enamel formation in vivo resulted in rapid and uncontrolled enamel mineralization. Site-specific mutagenesis of the potential serine phosphorylation motif SSEEL reduced the in vitro mineral precipitation to less than 25%, revealing that this motif is important for the HA mineralizing function of the protein. A synthetic short peptide containing the SSEEL motif was only able to facilitate mineralization in its phosphorylated form (PSPSEEL), indicating that this motif is necessary but not sufficient for the mineralizing properties of AMTN. These findings demonstrate that AMTN has a direct influence on biomineralization by promoting HA mineralization and suggest a critical role for AMTN in the formation of the compact aprismatic enamel surface layer during the maturation stage of amelogenesis. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Poverty Effects of Remittances: a Comparative Analysis
Authors: Majeed Muhammad Tariq
Published: November 2014

This paper studies the impact of remittances on cross‐country poverty using a panel data set from 65 developing counties over a long period 1970–2008. This study differs from the existing literature on poverty impact of remittances by explicitly noting the importance of financial development in shaping the link. This analysis shows that the effect of remittances on poverty depends on the level of financial development of a remittances receiving economy. Those economies that have a low level of financial development seem to acquire an unfavourable effect of remittances while economies with comparatively developed financial systems do not suffer from the adverse effects of remittances. In sum, remittances accentuate not ameliorate poverty in countries with the low level of financial development. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calcitonin gene‐related peptide regulation of glial cell‐line derived neurotrophic factor in differentiated rat myotubes
Authors: Rosa Elyse , Cha Jieun , Bain James R. , Fahnestock Margaret
Published: November 2014

Glial cell‐line derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is the most potent trophic factor for motoneuron survival and neuromuscular junction formation. GDNF is upregulated in injured or denervated skeletal muscle and returns to normal levels following reinnervation. However, the mechanism by which GDNF is regulated in denervated muscle is not well understood. The nerve‐derived neurotransmitter calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is upregulated following neuromuscular injury and is subsequently released from motoneurons at the neuromuscular junction. CGRP also promotes nerve regeneration, but the mechanism is not well understood. The current study investigates whether this increase in CGRP regulates GDNF, thus playing a key role in promoting regeneration of injured nerves. This study demonstrates that CGRP increases GDNF secretion without affecting its transcription or translation. Rat L6 myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes and subsequently treated with CGRP. GDNF mRNA expression levels were quantified by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and secreted GDNF was quantified in the conditioned medium by ELISA. CGRP treatment increased secreted GDNF protein without altering GDNF mRNA levels. The translational inhibitor cycloheximide did not affect CGRP‐induced GDNF secreted protein levels, whereas the secretional inhibitor brefeldin A blocked the CGRP‐induced increase in GDNF. This study highlights the importance of injury‐induced upregulation of CGRP by exposing its ability to increase GDNF levels and demonstrates a secretional mechanism for regulation of this key regeneration‐promoting neurotrophic factor. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simulations of 21st century snow response to climate change in Switzerland from a set of RCMs
Authors: Schmucki Edgar , Marty Christoph , Fierz Charles , Lehning Michael
Published: November 2014

Twenty‐first century snow depth and snow water equivalent (SWE) changes are assessed for three time periods (2020–2049, 2045–2079 and 2070–2099) at 11 stations in Switzerland with the physics‐based snow model SNOWPACK and meteorological input data perturbed by the output from ten regional climate models (RCMs) through the delta change method. Unlike in previous studies, incoming long‐wave radiation has also been modified for future climatic conditions. We thus show the range of future snow simulations assuming different RCM projections.

