bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TSH Measurement and Its Implications for Personalised Clinical Decision-Making
Authors: Hoermann Rudolf , Midgley John E. M.
Published: December 2012

Advances in assay technology have promoted thyrotropin (TSH) measurements from participation in a multi-analyte assessment of thyroid function to a statistically defined screening parameter in its own right. While this approach has been successful in many ways, it has some grave limitations. This includes the basic question of what constitutes an agreed reference range and the fact that the population-based reference range by far exceeds the variation of the intraindividual set point. Both problems result in a potential misdiagnosis of normal and pathological thyroid function in a substantial proportion of patients. From a physiological perspective, TSH plays an integrated role in thyroid homeostasis. Few attempts have been made to adopt physiological insights into thyroid homeostasis for medical decision-making. Some emerging novel findings question the widely assumed log-linear TSH-FT4relationship over the entire thyroid function spectrum. This data favours more complex hierarchically structured models. With a better understanding of its role in thyroid homeostasis in thyroid health and disease, TSH can be revisited in the context of thyroid regulation. This, in turn, could help overcome some of the limitations arising from its isolated statistical use and offer new prospects towards a more personalised interpretation of thyroid test results.
Acute Aortic Dissection in Pregnancy in a Woman with Undiagnosed Marfan Syndrome
Authors: Master Mandana , Day Gavin
Published: December 2012

We report a case of acute aortic dissection in a lady of 28 weeks of gestation with undiagnosed Marfan syndrome. The patient had been seen in our antenatal clinics. Her history documented in her pregnancy record was negative for genetic/congenital abnormalities. There was no family history documented. Subsequently, at 28 weeks of gestation, the patient presented with sudden onset chest, jaw, and back pain. Further history revealed that her father had died at the age of 27 of an aortic dissection. Echocardiography showed aortic root dissection with occlusion of aortic branches. She subsequently underwent an emergency lower segment caesarean section followed by surgical repair of type A dissection. A simultaneous type B dissection was managed conservatively. On later examination, our patient fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for phenotypic expression of Marfan syndrome. Genetic testing also confirmed that she has a mutation of the fibrillin (FBN 1) gene associated with the disease.
Do People with Schizophrenia Lack Emotional Intelligence?
Authors: Dawson Sara , Kettler Lisa , Burton Cassandra , Galletly Cherrie
Published: December 2012

Social cognition is a domain of cognitive function that includes the ability to understand and manage social interactions. Emotional intelligence (EI) has been identified as a component of social cognition and is defined as the ability to identify, use, understand, and manage emotions. Neurocognitive impairments are known to be associated with poorer social function in people with schizophrenia, but less is known about the relationships between EI, neurocognition, and social function. The current study assessed EI using the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) in 20 people with schizophrenia and 20 controls. The schizophrenia group had significantly lower scores on all measures of EI and demonstrated poorer neurocognition and social functioning than controls. The difference between schizophrenia and control groups was greatest for the Understanding Emotions Branch of the MSCEIT. The neurocognition score and total EI score accounted for 18.3% of the variance in social function in the control group and 9.1% of the variance in social function in the schizophrenia group. Our results suggest that a total EI score is not a useful predictor of overall social function and it may be more clinically useful to develop an individual profile of social cognitive abilities, including EI, to form a remediation program.
The Use of NeuroAiD (MLC601) in Postischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Navarro Jose C. , Molina Mark C. , Baroque II Alejandro C. , Lokin Johnny K.
Published: December 2012

Aim. We aimed to assess the efficacy of MLC601 on functional recovery in patients given MLC601 after an ischemic stroke.Methods. This is a retrospective cohort study comparing poststroke patients given open-label MLC601 (; 9 female) for three months and matching patients who did not receive MLC601 from our Stroke Data Bank. Outcome assessed was modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at three months and analyzed according to: (1) achieving a score of 0-2, (2) achieving a score of 0-1, and (3) mean change in scores from baseline.Results. At three months, 21 patients on MLC601 became independent as compared to 17 patients not on MLC601 (OR 1.79; 95% CI 0.62–5.2; ). There were twice as many patients () on MLC601 who attained mRS scores similar to their prestroke state than in the non-MLC601 group () (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.1–9.27; ). Mean improvement in mRS from baseline was better in the MLC601 group than in the non-MLC601 group (−1.7 versus −0.9; mean difference −0.73; 95% CI −1.09 to −0.38; ).Conclusion. MLC601 improves functional recovery at 3 months postischemic stroke. An ongoing large randomized control trial of MLC601 will help validate these results.
Infrared Camera Analysis of Laser Hardening
Authors: Tesar J. , Vacikova P. , Soukup O. , Houdkova S.
Published: December 2012

