bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Christian Women in the Global South
Authors: Ma Julie
Published: May 2014

This study discusses the growing role of women from the Church of the global South. With the shift of the centre of global Christianity towards the South, today, two-thirds of the world’s Christians live in the southern hemisphere, namely Africa, Asia and Latin America. This implies growing and significant roles for southern churches to play. The role of women from the South is the focus of this study. It attempts to answer the following question: In what areas can the women from the South contribute both in local and global settings? The study explores specific areas of potential contribution by the women from the global South, particularly reflecting on the author’s own mission engagements in diverse areas of academic circumstance. The study is to challenge and encourage them to actively pursue academic careers in international platforms to provide active leadership in the shaping of future global Christianity.
Retrospective studies of end-of-life resource utilization and costs in cancer care using health administrative data: A systematic review
Authors: Langton Julia M , Blanch Bianca , Drew Anna K , Haas Marion , Ingham Jane M , Pearson Sallie-Anne
Published: May 2014

Background:

There has been an increase in observational studies using health administrative data to examine the nature, quality, and costs of care at life’s end, particularly in cancer care.

Aim:

To synthesize retrospective observational studies on resource utilization and/or costs at the end of life in cancer patients. We also examine the methods and outcomes of studies assessing the quality of end-of-life care.

Design:

A systematic review according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and AMSTAR (A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews) methodology.

Data sources:

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and York Centre for Research and Dissemination (1990–2011). Independent reviewers screened abstracts of 14,424 articles, and 835 full-text manuscripts were further reviewed. Inclusion criteria were English-language; at least one resource utilization or cost outcome in adult cancer decedents with solid tumors; outcomes derived from health administrative data; and an exclusive end-of-life focus.

Results:

We reviewed 78 studies examining end-of-life care in over 3.7 million cancer decedents; 33 were published since 2008. We observed exponential increases in service use and costs as death approached; hospital services being the main cost driver. Palliative services were relatively underutilized and associated with lower expenditures than hospital-based care. The 15 studies using quality indicators demonstrated that up to 38% of patients receive chemotherapy or life-sustaining treatments in the last month of life and up to 66% do not receive hospice/palliative services.

Conclusion:

Observational studies using health administrative data have the potential to drive evidence-based palliative care practice and policy. Further development of quality care markers will enhance benchmarking activities across health care jurisdictions, providers, and patient populations.
The Political Economy of Public Values
Authors: Bozeman Barry , Johnson Japera
Published: May 2014

During the years that have elapsed since the publication of Moore’s and Bozeman’s quite different theories of public value, a great deal of attention has been focused on the public value(s) topic. In this essay, we discuss the evolution of the respective approaches, but particular attention is given to the criteria Bozeman established as “public values failure criteria,” a set of ideas juxtaposed against and influenced by market failure criteria. We suggest two new criteria worth adding to the original Bozeman model. The first of these is related to Moore’s work on the “public sphere.” We offer a somewhat different definition of “public sphere,” one that seems compatible with public values failure criteria. The second criterion pertains to “progressive opportunity,” a criterion taking into account the injurious potential of social inequities. We show the two criteria are especially relevant to the concerns in contemporary political economy disputes and that the two desiderata reinforce one another.
A Cannibal Feast in Ezekiel
Authors: Warren Nathanael James
Published: May 2014

This article proposes that although Ezekiel's dramatic usage of corpse desecration imagery has long been recognized, one aspect of that motif, namely necrophagia, has not thus far been amply appreciated. Throughout chs. 11, 24, and 34, Ezekiel employs imagery of a zebaḥ sacrificial feast gone awry to relay the concern, implicit in chs. 11 and 24 and explicit in ch. 34, that the people of Israel have been metaphorically cannibalized by their unjust rulers. This widely unrecognized element of necrophagia, this article maintains, plays into Ezekiel's corpse desecration motif to highlight the similar fates of Jerusalem and Gog, while creating a stark contrast with the final outcome of the Babylonian exiles.
Transnational bureaucracies
Authors: Kuus Merje
Published: May 2014

This paper assesses geographic and especially political geographic work on transnational bureaucratic knowledge production. The term ‘transnational’ signals policy processes that blend national and extranational dynamics in institutional settings that transcend the governmental structures of states. The focus is on the international arena rather than national policy-making. The paper foregrounds the growing attention to bureaucratic processes in geography and highlights some productive arguments about spatiality and practice in that work. I stress the need for closer interdisciplinary engagements and I point to the insights that we would gain from the work of Pierre Bourdieu in that effort.
Race and ethnicity III
Authors: Price Patricia L.
Published: May 2014

Geographic research and our practices in the higher education environment have long been concerned with diversity. Yet diversity is difficult to define and measure, and diversity efforts increasingly go unsupported. Furthermore, geography has been bedeviled by a stubborn lack of meaningful diversity in terms of who we are and what we do. More broadly, multiculturalism and affirmative action oriented toward increasing the numbers and success of underrepresented minorities are largely viewed as failed policies. Thus it has been suggested that diversity has effectively been silenced; alternatively, that it be diversified, or simply waited out. Others seem to view diversity through a hopeful lens, as an aspirational horizon. In this scholarship, encounters across diversity, whether fleeting or more managed, kindle the possibility of curiosity, understanding, and reconciliation.
Protection of stream ecosystems from urban stormwater runoff
Authors: Fletcher Tim D. , Vietz Geoff , Walsh Christopher J.
Published: May 2014

