bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nowe instrumenty prawne w zakresie profilaktyki zranień pracowników medycznych
Authors: Świątkowska Beata
Published: July 2014

Streszczenie: Pracownicy zatrudnieni w sektorze opieki zdrowotnej są podczas codziennej pracy narażeni na przypadkowe zranienia ostrymi narzędziami medycznymi. Szacuje się, że w Polsce ma miejsce około 37 tysięcy incydentów tego typu w skali roku. Znaczna część tych zdarzeń nie jest nigdzie zgłaszana. Celem pracy było przybliżenie zagadnień związanych z zapobieganiem i eliminacją zranień ostrymi narzędziami używanymi przy udzielaniu świadczeń zdrowotnych w świetle polskich przepisów prawnych. Analiza najnowszych rozwiązań prawnych umożliwia całościowe spojrzenie na podejmowane obecnie działania prowadzące do redukcji zagrożenia związanego z chorobami krwiopochodnymi. Obowiązujące w Polsce przepisy prawa pracy w kompleksowy sposób zobowiązują wszystkie podmioty prowadzące działalność leczniczą do zapewnienia pracownikom sektora medycznego bezpiecznych i higienicznych warunków pracy, ochrony przed wypadkami oraz do zapobiegania szerzenia się zakażeń będących skutkiem zranień. Nowe Rozporządzenie Ministra Zdrowia z dnia 6 czerwca 2013 roku w sprawie bezpieczeństwa i higieny pracy przy wykonywaniu prac związanych z narażeniem na zranienie ostrymi narzędziami używanymi przy udzielaniu świadczeń zdrowotnych stanowi dopełnienie przepisów dotyczących obowiązku pracodawcy w zakresie zapewnienia bezpiecznego środowiska pracy. Rozporządzenie w głównej mierze kładzie nacisk na działania z zakresu organizacji pracy oraz opracowywania i wdrażania procedur zmierzających do eliminacji lub ograniczenia ryzyka zranień wśród pracowników.
Czy w erze trojlekowych terapii przeciwwirusowych u chorych przewlekle zakażonych genotypem 1 HC V jest nadal miejsce dla leczenia dwulekowego z interferonem pegylowanym?
Authors: Mazur Włodzimierz
Published: July 2014

Streszczenie: Obecnie leczenie przeciwwirusowe przewlekłego wirusowego zapalenia wątroby typu C (pwzw C, ang. chronic hepatitis C virus) u chorych zakażonych genotypem 1 nabrało nowego wymiaru dzięki wprowadzeniu trójlekowych terapii przeciwwirusowych z wykorzystaniem boceprewiru (BOC) i telaprewiru (TPV) oraz coraz bardziej realnej perspektywie wdrożenia terapii przeciwwirusowych bez konieczności stosowania interferonu (IFN). W związku z tym należy zastanowić się, czy dotychczas stosowane dwulekowe terapie przeciwwirusowe – oparte na skojarzonym podawaniu interferonu pegylowanego i rybawiryny (PEG-IFN+RBV) – nadal będą miały zastosowanie w codziennej praktyce klinicznej. Wprowadzenie terapii trójlekowej było niewątpliwie przełomem w leczeniu chorych zakażonych genotypem 1 HCV (ang. hepatitis C virus, wirus zapalenia wątroby typu C – wzw C), niemniej jednak ten typ terapii niesie ze sobą ryzyko wystąpienia działań niepożądanych o poważnym charakterze (niekiedy zagrażających życiu), a także jest kilkakrotnie droższy niż stosowane dotychczas schematy dwulekowe z PEG-IFN+RBV. Dlatego podejmowane są próby opracowania schematów postępowania mających na celu wybranie tych chorych, u których terapie dwulekowe cechują się zbliżoną skutecznością do trójlekowych, przy równocześnie mniejszym ryzyku wystąpienia działań niepożądanych i odpowiednio niższych kosztach kuracji. Zaproponowany ostatnio model predykcyjny odpowiedzi na dwulekowe leczenie przeciwwirusowe obejmuje: wiek pacjenta, indeks masy ciała (ang. body mass index – BMI), poziom wiremii HCV-RNA, poziom płytek krwi oraz indeks aktywności aminotransferazy alaninowej (AlAT ) i asparaginianowej (AspAT ). Wydaje się on być bardzo perspektywiczny i przydatny przy kwalifikacji do leczenia przeciwwirusowego chorych zakażonych genotypem 1 HCV.
Aerobic Selective Oxidation of Biomass-derived 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Diformylfuran with Active Manganese Dioxide Catalyst
Authors: Zhang Shengqiang , Li Weifeng , Zeng Xianhai , Sun Yong , Lin Lu
Published: July 2014

5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is an important bio-based platform chemical, and its aerobic selective oxidation to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) still remains a challenge. This work dealt with active manganese dioxide (AMD) and efficiently catalyzed HMF oxidation to DFF with a yield of ~73% at 393 K and 60 bar O2 in N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF). Through analysis of liquid products and the catalyst characterization using X-ray diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), and an elemental analyzer, it can be seen that this AMD catalyst is a low-cost, efficient, and environmentally benign heterogeneous catalyst for the aerobic selective oxidation of HMF to DFF in a one-pot technique. These research results may provide guidance for the development of more efficient catalysts for the future industrial production of high-value added DFF.
Host behavior alters spiny lobster–viral disease dynamics: a simulation study
Authors: Dolan Thomas W. , IV Mark J. Butler , Shields Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2014