Model validation yields satisfying results for simulating snow depth and SWE for the reference period with errors in the order of 9% and 15%, respectively. For the end of the century, the stations between 1000–1700 m a.s.l. show no pronounced elevation dependence but surprisingly react quite similarly in terms of the relative magnitude of snow cover decrease, which may reach 90%. The projected small increase in winter precipitation has almost no effect at these stations, but incoming long‐wave radiation has an important effect. At the high‐elevation station Weissfluhjoch (2540 m a.s.l.) however, the precipitation increase is partly able to compensate for the increased temperature. This would imply that the snow cover at mid‐elevation stations becomes temperature and radiation dominated and will react similarly to the spatially small differences in the projected temperature change. The low‐elevation stations already show a strong decrease in the near future, and the inclusion of modified incoming long‐wave radiation has almost no effect on the decrease of future snow depth and SWE because the temperatures are already close to the melting point in the reference period. At the end of the century, mean snow depth/SWE are reduced by 35/32%, 83/86% and 96/97% at high‐, mid‐ and low‐elevations, respectively.
Intermittent PTH administration and mechanical loading are anabolic for periprosthetic cancellous bone
Authors: Grosso Matthew J. , Courtland Hayden‐William , Yang Xu , Sutherland James P. , Stoner Kirsten , Nguyen Joseph , Fahlgren Anna , Ross F. Patrick , van der Meulen Marjolein C. H. , Bostrom Mathias P.
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the individual and combined effects on periprosthetic cancellous bone of intermittent parathyroid hormone administration (iPTH) and mechanical loading at the cellular, molecular, and tissue levels. Porous titanium implants were inserted bilaterally on the cancellous bone of adult rabbits beneath a loading device attached to the distal lateral femur. The left femur received a sham loading device. The right femur was loaded daily, and half of the rabbits received daily PTH. Periprosthetic bone was evaluated up to 28 days for gene expression, histology, and µCT analysis. Loading and iPTH increased bone mass by a combination of two mechanisms: (1) Altering cell populations in a pro‐osteoblastic/anti‐adipocytic direction, and (2) controlling bone turnover by modulating the RANKL‐OPG ratio. At the tissue level, BV/TV increased with both loading (+53%, p < 0.05) and iPTH (+54%, p < 0.05). Combined treatment showed only small additional effects at the cellular and molecular levels that corresponded to a small additive effect on bone volume (+13% compared to iPTH alone, p > 0.05). This study suggests that iPTH and loading are potential therapies for enhancing periprosthetic bone formation. The elucidation of the cellular and molecular response may help further enhance the combined therapy and related targeted treatment strategies. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:163–173, 2015.
In vivo laser cartilage reshaping with carbon dioxide spray cooling in a rabbit ear model: A pilot study
Authors: Kuan Edward C. , Hamamoto Ashley A. , Sun Victor , Nguyen Tony , Manuel Cyrus T. , Protsenko Dmitry E. , Wong Brian J. F. , Nelson J. Stuart , Jia Wangcun
Published: November 2014

Background/Objectives

Similar to conventional cryogen spray cooling, carbon dioxide (CO2) spray may be used in combination with laser cartilage reshaping (LCR) to produce cartilage shape change while minimizing cutaneous thermal injury. Recent ex vivo evaluation of LCR with CO2 cooling in a rabbit model has identified a promising initial parameter space for in vivo safety and efficacy evaluation. This pilot study aimed to evaluate shape change and cutaneous injury following LCR with CO2 cooling in 5 live rabbits.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

The midportion of live rabbit ears were irradiated with a 1.45 µm wavelength diode laser (12 J/cm2) with simultaneous CO2 spray cooling (85 millisecond duration, 4 alternating heating/cooling cycles per site, 5 to 6 irradiation sites per row for 3 rows per ear). Experimental and control ears (no LCR) were splinted in the flexed position for 30 days following exposure. A total of 5 ears each were allocated to the experimental and control groups.

Results

Shape change was observed in all irradiated ears (mean 70 ± 3°), which was statistically different from control (mean 37 ± 11°, P = 0.009). No significant thermal cutaneous injury was observed, with preservation of the full thickness of skin, microvasculature, and adnexal structures. Confocal microscopy and histology demonstrated an intact and viable chondrocyte population surrounding irradiated sites.

Conclusions

LCR with CO2 spray cooling can produce clinically significant shape change in the rabbit auricle while minimizing thermal cutaneous and cartilaginous injury and frostbite. This pilot study lends support for the potential use of CO2 spray as an adjunct to existing thermal‐based cartilage reshaping modalities. An in vivo systematic evaluation of optimal laser dosimetry and cooling parameters is required. Lasers Surg. Med. 46:791–795, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The proto‐oncogene PBF binds p53 and is associated with prognostic features in colorectal cancer
Authors: Read Martin L. , Seed Robert I. , Modasia Bhavika , Kwan Perkin P.K. , Sharma Neil , Smith Vicki E. , Watkins Rachel J. , Bansal Sukhchain , Gagliano Teresa , Stratford Anna L. , Ismail Tariq , Wakelam Michael J.O. , Kim Dae S. , Ward Stephen T. , Boelaert Kristien , Franklyn Jayne A. , Turnell Andrew S. , McCabe Christopher J.
Published: November 2014