The improvement of surface properties such as laser hardening becomes very important in present manufacturing. Resulting laser hardening depth and surface hardness can be affected by changes in optical properties of material surface, that is, by absorptivity that gives the ratio between absorbed energy and incident laser energy. The surface changes on tested sample of steel block were made by engraving laser with different scanning velocity and repetition frequency. During the laser hardening the process was observed by infrared (IR) camera system that measures infrared radiation from the heated sample and depicts it in a form of temperature field. The images from the IR camera of the sample are shown, and maximal temperatures of all engraved areas are evaluated and compared. The surface hardness was measured, and the hardening depth was estimated from the measured hardness profile in the sample cross-section. The correlation between reached temperature, surface hardness, and hardening depth is shown. The highest and the lowest temperatures correspond to the lowest/highest hardness and the highest/lowest hardening depth.
Expression Pattern of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors in Rat Hippocampus following Cerebral Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Wang Hong , Jiang Rong , He Qin , Zhang Yunmei , Zhang Yanli , Li Yong , Zhuang Ruichun , Luo Ying , Li Yu , Wan Jinyuan , Tang Yong , Yu Huarong , Jiang Qingsong , Yang Junqing
Published: December 2012

The present study was designed to investigate the pattern of time-dependent expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα,β, andγ) after global cerebral ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) damage in the rat hippocampus. Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to global cerebral I/R. The rat hippocampi were isolated to detect the expression of PPARs mRNA and protein levels at 30 min–30 d after I/R by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The expression levels of PPARs mRNA and protein in the rat hippocampus significantly increased and peaked at 24 h for PPARαandγ(at 48 h for PPARβ) after I/R, then gradually decreased, and finally approached control levels on d 30. The present results suggest that global cerebral I/R can cause obvious increases of hippocampal PPARs mRNA and protein expression within 15 d after I/R. These findings may help to guide the experimental and clinical therapeutic use of PPARs agonists against brain injury.
State Modelling of the Land Mobile Propagation Channel with Multiple Satellites
Authors: Arndt Daniel , Ihlow Alexander , Heuberger Albert , Eberlein Ernst
Published: December 2012

We evaluate a new approach for multisatellite state modelling: the Master-Slave approach. By this concept slave satellites are modelled according to an existing master, whereas the correlation between multiple slaves is omitted. Master-Slave is therefore a generic name for a state modelling concept, for which different realisations are possible. As a possible realisation we present the Conditional Assembling Method. For modelling of only two satellites (one master and one slave), the Conditional Assembling Method enables an accurate resimulation of the correlation coefficient between the satellites and the probabilities of single and combined states. Based on this condition, the performance of Master-Slave for three, four, and five satellites is evaluated in terms of state probability modelling. Therefore, the correlation coefficients and the all bad-state probabilities with Master-Slave are compared with the measurements for different elevation angles and azimuth angle separations of the multisatellite system. Master-Slave has a high modelling error in case of small azimuth separation between the slave satellites (except that one slave has a small azimuth separation to the master). Furthermore, a master satellite with a high elevation provides a lower probability error compared to a master with low elevation.
Coping Experiences: A Pathway towards Different Coping Orientations Four and Twelve Months after Myocardial Infarction—A Grounded Theory Approach
Authors: Salminen-Tuomaala Mari , Åstedt-Kurki Päivi , Rekiaro Matti , Paavilainen Eija
Published: December 2012

Background. Patients recovering from a myocardial infarction (MI) are faced with a number of serious challenges.Aim. To create a substantive theory on myocardial infarction patients’ coping as a continuum.Methods. Grounded theory method was used. Data were collected by using individual interviews. The informants were 28 MI patients.Results. The core category “coping experiences—a pathway towards different coping orientations” includes 2 main categories: “positive and negative coping experiences” (4 months after MI) and “different coping orientations” (12 months after MI).Conclusion. Coping with a myocardial infarction is a long-term dynamic process of dealing with varied emotions and adjustment needs. Coping is threatened, if the patient denies the seriousness of the situation, suffers from depression and emotional exhaustion, or if there are serious problems in the interaction with family members. This study stresses the importance of recognizing the patient’s depressive state of mind and the psychological aspects which affect family dynamics. A more family-centered approach involving a posthospital counseling intervention is recommended.Relevance to Clinical Practice. The results of this study can be used in nursing care practice when organizing support interventions for myocardial infarction patients.
Vitamin E and the Healing of Bone Fracture: The Current State of Evidence
Authors: Borhanuddin Boekhtiar , Mohd Fozi Nur Farhana , Naina Mohamed Isa
Published: December 2012