Social behavior confers numerous benefits to animals but also risks, among them an increase in the spread of pathogenic diseases. We examined the trade‐off between risk of predation and disease transmission under different scenarios of host spatial structure and disease avoidance behavior using a spatially explicit, individual‐based model of the host–pathogen interaction between juvenile Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) and Panulirus argus Virus 1 (PaV1). Spiny lobsters are normally social but modify their behavior to avoid diseased conspecifics, a potentially effective means of reducing transmission but one rarely observed in the wild. We found that without lobster avoidance of diseased conspecifics, viral outbreaks grew in intensity and duration in simulations until the virus was maintained continuously at unrealistically high levels. However, when we invoked disease avoidance at empirically observed levels, the intensity and duration of outbreaks was reduced and the disease extirpated within five years. Increased lobster (host) spatial aggregation mimicking that which occurs when sponge shelters for lobsters are diminished by harmful algal blooms, did not significantly increase PaV1 transmission or persistence in lobster populations. On the contrary, behavioral aversion of diseased conspecifics effectively reduced viral prevalence, even when shelters were limited, which reduced shelter availability for all lobsters but increased predation, especially of infected lobsters. Therefore, avoidance of diseased conspecifics selects against transmission by contact, promotes alternative modes of transmission, and results in a more resilient host–pathogen system.
Administrators’ Perceptions of College Campus Protocols, Response, and Student Prevention Efforts for Sexual Assault
Authors: Amar Angela F. , Strout Tania D. , Simpson Somatra , Cardiello Maria , Beckford Sania
Published: July 2014

Background: Sexual assault disproportionately affects college students. Because most survivors do not report sexual assault, research has explored individual factors related to the reporting, with limited research exploring institutional-level factors related to victims’ decisions to report their experiences. Objective: The purpose of this research was to describe three key areas: (a) campus assault adjudication, (b) protocols and campus responses to assault, and (c) provision of student prevention education regarding sexual violence. Participants: A nationally representative sample of 1,067 campus administrators responded to a survey regarding institutional sexual assault policies and procedures. Conclusions: Findings suggest that although many institutions are responding adequately to sexual assault in these three areas, improvements are possible. Implications for improving campus responses and further research are discussed.
Applying micro-genetic algorithm in the one-dimensional unsteady hydraulic model for parameter optimization
Authors: Yang Tsun-Hua , Wang Yu-Chi , Tsung Shun-Chung , Guo Wen-Dar
Published: July 2014

Selection of an appropriate value for Manning's roughness coefficient could significantly impact the accuracy of a hydraulic model. However, it is highly variable and depends on flow circumstances, such as water stage and flow quantity; a stream's geomorphology, such as the fluvial process and river meandering; and physical conditions, such as the channel surface roughness and irregularities. Nevertheless, choosing proper roughness coefficients is not easy, especially with limited information and time in a practical application. Even it is done for a specific event it may not apply to another event due to its time- and site-dependency. This study proposes a Visual Basic (VB)-based system, which integrates the HEC-RAS modeling tool and the μGA to efficiently search for Manning's roughness coefficients. The matching coefficients will thereafter improve the accuracy of hydraulic modeling. Two events in the Yilan River Basin were applied to test the feasibility of the system and four evaluation criteria were used to evaluate the system performance. The results showed that μGA efficiently converged and the hydraulic model showed good agreement in comparison with the measured data. The system can be used as a good tool for finding onsite Manning's roughness coefficients in hydraulic modeling when detailed information is not available.
Comparing grey formulations of the velocity-area method and entropy method for discharge estimation with uncertainty
Authors: Alvisi Stefano , Barbetta Silvia , Franchini Marco , Melone Florisa , Moramarco Tommaso
Published: July 2014

Two methods, namely the velocity-area method and the entropy method, for assessing with uncertainty discharge measurements at gauged river sites are analysed and compared; uncertainty is represented through the grey number technique. Two different approaches for the ‘greyification’ of both methods are presented. In the first approach, the uncertainty affecting each measurement used to estimate the discharge is characterized by means of a grey number: all the grey uncertainty components are then combined through grey mathematics. In the second approach, greyification is applied to the relationship expressing the total uncertainty on the discharge measurement provided by the EN ISO 748 guidelines. Results of the application of the proposed methods to measurement data pertaining to three different gauged sections of the Tiber River, in central Italy, show that the first greyification approach leads to a broader discharge uncertainty estimate with respect to the second. Furthermore, as the greyification approach and the flow area quantification are the same, the velocity-area and entropy methods provide nearly the same estimate of the uncertainty affecting the discharge measurements, i.e., the grey discharges provided by the two methods are very similar. This testifies in favour of the entropy method, which is simpler than the other from an operative viewpoint.
Characterization of deciduous teeth stem cells isolated from crown dental pulp
Authors: Debeljak-Martacic Jasmina , Francuski Jelena , Luzajic Tijana , Vukovic Nemanja , Mojsilovic Slavko , Drndarevic Neda , Petakov Marijana , Glibetic Marija , Markovic Danica , Radovanovic Anita , Todorovic Vera , Kovacevic-Filipovic Milica
Published: July 2014

