bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hospitality, Charity and Political Legitimacy in Pre-modern Morocco
Authors: Mansour Mohamed El
Published: February 2015

History has been defined as the craft of understanding the past. However, to understand the past the historian needs to go beyond the classical narrative approach and investigate phenomena which a few decades ago looked trivial to the historian or at best seemed to belong to other areas of scholarship such as anthropology or sociology. Hospitality is one of these issues, the investigation of which allows us to have a clearer picture of power relations. This paper looks at the role of hospitality in premodern Maghribī society as a legitimising factor both in the religious and political fields and the competition between the two.
The Ransom Industry and the Expectation of Refuge on the Western Mediterranean Muslim–Christian Frontier, 1085–1350
Authors: Gómez-Rivas Camilo
Published: February 2015

This chapter argues for establishing a connection between the ransoming of captives and the hosting of refugees as a politically legitimising practice. It considers twelfthcentury military and demographic changes that led to an increase in capture and ransom, the legal framework and social response to the ransoming industry, and leaders’ involvement in the release of captives as a high concern of state. An example of large-scale conquest, enslavement, and ransom in the thirteenth century illustrates how ransom and refuge were causally related and predicated upon the reciprocal social expectations of frontier societies.
National Identification and Intergroup Attitudes Among Members of the National Majority and Immigrants: Preliminary Evidence for the Mediational Role of Psychological Ownership of a Country
Authors: Brylka Asteria , Mähönen Tuuli Anna , Jasinskaja-Lahti Inga
Published: February 2015

In this study, we examined whether psychological ownership of the country one lives in (in this case, Finland) mediates the relationship between national identification and intergroup attitudes among majority and minority group members (N = 647; Finns, n = 334, Russian-speaking immigrants, n = 313). Consistent with our predictions, both majority group members and immigrants whose national identification was strong experienced greater psychological ownership of Finland; as expected, this relationship was more pronounced among majority group members. Higher psychological ownership, in turn, was associated with less positive attitudes towards Russian-speaking immigrants among majority Finns but more positive attitudes towards Finns among immigrants. The findings also showed that among immigrants, the relationship between national identification and psychological ownership is likely to be reciprocal, with national identification similarly mediating the association between psychological ownership and attitudes towards members of the national group. No support for such reciprocity between national identification and psychological ownership was found among members of the majority group.
Concurrent partnerships in Cape Town, South Africa: race and sex differences in prevalence and duration of overlap
Authors: Beauclair Roxanne , Hens Niel , Delva Wim
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Concurrent partnerships (CPs) have been suggested as a risk factor for transmitting HIV, but their impact on the epidemic depends upon how prevalent they are in populations, the average number of CPs an individual has and the length of time they overlap. However, estimates of prevalence of CPs in Southern Africa vary widely, and the duration of overlap in these relationships is poorly documented. We aim to characterize concurrency in a more accurate and complete manner, using data from three disadvantaged communities of Cape Town, South Africa.

Methods

We conducted a sexual behaviour survey (n=878) from June 2011 to February 2012 in Cape Town, using Audio Computer‐Assisted Self‐Interviewing to collect sexual relationship histories on partners in the past year. Using the beginning and end dates for the partnerships, we calculated the point prevalence, the cumulative prevalence and the incidence rate of CPs, as well as the duration of overlap for relationships begun in the previous year. Linear and binomial regression models were used to quantify race (black vs. coloured) and sex differences in the duration of overlap and relative risk of having CPs in the past year.

Results

The overall point prevalence of CPs six months before the survey was 8.4%: 13.4% for black men, 1.9% for coloured men, 7.8% black women and 5.6% for coloured women. The median duration of overlap in CPs was 7.5 weeks. Women had less risk of CPs in the previous year than men (RR 0.43; 95% CI: 0.32–0.57) and black participants were more at risk than coloured participants (RR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.17–2.97).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that in this population the prevalence of CPs is relatively high and is characterized by overlaps of long duration, implying there may be opportunities for HIV to be transmitted to concurrent partners.
Trening ute eller inne? Rapport fra et prosjekt med datainnsamling under Forskningsdagene 2012
Authors: Calogiuri Giovanna , Weydahl Andi , Mikkilä Saija P. , Nordtug Hildegunn , Horgen Katinka , Raanaas Ruth Kjærsti , Patil Grete Grindal , Ihlebæk Camilla Martha
Published: February 2015

 

Reciprocal benefits of physical activity and exposure to nature for greater gain in health promotion.

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;" lang="EN-US">Theoretical assumptions and description of a pilot study.