The PTTG1‐binding factor (PBF) is a transforming gene capable of eliciting tumor formation in xenograft models. However, the precise role of PBF in tumorigenesis and its prognostic value as a cancer biomarker remain largely uncharacterised, particularly in malignancies outside the thyroid. Here, we provide the first evidence that PBF represents a promising prognostic marker in colorectal cancer. Examination of a total of 39 patients demonstrated higher PBF expression at both the mRNA (P = 0.009) and protein (P < 0.0001) level in colorectal tumors compared to matched normal tissue. Critically, PBF was most abundant in colorectal tumors associated with Extramural Vascular Invasion (EMVI), increased genetic instability (GI) and somatic TP53 mutations, all features linked with recurrence and poorer patient survival. We further demonstrate by glutathione–S–transferase (GST) pull‐down and coimmunoprecipitation that PBF binds to the tumor suppressor protein p53, as well as to p53 mutants (Δ126–132, M133K, V197E, G245D, I255F and R273C) identified in the colorectal tumors. Importantly, overexpression of PBF in colorectal HCT116 cells interfered with the transcriptional activity of p53‐responsive genes such as mdm2, p21 and sfn. Diminished p53 stability (> 90%; P < 0.01) was also evident with a concurrent increase in ubiquitinated p53. Human colorectal tumors with wild‐type TP53 and high PBF expression also had low p53 protein levels (P < 0.05), further emphasizing a putative interaction between these genes in vivo. Overall, these results demonstrate an emerging role for PBF in colorectal tumorigenesis through regulating p53 activity, with implications for PBF as a prognostic indicator for invasive tumors. © 2014 The Authors. Molecular Carcinogenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A tunable interferometric optical bandpass filter based on flexural acoustic wave modulation in a SMF‐MOF hybrid configuration with fiber offset splicing output
Authors: Zhang Hao , Qiu Minghui , Kang Shouxin , Liu Bo , Miao Yinping
Published: November 2014

An acoustically tunable bandpass filter has been presented by applying flexural acoustic wave modulation in the single‐mode‐fiber‐microstructured‐optical‐fiber (SMF‐MOF) hybrid structure with splicing offset between the MOF and lead‐out SMF. Simultaneous acousto‐optic mode coupling the SMF as well as MOF is simultaneously excited in these two types of optical fibers and owing to the presence of fiber offset at the output splicing joint, part of the cladding mode light in the MOF could be collected by the lead‐out SMF to achieve bandpass filtering operation. Furthermore, the transmission spectral interference with acoustically controlled operation wavelength and fringe visibility has been investigated as well. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:31–35, 2015
Collimator‐based sensor for remote vibration monitoring
Authors: Taiwo Ambali , Taiwo Sulaiman , Sahbudin R. K. Z. , Yaacob M. H. , Mokhtar M.
Published: November 2014

Intensity‐based fiber vibration sensor using optical collimators for remote vibration monitoring is investigated. The sensor is proposed for its rigidity and ability to be used in place of fiber Brags grating and interferometry sensor which are subjected to impairment in dynamic sensing due to their fragile nature. The result shows the proposed sensor having good linear response over the measured value and stability when tested over 1 h. The low frequency range of 0–180 Hz measured shows the suitability of the proposed sensor for remote vibration monitoring in bridge, electrical power generator, machines, and structures that exhibit low vibration. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:38–41, 2015
Study of the design evolution of an antenna and its performance for UWB communications
Authors: Ershadh Mohamed
Published: November 2014

This article proposes a comprehensive study for designing an antenna for ultra wide band (UWB) communications. The techniques involved for designing an antenna, the need for its use and effects of those techniques on the UWB performance of the proposed antenna are investigated to develop an intuition and to gain an insight into the antenna design. The work studies the design methodologies and constitutes a design procedure. This way of studying the design methodologies for designing an UWB antenna is proposed as a novel approach in this article, as it gives a clear insight into the UWB antenna design. Various aspects of the UWB characteristics of the proposed antenna are shown as comparison with an analogous classic design to view the improvement in each and every aspect of the essential parameters of the UWB. The presented results show that an overall improvement in the UWB performance is achieved. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:80–84, 2015
A semianalytical finite element analysis of electromagnetic propagation in stratified media
Authors: Chen Jiefu
Published: November 2014

A semianalytical finite element method (FEM) is proposed for analyzing propagation of electromagnetic waves in stratified media. Conventional finite elements are used to discretize the cross‐section of a layered structure, and a Riccati equation‐based integration scheme is used to handle the longitudinal direction with a very high precision. This semianalytical FEM is easy to implement. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method has high efficiency and accuracy. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:15–18, 2015
MIMO multiband antenna system with nonresonant elements
Authors: Andújar Aurora , Anguera Jaume
Published: November 2014

Multi‐input multi‐output (MIMO) technology will enable high‐data rates in wireless devices to allow speech and video calls to streaming media and web browsing all over a common platform. MIMO technology needs M antennas both in transmission and reception. As the space in a wireless device is limited, including M antennas is a challenge. To face such challenge, a MIMO antenna system is proposed which comprises two small nonresonant elements operating in the frequency region 824–960 MHz and two identical elements operating at 1710–2170 MHz. The size of each of the nonresonant elements is only 5 × 5 × 5 mm3. The proposed MIMO system is analyzed in terms of bandwidth, efficiency, correlation, and multiplexing efficiency. MIMO capacity is measured in a reverberation chamber considering a free‐space Rayleigh scenario and also including the effect of a phantom head and hand. The results reveal that the proposed MIMO system provides capacity close to the ideal bound while having a small size and able to operate at several 2G, 3G, and 4G long term evolution standards. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 57:183–190, 2015
Rapid multislice T1 mapping of mouse myocardium: Application to quantification of manganese uptake in α‐Dystrobrevin knockout mice
Authors: Jiang Kai , Li Wen , Li Wei , Jiao Sen , Castel Laurie , Van Wagoner David R. , Yu Xin
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The aim of this study was to develop a rapid, multislice cardiac T1 mapping method in mice and to apply the method to quantify manganese (Mn2+) uptake in a mouse model with altered Ca2+ channel activity.