There is now widespread recognition of the degrading influence of urban stormwater runoff on stream ecosystems and of the need to mitigate these impacts using stormwater control measures. Unfortunately, however, understanding of the flow regime requirements to protect urban stream ecosystems remains poor, with a focus typically on only limited aspects of the flow regime. We review recent literature discussing ecohydrological approaches to managing urban stormwater and, building on the natural flow paradigm, identify ecologically relevant flow metrics that can be used to design stormwater control measures to restore more natural magnitude, duration, timing, frequency and variability of both high and low flows. Such an approach requires a consideration of the appropriate flow and water quality required by the receiving water, and the application of techniques at or near source to meet appropriate flow regime and water quality targets. The ecohydrological approach provides multiple benefits beyond the health of urban streams, including flood mitigation, water supply augmentation, human thermal comfort, and social amenity. There are, however, uncertainties that need to be addressed. Foremost is the need to define ecologically and geomorphically appropriate flow regimes for channels which have already been modified by existing land use. Given the excess of water generated by impervious surfaces, there is also an urgent need to test the feasibility of the natural flow paradigm in urban streams, for example using catchment-scale trials.
Short‐Form Nutrition Assessment in Patients With Advanced Heart Failure Evaluated for Ventricular Assist Device Placement or Cardiac Transplantation
Authors: Yost Gardner , Gregory Mary , Bhat Geetha
Published: May 2014

Background: It has been shown that malnutrition affects clinical outcomes in patients with advanced heart failure and that nutrition status, as determined by the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), can be used as an independent predictor of mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic utility of the short‐form MNA (MNA‐SF) as a surrogate to the MNA in patients with advanced heart failure. Methods: Data retrospectively gathered from nutrition assessments of 162 patients were analyzed. Results: As defined by the MNA, the cohort included 40 (24.7%) patients classified as malnourished, 106 (65.4%) classified as at risk, and 16 (9.9%) classified as well nourished. The mortality for the groups was 37.3%, 47.4%, and 40.5%, respectively. A linear regression showed strong correlation between the MNA and MNA‐SF (r = 0.778, P < .0001). A significant difference was observed in survival between the undernourished state (at risk + malnourished) and the well‐nourished state, as determined by the MNA‐SF (P < .001). Conclusions: The MNA‐SF is a rapid nutrition assessment that correlates strongly with the full‐form MNA and is an independent predictor of mortality.
Weapons of the (Not So) Weak: Immigrant Mass Mobilization in the US South
Authors: Zepeda-Millán Chris
Published: May 2014

Survey research shows that foreign-born Latinos in the USA are among the least likely to participate in political activism. Yet during the spring of 2006, up to five million (mostly Latino) immigrants and their allies took part in a historic national protest wave. This article examines how nativist legislation can spark immigrant large-scale collective action in an unexpected location. The case of Fort Myers, FL illustrates the cognitive mechanisms that help explain why and how external threats can transform a latent sense of group membership among unconventional protest organizers (e.g. immigrant soccer league members and ethnic small business owners) into a willingness to take action and utilize pre-existing community resources for the purpose of mass mobilization. These findings have important implications for Latino politics, immigration, and social movement scholars.
Synthesis, characterization and photoresponsive behaviour of a series of azobenzene-containing poly(ether sulfone)s with high glass transition temperatures
Authors: Zhang Yuxuan , Zhang Qing , Pei Songhao , Wang Yongpeng , Zhang Haibo , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: May 2014

To improve the stability of photoinduced birefringence, a series of azobenzene-functionalized poly(ether sulfone)s (azo-PES) with high glass transition temperature ( Tg) were successfully synthesized via Ullmann coupling between PES with bromine side groups and azo compound 4-((4-methoxyphenyl)diazenyl)phenol. Their chemical structures and properties were characterized by means of ultraviolet–visible and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The results of differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis suggested that the polymers had high Tgs and good thermal stability. Upon irradiation with a 532 nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser beam, these azo polymers presented large photoinduced birefringence with a remnant value up to 94%, indicating good stability of the photoinduced orientation. Furthermore, multiple writing/erasing experiments indicate that the azo polymers have potential applications in reversible optical storage.
Synthesis and properties of cross-linkable poly (aryl ether ketone) oligomers terminated with phthalonitrile group
Authors: Zhang Hang , Liu Tao , Yan Wei , Su Yu , Yu Hongyang , Yang Yanhua , Jiang Zhenhua
Published: May 2014

