bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communicative prajñā: Cultivating solidarity and establishing right human relations
Authors: Borsos David C
Published: June 2015

This article introduces the modern esoteric worldview of Alice A Bailey, a comprehensive cosmology and epistemology inclusive of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity, and explores its potential for providing new understandings of communication. After sketching an outline of the hierarchical structure of the macrocosm—from the mind of God to humanity—and of the microcosm—from the human spiritual Self to the physical body—the article utilizes this model to expand the concept of communication beyond the current Western rational framework. The article then explores implications the esoteric worldview may have for the future direction of critical theory and for the cultivation of prajñā, or compassionate wisdom, to help achieve the global solidarity necessary to confront the major crises facing humanity.
Belimumab in systemic lupus erythematosus: a perspective review
Authors: Hui-Yuen Joyce S. , Li Xiao Q. , Askanase Anca D.
Published: June 2015

Belimumab (Benlysta®) is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits B-lymphocyte stimulator (also known as B cell activating factor of the tumor necrosis factor family) and was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Evaluation Agency for treatment of autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in adults. This review discusses the key findings of the phase III trials, post hoc analyses, and real-world postmarketing use of belimumab in the routine care of SLE patients. It also highlights the safety profile of belimumab and gives insight into its potential use to treat childhood-onset SLE. It concludes with a discussion of the current clinical trials investigating belimumab in specific SLE disease states and a look to the future with novel targeted B-cell therapies.
A Case of Complex PFO Leading to Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Coles Anna , Haveman-Gould Bradley , Farooq Muhammad U. , Selke Kristopher J. , Gorelick Philip B.
Published: June 2015

Patent foramen ovale (PFO) has been proposed as a mechanism for cardioembolic stroke, especially in younger patient populations. Complex PFOs, with tunnel lengths exceeding 8 mm, lead to a higher risk of neurological sequelae than simple PFOs and may also be harder to detect with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE). In this article, we present a 29-year-old woman who, after polypharmacy overdose, developed deep venous thrombosis and multiple pulmonary emboli (PE) and subsequent cardioembolic stroke. Initial TTE showed intact interatrial septum with late appearance of agitated saline in the left atrium after the seventh cardiac cycle. Subsequent transesophageal echocardiography, after treatment of PE with an intravenous thrombolytic (alteplase) and anticoagulation with heparin, showed a complex PFO with a 19-mm overlap of the septum primum and secundum without active flow. It is suggested that this PFO allowed for flow only in the situation of elevated right heart strain with PE, causing cardioembolic stroke and detection of agitated saline in the left atrium on TTE. However, under normal physiological situations, which resumed after treatment of PE with alteplase and heparin, the PFO did not allow for flow. This case demonstrates the potential importance of recognition of complex PFOs in diagnosis and management of cardioembolic stroke.
Inhibition of Mcl-1 with the pan–Bcl-2 family inhibitor (–)BI97D6 overcomes ABT-737 resistance in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Pan Rongqing , Ruvolo Vivian R. , Wei Jun , Konopleva Marina , Reed John C. , Pellecchia Maurizio , Andreeff Michael , Ruvolo Peter P.
Published: June 2015

Key Points

Mcl-1 inhibition by pan-active Bcl-2 inhibitor (–)BI97D6 kills AML cells via induction of mitochondrial apoptosis. Mcl-1 inhibition by (–)BI97D6 overcomes intrinsic and extrinsic drug resistance to ABT-737.
Eradication of B-ALL using chimeric antigen receptor–expressing T cells targeting the TSLPR oncoprotein
Authors: Qin Haiying , Cho Monica , Haso Waleed , Zhang Ling , Tasian Sarah K. , Oo Htoo Zarni , Negri Gian Luca , Lin Yongshun , Zou Jizhong , Mallon Barbara S. , Maude Shannon , Teachey David T. , Barrett David M. , Orentas Rimas J. , Daugaard Mads , Sorensen Poul H. B. , Grupp Stephan A. , Fry Terry J.
Published: June 2015

Key Points

Adoptive transfer of T cells genetically modified to express anti-TSLPR chimeric antigen receptors can cure B-ALL in xenograft models. Anti-TSLPR CAR constructs containing a CH2CH3 spacer domain were inactive against TSLPR-overexpressing B-ALL.
Microenvironmental interleukin-6 suppresses toll-like receptor signaling in human leukemia cells through miR-17/19A
Authors: Li Yanmei , Shi Yonghong , McCaw Lindsay , Li You-Jun , Zhu Fang , Gorczynski Reg , Duncan Gordon S. , Yang Burton , Ben-David Yaacov , Spaner David E.
Published: June 2015

Key Points

IL-6 from splenic stromal cells prevents CLL cells from responding strongly to TLR ligands. IL-6–signaling inhibitors enhance TLR-mediated responses of CLL cells in vitro and in vivo.
Near-infrared emitting AgInTe2 and Zn-Ag-In-Te colloidal nanocrystals
Authors: Langevin Marc-Antoine , Pons Thomas , Ritcey Anna M. , Nì. Allen Claudine
Published: June 2015

