bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical characterization of multicentric hepatocholangiocellular adenoma in a pig
Authors: Segawa Risa , Fujii Yuta , Ogawa Takashi , Takimoto Norifumi , Hara Shintaro , Murakami Tomoaki , Suzuki Kazuhiko , Shibutani Makoto
Published: March 2014

Three spherical opaque-white tumor nodules were found in close proximity to each other in the liver of a breeding sow, postslaughter, at a veterinary food inspection. The tumor nodules were circumscribed and histologically consisted of discrete hepatocellular and cholangiocellular nests, in association with polygonal-to-oval–shaped cells with slight cellular atypia. Immunohistochemically, all cellular components were negative for carcinoembryonic antigen, but positive for p53. Both cholangiocytes and oval-shaped cells were immunoreactive to anti-cytokeratin antibodies AE1/AE3 and MNF116. In addition, cholangiocytes were exclusively immunoreactive to anti-cytokeratin antibody CAM5.2, and hepatocytes were positive for MNF116 and hepatocyte paraffin 1. All neoplastic cells were positive for the hepatic progenitor cell markers, α-1-fetoprotein, sal-like protein 4, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule. From these results, the present case was diagnosed as hepatocholangiocellular adenoma, arising from epithelial cells of the canals of Hering.
Assessing the Practice of Hot Spots Policing
Authors: Koper Christopher S.
Published: March 2014

This study examined the practice of hot spots policing as reported by a convenience sample of predominantly large municipal police agencies. Police commonly defined hot spots in terms of micro places as well as larger areas, and they emphasized short-term identification and responses to hot spots. Respondents identified problem analysis/solving, targeting offenders, and directed patrol as the most common and effective strategies for hot spots, but there was wide variation in their views of the most effective strategies for different types of hot spots. Current practices could arguably be improved through more a precise geographic focus, a greater emphasis on chronic hot spots and their criminogenic features, and further research to determine optimal strategies, dosages, and proactive uses of hot spots policing.
Psychoanalytic/Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Sexually Abused Children and Adolescents
Authors: Parker Ben , Turner William
Published: March 2014

Objective:

To assess the effectiveness of psychoanalytic/psychodynamic psychotherapy for children and adolescents who have been sexually abused.

Method:

The Cochrane Collaboration’s criteria for data synthesis and study quality assessment were used. Electronic bibliographic databases and web searches were used to identify randomized and quasi-randomized trials comparing psychoanalytic/psychodynamic psychotherapy with treatment as usual or no treatment/waiting list control for children and adolescents up to the age of 18 who had experienced sexual abuse at any time prior to the intervention.

Results:

There are no randomized and quasi-randomized trials that met the inclusion criteria.

Conclusion:

As no eligible studies were identified, we cannot draw any conclusion as to the effectiveness of psychoanalytic/psychodynamic psychotherapy for this population. This important gap emphasizes the need for further research into the effectiveness of psychoanalytic/psychodynamic psychotherapy in this population. Directions for future research in this area are discussed.
Comparison Between Home and Hospital as the Place of Death for Individuals With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in the Last Stages of Illness
Authors: Ushikubo Mitsuko
Published: March 2014

Introduction:

Healthcare providers need to better understand the end-of-life situations of in-home amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients to support their desires about where to die and to allow peaceful death.

Purpose:

To clarify the situations of individuals with ALS in the last stages of illness according to the place of death as reported by home care nurses.

Methods:

Minimum structured interviews were conducted with 14 home care nurses, and data regarding 14 ALS patients who died were collected.

Results:

Six patients died at home, and eight died at the hospital. Many sudden deaths were observed among the patients who died at home, whereas pneumonia was often the cause of death in the hospital.

Conclusion:

Providing family education and ensuring the availability of local family physicians are vital to meeting a patient's desire to die at home. Home care nursing should be introduced in the early stage after diagnosis to provide support to patients for timely decision-making.
The Frontoparietal Control System
Authors: Cole Michael W. , Repovš Grega , Anticevic Alan
Published: March 2014

Recent findings suggest the existence of a frontoparietal control system consisting of flexible hubs that regulate distributed systems (e.g., visual, limbic, motor) according to current task goals. A growing number of studies are reporting alterations of this control system across a striking range of mental diseases. We suggest this may reflect a critical role for the control system in promoting and maintaining mental health. Specifically, we propose that this system implements feedback control to regulate symptoms as they arise (e.g., excessive anxiety reduced via regulation of amygdala), such that an intact control system is protective against a variety of mental illnesses. Consistent with this possibility, recent results indicate that several major mental illnesses involve altered brain-wide connectivity of the control system, likely altering its ability to regulate symptoms. These results suggest that this “immune system of the mind” may be an especially important target for future basic and clinical research.
Effects on Growth of Human Osteoblast-Like Cells of Three Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Authors: Luna-Bertos Elvira De , Ramos-Torrecillas Javier , Manzano-Moreno Francisco Javier , García-Martínez Olga , Ruiz Concepción
Published: March 2014