Background/Aim. The last decade has been profoundly marked by persistent
attempts to use ex vivo expanded and manipulated mesenchymal stem cells
(MSCs), as a tool in different types of regenerative therapy. In the present
study we described immunophenotype and the proliferative and differentiation
potential of cells isolated from pulp remnants of exfoliated deciduous teeth
in the final phase of root resorption. Methods. The initial adherent cell
population from five donors was obtained by the outgrowth method. Colony
forming unit-fibroblast (CFU-F) assay was performed in passage one. Cell
expansion was performed until passage three and all tests were done until
passage eight. Cells were labeled for early mesenchymal stem cells markers
and analysis have been done using flow cytometry. The proliferative potential
was assessed by cell counting in defined time points and population doubling
time was calculated. Commercial media were used to induce osteoblastic,
chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation. Cytology and histology methods
were used for analysis of differentiated cell morphology and extracellular
matrix characteristics. Results. According to immunophenotype analyses all
undifferentiated cells were positive for the mesenchymal stem cell markers:
CD29 and CD73. Some cells expressed CD146 and CD106. The hematopoietic cell
marker, CD34, was not detected. In passage one, incidence of CFU-F was 4.7 ?
0.5/100. Population doubling time did not change significantly during cell
subcultivation and was in average 25 h. After induction of differentiation,
the multicolony derived cell population had a tri-lineage differentiation
potential, since mineralized matrix, cartilage-like tissue and adipocytes
were successfully formed after three weeks of incubation. Conclusion.
Altogether, these data suggest that remnants of deciduous teeth dental pulp
contained cell populations with mesenchymal stem cell-like features, with a
high proliferation and trilineage differentiation potential and that these
cultures are suitable for further in vitro evaluation of cell based
therapies.
Medical students` health-related quality of life - a comparative study
Authors: Latas Milan , Stojkovic Tihomir , Ralic Tijana , Jovanovic Svetlana , Spiric Zeljko , Milovanovic Srdjan
Published: July 2014

Background/Aim. Previous studies on medical students? subjective perception
of health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) showed inconclusive
results. Moreover, there are no published studies to compare HRQoL of medical
students to non-medical university students. The aim of the study was to
assess subjective perception of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in
medical students? sample, to compare it with non-medical university stu-dents
and to ascertain predictors of better perception of HRQoL in medical
students. Methods. Scores of all domains on the Mental and Physical Component
Summary subscales and total score of the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36),
used for assessment of HRQoL in samples of 561 medical and 332 non-medical
university students were assessed and compared. In addition, linear
regression to identify predictors of better perception of mental and physical
components of HRQoL and overall HRQoL in the sample of medical students was
used. The dependant variables were subscores and total score with the SF- 36,
and independent variables were certain sociodemographic and academic
characteristics of the students. Results. Medical students had statistically
significantly higher scores on the Mental Component Summary and total SF-36
score compared to non-medical students. Linear regression analysis
demonstrated that higher scores of Physical Component Summary were associated
with age, male sex and the year of studies. The Mental Component Summary were
associated with age, male sex, the year of studies and marital status. The
total SF-36 score was associated with age, male sex and the year of studies.
Conclusion. Medical students perceive their health much better than other
university students do, but female, older and second grade medical students
have worse perception of their HRQoL. Those points should be potential target
areas for specific prevention and treatment in order to achieve better HRQoL.
ICTs and Special Education in Kindergarten
Authors: Drigas Athanasios , Kokkalia Georgia
Published: July 2014

Recent development in the role of special education in kindergarten children includes the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). ICT nowadays is recognized as a tool that can foster the knowledge and the experiences for this crucial age and the support of specific areas in kindergarten according to the educational perspective and the areas of needs they serve is thought significant. In this paper we present a brief overview of the most representative studies of the last decade (2003-2013) which concentrates on the most frequent difficulties that children face in kindergarten and are supported by ICTs. The effectiveness of ICT in gifted and bilingual children is also presented.
Beneficial effects of ruminal oligosaccharide administration on immunologic system function in sheep
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Ding Yu , Qu Mingren , Lu Dexun
Published: July 2014

Zhang, X., Ding, Y., Qu, M. and Lu, D. 2014. Beneficial effects of ruminal oligosaccharide administration on immunologic system function in sheep. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 679–684. Oligosaccharides (Os) are considered prebiotics with potential beneficial immunomodulating effects, although little is known about their effects in ruminants. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Os administration on sheep immunologic system function. Sheep were randomly allotted into three different treatment groups (three sheep each): (1) control, infused with equal volume of vehicle distilled water; (2) medium level, infused with 5.4 g Os d−1 (0.6% of basal diet); (3) higher level group, infused with 10.8 g Os d−1 (1.2% of basal diet). The study comprised three experimental stages, each with a 14-d adaptation period and a 21-d experimental period; Os were administered during each experimental period via cannulae placed in the rumen, duodenum or ileum, respectively. At 7, 14 and 21 d of infusion, the proportion of circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes was assessed via flow cytometry, and serum IgA/IgG concentrations were analyzed using an ELISA test. The Os infusion increased (P<0.05) the proportion of CD4+ T-lymphocytes hence raising the CD4+ /CD8+ ratio, as well the serum concentrations of IgA and IgG. Interestingly, ruminal infusion yielded the best results, while ileal administration resulted in negative measurements. These findings may be useful to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for enhanced immune functions in sheep receiving dietary supplementation with indigestible oligosaccharides.
CO452 corn inbred line
Authors: Reid L. M. , Voloaca C. , Wu J. , Woldemariam T. , Jindal K. , Zhu X.
Published: July 2014

