bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bargaining in Patent Licensing Negotiations under Stochastic Environments: An Experimental Study
Authors: Yang Yi-Nung , Chiu Yu-Jing
Published: March 2014

Experiments of a bargaining game between licensors and licensees were conducted. The main treatment is to introduce a “second‐chance” negotiation for licensors in a context of ultimatum game. The experimental results reveal that the introduction of the “second‐chance” negotiation for licensors has significant impacts on behaviors of the licensors and licensees. This “second‐chance” negotiation for licensors essentially increases the average offers made by the licensees, expected willingness‐to‐accept of the licensors, and offers accepted by the licensors. The market efficiency of patent transaction is improved since the rates of acceptance are strikingly raised. The licensors would be the main beneficiary with this additional opportunity.
An Expert Fitness Diagnosis System Based on Elastic Cloud Computing
Authors: Tseng Kevin C. , Wu Chia-Chuan
Published: March 2014

This paper presents an expert diagnosis system based on cloud computing. It classifies a user’s fitness level based on supervised machine learning techniques. This system is able to learn and make customized diagnoses according to the user’s physiological data, such as age, gender, and body mass index (BMI). In addition, an elastic algorithm based on Poisson distribution is presented to allocate computation resources dynamically. It predicts the required resources in the future according to the exponential moving average of past observations. The experimental results show that Naïve Bayes is the best classifier with the highest accuracy (90.8%) and that the elastic algorithm is able to capture tightly the trend of requests generated from the Internet and thus assign corresponding computation resources to ensure the quality of service.
Fabrication of SERS Active Surface on Polyimide Sample by Excimer Laser Irradiation
Authors: Csizmadia T. , Hopp B. , Smausz T. , Bengery Zs. , Kopniczky J. , Hanyecz I. , Szabó G.
Published: March 2014

A possible application of excimer laser irradiation for the preparation of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate is demonstrated. A polyimide foil of 125 μm thickness was irradiated by 240 pulses of focused ArF excimer laser beam (λ= 193 nm, FWHM = 20 ns). The applied fluence was varied between 40 and 80 mJ/cm2. After laser processing, the sample was coated with 40 nm silver by PLD in order to create a conducting layer required for the SERS application. The SERS activity of the samples was tested by Raman microscopy. The Raman spectra of Rhodamine 6G aqueous solution (c=10−3 mol/dm3) were collected from the patterned and metalized areas. For areas prepared at 40–60 mJ/cm2laser fluences, the measured Raman intensities have shown a linear dependence on the applied laser fluence, while above 60 mJ/cm2saturation was observed. The morphology of the SERS active surface areas was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Finite element modeling was performed in order to simulate the laser-absorption induced heating of the polyimide foil. The simulation resulted in the temporal and spatial distribution of the estimated temperature in the irradiated polyimide sample, which are important for understanding the structure formation process.
Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia/Cardiomyopathy and Cardiac Sarcoidosis
Authors: Philips Binu , Madhavan Srinivasa , James Cynthia A. , te Riele Anneline S.J.M. , Murray Brittney , Tichnell Crystal , Bhonsale Aditya , Nazarian Saman , Judge Daniel P. , Calkins Hugh , Tandri Harikrishna , Cheng Alan
Published: March 2014

Background—

Cardiac sarcoidosis (CS) may show overlap in the clinical presentation with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia/cardiomyopathy (ARVD/C). We sought to investigate patients with CS who were misdiagnosed with ARVD/C and identify clinical features to distinguish these 2 groups.

Methods and Results—

Among patients enrolled in the Johns Hopkins ARVD/C registry, 15 patients with definite 2010 diagnostic criteria for ARVD/C were subsequently diagnosed with CS. Forty-two pathogenic desmosomal mutation carriers with definite ARVD/C based on the 2010 diagnostic criteria served as a control group. Patients with CS were older at the age of symptom onset, more likely to have comorbidities, and develop heart failure symptoms over time (
P
<0.05). Electrocardiographically, PR interval prolongation and high-grade atrioventricular block were exclusively associated with CS (
P
<0.05). HV interval prolongation and increased number of ventricular tachycardias induced were also associated with CS (
P
<0.05). Radiographically, significant left ventricular dysfunction, myocardial delayed enhancement of the septum, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy were more often see in those with CS (
P
<0.05).

Conclusions—

The 2010 diagnostic criteria for ARVD/C have limited discrimination in distinguishing between ARVD/C and CS. Despite the overlay in clinical presentation, older age of symptom onset, presence of cardiovascular comorbidities, nonfamilial pattern of disease, PR interval prolongation, high-grade atrioventricular block, significant left ventricular dysfunction, myocardial delayed enhancement of the septum, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy should raise the suspicion for CS.
Mechanical Alternans Is Associated With Mortality in Acute Hospitalized Heart Failure
Authors: Kim Robert , Cingolani Oscar , Wittstein Ilan , McLean Rhondalyn , Han Lichy , Cheng Kailun , Robinson Elizabeth , Brinker Jeffrey , Schulman Steven S. , Berger Ronald D. , Henrikson Charles A. , Tereshchenko Larisa G.
Published: March 2014

Background—

Acute hospitalized heart failure (AHHF) is associated with 40% to 50% risk of death or rehospitalization within 6 months after discharge. Timely (before hospital discharge) risk stratification of patients with AHHF is crucial. We hypothesized that mechanical alternans (MA) and T-wave alternans (TWA) are associated with postdischarge outcomes in patients with AHHF.