Some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have adverse effects on bone tissue. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of different doses of dexketoprofen, ketorolac, and metamizole on growth of the osteoblast MG63 cell line. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide spectrophotometry results showed that MG63 cell growth was significantly inhibited after 24 hr of culture with doses of 10, 20, 100, or 1,000 µM of each NSAID and with doses of 0.1, 1, or 5 µM of dexketoprofen and ketorolac but not metamizole. Cell-cycle studies revealed that dexketoprofen and ketorolac treatments significantly arrested the cell cycle in phase G0/G1, increasing the percentage of cells in this phase. Apoptosis/necrosis studies showed significant changes versus control cells, with an increased percentage of cells in apoptosis after treatment with 10, 100, or 1,000 µM of metamizole and after treatment with 1, 10, 100, or 1,000 µM of dexketoprofen or ketorolac. In conclusion, treatment of osteoblast-like cells with high doses of the NSAIDs tested increased not only the percentage of cells in apoptosis but also the percentage of necrotic cells.
PET imaging of glucose metabolism, neuroinflammation and demyelination in the lysolecithin rat model for multiple sclerosis
Authors: de Paula Faria Daniele , de Vries Erik FJ , Sijbesma Jurgen WA , Buchpiguel Carlos A , Dierckx Rudi AJO , Copray Sjef CVM
Published: March 2014

Background:

Injection of lysolecithin in the central nervous system results in demyelination accompanied by local activation of microglia and recruitment of monocytes. Positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging, using specific tracers, may be an adequate technique to monitor these events in vivo and therefore may become a tool for monitoring disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.

Objectives:

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the potential of PET imaging in monitoring local lesions, using [11C]MeDAS, [11C]PK11195 and [18F]FDG as PET tracers for myelin density, microglia activation and glucose metabolism, respectively.

Methods:

Sprague-Dawley rats were stereotactically injected with either 1% lysolecithin or saline in the corpus callosum and striatum of the right brain hemisphere. PET imaging was performed three days, one week and four weeks after injection. Animals were terminated after PET imaging and the brains were explanted for (immuno)histochemical analysis.

Results:

PET imaging was able to detect local demyelination induced by lysolecithin in the corpus callosum and striatum with [11C]MeDAS and concomitant microglia activation and monocyte recruitment with [11C]PK11195. [18F]FDG imaging demonstrated that glucose metabolism was maintained in the demyelinated lesions.

Conclusion:

PET imaging with multiple tracers allows simultaneous in vivo monitoring of myelin density, neuroinflammation and brain metabolism in small MS-like lesions, indicating its potential to monitor disease progression in MS patients.
Mobile phone–based clinical guidance for rural health providers in India
Authors: Gautham Meenakshi , Iyengar M Sriram , Johnson Craig W
Published: March 2014

There are few tried and tested mobile technology applications to enhance and standardize the quality of health care by frontline rural health providers in low-resource settings. We developed a media-rich, mobile phone–based clinical guidance system for management of fevers, diarrhoeas and respiratory problems by rural health providers. Using a randomized control design, we field tested this application with 16 rural health providers and 128 patients at two rural/tribal sites in Tamil Nadu, Southern India. Protocol compliance for both groups, phone usability, acceptability and patient feedback for the experimental group were evaluated. Linear mixed-model analyses showed statistically significant improvements in protocol compliance in the experimental group. Usability and acceptability among patients and rural health providers were very high. Our results indicate that mobile phone–based, media-rich procedural guidance applications have significant potential for achieving consistently standardized quality of care by diverse frontline rural health providers, with patient acceptance.
The unique response of renin and aldosterone to dietary sodium intervention in sodium sensitivity
Authors: Shin Sung Joon , Lim ChiYeon , Oh Sang Woo , Rhee Moo-Yong
Published: March 2014

Introduction:

Sodium sensitivity (SS) is a phenomenon in which significant changes in blood pressure (BP) are observed based on sodium intake. The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system plays a critical role in sodium handling and hypertension. We identified the specific responses of renin and aldosterone based on dietary sodium intake and revealed the relationship between these hormonal changes and dietary sodium intake in patients with SS.

Materials and methods:

In total, 61 subjects were available to analyze full data including plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone. Participants were given a low-sodium DASH diet (LSD) for 7 days and a high-sodium DASH diet (HSD) for the following 7 days.

