bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Electrochemical Immunoassay for HER2 Detection
Authors: Al‐Khafaji Q. A. M. , Harris M. , Tombelli S. , Laschi S. , Turner A. P. F. , Mascini M. , Marrazza G.
Published: January 2012

In this paper, a simple and sensitive approach for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) detection is presented, using antibody‐functionalised magnetic beads coupled to screen‐printed cells. The immunoassay is based on a sandwich format in which a primary monoclonal antibody anti‐HER2 is coupled to protein A modified magnetic beads. The modified beads are then used to capture the protein from the sample solution and a sandwich assay is performed by adding a secondary monoclonal antibody anti‐HER2 labelled with biotin. The enzyme alkaline phosphatase (AP) conjugated with streptavidin and its substrate (1‐naphthyl‐phosphate) are then used for the electrochemical detection by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The experimental conditions for the immunoassay were optimised. The performance of the assay in terms of sensitivity, reproducibility and selectivity has been studied in buffer and serum samples from hospital patients.
Synergistic Effect of MWNTs/CeO2/CHIT Film for Detection of CdSe Nanoparticle Labeled Sequence‐Specific of 35S Promoter of Cauliflower Mosaic Virus Gene
Authors: Yang Tao , Huang Daming , Li Qianhe , Zhang Wei , Jiao Kui
Published: January 2012

A porous composite film was fabricated combining the advantages of multiwalled carbon nanotubes, CeO2 and chitosan. The synergistic effect of the film improved the immobilization of probe ssDNA. The loaded probe ssDNA was used for detection of CdSe quantum dots labeled target DNA. The DNA hybridization reaction was detected by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry of Cd2+ after the oxidative release of labeled CdSe quantum dots. The established DNA biosensor can discriminate different target sequences associated with 35S promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus gene with relatively wide linear range and low detection limit (2.4×10−13 mol/L).
Tools for the Development of Electrochemical Sensors: an EQCM Flow Cell with Flow Focusing
Authors: Malitesta Cosimino , Picca Rosaria Anna , Mazzotta Elisabetta , Guascito Maria Rachele
Published: January 2012

A novel flow cell capable of improving piezoelectric response in system combining Electrochemical Quartz Crystal Microbalance (EQCM) and Flow Injection Analysis is presented. The original design of flow cell modified in shape and position of ports compared to other models for QCM is proposed. Electrochemical and viscoelastic experiments showed focusing of the sample in the central zone between ports and a remarkable enhancement of mass sensitivity compared to Sauerbrey value. Enhancement of mass sensitivity may allow piezoelectric device to be applied to the same concentration range of electrochemical ones and may be used as a tool to develop electrochemical sensors.
SECM and SKPFM Studies of the Local Corrosion Mechanism of Al Alloys – A Pathway to an Integrated SKP‐SECM System
Authors: Senöz Ceylan , Maljusch Artjom , Rohwerder Michael , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: January 2012

Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy and Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy were applied for the investigation of localized corrosion on heterogeneous aiming on the investigation of the possible correlation between the local surface potential differences, measured by the Kelvin probe technique in ambient conditions, and corrosion during immersion in a corrosive electrolyte. A model sample mimicking the interaction of Al and Cu in Al alloys was chosen to demonstrate the complementary nature of the information received from SKPFM and SECM. The necessary prerequisites for a future integration of SKP and SECM into a single set‐up are discussed.
Antioxidative, antibacterial and antifungal activity of the essential oil of wild‐growing Satureja montana L. from Dalmatia, Croatia
Authors: Marin Marija , Novaković Miroslav , Tešević Vele , Vučković Ivan , Milojević Nataša , Vuković‐Gačić Branka , Marin Petar D
Published: January 2012

The composition of the essential oil of Satureja montana was examined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Forty‐three compounds were identified, representing approximately 99% of the oil. Major components were γ‐terpinene (8.7%), p‐cymene (16.9%) and carvacrol (44.5%). The oil was tested for its antioxidant activity by using the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl assay and showed dose‐dependent free‐radical‐scavenging activity with an EC50 value of 4.21 mg/ml. The antimicrobial effect of the essential oil was tested against six strains of Gram‐negative bacteria, seven strains of Gram‐positive bacteria and two fungi. The human pathogens Burkholderia cepacia ATCC 25416 (Gram negative) and Listeria innocua (Gram positive) were used in the investigation of S. montana for the first time. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the essential oil ranged from 0.625 to 5.0 µl/well for Gram‐negative bacteria, and from 0.312 to 1.125 µl/well for Gram‐positive bacteria. For the two fungi tested, Candida and Saccharomyces, the value was 0.234 µl/tube. The essential oil tested showed significant activity against fungi and Gram‐positive bacteria, especially Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Listeria innocua, and among Gram‐negative bacteria extreme sensitivity was detected in Escherichia coli SY252, SY252 lpcA and ATTCC 25922 strains. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organic Small Molecules for Photonics and Electronics from the [2.2]Paracyclophane Scaffold
Authors: Marrocchi Assunta , Tomasi Ivan , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: January 2012

