bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Expression of SOX2 and OCT4 Indicates Radiation Resistance and an Independent Negative Prognosis in Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Shen Liangfang , Huang Xinqiong , Xie Xiaoxue , Su Juan , Yuan Jun , Chen Xiang
Published: April 2014

Radiotherapy (RT) as a preoperative or postoperative adjuvant or primary treatment is the most common management modality for locally advanced cervical cancer. Radioresistance of tumor cells remains a major therapeutic problem. Consequently, we aimed to explore if the stem cell biomarkers SOX2 and OCT4 protein could be used to predict radioresistance in patients with locally advanced cervical squamous cell carcinoma (LACSCC). These 132 patients were divided into two groups (radiation-resistant and radiation-sensitive groups) according to progress-free survival (PFS). Using pretreatment paraffin-embedded tissues, we evaluated SOX2 and OCT4 expression using immunohistochemical staining. The percentage of overexpression of SOX2 and OCT4 in the radiation-resistant group was much higher than that in the radiation-sensitive group ( p<0.001 and p <0.001, respectively). The patients with high expression of SOX2 and OCT4 showed a shorter PFS than those with low expression. Our study suggests that the expression of SOX2 and OCT4 in tumor cells indicates resistance to radiotherapy and that these two factors were important predictors of poor survival in patients with LACSCC (hazard ratio [95% CI], 2.294 [1.013, 5.195] and 2.300 [1.050, 5.037], respectively; p=0.046 and p=0.037, respectively).
A Study on Network and Multicultural citizenship of Marriage Immigrant Women: Focused on the Gwangju Metropolitan City·Jeollanam-do Province
Authors: Lee So-young
Published: April 2014

The objectives of this study are that marriage immigrant women do not receive discrimination and not excluded from enjoyment in any sense and rights as multicultural citizen. In addition, this study analyzes the factors of the multicultural citizenship and network of marriage immigrant women that affects on the relation to multicultural citizenship. Thus, marriage immigrant women have left their home country for social and economic reasons to find new settlements while their family members live in their country and they live as citizen in a multicultural society through their ethnic cultural identity. The role of their ethnic and cultural identity is also examined in this study. This study was to determine the network and multicultural citizenship of marriage immigrant women and their relationship based on the multicultural citizenship of Kymlicka's viewpoint of ‘liberal multiculturalism.’ In order to achieve the research objectives, marriage immigrant women's network and multicultural citizenship theories and previous studies was reviewed. A number of personal and institutions were conducted for survey to acquire data at Multicultural Family Support Center in the Gwangju metropolitan city and Jeollanam-do province from September 19, 2012 to November 28, 2012. Available samples of 268 were investigated affect on relationship. Research results are as follows. Analysis the affect on the relationship of the marriage immigrant women's networks and the multicultural citizenship shows that the marriage process, home country, current residence of marriage immigrant women also affects multicultural citizenship and social network and the national cultural network significantly. However, marriage immigrant women's age, education, marital age, marital education, duration of marriage, family networks do not affect the multicultural citizenship. The results of this study indicate that the network of marriage immigrant women have positive influence on multicultural citizenship and need a suggestion to establish practical strategies for enabling the network of marriage immigrant women.
A Phenomenological Study on the Thinking Changes Experienced by North Korean Youth Refugees during the Adjustment to South Korean Society
Authors: Chung Ae-ree , Yoo Soon-hwa
Published: April 2014

The present study was performed to obtain an in-depth understanding about thinking changes which North Korean youth refugees experienced during the adjustment to the South Korean Society. For this, a series of in-depth interviews was done with 6 North Korean youth refugees who had stayed at least 1 year in South Korea. This study adopted a phenomenological analysis to understand the experiences of the participants. The participants’ interview data were analyzed and by the Giorgi’s 4 stages. Based on the analysis of the interviews, 4 main components and 12 sub-components were deduced. The thinking changes experienced by North Korean youth refugees are mainly divided into followings; the thinking changes about self, future, South Korean society, and the North Korea and North Korean refugees. By revealing the thinking changes experienced by North Korean youth refugees during adjustment to South Korean society, this study will not only help to understand and support North Korean youth refugees currently living in South Korea, but also contribute to helping the North Korean youth refugees entering South Korea in the future.
An Influence of Human Rights Attitudes and Human Rights Education on Cultural Competence of Social Worker
Authors: Hwang Meekyoung
Published: April 2014

This study aims to explore relationship of attitude of human right, Cultural Competence and human right education of welfare workers who engage in human right problem of people including foreigners at the community as Korean society enters into a multicultural society. For this purpose, I examined the relationship of attitude of human right, human right education and Cultural Competence of 273 social workers who were in charge of multicultural works at social welfare center. As a result of study, Cultural Competence was found to be high in social workers who have high attitude of human right and experience of human right education. Sex, school education and position are the variables that have significant difference on attitude of human rights of social workers. In addition, average of people with education on human right was higher than that of people with education on human right. School education and position were found to be significant factors for Cultural Competence so that tasks in charge were lower than that of manager levels. Accordingly, I suggested plans to improve Cultural Competence related to attitude of human right and human right education related to social welfare, necessity to develop methods of human right education, and understanding on perspective of social workers on human right engaging in human right issue and support tasks of multicultural population group.
Green synthesis and characterisations of antibacterial silver-polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite films for wound dressing
Authors: Badawy Sayed M.
Published: April 2014