Methods and Results—

A prospective cohort study was conducted in the intensive cardiac care unit and enrolled 133 patients (59.6±15.7 years; 65% men) admitted with AHHF. Surface ECG and peripheral arterial blood pressure waveform via arterial line were recorded continuously during the intensive cardiac care unit stay. MA and TWA were measured by enhanced modified moving average method. All-cause death or heart transplant served as a combined primary end point. MA was observed in 28 patients (25%), whereas TWA was detected in 33 patients (33%). If present, MA was tightly coupled with TWA. Mean TWA amplitude was larger in patients with both TWA and MA when compared with patients with lone TWA (median, 37 [interquartile range, 26–61] versus 22 [21–23] μV;
P
=0.045). After a median of 10-month postdischarge, 42 (38%) patients died and 2 had heart transplants. MA was associated with the primary end point in univariable Cox model (hazard ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–3.40;
P
=0.05) and after adjustment for left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association HF class, and implanted implantable cardioverter defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (hazard ratio, 2.12 95% confidence interval, 1.13–3.98;
P
=0.020). TWA without consideration of simultaneous MA was not significantly associated with primary end point (hazard ratio, 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 0.77–2.64;
P
=0.260).

Conclusions—

MA is independently associated with outcomes in AHHF.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01557465.
Prediction of Fetal Hemoglobin in Sickle Cell Anemia Using an Ensemble of Genetic Risk Prediction Models
Authors: Milton Jacqueline N. , Gordeuk Victor R. , Taylor James G. , Gladwin Mark T. , Steinberg Martin H. , Sebastiani Paola
Published: March 2014

Background—

Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) is the major modifier of the clinical course of sickle cell anemia. Its levels are highly heritable, and its interpersonal variability is modulated in part by 3 quantitative trait loci that affect HbF gene expression. Genome-wide association studies have identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these quantitative trait loci that are highly associated with HbF but explain only 10% to 12% of the variance of HbF. Combining SNPs into a genetic risk score can help to explain a larger amount of the variability of HbF level, but the challenge of this approach is to select the optimal number of SNPs to be included in the genetic risk score.

Methods and Results—

We developed a collection of 14 models with genetic risk score composed of different numbers of SNPs and used the ensemble of these models to predict HbF in patients with sickle cell anemia. The models were trained in 841 patients with sickle cell anemia and were tested in 3 independent cohorts. The ensemble of 14 models explained 23.4% of the variability in HbF in the discovery cohort, whereas the correlation between predicted and observed HbF in the 3 independent cohorts ranged between 0.28 and 0.44. The models included SNPs in
BCL11A
, the
HBS1L-MYB
intergenic region, and the site of the
HBB
gene cluster, quantitative trait loci previously associated with HbF.

Conclusions—

An ensemble of 14 genetic risk models can predict HbF levels with accuracy between 0.28 and 0.44, and the approach may also prove useful in other applications.
Specialized Adult Congenital Heart Disease Care
Authors: Mylotte Darren , Pilote Louise , Ionescu-Ittu Raluca , Abrahamowicz Michal , Khairy Paul , Therrien Judith , Mackie Andrew S. , Marelli Ariane
Published: March 2014

Background—

Clinical guidelines recommend specialized care for adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) patients. In reality, few patients receive such dedicated care. We sought to examine the impact of specialized care on ACHD patient mortality.

Methods and Results—

We examined referral rates to specialized ACHD centers and ACHD patient mortality rates between 1990 and 2005 in the population-based Quebec Congenital Heart Disease database (n=71 467). This period covers several years before and after the publication of guidelines endorsing specialized care for ACHD patients. A time-series design, based on Joinpoint and Poisson regression analyses, was used to assess the changes in annual referral and patient mortality rates. The association between specialized ACHD care and all-cause mortality was assessed in both case–control and cohort studies. The time-series analysis demonstrated a significant increase in referral rates to specialized ACHD centers in 1997 (rate ratio, +7.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], +6.6% to +8.2%). In parallel, a significant reduction in expected ACHD patient mortality was observed after year 2000 (rate ratio, −5.0%;95% CI, −10.8% to −0.8%). In exploratory post hoc cohort and case–control analyses, specialized ACHD care was independently associated with reduced mortality (hazard ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.65–0.94) and a reduced odds of death (adjusted odds ratio, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.08–0.97), respectively. This effect was predominantly driven by patients with severe congenital heart disease (hazard ratio, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.22–0.67).