In the search for molecules for organic photonics and electronics, several strategies have been used to modulate physical and chemical properties of [2.2]paracyclophane derivatives by sequential functionalization of their three‐dimensional cores. This review summarizes the major design and synthetic strategies for tuning paracyclophane‐containing small molecules by introducing various moieties featuring (hetero)aromatic rings directly connected to each other, as well as alternating (hetero)aryl and ethylene or ethynylene units. Several examples are presented that elucidate the structural, optical, and electronic consequences of incorporating these fragments in the aromatic decks, particularly relating to applications in organic optoelectronics.
Thermal simulations in the human head for high field MRI using parallel transmission
Authors: Massire Aurélien , Cloos Martjin A. , Luong Michel , Amadon Alexis , Vignaud Alexandre , Wiggins Christopher J. , Boulant Nicolas
Published: January 2012

Purpose:

To investigate, via numerical simulations, the compliance of the specific absorption rate (SAR) versus temperature guidelines for the human head in magnetic resonance imaging procedures utilizing parallel transmission at high field.

Materials and Methods:

A combination of finite element and finite‐difference time‐domain methods was used to calculate the evolution of the temperature distribution in the human head for a large number of parallel transmission scenarios. The computations were performed on a new model containing 20 anatomical structures.

Results:

Among all the radiofrequency field exposure schemes simulated, the recommended 39°C maximum local temperature was never exceeded when the local 10‐g average SAR threshold was reached. On the other hand, the maximum temperature barely complied with its guideline when the global SAR reached 3.2 W/kg. The maximal temperature in the eye could very well rise by more than 1°C in both cases.

Conclusion:

Considering parallel transmission, the recommended values of local 10‐g SAR may remain a relevant metric to ensure that the local temperature inside the human head never exceeds 39°C, although it can lead to rises larger than 1°C in the eye. Monitoring temperature instead of SAR can provide increased flexibility in pulse design for parallel transmission. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012;35:1312–1321. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Something(s) old and something(s) new: Modeling drivers of global virtual team effectiveness
Authors: Maynard M. Travis , Mathieu John E. , Rapp Tammy L. , Gilson Lucy L.
Published: January 2012

We developed and tested a model that bridges existing team effectiveness theory with new ideas aimed at understanding the complexity of multiple team membership and virtuality. Using a sample of 60 global, virtual supply teams from a large multi‐national organization, we propose that even for new team configurations, transactive memory systems and preparation activities are critical for effectiveness. We also examined the association between members' percentage of time allocated to a team, team virtuality, and interdependence on preparation activities. Our findings suggest that preparation activities related significantly to effectiveness as mediated by transactive memory systems. Furthermore, interdependence interacted with members' percentage of time allocated to the team as related to preparation activities. Specifically, members' percentage of time allocated to the team shifted from being a positive influence on preparation activities to a negative influence as team interdependence went from relatively high to relatively low levels. We discuss implications for theory, research, and practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stable isotopes to detect food‐conditioned bears and to evaluate human‐bear management
Authors: Hopkins John B. , Koch Paul L. , Schwartz Charles C. , Ferguson Jake M. , Greenleaf Schuyler S. , Kalinowski Steven T.
Published: January 2012

We used genetic and stable isotope analysis of hair from free‐ranging black bears (Ursus americanus) in Yosemite National Park, California, USA to: 1) identify bears that consume human food, 2) estimate the diets of these bears, and 3) evaluate the Yosemite human–bear management program. Specifically, we analyzed the isotopic composition of hair from bears known a priori to be food‐conditioned or non‐food‐conditioned and used these data to predict whether bears with an unknown management status were food‐conditioned (FC) or non‐food‐conditioned (NFC). We used a stable isotope mixing model to estimate the proportional contribution of natural foods (plants and animals) versus human food in the diets of FC bears. We then used results from both analyses to evaluate proactive (population‐level) and reactive (individual‐level) human–bear management, and discussed new metrics to evaluate the overall human–bear management program in Yosemite. Our results indicated that 19 out of 145 (13%) unknown bears sampled from 2005 to 2007 were food‐conditioned. The proportion of human food in the diets of known FC bears likely declined from 2001–2003 to 2005–2007, suggesting proactive management was successful in reducing the amount of human food available to bears. In contrast, reactive management was not successful in changing the management status of known FC bears to NFC bears, or in reducing the contribution of human food to the diets of FC bears. Nine known FC bears were recaptured on 14 occasions from 2001 to 2007; all bears were classified as FC during subsequent recaptures, and human–bear management did not reduce the amount of human food in the diets of FC bears. Based on our results, we suggest Yosemite continue implementing proactive human–bear management, reevaluate reactive management, and consider removing problem bears (those involved in repeated bear incidents) from the population. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Effects of variable spring harvest regimes on annual survival and recovery rates of male wild turkeys in Southeast Louisiana
Authors: Chamberlain Michael J. , Grisham Blake A. , Norris Jennifer L. , Stafford Norman J. , Kimmel Frederick G. , Olinde Michael W.
Published: January 2012