Results:

SS was found in five (14.71%) in normotensives, and 14 (51.85%) in hypertensives. In sodium-resistant (SR) subjects, both PRA and aldosterone decreased significantly after consuming HSD. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between PRA and aldosterone in SR subjects. In contrast, only hypertensive subjects showed a marked fall in PRA after consuming HSD (1.299 ± 0.904 vs. 0.593 ± 0.479) among SS subjects.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated the different responses of renin and aldosterone in SS and SR subjects based on dietary sodium intake whether or not they had hypertension.
A call to child welfare: Protect children from sibling abuse
Authors: Meyers Amy
Published: March 2014

Sibling abuse is extremely common, yet child welfare does not provide statutes for its identification and workers are not trained to identify its occurrence. This retrospective study explored adults survivors’ experiences of childhood and adolescent sibling abuse and the family environment that engendered hostile sibling relationships. The varying parental responses from punitive to neglect to collusion with the perpetrator resulted in feelings of helplessness and worthlessness in the victim. Personal narratives of survivors highlight the sibling abusive experience and underscore its devastating repercussions. Recommendations are presented for child welfare to establish sibling abuse as a phenomenon in need of recognition and include siblings in risk assessment.
Views on the right to withdraw from randomised controlled trials assessing quality of life after mastectomy and breast reconstruction (QUEST): findings from the QUEST perspectives study (QPS)
Authors: Bidad N. , MacDonald L. , Winters ZE. , Edwards SJL. , Horne R
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study is to examine the importance that real patients attach to their right to withdraw from an on-going feasibility randomised trial (RCT) evaluating types and timings of breast reconstruction (two parallel trials) following mastectomy for breast cancer. Our results show that, while some respondents appreciated that exercising the right to withdraw would defeat the scientific objective of the trial, some patients with a surgical preference consented only given the knowledge they could withdraw if they were not allocated to their preferred treatment.
Hispanic Caregiver Perceptions of Water Intake Recommendations for Young Children and Their Current Beverage Feeding Practices
Authors: Mason Maryann , Welch Sarah B. , Morales Miguel
Published: March 2014

Hispanic children in the United States are at high risk of obesity. Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption (SSB) is a modifiable contributor to obesity. Hispanic children are more likely to drink SSB than non-Hispanic white children. The main goal of the study was to explore caregiver beverage feeding behaviors and evaluate reactions to water intake recommendations for children birth to five years old in a diverse U.S. Hispanic urban community. Findings will be used to develop community- and population-specific intervention messaging for obesity prevention for this population. The study used a qualitative focus group design using constant comparison coding methods. Participants included 35 Hispanic caregivers of children aged 0–5 years living in a low-income, predominantly Hispanic community in Chicago, Illinois. We found young children in this community drink a variety of SSBs and caregivers choose beverages based on cost, availability, health, and behavioral concerns. Participants report altering beverages for a variety of reasons, family member disagreement regarding beverage feeding practices, and older family members’ influence on children’s preferences. Puerto Rican and Mexican American participants differed in the range of beverages provided, concerns regarding water intake, and beverage alteration and feeding practices. Caregivers universally believe the recommended water intake amount of four six-ounce servings daily for children is too high. Findings will inform message development to reduce SSB intake and increase water consumption among young children in this community. Messaging should be ethnic group specific, target all family members, build on current beverage alteration practices, and include nutrition information specific to young children.
Nutrient Inadequacy Is Prevalent in Pregnant Adolescents, and Prenatal Supplement Use May Not Fully Compensate for Dietary Deficiencies
Authors: Lee Sunmin , Young Bridget E. , Cooper Elizabeth M. , Pressman Eva , Queenan Ruth Anne , Olson Christine M. , Guillet Ronnie , O’Brien Kimberly O.
Published: March 2014

A longitudinal study was undertaken in 156 pregnant adolescents (≤18 years old) to characterize dietary intake and to determine the degree to which prenatal supplement use compensates for dietary deficits. The adequacy of dietary intake was assessed by comparing self-reported intake from up to three 24-hour dietary recalls with the dietary reference intakes. The majority of teens did not meet the estimated average requirements (EAR) for vitamin D (93%), vitamin E (94%), Mg (90%), Fe (76%), and Ca (74%). More than half of the adolescents in each gestational window (<23 weeks; 23-30 weeks; and ≥31 weeks of gestation) self-reported daily use of prenatal supplements, but the additional supplement contributions were not sufficient to meet the EAR for Mg (90%) or Ca (54%). Pregnant adolescents are at risk for insufficient intake of several essential nutrients from diet alone in spite of adequate or excessive energy intakes. Daily use of prenatal supplements reduces the prevalence of dietary inadequacy for many nutrients but may not be sufficient to meet the requirements for Mg and Ca. Practitioners should identify motivators and barriers to adequate diet and prenatal supplement use in order to address key nutrients of concern.
Resource Longevity and the ‘Pull’ of Existing Organizational Paths: Strategic Adjustment and Response by UK Producers to a New International Division of Labour in the Ceramic Tableware Sector
Authors: Lambert Neil J.
Published: March 2014

This article presents the findings from a study that explores the implications of a new international division of labour in the ceramic tableware sector for UK producers. Many UK producers have struggled over recent years to adapt to changing competitive and market conditions in the sector. The findings suggest that strategy choice and success for UK producers during the period of interest (1996–2008) has not been exorable and homogenous. Instead, past actions, events and outcomes, as well as the ‘pull’ of existing organizational paths, appear to have influenced past capability selection and accumulation decisions, shaping the historically conditioned, rent-generating competencies upon which case study firms had based their respective responses to changes in competitive and market conditions. This has increasingly conditioned two distinctive focal action patterns within the sample, each, seemingly, presenting its own respective ‘lock in’ effects.
Antiapoptotic potency of Bcl-2 proteins primarily relies on their stability, not binding selectivity
Authors: Rooswinkel Rogier W. , van de Kooij Bert , de Vries Evert , Paauwe Madelon , Braster Rens , Verheij Marcel , Borst Jannie
Published: March 2014