Green synthesis and characterisations of silver-polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite films for possible environmental and biomedical applications such as wound dressing have been investigated. The synthesis was carried out in water, in an environmentally-friendly solvent using β-D-glucose as a reducing agent and in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a bio-friendly polymer. The green synthesis approaches have advantages over conventional methods involving chemical agents associated with environmental toxicity. The formation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and UV-visible spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesised Ag-PVA nanocomposite materials against strains of different bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Enterobacter cloacae, Klebsiella spp., Salmonella typhi and Staphylococcus aureus was studied.
Rate-specific Entrainment of Harmonic Pitch
Authors: Aksentijevic Aleksandar , Smith Anthony , Elliott Mark A.
Published: April 2014

Recent evidence indicates that synchronized brain oscillations in the low gamma range (∼33 Hz) are involved in the perceptual integration of harmonic complex tones. At this rate, reaction times (RTs) are faster to targets that are not harmonically related to the prime. In the current study, we investigated the presence of this rate-specific inharmonic pop-out in groups of musicians and nonmusicians. We found that rather than increasing the salience of inharmonic targets, 33-pps priming reduced the salience of harmonic targets. This effect was observed in nonmusicians only, suggesting that music training reduces the role of oscillatory coding mechanisms in the perceptual integration of harmonic information.
An Interlanguage Study of Musical Timbre Semantic Dimensions and Their Acoustic Correlates
Authors: Zacharakis Asterios , Pastiadis Konstantinos , Reiss Joshua D.
Published: April 2014

A study of musical timbre semantics was conducted with listeners from two different linguistic groups. In two separate experiments, native Greek and English speaking participants were asked to describe 23 musical instrument tones of variable pitch using a predefined vocabulary of 30 adjectives. The common experimental protocol facilitated the investigation of the influence of language on musical timbre semantics by allowing for direct comparisons between linguistic groups. Data reduction techniques applied to the data of each group revealed three salient semantic dimensions that shared common conceptual properties between linguistic groups namely: luminance, texture, and mass. The results supported universality of timbre semantics. A correlation analysis between physical characteristics and semantic dimensions associated: i) texture with the energy distribution of harmonic partials, ii) thickness (a term related to either mass or luminance) and brilliance with inharmonicity and spectral centroid variation, and iii) F0 with mass or luminance depending on the linguistic group.
MOLECULAR EVOLUTION OF GPCRS: CRH/CRH receptors
Authors: Lovejoy David A , Chang Belinda S W , Lovejoy Nathan R , del Castillo Jon
Published: April 2014

Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) is the pivotal neuroendocrine peptide hormone associated with the regulation of the stress response in vertebrates. However, CRH-like peptides are also found in a number of invertebrate species. The origin of this peptide can be traced to a common ancestor of lineages leading to chordates and to arthropods, postulated to occur some 500 million years ago. Evidence indicates the presence of a single CRH-like receptor and a soluble binding protein system that acted to transduce and regulate the actions of the early CRH peptide. In vertebrates, genome duplications led to the divergence of CRH receptors into CRH1 and CRH2 forms in tandem with the development of four paralogous ligand lineages that included CRH; urotensin I/urocortin (Ucn), Ucn2 and Ucn3. In addition, taxon-specific genome duplications led to further local divergences in CRH ligands and receptors. Functionally, the CRH ligand–receptor system evolved initially as a molecular system to integrate early diuresis and nutrient acquisition. As multicellular organisms evolved into more complex forms, this ligand–receptor system became integrated with the organismal stress response to coordinate homoeostatic challenges with internal energy usage. In vertebrates, CRH and the CRH1 receptor became associated with the hypothalamo-pituitary–adrenal/interrenal axis and the initial stress response, whereas the CRH2 receptor was selected to play a greater role in diuresis, nutrient acquisition and the latter aspects of the stress response.
Zebrafish pituitary gene expression before and after sexual maturation
Authors: He Wenxia , Dai Xiangyan , Chen Xiaowen , He Jiangyan , Yin Zhan
Published: April 2014

Sexual maturation and somatic growth cessation are associated with adolescent development, which is precisely controlled by interconnected neuroendocrine regulatory pathways in the endogenous endocrine system. The pituitary gland is one of the key regulators of the endocrine system. By analyzing the RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptome before and after sexual maturation, in this study, we characterized the global gene expression patterns in zebrafish pituitaries at 45 and 90 days post-fertilization (dpf). A total of 15 043 annotated genes were expressed in the pituitary tissue, 3072 of which were differentially expressed with a greater than or equal to twofold change between pituitaries at 45 and 90 dpf. In the pituitary transcriptome, the most abundant transcript was gh. The expression levels of gh remained high even after sexual maturation at 90 dpf. Among the eight major pituitary hormone genes, lhb was the only gene that exhibited a significant change in its expression levels between 45 and 90 dpf. Significant changes in the pituitary transcripts included genes involved in the regulation of immune responses, bone metabolism, and hormone secretion processes during the juvenile–sexual maturity transition. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis was carried out to verify the RNA-seq transcriptome results and demonstrated that the expression patterns of the eight major pituitary hormone genes did not exhibit a significant gender difference at 90 dpf. For the first time, we report the quantitative global gene expression patterns at the juvenile and sexual maturity stages. These expression patterns may account for the dynamic neuroendocrine regulation observed in body metabolism.
Stability and Response of Polygenic Traits to Stabilizing Selection and Mutation
Authors: de Vladar Harold P , Barton Nick
Published: April 2014