<span style="font-size: 11pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; line-height: 107%; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi;" lang="EN-US">Recent studies have highlighted that health problems connected to inactivity are not just associated to lack of exercise, but rather to sedentary behaviour in a broader sense. In a large longitudinal study in the U.S.A., it was found that the amount of time spent in sedentary behaviour, such as watching television, was associated with cause-specific mortality in normal adults, even in subjects who did engage in some exercise program including intensive physical activity PA (Matthews et al., 2012).Therefore, in health promotion, it is important to promote active lifestyles characterized by higher activity levels across the day, increasing the time and frequency one is engage in any body movement, rather than only promoting participation in exercise sessions taking place two or three times a week.
Evaluating the Planning and Development Phase of a Demonstration Project: At Home / Chez Soi Moncton
Authors: Flowers Linsay , Gaucher Charles , Bourque Jimmy
Published: February 2015

This research focused on the planning and development phase of the Moncton site of At Home / Chez Soi, a multisite research demonstration project funded by the Mental Health Commission of Canada, developed to test an innovative approach to working with homeless people living with severe and persistent mental illness in 5 Canadian cities. Using qualitative methods, 11 local key informants participated in semistructured interviews focusing on: (a) early planning processes; (b) principles and values guiding the planning process; (c) planning actions; and (d) stakeholder relationships. We found that contextual elements, especially those related to the small size and bilingual nature of the city and the lack of mental health services in the area, had a significant impact on the planning and development of the project in Moncton. The implications of findings for future planning of complex community interventions are noted.
The Reliability of Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy in Terms of Malignancy in Patients With Hashimoto Thyroiditis
Authors: Kapan Murat , Onder Akin , Girgin Sadullah , Ulger Burak Veli , Firat Ugur , Uslukaya Omer , Oguz Abdullah
Published: February 2015

The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of malignancy in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and to investigate the reliability of preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). The retrospective study included 44 patients who were operated on for nodular goiter between December 2010 and October 2011. The patients underwent thyroidectomy following a cytologic analysis plus FNAB. Hashimoto's thyroiditis was confirmed on histopathology in all patients. FNAB results were defined as benign in 14 (31.8%), suspicion for malignancy in 17 (38.6%), malignant in 9 (20.5%), and inadequate in 4 (9.1%). Following the thyroidectomy, presence of papillary thyroid carcinoma and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma were detected in 10 patients (22.7%) and 1 (2.3%) patient, respectively. The FNAB results were interpreted in terms of malignancy, which revealed the sensitivity as 80%; specificity, 40%; false positives, 69.2%; false negatives, 14.3%; positive predictive value, 31.8%; negative predictive value, 85.7%; and diagnostic accuracy, 50%. The coexistence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis with papillary thyroid carcinoma is quite common. The FNAB results for such cases are hard to evaluate, and they are likely to increase the number of false positives.
Lactate Levels in Bowel Strangulation With Experimental Animal Model
Authors: Tanaka Keiichiro , Hashimoto Hisashi , Ohki Takao
Published: February 2015

Bowel strangulation is a common disease and often requires an urgent operation. Our previous report showed that lactate concentration in the blood is a good predictive marker for emergency. However, the alteration in lactate levels during the course of bowel strangulation remains unclear. We have investigated the progressive increase of lactate after induction of bowel strangulation with animal experiments. Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into 6 groups: 0, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 hours after operation. Under anesthesia, laparotomy was performed and a 5-cm segment of terminal ileum with the mesenteric artery and veins was ligated to create a strangulation obstruction. After operation, the arterial blood was collected and lactate concentration and pH were measured using a blood gas analyzer. Lactate concentration in the 8-hour group was markedly increased, while pH decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Lactate concentrations were kept at a high level from 8 to 72 hours after operation. The time lag between strangulation and an increase of lactate is 8 hours. Our study is the first report of a bowel strangulation mouse model. Therefore, it would be possible to find a more specific marker of bowel strangulation using our experimental model.
Gangrenous Cholecystitis: Mortality and Risk Factors
Authors: Önder Akın , Kapan Murat , Ülger Burak Veli , Oğuz Abdullah , Türkoğlu Ahmet , Uslukaya Ömer
Published: February 2015

As a serious complication of cholelithiasis, gangrenous cholecystitis presents greater mortality than noncomplicated cholecystitis. The aim of this study was to specify the risk factors on mortality. 107 consecutive patients who underwent surgery due to gangrenous cholecystitis between January 1997 and October 2011 were investigated retrospectively. The study included 60 (56.1%) females and 47 (43.9%) males, with a mean age of 60.7 ± 16.4 (21–88) years. Cardiovascular diseases were the most frequently accompanying medical issues (24.3%). Thirty-six complications (33.6%) developed in 29 patients, and surgical site infection was proven as the most common. Longer delay time prior to hospital admission, low white blood cell count, presence of diabetes mellitus, higher blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin, pericholecystic fluid in abdominal ultrasonography, and conversion from laparoscopic surgery to open surgery were identified as risk factors affecting mortality (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.044, P = 0.005, P = 0.049, P = 0.009, P = 0.022, P = 0.011, and P = 0.004, respectively). Longer delay time prior to hospital admission and low white blood cell count were determined as independent risk factors affecting mortality.
What We Know About Management of Traumatic Abdominal Wall Hernia: Review of the Literature and Case Report
Authors: Hamidian Jahromi Alireza , Skweres Justin , Sangster Guillermo , Johnson Lester , Samra Navdeep
Published: February 2015