Spring harvest is a primary mortality factor for male eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris), but the relationship between spring harvest regimes and annual survival is not well understood. We banded 462 male wild turkeys from 1989 to 2007 in southeastern Louisiana to estimate annual survival and band recovery rates relative to spring harvest. We evaluated these parameters under a liberal harvest season (3‐bird limit; 1989–1997) and a reduced conservative harvest season (2‐bird limit; 2000–2007). Estimated recovery rates during the liberal season were 0.75 (SE = 0.05) for adults and 0.63 (SE = 0.04) for juveniles, and recovery rates during the conservative season were 0.61 (SE = 0.04) and 0.48 (SE = 0.05) for adults and juveniles, respectively. Annual survival averaged 0.16 (SE = 0.05) and 0.43 (SE = 0.05) for adults and juveniles, respectively, during the liberal season. Conversely, during the conservative season, annual survival averaged 0.31 (SE = 0.05) and 0.56 (SE = 0.05) for adults and juveniles, respectively. Our findings suggest that bag limit reductions combined with a reduction in season length contributed to a 2‐fold increase in annual survival for male wild turkeys. We contend that male wild turkeys were likely over harvested on our study area during the liberal harvest season, which contributed to exceptionally low annual survival rates. Managers should attempt to assess survival rates of male wild turkeys in harvested populations to properly manage spring harvest and develop appropriate harvest limits. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Treatment of infantile hemangiomas with the 595‐nm pulsed dye laser using different pulse widths in an Asian population
Authors: Tay Yong‐Kwang , Tan Siew‐Kiang
Published: January 2012

Introduction

The pulsed dye laser (PDL) using varying fluences and pulse durations have been used to treat hemangiomas. This study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of the 595‐nm PDL for the treatment of infantile hemangiomas using short (1.5–3 milliseconds) versus long (10 milliseconds) pulse durations and high fluences.

Materials and Methods

This is a retrospective study of patients with hemangiomas (n = 23) treated with the 595‐nm PDL from 2003 to 2007. The parameters used for the short pulse duration group (n = 15) were 7‐mm spot size, fluence 10–13.5 J/cm2 and dynamic cooling device (DCD) spray duration of 50 milliseconds and delay of 30 milliseconds. For the long pulse duration group (n = 8), parameters were 7mm spot size, fluence 10.5–14.5 J/cm2 and DCD spray duration of 40 milliseconds and delay of 20 milliseconds.

Results

The number of treatments required to achieve complete or near complete resolution of the hemangioma ranged from 3 to 14 for the short pulse duration group (mean: 8) and for the long pulse duration group, 4–14 treatments (mean: 9). For both groups, more treatments were needed to achieve clearance of mixed hemangiomas (n = 13) compared to superficial hemangiomas (n = 10) (on average, 4–5 treatments more). Erythema, edema, and purpura lasted for about a week in the short pulse duration group but only 2 days in the long pulse duration group. There was no ulceration or hypertrophic scarring noted in both groups.

Conclusion

Both short and long pulse durations using moderately high fluences are equally effective in the treatment of infantile hemangiomas. Shorter pulse durations had a slightly higher incidence of side effects compared to longer pulse duration in our patients with darker phototypes. Hemangiomas are tumors with relatively large diameter blood vessels and this provides the basis for the use of longer pulse durations. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:93–96, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Duration of red blood cell storage and outcomes following orthotopic liver transplantation#
Authors: Dunn Lauren K. , Thiele Robert H. , Ma Jennie Z. , Sawyer Robert G. , Nemergut Edward C.
Published: January 2012

Liver transplantation may be complicated by massive intraoperative bleeding, and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions may be required. The storage duration or age of transfused RBCs has been shown to affect the morbidity and mortality of critically ill, trauma, and cardiac surgery patients. Here we investigate the effect of RBC age on the outcomes of liver transplant patients. Five hundred thirty-one patients underwent orthotopic liver transplantation between January 1, 2000 and August 15, 2010. The patient demographics, the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease–sodium (MELD-Na) score, and the number and age of RBC units were evaluated with univariate and multivariate models of outcomes, which included mortality rates 2 years after transplantation, postoperative infections, and organ rejection. In a univariate analysis, the number of RBC units (but not the RBC age) was associated with increased 2-year mortality, an increased risk of infection, and a decreased risk of organ rejection. Only the number of RBC units was associated with increased 2-year mortality in a multivariate Cox regression model. The mortality risk was decreased by two-thirds for patients who received <10 U of RBCs versus those who received ≥10 U (hazard ratio = 0.33, 95% confidence interval = 0.16-0.69, P = 0.003). The number of transfused RBC units was not associated with the risk of infection or organ rejection in a multivariate logistic regression model. In conclusion, the RBC age is not associated with infection, organ rejection, or death in liver transplant patients. Patients who receive more blood have an increased risk of death. In a multivariate model, the MELD-Na score was not associated with increased mortality, and this is consistent with previous studies demonstrating that the MELD-Na score is a poor predictor of long-term survival after transplantation. Liver Transpl 18:475–481, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Implications of changing the minimal survival benefit in liver transplantation
Authors: Knight Marina , Barber Kerri , Gimson Alex , Collett Dave , Neuberger James
Published: January 2012