The synthesis of AgInTe2 nanocrystals emitting between 1095 nm and 1160 nm is presented. Evolution of the Ag:In:Te ratio shows progressive incorporation of In3+ in Ag2Te, leading to the formation of orthorhombic AgInTe2. When zinc is added to the synthesis, the photoluminescence quantum yield reaches 3.4 %.
Appraisal of the technologies and review of the genomic landscape of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast
Authors: Pang Jia-Min B. , Gorringe Kylie L. , Wong Stephen Q. , Dobrovic Alexander , Campbell Ian G. , Fox Stephen B.
Published: June 2015

Ductal carcinoma in situ is a biologically diverse entity. Whereas some lesions are cured by local surgical excision, others recur as in situ disease or progress to invasive carcinoma with subsequent potential for metastatic spread. Reliable prognostic biomarkers are therefore desirable for appropriate clinical management but remain elusive. In common with invasive breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ exhibits many genomic changes, predominantly copy number alterations. Although studies have revealed the genomic heterogeneity within individual ductal carcinoma in situ lesions and the association of certain copy number alterations with nuclear grade, none of the genomic changes defined so far is consistently associated with invasive transformation or recurrence risk in pure ductal carcinoma in situ. This article will review the current landscape of genomic alterations in ductal carcinoma in situ and their potential as prognostic biomarkers together with the technologies used to define these.
CD24+ cells fuel rapid tumor growth and display high metastatic capacity
Authors: Rostoker Ran , Abelson Sagi , Genkin Inna , Ben-Shmuel Sarit , Sachidanandam Ravi , Scheinman Eyal J. , Bitton-Worms Keren , Orr Zila Shen , Caspi Avishay , Tzukerman Maty , LeRoith Derek
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Breast tumors are comprised of distinct cancer cell populations which differ in their tumorigenic and metastatic capacity. Characterization of cell surface markers enables investigators to distinguish between cancer stem cells and their counterparts. CD24 is a well-known cell surface marker for mammary epithelial cells isolation, recently it was suggested as a potential prognostic marker in a wide variety of malignancies. Here, we demonstrate that CD24+ cells create intra-tumor heterogeneity, and display highly metastatic properties.

Methods

The mammary carcinoma Mvt1 cells were sorted into CD24− and CD24+ cells. Both subsets were morphologically and phenotypically characterized, and tumorigenic capacity was assessed via orthotopic inoculation of each subset into the mammary fat pad of wild-type and MKR mice. The metastatic capacity of each subset was determined with the tail vein metastasis assay. The role of CD24 in tumorigenesis was further examined with shRNA technology. GFP-labeled cells were monitored in vivo for differentiation. The genetic profile of each subset was analyzed using RNA sequencing.

Results

CD24+ cells displayed a more spindle-like cytoplasm. The cells formed mammospheres in high efficiency and CD24+ tumors displayed rapid growth in both WT and MKR mice, and were more metastatic than CD24- cells. Interestingly, CD24-KD in CD24+ cells had no effect both in vitro and in vivo on the various parameters studied. Moreover, CD24+ cells gave rise in vivo to the CD24− that comprised the bulk of the tumor. RNA-seq analysis revealed enrichment of genes and pathways of the extracellular matrix in the CD24+ cells.

Conclusion

CD24+ cells account for heterogeneity in mammary tumors. CD24 expression at early stages of the cancer process is an indication of a highly invasive tumor. However, CD24 is not a suitable therapeutic target; instead we suggest here new potential targets accounting for early differentiated cancer cells tumorigenic capacity.
Common fixed point theorems for generalized k-ordered contractions and B-contractions on noncommutative Banach spaces
Authors: Xin Qiaoling , Jiang Lining
Published: June 2015

The paper introduces the concepts of the generalized k-ordered contraction and the k-ordered B-contraction in noncommutative Banach spaces. Then some common fixed point theorems are given. As an application, the existence and uniqueness theorem for a common solution of integral equations is presented.
Maximum flow approach to prioritize potential drug targets of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv from protein‐protein interaction network
Authors: Melak Tilahun , Gakkhar Sunita
Published: June 2015

Background

In spite of the implementations of several strategies, tuberculosis (TB) is overwhelmingly a serious global public health problem causing millions of infections and deaths every year. This is mainly due to the emergence of drug‐resistance varieties of TB. The current treatment strategies for the drug‐resistance TB are of longer duration, more expensive and have side effects. This highlights the importance of identification and prioritization of targets for new drugs. This study has been carried out to prioritize potential drug targets of Mycobacteriumtuberculosis H37Rv based on their flow to resistance genes.

Methods

The weighted proteome interaction network of the pathogen was constructed using a dataset from STRING database. Only a subset of the dataset with interactions that have a combined score value ≥770 was considered. Maximum flow approach has been used to prioritize potential drug targets. The potential drug targets were obtained through comparative genome and network centrality analysis. The curated set of resistance genes was retrieved from literatures. Detail literature review and additional assessment of the method were also carried out for validation.