Methods

An electrocardiography‐triggered multislice saturation‐recovery Look‐Locker method was developed and validated both in vitro and in vivo. A two‐dose study was performed to investigate the kinetics of T1 shortening, Mn2+ relaxivity in myocardium, and the impact of Mn2+ on cardiac function. The sensitivity of Mn2+‐enhanced MRI in detecting subtle changes in altered Ca2+ channel activity was evaluated in a mouse model with α‐dystrobrevin knockout.

Results

Validation studies showed strong agreement between the current method and an established method. High Mn2+ dose led to significantly accelerated T1 shortening. Heart rate decreased during Mn2+ infusion, while ejection ratio increased slightly at the end of imaging protocol. No statistical difference in cardiac function was detected between the two dose groups. Mice with α‐dystrobrevin knockout showed enhanced Mn2+ uptake in vivo. In vitro patch‐clamp study showed increased Ca2+ channel activity.

Conclusion

The saturation recovery method provides rapid T1 mapping in mouse hearts, which allowed sensitive detection of subtle changes in Mn2+ uptake in α‐dystrobrevin knockout mice. Magn Reson Med 74:1370–1379, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Finite strain elastoplastic solutions for the undrained ground response curve in tunnelling
Authors: Vrakas Apostolos , Anagnostou Georgios
Published: November 2014

The instantaneous response of saturated low permeability grounds to tunnel excavation is important for deformations and stability close to the tunnel face. It is characterized by zero volume change in combination with the development of excess pore pressures. In tunnelling through poor quality ground under great depth of cover and high in situ pore pressure, heavily squeezing conditions (characterized by very large convergences) may occur soon after excavation. This paper presents exact finite strain analytical solutions for the undrained ground response around cylindrical and spherical openings that are unloaded from uniform and isotropic initial stress states, on the basis of the Modified Cam Clay (MCC) model and the Mohr–Coulomb (MC) model. The solution for a Drucker–Prager material is also given as it requires only a very small modification to the MC solution. The so‐called ground response curve, that is, the relationship between the support pressure and the cavity wall displacement, is derived in closed form for the MC model. The solution for the MCC problem is semi‐analytical in that it uses the trapezium rule for the computation of a definite integral. The influence of the significant parameters of the problem on the predicted deformation behaviour is shown by means of dimensionless charts. Finally, the practical usefulness of the solutions presented is illustrated by applying them to the breccia zones of the planned Gibraltar Strait tunnel – an extreme case of weak, low permeability ground under high pore pressure. The solutions can serve as a trustworthy benchmark for numerical procedures that incorporate material and geometric nonlinearities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weight change during childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia induction therapy predicts obesity: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Withycombe Janice S. , Smith Lynette M. , Meza Jane L. , Merkle Carrie , Faulkner Melissa Spezia , Ritter Leslie , Seibel Nita L. , Moore Ki
Published: November 2014

Background

Obesity is a well documented problem associated with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with increasing body mass index often observed during therapy. This study aims to evaluate if weight gain, early in therapy, is predictive of obesity at the end of treatment.

Procedure

In this secondary analysis, data from 1,017 high‐risk ALL patients previously treated on a Children's Oncology Group protocol (CCG study 1961) were reviewed. Logistic regression was used to examine whether change in BMI z‐score at Induction or Delayed Intensification (DI) 1 were predictive of obesity at the end of therapy.

Results

The BMI z‐score at the beginning of Induction and the change in BMI z‐score during Induction were both significant predictors of obesity at the end of therapy. The change in BMI z‐score during cycle 1 of DI was not found to be associated with obesity.