The limited availability of livers donated by deceased donors for transplantation means that not everyone who might benefit from the procedure can receive a graft, so any selection and allocation system must have clearly defined goals. The United Kingdom, in common with many other countries, has adopted a minimum benefit criterion of a greater than 50% probability of survival 5 years after transplantation. We investigated the impact of changing this minimum benefit criterion on a case mix of listed patients. The analysis was based on 5330 adult elective patients who underwent transplantation with livers from donation after brain death donors between January 1994 and December 2007. We examined the impact of balancing the number of registrations on the list with the number of available donor livers while allowing a 10% mortality rate and found that this would require a survival threshold of at least 74% at 5 years. According to historical data, the application of this more stringent criterion would significantly reduce the eligibility of older and nonwhite patients and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatitis C virus infections. Thus, if such undesirable restrictions on access to liver transplantation are to be avoided, we must consider alternative strategies such as the acceptance of higher transplant list mortality. Liver Transpl, 2012. © 2012 AASLD.
Concomitantly elevated serum matrix metalloproteinases 3 and 9 can predict survival of synchronous squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aero‐digestive tract
Authors: Wang Wen‐Lun , Chang Wei‐Lun , Yeh Yi‐Chun , Lee Ching‐Tai , Chang Chi‐Yang , Lin Jaw‐Town , Sheu Bor‐Shyang
Published: January 2012

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are elevated in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) over either the head and neck (HNSCC) or the esophagus (ESCC). Synchronous SCC with both HNSCC and ESCC predispose to worse survival. This study tested if serum MMP levels correlate with clinical features and predict survival for HNSCC, ESCC, and synchronous SCC. One hundred and thirty patients with SCCs in upper aero‐digestive tract (70 ESCC, 20 HNSCC, and 40 synchronous SCC) and 74 healthy controls were assessed for serum MMP‐3, ‐7, and ‐9 titers by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The titers were validated to their correlations to clinical features and survival rates of the different SCC groups. Patients with SCCs had significantly higher serum MMP‐3, ‐7, and ‐9 titers than the controls (P < 0.001) but there was no difference among the three SCC groups. Based on the optimal MMP cut‐off values by ROC curve, elevated MMP‐3 and MMP‐9, but not MMP‐7, correlated with distant metastasis and poor survival (P < 0.05). Concomitantly elevated MMP‐3 (>14 ng/mL) and MMP‐9 (>329.3 ng/mL) independently correlated with poor two‐year survival (P = 0.002, by log rank test). Cox regression confirmed that such concomitant elevation was superior to the tumor stage of either ESCC or HNSCC in predicting survival for synchronous SCC. Serum MMPs are elevated in SCC of the upper aero‐digestive tract. Especially for synchronous SCC, concomitantly elevated MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 levels serve as better biomarkers to predict prognosis than TNM staging of ESCC or HNSCC. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An analytical description of balanced steady‐state free precession with finite radio‐frequency excitation
Authors: Bieri Oliver
Published: January 2012

Conceptually, the only flaw in the standard steady‐state free precession theory is the assumption of quasi‐instantaneous radio‐frequency pulses, and 10–20% signal deviations from theory are observed for common balanced steady‐state free precession protocols. This discrepancy in the steady‐state signal can be resolved by a simple T2 substitution taking into account reduced transverse relaxation effects during finite radio‐frequency excitation. However, finite radio‐frequency effects may also affect the transient phase of balanced steady‐state free precession, its contrast or its spin‐echo nature and thereby have an adverse effect on common steady‐state free precession magnetization preparation methods. As a result, an in‐depth understanding of finite radio‐frequency effects is not only of fundamental theoretical interest but also has direct practical implications. In this article, an analytical solution for balanced steady‐state free precession with finite radio‐frequency pulses is derived for the transient phase (under ideal conditions) and in the steady state demonstrating that balanced steady‐state free precession key features are preserved but revealing an unexpected dependency of finite radio‐frequency effects on relaxation times for the transient decay. Finally, the mathematical framework reveals that finite radio‐frequency theory can be understood as a generalization of alternating repetition time and fluctuating equilibrium steady‐state free precession sequence schemes. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative measurement of blood‐brain barrier permeability in human using dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI with fast T1 mapping
Authors: Taheri Saeid , Gasparovic Charles , Shah Nadim Jon , Rosenberg Gary A.
Published: January 2012