Results

A list of 537 proteins which are essential to the pathogen and non‐homologous with human was obtained from the comparative genome analysis. Through network centrality measures, 131 of them were found within the close neighborhood of the centre of gravity of the proteome network. These proteins were further prioritized based on their maximum flow value to resistance genes and they are proposed as reliable drug targets of the pathogen. Proteins which interact with the host were also identified in order to understand the infection mechanism.

Conclusion

Potential drug targets of Mycobacteriumtuberculosis H37Rv were successfully prioritized based on their flow to resistance genes of existing drugs which is believed to increase the druggability of the targets since inhibition of a protein that has a maximum flow to resistance genes is more likely to disrupt the communication to these genes. Purposely selected literature review of the top 14 proteins showed that many of them in this list were proposed as drug targets of the pathogen.
Ultrafiltration of natural organic matter from water by vertically aligned carbon nanotube membrane
Authors: Jafari Ali , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Nasseri Simin , Rashidi Alimorad , Nabizadeh Ramin , Rezaee Reza
Published: June 2015

In this study vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNT) was grown on anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate. The synthesized AAO-CNT membrane was characterized using Raman spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), contact angle and BET. The pure water flux, humic acid (HA) (as representative of natural organic matters) rejection and fouling mechanism were also evaluated. The fabricated membrane has pore density of 1.3 × 1010 pores per cm2, average pore size of 20 ± 3 nm and contact angle of 85 ± 8o. A significant pure water flux of 3600 ± 100 L/m2.h was obtained at 1 bar of pressure by this membrane due to the frictionless structure of CNTs. High contact angle exhibited the hydrophobic property of the membrane. It was revealed that HA is primarily rejected by adsorption in the membrane pores due to hydrophobic interactions with HA. Flux decline occurred rapidly through both cross flow and dead end filtration of the HA. Based on the blocking laws, internal pore constriction is dominant fouling mechanism in which HA adsorbs in membrane pores results in pores blockage and flux decline.
Use of in-silico assays to characterize the ADMET profile and identify potential therapeutic targets of fusarochromanone, a novel anti-cancer agent
Authors: El-Saadi Madison Wynne , Williams-Hart Tara , Salvatore Brian A , Mahdavian Elahe
Published: June 2015

Purpose

For 30 years nature has provided a plethora of natural products with potential meaningful anti-cancer activity. Fusarochromanone (FC101a) is a small molecule fungal metabolite exhibiting potent in-vitro growth inhibitory effects and is capable of inducing apoptosis, suppressing angiogenesis and tumorigenesis, and inhibiting endothelial cell growth in multiple cancer cell lines. Despite all we know regarding FC101a, the mechanism of action and molecular target(s) of this compound have remained an enigma. Furthermore, modest in-vivo activity has been documented and requires addressing.

Method

Early stage pharmacokinetics (PK) assessment is vital to successful drug development. Herein, we aimed to use in-silico assays to i) characterize an in-depth ADMET profile of FC101a and ii) to probe for possible therapeutic targets. Two-dimensional SDF files of FC101a and 13 analogs were introduced into ADMET Predictor Version 7.1 that parses the structures in order to calculate molecular descriptors, which are used to estimate ADMET properties. Calculated ADMET values were analyzed and subjected to multiple drug-like indices, delivering a PK profile of each analog. To probe for possible targets, a total of 49 proteins were introduced into SYBYL-X Version 2.0 platform and the deepest binding pocket of each protein was virtually docked with parent compound, FC101a; with the negative control, FC101b; and with the model compound, kynurenine.

Results

Each analog showed promising ADMET qualities, although FC101 Oxazole was identified as the most optimized analog. Despite FC101a having a desirable ADME and toxicity profile, areas of concern were identified and must be addressed in-vitro. These include potential mutagenic properties and estrogen receptor toxicity. We provide potential avenues medicinal chemists could use to achieve higher effective permeation, higher blood brain barrier (BBB) penetration, and higher aqueous solubility in FC101a. Molecular docking assays revealed procaspase-8 - cFLIP(L) complex as a potential biological target and led to proposed mechanisms of action by which FC101a facilitates procaspase-8 heterodimerization, thereby increasing proteolytic activity and up regulating extrinsic apoptosis.