Conclusions

It is well know that obesity at the beginning of therapy is predictive of obesity at the end of ALL therapy. The new, and more important, finding from this study is that even after adjusting for baseline weight, the increase in BMI z‐scores during induction was an independent predictor of obesity at the end of therapy. Most researchers agree that prevention is the best form of treatment for obesity as it is difficult to reverse once it is present. This study suggests that monitoring weight trends during Induction may be useful in guiding healthcare practitioners in identifying which patients are at highest risk for obesity development so that early intervention may occur. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:434–439. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identifying novel targets of oncogenic EGF receptor signaling in lung cancer through global phosphoproteomics
Authors: Zhang Xu , Belkina Natalya , Jacob Harrys Kishore Charles , Maity Tapan , Biswas Romi , Venugopalan Abhilash , Shaw Patrick G. , Kim Min‐Sik , Chaerkady Raghothama , Pandey Akhilesh , Guha Udayan
Published: November 2014

Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase domain occur in 10–30% of lung adenocarcinoma and are associated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) sensitivity. We sought to identify the immediate direct and indirect phosphorylation targets of mutant EGFRs in lung adenocarcinoma. We undertook SILAC strategy, phosphopeptide enrichment, and quantitative MS to identify dynamic changes of phosphorylation downstream of mutant EGFRs in lung adenocarcinoma cells harboring EGFRL858R and EGFRL858R/T790M, the TKI‐sensitive, and TKI‐resistant mutations, respectively. Top canonical pathways that were inhibited upon erlotinib treatment in sensitive cells, but not in the resistant cells include EGFR, insulin receptor, hepatocyte growth factor, mitogen‐activated protein kinase, mechanistic target of rapamycin, ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta 1, and Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription signaling. We identified phosphosites in proteins of the autophagy network, such as ULK1 (S623) that is constitutively phosphorylated in these lung adenocarcinoma cells; phosphorylation is inhibited upon erlotinib treatment in sensitive cells, but not in resistant cells. Finally, kinase–substrate prediction analysis from our data indicated that substrates of basophilic kinases from, AGC and Calcium and calmodulin‐dependent kinase groups, as well as STE group kinases were significantly enriched and those of proline‐directed kinases from, CMGC and Casein kinase groups were significantly depleted among substrates that exhibited increased phosphorylation upon EGF stimulation and reduced phosphorylation upon TKI inhibition. This is the first study to date to examine global phosphorylation changes upon erlotinib treatment of lung adenocarcinoma cells and results from this study provide new insights into signaling downstream of mutant EGFRs in lung adenocarcinoma. All MS data have been deposited in the ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001101 (http://proteomecentral.proteomexchange.org/dataset/PXD001101).
Linking Individual-Level Knowledge Sourcing to Project-Level Contributions in Large R&D-Driven Product-Development Projects
Authors: Lundmark Erik , Klofsten Magnus
Published: November 2014

This paper focuses on the link between individuals' knowledge sourcing and their creative contributions, such as new ideas and solutions in R&D-driven product-development projects; creative contributions were both self- and peer-assessed. The paper reveals that, for individuals, knowledge sources internal to the organization were generally regarded as more important than external knowledge sources. However, external parties such as customers, partners, and suppliers constitute the knowledge source that best predicted creative contributions at the project level. Informal external contacts were deemed the least important knowledge source by individuals; however, this was positively related to self-assessed creative contributions. The paper thus finds that there is a discrepancy between the knowledge sources deemed important by individuals and the sources that are associated with creative contributions at the project level.
Does Project Management Affect Business Productivity? Evidence from Australian Small to Medium Enterprises
Authors: Pollack Julien , Adler Daniel
Published: November 2014

A fundamental assumption of project management practice and research is that using project management to achieve organizational objectives improves organizational performance. However, there is little published research that directly questions this assumption. This paper tests the hypothesis that using project management increases the productivity of small to medium enterprises, using data from two longitudinal surveys of Australian businesses with less than 200 staff members. These data were used to create models of the relationship between productivity and business skills using binary logistic regression. The models demonstrate that project management has a significant impact on small to medium enterprise productivity.
Storage of Gold Nanoclusters in Muscle Leads to their Biphasic in Vivo Clearance
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Luo Zhentao , Chen Jie , Wang Hao , Song Sha‐Sha , Shen Xiu , Long Wei , Sun Yuan‐Ming , Fan Saijun , Zheng Kaiyuan , Leong David Tai , Xie Jianping
Published: November 2014

Ultrasmall gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) show great potential in biomedical applications. Long‐term biodistribution, retention, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics profiles are pre‐requisites in their potential clinical applications. Here, the biodistribution, clearance, and toxicity of one widely used Au NC species—glutathione‐protected Au NCs or GSH‐Au NCs—are systematically investigated over a relatively long period of 90 days in mice. Most of the Au NCs are cleared at 30 days post injection (p.i.) with a major accumulation in liver and kidney. However, it is surprising that an abnormal increase of the Au amount in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and testis is observed at 60 and 90 days p.i., indicating that the injected Au NCs form a V‐shaped time‐dependent distribution profile in various organs. Further investigations reveal that Au NCs are steadily accumulating in the muscle in the first 30 days p.i., and the as‐stored Au NCs gradually release into the blood in 30–90 days p.i., which induces a re‐distribution and re‐accumulation of Au NCs in all blood‐rich organs. Further hematology and biochemistry studies show that the re‐accumulation of Au NCs still causes some liver toxicity at 30 days p.i. The muscle storage and subsequent release may give rise to the potential accumulation and toxicity risk of functional nanomaterials over long periods of time.
Proactive Planning for Vascular Access Therapy: One Hospital's Plan for Success
Authors: deCastro Maria Victoria A. , Eades Laura J. , Rineair Sylvia A. , Schoettker Pamela J.
Published: November 2014

Background: Vascular access is a critical component of care for patients in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Our NICU had only a small number of nurses cross-trained to perform peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertions and was not able to provide coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We combined the vascular access team (VAT) and NICU PICC team to improve the timeliness of NICU PICC insertions, standardize care, and use ultrasound for all PICC placements.