Reid, L. M., Voloaca, C., Wu, J., Woldemariam, T., Jindal, K. and Zhu, X. 2014. CO452 corn inbred line. Can. J. Plant Sci. 94: 1523–1527. CO452 is a short-season corn (Zea mays L.) stiff stalk inbred line with excellent combining ability as well as moderate resistance to common rust and intermediate resistance to gibberella ear rot, fusarium stalk rot and common smut. Excellent performance data were achieved when CO452 was combined with Lancaster inbreds such as LH162 and Iodent inbreds such as MBS8148.
Razón y pulsión de muerte: violencia política en el pasado reciente de Guatemala
Authors: Gómez Juan Pablo , Hilgert Bradley
Published: July 2014

En este ensayo reflexionamos acerca de la relación entre violencia, política y genocidio en la historia reciente de Guatemala. Para ello estudiamos una muestra de la producción intelectual sobre dichos tópicos. Los revisamos como campos problemáticos a la vez que mostramos cuáles son las apuestas analíticas que las hacen posibles. El pensamiento estudiado en este ensayo tiene en común la afirmación de que la violencia política en Guatemala es producto de unas estructuras racistas arraigadas en la experiencia colonial. Organizamos el texto en base a dos propuestas de trabajo. La primera estudia el pasado de violencia apoyándose en conceptos como biopolítica. Este análisis muestra cómo la supuesta superioridad blanca nos mueve de una racionalidad que se manifiesta en el orden finca a una necropedagogía que culmina en la liminación de las poblaciones indígenas. La segunda propuesta complementa la anterior integrando la dimensión psicoanalítica. Pasan a primer plano las estructuras psíquicas que operan y producen el lazo social que admite la experiencia límite del genocidio. La conclusión es que el Estado guatemalteco, tanto como la estructura de poder dominante, ha sido racista, perverso, criminal y psicótico.
La gracia y el arte de habitar en la luz: comentario al libro Luz habitada de Luis Rocha Urtecho
Authors: Pisani Jorge Alvarado
Published: July 2014

Esta es una historia de comunicación, comunión, comunidad y comunismo trinitario de vida, amor y libertad de tres seres de Luz Celeste –el Padre-Madre, el Hijo-Río y la Espíritu Santa– con tres seres de Luz Terrestre y Palabra Inspirada –es decir, tres luminosos poetas–.
Agroecologia e agricultura orgânica: controvérsias e tendências
Authors: Assis Renato Linhares de , Romeiro Ademar Ribeiro
Published: July 2014

Discute-se, neste texto, a evolução do progresso tecnológico na agricultura no que se refere a suas interações com o meio ambiente, caracterizando o surgimento de sistemas agroecológicos de produção como contraponto aos impactos ambientais resultantes da desconsideração pela agricultura moderna dos equilibrios ecológicos naturais. Caracteriza-se agroecologia como ciência surgida a partir da busca de baseteórica para sistemas orgânicos de produção. Entretanto, a agricultura orgânica é uma prática agrícola, cuja construção social apresenta alguns vieses que determinam que os limites teóricos da agroecologia sejam respeitados em maior ou menor grau. Neste sentido, o trabalho procura esclarecer certos equívocos correntes sobre agroecologia e agricultura orgânica. Observa-se também que existemperspectivas promissoras para a agricultura orgânica em nível de mercado. Ressalta-se, entretanto, para o risco do aumento deuma produção orgânica que não respeite integralmente os princípios ecológicos definidos pela agroecologiapara garantir a sustentabilidade no longo prazo.
Adsorption of I2 by Macrocyclic Polyazadithiophenolato Complexes Mediated by Charge‐Transfer Interactions
Authors: Golecki Matthias , Beyer Norman , Steinfeld Gunther , Lozan Vasile , Voitekhovich Sergei , Sehabi Muhamed , Möllmer Jens , Krüger Hans‐Jörg , Kersting Berthold
Published: July 2014

The macrocyclic complex [Ni2(L)(OAc)]ClO4 (1) adsorbs up to 17 molar equivalents (>270 wt %) of iodine, although it does not exhibit permanent porosity. Vibrational spectroscopic and crystallographic studies reveal that two I2 molecules are captured by means of thiophenolate→I2 charge‐transfer interactions, which enable the diffusion and sorption of further I2 molecules in a polyiodide‐like network. The efficient sorption and desorption characteristics make this material suitable for accommodation, sensing, and slow release of I2.
An Organocatalytic Azide–Aldehyde [3+2] Cycloaddition: High‐Yielding Regioselective Synthesis of 1,4‐Disubstituted 1,2,3‐Triazoles
Authors: Ramachary Dhevalapally B. , Shashank Adluri B. , Karthik S.
Published: July 2014

An organocatalytic azide–aldehyde [3+2] cycloaddition (organo‐click) reaction of a variety of enolizable aldehydes is reported. The organo‐click reaction is characterized by a high rate and regioselectivity, mild reaction conditions, easily available substrates with simple operation, and excellent yields with a broad spectrum of substrates. It constitutes an alternative to the previously known CuAAC, RuAAC, and IrAAC click reactions.
Ultrasensitive Fluorescence Polarization Aptasensors Based on Exonuclease Signal Amplification and Polystyrene Nanoparticle Amplification
Authors: Huang Yong , Liu Xiaoqian , Shi Ming , Zhao Shulin , Hu Kun , Chen Zhen‐Feng , Liang Hong
Published: July 2014