Conclusion

Our data revealed both potential mechanisms of action and a promising ADMET profile of FC101a. These attributes render FC101a a promising lead candidate for development into a low toxic anti-cancer agent effective against a broad range of cancers.
Lithium nephrotoxicity
Authors: Azab Abed N. , Shnaider Alla , Osher Yamima , Wang Dana , Bersudsky Yuly , Belmaker R. H.
Published: June 2015

Reports of toxic effects on the kidney of lithium treatment emerged very soon after lithium therapy was introduced. Lithium-induced nephrogenic diabetes insipidus is usually self-limiting or not clinically dangerous. Some reports of irreversible chronic kidney disease and renal failure were difficult to attribute to lithium treatment since chronic kidney disease and renal failure exist in the population at large. In recent years, large-scale epidemiological studies have convincingly shown that lithium treatment elevates the risk of chronic kidney disease and renal failure. Most patients do not experience renal side effects. The most common side effect of polyuria only weakly predicts increasing creatinine or reduced kidney function. Among those patients who do experience decrease in creatinine clearance, some may require continuation of lithium treatment even as their creatinine increases. Other patients may be able to switch to a different mood stabilizer medication, but kidney function may continue to deteriorate even after lithium cessation. Most, but not all, evidence today recommends using a lower lithium plasma level target for long-term maintenance and thereby reducing risks of severe nephrotoxicity.
Maternal depression during pregnancy and offspring depression in adulthood: Role of child maltreatment
Authors: Plant Dominic T. , Pariante Carmine M. , Sharp Deborah , Pawlby Susan
Published: June 2015

Background

Studies have shown that maternal depression during pregnancy predicts offspring depression in adolescence. Child maltreatment is also a risk factor for depression.

Aims

To investigate (a) whether there is an association between offspring exposure to maternal depression in pregnancy and depression in early adulthood, and (b) whether offspring child maltreatment mediates this association.

Method

Prospectively collected data on maternal clinical depression in pregnancy, offspring child maltreatment and offspring adulthood (18–25 years) DSM-IV depression were analysed in 103 mother–offspring dyads of the South London Child Development Study.

Results

Adult offspring exposed to maternal depression in pregnancy were 3.4 times more likely to have a DSM-IV depressive disorder, and 2.4 times more likely to have experienced child maltreatment, compared with non-exposed offspring. Path analysis revealed that offspring experience of child maltreatment mediated the association between exposure to maternal depression in pregnancy and depression in adulthood.

Conclusions

Maternal depression in pregnancy is a key vulnerability factor for offspring depression in early adulthood.
Hbp1 regulates the timing of neuronal differentiation during cortical development by controlling cell cycle progression
Authors: Watanabe Naoki , Kageyama Ryoichiro , Ohtsuka Toshiyuki
Published: June 2015

In the developing mammalian brain, neural stem cells (NSCs) initially expand the progenitor pool by symmetric divisions. NSCs then shift from symmetric to asymmetric division and commence neurogenesis. Although the precise mechanisms regulating the developmental timing of this transition have not been fully elucidated, gradual elongation in the length of the cell cycle and coinciding accumulation of determinants that promote neuronal differentiation may function as a biological clock that regulates the onset of asymmetric division and neurogenesis. We conducted gene expression profiling of embryonic NSCs in the cortical regions and found that expression of high mobility group box transcription factor 1 (Hbp1) was upregulated during neurogenic stages. Induced conditional knockout mice of Hbp1 generated by crossing with Nestin-CreERT2 mice exhibited a remarkable dilatation of the telencephalic vesicles with a tangentially expanded ventricular zone and a thinner cortical plate containing reduced numbers of neurons. In these Hbp1-deficient mouse embryos, neural stem/progenitor cells continued to divide with a shorter cell cycle length. And downstream target genes of the Wnt signaling, such as cyclin D1 and c-jun, were upregulated in the germinal zone of the cortical regions. These results indicate that Hbp1 plays a critical role in regulating the timing of cortical neurogenesis by elongating the cell cycle and is essential for normal cortical development.
Rho kinase-dependent actin turnover and actomyosin disassembly are necessary for mouse spinal neural tube closure
Authors: Escuin Sarah , Vernay Bertrand , Savery Dawn , Gurniak Christine B. , Witke Walter , Greene Nicholas D. E. , Copp Andrew J.
Published: June 2015

The cytoskeleton is widely considered essential for neurulation, yet the mouse spinal neural tube can close despite genetic and non-genetic disruption of the cytoskeleton. To investigate this apparent contradiction, we applied cytoskeletal inhibitors to mouse embryos in culture. Preventing actomyosin cross-linking, F-actin assembly or myosin II contractile activity did not disrupt spinal closure. In contrast, inhibiting Rho kinase or blocking F-actin disassembly prevented closure, with apical F-actin accumulation and adherens junction disturbance in the neuroepithelium. Cofilin 1-null embryos yielded a similar phenotype, supporting a key role for actin turnover. Co-exposure to Blebbistatin rescued the neurulation defects caused by RhoA inhibition, whereas an inhibitor of myosin light chain kinase, ML-7, had no such effect. We conclude that regulation of RhoA/Rho kinase/LIM kinase/cofilin signalling is necessary for spinal neural tube closure through precise control of neuroepithelial actin turnover and actomyosin disassembly. In contrast, actomyosin assembly and myosin ATPase activity are not limiting for closure.
An N2-compatible Ni0 Metal–Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) Precursor
Authors: Tran Viet-Ha , Yatabe Takeshi , Matsumoto Takahiro , Nakai Hidetaka , Suzuki Kazuharu , Enomoto Takao , Ogo Seiji
Published: June 2015