Conclusions—

A significant increase in referrals to specialized ACHD centers followed the introduction of the clinical guidelines. Moreover, referral to specialized ACHD care was independently associated with a significant mortality reduction. Our findings support a model of specialized care for all ACHD patients.
Public administration teaching and interdisciplinarity
Authors: van der Waldt Gerrit
Published: March 2014

Public administration is a highly diverse and evolving field of scientific inquiry. The study domain is characterised further by often-competing paradigmatic perspectives and seemingly endless teaching modalities. There seems to be an increasing realisation that answers to complex societal challenges cannot be solved within the knowledge frameworks of individual disciplines. As a result, interdisciplinary teaching emerged to expose students to approaches, theories and methodologies from various disciplines of the social and natural sciences, in search of potential answers to these challenges. In spite of the qualities and potential contributions of interdisciplinarity, there may be fewer positive consequences for teaching efforts. This article intends to reflect on the potential consequences, both positive and negative, that interdisciplinary studies have on the teaching of public administration. The article will review the possible advantages or contributions of interdisciplinarity to the teaching of public administration, and reflect on the possibly less-desired consequences of interdisciplinary collaboration on curriculum design and teaching methods.
What happens to social movements after policy success? Framing the unintended consequences and changing dynamics of the Korean women’s movement
Authors: Suh Doowon
Published: March 2014

Since the late 1990s, the consequences of collective action have been subject to an expanded scholarly inquiry. In particular, a growing body of analysis has elaborated on the impact of social movements on policy, coupled with studies dealing with structural, organizational, and biographical changes. On the whole, however, the literature continues to under-recognize how unintended consequences affect the way social movements function. In order to illustrate the unanticipated yet profound impact of unintended consequences on movement dynamics, I examine the Korean women’s movement as a case study. My analysis focuses on establishing the following three propositions. First, unintended results motivate movement participants to react promptly; this leads them to voluntarily or involuntarily alter their organizational infrastructures, thereby effecting changes in movement dynamics. Second, the impact of unintended consequences is transmitted to movement participants through the process of framing; it is one’s personal assessment rather than a detached appraisal of collective action outcomes that influences movement dynamics. Third, a negative evaluation of the unintended consequences may generate an impetus for reinvigorating collective action.
A Course Model for Building Evaluation Capacity Through a University–Community Partnership
Authors: Bakken Lori L. , Núñez Jennifer , Couture Cathy
Published: March 2014

Program evaluation is recognized as an essential skill set for practitioners in service-related fields, such as education, nonprofit management, social work, and public health. Recently, the need for a public workforce trained in evaluation has increased and is driven primarily by our nation’s emphasis on accountability during a time when financial resources are limited. However, many of these professionals lack the necessary skills to conduct evaluations of their programs and often rely on a much smaller number of evaluation consultants to perform this task. How then can we educate students and professionals in ways that build evaluation capacity among service organizations and meet these growing needs? A novel course design that integrates principles of adult learning, participatory evaluation approaches, and experiential forms of learning to build evaluation capacity among students and a nonprofit organization is presented. Evidence is provided to demonstrate student learning and the impact of the course on the nonprofit service organization’s evaluation capacity.
Strategies to Enhance the Informed Consent Process for Communication Disorders Researchers
Authors: Cascella Paul W. , Aliotta Fia
Published: March 2014

This tutorial addresses practical suggestions for enhancing the research activity experiences of persons with communication disorders. Based on the principles of the Belmont Report, this tutorial specifically addresses the informed consent process and document.
The Use of Method Triangulation in Probation Research
Authors: Bauwens Aline
Published: March 2014

Qualitative research in probation is predominantly interview-based. This article explores the use of method triangulation in Belgian probation research. At first, a methodological question remains: is the use of a wider range of methods better? Or is it simply more?

Drawing from the author's experience in researching Belgian probation officers' daily work, the article concludes that using method triangulation (file analyses, interviews and observations) is a valuable approach that does not merely duplicate data, but also offers complementary insights and understandings, and can reveal some important discrepancies that might have remained uncovered through reliance on interviews alone.
Recalling Conditionally Released Prisoners in Germany
Authors: Pruin Ineke
Published: March 2014

In Germany there are diverse conditions for conditional release from prison or so-called measures for rehabilitation and security such as preventive detention or placement of mentally disturbed offenders in a psychiatric institution. Prisoners can be released early: in case of good prognosis, the remainder of the sentence is suspended conditionally. This article focuses on legal procedures which allow the revocation of this decision. Special emphasis is given to recall practices.
Changes in Probation Training in England and Wales: The Probation Qualification Framework (PQF) Three Years on
Authors: Skinner Caroline , Goldhill Rachel
Published: March 2014

This article draws on the personal experience of two lecturers delivering the academic programme of the Probation Qualification Framework to students employed by a number of different Probation Trusts. It considers the current qualifying arrangements and identifies a number of issues that have come to the fore over the first three years of implementation. Specifically, it establishes the importance of all stakeholders, students, the employing Trust and NOMS understanding what is of fundamental importance for work-based distance learning study. The changing composition and characteristics of the student body and the ways in which new developments in professional knowledge are included in the curriculum are explored with particular focus on the new group of graduate entrants at Part 3. The authors remain committed to the belief that those who work in the criminal justice system of England and Wales, supporting change and rehabilitation with a complex and vulnerable client group must have a nationally recognised qualification which includes both employer responsibility for quality practice based learning and a Higher Education award.
Which powders for cold spray?
Authors: Jeandin M. , Rolland G. , Descurninges L. L. , Berger M. H.
Published: March 2014