Background.The effect of vitamin E on health-related conditions has been extensively researched, with varied results. However, to date, there was no published review of the effect of vitamin E on bone fracture healing.Purpose.This paper systematically audited past studies of the effect of vitamin E on bone fracture healing.Methods.Related articles were identified from Medline, CINAHL, and Scopus databases. Screenings were performed based on the criteria that the study must be an original study that investigated the independent effect of vitamin E on bone fracture healing. Data were extracted using standardised forms, followed by evaluation of quality of reporting using ARRIVE Guidelines, plus recalculation procedure for the effect size and statistical power of the results.Results.Six animal studies fulfilled the selection criteria. The study methods were heterogeneous with mediocre reporting quality and focused on the antioxidant-related mechanism of vitamin E. The metasynthesis showedα-tocopherol may have a significant effect on bone formation during the normal bone remodeling phase of secondary bone healing.Conclusion.In general, the effect of vitamin E on bone fracture healing remained inconclusive due to the small number of heterogeneous and mediocre studies included in this paper.
New Insights on Cosmic Ray Modulation through a Joint Use of Nonstationary Data-Processing Methods
Authors: Vecchio A. , Laurenza M. , Storini M. , Carbone V.
Published: December 2012

The time variability of the cosmic ray (CR) intensity, recorded by the Climax neutron monitor and covering the period 1953–2004, has been analyzed by the joint application of the wavelet and the empirical mode decomposition (EMD) analyses. Dominant time scales of variability are found at~11 yr,~22 yr,~6 yr and in the range of the quasi-biennial oscillations (QBOs). The combination of the 11 yr cycle and QBOs explains the Gnevychev Gap (GG) phenomenon and many step-like decreases characterizing the CR modulation. The additional scales of variability at~22 yr and~6 yr are responsible for other features of the long-term CR trend, such as the intensity flat-topped profile, following the maxima of even-numbered cycles during positive polarity state of the heliosphere (). Comparison with basic time scales of variability derived from the sunspot area (SA) allows the association of the 11 yr cycle and QBOs with solar activity variations, whereas the other two modes with the drift effects govern the CR entrance in the heliosphere.
Increased Yield and Improved Transplantation Outcome of Mouse Islets with Bovine Serum Albumin
Authors: Bertera Suzanne , Balamurugan A. N. , Bottino Rita , He Jing , Trucco Massimo
Published: December 2012

Isolation and transplantation of rodent islets are frequently used as a tool for predicting the behavior of new protocols for islet allotransplants in type 1 diabetes patients. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is recognized as a protease inhibitor possibly protecting function and viability in islets. For this study, the addition of 0.2% BSA to the isolation protocol resulted in a 30% increase in islet yields while other parameters, such as viability and function, retained high islet quality.In vivo, a minimal mass of 70 BSA treated islets showed their ability to control glycemia levels in diabetic mice by bringing the average blood glucose to153±13.2 mg/dL compared to288±22.6 mg/dL without BSA. Our results show that the simple addition of BSA to the isolation protocol constitutes a reliable and reproducible method for increasing islet yield. Also adding BSA to the transplantation medium improves islet functionin vivo. The method outlined here can reduce the overall number of animals needed per experiment and also reduce the time and resources needed for islet preparation.
Temperature Dependence of the Raman Frequency of an Internal Mode for SiO2-Moganite Close to theα-βTransition
Authors: Lider Mustafa Cem , Yurtseven Hamit
Published: December 2012

The temperature dependence of the 501 cm−1frequency of the vibrational mode is analyzed for SiO2-moganite. The experimental data for the heating and cooling cycles of moganite from the literature is used for our analysis. The coexistence ofα-βmoganite is obtained over a finite temperature interval, and theα-βmoganite transition at around 570 K is studied, as observed experimentally.
Improving Breast Cancer Outcomes among Women in China: Practices, Knowledge, and Attitudes Related to Breast Cancer Screening
Authors: Wu Tsu-Yin , Liu Yi-Lan , Chung Scott
Published: December 2012

Background. Breast cancer is a major public health issue and the most commonly diagnosed cancer for women worldwide. Despite lower incidence rates than those living in Western countries, breast cancer incidence among Chinese women has increased dramatically in the past 20 years. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of studies reporting the attitudes toward and practices of breast cancer screening among Chinese women.Methods. This cross-sectional study examined the practices, knowledge, and attitudes toward breast cancer screening (BCS) on a convenience sample of 400 Chinese women.Results. Among study participants, 75% of the women never had a mammogram and the top three barriers reported were low priority, feeling OK, and lack of awareness/knowledge toward breast cancer screening. The results from the logistic regression model showed increased self-efficacy; having performed monthly self-exams, and having had clinical breast exams in the past two years were significant correlates while demographic variables were not correlated with screening behaviors.Conclusion. The findings provide a foundation to better understand beliefs and practices of Chinese women toward BCS and highlight the critical need for general public, health professionals, and the health care system to work collaboratively toward improving the quality of breast cancer care in this population.
UPLC-QTOF/MS Analysis of Alkaloids in Traditional ProcessedCoptis chinensisFranch.
Authors: Jiang Xue , Huang Lin-Fang , Wu La-Bin , Wang Zeng-Hui , Chen Shi-Lin
Published: December 2012

