bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biological effects of sol–gel derived ZrO2 and SiO2/ZrO2 coatings on stainless steel surface—In vitro model using mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Śmieszek Agnieszka , Donesz-Sikorska Anna , Grzesiak Jakub , Krzak Justyna , Marycz Krzysztof
Published: July 2014

The objective of this study was to determine biocompatibility of zirconia-based coatings obtained by the sol–gel method. Two matrices, ZrO2 and SiO2/ZrO2, were created and applied on stainless steel type 316L with dip-coating technique. The morphology and topography of biomaterials’ surface were characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy, while chemical composition was analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, wettability and surface free energy were characterized. Biocompatibility of obtained biomaterials was evaluated using an in vitro model employing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) of adipose and bone marrow origin. Biological analysis included determination of proliferation activity and morphology of MSCs in cultures on synthesized biomaterials. Osteoinductive properties of biomaterials were determined both in non-osteogenic, as well as osteogenic conditions. The results showed that investigated biomaterials exerted different impact on MSCs. Biomaterial with ZrO2 layer was more biocompatible for adipose-derived MSCs, while SiO2/ZrO2 layer promoted proliferation of bone marrow derived MSCs. Moreover, hybrid coating exhibited greater osteoinductive properties than ZrO2 coating, both on cultures with adipose-derived stromal (stem) cells and bone marrow stromal cells. Observed biological effects may result not only from different chemical composition, but also from diverse wettability. The ZrO2 coating was characterized as hydrophobic layer, while SiO2/ZrO2 exhibited hydrophilic properties. The results obtained suggest that behavior of MSCs in response to the biomaterial may vary depending on their origin, therefore we postulate, that screening analysis of implants’ biocompatibility, should incorporate model applying both adipose- and bone marrow derived MSCs.
The Role of the Informal Sector in African Regional Integration: Scope and Limits
Authors: Chirisa Innocent
Published: July 2014

The major questions of concern in this article are: Whose responsibility is it to provide services to the international informal sector practitioners in given municipalities? What scope is there for taxing the informal sector players to manage ‘free riding’ effectively? Can regional integration ensure policy coherence, charting a sustainable path for development? In light of these questions, this article aims at exploring and defining the roles of the informal sector in Africa’s regional integration agenda highlighting pitfalls and antics. The article is conceptual and based on literature review of scholarly, some official and media articles on the nexus between informal sector, women entrepreneurship and regional integration. Despite this analytical and practical divergence, critical for policy dialogue is the determination of the character of this loose, albeit important nexus. In Africa, the urban informal sector is marked by conspicuous ubiquity. Yet, this phenomenon is no longer a single country subject; it transcends country boundaries. Evidence includes the pervasive practice of cross-border trading and the provision of essential services and infrastructure to the migrants engaging in the informal sector as a survival coping strategy. Reality on the ground may fast-change than the debates present here. Latent in the present debate is the notion of ‘powerless places and placeless powers’ that affect informal sector, women entrepreneurship and regional integration.
Foreign Policy and Diplomacy in India–East African Relations
Authors: Nzomo Maria
Published: July 2014

The article examines the role and impact of foreign policy and diplomacy in India–East Africa relations. The main argument of the article is that underlying the ‘soft’ diplomatic strategy employed by both parties are the ‘hard’ core security, economic and power interests that are the driving force for East Africa–India engagement in this rapidly globalising and competitive world of the twenty-first century. The article thus underscores that underneath the veneer of an assorted mix of inter-related diplomatic approaches employed to advance respective national interests, the engagement has been pragmatic; business-led rather than ideological; driven mainly by security, economic and power imperatives and less by official rhetoric of South–South political solidarity.
Book Review: Garth Myers (Ed.), African Cities: Alternative Visions of Urban Theory and Practice
Authors: Gupta Bashabi
Published: July 2014

Garth Myers (Ed.), African Cities: Alternative Visions of Urban Theory and Practice, Zed Books, London, 2011, pp. 224, $34.95.
Book Review: Z. Mokomane (Ed.), Work–Family Interface in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Responses
Authors: Gupta Rajneesh Kumar
Published: July 2014

Z. Mokomane (Ed.), Work–Family Interface in Sub-Saharan Africa: Challenges and Responses, Springer International Publishing, London, 2014, pp. 216, $129.
Using an epidemiological model to investigate unwarranted variation: the case of ventilation tubes for otitis media with effusion in England
Authors: Schang Laura , De Poli Chiara , Airoldi Mara , Morton Alec , Bohm Natalie , Lakhanpaul Monica , Schilder Anne , Bevan Gwyn
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To investigate unwarranted variation in ventilation tube insertions for otitis media with effusion in children in England. This procedure is known to be ‘overused’ from clinical audits, as only one in three ventilation tube insertions conforms to the appropriateness criteria of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); but audits cannot identify the scale of ‘underuse’ – i.e. patients who would benefit but are not treated.

Methods

To explore both ‘underuse’ and ‘overuse’ of ventilation tubes for otitis media with effusion, we developed an epidemiological model based on: definitions of children with otitis media with effusion expected to benefit from ventilation tubes according to NICE guidance; epidemiological and clinical information from a systematic review; and expert judgement. A range of estimates was derived using Monte Carlo simulation and compared with the number of ventilation tubes provided in the English National Health Service in 2010.