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is an uncommon form of hernia caused by blunt traumatic disruption of the abdominal wall musculature/fascia and abdominal organ herniation. Diagnosis of TAWH is challenging and requires a high level of suspicion. This form of hernia seems to be underrepresented in the English-language medical literature. There is currently no consensus on the optimal management for TAWH. In this article, we discuss the management of a 36-year-old motorcycle driver who was involved in a road traffic accident. On evaluation at our trauma center, he was found to have TAWH. Diagnostic criteria, imaging modalities and different management options for TAWH will be discussed.
Manual Replacement of Double J Stent Without Fluoroscopy
Authors: Kose Osman , Gorgel Sacit Nuri , Ozbir Sait , Yenigurbuz Sekan , Kara Cengiz
Published: February 2015

It is not always possible to replace a ureteric stent with a new one due to the fact that tumoral effect increases in ureter with time. We present our experience of manual replacement of double J stent without fluoroscopy. The data from 23 female patients who underwent double J stent replacement with a total of 110 times was retrospectively analyzed. The steps of technique are as follows: take out distal end of the double J stent through urethra to external urethral meatus cystoscopically, insert a 0.035-inch guide wire through double J stent to the renal pelvis or intra pelvicaliceal system, take out old double J stent over guide wire, slide new stent over guide wire and at external meatus level take out guide wire while gently sliding distal end of double J stent over guide wire into urethra. The mean age was 58.39 ± 9.21 years. Cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer were diagnosed in 16, 4, and 3 patients respectively. The mean follow-up and indwelling period were 13.8 ± 5.2, 3.8 ± 0.6 months, respectively. Increased pelvicaliceal dilatation, serum creatinine level, or renal parenchymal loss was not observed. Replacement of double J stents with this technique is easy and can be used successfully in distal ureteral obstructions.
The Role and Validity of Surgical Simulation
Authors: Agha Riaz A. , Fowler Alexander J.
Published: February 2015

In the last three decades, simulation has become a key tool in the training of doctors and the maintenance of patient safety. Simulation offers an immersive, realistic way of learning technical skills. Recent changes to the training schemes in many surgical specialities mean that the hours spent working between senior house officer and consultant have been reduced. This, combined with other pressures (such as reduced operating hours), means that surgery has moved away from its traditional apprenticeship model and toward a competency-based one. Simulation can be a standardized and safe method for training and assessing surgeons. Use of simulation for training has become significant alongside the development of laparoscopic techniques, and evidence suggests that skills obtained in simulation are applicable in real clinical scenarios. Simulation allows trainees to make mistakes, to ask the “what if?” questions, and to learn and reflect on such situations without risking patient safety. Virtual reality simulators have been used to allow experts to plan complicated operations and assess perioperative risks. Most recently, fully immersive simulations, such as those with whole theater teams involved, and patient-centered simulations allow development of other key skills aside from purely technical ones. Use of simulation in isolation from traditional teaching methods will furnish the surgeon in training with skills, but the best time and place to use such skills comes only with experience. In this article we examine the role of simulation in surgical training and its impact in the context of reduced training time.
A Resected Case of Intraductal Tubulopapillary Neoplasm of the Pancreas: Report of a Case
Authors: Kitaguchi Kazuhiko , Kato Yuichiro , Kojima Motohiro , Okubo Satoshi , Takahashi Daigoro , Okada Rei , Nakayama Yusuke , Nishida Yasunori , Gotohda Naoto , Takahashi Shinichiro , Konishi Masaru
Published: February 2015

The patient was a 61-year-old male who was referred to our hospital after dilatation of the main pancreatic duct was detected by screening ultrasonography. Computed tomography revealed a protruding lesion measuring 15 mm in diameter within the main pancreatic duct in the head of the pancreas, and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed interruption of the duct at the tumor site. We performed pancreaticoduodenectomy under a suspected diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma. Gross examination of the resected specimen showed that the tumor invaginated into the main pancreatic duct, and no mucin was found. Histological examination revealed proliferation of high-grade dysplastic cells in a tubulopapillary growth pattern. Immunohistochemically, cytokeratin 7 expression was detected, but not trypsin expression. Based on these morphological features, we diagnosed the tumor as intraductal tubulopapillary neoplasm (ITPN). We report the case with bibliographic consideration, together with a review of intraductal neoplasms of the pancreas encountered at our institution.
Copper‐Catalyzed Amination of Aryl and Alkenyl Electrophiles
Authors: Shaughnessy Kevin H. , Ciganek Engelbert , DeVasher Rebecca B.
Published: February 2015

The copper‐catalyzed arylation and vinylation of nitrogen nucleophiles is a highly versatile method for the construction of sp2C–N bonds. Copper‐catalyzed C–N bond formation has an extensive history and the field has been reinvigorated with the development of ligand‐promoted catalyst systems that provide general and effective reactions under relatively mild conditions. Copper promotes arylation and vinylation of a wide range of nitrogen nucleophiles, including amines, nitrogen heterocycles, and amide derivatives. The reactivity profile is complementary to that of palladium and often offers orthogonal chemoselectivity. This chapter presents a thorough overview of the copper‐catalyzed coupling of aryl and vinyl halides with nitrogen nucleophiles. Current understanding of the mechanism of this process is presented along with a detailed overview of the scope and limitations of this reaction along with optimal reaction conditions for the coupling of various nitrogen nucleophile classes.
Magma and fluid migration at Yellowstone Caldera in the last three decades inferred from InSAR, leveling, and gravity measurements
Authors: Tizzani P. , Battaglia M. , Castaldo R. , Pepe A. , Zeni G. , Lanari R.
Published: February 2015