Here, we combine T7 exonuclease (T7 Exo) signal amplification and polystyrene nanoparticle (PS NP) amplification to develop novel fluorescence polarization (FP) aptasensors. The binding of a target/open aptamer hairpin complex or a target/single‐stranded aptamer complex to dye‐labeled DNA bound to PS NPs, or the self‐assembly of two aptamer subunits (one of them labeled with a dye) into a target/aptamer complex on PS NPs leads to the cyclic T7 Exo‐catalyzed digestion of the dye‐labeled DNA or the dye‐labeled aptamer subunit. This results in a substantial decrease in the FP value for the amplified sensing process. Our newly developed aptasensors exhibit a sensitivity five orders of magnitude higher than that of traditional homogeneous aptasensors and a high specificity for the target molecules. These distinct advantages of our proposed assay protocol make it a generic platform for the design of amplified aptasensors for ultrasensitive detection of various target molecules.
Imbalance of Caveolin‐1 and eNOS Expression in the Pulmonary Vasculature of Experimental Diaphragmatic Hernia
Authors: Hofmann Alejandro , Gosemann Jan‐Hendrik , Takahashi Toshiaki , Friedmacher Florian , Duess Johannes W. , Puri Prem
Published: July 2014

Background

Caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) exerts major regulatory functions on intracellular signaling pathways originating at the plasma membrane. Cav‐1 is a key regulator in adverse lung remodeling and the development of pulmonary hypertension (PH) regulating vasomotor tone through its ability to reduce nitric oxide (NO) production. This low‐output endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) derived NO maintains normal pulmonary vascular homeostasis. Cav‐1 deficiency leads to increased bioavailability of NO, which has been linked to increased nitrosative stress. Inhibition of eNOS reduced oxidant production and reversed PH, supporting the concept that Cav‐1 regulation of eNOS activity is crucial to endothelial homeostasis in lungs. We designed this study to investigate the hypothesis that expression of Cav‐1 is downregulated while eNOS expression is upregulated by the pulmonary endothelium in the nitrofen‐induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Methods

Pregnant rats were exposed to nitrofen or vehicle on day 9.5 (D9.5). Fetuses were sacrificed on D21 and divided into nitrofen and control groups. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and confocal immunofluorescence were performed to determine pulmonary gene expression levels and protein expression of Cav‐1 and eNOS.

Results

Pulmonary Cav‐1 gene expression levels were significantly decreased, while eNOS gene expression was significantly increased in nitrofen‐induced CDH(+). Western blotting and confocal microscopy revealed decreased pulmonary Cav‐1 protein expression, while eNOS protein expression was increased in CDH(+) compared to controls.

Conclusion

The striking evidence of markedly decreased gene and protein expression of Cav‐1 with concurrently increased eNOS gene and protein expression in the pulmonary vasculature suggests that activation of eNOS secondary to Cav‐1 deficiency may play an important role in the pathogenesis of PH in the nitrofen‐induced CDH
An Exceptionally Stable and Water‐Resistant Metal–Organic Framework with Hydrophobic Nanospaces for Extracting Aromatic Pollutants from Water
Authors: Wang Jun‐Hao , Li Mian , Li Dan
Published: July 2014

A novel hydrophobic metal–organic framework (MOF), namely Cu2L (L=3,3′,5,5′‐tetraethyl‐4,4′‐bipyrazolate), is synthesized through a stepwise method, and exhibits an unprecedented 3,4‐c net. The exceptionally thermal, chemical, and air stability of this MOF, especially in water and under acidic or basic conditions, and its selective and fast sorption capacity for hydrocarbons over water warrant its direct use for efficient removal of trace organic wastes (e.g. benzene, toluene, xylene, and mixtures thereof) from contaminated water.
The Longitudinal Effects of Physical Activity and Dietary Calcium on Bone Mass Accrual Across Stages of Pubertal Development
Authors: Lappe Joan M , Watson Patrice , Gilsanz Vicente , Hangartner Thomas , Kalkwarf Heidi J , Oberfield Sharon , Shepherd John , Winer Karen K , Zemel Babette
Published: July 2014

Childhood and adolescence are critical periods of bone mineral content (BMC) accrual that may have long-term consequences for osteoporosis in adulthood. Adequate dietary calcium intake and weight-bearing physical activity are important for maximizing BMC accrual. However, the relative effects of physical activity and dietary calcium on BMC accrual throughout the continuum of pubertal development in childhood remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of self-reported dietary calcium intake and weight-bearing physical activity on bone mass accrual across the five stages of pubertal development in a large, diverse cohort of US children and adolescents. The Bone Mineral Density in Childhood study was a mixed longitudinal study with 7393 observations on 1743 subjects. Annually, we measured BMC by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), physical activity and calcium intake by questionnaire, and pubertal development (Tanner stage) by examination for up to 7 years. Mixed-effects regression models were used to assess physical activity and calcium intake effects on BMC accrual at each Tanner stage. We found that self-reported weight-bearing physical activity contributed to significantly greater BMC accrual in both sexes and racial subgroups (black and nonblack). In nonblack males, the magnitude of the activity effect on total body BMC accrual varied among Tanner stages after adjustment for calcium intake; the greatest difference between high- and low-activity boys was in Tanner stage 3. Calcium intake had a significant effect on bone accrual only in nonblack girls. This effect was not significantly different among Tanner stages. Our findings do not support differential effects of physical activity or calcium intake on bone mass accrual according to maturational stage. The study demonstrated significant longitudinal effects of weight-bearing physical activity on bone mass accrual through all stages of pubertal development. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Assessment of liver fibrosis using fast strain‐encoded MRI driven by inherent cardiac motion
Authors: Harouni Ahmed A. , Gharib Ahmed M. , Osman Nael F. , Morse Caryn , Heller Theo , Abd‐Elmoniem Khaled Z.
Published: July 2014

