bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The future of host cell protein (HCP) identification during process development and manufacturing linked to a risk‐based management for their control
Authors: Bracewell Daniel G. , Francis Richard , Smales C. Mark
Published: May 2015

The use of biological systems to synthesize complex therapeutic products has been a remarkable success. However, during product development, great attention must be devoted to defining acceptable levels of impurities that derive from that biological system, heading this list are host cell proteins (HCPs). Recent advances in proteomic analytics have shown how diverse this class of impurities is; as such knowledge and capability grows inevitable questions have arisen about how thorough current approaches to measuring HCPs are. The fundamental issue is how to adequately measure (and in turn monitor and control) such a large number of protein species (potentially thousands of components) to ensure safe and efficacious products. A rather elegant solution is to use an immunoassay (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) based on polyclonal antibodies raised to the host cell (biological system) used to synthesize a particular therapeutic product. However, the measurement is entirely dependent on the antibody serum used, which dictates the sensitivity of the assay and the degree of coverage of the HCP spectrum. It provides one summed analog value for HCP amount; a positive if all HCP components can be considered equal, a negative in the more likely event one associates greater risk with certain components of the HCP proteome. In a thorough risk‐based approach, one would wish to be able to account for this. These issues have led to the investigation of orthogonal analytical methods; most prominently mass spectrometry. These techniques can potentially both identify and quantify HCPs. The ability to measure and monitor thousands of proteins proportionally increases the amount of data acquired. Significant benefits exist if the information can be used to determine critical HCPs and thereby create an improved basis for risk management. We describe a nascent approach to risk assessment of HCPs based upon such data, drawing attention to timeliness in relation to biosimilar initiatives. The development of such an approach requires databases based on cumulative knowledge of multiple risk factors that would require national and international regulators, standards authorities (e.g., NIST and NIBSC), industry and academia to all be involved in shaping what is the best approach to the adoption of the latest bioanalytical technology to this area, which is vital to delivering safe efficacious biological medicines of all types. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1727–1737. © 2015 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Domestic Abuse and Safeguarding Children: Critical Issues for Multiagency Work
Authors: Peckover Sue , Golding Berenice
Published: May 2015

This paper reports upon the learning that emerged from a development project which aimed to facilitate improvements in multiagency work in domestic abuse and safeguarding children. The two‐year project (2011–13), funded by the Department for Education and led by WomenCentre, a specialist voluntary sector organisation based in West Yorkshire, was undertaken in nine local authorities in the north of England. Activities undertaken during the project included case mapping, service user and professional engagement exercises, observation of local multiagency meetings and provision of training. An evaluative research study examined the work of the project and the learning that emerged. Drawing upon data from telephone interviews with project participants, analysis of case mapping and project reports, this paper discusses some critical issues which emerged from this project. The paper draws attention to the different understandings and priorities which shape interprofessional practice in relation to safeguarding children and domestic abuse, and the complexities of the wider interagency environment including coordination, resources and expertise. Recommendations for improving multiagency work to achieve better outcomes for women and children experiencing domestic abuse are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘An evaluative research study examined the work of the project and the learning that emerged’

Key Practitioner Messages

Multiagency working in domestic abuse and safeguarding children is complex and could be improved.

The impact of professional differences in how cases are understood and managed, particularly in relation to ‘risk’, as well as different professional priorities and approaches to working with families should be recognised and considered within the multiagency context.

Practitioners may want to consider whether ‘case mapping’ is pertinent to their own safeguarding practices and processes.

‘Multiagency working in domestic abuse and safeguarding children is complex and could be improved’
Mental health problems in young male offenders with and without sex offences: a comparison based on the MAYSI‐2
Authors: Boonmann Cyril , Nelson Rebecca J. , DiCataldo Frank , Jansen Lucres M. C. , Doreleijers Theo A. H. , Vermeiren Robert R. J. M. , Colins Olivier F. , Grisso Thomas
Published: May 2015

Background

There is a need for better knowledge about the relationship between sexual offending by young people and mental health problems.