When polygenic traits are under stabilizing selection, many different combinations of alleles allow close adaptation to the optimum. If alleles have equal effects, all combinations that result in the same deviation from the optimum are equivalent. Furthermore, the genetic variance that is maintained by mutation–selection balance is 2μ/S per locus, where μ is the mutation rate and S the strength of stabilizing selection. In reality, alleles vary in their effects, making the fitness landscape asymmetric and complicating analysis of the equilibria. We show that that the resulting genetic variance depends on the fraction of alleles near fixation, which contribute by 2μ/S, and on the total mutational effects of alleles that are at intermediate frequency. The interplay between stabilizing selection and mutation leads to a sharp transition: alleles with effects smaller than a threshold value of 2μ/S remain polymorphic, whereas those with larger effects are fixed. The genetic load in equilibrium is less than for traits of equal effects, and the fitness equilibria are more similar. We find that if the optimum is displaced, alleles with effects close to the threshold value sweep first, and their rate of increase is bounded by μS. Long-term response leads in general to well-adapted traits, unlike the case of equal effects that often end up at a suboptimal fitness peak. However, the particular peaks to which the populations converge are extremely sensitive to the initial states and to the speed of the shift of the optimum trait value.
Efficient and Heritable Gene Targeting in Tilapia by CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Li Minghui , Yang Huihui , Zhao Jiue , Fang Lingling , Shi Hongjuan , Li Mengru , Sun Yunlv , Zhang Xianbo , Jiang Dongneng , Zhou Linyan , Wang Deshou
Published: April 2014

Studies of gene function in non-model animals have been limited by the approaches available for eliminating gene function. The CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated) system has recently become a powerful tool for targeted genome editing. Here, we report the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to disrupt selected genes, including nanos2, nanos3, dmrt1, and foxl2, with efficiencies as high as 95%. In addition, mutations in dmrt1 and foxl2 induced by CRISPR/Cas9 were efficiently transmitted through the germline to F1. Obvious phenotypes were observed in the G0 generation after mutation of germ cell or somatic cell-specific genes. For example, loss of Nanos2 and Nanos3 in XY and XX fish resulted in germ cell-deficient gonads as demonstrated by GFP labeling and Vasa staining, respectively, while masculinization of somatic cells in both XY and XX gonads was demonstrated by Dmrt1 and Cyp11b2 immunohistochemistry and by up-regulation of serum androgen levels. Our data demonstrate that targeted, heritable gene editing can be achieved in tilapia, providing a convenient and effective approach for generating loss-of-function mutants. Furthermore, our study shows the utility of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for genetic engineering in non-model species like tilapia and potentially in many other teleost species.
The Drosophila Werner Exonuclease Participates in an Exonuclease-Independent Response to Replication Stress
Authors: Bolterstein Elyse , Rivero Rachel , Marquez Melissa , McVey Mitch
Published: April 2014

Members of the RecQ family of helicases are known for their roles in DNA repair, replication, and recombination. Mutations in the human RecQ helicases, WRN and BLM, cause Werner and Bloom syndromes, which are diseases characterized by genome instability and an increased risk of cancer. While WRN contains both a helicase and an exonuclease domain, the Drosophila melanogaster homolog, WRNexo, contains only the exonuclease domain. Therefore the Drosophila model system provides a unique opportunity to study the exonuclease functions of WRN separate from the helicase. We created a null allele of WRNexo via imprecise P-element excision. The null WRNexo mutants are not sensitive to double-strand break-inducing reagents, suggesting that the exonuclease does not play a key role in homologous recombination-mediated repair of DSBs. However, WRNexo mutant embryos have a reduced hatching frequency and larvae are sensitive to the replication fork-stalling reagent, hydroxyurea (HU), suggesting that WRNexo is important in responding to replication stress. The role of WRNexo in the HU-induced stress response is independent of Rad51. Interestingly, the hatching defect and HU sensitivity of WRNexo mutants do not occur in flies containing an exonuclease-dead copy of WRNexo, suggesting that the role of WRNexo in replication is independent of exonuclease activity. Additionally, WRNexo and Blm mutants exhibit similar sensitivity to HU and synthetic lethality in combination with mutations in structure-selective endonucleases. We propose that WRNexo and BLM interact to promote fork reversal following replication fork stalling and in their absence regressed forks are restarted through a Rad51-mediated process.
Synchronous Recurrence of Group B Streptococcal Late-Onset Sepsis in Twins
Authors: Elling Roland , Hufnagel Markus , de Zoysa Aruni , Lander Fabian , Zumstein Katharina , Krueger Marcus , Henneke Philipp
Published: April 2014