Since the major technological issues in cold spray are now controlled, the key parameter for successful coating relates to the powder. The influence of the main characteristics of the starting powder on the final coating properties remains rather unknown. This includes primarily metallurgical, morphological and physico–chemical characteristics of the particles. This article focuses on the so-called local approach to these characteristics to show that the current global approach is insufficient. The discussion is based on many examples of cold spray results, including recent work on Ag-based and Ta cold sprayed-coatings. This results in proposed specifications for powders which are claimed to be tailored for cold spray.
Randomized trial of bendamustine-rituximab or R-CHOP/R-CVP in first-line treatment of indolent NHL or MCL: the BRIGHT study
Authors: Flinn Ian W. , van der Jagt Richard , Kahl Brad S. , Wood Peter , Hawkins Tim E. , MacDonald David , Hertzberg Mark , Kwan Yiu-Lam , Simpson David , Craig Michael , Kolibaba Kathryn , Issa Samar , Clementi Regina , Hallman Doreen M. , Munteanu Mihaela , Chen Ling , Burke John M.
Published: March 2014

Key Points

The complete response rate for first-line bendamustine/rituximab was statistically noninferior to R-CHOP or R-CVP in indolent NHL or MCL. The safety profile of bendamustine/rituximab is distinct from that of R-CHOP/R-CVP.
Towards personalised therapy for lymphangioleiomyomatosis: lessons from cancer
Authors: El-Chemaly Souheil , Henske Elizabeth P.
Published: March 2014

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare cystic, destructive lung disease occurring almost exclusively in females. Bi-allelic inactivating tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) gene mutations occur in LAM cells, resulting in activation of the mTORC1 pathway. Pivotal clinical trials have demonstrated that inhibition of mTORC1 with sirolimus can induce a partial response of TSC-associated tumours and decrease the rate of lung function decline in females with LAM. Many parallels have been identified between LAM pathogenesis and neoplasia. Here, we highlight three key nodes through which advances in cancer therapy can streamline future innovation in clinical LAM research with parallels to breast and prostate cancer. These include: 1) hormonally targeted therapies to achieve true disease-free complete remissions; 2) the use of vascular endothelial growth factor-D and other plasma biomarkers to streamline early-phase clinical trials; and 3) the utilisation of histological and molecular features of biopsy material to enable patient stratification and personalised therapies.
Anti-inflammatory effects of resolvin-D1 on human corneal epithelial cells: in vitro study
Authors: Erdinest Nir , Ovadia Haim , Kormas Ran , Solomon Abraham
Published: March 2014

Background

This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of Resolvin-D1 (RV-D1) and its mechanism of action in human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells.

Methods

HCE cells were incubated with different concentrations of RV-D1 for different time periods. Oleic acid (OA) and Dexamethasone (DM) served as negative and positive controls, respectively. Cells were stimulated with polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acids (poly I:C). The protein contents and mRNA expression levels of Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and IL-8 were evaluated with multiplex fluorescent bead immunoassay (FBI) and real time-PCR, respectively. In addition, the expression of inhibitory factor-κBα (I-κBα) was evaluated with real time-PCR.

Results

The protein level of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 significantly increased after stimulation with Poly I:C. RV-D1 treatment at concentration of 1 μM decreased the protein level of TNF-α to 20.76 ± 9.3% (P < 0.05), IL-6 to 43.54 ± 14.16% (P < 0.001), IL-1β to 46.73 ± 15.93% (P > 0.05) and IL-8 to 51.15 ± 13.01% (P < 0.05) compared with cells stimulated with poly I:C alone. Similarly, the mRNA levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 were significantly reduced after treatment with RV-D1. A highly significant dose response curve was demonstrated for RV-D1 treated HCE cells for TNF-α and IL-1β.

DM treatment decreased the protein content for all of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, similar results were demonstrated at the mRNA level. The anti-inflammatory effects of RV-D1 were similar to those of DM for TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8.

Conclusions

RV-D1 may serve as a potent anti-inflammatory agent in ocular surface inflammation, as evaluated in cultured HCE cells. The anti-inflammatory effects of RV-D1 were comparable to those of DM, and were mediated through nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signal transduction.
Low-cost lipid production by an oleaginous yeast cultured in non-sterile conditions using model waste resources
Authors: Santamauro Fabio , Whiffin Fraeya M , Scott Rod J , Chuck Christopher J
Published: March 2014

Background

The yeastMetschnikowia pulcherrima, previously utilised as a biological control agent, was evaluated for its potential to produce lipids for biofuel production.