We report the first example of a Ni0 precursor that provides a contamination-free (<1%) nickel film by metal–organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) using N2 as the carrier gas. The structure and physical properties of the Ni0 precursor and subsequent film are described.
Application of ARID1A to murine formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue using immunohistochemistry
Authors: Howat Will , Miller Jodi , Gounaris Ioannis
Published: June 2015

ARID1A is a known suppressor of tumour formation and the Human Protein Atlas antibody HPA005456 has been demonstrated in previous literature to stain tumour tissue by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in formalin-fixed paraffin embedded human tissue and human cell lines. This article details the validation of this antibody for immunohistochemistry of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded murine tissue using a Leica BondMax immunostainer. Using Western blot and IHC on murine wild-type and knockout tissue we have demonstrated that this antibody to ARID1A correctly stains murine tissue by immunohistochemistry.
Targeting metastatic breast cancer: problems and potential
Authors: Deasy Sarah , Szczepanek Karol , Hunter Kent W.
Published: June 2015

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality of women in the United States. Since the majority of cancer deaths are due to metastases rather than the primary tumor, a better understanding of the biological mechanisms that lead to metastatic disease is critical to reduce breast cancer associated mortality. Current adjuvant therapies use the same broadly cytotoxic and targeted strategies against metastases as are used against the primary tumor. However, resistance to chemotherapy due to the cellular dormancy, high genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity between primary tumor and metastases as well as among individual metastases, and the limitations in detection of disseminated tumor cells and micrometastases significantly hinder the efficiency of currently available therapies. While it is crucial to directly address the issue of metastatic dormancy and evaluate for anti-metastatic therapy the relevance of molecular targets chosen based on primary tumor profiling, it is also imperative to address metastasis-specific mechanisms of growth and survival that are likely to be distinct from those of the primary tumor. We believe that a three-pronged approach to therapy will be necessary to deal with progressive disease: blocking of further dissemination after diagnosis; eradication of disseminated tumor cells and prevention of the dormant-to-proliferative switch of those remaining; and elimination of established metastatic tumors. The implementation of this strategy requires a greater depth of knowledge of metastasis driver and maintenance genes and suggests the need for a “Metastasis Genome Atlas” project to complement the current investigations into cancer genomic landscapes.
Classification of Project Management Mathematical Models
Authors: �������  , Tsarkov Igor
Published: June 2015

Mathematical models in Project Management became one of the key elements

that in the 50th of the past century had formed a new branch of science

� Project management. Since then there have been developed a large

number of mathematical models adapted for solving partial problems. Unfortunately

no universal practical models, which allow managing projects in

conditions of resource or budget restriction, have been invented. Therefore

the classification of different mathematical models is the pressing problem

which could bring to order all these models from the one hand and reveal

the most perspective directions of further research. In this paper existing

classifications are analyzed and a new classification is proposed.
Project Schedule Robustness: Problem of Definition and Evaluation
Authors: �����  , Belykh M.
Published: June 2015

The paper discusses the most widespread definitions of project robustness and related concepts. As a result of publications review, the unique analysis of methods, tools and approaches for project schedule robustness evaluation is presented, containing all main directions of research in the area. The author develops a method for project schedule robustness defining and evaluating using two indicators. The new method is illustrated by an example.
Informal carers' experiences of caring for older adults at home: a phenomenological study
Authors: Rodger Daragh , Neill Mary O , Nugent Linda
Published: June 2015

Informal carers provide vital input to maintain the health and social care needs of older adults. A more in-depth understanding of the experiences of informal carers, their value to society, and the support required to assist them is necessary to ensure the future care of older adults. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of informal carers in Ireland and to identify the support required in caring for older adults at home. Informal carers' experiences are critically discussed under four main themes: time is not your own, duty of care, burden of caring, and support for informal carers. It is evident that informal carers of older adults provide the majority of care in the home with inconsistent or no support. Strategies to support carers have been identified but now require a uniform implementation that must be translated into practice.
Antenatal screening and early-intervention: A mental health update from the NSPCC
Authors: Sanger Camilla , Haynes Alice , Mountain Gary , Bonett-Healy Naomi
Published: June 2015

The NSPCC is dedicated to perinatal wellbeing and advocating for a preventative model of care that has the potential to improve the mental health for parents, families and communities. Here in the first of two articles, Camilla Sanger, Alice Haynes, Gary Mountain and Naomi Bonett-Healy provide an update of antenatal mental health research and recommended practice, with a specific focus on the role midwives can play in screening and identifying mental health problems.
Intimate partner violence and pregnancy: How midwives can listen to silenced women
Authors: Grier Gemma , Geraghty Sadie
Published: June 2015

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a challenging professional issue for midwives, and is associated with serious health consequences for the woman and her baby including significant long-term physical, psychological and social ramifications. One in four women will experience IPV in their lifetime and midwives have an important role in the screening, care and management of pregnant women who may be experiencing IPV. Antenatal screening for IPV is recommended for all women, regardless of presence of risk factors or indicators of abuse.
Do midwives see caesarean section wound care education as a need?
Authors: Baxter Elaine , Lymn Joanne
Published: June 2015