Key Points

BH3-domain selectivity does not limit antiapoptotic capacity of prosurvival Bcl-2 proteins; the interaction profile is broad. Intrinsically, all Bcl-2 proteins have equal antiapoptotic capacity, but proteasomal turnover limits activity of Bcl-B, Bfl-1, and Mcl-1.
MYD88-independent growth and survival effects of Sp1 transactivation in Waldenström macroglobulinemia
Authors: Fulciniti Mariateresa , Amodio Nicola , Bandi Rajya Lakshmi , Munshi Mansa , Yang Guang , Xu Lian , Hunter Zachary , Tassone Pierfrancesco , Anderson Kenneth C. , Treon Steven P. , Munshi Nikhil C.
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Sp1 transcription factor (TF) is activated in WM. Dual inhibition of Sp1 and MYD88 pathways induces synergistic cell death in WM cells.
Atypical chronic myeloid leukemia is clinically distinct from unclassifiable myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Wang Sa A. , Hasserjian Robert P. , Fox Patricia S. , Rogers Heesun J. , Geyer Julia T. , Chabot-Richards Devon , Weinzierl Elizabeth , Hatem Joseph , Jaso Jesse , Kanagal-Shamanna Rashmi , Stingo Francesco C. , Patel Keyur P. , Mehrotra Meenakshi , Bueso-Ramos Carlos , Young Ken H. , Dinardo Courtney D. , Verstovsek Srdan , Tiu Ramon V. , Bagg Adam , Hsi Eric D. , Arber Daniel A. , Foucar Kathryn , Luthra Raja , Orazi Attilio
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Within MDS/MPN, the WHO 2008 criteria for aCML identify a subgroup of patients with aggressive clinical features distinct from MDS/MPN-U. The MDS/MPN-U category is heterogeneous, and patient risk can be further stratified by a number of clinicopathological parameters.
Orthotopic liver transplantation in situs inversus adult from an ABO-incompatible donor with situs inversus
Authors: Yu Songfeng , Guo Hua , Zhang Wu , Yu Jun , Yan Sheng , Wu Jian , Zhang Min , Zheng Shusen
Published: March 2014

Background

Situs inversus is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the complete inversion of thoracic and abdominal organs. Liver transplantation in such patients or from donors in situs inversus is technically challenging because of the reversed anatomic structures. A small number of successful liver transplantation cases concerning situs inverus in either recipients or donors have been recently reported with different graft position and orientation. Here we reported an extremely rare case of liver retransplantation from an ABO incompatible situs inversus donor to an adult situs inversus recipient.

Case presentation

A 53-year-old complete situs inversus man developed graft failure due to severe biliary complication after his first liver transplantation from a situs solitus donor. Re-transplantation was performed using a graft liver from a likewise situs inversus donor. Although the blood type between donor and recipient was incompatible, the post-operative outcome was excellent under proper prophylaxis to the antibody-mediated rejection.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of liver transplantation from situs inversus to situs inversus in adult recipient. Liver transplantation using situs matching donor makes the procedure much easier at the surgical point of view, which has a benefit of less potential surgical complications. Furthermore, ABO-incompatibility is acceptable for donor allocation in cases that both donor and recipient are situs inversus.
Non-paying partnerships and its association with HIV risk behavior, program exposure and service utilization among female sex workers in India
Authors: Travasso Sandra Mary , Mahapatra Bidhubhusan , Saggurti Niranjan , Krishnan Suneeta
Published: March 2014

Background

In India, HIV prevention programs have focused on female sex workers’ (FSWs’) sexual practices vis-à-vis commercial partners leading to important gains in HIV prevention. However, it has become apparent that further progress is contingent on a better understanding of FSWs’ sexual risks in the context of their relationships with non-paying partners. In this paper, we explored the association between FSWs’ non-paying partner status, including cohabitation and HIV risk behaviors, program exposure and utilization of program services.

Methods

We used data from the cross-sectional Integrated Behavioral and Biological Assessment (IBBA) survey (2009–2010) conducted among 8,107 FSWs in three high priority states of India- Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between non-paying partner and cohabitation status of FSWs with HIV risk behaviors, program exposure and utilization of program services.