Breakdown of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), occurring in many neurological diseases, has been difficult to measure noninvasively in humans. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging measures BBB permeability. However, important technical challenges remain and normative data from healthy humans is lacking. We report the implementation of a method for measuring BBB permeability, originally developed in animals, to estimate BBB permeability in both healthy subjects and patients with white matter pathology. Fast T1 mapping was used to measure the leakage of contrast agent Gadolinium diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd‐DTPA) from plasma into brain. A quarter of the standard Gd‐DTPA dose for dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging was found to give both sufficient contrast‐to‐noise and high T1 sensitivity. The Patlak graphical approach was used to calculate the permeability from changes in 1/T1. Permeability constants were compared with cerebrospinal fluid albumin index. The upper limit of the 95% confidence interval for white matter BBB permeability for normal subjects was 3 × 10−4 L/g min. MRI measurements correlated strongly with levels of cerebrospinal fluid albumin in those subjects undergoing lumbar puncture. Dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging with low dose Gd‐DTPA and fast T1 imaging is a sensitive method to measure subtle differences in BBB permeability in humans and may have advantages over techniques based purely on the measurement of pixel contrast changes. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analyzing the wave number dependency of the convergence rate of a multigrid preconditioned Krylov method for the Helmholtz equation with an absorbing layer
Authors: Reps B. , Vanroose W.
Published: January 2012

This paper analyzes the Krylov convergence rate of a Helmholtz problem preconditioned with multigrid. The multigrid method is applied to the Helmholtz problem formulated on a complex contour and uses the generalized minimal residual method as a smoother substitute at each level. A one‐dimensional model is analyzed both in a continuous and discrete way. It is shown that the Krylov convergence rate of the continuous problem is independent of the wave number. The discrete problem, however, can deviate significantly from this bound because of a pitchfork in the spectrum. It is further shown in numerical experiments that the convergence rate of the Krylov method approaches the continuous bound as the grid distance h gets small. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in bis(N‐heterocyclic carbene) chemistry: new classes of structurally dynamic materials
Authors: Neilson Bethany M. , Tennyson Andrew G. , Bielawski Christopher W.
Published: January 2012

A major challenge in the pursuit of dynamic materials is the dichotomy between reversible structure and electronic conjugation. Guided by the precedence for N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) to dimerize, couple with electrophiles and bind to transition metals, we proposed that linearly opposed bis(NHC)s could, in a similar manner, afford unsaturated homopolymers, alternating copolymers, and metallopolymers. To realize these goals, we developed synthetic methods for accessing ditopic NHCs and investigated their propensities to undergo homopolymerization via dimerization and copolymerization via coupling with ditopic electrophiles or divalent transition metals. The materials obtained from these reactions were of relatively high molecular weight, exhibited electronic properties that were consistent with extensively delocalized systems, and in many cases, were found to be thermally reversible. In addition to expanding the scope of carbene chemistry, these polymers represent significant advancements towards the realization of reversible, conjugated polymers. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic modeling of the morphology of latex particles with in situ formation of graft copolymer
Authors: Akhmatskaya Elena , Asua José M.
Published: January 2012

Modification of the polymer–polymer interfacial tension is a way to tailor‐make particle morphology of waterborne polymer–polymer hybrids. This allows achieving a broader spectrum of application properties and maximizing the synergy of the positive properties of both polymers, avoiding their drawbacks. In situ formation of graft copolymer during polymerization is an efficient way to modify the polymer–polymer interfacial tension. Currently, no dynamic model is available for polymer–polymer hybrids in which a graft copolymer is generated during polymerization. In this article, a novel model based on stochastic dynamics is developed for predicting the dynamics of the development of particle morphology for composite waterborne systems in which a graft copolymer is produced in situ during the process. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
A systematic review of the associations between empathy measures and patient outcomes in cancer care
Authors: Lelorain Sophie , Brédart Anne , Dolbeault Sylvie , Sultan Serge
Published: January 2012

Objective

Despite a call for empathy in medical settings, little is known about the effects of the empathy of health care professionals on patient outcomes. This review investigates the links between physicians' or nurses' empathy and patient outcomes in oncology.

Method

With the use of multiple databases, a systematic search was performed using a combination of terms and subject headings of empathy or perspective taking or clinician–patient communication, oncology or end‐of‐life setting and physicians or nurses. Among the 394 hits returned, 39 studies met the inclusion criteria of a quantitative measure of empathy or empathy‐related constructs linked to patient outcomes.

Results

Empathy was mainly evaluated using patient self‐reports and verbal interaction coding. Investigated outcomes were mainly proximal patient satisfaction and psychological adjustment. Clinicians' empathy was related to higher patient satisfaction and lower distress in retrospective studies and when the measure was patient‐reported. Coding systems yielded divergent conclusions. Empathy was not related to patient empowerment (e.g. medical knowledge, coping).