With the current caesarean section (CS) rate at 25% for England, delivering postnatal wound care is a common element of the midwife's role. Anecdotal evidence suggested CS wound care education was a need within the Trust's midwifery service. A questionnaire was used to investigate midwives' views and the need for education in relation to CS wound care. The results confirm midwives do see wound care education as a need. For the first time, information is available on the topics midwives feel should be the focus of such education and useful methods of delivering it. This information can be used to develop a wound care education package to address midwives' learning needs in this area.
Steps to development
Authors: Cartwright Eva
Published: June 2015

Do you have a sound understanding of the basics of child development? This is vital when it comes to knowing how to meet the needs of individual children.
Diversity at the very top
Authors: Hermitt David
Published: June 2015

David Hermitt, executive principal of Congleton High School, discusses why a new government scheme helping BME teachers into leadership roles is greatly needed.
Making connections
Authors: Kent Gemma
Published: June 2015

Gemma Kent outlines ways to harness technology to make the most of cross-curricular links in a subject such as geography. Pupils’ own apps are a winner.
Complex Reference Values for Endocrine and Special Chemistry Biomarkers across Pediatric, Adult, and Geriatric Ages: Establishment of Robust Pediatric and Adult Reference Intervals on the Basis of the Canadian Health Measures Survey
Authors: Adeli Khosrow , Higgins Victoria , Nieuwesteeg Michelle , Raizman Joshua E , Chen Yunqi , Wong Suzy L , Blais David
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Defining laboratory biomarker reference values in a healthy population and understanding the fluctuations in biomarker concentrations throughout life and between sexes are critical to clinical interpretation of laboratory test results in different disease states. The Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) has collected blood samples and health information from the Canadian household population. In collaboration with the Canadian Laboratory Initiative on Pediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER), the data have been analyzed to determine reference value distributions and reference intervals for several endocrine and special chemistry biomarkers in pediatric, adult, and geriatric age groups.

METHODS

CHMS collected data and blood samples from thousands of community participants aged 3 to 79 years. We used serum samples to measure 13 immunoassay-based special chemistry and endocrine markers. We assessed reference value distributions and, after excluding outliers, calculated age- and sex-specific reference intervals, along with corresponding 90% CIs, according to CLSI C28-A3 guidelines.

RESULTS

We observed fluctuations in biomarker reference values across the pediatric, adult, and geriatric age range, with stratification required on the basis of age for all analytes. Additional sex partitions were required for apolipoprotein AI, homocysteine, ferritin, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein.

CONCLUSIONS

The unique collaboration between CALIPER and CHMS has enabled, for the first time, a detailed examination of the changes in various immunochemical markers that occur in healthy individuals of different ages. The robust age- and sex-specific reference intervals established in this study provide insight into the complex biological changes that take place throughout development and aging and will contribute to improved clinical test interpretation.
Media propaganda and human rights issues: What can be learnt from the former Yugoslavia’s experience in relation to the current developments in the Arab Spring countries?
Authors: de la Brosse Renaud , Lajmi Nouri , Ekelin Annelie
Published: June 2015

Recent history has proven that media propaganda can impact severely on human rights issues. This article aims at exploring what can be learnt from previous lessons in order to avoid the same mistakes happening again and/or to fight them more ­efficiently. It questions the experience of the former Yugoslavia in relation to the current developments in the Arab Spring countries. The propaganda theory is applied for an analysis of how the media were instrumentalized for political and nationalist goals under Milosevic’s regime. Through content discourse analysis, the techniques of media propaganda are described and analysed, and consequences are drawn. Although the situation varies from one case to another, widespread hate propaganda speeches in some Arab countries is a challenge to a successful political transition. This has been the case in Tunisia after the 2011 Revolution, where hatred messages have been widely spread by broadcast media and social networks. Propaganda theory has thus been applied to the specific case of broadcast television. The study shows that, contrary to some other countries, Tunisian society has its own peculiarities, and that it has succeeded in developing brakes that have reduced the scope and impact of propaganda messages of some extremist media. In view of past experiences, such as the former Yugoslavia or Rwanda, and in this context, this article also aims to demonstrate the full importance of the existence of quality public service media in the Tunisian case, and of an independent regulation of both traditional and social media. In its conclusion, this article also raises the question of social media regulation, which is all the more acute given that Tunisia is immersed in an environment where more and more hate content and stigmatization messages are developing.
Fertilization increased growth of Scots pine and financial performance of forest management in a drained peatland in Finland
Authors: Moilanen Mikko , Hytönen Jyrki , Hökkä Hannu , Ahtikoski Anssi
Published: June 2015