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains the leading cause of neonatal sepsis and meningitis in industrialized countries. Whereas the use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis has led to a significant decline in early-onset sepsis, the incidence of late-onset sepsis has remained unchanged. Whether late-onset sepsis usually originates from established mucocutaneous GBS colonization of the infant or whether it results from an acute exogenous GBS infection remains controversial. Here we report on twins who both twice developed GBS sepsis in a strikingly parallel fashion, with both instances originating from a single hypervirulent GBS clone. Factored together, the presentation as cervical soft tissue infection in both cases, the synchronicity of the episodes, and the detection of GBS DNA in breast milk all strongly suggest an enteral mode of transmission with a short incubation period.
Effect of a URI-Related Educational Intervention in Early Head Start on ED Visits
Authors: Stockwell Melissa S. , Catallozzi Marina , Larson Elaine , Rodriguez Carmen , Subramony Anupama , Andres Martinez Raquel , Martinez Emelin , Barrett Angela , Meyer Dodi
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVES:

To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention to decrease pediatric emergency department (PED) visits and adverse care practices for upper respiratory infections (URI) among predominantly Latino Early Head Start (EHS) families.

METHODS:

Four EHS sites in New York City were randomized. Families at intervention sites received 3 1.5-hour education modules in their EHS parent-child group focusing on URIs, over-the-counter medications, and medication management. Standard curriculum families received the standard EHS curriculum, which did not include URI education. During weekly telephone calls for 5 months, families reported URI in family members, care sought, and medications given. Pre- and post-intervention knowledge-attitude surveys were also conducted. Outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS:

There were 154 families who participated (76 intervention, 78 standard curriculum) including 197 children <4 years old. Families were primarily Latino and Spanish-speaking. Intervention families were significantly less likely to visit the PED when their young child (age 6 to <48 months) was ill (8.2% vs 15.7%; P = .025). The difference remained significant on the family level (P = .03). These families were also less likely to use an inappropriate over-the-counter medication for their <2-year-old child (odds ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.09–0.95; 12.2% vs 32.4%, P = .034) and/or incorrect dosing tool for their <4-year-old child (odds ratio, 0.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.08–0.74; 9.8% vs 31.1%; P < .01). The mean difference in Knowledge-Attitude scores for intervention families was higher.

CONCLUSIONS:

A URI health literacy-related educational intervention embedded into EHS decreased PED visits and adverse care practices.
Adolescent Carotenoid Intake and Benign Breast Disease
Authors: Boeke Caroline E. , Tamimi Rulla M. , Berkey Catherine S. , Colditz Graham A. , Eliassen A. Heather , Malspeis Susan , Willett Walter C. , Frazier A. Lindsay
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND:

Carotenoids may reduce risk of benign breast disease (BBD), an independent risk factor for breast cancer, through antioxidative or antiproliferative mechanisms. Exposure to carotenoids may be most important during adolescence when breast tissue is still developing. We examined adolescent carotenoid intake in relation to BBD in young women.

METHODS:

In 6593 adolescent girls in the prospective Growing Up Today Study cohort, intakes of α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein/zeaxanthin, and lycopene were assessed by using the means from food-frequency questionnaires in 1996, 1997, and 1998. Girls reported biopsy-confirmed BBD on questionnaires in 2005, 2007, and 2010 (n = 122). We conducted logistic regression of energy-adjusted carotenoid intakes in relation to BBD, adjusted for age, family history of breast cancer or BBD, age at menarche, nulliparity, alcohol intake, BMI, and physical activity.

RESULTS:

Mean (SD) age at baseline was 12.0 (1.6) years. β-Carotene intake was inversely associated with BBD; comparing the highest to lowest quartile, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratio was 0.58 (95% confidence interval: 0.34–1.00; P-trend = .03). α-Carotene and lutein/zeaxanthin were also inversely associated with BBD, but the associations were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adolescent carotenoid intake may be associated with lower BBD risk; these findings warrant further study.
Improving Adherence to PALS Septic Shock Guidelines
Authors: Paul Raina , Melendez Elliot , Stack Anne , Capraro Andrew , Monuteaux Michael , Neuman Mark I.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Few studies have demonstrated improvement in adherence to Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines for severe sepsis and septic shock. We sought to improve adherence to national guidelines for children with septic shock in a pediatric emergency department with poor guideline adherence.

METHODS:

Prospective cohort study of children presenting to a tertiary care pediatric emergency department with septic shock. Quality improvement (QI) interventions, including repeated plan-do-study-act cycles, were used to improve adherence to a 5-component sepsis bundle, including timely (1) recognition of septic shock, (2) vascular access, (3) administration of intravenous (IV) fluid, (4) antibiotics, and (5) vasoactive agents. The intervention focused on IV fluid delivery as a key driver impacting bundle adherence, and adherence was measured using statistical process control methodology.