Results

Cultivation in low cost non-sterile conditions was achieved by exploiting its ability to grow at low temperature and pH and to produce natural antimicrobial compounds. Although not previously classified as oleaginous, a combination of low temperature and restricted nutrient availability triggered high levels of oil production inM. pulcherrimacultures. This regime was designed to trigger the sporulation process but prevent its completion to allow the accumulation of a subset of a normally transitional, but oil-rich, ‘pulcherrima’ cell type. This approach resulted in yields of up to 40% lipid, which compares favourably with other oleaginous microbes. We also demonstrate thatM. pulcherrimametabolises glycerol and a diverse range of other sugars, suggesting that heterogeneous biomass could provide a suitable carbon source.M. pulcherrimaalso grows well in a minimal media containing no yeast extract. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of the yeast to produce lipids inexpensively on an industrial scale by culturing the yeast in a 500 L, open air, tank reactor without any significant contamination.

Conclusions

The production of antimicrobial compounds coupled to efficient growth at low temperature and pH enables culture of this oleaginous yeast in inexpensive, non-sterile conditions providing a potential route to economic biofuel production.
Three dimensional modeling of complex heterogeneous materials via statistical microstructural descriptors
Authors: Jiao Yang , Chawla Nikhilesh
Published: March 2014

Heterogeneous materials have been widely used in many engineering applications. Achieving optimal material performance requires a quantitative knowledge of the complex material microstructure and structural evolution under external stimuli. Here, we present a framework to model material microstructure via statistical morphological descriptors, i.e., certain lower-order correlation functions associated with the material’s phases. This allows one to reduce the large data sets for a complete specification of all of the local states in a microstructure to a handful of simple scalar functions that statistically capture the salient structural features of the material. Stochastic reconstruction techniques can then be employed to investigate the information content of the correlation functions, suggest superior and sensitive structural descriptors as well as generate realistic virtual 3D microstructures from the given limited structural information. The framework is employed to successfully model a variety of materials systems including an anisotropic aluminium alloy, a polycrystalline tin solder, the structural evolution in a binary lead-tin alloy when aged, and a model structure of hard-sphere packing. Our framework also has ramifications in the development of integrated computational material design schemes and 4D materials modeling techniques.
3D interpolation and extrapolation of sparse well data using rock-physics principles: Applications to anisotropic velocity model building
Authors: Bachrach Ran , Osypov Konstantin
Published: March 2014

Mapping sparse well data into 3D volumes is a challenging problem. Because seismic-velocity model building requires 3D velocity and anisotropy volumes and most anisotropy estimates are calibrated to borehole data, the generation of 3D anisotropic models relies heavily on extrapolation of sparse well data. This spatial-extrapolation problem is ill posed, and many subjective decisions are made during model building. New advances in basin modeling and analysis facilitate the modeling of temperature and compaction history using simple physical principles. These fields can be employed as auxiliary fields to solve spatial-interpolation problems of sparse well-log data using the concept of interpolation in the rock-physics domain. The principle of interpolation in the rock-physics domain suggests that sparse well-log measurements in the physical (x, y, z) 3D space might still adequately sample the rock-physics space of temperature, porosity, and effective stress to enable proper reconstruction of the anisotropic velocity field in a manner consistent with diagenetic processes. Synthetic and field examples support this direct link between basin modeling and anisotropic velocity model building.
Distinct Wnt-driven primitive streak-like populations reflect in vivo lineage precursors
Authors: Tsakiridis Anestis , Huang Yali , Blin Guillaume , Skylaki Stavroula , Wymeersch Filip , Osorno Rodrigo , Economou Costas , Karagianni Eleni , Zhao Suling , Lowell Sally , Wilson Valerie
Published: March 2014

During gastrulation, epiblast cells are pluripotent and their fate is thought to be constrained principally by their position. Cell fate is progressively restricted by localised signalling cues from areas including the primitive streak. However, it is unknown whether this restriction accompanies, at the individual cell level, a reduction in potency. Investigation of these early transition events in vitro is possible via the use of epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs), self-renewing pluripotent cell lines equivalent to the postimplantation epiblast. Strikingly, mouse EpiSCs express gastrulation stage regional markers in self-renewing conditions. Here, we examined the differentiation potential of cells expressing such lineage markers. We show that undifferentiated EpiSC cultures contain a major subfraction of cells with reversible early primitive streak characteristics, which is mutually exclusive to a neural-like fraction. Using in vitro differentiation assays and embryo grafting we demonstrate that primitive streak-like EpiSCs are biased towards mesoderm and endoderm fates while retaining pluripotency. The acquisition of primitive streak characteristics by self-renewing EpiSCs is mediated by endogenous Wnt signalling. Elevation of Wnt activity promotes restriction towards primitive streak-associated lineages with mesendodermal and neuromesodermal characteristics. Collectively, our data suggest that EpiSC pluripotency encompasses a range of reversible lineage-biased states reflecting the birth of pioneer lineage precursors from a pool of uncommitted EpiSCs similar to the earliest cell fate restriction events taking place in the gastrula stage epiblast.
Microbiological Properties and Biological Testing of Peloid Drugs from Activated Mud
Authors: Мурадов  , Muradov S.
Published: March 2014