Conclusion

Overall, clinicians' empathy has beneficial effects according to patient perceptions. However, in order to disentangle components of the benefits of empathy and provide professionals with concrete advice, future research should apply different empathy assessment approaches simultaneously, including a perspective‐taking task on patients' expectations and needs at precise moments. Indeed, clinicians' understanding of patients' perspectives is the core component of medical empathy, but it is often assessed only from the patient's point of view. Clinicians' evaluations of patients' perspectives should be studied and compared with patients' reports so that problematic gaps between the two perspectives can be addressed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Literacy Artifacts and the Semiotic Landscape of a Spanish Secondary School
Authors: Poveda David
Published: January 2012

In this article, I examine literacy artifacts placed by students in different locations of a state‐run secondary school in the city of Madrid, Spain. The data were gathered as part of a two‐year long multilevel ethnography focused on the social and academic trajectories of immigrant students in Spanish compulsory secondary education. The analysis draws from concepts developed in semiotics, linguistic anthropology, literacy studies, and social geography. Two broad types of literacy artifacts configured the school's semiotic landscape: political texts and graffiti. In turn, these artifacts were tied to two youth expressive styles present in the school: left‐wing anarkas and Latino reggaetoneros. Students associated with these expressive styles tended to have different ethnic backgrounds and followed different socioacademic trajectories: anarkas tended to be of Spanish origin and often moved on to preuniversity education while reggaetoneros were predominantly Latin American and were geared towards vocational/remedial forms of secondary education. Drawing from concepts in social geography, the analysis suggests that anarka texts occupied official spaces in the school and were construed as “in place” while reggaetonero artifacts occupied unofficial spaces and were construed as “out of place.” I argue that this distribution, alongside other institutional practices and discourses, contributed to the construction of Latin American origin immigrant students’ less favorable academic trajectories.
Words as Tools: Learning Academic Vocabulary as Language Acquisition
Authors: Nagy William , Townsend Dianna
Published: January 2012

There is a growing awareness of the importance of academic vocabulary, and more generally, of academic language proficiency, for students’ success in school. There is also a growing body of research on the nature of the demands that academic language places on readers and writers, and on interventions to help students meet these demands. In this review, we discuss the role of academic vocabulary within academic language, examine recent research on instruction in academic vocabulary, considering both general academic words and discipline‐specific words, and offer our perspective on the current state of this research and recommendations on how to continue inquiry and to improve practice in this area. We use the metaphor of ‘words as tools’ to reflect our understanding that instruction in academic vocabulary must approach words as means for communicating and thinking about disciplinary content, and must therefore provide students with opportunities to use the instructed words for these purposes as they are learning them.
Reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy for ultrathin gate oxide materials
Authors: Shin Hye Chung , Tahir Dahlang , Seo Soonjoo , Denny Yus Rama , Oh Suhk Kun , Kang Hee Jae , Heo Sung , Chung Jae Gwan , Lee Jae Cheol , Tougaard Sven
Published: January 2012

The band alignment of HfZrO4 gate oxide thin films on Si (100) deposited by the atomic layer deposition method has been investigated using reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy and XPS. The band gap of HfZrO4 gate oxide thin film is 5.40 ± 0.05 eV. The valence band offset (ΔEv) and the conduction band offset (ΔEc) are 2.50 ± 0.05 eV and 1.78 ± 0.05 eV, respectively. These values satisfy the minimum requirement for the hole and electron barrier heights of larger than 1 eV for device applications. We have demonstrated that the quantitative analysis of reflection electron energy loss spectroscopy spectra obtained from HfZrO4 thin films provides us a straightforward way to determine the optical properties and the inelastic mean free path of ultrathin gate oxide materials. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Micro‐structural and micro‐chemical composition of bronze artefacts from Tharros (Western Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Mezzi A. , Angelini E. , Riccucci C. , Grassini S. , De Caro T. , Faraldi F. , Bernardini P.
Published: January 2012

The present work reports the results of the SEM–energy dispersive spectrometry, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), XPS and optical microscopy (OM) investigations performed to identify the corrosion products nature, i.e. the patina, grown on bronze common use artefacts found during excavations carried out at Tharros (on the west coast of Sardinia, Italy). The micro‐chemical investigations of the patina revealed the structure and the chemical composition of the stratified corrosion layers, where tin depletion phenomenon has been observed within some cases of a surface enrichment of lead combined with elements coming from the soil such as Cl and P and mixed with other burial elements such as Ca, Si, Fe, Si and Al. The presence of soil elements was also confirmed by XPS investigations that evidence from the lineshape analysis and Binding Energy (BE) values of Cu 2p, Sn 3 d and Pb 4f photoemission signals that these elements are mainly present in their maximum oxidation states on the surface. The surface information is confirmed by OM and XRD results that evidence also the presence of copper trihydroxychlorides. In the inner layers, OM, SEM–energy dispersive spectrometry and XRD results disclose the presence of Cu (I) compounds such as cuprite (Cu2O) and nantokite (CuCl), the latter being the specie that induces the cyclic and self‐sustaining degradation process commonly defined ‘bronze disease’. The micro‐chemical and micro‐structural informations demonstrate the strict interaction between soil components and corrosion products that form different compounds as a function of the local characteristics of the soil and of the chemical composition and metallurgical features of the Cu‐based alloys. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Precise XPS depth analysis of soda–lime–silica glass surface after various treatments
Authors: Yamamoto Yuichi
Published: January 2012