We studied the Yellowstone caldera geological unrest between 1977 and 2010 by investigating temporal changes in differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), precise spirit leveling and gravity measurements. The analysis of the 1992–2010 displacement time series, retrieved by applying the SBAS InSAR technique, allowed the identification of three areas of deformation: (i) the Mallard Lake (ML) and Sour Creek (SC) resurgent domes, (ii) a region close to the Northern Caldera Rim (NCR), and (iii) the eastern Snake River Plain (SRP). While the eastern SRP shows a signal related to tectonic deformation, the other two regions are influenced by the caldera unrest. We removed the tectonic signal from the InSAR displacements, and we modeled the InSAR, leveling, and gravity measurements to retrieve the best fitting source parameters. Our findings confirmed the existence of different distinct sources, beneath the brittle‐ductile transition zone, which have been intermittently active during the last three decades. Moreover, we interpreted our results in the light of existing seismic tomography studies. Concerning the SC dome, we highlighted the role of hydrothermal fluids as the driving force behind the 1977–1983 uplift; since 1983–1993 the deformation source transformed into a deeper one with a higher magmatic component. Furthermore, our results support the magmatic nature of the deformation source beneath ML dome for the overall investigated period. Finally, the uplift at NCR is interpreted as magma accumulation, while its subsidence could either be the result of fluids migration outside the caldera or the gravitational adjustment of the source from a spherical to a sill‐like geometry.
Second‐moment budgets in cloud topped boundary layers: A large‐eddy simulation study
Authors: Heinze Rieke , Mironov Dmitrii , Raasch Siegfried
Published: February 2015

A detailed analysis of second‐order moment budgets for cloud topped boundary layers (CTBLs) is performed using high‐resolution large‐eddy simulation (LES). Two CTBLs are simulated—one with trade wind shallow cumuli, and the other with nocturnal marine stratocumuli. Approximations to the ensemble‐mean budgets of the Reynolds‐stress components, of the fluxes of two quasi‐conservative scalars, and of the scalar variances and covariance are computed by averaging the LES data over horizontal planes and over several hundred time steps. Importantly, the subgrid scale contributions to the budget terms are accounted for. Analysis of the LES‐based second‐moment budgets reveals, among other things, a paramount importance of the pressure scrambling terms in the Reynolds‐stress and scalar‐flux budgets. The pressure‐strain correlation tends to evenly redistribute kinetic energy between the components, leading to the growth of horizontal‐velocity variances at the expense of the vertical‐velocity variance which is produced by buoyancy over most of both CTBLs. The pressure gradient‐scalar covariances are the major sink terms in the budgets of scalar fluxes. The third‐order transport proves to be of secondary importance in the scalar‐flux budgets. However, it plays a key role in maintaining budgets of TKE and of the scalar variances and covariance. Results from the second‐moment budget analysis suggest that the accuracy of description of the CTBL structure within the second‐order closure framework strongly depends on the fidelity of parameterizations of the pressure scrambling terms in the flux budgets and of the third‐order transport terms in the variance budgets.
Seasonal hydrologic responses to climate change in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Vano Julie A. , Nijssen Bart , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: February 2015

Increased temperatures and changes in precipitation will result in fundamental changes in the seasonal distribution of streamflow in the Pacific Northwest and will have serious implications for water resources management. To better understand local impacts of regional climate change, we conducted model experiments to determine hydrologic sensitivities of annual, seasonal, and monthly runoff to imposed annual and seasonal changes in precipitation and temperature. We used the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) land‐surface hydrology model applied at 1/16° latitude‐longitude spatial resolution over the Pacific Northwest (PNW), a scale sufficient to support analyses at the hydrologic unit code eight (HUC‐8) basin level. These experiments resolve the spatial character of the sensitivity of future water supply to precipitation and temperature changes by identifying the seasons and locations where climate change will have the biggest impact on runoff. The PNW exhibited a diversity of responses, where transitional (intermediate elevation) watersheds experience the greatest seasonal shifts in runoff in response to cool season warming. We also developed a methodology that uses these hydrologic sensitivities as basin‐specific transfer functions to estimate future changes in long‐term mean monthly hydrographs directly from climate model output of precipitation and temperature. When principles of linearity and superposition apply, these transfer functions can provide feasible first‐order estimates of the likely nature of future seasonal streamflow change without performing downscaling and detailed model simulations.
Toward the camera rain gauge
Authors: Allamano P. , Croci A. , Laio F.
Published: February 2015

We propose a novel technique based on the quantitative detection of rain intensity from images, i.e., from pictures taken in rainy conditions. The method is fully analytical and based on the fundamentals of camera optics. A rigorous statistical framing of the technique allows one to obtain the rain rate estimates in terms of expected values and associated uncertainty. We show that the method can be profitably applied to real rain events, and we obtain promising results with errors of the order of
. A precise quantification of the method's accuracy will require a more systematic and long‐term comparison with benchmark measures. The significant step forward with respect to standard rain gauges resides in the possibility to retrieve measures at very high temporal resolution (e.g., 30 measures per minute) at a very low cost. Perspective applications include the possibility to dramatically increase the spatial density of rain observations by exporting the technique to crowdsourced pictures of rain acquired with cameras and smartphones.
What the Law Requires of the Engineer
Authors: Weinstein Alvin S. , Chizek Martin S.
Published: February 2015