Results

FSWs reporting a non-paying partner were more likely to be exposed to and utilize HIV prevention resources than those who did not have a non-paying partner. Analyses revealed that FSWs reporting a non-cohabiting non-paying partner were more likely to be exposed to HIV prevention programs (adjusted OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3 – 2.1), attend meetings (adjusted OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.2 – 1.8), and visit a sexually transmitted infections clinic at least twice in the last six months (adjusted OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.3 – 1.9) as compared to those reporting no non-paying partner. That said, FSWs with a non-paying partner rarely used condoms consistently and were more vulnerable to HIV infection because of being street-based (p < 0.001) and in debt (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

FSWs with cohabiting partners were more likely to be exposed to HIV prevention program and utilize services, suggesting that this program was successful in reaching vulnerable groups. However, this subgroup was unlikely to use condoms consistently with their non-paying partners and was more vulnerable, being street based and in debt. The next generation of HIV prevention interventions in India should focus on addressing relationship factors like risk communication and condom negotiation, including specific vulnerabilities like indebtedness and street based solicitation among women in sex work.
Demand for long acting and permanent contraceptive methods and associated factors among married women of reproductive age group in Debre Markos Town, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Bulto Gizachew Abdissa , Zewdie Tatek Abate , Beyen Teresa Kisi
Published: March 2014

Background

Ethiopia is the second most populous country in sub Saharan Africa with high total fertility rate, and high maternal and child mortality rates. In sub Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia, even though studies show that demand for contraception is high, the practice is low. Particularly, in Ethiopia, despite the fact that practices on long acting and permanent methods are believed to be low, there are limited evidences on the real magnitude of demand for the methods.

Methods

To assess demand for long acting and permanent contraceptive methods and associated factors among married women of reproductive age group in Debre Markos town, Amhara Regional State, North West Ethiopia, A community based cross sectional study was conducted, from April 08–19, 2012. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 523 study participants. Pre tested structured Amharic version questionnaire was used to collect the data through interview. Both bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors.

Results

Among 519 respondents, 323 (62.2%) were using modern family planning (FP) methods in which 101 (19.5%) were using long acting and permanent contraceptive methods (LAPMs). Among all respondents, 171 (32.9%) had unmet need for LAPMs. The total demand for LAPMs was 272 (52.4%) of which 37.1% were satisfied and 62.9% unsatisfied demand. Being in the older age group (40-44 years) [AOR = 2.8; 95% CI:1.12, 9.55], having no desire for more child [AOR = 20.37; 95% CI:9.28, 44.72], desire to have a child after 2 years [AOR = 6.4; 95%CI:3.04,13.47], not ever heard of modern FP [AOR = 5.73; 95% CI:1.26, 25.91], not ever using of modern FP [AOR = 1.89; 95% CI:1.01, 3.55] and having no spousal discussion in the last six month [AOR = 1.642, 95% CI: 1.049, 2.57) were some of the factors significantly associated with demand for LAPMs.

Conclusions

Demand and unmet need for LAPMs were high in the study area. Therefore raising awareness of the community, counseling/discussion about the methods with all clients, encouraging spousal involvement are fundamental areas of intervention. Moreover, increasing the availability and accessibility of LAPMs is required to meet the unmet needs.
The relationship between job performance and perceived organizational support in faculty members at Chinese universities: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Guan Xin , Sun Tao , Hou Yan , Zhao Liang , Luan Yi-Ze , Fan Li-Hua
Published: March 2014

Background

Although several studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between perceived organizational support (POS) and job performance (JP), it remains unclear whether this relationship is appropriate for faculty members at Chinese universities. The objectives of this study were to (a) examine the correlation between POS andJP; (b) identify the predictors of POS, including demographic and organizational characteristics among faculty members at a Chinese university; (c) investigate the influence of mediating factors between POS and JP; and (d) compare the findings of this study with related studies.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was used in this study. The questionnaire was administered to 700 faculty members who were randomly selected from all faculty members at six universities. A total of 581 questionnaires were obtained. A statistical model for JP was developed based on the literature review.

Results

The analysis results indicated that the relationship between POS and JP was mediated by job satisfaction (JS), positive affectivity (PA), and affective commitment (AC). In addition, procedural and distributive justice contribute to POS.

Conclusions

The study concludes that the relationship between POS and JP is mediated by JS, PA, and AC and is influenced by POS. These results can provide evidence for university administrators to improve POS and increase the JP of faculty members at universities.
Self-assembly of large-scale gold nanoparticle arrays and their application in SERS
Authors: Zhu Sheng-Qing , Zhang Tong , Guo Xin-Li , Zhang Xiao-Yang
Published: March 2014

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering is an effective analytical method that has been intensively applied in the field of identification of organic molecules from Raman spectra at very low concentrations. The Raman signal enhancement that makes this method attractive is usually ascribed to the noble metal nanoparticle (NMNP) arrays which can extremely amplify the electromagnetic field near NMNP surface when localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) mode is excited. In this work, we report a simple, facile, and room-temperature method to fabricate large-scale, uniform gold nanoparticle (GNP) arrays on ITO/glass as SERS substrates using a promoted self-assembly deposition technique. The results show that the deposition density of GNPs on ITO/glass surface increases with prolonging deposition time, and nanochain-like aggregates appear for a relatively longer deposition time. It is also shown that these films with relatively higher deposition density have tremendous potential for wideband absorption in the visible range and exhibit two LSPR peaks in the extinction spectra because the electrons simultaneously oscillate along the nanochain at the transverse and the longitudinal directions. The SERS enhancement activity of these GNP arrays was determined using 10-6 M Rhodamine 6G as the Raman probe molecules. A SERS enhancement factor as large as approximately 6.76 × 106 can be obtained at 1,363 cm-1 Raman shift for the highest deposition density film due to the strong plasmon coupling effect between neighboring particles.
Facile preparation of highly luminescent CdTe quantum dots within hyperbranched poly(amidoamine)s and their application in bio-imaging
Authors: Shi Yunfeng , Liu Lin , Pang Huan , Zhou Hongli , Zhang Guanqing , Ou Yangyan , Zhang Xiaoyin , Du Jimin , Xiao Wangchuan
Published: March 2014