Ar ion sputtering is one of the most accepted techniques for depth profiling in practical XPS analysis, although this technique is known to be inadequate for quantitative analysis of glass including mobile ions such as soda–lime–silica glass. Buckminsterfullerene (C60) ion sputtering has recently been recognized to suppress the composition change of glass and the degradation of organic materials. Here, C60 ion sputtering was applied to examine the change of the compositional depth profile on soda–lime–silica glass (70.4SiO2, 0.9Al2O3, 7.3MgO, 7.8CaO, 13.6Na2O in mol%) surface in detail because of various treatments such as annealing, washing, polishing, and storage. The precise analysis revealed that the sodium profile changed variously within 30 nm depth. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Locomotor behavior of bonnet monkeys after spinal contusion injury: Footprint study
Authors: Suresh Babu R. , Sunandhini R.L. , Sridevi D. , Periasamy P. , Namasivayam A.
Published: January 2012

Analysis of gait functions following spinal cord injury has been widely studied in rats, mice but limited in primates. This investigation was performed to quantitatively analyze the degree of functional recovery in bipedal locomotion in bonnet monkeys after induced spinal cord contusion. The degree of locomotor recovery was examined by measuring four gait variables, viz., tip of opposite foot (TOF), print‐length (PL), toe‐spread (TS), and intermediary toe‐spread (IT) from the recorded hindlimb prints of monkeys using ink and paper technique. Contusion was induced in spinal cord at T12‐L1 level in anaesthetized monkeys by using the Allen's weight drop technique. Postoperatively, all spinal contused animals initially showed a significant decrease in TOF, which then gradually increased for longer duration and attained the near normal values by the sixth month. On the other hand, PL, TS, and IT variables in hindlimb prints of contused animals were found to dramatically increase initially and then slowly decrease subsequently. Later there was a recovery to insignificant levels which differed from the corresponding preoperative values by the fifth month. The observations of this study suggest that the functional contributions of the spared fibers, especially in ventral and ventrolateral funiculi, through collateral sprouts or synaptic plasticity that were formed in the contused spinal cord may be responsible for substantial recovery of hindlimb movements. Moreover, based on analysis of footprint variables observed in locomotion in these subjected monkeys, we understand that spinal automatism and development of responses by afferent stimuli from outside the cord could possibly contribute to recovery of the paralyzed hindlimbs. Synapse, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Children's Work in Nigeria: Exploring the Implications of Gender, Urban–Rural Residence, and Household Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Kazeem Aramide
Published: January 2012

Child labor in developing countries continues to be a topic of policy and academic concern, particularly in Africa where there are more working children than in any other region. Scholarly attention has been drawn in part to gender, place of residence, and socioeconomic status as factors that shape the type of work that children perform and whether it impacts educational attainment. I explore these issues in the context of Nigeria through analysis of data from the 2004 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey EdData Survey. A series of logistic regression models of child labor confirm the existence of gender and, especially, socioeconomic disparities in children's work. The data also indicate that girls and rural children face a double risk of working if they belong to poor households. A policy implication is that poverty alleviation programs—such as Mexico's Oportunidades program (the erstwhile PRO-GRESA)—may help to reduce those forms of child labor that interfere with schooling. That this program has been found to more beneficial for girls suggests it may be particularly appropriate for Nigeria where gender disparities persist.
Intergroup contact, attitudes toward homosexuality, and the role of acceptance of gender non‐conformity in young adolescents
Authors: Collier Kate L. , Bos Henny M.W. , Sandfort Theo G.M.
Published: January 2012

This study explored how contact with gay and lesbian persons affects adolescents' attitudes toward them, and whether this association is mediated or moderated by one's acceptance of gender non‐conformity. We analyzed survey responses from 456 Dutch adolescents aged 12–15 who reported having no same‐sex attractions. Data were collected in 2008 at 8 schools in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Preliminary analyses showed that contact with lesbian/gay persons outside of school was positively associated with attitudes toward lesbians and gay men. Multilevel analyses showed that acceptance of gender non‐conformity mediated rather than moderated the relationship between intergroup contact and sexual prejudice in males. The effect of intergroup contact on females' attitudes toward lesbian women was no longer significant in multilevel analyses. The findings suggest that attention to both intergroup contact and acceptance of gender non‐conformity would enhance our understanding of attitudes toward homosexuality in adolescents.
Lebensstilfaktoren und Krebs
Authors: Albers Torsten
Published: January 2012

Einleitung

Krebserkrankungen entstehen multifaktoriell und stehen in der Todesursachenstatistik an zweiter Stelle. In den meisten Fällen kommt es zu einer Interaktion von Lebensstilfaktoren auf dem Boden einer genetischen Suszeptibilität, die die Erkrankung auslöst. Das Ernährungsverhalten, das Ausmaß an körperlicher Aktivität und das Körpergewicht spielen bei den häufigen Tumorentitäten Brust- und Darmkrebs in der Primärprävention und in der Rezidivprophylaxe eine wichtige Rolle.
Entwicklung einer innovativen Beratungshilfe - OptimaHl 60plus
Authors: Gallois Katharina , Strube Helga , Hassel Holger , Pigeot Iris
Published: January 2012