This chapter deals with the interface between law and technology, and because product liability is likely to be the legal area of concern to the engineer, the principal focus being the engineering (design) of products or components of products. In some states, the illegal disclosure of trade secrets is classified as fraud, and employees can be fined or even jailed for such activity. As part of the process of product design, the law asks the engineer to consider that the product which emerges from the mind of the designer and the hand of the worker to play a role in enhancing society's well‐being must: (1) account for reasonably foreseeable product misuse; (2) acknowledge human frailties and the characteristics of the actual users; (3) function in the true environment of product use; (4) eliminate or guard against the hazards; and (5) not substitute warnings for effective design and guards.
Design of Hybrid MnO2‐Polymer‐Lipid Nanoparticles with Tunable Oxygen Generation Rates and Tumor Accumulation for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Gordijo Claudia R. , Abbasi Azhar Z. , Amini Mohammad Ali , Lip Ho Yin , Maeda Azusa , Cai Ping , O'Brien Peter J. , DaCosta Ralph S. , Rauth Andrew M. , Wu Xiao Yu
Published: February 2015

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) were discovered in previous work to be effective in improving tumor oxygenation (hypoxia) and reducing H2O2 and acidity in the tumor microenvironment (TME) via local injection. To develop MnO2 formulations useful for clinical application, hybrid NPs are designed with tailored hydrophobicity and structure suitable for intravenous injection, with good blood circulation, biocompatibility, high tumor accumulation, and programmable oxygen generation rate. Two different hybrid NPs are constructed by embedding polyelectrolyte‐MnO2 (PMD) in hydrophilic terpolymer/protein‐MnO2 (TMD) or hydrophobic polymer/lipid‐MnO2 (LMD) matrices. The in vitro reactivity of the MnO2 toward H2O2 is controlled by matrix material and NP structure and dependent on pH with up to two‐fold higher O2 generation rate at acidic (tumor) pH than at systemic pH. The hybrid NPs are found to be safe to cells in vitro and organs in vivo and effectively decrease tumor hypoxia and hypoxia‐inducible‐factor‐1alpha through local or systemic administration. Fast acting TMD reduces tumor hypoxia by 70% in 0.5 h by local injection. Slow acting LMD exhibits superior tumor accumulation and retention through the systemic administration and decreased hypoxia by 45%. These findings encourage a broader use of hybrid MD NPs to overcome TME factors for cancer treatment.
Plasmonic Nanodiamonds: Targeted Core–Shell Type Nanoparticles for Cancer Cell Thermoablation
Authors: Rehor Ivan , Lee Karin L. , Chen Kevin , Hajek Miroslav , Havlik Jan , Lokajova Jana , Masat Milan , Slegerova Jitka , Shukla Sourabh , Heidari Hamed , Bals Sara , Steinmetz Nicole F. , Cigler Petr
Published: February 2015

Targeted biocompatible nanostructures with controlled plasmonic and morphological parameters are promising materials for cancer treatment based on selective thermal ablation of cells. Here, core–shell plasmonic nanodiamonds consisting of a silica‐encapsulated diamond nanocrystal coated in a gold shell are designed and synthesized. The architecture of particles is analyzed and confirmed in detail using electron tomography. The particles are biocompatibilized using a PEG polymer terminated with bioorthogonally reactive alkyne groups. Azide‐modified transferrin is attached to these particles, and their high colloidal stability and successful targeting to cancer cells overexpressing the transferrin receptor are demonstrated. The particles are nontoxic to the cells and they are readily internalized upon binding to the transferrin receptor. The high plasmonic cross section of the particles in the near‐infrared region is utilized to quantitatively ablate the cancer cells with a short, one‐minute irradiation by a pulse 750‐nm laser.
Porous Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels for Localized Nonviral DNA Delivery in a Diabetic Wound Healing Model
Authors: Tokatlian Talar , Cam Cynthia , Segura Tatiana
Published: February 2015

The treatment of impaired wounds requires the use of biomaterials that can provide mechanical and biological queues to the surrounding environment to promote angiogenesis, granulation tissue formation, and wound closure. Porous hydrogels show promotion of angiogenesis, even in the absence of proangiogenic factors. It is hypothesized that the added delivery of nonviral DNA encoding for proangiogenic growth factors can further enhance this effect. Here, 100 and 60 μm porous and nonporous (n‐pore) hyaluronic acid‐MMP hydrogels with encapsulated reporter (pGFPluc) or proangiogenic (pVEGF) plasmids are used to investigate scaffold‐mediated gene delivery for local gene therapy in a diabetic wound healing mouse model. Porous hydrogels allow for significantly faster wound closure compared with n‐pore hydrogels, which do not degrade and essentially provide a mechanical barrier to closure. Interestingly, the delivery of pDNA/PEI polyplexes positively promotes granulation tissue formation even when the DNA does not encode for an angiogenic protein. And although transfected cells are present throughout the granulation tissue surrounding, all hydrogels at 2 weeks, pVEGF delivery does not further enhance the angiogenic response. Despite this, the presence of transfected cells shows promise for the use of polyplex‐loaded porous hydrogels for local gene delivery in the treatment of diabetic wounds.
N2‐Plasma‐Assisted One‐Step Alignment and Patterning of Graphene Oxide on a SiO2/Si Substrate Via the Langmuir–Blodgett Technique
Authors: Chauhan Neha , Palaninathan Vivekanandan , Raveendran Sreejith , Poulose Aby Cheruvathoor , Nakajima Yoshikata , Hasumura Takashi , Uchida Takashi , Hanajiri Tatsuro , Maekawa Toru , Kumar D. Sakthi
Published: February 2015