Two kinds of phthalonitrile end-capped poly (aryl ether ketone) oligomers (CN- o-PEEK and 2CN- o-PEEK) have been synthesized. The two molecular structures were identified using Fourier transform infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and elemental analysis. Hydroxy-containing CN- o-PEEK can be thermal polymerized by duration at 225°C for various times, even in the absence of curing additives. Char yields at 800°C after heat treatment for 60 min were 55%. 2CN- o-PEEK was cured in the presence of p-bis[4-(4-aminophenoxy) phenyl]sulfone via heating its powders up to 275–375°C. The synthesized oligomers have good solubility, whereas the cured samples become insoluble in common organic solvents. The resulting cured samples exhibit no glass transition temperature up to 400°C as measured by differential scanning calorimetry and possess excellent thermal stability.
Natural corners-based SLAM with partial compatibility algorithm
Authors: Yan Rui-Jun , Wu Jing , Yuan Quan , Yuan Chao , Luo Lu-Ping , Shin Kyoo-Sik , Lee Ji-Yeong , Han Chang-Soo
Published: May 2014

This article presents natural corner-based simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) using a new data association algorithm that achieves partial compatibility in a real unknown environment. In the proposed corners’ extraction algorithm, both the end points of an extracted line segment far away from the other segments and the intersection point of the two closer line segments are considered as corners. In data association, a partial compatibility algorithm obtaining a robust matching result with low computational complexity is proposed. This method divides all the extracted corners at every step into several groups. In each group, the local best matching vector between the extracted corners and the stored ones is found by joint compatibility, while the nearest feature for every new extracted corner is checked by individual compatibility. All these groups with the local best matching vector and the nearest feature candidate of each new extracted corner are combined, and its joint compatibility is checked with the linear matching time. The experimental results in an indoor environment with natural corners show the robust matching result and low computational complexity of the partial compatibility algorithm in comparison with individual compatibility nearest neighbor and joint compatibility branch and bound.
Does a picture tell a thousand words? The uses of digitally produced, multimodal pictures for communicating information about Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Dobos Amy R. , Orthia Lindy A. , Lamberts Rod
Published: May 2014

This study explored the science communication potential of visual imagery by gauging an audience’s interpretations of digitally enhanced, multimodal pictures depicting topics from recent Alzheimer’s disease research. Guided by social semiotic theory, we created four pictures intended to communicate information about Alzheimer’s disease unidirectionally, for an audience who had expressed interest in receiving such information (subscribers to an Alzheimer’s disease research newsletter). We then disseminated the pictures to that audience via an online survey, to determine whether respondents received the messages we intended to convey. Our results demonstrated that, without accompanying explanatory text, pictures are most useful for evoking emotions or making loose connections between major concepts, rather than for communicating specific messages based on Alzheimer’s research. In addition, participants more often expressed anger and frustration when the meaning of scientific imagery was unclear than when the meaning of emotional–social imagery was unclear.
Gauging Openness to Written Communication Change
Authors: Suchan Jim
Published: May 2014

This study gauges workers’ degree of openness to significant changes in the organization, style, and design of a written report by analyzing metaphors that emerge from their talk about their report-reading and decision-making tasks. Workers at two work sites—in Maryland and in Washington DC—responded to two typical work reports: one written in the style currently in use and another in a fundamentally different style exhibiting features that make documents easy to read and understand. The dominant metaphor that the Maryland workers used was “the whole-man” approach, which represented the workers’ flexible approach toward work tasks that resulted in their willingness to accept the fundamentally different report. In contrast, Washington DC workers used the metaphors “paint by the numbers” and “stay within the lines” when describing their work. These metaphors suggest the workers’ adherence to organizational routines and uncomfortableness with change that caused them not only to reject the new reports but also to have strong emotional reactions toward them. These results indicate that assessing organizational talk, particularly the metaphors people use, is a useful tool in gauging workers’ perceptions about and degree of openness toward communication change.
Exploring Client and Therapist Experiences of Sexual Offender Intervention
Authors: O’Halloran David M. , O’ Reilly Gary , Travers Olive , Quinn Paul , Stack Jon , Cartin Martin , Finnegan Eileen , Ewart-Boyle Shirley
Published: May 2014

This research explored the therapeutic events both clients and therapists from community-based treatment interventions for perpetrators of sexual abuse identify as significant in their experience of psychological therapy. A qualitative design was utilized to address this research objective. The sample for the present research is comprised of three different treatment programs for sexual offending. Twenty-five clients and nine therapists participated in the study. Two qualitative measures were used to elicit client and therapist responses. Significant Aspects of Therapy Form was administered every second treatment session during each intervention program. The Significant Aspects Follow-Up Interview was conducted with a sub-sample of participants at the conclusion of each treatment module. Thematic analysis was used to identify significant themes noted by clients and therapists from forms and interviews. Thematic analysis resulted in a model of significant events in therapy. In this model, significant events were categorized into six domains. The six domains were as follows: (a) the process of therapy, (b) making changes and progress in therapy, (c) content and structure of therapy, (d) therapist contributions, (e) negative contributions to therapy, and (f) other factors. Each domain further contained between 6 and 18 themes, which are also reported. This study found much overlap and similarity in the experiences of therapy between clients of sexual offender therapy and general psychotherapy. Furthermore, there is overlap between therapists and clients in the aspects of therapy they identify as significant. The implications of these findings on effective service development and comprehensive service evaluations are discussed.
Impact of ultraviolet radiation treatments on the physicochemical properties, antioxidants, enzyme activity and microbial load in freshly prepared hand pressed strawberry juice
Authors: Bhat Rajeev , Stamminger Rainer
Published: May 2014