The long-term effects of fertilization on the needle nutrient concentrations, growth and financial performance of a Scots pine ( L.) stand was examined in a thick-peated drained peatland forest located in Central Finland. At the trial establishment in 1985, the trees were suffering from P and K deficiencies, but their N status was good. The fertilizer treatments were Control, PK (rock phosphate + potassium chloride), ApaBio (apatite phosphorus + biotite) and wood ash, applied both with and without N and replicated six times. All treatments containing phosphorus and potassium increased foliar P and K concentrations above the deficiency limits up to the end of the study period of 26 years. The effect of the fertilization on stand volume growth of Scots pine was strong and continued still at the end of the study period. The trees on ApaBio and PK plots grew nearly two-fold and those on Ash plots over two-fold compared with the control plots. In a thinning made at the end of the study period the total logging removal on fertilized plots was 1.5â2.2 times greater and included more saw logs than on the control plots. Ash fertilizer treatment outperformed other fertilizer treatments as well as the control. With a 5% discounted equivalent annual income (EAI) of Ash fertilizer treatment was statistically significantly (p=0.009) almost three times higher than that of control. As a conclusion, fertilization (either using PK fertilizers or Ash) in N-rich drained peatlands is a financially feasible method of management.Pinus sylvestris
Membangun Fikih yang Berorientasi Sosial: Dialektika Fikih dengan Realitas Empirik Masyarakat
Authors: Zubaedi Z.
Published: June 2015

The present article describes thoughts of what recently called as “social fiqh”, which its substance is an attempt to change qawly paradigm (namely following the sayings of scholars) to manhajy paradigm (following the methodology of scholars). The rise of such idea much concerns with formalistic and legalistic trends of common classical fiqh. The formalistic and legalistic approach to fiqh has encouraged people to manipulate the fiqh and make it separated from ethics as its philosophical base. As the consequence, fiqh becomes rigid and looses its power to provide society with truly effective rules. An epistemological remedy is necessary to break down the rigidity of fiqh and make it powerful to solve social problem.
Liberal Thought in Qur’anic Studies: Tracing Humanistic Approach to Sacred Text in Islamic Scholarship
Authors: Setiawan M. Nur Kholis
Published: June 2015

Literary approach to the Quran developed by al-Khuli created deep critiques from its opponents, in whose opinion, the usage of literary paradigm to the study of the Qur’an, according to them, implied a consequence of treating the Qur’an as a human text which clearly indicates a strong influence of a liberal mode of thinking that goes out of the line of the Qur’an’s spirit. This article shows a diametric fact compared to that they have claimed. The data proves that linguistic aspects of the Qur’an have succeeded in making an intellectual connection among progressive and liberal scholars in the classical and modern era. This supports the assumption that progressive and liberal thought whose one of its indicators is freedom of thought in accordance to Charles Kurzman term, is “children” of the Islamic civilization. Freedom of thought in the classical Islamic scholarship should be the élan of intellectualism including the field of Quranic studies.
Flat-field anastigmatic mirror objective for high-magnification extreme ultraviolet microscopy
Authors: Toyoda Mitsunori
Published: June 2015

To apply high-definition microscopy to the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) region in practice, i.e. to enable in situ observation of living tissue and the at-wavelength inspection of lithography masks, we constructed a novel reflective objective made of three multilayer mirrors. This objective is configured as a two-stage imaging system made of a Schwarzschild two-mirror system as the primary objective and an additional magnifier with a single curved mirror. This two-stage configuration can provide a high magnification of 1500, which is suitable for real-time observation with an EUV charge coupled device (CCD) camera. Besides, since off-axis aberrations can be corrected by the magnifier, which provides field flattener optics, we are able to configure the objective as a flat-field anastigmatic system, in which we will have a diffraction-limited spatial resolution over a large field-of-view. This paper describes in detail the optical design of the present objective. After calculating the closed-form equations representing the third-order aberrations of the objective, we apply these equations to practical design examples with a numerical aperture of 0.25 and an operation wavelength of 13.5 nm. We also confirm the imaging performances of this novel design by using the numerical ray-tracing method.
Boundary behavior of Green function for a parabolic equation in bounded domain
Authors: Abdeljabbar Ghanmi , Kenzizi Tarek
Published: June 2015

The purpose of the paper is to describe the boundary behavior of the Green function of the parabolic equation Δ
Managerial Collusive Behavior under Asymmetric Incentive Schemes
Authors: Guigou Jean-Daniel , de Lamirande Patrick
Published: June 2015

We analyze the effects of asymmetry in incentive contracts on the possibility of collusion between managers. When their compensation is based on the relative performance evaluation contracts, managers can achieve better outcomes by colluding. Using the concept of balanced temptation introduced by
Kinetics for an Optimized Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Alfalfa Extracts
Authors: Ibarra-Sánchez José J. , Fuentes-Ramírez Rosalba , Reyes-Aguilera José Antonio , Figueroa-Gerstenmaier Susana , Orrantia-Borunda Erasmo , Concha-Guerrero Sandra Ixmucamé , de la Rosa Guadalupe
Published: June 2015