Results

About 32,200 children in England would be expected to benefit from ventilation tubes for otitis media with effusion per year (between 20,411 and 45,231 with 90% certainty). The observed number of ventilation tubes for otitis media with effusion-associated diagnoses was 16,824.

Conclusions

The expected population capacity to benefit from ventilation tubes for otitis media with effusion based on NICE guidance appeared to exceed, by far, the number of ventilation tubes provided in the English National Health Service. So, while there is known ‘overuse’, there also may be substantial ‘underuse’ of ventilation tubes for otitis media with effusion if NICE criteria were applied. Future investigations of unwarranted variation should, therefore, not only focus on the patients who are treated but also consider the potential for benefit at the population level.
HOMED—Homicides Eastern Denmark: An introduction to a forensic medical homicide database
Authors: Colville-Ebeling Bonnie , Frisch Morten , Lynnerup Niels , Theilade Peter
Published: July 2014

Background:An introduction to a forensic medical homicide database established at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Copenhagen. Content: The database contains substantial clinical and demographic data obtained in conjunction with medico-legal autopsies of victims and forensic clinical examinations of perpetrators in homicide cases in eastern Denmark. Validity and coverage: The database contains information on all homicide cases investigated at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Copenhagen since 1971. Coverage for the catchment area of the department is assumed to be very good because of a medico-legal homicide autopsy rate close to 100%. Regional differences might exist however, due to the fact that the catchment area of the department is dominated by the city of Copenhagen. Conclusions: The strength of the database includes a long running time, near complete regional coverage and an exhaustive list of registered variables. It is useful for research purposes, although specific data limitations apply.
Participant observation, anthropology methodology and design anthropology research inquiry
Authors: Gunn Wendy , Løgstrup Louise B
Published: July 2014

Within the design studio, and across multiple field sites, the authors compare involvement of research tools and materials during collaborative processes of designing. Their aim is to trace temporal dimensions (shifts/ movements) of where and when learning takes place along different sites of practice. They do so by combining participant observation, anthropology methodology and design anthropology research inquiry, engaging with practice based explorations to understand if methods and methodologies, understood as being central to anthropological inquiry, can be taught to interaction design engineering students studying in an engineering faculty and engineers working in an energy company. They ask: how do you generate anthropological capacities with interaction design engineering students engaged in engineering design processes and employees of an energy company setting out to reframe their relation with the private end user? What kind of opportunities can engaging with collaborative processes of designing offer for both designing and anthropological research inquiry simultaneously?
The factors affecting Nigeria’s success toward implementation of global public health priorities
Authors: Echebiri Vitalis C.
Published: July 2014

This paper examines the challenges facing the Nigerian government toward the implementation of global public health priories. The Nigerian government recognizes the need to implement these priorities by putting in place the necessary policy framework, but political instability, poor infrastructural development and inadequate funding have remained barriers toward the achievement of success in implementing these priorities. The rest of the paper elucidates the fact that despite leadership and influence from the World Health Organization and other United Nations agencies, and some responses from the Nigerian government, tackling these public health problems requires much more fundamental reform to primary health services and a reduction in poverty. Although the government has shown enough political will to tackle these problems, it is expected that a better result will be achieved through injecting more funds into the Nigerian health sector, and deploying astute health administrators to manage the sector rather than pure health professionals without managerial acumen.
Damage characterisation in aluminium matrix composites reinforced with amorphous metal inclusions
Authors: Ferre A. , Dancette S. , Maire E.
Published: July 2014

Aluminium matrix composites with volume fractions of 1 and 4% of amorphous metal inclusions were prepared by mixing powders, spark plasma sintering (SPS) and hot extrusion. The reinforcing phase was a Zr57Cu20Al10Ti8Ni5 metallic glass (MG) and the matrix phase consisted of two types of aluminium powders with similar particle sizes but different strengths (pure aluminium and 5083 alloy). Damage mechanisms in tension were characterised quantitatively by X-ray tomography using in situ tensile tests. The transition in the initiation of damage between matrix shearing, inclusion fracture or matrix-inclusion debonding is presented and discussed as a function of the material's microstructure.
Absence of STAT1 in donor-derived plasmacytoid dendritic cells results in increased STAT3 and attenuates murine GVHD
Authors: Capitini Christian M. , Nasholm Nicole M. , Chien Christopher D. , Larabee Shannon M. , Qin Haiying , Song Young K. , Klover Peter J. , Hennighausen Lothar , Khan Javed , Fry Terry J.
Published: July 2014

Key Points

STAT1−/− BM prevents GVHD induced by delayed donor lymphocyte infusion via the expansion of CD9−Siglec Hhi pDCs, which are low producers of IFNα and IL-12. pDCs recovered from STAT1−/− BM chimeras show increased expression of S100A8, S100A9, and STAT3.
Evaluating a health care provider delivered intervention to reduce intimate partner violence and mitigate associated health risks: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial in Mexico City
Authors: Falb Kathryn L , Diaz–Olavarrieta Claudia , Campos Paola A , Valades Jimena , Cardenas Roosebelinda , Carino Giselle , Gupta Jhumka
Published: July 2014