This paper provides the data about the capability of recovery of the mud extracts, peloid products which have advantages in medical application. Mud preparations are analogues of mud solution as the chemical composition and biological activity associated with a potential therapeutic agent. The methods used in producing of peloid preparation are described. The activation of medical mud based on it watering, mixing, heating realizes before separate of mud extract. Development of drugs control of their physicochem-ical, microbiological properties and test properties irritating and wound healing action. The water extract of medical mud is similar to mud solution of native mud by its physiochemical properties: sulphate, sodium-calcium composition, weakly mineralizated with weakly acid or neutral pH. The microbiological feature of mud preparation is VELG. A study of all the series of the drugs showed that their total microbial colonization was not above 300 colony-forming units per milliliter of the drug. It was established that water extract of medical mud has not irritate activity to laboratory animals skin, has an influence upon S. aureus, K. pneumonia oppress activity in the system of in vitro. Preparation has more expressed antimicrobial activity to E.coli.
The Role of Microcirculatory Disturbances in the Etiopathogenesis of Periodontal Disease in Patients with Malocclusion (brief Literature Review)
Authors: Кухаренко  , Kukharenko Yu. , Попова  , Popova E.
Published: March 2014

In modern dentistry etiology of pathogenesis of periodontal diseases is given great importance, as the knowledge of the mechanisms of these pathologies in many respects facilitated the treatment and prevention of data breaches. The low efficacy of periodontal pathology treatment is caused by lack of knowledge about the mechanisms of their development. Despite numerous studies of the problem many aspects of these disorders pathogenesis are staying unsolved. The poor hygiene of the oral cavity, dental defect and anomaly bite aren´t the only reasons that cause the occurrence of diseases of tissues of periodontium. The problem is still far from the final solution because of numerous etiologic factors and indistinctness of pathologic mechanisms of the periodontal disorders development. It remains unclear how different in their origin local and general factors result in the same narrowly localized periodontal disturbances. At the same time a lot of research works are devoted to this issue. Many authors think the primary cause to be the bacterial factor; other researchers consider oral microbe colonization is of the secondary importance. With the development of functional research reveal microcirculatory disturbances in the blood vessels of periodontal disease, which can be considered as the starting mechanism of the development of pathology. This scientific review presents the analysis of different investigations in the field of periodontal disorders etiological pathogenesis where vascular changes and micro-oxidant protection system disorders are of the primarily importance.
The Demands of Humanity and Religion: The U.S. Catholic Church, Colonization, and the Mission to Liberia, 1842–44
Authors: Creary Nicholas M.
Published: March 2014

The failure of the U.S. Catholic Church’s mission to Liberia in the mid-nineteenth century represented the Church’s inability to practice its idealistic teaching concerning slavery and manumission, as well as to cope with the situation of free persons of color in a culture where race and ethnicity were of the greatest significance. The mission’s lack of success can be attributed to a dearth of ecclesiastical personnel equipped to work among Americans or Africans; a predominantly Protestant environment hostile to the Catholic Church; large-scale immigration from Europe; and cultural differences between European churchmen and their American and African flocks.
Sisterly Advice and Eugenic Education: The Katholische Deutsche Frauenbund and German Catholic Marriage Counseling in the 1920s and 1930s
Authors: Lippold Anette
Published: March 2014

During the 1920s and 1930s, the Deutscher Caritasverband and the Katholische Deutsche Frauenbund spearheaded German Catholic marriage counseling. But the two organizations and the predominantly female Catholic marriage counselors disagreed about the nature and focus of the counseling work. By the early 1930s, the public image of Catholic marriage counseling indicated increased support for eugenics. The Frauenbund and the marriage counselors, although they did not reject eugenics outright, did not wish counseling to be a tool for the implementation of eugenic ideas. Instead, they hoped to preserve it as a domain for women, focusing on offering emotional and spiritual assistance.
Working with Communities to Achieve Health Equity in Maryland’s Five Health Enterprise Zones
Authors: Hussein Carlessia A. , Luckner Mark , Samson Raquel , Matsuoka Karen , Mann David A. , Rekhi Rahul , Richardson Ezekiel , Hurson John A. , Reece E. Albert , Sharfstein Joshua M.
Published: March 2014

This report introduces Maryland’s Health Enterprise Zones (HEZ) Initiative, describes the efforts to establish the first HEZs, describes the principles fundamental to the HEZ intervention, provides an overview of their intervention strategies, and summarizes efforts to assess the impact of the program.
What Can Be Learned from the Types of Community Benefit Programs that Hospitals Already Have in Place?
Authors: Burke Jessica G. , Truong Sandra , Albert Steve , Steenrod Johanna , Gibert Christine , Folb Barbara , Saleh Ahlam , James Everette
Published: March 2014

After implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) how will tax-exempt hospitals adjust their community benefit programs to maintain their non-profit status? This literature review categorized existing hospital-based community benefit programs by reviewing published articles that met the following inclusion criteria: affiliated or funded by a hospital; described the program design; focused on community benefit or outreach; evaluated program outcomes; located within the United States. Of 4,917 original citations, we reviewed 265 full-text articles. One hundred and six (106) programs met all inclusion criteria and were used to develop a hospital-based community benefit program taxonomy. Results indicate that programs to enhance patient care, clinic-based programs and programs with a community partner make up the majority of community benefit programs (25%, 28% and 31%, respectively). Few programs were rigorously evaluated or provide evidence of program impact. Hospitals should work with public health professionals to design, implement, and evaluate their community benefit programs.
The Projected Effect of the Affordable Care Act on Dental Care for Adult Medicaid Enrollees
Authors: Flynn Priscilla , Call Kathleen Thiede , Pintor Jessie Kemmick , Elmi Nafisa
Published: March 2014

Fewer than half of all U.S. states provide dental care for non-elderly adult Medicaid enrollees. Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) expands Medicaid eligibility for adults, states are not required to offer dental care to adults. We project the effect of the ACA on patient-identified barriers to dental care based on a framework developed using data from a 2008 survey of Minnesota Medicaid enrollees with and without an annual dental visit. The rate of annual visits (55%) was below that of all Minnesotans (79%) with 40% reporting difficulties accessing services. We found no racial/ethnic disparities in annual dental visits among adult Medicaid enrollees. Adult Medicaid recipients with no annual visit reported individual (51%), provider (27%), and system-level (22%) barriers. Hmong, Somali, and American Indian adults were more likely than others to report barriers to receiving dental care. We project that the ACA will not reduce barriers to dental care for adult Medicaid enrollees.
Workforce Development in Maryland to Promote Clinical-Community Connections that Advance Payment and Delivery Reform
Authors: Quigley Leo , Matsuoka Karen , Montgomery Kathryn Lothschuetz , Khanna Niharika , Nolan Thomas
Published: March 2014

Promoting clinical-community linkages is at the heart of Maryland’s efforts systematically to transform health care delivery, with community health workers (CHW) playing a central role. This article describes how Maryland is using the evidence-base on CHW effectiveness and training to develop a workforce capable of most effectively connecting communities with care.
Dissemination and Adoption of the Advanced Primary Care Model in the Maryland Multi-Payer Patient Centered Medical Home Program
Authors: Khanna Niharika , Shaya Fadia , Chirikov Viktor , Steffen Ben , Sharp David
Published: March 2014

The Maryland Learning Collaborative together with the Maryland Multi-Payer Program transformed 52 medical practices into patient-centered medical homes (PCMH). The Maryland Learning Collaborative developed an Internet-based 14-question Likert scale survey to assess the impact of the PCMH model on practices and providers, concerning how this new method is affecting patient care and outcomes. The survey was sent to 339 practitioners and 52 care management teams at 18 months into the program. Sixty-seven survey results were received and analyzed. After 18 months of participation in the PCMH initiative, participants demonstrated a better understanding of the PCMH initiative, improved patient access to care, improved care coordination, and increased health information technology optimization (p > .001). The findings from the survey evaluation suggest that practice participation in the Maryland Multi-Payer Program has enhanced access to care, influenced patient outcomes, improved care coordination, and increased use of health information technology.
Challenges and Opportunities for Integrating Preventive Substance-Use-Care Services in Primary Care through the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Ghitza Udi E. , Tai Betty
Published: March 2014

Undertreated or untreated substance use disorders (SUD) remain a pervasive, medically-harmful public health problem in the United States, particularly in medically underserved and low-income populations lacking access to appropriate treatment. The need for greater access to SUD treatment was expressed as policy in the Final Rule on standards related to essential health benefits, required to be covered through the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance exchanges. SUD treatment services have been included as an essential health benefit, in a manner that complies with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008. Consequently, with the ACA, a vast expansion of SUD-care services in primary care is looming. This commentary discusses challenges and opportunities under the ACA for equipping health care professionals with appropriate workforce training, infrastructure, and resources to support and guide science-based Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) for SUD in primary care.
The Affordable Care Act and Genetic Testing for Inheritable Cancer Syndromes: Impact on High-Risk Underserved Minorities
Authors: Walcott Farzana L. , Dunn Barbara K. , DeShields Mary , Baquet Claudia
Published: March 2014

Genetic testing for inheritable cancer syndromes is becoming a critical part of preventive health services.. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) Essential Health Benefits package addresses breast cancer susceptibility-gene testing for women who are unaffected by cancer. The absence of provisions for 1) men, 2) cancer patients, 3) other inheritable cancer syndromes, and 4) risk-reducing interventions are limitations of PPACA. We discuss provisions and limitations of PPACA pertaining to genetic testing and effects on high-risk populations, in particular minorities. The PPACA is the beginning of an ongoing process of incorporating genetic testing in the armamentarium of cancer prevention. Future efforts should focus on ensuring equitable access to genetic testing as a preventive service under PPACA to high-risk populations other than women. Consideration should also be given to provisions for risk-reducing interventions, especially in underserved minority populations, who are known to underutilize genetic testing and may have limited financial resources for medical intervention.
Shaking Up the Dental Safety-net: Elimination of Optional Adult Dental Medicaid Benefits in California
Authors: Wides Cynthia , Alam Sonia Rab , Mertz Elizabeth
Published: March 2014