A new strategy for facile preparation of highly luminescent CdTe quantum dots (QDs) within amine-terminated hyperbranched poly(amidoamine)s (HPAMAM) was proposed in this paper. CdTe precursors were first prepared by adding NaHTe to aqueous Cd2+ chelated by 3-mercaptopropionic sodium (MPA-Na), and then HPAMAM was introduced to stabilize the CdTe precursors. After microwave irradiation, highly fluorescent and stable CdTe QDs stabilized by MPA-Na and HPAMAM were obtained. The CdTe QDs showed a high quantum yield (QY) up to 58%. By preparing CdTe QDs within HPAMAM, the biocompatibility properties of HPAMAM and the optical, electrical properties of CdTe QDs can be combined, endowing the CdTe QDs with biocompatibility. The resulting CdTe QDs can be directly used in biomedical fields, and their potential application in bio-imaging was investigated.
Two-step process for preparation of oligosaccharide propionates and acrylates using lipase and Cyclodextrin Glycosyl Transferase (CGTase)
Authors: Ayres Bianca T , Valença Gustavo P , Franco Telma T , Adlercreutz Patrick
Published: March 2014

Background

Oligosaccharide esters are attractive candidates for applications as surfactants, hydrogels and other materials, but direct enzymatic acylation is difficult with carbohydrates longer than disaccharides.

Results

A combination of one lipase-catalyzed step and one transglycosylation step catalyzed by a cyclodextrin glycosyl transferase (CGTase) was used to synthesize oligosaccharide esters. The conversion of glucose and maltose with vinyl propionate catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase B (Novozym 435) in dioxane proceeded to full conversion to mixtures of mono and diesters. When ethyl acrylate was used as acyl donor, mono and diesters were formed, but full conversion was not reached. The CGTase catalyzed reactions between the glucose and maltose esters and α-cyclodextrin were carried out in water. In the initial phase, addition of the glucose residues of the cyclodextrin to the ester substrate occurred (coupling reaction), followed by disproportionation reactions yielding a range of oligosaccharide esters with varying chain length. The monoesters were efficient acceptors in the CGTase-catalyzed reactions, while the diesters were not converted to a significant extent. As a consequence, the glucose propionate which contained large amounts of diesters was converted to 40% conversion while the maltose propionate which contained mainly monoesters was converted to 86% conversion.

Conclusions

A two-step enzymatic process for preparation of oligosaccharide esters has been developed. Oligosaccharide propionates were produced in high yield with a total reaction time of 5 h. The double bond of the acrylate moiety reduced the reaction rate of the lipase catalyzed transesterification, but in both cases, the CGTase efficiently converted the monoesters to oligosaccharide esters.
[18F]DPA-714 as a biomarker for positron emission tomography imaging of rheumatoid arthritis in an animal model
Authors: Pottier Géraldine , Bernards Nicholas , Dollé Frédéric , Boisgard Raphael
Published: March 2014

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease, affecting 0.5 to 1% of adults in industrialized countries, in which systemic inflammation and synovitis drive joint destruction. [18F]DPA-714 is a specific tracer of the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), which is overexpressed on activated macrophages, and proposed as a biomarker of neuroinflammation. Today, diagnosis of patients with early inflammatory arthritis is limited by poor sensitivity and specificity. The present study aims to investigate the potential of [18F]DPA-714 to monitor in vivo inflammatory processes at a preclinical stage via positron emission tomography (PET).

Methods

RA was induced in Dark Agouti rats by subcutaneous injection of inactivated Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Development of arthritis clinical signs was investigated daily and the severity of the disease evaluated. Animals were imaged at the peak of inflammation using [18F]DPA-714 and a small-animal PET-CT tomograph.

Results

The first clinical signs appeared at 10 days post-injection, with a peak of inflammation at 20 days. At this time, PET-analyses showed a clear uptake of [18F]DPA-714 in swollen ankles, with mean values of 0.52 ± 0.18% injected dose (ID/cc) for treated (n = 11) and 0.19 ± 0.09 for non-treated (n = 6) rats. A good correlation between [18F]DPA-714’s uptake and swelling was also found. Immunohistochemistry showed an enhanced TSPO expression in hind paws, mainly co-localized with the macrophages specific antigen CD68 expressing cells.