Freshly prepared, hand-pressed strawberry fruit juice was exposed to ultraviolet radiation (254 nm) at room temperature (25 ℃ ± 1 ℃) for 15, 30 and 60 min with 0 min serving as control. Results revealed decrease in pH, total soluble solids and titratable acidity, while colour parameters ( L*, a* and b* values) and clarity of juice (% transmittance) increased significantly. All the results corresponded to exposure time to ultraviolet radiation. Bioactive compounds (total phenolics, ascorbic acid and anthocyanins) decreased along with a recorded reduction in polyphenol oxidase enzyme and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl radical scavenging activities, which were again dependent on exposure time. Results on the microbial studies showed significant reduction by 2-log cycles in aerobic plate count as well as in total yeast and mould counts. Though negative results were observed for certain parameters, this is the first time it was endeavoured to demonstrate the impact of ultraviolet radiation radiation on freshly prepared, hand-pressed strawberries juice.
Age-dependent effects on the treatment response of natalizumab in MS patients
Authors: Matell Henrik , Lycke Jan , Svenningsson Anders , Holmén Carolina , Khademi Mohsen , Hillert Jan , Olsson Tomas , Piehl Fredrik
Published: May 2014

Background:

Natalizumab is approved for treatment of active forms of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) based on a pivotal phase III study comprising patients aged 18–50 years. The effect of natalizumab has not been specifically studied in older patients.

Objective:

We analyzed age-dependent effects on treatment-related outcome measures in 1872 patients, 189 of whom were aged 50 or more, included in the Swedish post-marketing natalizumab surveillance program.

Methods:

In three MS centers registry data for patients aged >50 years were validated.

Results:

At baseline older patients had longer disease duration, higher Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and lower Symbol Digit Modality Test (SDMT) scores than younger patients. The influence from natalizumab on outcome measures was significantly reduced and 18.7% of patients >50 years stopped treatment for lack of effect compared to 7.7% in the younger age group. At baseline, the cerebrospinal fluid levels of the chemokine CXCL13 and the leukocyte cell count were negatively correlated with age in a smaller subgroup of patients.

Conclusion:

These results were in agreement with previous findings suggesting that inflammation is more pronounced in younger patients and therefore the beneficial effects of potent anti-inflammatory treatments are subsiding with older ages.
Memes as genre: A structurational analysis of the memescape
Authors: Wiggins Bradley E , Bowers G Bret
Published: May 2014

A tenable genre development of Internet memes is introduced in three categories to describe memetic transformation: spreadable media, emergent meme, and meme. We argue that memes are remixed, iterated messages which are rapidly spread by members of participatory digital culture for the purpose of continuing a conversation. We understand that memes develop from emergent memes, which we define as altered or remixed spreadable media. We have adapted and modified Jenkins’ term “spreadable media” to refer to original or non-parodied messages. Our analysis benefits from the inclusion of Anthony Giddens’ structuration theory to aid in understanding how memes as artifacts of participatory digital culture are created. Our genre development of memes demonstrates the generative capacity for continued memetic transformation and for participation among members of digital culture. We use structuration to position these dynamic components as the core of a duality of structure for Internet memes.
Do the mobile-rich get richer? Internet use, travelling and social differentiations in Finland
Authors: Taipale Sakari
Published: May 2014

This article investigates the daily travelling practices that are related to mobile-only, fixed-only and combined mobile/fixed use of the Internet, and the social differentiations that are related to these three ways of accessing the Internet. Survey data ( N = 612) collected from Finland in 2011 are analysed. The article shows that mobile-only Internet use is not associated with particularly diverse or frequent daily travelling practices, whereas combined mobile/fixed use is. Mobile-only Internet users are, in fact, in a relatively disadvantaged position – compared with other users, they are more typically unemployed and their household income is lower. The mobility of Internet access as such does not guarantee a safe social position in society. Mobile Internet use must be complemented with fixed use, which brings about more versatile and frequent travelling. The finding suggests that the ‘mobile-rich get richer’ when it comes to Internet use and daily travelling practices.
Intravenous Vitamin C and Cancer
Authors: Fritz Heidi , Flower Gillian , Weeks Laura , Cooley Kieran , Callachan Michael , McGowan Jessie , Skidmore Becky , Kirchner Leesa , Seely Dugald
Published: May 2014