Purpose

An external driver‐free MRI method for assessment of liver fibrosis offers a promising noninvasive tool for diagnosis and monitoring of liver disease. Lately, the heart's intrinsic motion and MR tagging have been utilized for the quantification of liver strain. However, MR tagging requires multiple breath‐hold acquisitions and substantial postprocessing. In this study, we propose the use of a fast strain‐encoded (FSENC) MRI method to measure the peak strain (Sp) in the liver's left lobe, which is in close proximity and caudal to the heart. Additionally, we introduce a new method of measuring heart‐induced shear wave velocity (SWV) inside the liver.

Methods

Phantom and in vivo experiments (11 healthy subjects and 11 patients with liver fibrosis) were conducted. Reproducibility experiments were performed in seven healthy subjects.

Results

Peak liver strain, Sp, decreased significantly in fibrotic liver compared with healthy liver (6.46% ± 2.27% vs 12.49% ± 1.76%; P < 0.05). Heart‐induced SWV increased significantly in patients compared with healthy subjects (0.15 ± 0.04 m/s vs 0.63 ± 0.32 m/s; P < 0.05). Reproducibility analysis yielded no significant difference in Sp (P = 0.47) or SWV (P = 0.56).

Conclusion

Accelerated external driver‐free noninvasive assessment of left liver lobe strain and SWV is feasible using strain‐encoded MRI. The two measures significantly separate healthy subjects from patients with fibrotic liver. Magn Reson Med 74:106–114, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managerial influence on the diffusion of innovations within intra‐organizational networks
Authors: Wunderlich Philipp , Größler Andreas , Zimmermann Nicole , Vennix Jac A. M.
Published: July 2014

This study analyzes the dynamics of intra‐organizational innovation implementation processes based on conversion within and migration between groups. We employ a diffusion model that extends often‐used epidemic models in three ways: (i) repeated acceptance and rejection decisions of adopters and non‐adopters; (ii) diffusion within and across groups organized in different network structures; and (iii) management's continuous influence on the diffusion process. The model is used to identify and evaluate senior management's possibilities to steer the diffusion process. Analyses reveal that network structure influences the interplay between the self‐reinforcing dynamics of conversion and the balancing dynamics of migration. Additionally, management can minimize diffusion time and invested resources by considering the proximity of groups to each other and to the network periphery. Providing structural explanations, this study offers insights into why, given various intra‐organizational networks, management policies can yield different results on whether and how innovations are adopted in an organization. Copyright © 2014 System Dynamics Society
Skeletal myopathy in patients with chronic heart failure: significance of anabolic‐androgenic hormones
Authors: Josiak Krystian , Jankowska Ewa A. , Piepoli Massimo F. , Banasiak Waldemar , Ponikowski Piotr
Published: July 2014

In heart failure, impairment of cardiac muscle function leads to numerous neurohormonal and metabolic disorders, including an imbalance between anabolic and catabolic processes, in favour of the latter. These disorders cause loss of muscle mass with structural and functional changes within the skeletal muscles, known as skeletal myopathy. This phenomenon constitutes an important mechanism that participates in the pathogenesis of chronic heart failure. both its clinical symptoms and the progression of the disease. Attempts to reverse the above‐mentioned pathologic processes by exploiting the anabolic action of androgenic hormones could provide a potentially attractive treatment option. The current concepts of anabolic androgen deficiency and resultant skeletal myopathy in patients with heart failure are reviewed, and the potential role of anabolic‐androgenic hormones as an emerging therapeutic option for targeting heart failure is discussed.
Tracheostomy in ancient Egypt
Authors: Blomstedt Patric
Published: July 2014

It has often been reported that the ancient Egyptians performed tracheostomies. An analysis of this claim demonstrates it to be founded on only two depictions from the Protodynastic period (thirty-first centurybc). These depictions are difficult to reconcile with tracheostomy from an anatomical point of view and can more easily be explained as human sacrifices. Considering that Egyptian surgery included only minor procedures even at its zenith during later dynastic periods, it is difficult to imagine that they would have developed such an advanced procedure at such an early date.
Impact of seafood regulations forVibrio parahaemolyticusinfection and verification by analyses of seafood contamination and infection
Authors: HARA-KUDO Y. , KUMAGAI S.
Published: July 2014

Consumption of seafood contaminated withVibrio parahaemolyticuscauses foodborne infections, which are on the rise owing to increased consumption of raw seafood in Asia, Europe, North America, and other regions.V. parahaemolyticusinfections have been common in Japan since the 1960s. Following an epidemic in 1997, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare instituted regulations for seafood in 1999, which appear to be reducingV. parahaemolyticusinfections. In this review, we describe the scientific findings for these regulations. Analyses of theV. parahaemolyticusserotypes and isolate characteristics in samples from infected patients and contaminated seafood are discussed. In addition, based on the results of a survey, we show that new food safety regulations have led to improvements in food hygiene at many seafood retail shops, food service facilities, and restaurants. This example from Japan could be of immense help to control foodborne infections in other countries.
Evaluating vaccination strategies to control foot-and-mouth disease: a model comparison study
Authors: ROCHE S. E. , GARNER M. G. , SANSON R. L. , COOK C. , BIRCH C. , BACKER J. A. , DUBE C. , PATYK K. A. , STEVENSON M. A. , YU Z. D. , RAWDON T. G. , GAUNTLETT F.
Published: July 2014