The processing technology employed in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is significant and distinct. Meanwhile, the processedCoptis chinensisFranch. are significant in clinic based on clinical practice and literature. The current study used ultraperformance liquid chromatography method (UPLC) coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (qTOF/MS) and Marklynx software to analyze the chemical profiles of crude and processedC. chinensisFranch. 13 compounds in these samples are identified, including 3 compounds that are detected inC. chinensisFranch. for the first time. Moreover, the results of the experiment show significant chemical differences between crude and processedC. chinensisFranch. with principal component analysis (PCA). The obvious separation in PCA confirms the traditional processing theory in TCM.
Potential Moderators of Physical Activity on Brain Health
Authors: Leckie Regina L. , Weinstein Andrea M. , Hodzic Jennifer C. , Erickson Kirk I.
Published: December 2012

Age-related cognitive decline is linked to numerous molecular, structural, and functional changes in the brain. However, physical activity is a promising method of reducing unfavorable age-related changes. Physical activity exerts its effects on the brain through many molecular pathways, some of which are regulated by genetic variants in humans. In this paper, we highlight genes including apolipoprotein E (APOE), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) along with dietary omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), as potential moderators of the effect of physical activity on brain health. There are a growing number of studies indicating that physical activity might mitigate the genetic risks for disease and brain dysfunction and that the combination of greater amounts of DHA intake with physical activity might promote better brain function than either treatment alone. Understanding whether genes or other lifestyles moderate the effects of physical activity on neurocognitive health is necessary for delineating the pathways by which brain health can be enhanced and for grasping the individual variation in the effectiveness of physical activity interventions on the brain and cognition. There is a need for future research to continue to assess the factors that moderate the effects of physical activity on neurocognitive function.
Multidisciplinary Pharmacotherapeutic Options for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Nakajima Kei
Published: December 2012

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are multidisciplinary liver diseases that often accompany type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, which are characterized by insulin resistance. Therefore, effective treatment of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome should target not only the cardiometabolic abnormalities, but also the associated liver disorders. In the last decade, it has been shown that metformin, thiazolidinediones, vitamin E, ezetimibe, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockers, and antiobesity drugs may improve hepatic pathophysiological disorders as well as clinical parameters. Accordingly, insulin sensitizers, antioxidative agents, Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 (NPC1L1) inhibitors, RAS blockers, and drugs that target the central nervous system may represent candidate pharmacotherapies for NAFLD and possibly NASH. However, the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of long-term treatment (potentially for many years) with these drugs have not been fully established. Furthermore, clinical trials have not comprehensively examined the efficacy of lipid-lowering drugs (i.e., statins, fibrates, and NPC1L1 inhibitors) for the treatment of NAFLD. Although clinical evidence for RAS blockers and incretin-based agents (GLP-1 analogs and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors) is also lacking, these agents are promising in terms of their insulin-sensitizing and anti-inflammatory effects without causing weight gain.
A Case of Swyer-James-Macleod Syndrome Associated with Middle Lobe Hypoplasia and Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Kaplanoglu Hatice , Kaplanoglu Veysel , Toprak Ugur , Dilli Alper , Hekimoglu Baki
Published: December 2012

A 58-year-old female patient presented to the hospital with hearing loss. In the chest radiography obtained before her ear surgery, volume decrease in the right hemithorax, elevation of the right diaphragm, and increase of ventilation in the right lung were detected. At the thorax CT-CT angiography, hypoplasia of the main pulmonary artery and its branches and arteriovenous malformation localized in the middle lobe of the right lung were detected. Thus, diagnosis of Swyer-James-Macleod syndrome associated with right lung middle lobe hypoplasia and arteriovenous malformation was made. This kind of association has not been reported earlier, so we are presenting it in the light of the literature knowledge.
Standardized Functions for Smartphone Applications: Examples from Maternal and Child Health
Authors: Rotheram-Borus Mary Jane , Tomlinson Mark , Swendeman Dallas , Lee Adabel , Jones Erynne
Published: December 2012

Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are unlikely to be met in most low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Smartphones and smartphone proxy systems using simpler phones, equipped with the capabilities to identify location/time and link to the web, are increasingly available and likely to provide an excellent platform to support healthcare self-management, delivery, quality, and supervision. Smart phones allow information to be delivered by voice, texts, pictures, and videos as well as be triggered by location and date. Prompts and reminders, as well as real-time monitoring, can improve quality of health care. We propose a three-tier model for designing platforms for both professional and paraprofessional health providers and families: (1) foundational functions (informing, training, monitoring, shaping, supporting, and linking to care); (2) content-specific targets (e.g., for MDG; developmentally related tasks); (3) local cultural adaptations (e.g., language). We utilize the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) MDG in order to demonstrate how the existing literature can be organized and leveraged on open-source platforms and provide examples using our own experience in Africa over the last 8 years.
Correlation between Shear Wave Velocity and Porosity in Porous Solids and Rocks
Authors: Kováčik J. , Emmer Š.
Published: December 2012