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization is a prevalent issue among women residing in Mexico City. Comprehensive and integrated health care provider (HCP) delivered programs in clinic-settings are needed, yet few have been evaluated in Latin America, including Mexico. In addition, there has been minimal attention to interventions among lower income women presenting at settings outside of antenatal care clinics. The current randomized controlled trial seeks to increase midlevel HCPs’ capacity, specifically nurses, who are often the first point of contact in this setting, to identify women presenting at health clinics with experiences of IPV and to assist these women with health risk mitigation. Specific outcomes include changes in past-year IPV (physical and/or sexual), reproductive coercion, safety planning, use of community resources, and quality of life.

Methods/Design

Forty-two public health clinics in Mexico City were randomized to treatment or control clinics. Nurses meeting eligibility criteria in treatment groups received an intensive training on screening for IPV, providing supportive referrals, and assessing for health and safety risks. Nurses meeting eligibility criteria at control clinics received the standard of care which included a one-day training focused on sensitizing staff to IPV as a health issue and referral cards to give to women. Women were screened for eligibility (currently experiencing abuse in a heterosexual relationship, 18-44 years of age, non-pregnant or in first trimester) by research assistants in private areas of waiting rooms in health clinics. Consenting women completed a baseline survey and received the study protocol for that clinic. In treatment clinics, women received the nurse delivered session at baseline and received a follow-up counseling session after three months. Surveys are conducted at baseline, three months, and fifteen months from baseline.

Discussion

This study will provide important insight into whether a nurse-delivered program can assist women currently experiencing abuse in a Latin American context. Findings can be used to inform IPV programs and policies in Mexico City’s public health clinics.

Trial registration

NCT01661504
The complexity in the implementation process of empowerment-based chronic kidney care: a case study
Authors: Nygårdh Annette , Malm Dan , Wikby Kerstin , Ahlström Gerd
Published: July 2014

Background

This study is part of an interactive improvement intervention aimed to facilitate empowerment-based chronic kidney care using data from persons with CKD and their family members. There are many challenges to implementing empowerment-based care, and it is therefore necessary to study the implementation process. The aim of this study was to generate knowledge regarding the implementation process of an improvement intervention of empowerment for those who require chronic kidney care.

Methods

A prospective single qualitative case study was chosen to follow the process of the implementation over a two year period. Twelve health care professionals were selected based on their various role(s) in the implementation of the improvement intervention. Data collection comprised of digitally recorded project group meetings, field notes of the meetings, and individual interviews before and after the improvement project. These multiple data were analyzed using qualitative latent content analysis.

Results

Two facilitator themes emerged: Moving spirit and Encouragement. The healthcare professionals described a willingness to individualize care and to increase their professional development in the field of chronic kidney care. The implementation process was strongly reinforced by both the researchers working interactively with the staff, and the project group. One theme emerged as a barrier: the Limitations of the organization. Changes in the organization hindered the implementation of the intervention throughout the study period, and the lack of interplay in the organization most impeded the process.

Conclusions

The findings indicated the complexity of maintaining a sustainable and lasting implementation over a period of two years. Implementing empowerment-based care was found to be facilitated by the cooperation between all involved healthcare professionals. Furthermore, long-term improvement interventions need strong encouragement from all levels of the organization to maintain engagement, even when it is initiated by the health care professionals themselves.
Cloning and expression of Aspergillus flavus urate oxidase in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Fazel Ramin , Zarei Najmeh , Ghaemi Nasser , Namvaran Mohammad Mehdi , Enayati Somayeh , Mirabzadeh Ardakani Esmat , Azizi Mohammad , Khalaj Vahid
Published: July 2014

Urate oxidase is an important enzyme with therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Rasburicase is a recombinant urate oxidase enzyme approved by FDA to use in the treatment of hyperuricemia conditions. Various hosts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hansenula polymorpha and Escherichia coli have been used to express the enzyme. Today, Pichia pastoris is considered as an important host for heterologous protein expression since it has beneficial characteristics such as strong promoters, simple scale up, post translational modifications, high cell density cultivation and simple genetic manipulation. In this study, Aspergillus flavus urate oxidase gene was cloned in pPICZαA expression vector and expressed in P. pastoris. The recombinant urate oxidase was expressed in secretory form and was confirmed through RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE analysis and western blotting. The enzyme activity was determined using a colorimetric assay. A production yield of 0.43 U/ml of culture supernatant was obtained.
SUMO-specific proteases/isopeptidases: SENPs and beyond
Authors: Nayak Arnab , Müller Stefan
Published: July 2014

We summarize the evolutionary relationship, structure and subcellular distribution of SUMO proteases (or SUMO isopeptidases). We also discuss their functions and allude to their involvement in human disease.
Overexpression of progelatinase B/proMMP-9 affects migration regulatory pathways and impairs chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell homing to bone marrow and spleen
Authors: Bailón Elvira , Ugarte-Berzal Estefanía , Amigo-Jiménez Irene , Van den Steen Philippe , Opdenakker Ghislain , García-Marco José A , García-Pardo Angeles
Published: July 2014