Einleitung

Im Vordergrund der Studie OptimaHl 60plus stand die partizipative Entwicklung einer Beratungshilfe, um das Ernährungs- und Bewegungsverhalten zu optimieren und damit die Lebensqualität und Selbständigkeit von Senioren zu erhalten. Durch die gezielte Einbeziehung von Senioren mit niedrigem sozioökonomischen Status und/oder Migrationshintergrund wurde ein Beitrag zur Reduktion von ungleichen Gesundheitschancen geleistet. Ergebnisse zeigten, dass die Beratungshilfe, eingebettet in ein Interventionsprogramm, kritische Ernährungsparameter verbessern konnte.
Deep tissue hyperalgesia after computer work
Authors: Strøm Vegard , Røe Cecilie , Matre Dagfinn , Knardahl Stein
Published: January 2012

Background and purpose

A growing number of people are using computers. Shoulder and neck pain occur commonly during computer work. Peripheral and central sensitization may play a major role in establishing and maintaining several chronic pain conditions. We have previously reported that a 90 min simulated computer office-work induced substantial pain in the shoulders and neck. We hypothesized that the development of pain during the computer work may be related to sensitization. The aim of the present study was to examine if the 90 min computer work induced deep tissue muscle hyperalgesia manifested as altered pressure pain thresholds (PPTs).

Methods

Twenty-two subjects with chronic shoulder and neck pain (pain group) and 26 healthy and pain free subjects (reference group) performed a standardized computer office-work task with use of a computer-mouse and with time pressure and high precision demands continuously for 90 min. The pressure pain threshold was measured with a pressure algometer in shoulder and forearm muscles (bilaterally in upper trapezius and extensor carpi radialis), and at sternum, before and 15 min and 30 min after the computer work task.

Results

The PPTs before starting the computer work were not different between the groups at any of the five locations. In both groups, the PPTs in the active and inactive side of the upper trapezius as well as in the extensor carpi radialis of the forearm operating the computer mouse were significantly reduced after the 90 min computer work compared with the pre-work levels. In the pain group, also the PPT in the inactive resting forearm was significantly reduced. The changes seen in PPTs from pre-to post-work were not significantly different between the groups, except for the inactive resting forearm where the groups exhibited different time course.

Conclusion

A decrease in pressure pain thresholds of involved muscles suggests that computer office-work can induce deep tissue hyperalgesia within 90 min. The development of pain during the computer work indicates peripheral sensitization as the predominant mechanism. Decreased pressure pain thresholds also in sites distant from pain areas may indicate a contribution from central sensitization in the subjects with chronic shoulder and neck pain.

Implications

The lasting pain after work and the reduced PPTs both in involved and distant musculature may indicate need for frequent pauses during computer work, especially when performed with time pressure and high precision demands, in order to avoid pain to increase and sustain after work, and thus to prevent the possibility of pain to become chronic.
Chronic non-cancer pain and the long-term efficacy and safety of opioids: Some blind men and an elephant?
Authors: Peter C. , Watson N.
Published: January 2012

Background

The use of opioids for chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) remains very controversial. There are a number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showing efficacy and safety in the short-term, but long-term data are limited.

Methods

This article contains 10 case reports (followed to 2011) that were selected from a survey of 84 patients with intractable CNCP treated with opioids and followed every 3 months now for a median of 10 years. The previous published survey of this group reported outcomes of pain severity, adverse effects, pain relief, satisfaction, mood, problematic opioid use, tolerance, physical dependency, functional status, health-related quality of life (HRQL), immune status and sexual function. The outcome measures for that study included a numerical rating scale (NRS) for pain, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Brief Pain Inventory Interference Scale (BPI-I), the Pain Disability Index (PDI), and for Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) the Short Form Health Survey 12 version 2 (SF12v2). These selected patient reports were chosen to illustrate some important aspects of the diagnostic categories of CNCP, the opioids and doses used, particular issues (concurrent addiction history, bipolar disorder, and combination therapy), disease-specific and other outcomes (pain severity and relief, adverse effects, mood, function) and duration of follow-up with complex pain problems.

Results

Opioids were found to be safe and effective in the long-term for these particular patients, as well as in the larger group from which they originate. Most patients in the total sample reported 50% or greater relief and a moderate improvement in disability. Scores for functional status and HRQL were not severely affected (PDI and BPI-I ratings moderate or less and SF12v2 slightly below normative values for age). Problematic use, tolerance, and serious adverse effects including constipation were not major issues.

Conclusion

These 10 reports of patients with intractable CNCP treated with opioids with some success over many years put a face on some of the participants in the larger survey of 84 suggesting that this approach is effective and safe for some patients over many years.

Implications

These data may not be generalizable to a larger population of patients with CNCP because of the probable selection of patients who benefit and who do not have intolerable adverse effects.