Background. Intravenous vitamin C (IVC) is a contentious adjunctive cancer therapy, widely used in naturopathic and integrative oncology settings. We conducted a systematic review of human interventional and observational studies assessing IVC for use in cancer patients. Methods. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and AMED from inception to April 2013 for human studies examining the safety, effectiveness, or pharmacokinetics of IVC use in cancer patients. Results. Of 897 records, a total of 39 reports of 37 studies were included: 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 15 uncontrolled trials, 6 observational studies, and 14 case reports. IVC dosing ranged from 1 g to more than 200 g ascorbic acid per infusion, typically administered 2 to 3 times weekly. IVC does not appear to increase toxicity or interfere with antitumor effects of gemcitabine/erlotinib therapy or paclitaxel and carboplatin. Based on 1 RCT and data from uncontrolled human trials, IVC may improve time to relapse and possibly enhance reductions in tumor mass and improve survival in combination with chemotherapy. IVC may improve quality of life, physical function, and toxicities associated with chemotherapy, including fatigue, nausea, insomnia, constipation, and depression. Case reports document several instances of tumor regression and long-term disease-free survival associated with use of IVC. Conclusion. There is limited high-quality clinical evidence on the safety and effectiveness of IVC. The existing evidence is preliminary and cannot be considered conclusive but is suggestive of a good safety profile and potentially important antitumor activity; however, more rigorous evidence is needed to conclusively demonstrate these effects. IVC may improve the quality of life and symptom severity of patients with cancer, and several cases of cancer remission have been reported. Well-designed, controlled studies of IVC therapy are needed.
A Pilot Study of Acupuncture in Treating Bortezomib-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Patients With Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Bao Ting , Goloubeva Olga , Pelser Colleen , Porter Neil , Primrose James , Hester Lisa , Sadowska Mariola , Lapidus Rena , Medeiros Michelle , Lao Lixing , Dorsey Susan G. , Badros Ashraf Z.
Published: May 2014

Background. Peripheral neuropathy is the dose limiting toxicity of bortezomib in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Objectives. To examine the safety, feasibility and efficacy of acupuncture in reducing bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (BIPN) symptoms. Methods. Patients with MM experiencing persistent BIPN ≥grade 2 despite adequate medical intervention and discontinuation of bortezomib received 10 acupuncture treatments for 10 weeks (2×/week for 2 weeks, 1×/week for 4 weeks, and then biweekly for 4 weeks). Responses were assessed by the Clinical Total Neuropathy Score (TNSc), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group–Neurotoxicity (FACT/GOG-Ntx) questionnaire, and the Neuropathy Pain Scale (NPS). Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test for monotonic decline in scores on each of the measures. Serial serum levels of proinflammatory and neurotrophic cytokines were obtained at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 14. Results. Twenty-seven patients with MM were enrolled in the trial. There were no adverse events associated with the acupuncture treatments. TNSc data were deemed invalid and therefore were not reported. At weeks 10 and 14, FACT/GOG-Ntx and NPS showed significant reduction suggesting decreased pain, and improved function ( P values were <.0001 for both FACT/GOG-Ntx and NPS at weeks 10 and 14). However, nerve conduction studies did not significantly change between baseline assessment and end of study. There was no correlation in serum cytokines for responders versus none responders. Conclusions. Acupuncture is safe, feasible and produces subjective improvements in patients’ symptoms. A follow-up randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Acute soft tissue knee injuries
Authors: Lee Ling Hong , Khan Muhammad Naseer B , Anand Sanjeev
Published: May 2014

Acute soft tissue knee injuries are commonly associated with sports and young active people. It should not be forgotten that there are also significant injuries that affect the older and less-active age groups. Most patients with acute severe knee injuries present to Accident and Emergency Departments, soon after their injury. However, patients may present to primary care at any stage. Early identification of these injuries allows prompt diagnosis, counselling and appropriate rehabilitation to prevent prolonged morbidity, and secondary cartilaginous or meniscus damage. This article focuses on traumatic knee swelling caused by anterior cruciate ligament rupture, patellar dislocation and meniscus injury.
Cavitation in liquid and solid metals: Role of bifilms
Authors: Campbell J.
Published: May 2014

At normal engineering stresses and temperatures cavitation in metals appears to be theoretically impossible. It is proposed that the only common viable initiating mechanism for cavitation in both liquid and solid metals is an atomically unbonded mesoscale interface. Such features are provided by entrainment defects from an original consolidation process such as casting or powder metallurgy. In most metals entrainment defects occur as a result of turbulence during the original melting and pouring of the liquid metal. The most common entrainment defects are bubbles and bifilms. Both are present in large populations in most metals and present easy initiation sites for cavitation and for the precipitation of second phases which are thereby made to appear brittle as a result of the enshrined bifilm crack. The promise of metals free from entrainment defects is briefly reviewed.
Phosphorylation of mTOR and S6RP predicts the efficacy of everolimus in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Siming , Kong Yan , Si Lu , Chi Zhihong , Cui Chuanliang , Sheng Xinan , Guo Jun
Published: May 2014

Background

The incidence of renal cell cancer (RCC) has been increasing for the past decade, and the 5-year survival for patients with metastatic RCC (mRCC) is rather low. Everolimus (RAD001), a new inhibitor for mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), is generally well tolerated, and demonstrates clinical benefit to patients with anti-VEGF-refractory mRCC. However, factors for selection of patients who may benefit from everolimus remain largely unknown. Here we aimed to explore potential molecular indicators for mRCC patients who may benefit from everolimus treatment.