This study addresses the role of (pro)MMP-9 overexpression in CLL cell migration. We have used primary CLL cells and CLL-derived MEC-1 cells transfected with empty (mock cells) or proMMP-9-encoding (MMP-9 cells) lentiviral vectors. The constitutive (pro)MMP-9 expression in mock cells and primary CLL cells was similar, whereas in MMP-9 cells, expression resembled that of CLL cells incubated with proMMP-9. In xenograft models, in NOD/SCID mice, MMP-9-MEC-1 transfectants showed significantly reduced homing to bone marrow and spleen compared with mock cells. Likewise, incubation of primary CLL cells with proMMP-9, before injection into mice, inhibited their homing to these organs. This inhibition was specific, dose-dependent, and observed in all CLL tested, independently of prognostic markers or disease stage. Additionally, the MMP-9 catalytic activity was only partially involved, as the inactive mutant proMMP-9MutE had a partial effect. MMP-9 cells also showed impaired migration in vitro, which was reverted by reducing (pro)MMP-9 expression with siRNAs. CLL migration thus requires optimal (pro)MMP-9 expression levels, below or above which migration is hampered. Biochemical analysis of the (pro)MMP-9 effect indicated that MMP-9 cells or primary CLL cells incubated with proMMP-9 had reduced activation of migration regulatory molecules, including RhoAGTPase, Akt, ERK, and FAK. In contrast, p190RhoGAP (RhoA inhibitor) and PTEN (Akt/ERK/FAK inhibitor) were up-regulated in MMP-9 cells. Reduction of (pro)MMP-9 expression by siRNAs restored RhoA activity and diminished PTEN levels. Our results reveal a novel function for (pro)MMP-9 in modulating signaling pathways leading to CLL cell arrest. Therefore, local high (pro)MMP-9 expression may contribute to malignant cell retention in lymphoid organs and disease progression.
Cyclic Test Data of Six Unreinforced Masonry Walls with Different Boundary Conditions
Authors: Petry Sarah , Beyer Katrin
Published: July 2014

Previous test data on unreinforced masonry walls focused on the global response of the wall. A new data set ( Petry and Beyer 2014a ; DOI:10.5281/zenodo.8443) on six wall tests, which is publicly available, allows for linking global to local deformations of masonry walls, which can be useful for advancing performance-based design and assessment methods for unreinforced masonry buildings. This data paper presents the results of a test series on six identical unreinforced masonry walls that were constructed using hollow clay brick units and standard cement-based mortar. The test units were subjected to quasi-static cycles of increasing drift demands and the tests differed with regard to the applied axial load and the moment restraint applied at the top of the walls. The walls were tested up to failure. Throughout the loading the deformations of the walls were recorded using a digital photogrammetric measurement system tracking the movement of 312 points per test unit.
The guanine-exchange factor Ric8a binds the calcium sensor NCS-1 to regulate synapse number and probability of release
Authors: Romero-Pozuelo Jesús , Dason Jeffrey S. , Mansilla Alicia , Baños-Mateos Soledad , Sardina José L. , Chaves-Sanjuán Antonio , Jurado-Gómez Jaime , Santana Elena , Atwood Harold L. , Hernández-Hernández Ángel , Sánchez-Barrena María-José , Ferrús Alberto
Published: July 2014

The conserved Ca2+-binding protein Frequenin/Neuronal Calcium Sensor 1 (Frq/NCS-1) is involved in pathologies that result from abnormal synapse number and probability of neurotransmitter release per synapse. Both synaptic features are likely co-regulated but the intervening mechanisms remain poorly understood. We show here that Drosophila Ric8a/Synembryn, a receptor-independent activator of G protein complexes, binds Frq2 but not the virtually identical duplicate Frq1. Based on crystallographic data on Frq2 and site directed mutagenesis on Frq1, the differential amino acids R94 and T138 account for this specificity. Human NCS-1 and Ric8a reproduce the binding and maintain the structural requirements at these key positions. Ric8a and Gαs regulate synapse number and neurotransmitter release and both are functionally linked to Frq2. Frq2 negatively regulates Ric8a to control synapse number. However, the regulation of neurotransmitter release by Ric8a is independent from the Frq2 binding. Thus, the antagonistic regulation of these two synaptic properties shares a common pathway, Frq2,Ric8a,Gαs which diverges downstream. These mechanisms expose the Frq2-Ric8a interacting surface as a potential pharmacological target for NCS-1 related diseases and provide key data towards the corresponding drug design.
Head movements and the optic flow generated during the learning flights of bumblebees
Authors: Riabinina Olena , de Ibarra Natalie Hempel , Philippides Andrew , Collett Thomas S.
Published: July 2014