Methods: A paper guide tool was developed to prioritize PICC placements as emergent, same-day, or nonemergent. NICU nurses were trained to insert PICCs using ultrasound. Catheter insertion and care processes were standardized for the new centralized PICC team. NICU and VAT staff worked together to improve daily communication, hand-offs, and referrals. Criteria were developed to determine the appropriate hospital location for PICC insertions. Charge nurses began capturing information about patients with PICCs on daily planning sheets.

Results: Following implementation of the new combined VAT, the average wait time for emergent and same-day insertions decreased 10%. No adverse events were reported due to a delay in PICC placement or the PICC referral process.

Conclusions: Combining the NICU PICC insertion nurses and the VAT into a new centralized PICC team provided an opportunity for growth in both areas. NICU PICCs are now placed efficiently based on patient acuity and referral prioritization throughout the hospital. NICU and VAT physicians and nurses have developed a strong partnership for the provision of PICC services for NICU patients.
The Murchison Widefield Array Commissioning Survey: A Low-Frequency Catalogue of 14 110 Compact Radio Sources over 6 100 Square Degrees
Authors: Hurley-Walker Natasha , Morgan John , Wayth Randall B. , Hancock Paul J. , Bell Martin E. , Bernardi Gianni , Bhat Ramesh , Briggs Frank , Deshpande Avinash A. , Ewall-Wice Aaron , Feng Lu , Hazelton Bryna J. , Hindson Luke , Jacobs Daniel C. , Kaplan David L. , Kudryavtseva Nadia , Lenc Emil , McKinley Benjamin , Mitchell Daniel , Pindor Bart , Procopio Pietro , Oberoi Divya , Offringa André , Ord Stephen , Riding Jennifer , Bowman Judd D. , Cappallo Roger , Corey Brian , Emrich David , Gaensler B. M. , Goeke Robert , Greenhill Lincoln , Hewitt Jacqueline , Johnston-Hollitt Melanie , Kasper Justin , Kratzenberg Eric , Lonsdale Colin , Lynch Mervyn , McWhirter Russell , Morales Miguel F. , Morgan Edward , Prabu Thiagaraj , Rogers Alan , Roshi Anish , Shankar Udaya , Srivani K. , Subrahmanyan Ravi , Tingay Steven , Waterson Mark , Webster Rachel , Whitney Alan , Williams Andrew , Williams Chris
Published: November 2014

We present the results of an approximately 6 100 deg2 104–196 MHz radio sky survey performed with the Murchison Widefield Array during instrument commissioning between 2012 September and 2012 December: the MWACS. The data were taken as meridian drift scans with two different 32-antenna sub-arrays that were available during the commissioning period. The survey covers approximately 20.5 h < RA < 8.5 h, − 58° < Dec < −14°over three frequency bands centred on 119, 150 and 180 MHz, with image resolutions of 6–3 arcmin. The catalogue has 3 arcmin angular resolution and a typical noise level of 40 mJy beam− 1, with reduced sensitivity near the field boundaries and bright sources. We describe the data reduction strategy, based upon mosaicked snapshots, flux density calibration, and source-finding method. We present a catalogue of flux density and spectral index measurements for 14 110 sources, extracted from the mosaic, 1 247 of which are sub-components of complexes of sources.
Multilateral Aid and Domestic Economic Interests
Authors: McLean Elena V.
Published: November 2014

Existing studies of foreign aid suggest that donor countries' economic groups, such as exporters, should be generally opposed to multilateral aid because multilateral flows do not allow donor countries to tie their aid implicitly or explicitly to the promotion of their domestic economic interests. However, economic groups can actually benefit from some types of multilateral aid, and this serves as an incentive for donor governments to support international organizations generating the benefits. I test my argument using data on aid allocated to the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol and the Global Environment Facility, and international trade by commodity. I find robust empirical support for the argument that when donors' domestic economic groups are likely to gain from opportunities created by international environmental organizations' programs, donor governments increase aid allocations to these organizations.
Role of mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray for management of adenoidal hypertrophy in children
Authors: Bhargava R , Chakravarti A
Published: November 2014

Objectives:

To study the role of mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray for the management of adenoidal hypertrophy in children with more than 50 per cent obstruction, and to assess its impact on change in quality of life.