Methods

Paraffin-embedded tumor tissue specimens derived from 18 mRCC patients before everolimus treatment, who participated the phase 1b trial of everolimus in VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-refractory Chinese patients with mRCC (clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01152801), were examined for the expression levels of phosphorylated AKT, mTOR, eukaryotic initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) binding protein-1 (4EBP1) and 40S ribosomal protein S6 (S6RP) by immunohistochemistry. Clinical benefit rate (complete response [CR], partial response [PR], plus stable disease [SD] ≥ 6 months) and progression-free survival time (PFS) were correlated with expression levels of these mTOR-associated molecules.

Results

In these 18 patients, there were 1 PR, 15 SDs (including 9 SDs ≥ 6 months), and 2 progressive diseases (PD). The clinical benefit rate (CBR) was 55.6% (10/18), and the median PFS time was 8.4 months. Patients with positive expression of phospho-mTOR showed a better CBR (71.4% versus 0%, P = 0.023) and PFS time (11.3 versus 3.7 months, P = 0.001) than those patients with negative expression. The median PFS of patients with positive phospho-S6RP expression was longer (11.3 versus 3.7 months, P = 0.002) than that of patients negative for phospho-S6RP expression. However, expression levels of phospho-4EBP1 and phospho-AKT were unassociated to efficacy of everolimus treatment with respect to CBR and PFS. Co-expression of phosphorylated mTOR, S6RP and/or 4EBP1 may improve the predictive value of the biomarkers for patients treated with everolimus.

Conclusions

The expression levels of phospho-mTOR and phospho-S6RP may be potential predictive biomarkers for efficacy of everolimus in patients with mRCC. Combining examinations of phosphorylated mTOR, S6RP and/or 4EBP1 may be a potential strategy to select mRCC patients sensitive to mTOR inhibitor treatment.
Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma from hand skin causing small bowel obstruction: an unusual case presentation
Authors: Li Ruixin , Chen Zihua , Wen Qiaocheng , Chen Zhikang
Published: May 2014

The small bowel rarely suffers from metastatic tumors from outside the abdomen. Small bowel obstructions caused by the metastatic spread of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the hand to the intestines are even rarer. A 71-year-old man with intermittent abdominal distension and pain for 4 months was diagnosed with partial bowel obstruction. The patient underwent a video capsule endoscopic examination; however, the patient was unable to pass the capsule, which worsened the abdominal distension. He was transferred to our department for acute intestinal obstruction, and an emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed. Intraoperatively, a tumoral stricture of the intestine at a distance of 150 cm from the ileo-cecum and dilation of the proximal bowel was found. The involved segment was resected, and ileo-ileal anastomosis was performed. The pathological sections confirmed the lesion to be a moderately differentiated SCC with whole bowel layer infiltration. Immunohistochemical staining showed positive expression of cytokeratin 5/6 and p63. The patient had an uneventful recovery. However, 6 months later, he was hospitalized again with intestinal obstruction. Reoperation was performed and revealed multiple metastases in the small bowel. He died 4 months later. In this unusual case, metastasizing SCC of the hand skin led to intestinal obstruction and poor prognosis. Therefore, follow-up procedures regarding intestinal spread should be performed in patients with SCC who present with abdominal symptoms.
Estimation of diffusion coefficients from voltammetric signals by support vector and gaussian process regression
Authors: Bogdan Martin , Brugger Dominik , Rosenstiel Wolfgang , Speiser Bernd
Published: May 2014

Background

Support vector regression (SVR) and Gaussian process regression (GPR) were used for the analysis of electroanalytical experimental data to estimate diffusion coefficients.

Results

For simulated cyclic voltammograms based on the EC, Eqr, and EqrC mechanisms these regression algorithms in combination with nonlinear kernel/covariance functions yielded diffusion coefficients with higher accuracy as compared to the standard approach of calculating diffusion coefficients relying on the Nicholson-Shain equation. The level of accuracy achieved by SVR and GPR is virtually independent of the rate constants governing the respective reaction steps. Further, the reduction of high-dimensional voltammetric signals by manual selection of typical voltammetric peak features decreased the performance of both regression algorithms compared to a reduction by downsampling or principal component analysis. After training on simulated data sets, diffusion coefficients were estimated by the regression algorithms for experimental data comprising voltammetric signals for three organometallic complexes.

Conclusions

Estimated diffusion coefficients closely matched the values determined by the parameter fitting method, but reduced the required computational time considerably for one of the reaction mechanisms. The automated processing of voltammograms according to the regression algorithms yields better results than the conventional analysis of peak-related data.
Overeducation among immigrants in Sweden: incidence, wage effects and state dependence
Authors: Joona Pernilla Andersson , Gupta Nabanita Datta , Wadensjö Eskil
Published: May 2014

The utilization and reward of the human capital of immigrants in the labor market of the host country has been studied extensively. Using Swedish register data from 2001–2008, we extend the immigrant educational mismatch literature by analyzing incidence, wage effects and state dependence in overeducation among natives and immigrants. In line with previous research we find a higher incidence and a lower return to overeducation among immigrants indicating that immigrants lose more from being overeducated. We find a high degree of state dependence in overeducation both among natives and immigrants, but considerably higher among immigrants.