Conclusion

These preliminary results demonstrate that the TSPO 18kDa specific radioligand [18F]DPA-714 is adapted for the study and follow-up of inflammation linked to RA in our experimental model, suggesting also a strong potential for clinical imaging of peripheral inflammation.
Vacuolar-ATPase isoform a2 regulates macrophages and cytokine profile necessary for normal spermatogenesis in testis
Authors: Jaiswal Mukesh K , Katara Gajendra K , Mallers Timothy , Chaouat Gerard , Gilman-Sachs Alice , Beaman Kenneth D
Published: March 2014

a2V is required for maturation of sperm. The decreased expression of a2V at the feto-maternal interphase causes poor pregnancy outcome. The present study examined the role of a2V in spermatogenesis and inflammatory network in the testis. A single dose of anti-a2V mouse IgG or mouse IgG isotype (3 μg/animal) was injected i.p. into male mice on alternate days for 10 days. Anti-a2V-treated males exhibit severe deficiencies of spermatogenesis, which is indicated by the presence of less numbers of postmeiotic cells. Sperm counts and sperm motility were reduced significantly in anti-a2V-treated males. The release of the cleaved a2NTD was significantly lower in anti-a2V-treated testes. The TMs were identified as M2-like macrophages, and this population and the expression of various cytokines/chemokines (Tgf-β, Il-6, Nos2, Tnf, Lif, Mcp1, Ccl5) were decreased significantly in anti-a2V-treated testis compared with control testis. Moreover, the cleaved a2NTD acts as a key mediator of TMs and significantly up-regulates the secretion of testicular cytokines/chemokines, which are associated with normal spermatogenesis. When these anti-a2V-treated males were used for mating with normal females, the number of implantation sites was decreased significantly in the females mated with anti-a2V-treated males than the females mated with control males. These observations suggest that a2V plays a crucial role in spermatogenesis by regulating testicular immune responses, and its inhibition in males leads to poor pregnancy outcome in females.
Survey of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy in the UK by the QA group on behalf of the UK SABR Consortium
Authors: Distefano G , Baker A , Scott A J D , Webster G J ,   on behalf of the UK SABR Consortium Quality Assurance Group
Published: March 2014

Objective:

To ascertain the progress being made towards the implementation of stereotactic ablative body radiotherapy (SABR) treatment in the UK, to obtain details of current practice in centres with an active treatment programme and to assess the projected future provision.

Methods:

In August 2012, an online questionnaire was sent to all 65 UK radiotherapy institutions. The included questions covered the current number of patients being treated and the intended number of patients for each clinical site; immobilization and motion management methods; CT scanning protocols; target and organ-at-risk delineation; treatment planning; image-guidance and treatment protocols; and quality assurance methods.

Results:

48/65 (74%) institutions responded by the end of November 2012, with 15 indicating an active SABR programme. A further four centres indicated that a SABR protocol had been established but was not yet in clinical use. 14 of the 29 remaining responses stated an intention to develop a SABR programme in the next 2 years.

Conclusion:

The survey responses confirm that SABR provision in the UK is increasing and that this should be expected to continue in the next 2 years. A projection of the future uptake would suggest that by the end of 2014, UK SABR provision will be broadly in line with international practice.
Opportunities and Threats for Polish Economic Growth in the Context of the Exploration and Extraction of Shale Gas
Authors: Strzała-Osuch Katarzyna
Published: March 2014

This article attempts to present the potential opportunities and threats for Polish economic growth in the context of exploration and future extraction of shale gas. This topic is at the present time very timely because of the implementation of the exploration wells in Pomerania and Lublin, the prevailing unrest in the areas of concessions, as well as the lack of scientific, law and business base, confirmed by analyzes and forecasts for the licensed areas in Poland, to enter in the production phase. It could be dare to claim that: a) potential risks of economic development (economic, social, environmental, in public health) from the extraction of shale gas using hydraulic fracturing are not so examined; b) potential Polish economic development opportunities, based on the existing, conflicting forecasts regarding production, not confronted with the probable losses caused by shale gas extraction using hydraulic fracturing method has not been sufficiently analyzed, to take on the industrial production of gas without risk. The paper used the methods of literature analysis, case studies, statistical analysis based on GUS and PGI data and the methods of induction-deduction and comparisons. On the basis of economic analysis for Polish, American experience, as well as current research on the introduction of other methods of shale gas production, the European Union recommendations cannot be concluded that the production of unconventional gas in Poland will not cause negative environmental and social impacts, resulting in will risks in economic development.
Greater or Reduced Economic Freedom? Consequences Following From Contemporary Economic Crisis
Authors: Jarecki Wojciech
Published: March 2014

The paper is aimed at stating if economic crisis observed during the period 2007-2009 will give rise to greater or reduced economic freedom. Seeking the answer to this question, Economic Freedom Index developed by Fraser Institute during the period 2007-2010 was subject to analysis. The research covered the European Union and the United States of America.
Balancing Acquisition and Retention Spending for Firms with Limited Capacity
Authors: Ovchinnikov Anton , Boulu-Reshef Béatrice , Pfeifer Phillip E.
Published: March 2014