The shear wave velocity dependence on porosity was modelled using percolation theory model for the shear modulus porosity dependence. The obtained model is not a power law dependence (no simple scaling with porosity), but a more complex equation. Control parameters of this equation are shear wave velocity of bulk solid, percolation threshold of the material and the characteristic power law exponent for shear modulus porosity dependence. This model is suitable for all porous materials, mortars and porous rocks filled with liquid or gas. In the case of pores filled with gas the model can be further simplified: The term for the ratio of the gas density to the density of solid material can be omitted in the denominator (the ratio is usually in the range of (10−4, 10−3) for all solids). This simplified equation was then tested on the experimental data set for porous ZnO filled with air. Due to lack of reasonable data the scientists are encouraged to test the validity of proposed model using their experimental data.
Synthesis of Polyfunctionalized 4H‐Pyrans
Authors: Bihani Manisha , Bora Pranjal P. , Bez Ghanashyam
Published: December 2012

Amberlyst A21 catalyzed one‐pot three‐component coupling of aldehyde and malononitrile with active methylene compounds such as acetylacetone and ethyl acetoacetate for the synthesis of pharmaceutically important polyfunctionalized 4H‐pyrans has been reported. Simple experimental procedure, no chromatographic purification, no hazardous organic solvents, easy recovery and reusability of the catalyst, and room temperature reaction conditions are some of the highlights of this protocol for the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant focused libraries.
Laparoscopic Cervicoisthmic Cerclage: Technique and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: El-Nashar Sherif A. , Paraiso Maria Fidela , Rodewald Katherine , Muir Tristi , AbdelHafez Faten , Lazebnik Noam , Bedaiwy Mohamed A.
Published: December 2012

Background and Aims: To report on and review the outcome after laparoscopic cervicoisthmic cerclage (LCC) and robotic-assisted laparoscopic cervicoisthmic cerclage. Methods: We reported on 4 cases of LCC and conducted a systematic review of the literature up to May 2012 to identify obstetric outcomes after LCC and robotic-assisted LCC. Results: The median age of our series was 35 years (range: 31–41) with median previous pregnancies 3.5 (2–5). All 4 women had successful obstetric outcomes with a median gestational age at delivery of 37 weeks (range: 36–38). The systematic review identified 25 studies (162 women underwent LCC and 3 had robotic-assisted LCC). In the interval LLC studies, the median age was 33 years (range: 22–42); with a median gestational age at delivery of 37 weeks (range: 34–38). For prophylactic LCC, the median age was 31 years (range: 27–41); with a gestational age at delivery of 37 weeks (range: 19–39). Two of the three robotic-assisted LCC procedures were done prophylactically. The median age was 27 years (range: 23–37) with a median gestational age at delivery of 37 weeks (range: 35–38). Conclusion: LCC is feasible during and in between pregnancies as well as in congenitally malformed uteri. Current evidence suggests that LCC might be of benefit in selected cases of cervical insufficiency with short cervices.
Age-Specific Distributions of Cytogenetic Subgroups of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Data Analysis in a Chinese Population
Authors: Su Long , Gao SuJun , Li Wei , Tan YeHui , Yang Lei , Liu ZiLing , Bai Ou , Yang Yan , Yao Cheng , Song YanQiu , Wang GuanJun
Published: December 2012

Although some studies have reported relationships between cytogenetic subgroups, molecular markers and age in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), conclusions based on data from a Chinese population are lacking. In the present study, we evaluated 640 patients with de novo AML. The patients were divided into 8 age groups, i.e. 0–9, 10–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–59, 60–69 and ≥70 years, and were then classified into cytogenetic groups based on normal, balanced and unbalanced karyotypes [including both complex karyotypes (CKs) and monosomal karyotypes (MKs)]. Different age distributions were observed in these karyotype groups. The frequency of the normal karyotype increased with age from 6.67 to 58.33% (χ2 = 20.68, p = 0.001), whereas that of the balanced karyotypes decreased with age from 73.33 to 11.11% (χ2 = 48.22, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the occurrence of the unbalanced karyotypes and CKs also increased with age (p < 0.05). No age-specific distributions were observed for the MK subgroups and the different molecular markers (NPM1, FLT3-ITD and c-kit). The cytogenetic subtypes were also related to the French-American-British classification, peripheral blood white cell count and molecular markers. In conclusion, the different age profiles of the cytogenetic subtypes may implicate different mechanisms in the pathogenesis of AML, which may be beneficial for etiological research and the prevention of AML.
Introduction to Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Kolios George , Moodley Yuben
Published: December 2012