Simulation models can offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of different control strategies and act as important decision support tools when comparing and evaluating outbreak scenarios and control strategies. An international modelling study was performed to compare a range of vaccination strategies in the control of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). Modelling groups from five countries (Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, The Netherlands) participated in the study. Vaccination is increasingly being recognized as a potentially important tool in the control of FMD, although there is considerable uncertainty as to how and when it should be used. We sought to compare model outputs and assess the effectiveness of different vaccination strategies in the control of FMD. Using a standardized outbreak scenario based on data from an FMD exercise in the UK in 2010, the study showed general agreement between respective models in terms of the effectiveness of vaccination. Under the scenario assumptions, all models demonstrated that vaccination with ‘stamping-out’ of infected premises led to a significant reduction in predicted epidemic size and duration compared to the ‘stamping-out’ strategy alone. For all models there were advantages in vaccinating cattle-only rather than all species, using 3-km vaccination rings immediately around infected premises, and starting vaccination earlier in the control programme. This study has shown that certain vaccination strategies are robust even to substantial differences in model configurations. This result should increase end-user confidence in conclusions drawn from model outputs. These results can be used to support and develop effective policies for FMD control.
HIV und Komorbidität
Authors: Hasse Barbara , Bernasconi Enos , Furrer Hansjakob , Eyer Myriam M. , Kovari Helen
Published: July 2014

Dank der antiretroviralen Therapie hat die Lebenserwartung HIV-positiver Personen deutlich zugenommen. Während bei behandelten HIV-Infizierten opportunistische Erkrankungen nur noch selten gesehen werden, rücken altersbezogene Komorbiditäten mit vorzeitigem Auftreten in den Vordergrund. Als Ursache werden die HIV-Infektion selber, Nebenwirkungen der antiretroviralen Therapie, Begleiterkrankungen (z. B. chronische Hepatitis C Virus-Infektion) und erhöhte Prävalenz traditioneller Risikofaktoren (wie Nikotinkonsum) diskutiert. In der Langzeitbetreuung HIV-positiver Patienten ist die Rolle der Hausärzte sowie der Fachspezialisten von zunehmender Bedeutung.
Treating Rare Diseases: Business Model for Orphan Drug Development
Authors: Williams Cory
Published: July 2014

The 1983 Orphan Drug Act (ODA) in the USA, and similar policies enacted in several other global pharmaceutical markets since then, has not only stimulated tremendous focus, product development and launch of new medicines to address a broad range of orphan and rare diseases, but has also had significant impact for the overall delivery of biopharmaceutical products, in general, to patients and the world’s population. Key areas of contribution underlying orphan drug development's impact cover the biopharmaceutical spectrum, including compelling discoveries in the life sciences, novel drug technologies and platforms, as well as creative approaches and innovation in clinical development and commercialisation. The significance of orphan drug development's evolution is underscored by the continued growth in orphan designations and approvals, and its increasing contribution to, and share of, the biopharmaceutical industry's performance and value creation. The favourable economics of orphan drug development, and its impact on science and health care, support the outlook that this sector will continue to be an important contributor to ongoing biopharmaceutical innovation.
Discovery and Development of Tafamidis for the Treatment of TTR Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy
Authors: Labaudinière Richard
Published: July 2014

Rare genetic diseases represent a unique opportunity to develop drugs on genetically validated targets and fulfil major unmet medical needs. A genetically validated target improves the chance of positive clinical outcome, a significant hurdle for half of the drug candidates under development. Tafamidis was recently the first treatment to be approved for an amyloid disease, TTR-FAP, an ultra-orphan misfolding disease. This chapter will describe the key steps and success factors in the discovery and clinical development of tafamidis, leading to its approval in 2011. Tafamidis was developed to change the energetics of transthyretin (TTR) tetramer dissociation, the rate-limiting step in amyloid formation, mimicking the biological effects of the intragenic trans-suppressors that confer a protective effect in this fatal neurodegenerative disease. A pharmacodynamic marker measuring tetramer stabilisation in plasma samples was developed to assess target engagement and to select a dose from the single- and multiple-dose ascending Phase I study, which would be studied in a pivotal 18 month Phase II/III study. Tafamidis treatment was shown to reduce neurophysiological deterioration and improve quality of life, to preserve nerve function in large and small fibres and to improve nutritional status when compared to placebo treatment.
Antibacterial polymeric nanostructures for biomedical applications
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Fangyingkai , Liu Qiuming , Du Jianzhong
Published: July 2014

A topical review on recent advances in the research and applications of antimicrobial polymeric nanostructures, such as silver-decorated polymeric nanostructures, and polymeric micelles and vesicles based on antimicrobial polymers and antimicrobial peptides.
A hydrophobic hole transporting oligothiophene for planar perovskite solar cells with improved stability
Authors: Zheng Lingling , Chung Yao-Hsien , Ma Yingzhuang , Zhang Lipei , Xiao Lixin , Chen Zhijian , Wang Shufeng , Qu Bo , Gong Qihuang
Published: July 2014