Precise control of the placement and patterning of graphene on various substrates has tremendous impact in many fields, such as nanoscale electronics, multifunctional optoelectronic devices, and molecular sensing. A one‐step facile technique involving N2‐plasma promotes surface modification and enhances the surface wettability of the substrate. The technique is employed to create partially hydrophilic surfaces on SiO2/Si substrate with the aid of various templates, enabling the selective deposition, alignment, and formation of patterns comprising monolayer graphene oxide (GO) sheets; it successfully uses the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) deposition technique over a large area without the need of any sophisticated equipment. Various characterization techniques are carried out in order to understand the possible mechanism behind the pinning of the GO on the partially treated areas. It is a relatively easy and swift process that can reliably accomplish specific surface modification with high bonding strength between GO and the substrate. This technique allows the creation of patterns with controllable dimensions. For example, the thickness of the GO sheets can be controlled; this is particularly important in creating arrays and devices at wafer‐scale. Being simple yet effective and inexpensive, this technique holds tremendous potential that can be exploited for numerous applications in the field of bio‐nanoelectronics.
Reduced‐dose fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR‐Lite) plus lenalidomide, followed by lenalidomide consolidation/maintenance, in previously untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Mato Anthony R. , Foon Kenneth A. , Feldman Tatyana , Schuster Stephen J. , Svoboda Jakub , Chow Kar Fai , Valentinetti Marisa , Mrkulic Mary , Azzollini Kelly , Gadaleta Gabriella , Bhattacharyya Pritish K. , Zenreich Joshua , Pascual Lauren‐Nicole , Yannotti Kara , Kdiry Sabrina , Howlett Christina , Strelec Lauren , Porter David , Bejot Coleen , Goy André
Published: February 2015

Fludarabine, cyclophosphamide, and rituximab (FCR) remains the standard of care for fit chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients requiring first therapy. However, side effects can be significant, and patients with poor risk features have inferior outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate reduced‐dose FCR (FCR‐Lite) plus lenalidomide (FCR2) followed by lenalidomide maintenance as a strategy to shorten immunochemotherapy in untreated CLL. Patients received four to six cycles of FCR2. Patients who were minimal residual disease (MRD) negative in peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) initiated 12 months of lenalidomide maintenance after either four or six cycles (based on MRD status). The primary study endpoint was the complete response (CR) rate after four cycles of FCR2. Twenty patients were evaluable. After four cycles of FCR2, response rates were: CR, 45.0%; CR with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi), 5.0%; partial response (PR), 45.0%; and stable disease (SD), 5.0%. BM and PB samples from 27.8% and 52.9% of patients, respectively, were MRD negative. After six cycles, response rates were: CR, 58.3%; CRi, 16.7%; and PR, 25.0%. BM and PB samples from 50.0% and 72.7% of patients, respectively, were MRD negative. Overall, 75% of evaluable patients achieved a CR or CRi following FCR2. After 17.4 months of median follow‐up, one progression and one death occurred. Our findings suggest that FCR2 combines encouraging clinical activity with acceptable toxicity in previously untreated CLL. Lenalidomide can be safely added to FCR and may reduce chemotherapy exposure without compromising outcomes. Am. J. Hematol. 90:487–492, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Non‐reporting of work injuries and aspects of jobsite safety climate and behavioral‐based safety elements among carpenters in Washington state
Authors: Lipscomb Hester J. , Schoenfisch Ashley L. , Cameron Wilfrid
Published: February 2015

Background

Declining work injury rates may reflect safer work conditions as well as under‐reporting.

Methods

Union carpenters were invited to participate in a mailed, cross‐sectional survey designed to capture information about injury reporting practices. Prevalence of non‐reporting and fear of repercussions for reporting were compared across exposure to behavioral‐based safety elements and three domains of the Nordic Safety Climate Questionnaire (NOSACQ‐50).

Results

The majority (>75%) of the 1,155 participants felt they could report work‐related injuries to their supervisor without fear of retribution, and most felt that the majority of injuries on their jobsites got reported. However, nearly half indicated it was best not to report minor injuries, and felt pressures to use their private insurance for work injury care. The prevalence of non‐reporting and fear of reporting increased markedly with poorer measures of management safety justice (NOSACQ‐50).