Methods:

A prospective, randomised, double-blind, interventional placebo-controlled study was conducted. A total of 100 children aged 2–12 years completed treatment and follow up. The symptoms and degree of obstruction were evaluated by nasopharyngoscopy conducted pre-treatment and 24 weeks post-treatment. Subjects received mometasone furoate nasal spray at a daily dose of 200 µg for 8 weeks, followed by a dose of 200 µg on alternate days for 16 weeks. Results were compared with those of a matched control group who were given saline nasal spray.

Results:

With mometasone treatment, there was an 89.8 per cent reduction in clinical symptom score, and the degree of obstruction dropped from 87 to 72 per cent (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant change in quality of life scores was seen in patients treated with the mometasone nasal spray (score change of 37.47) as compared with those given saline nasal spray (score change of 11.25) (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Mometasone nasal spray appears to be effective in treating children with obstructive adenoids.
Happiness and Work: Portuguese Peasants, British Laborers, African Contract Workers, and the Case of São Tomé and Príncipe, 1901–1909*
Authors: Higgs Catherine
Published: November 2014

In the first decade of the twentieth century, the allegation that slaves were harvesting cocoa off the west coast of Africa on the Portuguese island colony of São Tomé and Príncipe became an international scandal, not only because slavery had long been outlawed, but also because one of the major purchasers of that cocoa was the Quaker chocolate company, Cadbury Brothers. The Portuguese denied the charge of slavery and claimed that African workers on the islands were not only happier than Portuguese peasants, but also more content than many European workers. This article explores this claim and argues that the conflicting interpretations of what the British called the crisis over “slave cocoa” and the Portuguese called “the English cocoa controversy” can be explained by differing perspectives about work.
The Making of Wage Laborers in Nineteenth Century Southern Africa: Magololo Porters and David Livingstone, 1853–1861
Authors: Mandala Elias
Published: November 2014

This essay illuminates the worldwide transition to free labor from various forms of unfree labor by examining that process in the particular conditions of Southern Africa's encounter with Britain. Dr. David Livingstone's servants—whose descendants in Malawi have been called “Magololo,”1 a term used throughout this essay to distinguish them from the “Kololo” conquerors of Bulozi in contemporary Zambia and parts of Namibia—exemplify this global development. Between 1853 and 1861, over a hundred young Magololo men worked as porters, deckhands, and guides and showed Livingstone the very places in southern Africa whose “discovery” (for Britons) made Livingstone famous. Owing tribute labor to their king, Sekeletu, they initially performed these tasks as subjects. But, after Livingstone's return from England in 1858, they labored for wages; they were among the first groups of Africans in the region to make the emblematic modern move from formally unfree labor to formally free labor. This transition, which would form the core conflict of indirect rule in British Africa, radically altered Livingstone's relationship with his guides: They rebelled against him in 1861. This is one side of the story. The other side follows from the fact that one cannot sensibly speak about workers without the story of their employers. Accordingly, this essay revisits the well-known story of Livingstone's life but offers a different perspective than other biographies. It is the first study to combine the long-familiar documentary evidence with oral sources, for the specific purpose of retelling the Livingstone narrative (in its many renderings) from the viewpoint of his relations with the Magololo workers. In that way, it can shed light on the beginnings of the transition to wage labor in this region.
Forced Labor, Resistance, and Masculinities in Kayes, French Sudan, 1919–1946
Authors: Rodet Marie
Published: November 2014

In this article I analyze how African gender categories have interacted with those produced and imposed by French colonization and how these forced interactions may have given rise to specific kinds of resistance from local populations. Using the case study of forced recruitment for the private agricultural firmSociété Anonyme des Cultures de Diakandapé(SACD) in the region of Kayes in Mali from 1919 to 1946, I examine the complexities of resistance to forced labor from a gender perspective, with a special focus on how resistance was shaped by struggles around (re)construction and (re)definition of local and colonial masculinities.
Mechanism of action of narcolepsy medications
Authors: Gowda Chandan R. , Lundt Leslie P.
Published: November 2014