Insects inform themselves about the 3D structure of their surroundings through motion parallax. During flight, they often simplify this task by minimising rotational image movement. Coordinated head and body movements generate rapid shifts of gaze separated by periods of almost zero rotational movement, during which the distance of objects from the insect can be estimated through pure translational optic flow. This saccadic strategy is less appropriate for assessing the distance between objects. Bees and wasps face this problem when learning the position of their nest-hole relative to objects close to it. They acquire the necessary information during specialised flights performed on leaving the nest. Here, we show that the bumblebee's saccadic strategy differs from other reported cases. In the fixations between saccades, a bumblebee's head continues to turn slowly, generating rotational flow. At specific points in learning flights these imperfect fixations generate a form of ‘pivoting parallax’, which is centred on the nest and enhances the visibility of features near the nest. Bumblebees may thus utilize an alternative form of motion parallax to that delivered by the standard ‘saccade and fixate’ strategy in which residual rotational flow plays a role in assessing the distances of objects from a focal point of interest.
The Economics of Fair Trade
Authors: Dragusanu Raluca , Giovannucci Daniele , Nunn Nathan
Published: July 2014

Fair Trade is a labeling initiative aimed at improving the lives of the poor in developing countries by offering better terms to producers and helping them to organize. Although Fair Trade–certified products still comprise a small share of the market—for example, Fair Trade–certified coffee exports were 1.8 percent of global coffee exports in 2009— growth has been very rapid over the past decade. Whether Fair Trade can achieve its intended goals has been hotly debated in academic and policy circles. In particular, debates have been waged about whether Fair Trade makes “economic sense” and is sustainable in the long run. The aim of this article is to provide a critical overview of the economic theory behind Fair Trade, describing the potential benefits and potential pitfalls. We also provide an assessment of the empirical evidence of the impacts of Fair Trade to date. Because coffee is the largest single product in the Fair Trade market, our discussion here focuses on the specifics of this industry, although we will also point out some important differences with other commodities as they arise.
The Role of Entrepreneurship in US Job Creation and Economic Dynamism
Authors: Decker Ryan , Haltiwanger John , Jarmin Ron , Miranda Javier
Published: July 2014

An optimal pace of business dynamics—encompassing the processes of entry, exit, expansion, and contraction—would balance the benefits of productivity and economic growth against the costs to firms and workers associated with reallocation of productive resources. It is difficult to prescribe what the optimal pace should be, but evidence accumulating from multiple datasets and methodologies suggests that the rate of business startups and the pace of employment dynamism in the US economy has fallen over recent decades and that this downward trend accelerated after 2000. A critical factor in accounting for the decline in business dynamics is a lower rate of business startups and the related decreasing role of dynamic young businesses in the economy. For example, the share of US employment accounted for by young firms has declined by almost 30 percent over the last 30 years. These trends suggest that incentives for entrepreneurs to start new firms in the United States have diminished over time. We do not identify all the factors underlying these trends in this paper but offer some clues based on the empirical patterns for specific sectors and geographic regions.
Immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry identify non-cell autonomous Otx2 homeoprotein in the granular and supragranular layers of mouse visual cortex
Authors: Kim Namsuk , Acampora Dario , Dingli Florent , Loew Damarys , Simeone Antonio , Prochiantz Alain , Di Nardo Ariel A.
Published: July 2014

Plasticity in the visual cerebral cortex is regulated by the internalization of Otx2 homeoprotein into parvalbumin neurons in cortical layers II/III and IV. However the Otx2 locus is not active in these neurons and the protein is imported from external sources, including the choroid plexus. Because Otx1 and Otx2 may have redundant functions, we wanted to verify if part of the staining in parvalbumin neurons corresponds to Otx1 transported from cortical layer V neurons. It is demonstrated here that Otx staining in layer IV cells is maintained in Otx1-null mice. The immunoprecipitation of extracts from finely dissected granular and supragranular cortex (layers I-IV) gave immunoblots with a band corresponding to Otx2 and not Otx1. Moreover, high-resolution mass spectrometry analysis after immunoprecipitation identifies two peptides within the Otx2 homeodomain. One of these peptides is specific for Otx2 and is not found in Otx1. These results unambiguously establish that the staining in parvalbumin neurons revealed with the anti-Otx2 antibodies used in our previous studies identifies non-cell autonomous Otx2.
Sarcoidosis and heart disease: Diagnosis and management
Authors: Dubrey Simon W , Ghonim Sarah
Published: July 2014

Sarcoidosis remains one of the most enigmatic diseases; often present without symptoms and yet potentially able to affect any organ system with serious consequences. Heart involvement portends probably the worst scenario with patients experiencing symptoms from mechanical dysfunction and the risk of sudden death from rhythm disturbance, both in the form of ventricular tachycardias or atrioventricular heart block. The fascinating aspect of this disease is that, to this day, there is no consensus on the aetiology, no ‘biomarker’ to diagnose the disease and no significant advance in therapy from the long-standing use of steroids. Furthermore, the disease demonstrates different phenotypes in different races, has familial tendency, ‘clusters’ among close associates, and has been linked to numerous environmental (organic and inorganic) and infectious agents. One hundred years after sarcoidosis was first described, this disease spectrum remains one of the most mysterious of human diseases.
Understanding the role of lycopene in atherosclerosis
Authors: Kirkpatrick Peter
Published: July 2014