Conclusions

Formal and informal policies and practices on jobsites likely influence injury reporting. Am. J. Ind. Med. 58:411–421, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel STAMBP mutation and additional findings in an Arabic family
Authors: Faqeih Eissa A. , Bastaki Laila , Rosti Rasim Ozgur , Spencer Emily G. , Zada AbdulAli P. , Saleh Mohammad A. M. , Um Kyongmi , Gleeson Joseph G.
Published: February 2015

Microcephaly‐capillary malformation syndrome (MIC‐CAP syndrome) is a newly recognized autosomal recessive congenital neurocutaneous central nervous system disorder characterized by severe microcephaly, early‐onset seizures, profound psychomotor disability, and multiple cutaneous capillary lesions. In addition, affected patients have variable dysmorphic facial features and hypoplastic distal phalanges. It is distinctively caused by mutations in a newly characterized gene, STAMBP, encoding the deubiquitinating (DUB) isopeptidase that has a key role in cell surface receptor‐mediated endocytosis and sorting. Herein, we describe an Arab family of two siblings with classic features of MIC‐CAP syndrome that harbor a novel predicted splice mutation in STAMBP, which additionally display previously unreported findings of congenital hypothyroidism and alopecia areata. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Duplication Xp11.22‐p14 in females: Does X‐inactivation help in assessing their significance?
Authors: Evers Christina , Mitter Diana , Strobl‐Wildemann Gertrud , Haug Ulrich , Hackmann Karl , Maas Bianca , Janssen Johannes W. G. , Jauch Anna , Hinderhofer Katrin , Moog Ute
Published: February 2015

In females, large duplications in Xp often lead to preferential inactivation of the aberrant X chromosome and a normal phenotype. Recently, a recurrent ∼4.5 Mb microduplication of Xp11.22‐p11.23 was found in females with developmental delay/intellectual disability and other neurodevelopmental disorders (speech development disorder, epilepsy or EEG anomalies, autism spectrum disorder, or behavioral disorder). Unexpectedly, most of them showed preferential inactivation of the normal X chromosome. We describe five female patients carrying de novo Xp duplications encompassing p11.23. Patient 1 carried the recurrent microduplication Xp11.22‐p11.23, her phenotype and X‐chromosome inactivation (XI) pattern was consistent with previous reports. The other four patients had novel Xp duplications. Two were monozygotic twins with a similar phenotype to Patient 1 and unfavorable XI skewing carrying an overlapping ∼5 Mb duplication of Xp11.23‐p11.3. Patient 4 showed a duplication of ∼5.5 Mb comparable to the twins but had a more severe phenotype and unskewed XI. Patient 5 had a ∼8.5 Mb duplication Xp11.23‐p11.4 and presented with mild ID, epilepsy, behavioral problems, and inconsistent results of XI analysis. A comparison of phenotype, size and location of the duplications and XI patterns in Patients 1–5 and previously reported females with overlapping duplications provides further evidence that microduplications encompassing Xp11.23 are associated with ID and other neurodevelopmental disorders in females. To further assess the implication of XI for female carriers, we recommend systematic analysis of XI pattern in any female with X imbalances that are known or suspected to be pathogenic. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatoblastoma in a patient with methylmalonic aciduria
Authors: Chan Randall , Mascarenhas Leo , Boles Richard G , Kerkar Nanda , Genyk Yuri , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: February 2015

Childhood malignant tumors and their treatment are not well described in the natural history of methylmalonic aciduria (MMA). Here we present a case of hepatoblastoma occurring in the native liver of a 19‐month‐old male with MMA. His tumor was unresectable at diagnosis and he received neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil and vincristine. He developed metabolic acidosis and hyperglycemia during chemotherapy. In addition, he developed anemia, thrombocytopenia and febrile neutropenia. He underwent a combined liver‐kidney transplant for local control of his tumor and to treat MMA. He remains in remission more than five years after his transplant. In addition, his transplant has cured his MMA and he is able to tolerate a regular diet without developing metabolic crises. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Interstitial duplication of chromosome region 1q25.1q25.3: Report of a patient with mild cognitive deficits, tall stature and facial dysmorphisms
Authors: Kehrer Martin , Liehr Thomas , Benkert Tanja , Singer Sylke , Grasshoff Ute , Schaeferhoff Karin , Bonin Michael , Weichselbaum Annette , Tzschach Andreas
Published: February 2015

Isolated interstitial duplications of chromosome band 1q25 are apparently very rare; no patients with detailed molecular and clinical characterization of duplications restricted to this region have been published to date. We report on a 9‐year‐old girl with mild cognitive deficits, tall stature, macrocephaly and discrete dysmorphic features in whom a de novo interstitial 7.5 Mb duplication of 1q25.1q25.3 was detected by SNP array analysis (arr[hg19] 1q25.1q25.3(173,925,505–181,381,242)x3 dn). The duplicated region was inversely inserted into chromosome band 1q42.2: 46,XX,der(1)(pter→q42.2::q25.3→q25.1::q42.2→qter). Overexpression of one or several of the 87 genes in the duplicated interval was presumably the major causative factor for the clinical manifestations. Reports of additional patients with overlapping duplications will be needed to establish detailed karyotype‐phenotype correlations and to gain a better understanding of the underlying pathomechanisms. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oxygen isotope analysis of human bone phosphate evidences weaning age in archaeological populations
Authors: Britton Kate , Fuller Benjamin T. , Tütken Thomas , Mays Simon , Richards Michael P.
Published: February 2015