The medications used to treat narcolepsy are targeted toward alleviating symptoms such as excessive sleepiness and cataplexy. The cause of this neurological sleep disorder is still not completely clear, though a destruction of hypocretin/orexin neurons has been implicated. The destruction of these neurons is linked to inactivity of neurotransmitters including histamine, norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and serotonin, causing a disturbance in the sleep/wake cycles of narcoleptic patients. Stimulants and MAOIs have traditionally been used to counteract excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep attacks by inhibiting the breakdown of catecholamines. Newer drugs, called wake-promoting agents, have recently become first-line agents due to their better side-effect profile, efficacy, and lesser potential for abuse. These agents similarly inhibit reuptake of dopamine, but have a novel mechanism of action, as they have been found to increase neuronal activity in the tuberomamillary nucleus and in orexin neurons. Sodium oxybate, a sodium salt of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), is another class that is used to treat many symptoms of narcolepsy, and is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for cataplexy. It has a different mechanism of action than either stimulants or wake-promoting agents, as it binds to its own unique receptor. Antidepressants, like selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), have also been used, as similar to stimulants, they inhibit reuptake of specific catecholamines. In this article, we seek to review the mechanisms behind these classes of drugs in relation to the proposed pathophysiology of narcolepsy. Appropriate clinical strategies will be discussed, including specific combinations of medications that have been shown to be effective.
Architectures of temporal affirmation
Authors: Teal Randall
Published: November 2014

‘How can an entity with no discernible beginning or end be a place?”

Fumihiko Maki

Architecture has long provided concrete expression for ideals such as home, nation, justice, democracy and spirituality. In so doing, it has helped to place them within society. The placing of these ideals has been an important aspect of both ancient and modern cultures, helping to focus, gather and structure many aspects of daily life, to mesh practices and customs with the assets of particular locales, and provide grounding for human existence.
Survival of Spores ofTrichoderma longibrachiatumin Space: data from the Space Experiment SPORES on EXPOSE-R
Authors: Neuberger Katja , Lux-Endrich Astrid , Panitz Corinna , Horneck Gerda
Published: November 2014

In the space experiment ‘Spores in artificial meteorites’ (SPORES), spores of the fungusTrichoderma longibrachiatumwere exposed to low-Earth orbit for nearly 2 years on board the EXPOSE-R facility outside of the International Space Station. The environmental conditions tested in space were: space vacuum at 10−7–10−4 Pa or argon atmosphere at 105 Pa as inert gas atmosphere, solar extraterrestrial ultraviolet (UV) radiation at λ > 110 nm or λ > 200 nm with fluences up to 5.8 × 108 J m−2, cosmic radiation of a total dose range from 225 to 320 mGy, and temperature fluctuations from −25 to +50°C, applied isolated or in combination. Comparable control experiments were performed on ground. After retrieval, viability of spores was analysed by two methods: (i) ethidium bromide staining and (ii) test of germination capability. About 30% of the spores in vacuum survived the space travel, if shielded against insolation. However, in most cases no significant decrease was observed for spores exposed in addition to the full spectrum of solar UV irradiation. As the spores were exposed in clusters, the outer layers of spores may have shielded the inner part. The results give some information about the likelihood of lithopanspermia, the natural transfer of micro-organisms between planets. In addition to the parameters of outer space, sojourn time in space seems to be one of the limiting parameters.
Use of the Meganuclease I-SceI of Saccharomycescerevisiae to select for gene deletions in actinomycetes
Authors: Fernández-Martínez Lorena T. , Bibb Mervyn J.
Published: November 2014

The search for new natural products is leading to the isolation of novel actinomycete species, many of which will ultimately require genetic analysis. Some of these isolates will likely exhibit low intrinsic frequencies of homologous recombination and fail to sporulate under laboratory conditions, exacerbating the construction of targeted gene deletions and replacements in genetically uncharacterised strains. To facilitate the genetic manipulation of such species, we have developed an efficient method to generate gene or gene cluster deletions in actinomycetes by homologous recombination that does not introduce any other changes to the targeted organism's genome. We have synthesised a codon optimised I-SceI gene for expression in actinomycetes that results in the production of the yeast I-SceI homing endonuclease which produces double strand breaks at a unique introduced 18 base pair recognition sequence. Only those genomes that undergo homologous recombination survive, providing a powerful selection for recombinants, approximately half of which possess the desired mutant genotype. To demonstrate the efficacy and efficiency of the system, we deleted part of the gene cluster for the red-pigmented undecylprodiginine complex of compounds in Streptomycescoelicolor M1141. We believe that the system we have developed will be broadly applicable across a wide range of actinomycetes.
Selective electrochemical determination of cysteine with a cyclotricatechylene modified carbon electrode
Authors: Lee Patricia T. , Thomson James E. , Karina Athanasia , Salter Chris , Johnston Colin , Davies Stephen G. , Compton Richard G.
Published: November 2014

We report the selective electrochemical detection of cysteine in the presence of homocysteine and glutathione with the use of an electrode modified with cyclotricatechylene (CTC).
Design and development of a suitable adsorbent to capture theophylline for non-invasive therapeutic drug monitoring with exhaled breath
Authors: Yamamoto A. , Hioki S. , Tanada C. , Miwa T. , Inoue Y. , Yamamoto R. , Matsushima M. , Kawabe T.
Published: November 2014

The possibility of using exhaled breath as a substitute for blood/plasma in areas of therapeutic drug monitoring was investigated.