JEL codes

J61, I21, J24, J31, F22
Decreased interleukin 27 expression is associated with active uveitis in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Wang Chaokui , Tian Yuan , Ye Zi , Kijlstra Aize , Zhou Yan , Yang Peizeng
Published: May 2014

Instruction

Interleukin 27 (IL-27) is an important regulator of the proinflammatory T-cell response. In this study, we investigated its role in the pathogenesis of Behçet’s disease (BD).

Methods

IL-27 mRNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was examined by performing RT-PCRs. Cytokine levels in sera or supernatants of PBMCs, naïve CD4+ T cells, dendritic cells (DCs) and DC/T cells were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We used RNA interference in naïve CD4+ T cells to study the role of interferon regulatory factor 8 (IRF8) in the inhibitory effect of IL-27 on Th17 cell differentiation. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the frequency of IL-17- and interferon γ–producing T cells.

Results

The expression of IL-27p28 mRNA by PBMCs and IL-27 in the sera and supernatants of cultured PBMCs were markedly decreased in patients with active BD. A higher frequency of IL-17-producing CD4+ T (Th17) cells and increased IL-17 production under Th17 polarizing conditions were observed in patients with active BD. IL-27 significantly inhibited Th17 cell differentiation. Downregulation of IRF8 by RNA interference abrogated the suppressive effect of IL-27 on Th17 differentiation. IL-27 inhibited the production of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-23, but promoted IL-10 production, by DCs. IL-27-treated DCs inhibited both the Th1 and Th17 cell responses.

Conclusions

The results of the present study suggest that a decreased IL-27 expression is associated with disease activity in BD patients. Low IL-27 expression may result in a higher Th1 and Th17 cell response and thereby promote the autoinflammatory reaction observed in BD. Manipulation of IL-27 may offer a new treatment modality for this disease.
The effect of prone positioning on mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Hu Shu Ling , He Hong Li , Pan Chun , Liu Ai Ran , Liu Song Qiao , Liu Ling , Huang Ying Zi , Guo Feng Mei , Yang Yi , Qiu Hai Bo
Published: May 2014

Introduction

Prone positioning (PP) has been reported to improve the survival of patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, it is uncertain whether the beneficial effects of PP are associated with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels and long durations of PP. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to evaluate whether the effects of PP on mortality could be affected by PEEP level and PP duration and to identify which patients might benefit the most from PP.

Methods

Publications describing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which investigators have compared prone and supine ventilation were retrieved by searching the following electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science and Elsevier Science (inception to May 2013). Two investigators independently selected RCTs and assessed their quality. The data extracted from the RCTs were combined in a cumulative meta-analysis and analyzed using methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration.

Results

A total of nine RCTs with an aggregate of 2,242 patients were included. All of the studies received scores of up to three points using the methods recommended by Jadad et al. One trial did not conceal allocation. This meta-analysis revealed that, compared with supine positioning, PP decreased the 28- to 30-day mortality of ARDS patients with a ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ≤100 mmHg (n = 508, risk ratio (RR) = 0.71, 95 confidence interval (CI) = 0.57 to 0.89; P = 0.003). PP was shown to reduce both 60-day mortality (n = 518, RR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.68 to 0.99; P = 0.04) and 90-day mortality (n = 516, RR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.43 to 0.75; P < 0.0001) in ARDS patients ventilated with PEEP ≥10 cmH2O. Moreover, PP reduced 28- to 30-day mortality when the PP duration was >12 h/day (n = 1,067, RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.99; P = 0.04).

Conclusions

PP reduced mortality among patients with severe ARDS and patients receiving relatively high PEEP levels. Moreover, long-term PP improved the survival of ARDS patients.
Acute kidney injury due to rhabdomyolysis and renal replacement therapy: a critical review
Authors: Petejova Nadezda , Martinek Arnost
Published: May 2014

Rhabdomyolysis, a clinical syndrome caused by damage to skeletal muscle and release of its breakdown products into the circulation, can be followed by acute kidney injury (AKI) as a severe complication. The belief that the AKI is triggered by myoglobin as the toxin responsible appears to be oversimplified. Better knowledge of the pathophysiology of rhabdomyolysis and following AKI could widen treatment options, leading to preservation of the kidney: the decision to initiate renal replacement therapy in clinical practice should not be made on the basis of the myoglobin or creatine phosphokinase serum concentrations.
The chemical nature of phenolic compounds determines their toxicity and induces distinct physiological responses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in lignocellulose hydrolysates
Authors: Adeboye Peter Temitope , Bettiga Maurizio , Olsson Lisbeth
Published: May 2014