RESULTS:

Two-hundred forty-two patients were included: 126 subjects before the intervention (November 2009 to March 2011), and 116 patients during the QI intervention (October 2011 to May 2013). We achieved 100% adherence for all metrics, including (1) administration of 60 mL/kg IV fluid within 60 minutes (increased from baseline adherence rate of 37%), (2) administration of vasoactive agents within 60 minutes (baseline rate of 35%), and (3) 5-component bundle adherence (baseline rate of 19%). Improvement was sustained over 9 months. The number of septic shock cases between each death from this condition increased after implementation of the QI intervention.

CONCLUSIONS:

Using QI methodology, we have demonstrated improved adherence to national guidelines for severe sepsis and septic shock.
Magneto-dielectric anomaly in (Bi0.95Nd0.05)(Fe0.97Mn0.03)O3 electroceramic
Authors: Kumari Shalini , Ortega Nora , Kumar Ashok , Katiyar Ram S.
Published: April 2014

We report magneto-dielectric anomaly of the multiferroic (Bi0.95Nd0.05)(Fe0.97Mn0.03)O3 (BNFM) ceramic near Néel temperature. The ceramic pellets were synthesized by conventional solid state reaction route. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that most of the peaks shifted slightly towards higher Bragg’s angle compared to those of pure BiFeO3 and also confirmed the formation of rhombohedral phase. It also suggests that the small chemical substitution of Nd and Mn atoms at Bi and Fe sites of BiFeO3 (BFO) perovskite respectively does not alter the crystal structure. Temperature and frequency dependent dielectric response indicate large dielectric anomaly at 620 K, slightly below the known Néel temperature of BFO. The enhancement in dielectric properties of BNFM ceramic was observed as compared to BFO due to suppression of oxygen vacancies by the doping. Temperature dependent dielectric response in conjunction with Raman and thermo-analytical data show that the BNFM sample presents significant magneto-dielectric response around Néel temperture TN ∼ 620 K.
Theory of Ferroelectric Phase Transitions in Pure and Mixed Perovskites.
Authors: Yacoby Yizhak , Girshberg Yakov
Published: April 2014

We present a comprehensive model of ferroelectricity in oxygen perovskite crystals that account quantitatively for both displacive like and order-disorder like properties. The model assumes that in the paraelectric phase, the system has a soft mode, interacting with spontaneous disordered off-center displacements. The resulting theory is shown to quantitatively explain the properties of two representative perovskites: KNbO3 and PbTiO3. We have further extended this theory to explain the properties of mixed incipient ferroelectrics with small concentrations of ferroelectricity inducing ions such as KTa1-xNbxO3. The model quantitatively reproduces the basic experimental data in the quantum regime: the temperature dependence of the inverse dielectric function, the impurity and temperature dependence of the renormalized soft mode vibrational frequency and the impurity concentration dependence of the transition temperature Tc. In particular we show that, the critical concentration for Tc=0 is determined by the ion tunneling frequency, the bare soft mode parameters and the pseudospin - phonon coupling constant.
Inkjetted Organic Transistors using a Novel Pentacene Precursor
Authors: Volkman Steven K. , Molesa Steven , Mattis Brian , Chang Paul C. , Subramanian Vivek
Published: April 2014

Pentacene is one of the most promising organic materials for organic transistor fabrication, since it offers higher mobility, better on-off ratio, improved environmental stability, and better reliability than most other organic semiconductors. However, its severe insolubility renders it useless for the solution-based fabrication of electronic devices. Solution-based processing is the key to enabling ultra-low-cost circuit fabrication, since it eliminates the need for lithography, subtractive processing, and vacuum-based film deposition. Using a recently developed soluble pentacene precursor, we demonstrate the first inkjet-printed pentacene transistor fabricated to date. This is achieved using a substrate-gated transistor structure in conjunction with an inkjetprinted pentacene precursor active layer. After deposition, the precursor is converted to pentacene via heating, through the decomposition of the Diels-Alder product. As the anneal temperature increases above 120°C, performance increases dramatically. The process is therefore compatible with numerous low-temperature plastics. As the anneal time is increased to several minutes, performance likewise increases through increased precursor decomposition. However, exposure to excess temperatures or times tends to degrade performance. This is caused by morphological and chemical changes in the pentacene film. Optimization of the anneal process alone has resulted in the demonstration of transistors with an on-off ratio of >105and field-effect mobility of >0.01cm2/V-s, attesting to the great promise of this material.
Nucleation, Growth, and Microstructure of Nanocrystalline Diamond Films
Authors: Gruen Dieter M.
Published: April 2014