Stem cells are a population of undifferentiated cells characterized by the ability to extensively proliferate (self-renewal), usually arise from a single cell (clonal), and differentiate into different types of cells and tissue (potent). There are several sources of stem cells with varying potencies. Pluripotent cells are embryonic stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of the embryo and induced pluripotent cells are formed following reprogramming of somatic cells. Pluripotent cells can differentiate into tissue from all 3 germ layers (endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm). Multipotent stem cells may differentiate into tissue derived from a single germ layer such as mesenchymal stem cells which form adipose tissue, bone, and cartilage. Tissue-resident stem cells are oligopotent since they can form terminally differentiated cells of a specific tissue. Stem cells can be used in cellular therapy to replace damaged cells or to regenerate organs. In addition, stem cells have expanded our understanding of development as well as the pathogenesis of disease. Disease-specific cell lines can also be propagated and used in drug development. Despite the significant advances in stem cell biology, issues such as ethical controversies with embryonic stem cells, tumor formation, and rejection limit their utility. However, many of these limitations are being bypassed and this could lead to major advances in the management of disease. This review is an introduction to the world of stem cells and discusses their definition, origin, and classification, as well as applications of these cells in regenerative medicine.
Compositional Requirements of Follow-Up Formula for Use in Infancy: Recommendations of an International Expert Group Coordinated by the Early Nutrition Academy
Authors: Koletzko Berthold , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Cai Wei , Cruchet Sylvia , Guindi Mohamed El , Fuchs George J. , Goddard Elizabeth A. , van Goudoever Johannes B. , Quak Seng Hock , Kulkarni Bharati , Makrides Maria , Ribeiro Hugo , Walker Allan
Published: December 2012

The follow-up formula (FUF) standard of Codex Alimentarius adopted in 1987 does not correspond to the recently updated Codex infant formula (IF) standard and current scientific knowledge. New Zealand proposed a revision of the FUF Codex standard and asked the non-profit Early Nutrition Academy, in collaboration with the Federation of International Societies for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (FISPGHAN), for a consultation with paediatric nutrition experts to provide scientific guidance. This global expert group strongly supports breastfeeding. FUF are considered dispensable because IF can substitute for breastfeeding throughout infancy, but FUF are widely used and thus the outdated current FUF standard should be revised. Like IF, FUF serve as breast milk substitutes; hence their marketing should respect appropriate standards. The compositional requirements for FUF for infants from 6 months onwards presented here were unanimously agreed upon. For some nutrients, the compositional requirements for FUF differ from those of IF due to differing needs with infant maturation as well as a rising contribution of an increasingly diversified diet with advancing age. FUF should be fed with adequate complementary feeding that is also appropriate for partially breastfed infants. FUF could be fed also after the age of 1 year without safety concerns, but different compositional requirements should be applied for optimal, age-adapted milk-based formulations for young children used only after the age of 1 year. This has not been considered as part of this review and should be the subject of further consideration.
Nuclear Disarmament and Nonproliferation: Examining the Linkage Argument
Authors: Knopf Jeffrey W.
Published: December 2012

Does the extent or lack of progress toward nuclear disarmament affect the health of the nuclear nonproliferation regime? Commentators have long asserted both positive and negative responses to this question as if the answer were self-evident. Given that opposite positions have been advanced with equal conviction, a more systematic analysis is required. This analysis begins by attempting to identify all of the potential arguments that can be made both for and against the hypothesis of a disarmament-nonproliferation linkage. The arguments are grouped in terms of five broader sets of explanatory factors: security, institutions, norms, domestic politics, and psychology. This approach clarifies the various causal microfoundations that could underpin different arguments in the debate as well as the types of empirical tests that would be most relevant for evaluating the “linkage hypothesis.” Comparative assessment of the arguments on both sides suggests that signs of commitment to nuclear disarmament by the nuclear weapon states will tend to enhance support for nonproliferation. Because of the multitude of other factors that affect state decisionmaking, however, progress on disarmament will not by itself address all of the challenges to making the nonproliferation regime effective.
The Long and Short of It: Cognitive Constraints on Leaders' Assessments of “Postwar” Iraq
Authors: Rapport Aaron
Published: December 2012