Aim

This study aimed to compare mental health problems between young people who commit sexual offences and those who do not.

Methods

After completion of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument‐Version 2 (MAYSI‐2), 334 young people who, according to MAYSI‐2 information, had committed a sex offence were compared with 334 young people whose MAYSI‐2 data suggested that they had not committed a sex offence. They were matched for age, race/ethnicity, type of facility and adjudication status. We also examined the young sex offenders for within group differences.

Results

The young sex offenders were less likely to report anger–irritability or substance misuse than the comparison youths. Within the sex offender group, older juveniles were more likely to report alcohol and drug use problems than younger ones, Caucasians were more likely to report anger and suicidal ideation than their non‐Caucasian peers, those detained were more likely to report alcohol and drug use problems and somatic complaints than those on probation, and convicted youths were more likely to report alcohol and drug use problems and anger–irritability than those awaiting trial.

Conclusions

Juvenile sexual offending seems less likely to be committed in the context of an anti‐social lifestyle than other offending. Important findings among young sex offenders are their higher levels of mental health problems among those detained and convicted than among those on probation or awaiting trial. Assessment of the mental health of young sex offenders seems to be even more important the further they are into the justice system. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Performance Non‐enzymatic Glucose Sensor Based on One‐Step Electrodeposited Nickel Sulfide
Authors: Kannan Padmanathan Karthick , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: May 2015

Nanostructured NiS thin film was prepared by a one‐step electrodeposition method and the structural, morphological characteristics of the as‐prepared films were analyzed by X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX). The electrocatalytic activity of NiS thin film towards glucose oxidation was investigated by fabricating a non‐enzymatic glucose sensor and the sensor performance was studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and amperometry. The fabricated sensor showed excellent sensitivity and low detection limit with values of 7.43 μA μM−1 cm−2 and 0.32 μM, respectively, and a response time of <8 s.
Assessment of American Heart Association's Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics Among Employees of a Large Healthcare Organization: The Baptist Health South Florida Employee Study
Authors: Ogunmoroti Oluseye , Younus Adnan , Rouseff Maribeth , Spatz Erica S. , Das Sankalp , Parris Don , Aneni Ehimen , Holzwarth Leah , Guzman Henry , Tran Thinh , Roberson Lara , Ali Shozab S. , Agatston Arthur , Maziak Wasim , Feldman Theodore , Veledar Emir , Nasir Khurram
Published: May 2015

Background

Healthcare organizations and their employees are critical role models for healthy living in their communities. The American Heart Association (AHA) 2020 impact goal provides a national framework that can be used to track the success of employee wellness programs with a focus on improving cardiovascular (CV) health. This study aimed to assess the CV health of the employees of Baptist Health South Florida (BHSF), a large nonprofit healthcare organization.

Hypothesis

HRAs and wellness examinations can be used to measure the cardiovascular health status of an employee population.

Methods

The AHA's 7 CV health metrics (diet, physical activity, smoking, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and blood glucose) categorized as ideal, intermediate, or poor were estimated among employees of BHSF participating voluntarily in an annual health risk assessment (HRA) and wellness fair. Age and gender differences were analyzed using χ2 test.

Results

The sample consisted of 9364 employees who participated in the 2014 annual HRA and wellness fair (mean age [standard deviation], 43 [12] years, 74% women). Sixty (1%) individuals met the AHA's definition of ideal CV health. Women were more likely than men to meet the ideal criteria for more than 5 CV health metrics. The proportion of participants meeting the ideal criteria for more than 5 CV health metrics decreased with age.