It has been generally believed that hydrogen plays a central role in the various processes that have been developed over the years for the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of diamond films. In particular it has been thought that atomic hydrogen is an absolutely essential ingredient of the vapor from which the films are grown. Typically in diamond CVD, gas mixtures consisting of l-vol% CH3 in 99-vol% H2 have been used in which atomic hydrogen is generated either by thermal decomposition or by collisional processes in a plasma. With a hydrocarbon precursor such as CH3, gas-phase hydrogen-abstraction reactions lead to the generation of the methyl radical CH3, which adsorbs on a carbon radical site also created by hydrogen abstraction from the hydrogen-terminated growing diamond surface. Additional hydrogen-abstraction reactions allow the carbon in the adsorbed methyl radical to form carbon-carbon bonds and thus be incorporated into the diamond lattice. Because graphite is thermodynamically more stable than diamond, the growth of metastable diamond has been thought to require the presence of atomic hydrogen, which has been said to stabilize the diamond lattice and to remove graphitic nuclei when they do form because of the preferential etching or regasification of graphite over diamond. This description of diamond-film growth from hydrocarbon–hydrogen mixtures is of course a very highly condensed version of the detailed experimental and theoretical work that has been carried out in the field over the years. However the predominant conclusion of most of that work is that, particularly in the absence of oxygen and perhaps halogens, atomic hydrogen plays a crucial and decisive role in diamond CVD.
Comprehensive Comparison of the 5-Year Results of All-on-4 Mandibular Implant Systems With Acrylic and Ceramic Suprastructures
Authors: Ayna Mustafa , Gülses Aydin , Açil Yahya
Published: April 2014

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the comprehensive 5-year results of fixed mandibular dentures fabricated from metal-acrylic or metal-ceramics according to the All-on-4 protocol. Twenty-seven patients who received immediately loaded All-on-4 fixed mandibular dentures in 2006 were included in the study, and they were evaluated up to 5 years after denture integration. Endpoints were chosen in accordance with the 2007 Pisa consensus and included bone resorption, the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP), the sulcus fluid flow rate (SFFR), and prosthodontic complications. The initial situation in both groups was largely identical. Bone loss remained under 2 mm after 5 years in all implants and showed no group difference. The SFFR showed a gradual increase in both groups, and acrylic-bearing implants showed a substantially and significantly higher flow rate from the third year onward. The subjective improvement as expressed by the OHIP score was immediate and dramatic, and it showed no group differences. All acrylic restorations showed some extent of abrasion, and veneer fractures occurred in 4 patients (28.6%). Besides a single fracture of a fixation screw, there were no prosthetic complications in patients with ceramic suprastructures. According to bone loss and subjective outcome, acrylic and ceramic suprastructures appeared to be equivalent after 5 years; however, sulcus flow and prosthodontic complications suggest that the economic advantage of acrylic dentures may be specious. The rational choice of implant suprastructures requires comprehensive, long-term observation. Short-term economic benefits might be cancelled out in the long term.
A Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Assay Detects a High Frequency of Therapeutically Targetable Alterations in Primary and Metastatic Breast Cancers: Implications for Clinical Practice
Authors: Vasan Neil , Yelensky Roman , Wang Kai , Moulder Stacy , Dzimitrowicz Hannah , Avritscher Rony , Wang Baliang , Wu Yun , Cronin Maureen T. , Palmer Gary , Symmans W. Fraser , Miller Vincent A. , Stephens Philip , Pusztai Lajos
Published: April 2014

Background.

The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of potentially actionable genomic alterations in breast cancer that could be targeted with approved agents or investigational drugs in clinical trials using a next-generation sequencing-based genomic profiling assay performed in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-certified and College of American Pathologists-accredited commercial laboratory.

Methods.

Fifty-one breast cancers were analyzed, including primary tumor biopsies of 33 stage I–II and 18 stage IV cancers (13 soft tissue, 3 liver, and 2 bone metastases). We assessed 3,230 exons in 182 cancer-related genes and 37 introns in 14 genes often rearranged in cancer for base substitutions, indels, copy number alterations, and gene fusions. The average median sequencing depth was 1,154×.

Results.

We observed 158 genomic alterations in 55 genes in 48 of 51 (94%) tumors (mean 3.1, range 0–9). The average number of potentially therapeutically relevant alterations was similar in primary (1.6, range 0–4) and in heavily pretreated metastatic cancers (2.0, range 0–4) (p = .24). The most common actionable alterations were in PIK3CA (n = 9, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase [PI3K]/mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR] inhibitors), NF1 (n = 7, PI3K/mTOR/mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors), v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1-3 (n = 7, PI3K/mTOR/AKT inhibitors), BRCA1/2 (n = 6, poly[ADP-ribose] polymerase inhibitors), and CCND1,2 and CCNE (n = 8)/cycline dependent kinase (CDK)6 (n = 1) (CDK4/6 inhibitors), KIT (n = 1, imatinib/sunitinib), ALK (n = 1, crizotinib), FGFR1,2 (n = 5, fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors), and EGFR (n = 2, epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors). Our sequencing assay also correctly identified all six cases with HER2 (ERBB2) amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization when tumor content was adequate. In addition, two known activating HER2 mutations were identified, both in unamplified cases.

Conclusion.

Overall, 84% of cancers harbored at least one genomic alteration linked to potential treatment options. Systematic evaluation of the predictive value of these genomic alterations is critically important for further progress in this field.
Prospective Multicenter Study of the Impact of Oncotype DX Colon Cancer Assay Results on Treatment Recommendations in Stage II Colon Cancer Patients
Authors: Srivastava Geetika , Renfro Lindsay A. , Behrens Robert J. , Lopatin Margarita , Chao Calvin , Soori Gamini S. , Dakhil Shaker R. , Mowat Rex B. , Kuebler J. Philip , Kim George , Mazurczak Miroslaw , Lee Mark , Alberts Steven R.
Published: April 2014

Purpose.