The George W. Bush administration's assessments of challenges that might come after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq were wide of the mark, but it is unclear why this was the case. Along with the difficulty of anticipating the future, perhaps the opportunity costs of allocating resources to postconflict considerations were simply too high. Institutional biases and civil-military friction may have also led actors to privilege certain information and plans over others. Although plausible, these hypotheses do not sufficiently explain strategic assessment prior to the 2003 invasion. They cannot account for the substance of most senior policymakers' assessments, especially those of President Bush and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, which was optimistic when late-stage operations were considered but not when combat plans were deliberated. An established psychological theory that describes how people mentally represent distant future actions—as opposed to those that are seen as impending—explains the nature of strategic assessment in the Iraq case. As individuals think about actions at the end of a sequence of events, the desirability of their goals becomes increasingly salient relative to the feasibility of achieving them. This makes decisionmakers more prone to underestimate the costs and risks of future actions.
Bullying in an Adolescent and Young Adult Gynecology Population
Authors: Seltzer Marlene B. , Long Robert A.
Published: December 2012

Objective. To determine prevalence of exposure to bullying in an adolescent/young adult gynecology population, whether pelvic pain is an associated somatic complaint, and if health care providers are viewed as a resource. Methods. An anonymous self-reporting survey about exposure to bullying, somatic and mental health symptoms, and disclosure patterns was given to 224 consecutive gynecology patients aged 15 to 24 years in a suburban practice. Results. Prevalence of exposure as a bully, victim, witness, or combination was 80.5%. Missing school for pelvic pain was significantly greater in the bully–victim–witness and victim–witness groups. Taking medication for depression or anxiety was significantly greater in the bully–victim–witness group. No one disclosed bullying exposure to a health care provider. Conclusions. Gynecologists see large numbers of patients exposed to bullying. Patients exposed in combinations of bully, victim, and witness have increased frequency of pelvic pain, depression, and anxiety. Patients do not disclose exposure to bullying to health care providers.
Factors That Influence Parental Vaccination Decisions for Adolescents, 13 to 17 Years Old
Authors: Dorell Christina , Yankey David , Kennedy Allison , Stokley Shannon
Published: December 2012

Objectives. We aim to describe factors that influence parental decisions to vaccinate their adolescents. Methods. Data from the July to December 2010 National Immunization Survey–Teen Parental Concerns Module were analyzed to determine factors that influence parental decisions to vaccinate their adolescents. Results. Parents reported that their adolescent’s health care provider recommended tetanus toxoid/tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis (Td/Tdap; 74.4%), meningococcal conjugate (MenACWY; 60.3%), and human papillomavirus (HPV; 71.3%). Vaccination coverage estimates were significantly higher among parents who reported receiving a provider recommendation: 85.2% versus 76.7% (Td/Tdap), 77.3% versus 49.7% (MenACWY), and 62.2% versus 21.5% (HPV). Compared with Td/Tdap and MenACWY, fewer HPV vaccination conversations included recommendations for vaccination. Other than health care providers, school requirements (46.1%), news coverage (31.2%), and family (31.0%) were most frequently reported influences on parental vaccination decisions. Conclusions. Many factors influence parental decisions to vaccinate their adolescents; one of the most important factors is the provider recommendation. Missed opportunities for vaccination persist when strong vaccination recommendations are not given or are delayed.
Investigating the Impact of Custody on Reoffending Using Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Jolliffe Darrick , Hedderman Carol
Published: December 2012

Although a range of opinions about the impact of incarceration on later offending have been articulated, there have been very few studies of sufficient methodological quality to allow the effect to be examined empirically. Drawing on a sample of 5,500 male offenders from 1 of 10 regions in the United Kingdom, propensity score matching was used to balance the preexisting differences between two groups of offenders: those who had been incarcerated for their index offense and those who had received community orders involving supervision. Both methods of balancing the group differences (matching/stratification) suggested that 1 year after release, offenders who had been incarcerated were significantly more likely to have committed another (proven) offense. These offenders also tended to commit more offenses and started reoffending earlier than those supervised in the community. Moreover, offenders who had originally been incarcerated were much more likely to be reincarcerated. In line with other emerging evidence, it was concluded that incarceration tends to slightly increase rather than decrease the chances of future offending. Limitations of the research are considered and directions for future research are explored.
Police Organizational Commitment
Authors: Johnson Richard R.
Published: December 2012

Employee organizational commitment provides positive outcomes for any organization, including law enforcement agencies. Although organizational characteristics such as supervisor feedback and organizational support have a strong influence on increasing organizational commitment in other sorts of organizations, the police organizational environment is unique and can hamper the facilitation of these characteristics. The present study used a sample of police officers to test the influence of supervisor feedback and perceived organizational support on officer organizational commitment, net the influence of other organizational, job characteristic, and officer personal characteristic influences. The findings revealed that, in spite of the barriers faced by police managers, these characteristics and other organizational-level characteristics were strong predictors of officer organizational commitment.
Demographic Characteristics and Victimization Risk
Authors: Bunch Jackson , Clay-Warner Jody , Lei Man-Kit
Published: December 2012