We investigated the severity of the inhibitory effects of 13 phenolic compounds usually found in spruce hydrolysates (4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamaldehyde, homovanilyl alcohol, vanillin, syringic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, dihydroferulic acid,p-coumaric acid, hydroquinone, ferulic acid, homovanillic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and vanillylidenacetone). The effects of the selected compounds on cell growth, biomass yield and ethanol yield were studied and the toxic concentration threshold was defined for each compound. Using Ethanol Red, the popular industrial strain ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae, we found the most toxic compound to be 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamaldehyde which inhibited growth at a concentration of 1.8 mM. We also observed that toxicity did not generally follow a trend based on the aldehyde, acid, ketone or alcohol classification of phenolic compounds, but rather that other structural properties such as additional functional groups attached to the compound may determine its toxicity. Three distinctive growth patterns that effectively clustered all the compounds involved in the screening into three categories. We suggest that the compounds have different cellular targets, and that. We suggest that the compounds have different cellular targets and inhibitory mechanisms in the cells, also compounds who share similar pattern on cell growth may have similar inhibitory effect and mechanisms of inhibition.
Screening of liquid media and fermentation of an endophytic Beauveria bassiana strain in a bioreactor
Authors: Lohse Rieke , Jakobs-Schönwandt Desiree , Patel Anant V
Published: May 2014

A novel approach for biological control of insect pests could be the use of the endophytic entomopathogenic Beauveria bassiana isolate ATP-02. For the utilization of the endophyte as a commercial biocontrol agent, the fungus has to be mass-produced. B. bassiana was raised in shake flask cultures to produce high concentrations of total spores (TS), which include blastospores (BS) and submerged conidiospores (SCS). The highest concentration of 1.33×109 TS/mL and the highest yield of 5.32×1010 TS/g sucrose was obtained in the TKI broth with 5% sugar beet molasses which consists of 50% sucrose as a carbon source. In spite of the lower sugar concentration (2.5%) the amount of TS could be increased up to 11-times in contrast to the cultivation with 5% sucrose. The scale-up to a 2 L stirred tank reactor was carried out at 25°C, 200–600 rpm and 1 vvm at pH 5.5. A TS yield of 5.2×1010 TS/g sucrose corresponding to a SCS yield of 0.2×1010 SCS/g sucrose was obtained after 216 h. With regards to the culture medium the cost of 1012 TS amounts to 0.24 €. Plutella xylostella larvae, which were fed with oilseed rape leaves treated with spores from fermentation resulted in 77 ± 5% mortality. Moreover, spores from submerged cultivation were able to colonize oilseed rape leaves via leaf application. This is the first report of fermentation of an endophytic B. bassiana strain in a low-cost culture medium to very high yields of TS.
Peripheral vein infusion of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in Egyptian HCV-positive patients with end-stage liver disease
Authors: Salama Hosny , Zekri Abdel-Rahman N , Medhat Eman , Al Alim Shereen A , Ahmed Ola S , Bahnassy Abeer A , Lotfy Mai M , Ahmed Rasha , Musa Sherief
Published: May 2014

Introduction

We have assessed the utility of autologous mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) peripheral vein infusion as a possible therapeutic modality for patients with end-stage liver diseases.

Methods

Forty patients with post-hepatitis C virus (HCV) end-stage liver disease were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (GI): 20 patients who received granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) for 5 days followed by autologous MSCs peripheral-vein infusion and group 2 (GII): 20 patients who received regular liver-supportive treatment only (control group).

Results

In MSC-infused patients (GI), 54% showed near normalization of liver enzymes and improvement in liver synthetic function. Significant changes were reported in albumin (P = 0.000), bilirubin (P = 0.002), increased international normalized ratio (INR) (P = 0.017), prothrombin concentration (P = 0.029) and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels (P = 0.029), with stabilization of clinical and biochemical status in 13% of cases. None of the patients in GII showed any significant improvement. Hepatic fibrosis was assessed in GI by detection of procollagen IIIC peptide level (PIIICP) and procollagen III N peptide level (PIIINP). The pretreatment values of s-PIIICP and s-PIIINP were 9.4 ± 4.2 and 440 ± 189, respectively, with a decrease to 8.1 ± 2.6 and 388 ± 102, respectively, 3 months after MSC therapy. However, the difference was statistically nonsignificant (P = 0.7). A significant correlation coefficient was reported after 3 months between the s-PIIINP and prothrombin concentration (P = -0.5) and between s-PIIICP and ascites (P = 0.550).

Conclusions

First, autologous MSC infusion into a peripheral vein is as effective as the previously reported intrahepatic infusion. Second, MSCs have a supportive role in the treatment of end-stage liver disease, with satisfactory tolerability and beneficial effects on liver synthetic functions and hepatic fibrosis. Third, IV infusion of MSCs after G-CSF mobilization improves s-albumin within the first 2 weeks and prothrombin concentration and alanine Taransaminase after 1 month. According to the data from this current study and those previously reported by our group, we recommend further studies on patients’ infusion with pure CD133 and CD34 followed by IV infusion of in vitro-differentiated MSCs within 1 week and another infusion after 3 months.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01729221. Registered 17 November 2012.