Here we report bone phosphate oxygen (δ18Op) values from perinates/neonates and infants (<3.5 years; n = 32); children (4–12 years; n = 12); unsexed juveniles (16–18 years; n = 2); and adult bones (n = 17) from Wharram Percy, North Yorkshire, England, in order to explore the potential of this method to investigate patterns of past breastfeeding and weaning. In prior studies, δ15N and δ13C analyses of bone collagen have been utilized to explore weaning age in this large and well‐studied assemblage, rendering this material highly appropriate for the testing and development of this alternative method targeting the inorganic phase of bone. Data produced reveal 18O‐enrichment in the youngest perinatal/neonatal and infant samples, and an association between age and bone δ18Op (and previously‐published δ15N values), with high values in both these isotope systems likely due to breastfeeding. After the age of 2–3 years, δ18Op values are lower, and all children between the ages of 4 and 12, along with the vast majority of sub‐adults and adults sampled (aged 16 to >50 years), have δ18Op values consistent with the consumption of local modern drinking water. The implications of this study for the reconstruction of weaning practices in archaeological populations are discussed, including variations observed with bone δ15Ncoll and δ18Op co‐analysis and the influence of culturally‐modified drinking water and seasonality. The use of this method to explore human mobility and palaeoclimatic conditions are also discussed with reference to the data presented. Am J Phys Anthropol 157:226–241, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Heterogene Katalysatoren – fundamental betrachtet
Authors: Schlögl Robert
Published: February 2015

Ein heterogener Katalysator ist ein Funktionsmaterial, das mit seinen Reaktanten unter Reaktionsbedingungen kontinuierlich aktive Zentren erzeugt. Diese Zentren verändern die Geschwindigkeit chemischer Reaktionen der an sie gebundenen Reaktanten, ohne die Lage des thermodynamischen Gleichgewichtes dieser Stoffe zu verändern.
Multichannel Conductance of Folded Single‐Molecule Wires Aided by Through‐Space Conjugation
Authors: Chen Long , Wang Ya‐Hao , He Bairong , Nie Han , Hu Rongrong , Huang Fei , Qin Anjun , Zhou Xiao‐Shun , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2015

Deciphering charge transport through multichannel pathways in single‐molecule junctions is of high importance to construct nanoscale electronic devices and deepen insight into biological redox processes. Herein, we report two tailor‐made folded single‐molecule wires featuring intramolecular π–π stacking interactions. The scanning tunneling microscope (STM) based break‐junction technique and theoretical calculations show that through‐bond and through‐space conjugations are integrated into one single‐molecule wire, allowing for two simultaneous conducting channels in a single‐molecule junction. These folded molecules with stable π–π stacking interaction offer conceptual advances in single‐molecule multichannel conductance, and are perfect models for conductance studies in biological systems, organic thin films, and π‐stacked columnar aggregates.
Cobalt‐katalysierte Negishi‐Kreuzkupplungen von (Hetero)Arylzinkreagentien mit primären und sekundären Alkylbromiden und ‐iodiden
Authors: Hammann Jeffrey M. , Haas Diana , Knochel Paul
Published: February 2015

Wir berichten über eine Cobalt‐katalysierte Kreuzkupplung von Di(hetero)arylzinkreagentien mit primären und sekundären Alkyliodiden und ‐bromiden unter Verwendung von THF‐löslichem CoCl2⋅2 LiCl und TMEDA als Ligand, die zu den entsprechenden alkylierten Produkten in bis zu 88 % Ausbeute führt. Eine Reihe von funktionellen Gruppen (z. B. COOR, CN, CF3, F) werden in diesen Substitutionsreaktionen toleriert. Bemerkenswerterweise beobachten wir keine Umlagerung von sekundären Alkyliodiden zu den entsprechenden linearen Produkten. Ebenso führt die Reaktion von cyclischen TBS‐geschützten Iodhydrinen zu den trans‐2‐Arylcyclohexanol‐Derivaten in exzellenten Diastereoselektivitäten (d.r. bis 99:1).
Direct Insight into the Three‐Dimensional Internal Morphology of Solid–Liquid–Vapor Interfaces at Microscale
Authors: Yang Shuai , Du Jiexing , Cao Moyuan , Yao Xi , Ju Jie , Jin Xu , Su Bin , Liu Kesong , Jiang Lei
Published: February 2015

Solid–liquid–vapor interfaces dominated by the three‐phase contact line, usually performing as the active center in reactions, are important in biological and industrial processes. In this contribution, we provide direct three‐dimensional (3D) experimental evidence for the inside morphology of interfaces with either Cassie or Wenzel states at micron level using X‐ray micro‐computed tomography, which allows us to accurately “see inside” the morphological structures and quantitatively visualize their internal 3D fine structures and phases in intact samples. Furthermore, the in‐depth measurements revealed that the liquid randomly and partly located on the top of protrusions on the natural and artificial superhydrophobic surfaces in Cassie regime, resulting from thermodynamically optimal minimization of the surface energy. These new findings are useful for the optimization of classical wetting theories and models, which should promote the surface scientific and technological developments.