In July 2009, California eliminated funding for most adult non-emergency Medicaid dental benefits (Denti-Cal). This paper presents the findings from a qualitative assessment of the impacts of the Denti-Cal cuts on California’s oral health safety-net. Interviews were conducted with dental safety-net providers throughout the state, including public health departments, community health centers, dental schools, Native American health clinics, and private providers, and were coded thematically using Atlas.ti. Safety-net providers reported decreased utilization by Denti-Cal-eligible adults, who now primarily seek emergency dental services, and reported shifting to focus on pediatric and privately-insured patients. Significant changes were reported in safety-net clinic finances, operations, and ability to refer. The impact of the Denti-Cal cuts has been distributed unevenly across the safety-net, with private providers and County Health Departments bearing the highest burden.
Au-delà du miroir: Réalisme-utopie et problématique de l'immigration dans Douceurs du bercail d'Aminata Sow Fall
Authors: Sarr Awa C.
Published: March 2014

Dans Douceurs du bercail Aminata Sow Fall pose la problématique de l'immigration des Africains en France, dévoile ses origines, expose son lot d'humiliations et partant de ce constat, propose une vision à même de mettre l'Afrique sur la voie d'une renaissance. Face à une littérature africaine qui, dans ses études des maux du continent, privilégie trop souvent la sécheresse de l'analyse et de la description, ce sixième roman de Sow Fall apporte une note rafraichissante en ce qu'elle va au-delà du simple constat et de la condamnation pour proposer une vision de l'Afrique annonciatrice d'un avenir ouvert, plein de promesses.
La Folie et la mort de Ken Bugul: Pour un "genre" de ciné-roman africain francophone
Authors: Joslin Isaac
Published: March 2014

À travers une lecture de La Folie et la mort de l'auteure sénégalaise Ken Bugul, cet article cherche à élaborer une esthétique ciné-romanesque dans la littérature africaine. Suivant une démarche théorique d'après "La loi du genre" de Jacques Derrida, tout en examinant le concept du ciné-roman selon Alain Robbe-Grillet, cet article examine les références cinématiques, la structure dramatique et les innovations techniques au niveau de l'écriture chez Ken Bugul afin de démontrer l'intergénéricité inhérente à son roman. Dans le contexte du discours critique de l'oralité, cette appartenance à plusieurs genres constitue une nouvelle étape dans l'évolution du roman africain qui, dès ses origines se définit par une structure esthétiquement, linguistiquement, et culturellement hybride, poussant les limites des formes et des modes d'expression textuels. Par la création d'une forme et d'un langage qui se libèrent des contraintes du genre romanesque tel quel, adaptant d'ailleurs des techniques cinétiques d'écriture, Ken Bugul traduit d'une manière immédiatement appréhensible le vécu d'une société africaine postcoloniale—celle de sons et d'images contrariés—qu'elle met en scène dans son ouvrage. Ainsi, la démaîtrise du genre romanesque reflète la pluralité culturelle et discursive de l'Afrique contemporaine.
Hommes à la dérive: La condition masculine dans les romans de Lise Tremblay
Authors: Oprea Denisa-Adriana
Published: March 2014

Cet article se propose d'étudier le positionnement problématique des personnages masculins des trois premiers romans de Lise Tremblay, dont la condition relève à la fois d'un postmodernisme sombre et des enjeux de la redéfinition des paramètres de l'identité masculine à la fin du XXe siècle. Ce positionnement sera appréhendé de trois points de vue: la relation que les personnages masculins entretiennent avec leur famille, et notamment avec leur père; la profession, comprise en tant que possibilité de manifestation dans l'espace social du pouvoir; la relation avec les femmes, voire la manière de se rapporter au couple.
L'Écriture antillaise et le procès de l'histoire: Pour une nouvelle grammaire de l'héroïsme
Authors: Fonkoué Ramon
Published: March 2014

Aux Antilles, l'exploration de la condition de l'Antillais se fait solidairement avec une réflexion sur le sens de genres porteurs d'histoire tels que l'épopée ou la tragédie, surenchérissant ainsi la figure héroïque. Quel écho la mise en garde de Mireille Rosello contre "un héroïsme entaché de pensée occidentale", ou encore la postulation par Edouard Glissant d'un "roman du nous" trouvent-elles auprès des écrivains ? Cet article analyse le défi qui interpelle ces derniers: articuler un héroïsme endogène en phase avec une histoire frappée de la "carence héroïque". La rupture idéologique qu'opère l'écrit antillais initie en même temps le procès de l'Histoire. La présente réflexion se penche sur la contribution de l'écriture antillaise à la théorie littéraire et au discours sur la subjectivité en littérature postcoloniale.