The Oncotype DX colon cancer assay is a clinically validated predictor of recurrence risk in stage II colon cancer patients. This prospective study evaluated the impact of recurrence score (RS) results on physician recommendations regarding adjuvant chemotherapy in T3, mismatch repair-proficient (MMR-P) stage II colon cancer patients.

Patients and Methods.

Stage IIA colon cancer patients were enrolled in 17 centers. Patient tumor specimens were assessed by the RS test (quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) and mismatch repair (immunohistochemistry). For each patient, the physician's recommended postoperative treatment plan of observation, fluoropyrimidine monotherapy, or combination therapy with oxaliplatin was recorded before and after the RS and mismatch repair results were provided.

Results.

Of 221 enrolled patients, 141 patients had T3 MMR-P tumors and were eligible for the primary analysis. Treatment recommendations changed for 63 (45%; 95% confidence interval: 36%–53%) of these 141 T3 MMR-P patients, with intensity decreasing for 47 (33%) and increasing for 16 (11%). Recommendations for chemotherapy decreased from 73 patients (52%) to 42 (30%), following review of RS results by physician and patient. Increased treatment intensity was more often observed at higher RS values, and decreased intensity was observed at lower values (p = .011).

Conclusion.

Compared with traditional clinicopathological assessment, incorporation of the RS result into clinical decision making was associated with treatment recommendation changes for 45% of T3 MMR-P stage II colon cancer patients in this prospective multicenter study. Use of the RS assay may lead to overall reduction in adjuvant chemotherapy use in this subgroup of stage II colon cancer patients.
Examination of the Psychiatric-Mental Health Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Role as a Behavioral Consultant Within the School Setting
Authors: Pace Rolanda T. , Boykins Anita D. , Davis Sheila P.
Published: April 2014

Management of disruptive behaviors is one of the many challenges and stressors faced by teachers within the school setting. Most teachers lack sufficient training and understanding of behavioral symptoms exhibited by students in the classrooms. Teachers often find themselves reacting to disruptive behaviors as opposed to preventing the occurrence of these behaviors, which compromises the therapeutic learning environment and leads to inappropriate referral of students for psychiatric evaluations. Minimum efforts have been channeled toward the enhancement of teachers’ knowledge of disruptive behaviors and classroom management strategies for students who exhibit disruptive behaviors. A review of the literature was conducted to examine current knowledge on the problem of managing disruptive behaviors exhibited by students in the classroom and interventions to change and improve current practice in school settings. The development of a classroom management intervention by a psychiatric-mental health (PMH) advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) behavioral consultant within the school setting will be discussed. Provision of a classroom management intervention by a PMH APRN behavioral consultant in the school setting enhances teachers’ knowledge of disruptive behaviors, improves classroom management, and facilitates appropriate referrals of students for psychiatric evaluation.
An Interventional Study of Guiding Homeless Persons to Self-Reliance Using the Outcomes Star™ for Homelessness
Authors: Petersen Valarie A. , Ellis Peggy , Lorenz Rebecca , Armbrecht Eric
Published: April 2014

The Outcomes Star™ (TOS) for homelessness, a tool developed to promote self-reliance among the homeless population, was implemented in a homeless shelter in a small city of a southeastern state. Ten homeless persons were selected to use TOS as part of 6 weekly, one-on-one sessions that focused on skill building, community resource access, and coordination of care. Each participant chose 2 of the 10 available TOS domains (e.g., self-care, managing money) for focusing their improvement efforts; a third TOS domain, physical health, was a common domain shared across all participants. At the beginning and end of the intervention, participant self-reported scores using TOS were recorded. The participants demonstrated statistically significant changes in their 2 chosen domains of TOS. The common domain, physical health, did not indicate a significant change alone. When all 3 domains were combined, however, the statistically significant change remained. This study supported using TOS as a structured format to guide homeless persons toward self-reliance.
Recognizing EthicalIssues in Research
Authors: Murray John S.
Published: April 2014

Doctor of nursing practice (DNP) clinicians have a critical role to play in improving nursing practice through clinical inquiry. DNP-prepared clinicians must be able to quickly translate new knowledge into clinical practice to effectively care for patients and provide safe and optimal outcomes. The ability to address contemporary and future practice issues and concerns requires that DNP graduates work from a strong scientific foundation in their practice (American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 2006). Quality outcomes may be achieved using many different methods of clinical inquiry such as evidence-based practice, quality improvement, quality improvement science, or research as defined in Table 1. The purpose of this article is to inform DNP-prepared clinicians for the use of new knowledge, and related ethical issues, to provide high-quality health care, initiate change, and improve evidence-based nursing practice.]
Adaptive shape control of laser-deposited metal structures by adjusting weld pool size
Authors: Miyagi Masanori , Tsukamoto Takeshi , Kawanaka Hirotsugu
Published: April 2014