Conclusions

A combination of HRAs and wellness examinations can provide useful insights into the cardiovascular health status of an employee population. Future tracking of the CV health metrics will provide critical feedback on the impact of system wide wellness efforts as well as identifying proactive programs to assist in making substantial progress toward the AHA 2020 Impact Goal.
The Epidemiology, Clinical Manifestations, and Management of Chagas Heart Disease
Authors: Malik Lindsey H. , Singh Gagan D. , Amsterdam Ezra A.
Published: May 2015

Chagas disease results from infection by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is endemic in Latin America. T cruzi is most commonly transmitted through the feces of an infected triatomine, but can also be congenital, via contaminated blood transfusion or through direct oral contact. In the acute phase, the disease can cause cardiac derangements such as myocarditis, conduction system abnormalities, and/or pericarditis. If left untreated, the disease advances to the chronic phase. Up to one‐half of these patients will develop a cardiomyopathy, which can lead to cardiac failure and/or ventricular arrhythmias, both of which are major causes of mortality. Diagnosis is confirmed by serologic testing for specific immunoglobulin G antibodies. Initial treatment consists of the antiparasitic agents benznidazole and nifurtimox. The treatment of Chagas cardiac disease comprises standard medical therapy for heart failure and amiodarone for ventricular arrhythmias, with consideration for implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator. Chagas disease causes the highest infectious burden of any parasitic disease in the Western Hemisphere, and increased awareness of this disease is essential to improve diagnosis, enhance management, and reduce spread.
Optimized time‐resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (TRICKS) in dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI after peptide receptor radionuclide therapy in small animal tumor models
Authors: Haeck Joost , Bol Karin , Bison Sander , van Tiel Sandra , Koelewijn Stuart , de Jong Marion , Veenland Jifke , Bernsen Monique
Published: May 2015

Anti‐tumor efficacy of targeted peptide‐receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) relies on several factors, including functional tumor vasculature. Little is known about the effect of PRRT on tumor vasculature. With dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE‐) MRI, functional vasculature is imaged and quantified using contrast agents. In small animals DCE‐MRI is a challenging application. We optimized a clinical sequence for fast hemodynamic acquisitions, time‐resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (TRICKS), to obtain DCE‐MRI images at both high spatial and high temporal resolution in mice and rats. Using TRICKS, functional vasculature was measured prior to PRRT and longitudinally to investigate the effect of treatment on tumor vascular characteristics. Nude mice bearing H69 tumor xenografts and rats bearing syngeneic CA20948 tumors were used to study perfusion following PRRT administration with 177lutetium octreotate. Both semi‐quantitative and quantitative parameters were calculated. Treatment efficacy was measured by tumor‐size reduction. Optimized TRICKS enabled MRI at 0.032 mm3 voxel size with a temporal resolution of less than 5 s and large volume coverage, a substantial improvement over routine pre‐clinical DCE‐MRI studies. Tumor response to therapy was reflected in changes in tumor perfusion/permeability parameters. The H69 tumor model showed pronounced changes in DCE‐derived parameters following PRRT. The rat CA20948 tumor model showed more heterogeneity in both treatment outcome and perfusion parameters. TRICKS enabled the acquisition of DCE‐MRI at both high temporal resolution (Tres) and spatial resolutions relevant for small animal tumor models. With the high Tres enabled by TRICKS, accurate pharmacokinetic data modeling was feasible. DCE‐MRI parameters revealed changes over time and showed a clear relationship between tumor size and Ktrans. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
WorkWays: interacting with scientific workflows
Authors: Nguyen Hoang Anh , Abramson David , Kipouros Timoleon , Janke Andrew , Galloway Graham
Published: May 2015

WorkWays is a science gateway that supports human‐in‐the‐loop scientific workflows. Human–workflow interactions are enabled by a dynamic Input Output (IO) model, which allows users to insert data into, or export data out of, a continuously running workflow. WorkWays has been used to solve a number of scientific problems where the user wishes to examine intermediate results in order to interact with the computation as the workflow progresses. This interactive capability not only provides better insights into the computation but also allows users to focus on different input parameter combinations. We have implemented a variety of data types and modes of interaction to account for a wide range of use cases and application domains. This paper demonstrates the applicability of WorkWays on three use cases from different domains. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoconfined Solvothermal Synthesis and Characterization of Ultrafine Cu2NiSnS4 Nanotubes
Authors: Shi Liang , Li Yanan , Zheng Renkui
Published: May 2015