An oligothiophene derivative with high hydrophobicity was synthesized and functioned as HTM for perovskite solar cells without an ion additive, resulting in improved device stability than that observed when using Li-TFSI doped spiro-MeOTAD.
COSAN as a molecular imaging platform: synthesis and “in vivo” imaging
Authors: Gona Kiran B. , Zaulet Adnana , Gómez-Vallejo Vanessa , Teixidor Francesc , Llop Jordi , Viñas Clara
Published: July 2014

The unprecedented radiolabelling of [Co(8-I-C2B9H10)(C2B9H11)]− with 124I and 125I: short cutting the pathway from bench to bed for boron carrier drugs.
A nanoscale liquid-like graphene@Fe3O4hybrid with excellent amphiphilicity and electronic conductivity
Authors: Li Peipei , Zheng Yaping , Wu Yiwei , Qu Ping , Yang Ruilu , Wang Nan , Li Mengzhi
Published: July 2014

The structure of a graphene@Fe3O4hybrid.
The energy release rate of a pressurized crack in soft elastic materials: effects of surface tension and large deformation
Authors: Liu Tianshu , Long Rong , Hui Chung-Yuen
Published: July 2014

In this paper we present a theoretical study on how surface tension affects fracture of soft solids.
Electronic spin working mechanically (Review Article)
Authors: Shekhter R. I. , Gorelik L. Y. , Krive I. V. , Kiselev M. N. , Kulinich S. I. , Parafilo A. V. , Kikoin K. , Jonson M.
Published: July 2014

A single-electron tunneling (SET) device with a nanoscale central island that can move with respect to the bulk source- and drain electrodes allows for a nanoelectromechanical (NEM) coupling between the electrical current through the device and mechanical vibrations of the island. Although an electromechanical “shuttle” instability and the associated phenomenon of single-electron shuttling were predicted more than 15 years ago, both theoretical and experimental studies of NEM-SET structures are still carried out. New functionalities based on quantum coherence, Coulomb correlations and coherent electron-spin dynamics are of particular current interest. In this article we present a short review of recent activities in this area.
Invited Article: An integrated mid-infrared, far-infrared, and terahertz optical Hall effect instrument
Authors: Kühne P. , Herzinger C. M. , Schubert M. , Woollam J. A. , Hofmann T.
Published: July 2014

We report on the development of the first integrated mid-infrared, far-infrared, and terahertz optical Hall effect instrument, covering an ultra wide spectral range from 3 cm−1 to 7000 cm−1 (0.1–210 THz or 0.4–870 meV). The instrument comprises four sub-systems, where the magneto-cryostat-transfer sub-system enables the usage of the magneto-cryostat sub-system with the mid-infrared ellipsometer sub-system, and the far-infrared/terahertz ellipsometer sub-system. Both ellipsometer sub-systems can be used as variable angle-of-incidence spectroscopic ellipsometers in reflection or transmission mode, and are equipped with multiple light sources and detectors. The ellipsometer sub-systems are operated in polarizer-sample-rotating-analyzer configuration granting access to the upper left 3 × 3 block of the normalized 4 × 4 Mueller matrix. The closed cycle magneto-cryostat sub-system provides sample temperatures between room temperature and 1.4 K and magnetic fields up to 8 T, enabling the detection of transverse and longitudinal magnetic field-induced birefringence. We discuss theoretical background and practical realization of the integrated mid-infrared, far-infrared, and terahertz optical Hall effect instrument, as well as acquisition of optical Hall effect data and the corresponding model analysis procedures. Exemplarily, epitaxial graphene grown on 6H-SiC, a tellurium doped bulk GaAs sample and an AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor structure are investigated. The selected experimental datasets display the full spectral, magnetic field and temperature range of the instrument and demonstrate data analysis strategies. Effects from free charge carriers in two dimensional confinement and in a volume material, as well as quantum mechanical effects (inter-Landau-level transitions) are observed and discussed exemplarily.
A versatile photoelectron spectrometer for pressures up to 30 mbar
Authors: Eriksson Susanna K. , Hahlin Maria , Kahk Juhan Matthias , Villar-Garcia Ignacio J. , Webb Matthew J. , Grennberg Helena , Yakimova Rositza , Rensmo Håkan , Edström Kristina , Hagfeldt Anders , Siegbahn Hans , Edwards Mårten O. M. , Karlsson Patrik G. , Backlund Klas , Åhlund John , Payne David J.
Published: July 2014

High-pressure photoelectron spectroscopy is a rapidly developing technique with applications in a wide range of fields ranging from fundamental surface science and catalysis to energy materials, environmental science, and biology. At present the majority of the high-pressure photoelectron spectrometers are situated at synchrotron end stations, but recently a small number of laboratory-based setups have also emerged. In this paper we discuss the design and performance of a new laboratory based high pressure photoelectron spectrometer equipped with an Al Kα X-ray anode and a hemispherical electron energy analyzer combined with a differentially pumped electrostatic lens. The instrument is demonstrated to be capable of measuring core level spectra at pressures up to 30 mbar. Moreover, valence band spectra of a silver sample as well as a carbon-coated surface (graphene) recorded under a 2 mbar nitrogen atmosphere are presented, demonstrating the versatility of this laboratory-based spectrometer.