LMD (Laser Metal Deposition) is a technique used to repair damaged components and directly form three dimensional structures. From the aspect of productivity, improvement of the shape accuracy of the deposit is required to reduce machining process after LMD. Objective of this work is to control the build-up shape by adjusting the weld pool size. Configurations of deposits made with various LMD process conditions were measured in cross section. In addition, the signal intensity of heat radiation, plume emissions and laser reflections from the weld pool was monitored by photodiodes intergrated in laser processing head during LMD process. The results showed a strong correlation between weld pool size and signal intensity of heat radiation. Adaptive shape control system, which consists of in process monitoring system and PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller using that correlation, was developed to control build-up shape. Due to the liner relationship with weld pool size, laser power was selected as the PID output parameter adjusted by the heat radiation signal. Since the target value of the heat radiation signal can be changed flexibly during the LMD process in our PID control system, deposit shape is successfully controlled as required with sufficient profile accuracy of the build-up layers.
Transport of 3-bromopyruvate across the human erythrocyte membrane
Authors: Sadowska-Bartosz Izabela , Soszyński Mirosław , Ułaszewski Stanisław , Ko Young , Bartosz Grzegorz
Published: April 2014

3-Bromopyruvic acid (3-BP) is a promising anticancer compound because it is a strong inhibitor of glycolytic enzymes, especially glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase. The Warburg effect means that malignant cells are much more dependent on glycolysis than normal cells. Potential complications of anticancer therapy with 3-BP are side effects due to its interaction with normal cells, especially erythrocytes. Transport into cells is critical for 3-BP to have intracellular effects. The aim of our study was the kinetic characterization of 3-BP transport into human erythrocytes. 3-BP uptake by erythrocytes was linear within the first 3 min and pH-dependent. The transport rate decreased with increasing pH in the range of 6.0–8.0. The Km and Vm values for 3-BP transport were 0.89 mM and 0.94 mmol/(l cells x min), respectively. The transport was inhibited competitively by pyruvate and significantly inhibited by DIDS, SITS, and 1-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid. Flavonoids also inhibited 3-BP transport: the most potent inhibition was found for luteolin and quercetin.
A lake fortress, a floating chronology, and an atmospheric anomaly: the surprising results of a radiocarbon wiggle-match from Āraiši, Latvia
Authors: Meadows John , Zunde Māris
Published: April 2014

An Iron Age timber settlement which, in view of the defensive structures uncovered, is described as a lake fortress, on an island in Lake Āraiši, north-eastern Latvia, was excavated in 1965–69 and 1975–79 by teams led by Jānis Apals, who distinguished five construction phases. Dendrochronological analysis produced a c. 100-year floating chronology for Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) timbers from the earliest phase. A 14C wiggle-match was undertaken to obtain an absolute date range for the final year of the floating chronology, and thus for the construction of the settlement. Ten blocks of wood from one timber, each comprising 6-11 years and collectively spanning the whole 93-year tree-ring series, were dated by AMS. Using the IntCal13 calibration data, there is a 95% probability that the felling date of this timber falls in the range 775–784 cal AD. It appears, however, that the AD 775 spike in the atmospheric 14C level occurred within the 6-year span of the last sample. On this basis, we can narrow the date of construction to 776–780 cal AD. This date is significantly earlier than those reported in previous publications.
Surface modification of nano-TiN by using silane coupling agent
Authors: Cheng Guojun , Luo Jiaqi , Qian Jiasheng , Miao Jibin
Published: April 2014

Titanium nitride (TiN) nano-particles were subjected to graft modification by silane coupling agent (KH-570) via a direct blending method. The hydroxyl groups on the surface of TiN nano-particles can interact with silanol groups [-Si-OCH3] of KH-570 forming an organic coating layer. The covalent bonds (Ti-O-Si) formation was testified by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Through transmission electron micrograph (TEM) observations, it was found that KH-570 could improve the dispersibility of nano-TiN particles in ethyl acetate. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) and contact angle measurements indicated that KH-570 molecules were adsorbed or anchored on the surface of nano-TiN particle and the net efficiency of it was 22.76 %, which facilitated to hinder the aggregation of nano-TiN particles.
The Acutely Ill Child: A Ready Reckoner
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i1.10104 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(1):83
Patent Urachus with Bladder Prolapse
Authors: Thapa B , Pun MS
Published: April 2014

We report a case of bladder prolapse through a patent urachus in a term male neonate with a large, red, tubular, mucosa lined mass inferior to the umbilical cord. A cystic mass communicating with fetal urinary bladder was detected in an antenatal ultrasound in a 26 years primigravida at 18 and 26 weeks gestation. The cyst disappeared at 35 weeks and a new solid mass was noted at the fetal abdominal wall. After birth a protruded mucosal mass inferior to the umbilical cord was noted. Urethral catherisation confirmed communication with bladder. On the second day of life excision of urachus, repair, reduction of bladder and reconstruction of abdominal wall was performed. The patient voided well and was discharged on ninth day without any complication. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i1.7877   J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(1):68-70