Routine activity theory and lifestyle-exposure theory propose that victimization rates differ across demographic groups because individuals in these groups engage in different activities. This implies that routine activities mediate the relationships between demographic characteristics and victimization. Although this core assumption underlies both theories, few researchers have attempted to test its validity, and the tests that do exist have relied primarily on cross-sectional, nongeneralizable data. The current study examines how routine activities mediate the associations between four demographic characteristics (gender, age, marital status, and household income) and violent victimization and theft using a longitudinal data set created from the National Crime Victimization Survey. We combine a multivariate ordered logistic model with a general structural equation model to examine direct and indirect paths. Results indicate that the effects of gender, income, and marital status on victimization are each at least partially mediated by routine activities, suggesting the applicability of lifestyle theories to the study of victimization.
Hirschi’s Redefined Self-Control
Authors: Ward Jeffrey T. , Boman John H. , Jones Shayne
Published: December 2012

The merger of Hirschi’s social bonding and Gottfredson and Hirschi’s self-control theories has resulted in a recent redefinition of self-control as the “tendency to consider the full range of potential costs of a particular act.” The present study clarifies the implications of Hirschi’s redefinition, advances a new measure of redefined self-control, and provides an empirical test of key hypotheses using data from a Midwestern sample of adolescents. Results indicate that the alternative measure of redefined self-control has predictive validity. Although redefined self-control and social bonds are not the same thing, they are moderately correlated. Net of controls, redefined self-control has a significant direct effect on marijuana use and partially mediates the effect of social bonds.
Creating a Model of Latino Peer Education
Authors: Rios-Ellis Britt , Rascón Mayra , Galvez Gino , Inzunza-Franco Gloria , Bellamy Laura , Torres Angel
Published: December 2012

Over the last few decades, college admission rates for Latinos have increased. However, the achievement gap between Latino students and other ethnic groups remains wide. Peer mentorship programs have shared in some degree of success in promoting the academic success of diverse and underrepresented student populations. Despite the growing population of Latino students, little has been done to recognize the potential cultural assets and resilience that they can bring to the educational environment. Utilizing concepts from cultural capital and community cultural wealth, a peer-mentoring program for Latino students was developed. The Promotores de Educación program was designed to provide students with peer support, tutoring, and linkage to academic and student services to improve the educational experience of Latino students, leading to improved academic performance and timely graduation. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the development and implementation of the program.
Environmental Correlates of Active Travel Behavior of Children
Authors: Kemperman Astrid , Timmermans Harry
Published: December 2012

This study explored the participation of children in walking and bicycling for transportation, school, and various leisure purposes, and the relation with social and physical environmental characteristics and sociodemographics. Detailed individual travel data, including all walking and bicycling trips from a random sample of 4,293 children in the primary-school-age category in the Netherlands were investigated. Specifically, a Bayesian belief network was proposed that derives and represents all direct and indirect relations between the variables. The participation in active travel behavior has a direct relationship with all trip characteristics such as travel time and distance, and trip purpose, and is related to the car possession of the household. The degree of urbanization also is an important explanatory variable for participation in walking and bicycling by children. All the other social and physical environmental characteristics have an indirect influence on travel mode choice.
The Political Economy of the Creation of Districts in Ghana
Authors: Ayee Joseph RA
Published: December 2012

There has been a flurry of publications examining Ghana’s decentralization programme since 1988 to date. None has, however, specifically focused on the creation of districts; that is, the political and geographical division of the state into smaller jurisdictions – arguably regarded as one of the key processes of decentralization. In other words, the numerous studies do not fully explain the politics of the creation of districts, which has not only been a recurring phenomenon but also a contentious and sensitive one. This paper aims at filling this lacuna by identifying the actors and discussing their interests, benefits and the tensions arising from the creation of new districts in Ghana. The lessons learnt are also highlighted.
Party System Institutionalization in Ghana and Senegal
Authors: Osei Anja
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a comparative case study of party system institutionalization in Ghana and Senegal. Both countries experienced a democratic change in government in the year 2000, but while positive development has continued in Ghana, democratic quality in Senegal decreased over time. Can the concept of party institutionalization help to explain this diverging development? Four dimensions of party system institutionalization are systematically compared: regularity, social roots, legitimacy, and party organization. It is found that party competition in Ghana is characterized by high stability and a low number of parties. The major parties are organized throughout the country and have definable support bases with deep historical roots. They give orientation to voters and are perceived as legitimate actors. In Senegal, in contrast, the party system is fluid and less predictable. Parties are not structured along social cleavages and many of them are weakly organized and highly personalistic. In summary, the case studies support the assumption that an institutionalized, well-structured party system in which relevant social cleavages are translated into electoral alternatives is positively related to democratic quality.