Peter Kirkpatrick gives an overview of recent research demonstrating the benefits of lycopene in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease
The BHF Alliance: Leading the fight against CVD
Authors: Hargrave Jenny
Published: July 2014

Jenny Hargrave is calling on nurses and other health professionals to lead the fight against cardiovascular disease on the frontline, and inspire others along the way
How a Beacon Community Program in New Orleans Helped Create a Better Health Care
System By Building Relationships Before Technology
Authors: Khurshid Anjum , Brown Lisanne
Published: July 2014

Introduction: In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, much of New Orleans’
healthcare infrastructure was destroyed. Initial federal funding after the storm
expanded primary care services and helped set up medical homes for New Orleans’ large
uninsured and underinsured population. Following that, the Beacon Community in New
Orleans, charged with improving health care through the use of technology, decided the
best way to accomplish those goals was to build community partnerships and introduce
technology improvements based on their input and on their terms. The purpose of this
paper is to describe how those partnerships were wrought, including the innovative use
of a conceptual framework, and how they are being sustained; how different technologies
were and are being introduced; and what the results have been so far.Methods: Past
successful community experiences, as well as a proven conceptual framework, were used to
help establish community partnerships and governance structures, as well as to
demonstrate their linkages. This paper represents a compilation of reports and
information from key Beacon leaders, staff and providers and their firsthand experiences
in setting up those structures, as well as their conclusions.Results: The community
partnerships proved extremely successful in not only devising successful ways to
introduce new technology into healthcare settings, but in sustaining those changes by
creating a governance structure that has enough fluidity to adapt to changing
circumstances.Conclusions: Building and developing community partnerships takes time and
effort; however, these relationships are necessary and essential to introducing and
sustaining new technologies in a healthcare setting and should be a first step for any
organization looking to accomplish such goals.
White light oblique incidence reflectometer for measuring absorption and reduced scattering spectra of tissue-like turbid media
Authors: Marquez Guillermo , Wang Lihong V.
Published: July 2014

We designed a quick and inexpensive system for spectral measurements of optical properties including absorption coefficient and reduced scattering coefficient. The system was based on oblique incidence reflectometry.[1] A broad band light source was coupled into an optic fiber to deliver light obliquely to turbid media. Nine detection optic fibers were used to collect the diffuse reflectance as a function of source-detector distance. The relative diffuse reflectance profile was used to deduce the absorption and reduced scattering spectra. The system was able to acquire data in a wavelength range of 256 nm within a fraction of a second.
Spatially Resolved Diffuse Reflectance Measurements of Two-layered Samples in the Frequency Domain
Authors: Weersink Robert A. , Patterson Michael S.
Published: July 2014

Spatially resolved diffuse reflectance measurements of two layer tissue phantoms were performed in the frequency domain. The non-invasive surface technique can differentiate between homogeneous and layered media. The measurements of the layered phantoms are compared to a diffusion theory model for layered media. It is found that the technique is sensitive to the optical properties of each layer.
Acetic Acid: A Contrast Agent in Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy of Tissue
Authors: Agrawal Anant , Drezek Rebekah , Pitris Costas , Smithpeter Colin , Utzinger Urs , Brookner Carrie , Collier Tom , Mitchell Michele Follen , Richards-Kortum Rebecca
Published: July 2014

Contrast agents are commonly applied to tissue in vitro and in vivo to aid in the extraction of diagnostically useful information from the sample. For example, staining techniques are commonly used to highlight cellular structures when using light microscopy to examine tissue samples. On a more gross level, sensitive differentiation between normal tissue and neoplasia in various tissue sites has been recently demonstrated through the use of 5-aminolevulinic acid induced protoporphyrin IX fluorescence [1].
Design of New Two-Photon Absorbing Fluorophores
Authors: Rumi M. , Ehrlich J. , Heikal A. , Fu J. , Barlow S. , Levin M. D. , Erskine L. , Lipson M. , McCord-Maughon D. , Röckel H. , Subramaniam G. , Thayumanavan S. , Marder S. R. , Perry J. W. , Albota M. , Xu C. , Webb W. W.
Published: July 2014

In very recent work we have developed design strategies which allow us to independently control the strength, position, fluorescence quantum yield and intersystem crossing rates for two-photon absorbing dyes. The position and strength of the band of the two-photon absorption peak in conjugated molecules can be controlled by varying the conjugation length (specifically by varying the double bonds or phenylene-vinylenc groups in the molecules) and also by appropriate substitution of the molecule with electron donating and electron withdrawing groups. In particular, we have developed several new two-photon fluorophores, as shown in Table 1 below, that have strong two- photon absorptivities and two-photon absorption wavelengths that are ideally suited for imaging of tissue using a Ti:sapphire laser operating between 700 and 950 nm. Compound 1 below is representative of conventional agent (bis-MSB) whereas compounds 2 - 4 are represenative of the new agents that we have developed.
In-vivo Fluorescence EEM Collection of Normal and Cancerous Epithelial Tissue in the Hamster Cheek Pouch Model
Authors: Zuluaga Andrés F. , Utzinger Urs , Brookner Carrie , Weiss Dale , Gimenez-Conti Irma , Mitchell Michele Follen , Coghlan Lezlee , Richards-Kortum Rebecca
Published: July 2014