This paper discusses the interaction between revenue management and customer relationship management for a firm that operates in a customer retention situation but faces limited capacity. We present a dynamic programming model for how the firm balances investments in customer acquisition and retention, as well as retention across multiple customer types. We characterize the optimal policy and discuss how the policy changes depending on capacity limitations. We then contrast the modeling results with those of a behavioral experiment in which subjects acted as managers making acquisition and retention decisions. In the modeling part of the paper, we introduce a concept of the value of an incremental customer (VIC), and show that when capacity is unlimited, VIC equals customer lifetime value (CLV), but when capacity is limited, VIC is much smaller and changes dynamically depending on the number of customers and their mix. As a result, the optimal spending is constant and depends on CLV for the firms with unlimited capacity, but changes dynamically and is generally unrelated to CLV when capacity is limited. In the experimental part, we introduce a concept of conditional optimality for the analysis of state-dependent decisions. Applying this concept to our data, we document a number of decision biases, specifically the subjects' tendency to overspend on retaining high-value customers and underspend on lower-value customers retention and acquisition. We show that providing CLV information exacerbates these biases and leads to a loss of net revenue when capacity is limited, but providing information about the marginal costs of acquisition and retention eliminated these biases and increases net revenue.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1842 .

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Great Vessels Take a Long Time to Mature: Early Success Traps and Competences in Exploitation and Exploration
Authors: Rhee Mooweon , Kim Tohyun
Published: March 2014

This study warns organizations against falling into an “early success trap.” The timing of initial success may lead organizations to divergent evolutionary paths as their experience at early ages has a greater consequence for their evolution than does their experience at later ages. In particular, we propose that early initial success can be more detrimental to an organization’s performance and survivability than later initial success because exploratory competence takes a long time to develop. To investigate the consequences of the timing of success, we developed a model of organizational learning and adaptation that examines what happens after success, when a success trap occurs, and whether and how the timing of initial success matters. The results from the simulation of our model indicate that the phenomenon of (early) success traps is a complex product of interactions among organizational learning of competences in exploitation and exploration and adaptations of historical and social aspiration levels. We discuss how organizations can avoid success traps and sustain their survival and prosperity over the long term.
Endoscopic ultrasonography allowing expectant management of pancreatic haemangioma
Authors: Williamson JML , Finch-Jones M , Pope I
Published: March 2014

Pancreatic haemangiomas are rare benign tumours that can affect both adults and children. They have an unknown incidence and only 15 adult cases have been reported, all from histological examination. Patients present with vague symptoms relating to tumour mass or they are detected incidentally. Cross-sectional imaging is the mainstay of investigation and may reveal arterially enhancing cystic lesions but in the case presented here, it was non-diagnostic. The use of endoscopic ultrasonography confirmed the nature of the benign lesion, allowing a conservative approach as opposed to operative resection.
Migrantes y refugiados: reflexiones conceptuales
Authors: Espinar Ruiz Eva
Published: March 2014

Al margen de las definiciones legales existentes, cada vez resulta más difícil mantener una clara distinción entre refugiados (políticos) y migrantes (económicos). En concreto, las restrictivas políticas migratorias, de refugio y asilo están estrechamente relacionadas con lo que los expertos llaman the asylum-migration nexus. Así, la creación de múltiples categorías administrativas de personas protegidas, la presencia de refugiados no reconocidos como tales, la incorporación de refugiados en las redes ilegales de inmigración o la solicitud del status de refugiado por parte de población migrante colaboran en la confusión de realidades. Igualmente, los cambios sociales experimentados en las últimas décadas suponen un reto para las definiciones legales derivadas de la Convención de Ginebra de 1951 y que, desde diferentes sectores, vienen calificándose como excesivamente limitadas.
La puerta del alma: el color de ojos y de cabello como forma discursiva de dominación
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano
Published: March 2014

El nacimiento de un hijo es un evento único e irremplazable para todos aquellos que han tenido la experiencia. Para otros, es una oportunidad de asenso social sobre todo sí por ese juego de los genes la criatura se asemeja al estereotipo indoeuropeo nórdico. Por ese motivo, los padres parecen interesados en que sus hijos tengan ojos claros y cabellos rubios tomando esa característica como cualitativamente positiva. Por ese motivo, no resulta extraño que las diferentes imágenes en publicidades de artículos para bebes enfatice en los “ojos azules y los cabellos rubios” como tipos ideales a seguir. La presente investigación ha demostrado que no sólo que los estereotipos dominantes se multiplican sino también se interiorizan generando un diálogo que tiende a reforzar la hegemonía. Por lo demás, se ha observado que discursivamente la claridad es simbolizada como sinónimo de felicidad, armonía, afecto, bondad y seguridad entre otros mientras la oscuridad adquiere categorías semánticas opuestas. Para los padres, que sus hijos tengan ojos “claros” o cabellos “rubios” significa un verdadero asenso social abstracto. Por lo pronto, no cobrarán un canon adicional por traer a la vida a un hijo rubio, pero los acerca notablemente más a las características de los grupos dominantes reforzando así el auto-desprecio por sí mismos.