In recent years, great efforts have been directed to provide eco-friendly methods for nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis. In this endeavor, it is desired that polydispersity be as narrow as possible and that the chemical and physical properties can be controlled. In this work, silver nanoparticles (SNPs) were obtained by means of (a) a green approach (biosynthesis) using alfalfa extracts; and (b) a thermal decomposition method in organic media. As per biosynthesis, pH, initial concentration of precursor (Ag+) and extraction solvent of plant metabolites were varied in order to identify the conditions where SNP polydispersity presented a best value. When these conditions were determined, the reaction kinetics was evaluated. The rate constant and order of reaction were 7.33×10−6 L3.6/mol3.6 s, and 4.6, respectively. Also, in the biosynthesis, it was found that the size and the degree of polydispersity depend on initial concentration of precursor and the type of extractant. Thermal decomposition was performed using silver oleate as precursor in order to compare characteristics of the NPs obtained by both biosynthesis and the chemical method. According to our results, SNPs obtained through thermal decomposition showed a lower polydispersity and higher degree of crystallinity than those obtained using biosynthesis. However, the green method eliminates the use of toxic compounds, which is extremely important if these particles are intended for biomedical purposes. In addition, this is a less expensive method as compared to other chemical methods. To our knowledge, this is one of the few reports analyzing the reaction kinetics, which is extremely important if scale-up is intended.
Energy Intensity Reduction of Ca-Looping CO2 Capture by Applying Mixing Loop Seals and Cyclonic Systems
Authors: Martínez A. , Lisbona P. , Lara Y. , Romeo L. M.
Published: June 2015

This work faces the challenge of cutting the specific energy demand in the CO2 capture process based on Ca-looping technology. The use of high-temperature sorbents allows an efficient integration of the excess heat flows. Up to now, several investigations studied the Ca-looping integration with external systems such as a steam cycle. In this research, a further step is done by comparing technological solutions for the internal heat integration with the aim of reducing the energy needs. Particles preheating before entering the regeneration reactor appears as an opportunity for energy saving since solids have to be heated up around 250–300°C from one reactor to another. Two different internal heat integration possibilities making use of a particle separation device and a mixing valve are presented and compared. The former consists of the inclusion of a cyclonic preheater. This configuration presents the a priori advantage of a more developed technology since it is widely used in the cement industry but the drawback of a worse gas–solid heat exchange. Although there is a lack of practical experience regarding the use of a single seal valve to feed two reactors, this configuration presents a promising prospective related to the excellent heat exchange features of the solid flows. The aim is to obtain comparative results by means of implementing advanced thermochemical models, in order to make progress on the development of less energy-intensive configurations of the calcium looping.
Healthcare Workers’ Willingness to Report to Work During an Influenza Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Rossow Caren C. , Ivanitskaya Lana V. , Fulton Lawrence V. , Fales William D.
Published: June 2015

Objective:An effective response to a pandemic influenza assumes an adequate supply of a variety of skilled healthcare workers (HCWs). But what is known of HCWs’ willingness to report to work?

Method:We identified 206 relevant studies from 9 healthcare databases. Of 28 heterogeneous studies that met inclusion criteria, 18 used common methods for calculating percentages of HCWs willing to report to work. Their findings were evaluated in greater depth.

Results:In 28 studies that summarized willingness to report to work of 31,633 workers, the percentage of HCWs willing to report to work varied between 23.10% and 93.10%. Scale type and dichotomization of self-report scales led to significantly different results. In 4 studies where 2097 workers responded to a survey during an actual event (2009 H1N1 pandemic influenza) percentage willing to report to work varied from 23.1% to 90.1%. In 6 studies with hypothetical scenarios of avian influenza 50%–82.50% of HCWs were willing to report to work.

Conclusion:The studies we reviewed have methodological problems and inconsistencies in findings, even within relatively homogenous study subgroups. We caution emergency planners from relying on findings from any single study that estimates HCWs’ mean willingness to report to work in a pandemic influenza outbreak.
A finite element method for the inverse problem of boundary
data recovery in an oxygen balance model
Authors: Ben Belgacem Faker , Débit Naïma , El Fekih Henda , Khiari Souad
Published: June 2015

The inverse problem under investigation consists of the
boundary data completion in a
deoxygenation-reaeration model in stream-waters.
The unidimensional model we deal with
is based on the one introduced by Streeter and Phelps,
augmented by Taylor dispersion terms.
The missing boundary condition is the load or/and the flux of the biochemical oxygen demand indicator at the upstream point.
The counterpart is the availability
of two boundary conditions on the dissolved oxygen tracer at the same point.
The major consequence of these non-standard boundary conditions is that dispersion-reaction equations on both oxygen indicators are strongly coupled
and the resulting system becomes ill-posed.
The main purpose here is a finite element space-discretization of the variational problem.
Mixed finite elements turn out to be well fitted and yield
a non-symmetric saddle point system. The obtained semi-discrete problem is
a differential algebraic equation that needs specific tools for its analysis.
Combining analytical calculations
and theoretical justifications,
we try to elucidate the main properties of this ill-posed
dynamical problem and understand its mathematical structure.