Fluorescence spectroscopy has been shown to be a viable technique for the diagnosis of epithelial dysplasia and neoplasia both in-vitro and in-vivo.1 Since excision and fixation change important characteristics of tissue such as vascularity and metabolic rate, it is desirable to obtain excitation-emission matrices (EEMs) in-vivo for more accurate assessment of the fluorescence properties of the tissue being probed. We have designed and constructed an instrument which allows for the collection of fluorescence emission spectra at 18 different excitation wavelengths in about 3 minutes, a time short enough to allow in-vivo probing. The system consists of a white light source which is filtered by a monochromator and delivered to the sample via an optic fiber probe. The same probe collects the fluorescence which is passed through long-pass filters into an imaging spectrograph and detected with a TE-cooled CCD camera. The entire system is under computer control.
Quantitative Fluorescence Spectroscopy in Strongly Scattering Media Containing Multiple Fluorophores
Authors: Cerussi Albert , Fantini Sergio , Gratton Enrico
Published: July 2014

We have used diffusion theory to model the fluorescence photon density inside a strongly scattering medium containing multiple fluorophores. Frequency- domain parameters were measured as functions of source-detector separation and modulation frequency inside in a turbid medium containing two fluorophores. Our theoretical prediction, based on a model originally proposed by Patterson and Pogue, was found to be in excellent agreement with the experimental data.
A Comparative Study of One-Photon and Two-Photon Induced Fluorescence in Artery Tissue
Authors: Mammini Beth , Silva Luiz Da
Published: July 2014

Two-photon induced fluorescence (TPF) offers several well known advantages over conventional, one-photon fluorescence. [1,2]. Advantages include a deeper penetration depth into tissue by the longer wavelength photons, increased background rejection due to the separation of the excitation and signal wavelengths, higher spatial resolution, and less photobleaching and tissue damage. Furthermore, TPF follows different selection rules than conventional fluorescence, thus producing excitation of electronic states that may not be seen with single photon excitation. These benefits make TPF a promising technique for medical applications in which spectroscopic evaluation of tissue is desired.
Detection of spectral differences between normal and cancerous oral tissue using near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Cooney Kevin M. , Gossage Kirk W. , McShane Michael J. , Coté Gerard L. , Motamedi Massoud , van der Breggen Egbertus W.J.
Published: July 2014

A system was developed using a Fourier Transform spectrometer configured for the near-infrared (2.0- 2.5 pm) range to investigate spectral differences between cancerous and normal oral tissue. Cancer was induced in the left or right cheek of hamsters. The animals were euthanized and cancerous as well as normal tissue was excised and analyzed in vitro. A total of 20 spectra were recorded 10 from cancerous tissue and 10 from normal tissue. Polynomial subtraction was used for preprocessing the raw spectral data. The preprocessed data were entered into a principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm which showed the ability to discriminate the tissue types across animals using this wavelength range.
Excitation Spectroscopy of Proteins in Malignant and Benign Tissues
Authors: Yang Yuanlong , Katz A. , Celmer Edward J. , Koutcher Jason A , Alfano R.R.
Published: July 2014

Differences have been observed in the UV excitation spectra of malignant and benign tissues of breast, colon and head and neck These differences are attributed to fundamental changes of certain proteins, fibronectin, collagen, and laminin in cells and in the structural framework of tissues.
Correlation of Autofluorescence to Proliferation and Inflammatory Indices in Human Premalignant Colonic Tissues
Authors: Wang Hsing-Wen , Willis Joseph , Sivak Michael V. , Izatt Joseph A.
Published: July 2014

Quantitative laser scanning confocal autofluorescence microscopy in premalignant colonic tissues was correlated with cellular proliferation and inflammatory indices. Increasing concentration of low autofluorescence lymphocytes in lamina propria was found to contribute to negative correlation of blue/green autofluorescence to inflammatory index. Modified green autofluorescence might be due to increasing concentration of eosiphils and macrophages. Negative correlation of blue/green autofluorescence to proliferation index was likely due to increasing cell metabolic activity and decreasing accumulated bounded mitochondrial NAD(P)H and flavin. Tissue cutting artifact and aberrant mitochondria might cause weak correlation.
Noninvasive Monitoring of Treatment Related Changes in Psoriatic Plaques Using Fluorescence Excitation and Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy
Authors: Gillies Robert , Tian Wei Dong , Anderson R. Rox , Drake Lynn A. , Kollias Nikiforos
Published: July 2014

Psoriasis is a proliferative and inflammatory skin disorder characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and changes in the cutaneous microvasculature. Common treatment modalities include corticosteroid and UVB therapy. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and fluorescence excitation spectroscopy (FES) are noninvasive methods to follow changes in the microvasculature and skin fluorophores of psoriasis lesions with treatment.
Upconverting Phosphors as Reporters for Immunoassay
Authors: Faris Gregory W. , Wright William H. , Hall Michael P. , Chen Yihong , Yao Yung-Mae M. , Mufti Naheed A. , Cooper David E.
Published: July 2014

We discuss the capabilities of novel reporters which efficiently upconvert near infrared light and considerations for application of these reporters to immunoassay.
Blood Glucose Measurements by Photoacoustics
Authors: MacKenzie H. A. , Ashton H. S. , Shen Y. C. , Lindberg J. , Rae P. , Quart K.M. , Spiers S.
Published: July 2014

Glucose concentrations have been measured by the pulsed photoacoustic technique both in-vitro and in-vivo. The in- vitro results show that glucose concentrations in the physiological range (30 - 600mg/dl) can be measured with an accuracy of better than 0.1% with a correlation of R2 = 0.989. The role of other blood analytes in photoacoustic measurements have been explored, ¡η-vivo measurements on 8 subjects have been achieved with a standard deviation of between ± 1.5% and ± 12 % with an R2 = 0.959 over the glucose concentration range 80 - 640mg/dl.
Continuous Measurement of Oxy- and Deoxyhemoglobin of Piglet Brain by Time-Resolved Spectroscopy
Authors: Yamashita Y. , Oda M. , Olimae E. , Tamura M.
Published: July 2014

A three-wavelength time-resolved spectroscopy (TRS) system was introduced to quantify oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin of the living tissue continuously. When the system was applied to the piglet brain, a time course of the tissue oxygenation could be traced corresponding to artificial respiratory condition. It was observed that alternation of inhalation oxygen concentration (FiO2) caused a reasonable change in the saturation of oxygen, maintaining the total hemoglobin (110 μ M) constant.
IN VLVO OPTICAL MEASUREMENT OF TISSUE pH TO ASSESS BOWEL ISCHEMIA AND REPERFUSION DURING HEMORRHAGIC SHOCK
Authors: Soller Babs R. , Zhang Songbiao , Mueller Joern , Puyana Juan Carlos
Published: July 2014

An optical, noninvasive method of measuring bowel pH was demonstrated on nine swine undergoing hemorrhagic shock and reperfusion. Using reflected near infrared light and partial least squares analysis it was possible to develop calibration models with mean accuracy better than 0.05 pH units. Continuous measurement of bowel pH was compared to blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery to investigate cellular response to ischemia and blood flow restoration to the bowel.
Photochromic Film Characterization of Laser Microbeams
Authors: Vu K. , Dunn-Rankin D. , Krasieva T. , Venugopalan V. , Tromberg B.
Published: July 2014

Highly focused pulsed laser beams have been employed to dissect or inactivate various cellular and subcellular targets. Over the years, such cellular microirradiation has been successfully employed in numerous basic science studies in cell and developmental biology as well as genetics. Despite the significant capabilities of cellular microirradiation techniques, the physical processes which mediate the interaction of highly focused pulsed laser radiation with cells and cellular components remains largely unexplored. The characterization of these physical mechanisms is essential to optimize the laser parameters for existing applications as well as for the development of the next generation of cellular microirradiation tools. Ideally such an investigation would provide the relationship between the laser parameters (e.g., wavelength, spot size, pulse energy and duration) and the physical effect on the biological specimen (e.g., ablation, thermal transients, photochemical effects, etc.)
Preface
Authors: Izatt Joseph A. , Sevick-Muraca Eva M.
Published: July 2014

This Trends in Optics and Photonics volume comprises a proceedings of the second Optical Society of America Topical Meeting on Biomedical Optical Spectroscopy and Diagnostics (BOSD), held March 9-11, 1998 at the Sheraton World Resort in Orlando, Florida. The meeting was co-located with the first OSA Topical Meeting on Therapeutic Laser Applications (TLA), whose proceedings are also included in this volume, and the third OSA Topical Meeting on Advances in Optical Imaging and Photon Migration (AOIPM), whose proceedings are published separately. Beginning with the first AOIPM meeting held in 1994, the "Orlando Topical Meetings" have been a resounding success at attracting leading international investigators and state-of-the-art research presentations in the rapidly expanding field of biomedical optics.
Quantitative Pharmacokinetics of Chemotherapy and PDT Agents in vivo using Elastic-Scattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Bigio Irving J. , Mourant Judith R. , Los Gerrit
Published: July 2014

We have developed an optical instrument and method for measuring in real time, and with site-specificity, the concentrations of drugs or other compounds in tissue.
“This Is Our Enemy”
Authors: Hirsch Paul
Published: July 2014

During World War II, the U.S. government, through the Writers’ War Board (WWB), co-opted comic books as an essential means of disseminating race-based propaganda to adult Americans, including members of the armed forces. Working with comic creators, the WWB crafted narratives supporting two seemingly incompatible wartime policies: racializing America’s enemies as a justification for total war and simultaneously emphasizing the need for racial tolerance within American society. Initially, anti-German and anti-Japanese narratives depicted those enemies as racially defective but eminently beatable opponents. By late 1944, however, WWB members demanded increasingly vicious comic-book depictions of America’s opponents, portraying them as irredeemably violent. Still, the Board embraced racial and ethnic unity at home as essential to victory, promoting the contributions of Chinese, Jewish, and African Americans.