Ultrafine nanotubes of Cu2NiSnS4 having an average diameter of 4 nm were prepared by a convenient one‐step nanoconfined solvothermal approach. The confined reaction took place within the pores of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO). The structure, morphology, composition, optical absorption, and magnetic properties of the as‐prepared samples were characterized using X‐ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and superconducting quantum interference device measurements. A Rolling‐up mechanism was proposed to explain the formation of Cu2NiSnS4 nanotubes. Thin films prepared from the nanotubes showed a photoelectric response, thus indicating a potential application for photovoltaic devices.
Environmental Impacts of SMEs and the Effects of Formal Management Tools: Evidence from EU's Largest Survey
Authors: Graafland Johan , Smid Hugo
Published: May 2015

Much literature on corporate social responsibility suggests that formal management tools to manage environmental impacts, such as environmental reporting or ISO14001 certification, are not suitable for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Other studies, however, argue that using some form of formalization helps SMEs to improve environmental management. This paper empirically studies the hypothesis that relatively simple formal management tools in the form of using targets improve the environmental impacts of SMEs. Based on a unique dataset with environmental performance data of 5205 SMEs in 12 European countries, we find ample support for this hypothesis. Since only 25% of SMEs use targets, there is room for substantial improvement in environmental impacts if all SMEs were to implement this relatively simple process step. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
The Causal Link between Sustainable Disclosure and Information Asymmetry: The Moderating Role of the Stakeholder Protection Context
Authors: Martínez‐Ferrero Jennifer , Ruiz‐Cano David , García‐Sánchez Isabel‐María
Published: May 2015

The main focus in this study is on analyzing the effect that voluntary information disclosure concerning corporate social responsibility (CSR) has on information asymmetry and its evidence in the stakeholder protection context. The use of the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator for an international sample of 575 for the period 2003 to 2009, highlights how voluntary disclosure regarding CSR aspects reduces the problems of asymmetric information between the different market agents, which is especially important in environments characterized by a strong focus and commitment to stakeholders. Moreover, voluntary disclosure of information could arise from the existence of private information and agency conflicts. Therefore and in addition, this evidence is complemented by showing the bidirectional relationship between voluntary disclosure and asymmetric information in such environments. Thus, greater asymmetric information leads to higher voluntary information disclosure practices, which are able to reduce the agency problem in environments characterized by strong socially responsible commitment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
When collective memories of victimhood fade: Generational evolution of intergroup attitudes and political aspirations in Belgium
Authors: Rimé Bernard , Bouchat Pierre , Klein Olivier , Licata Laurent
Published: May 2015

Collective memory theories propose that groups' remembrances of their past depend upon their current social situation. In Belgium, a significant proportion of Dutch speakers share a collective memory of past victimisation by French speakers and fight for an ever‐larger autonomy of their region. Yet, as the respective economic, political and social situations of the linguistic regions of Belgium recently evolved with a reversal of fortunes, the current experience of younger Dutch speakers does not fit the traditional memory anymore. We thus predicted that the collective memories of victimhood would decline amongst them, thus bringing changes in intergroup attitudes and political aspirations. Three generations were compared in a survey of 1226 French‐speaking and 1457 Dutch‐speaking individuals. For both groups, younger generations evidenced less regionalist and more integrative positions than older ones. However, these effects were stronger for Dutch‐speaking respondents, and for them, collective memory of victimhood mediated the relation linking age and identification with Belgium, intergroup attitudes and political aspirations. We concluded that the current social context has decisive consequences for collective remembrances, which, in turn, impact intergroup relations and political attitudes and choices.
The watching eyes phenomenon: The role of a sense of being seen and public self‐awareness
Authors: Pfattheicher Stefan , Keller Johannes
Published: May 2015

In recent years, a growing number of researchers have examined the watching eyes phenomenon (i.e., increased prosocial and decreased antisocial behavior when subtle watching eyes are present in the environment). Somewhat surprisingly, the questions of how and under what conditions subtle cues of being watched operate have been unanswered so far. The present contribution addresses this research gap. In two studies, we document that (a) subtle cues of being watched induce a sense of being seen and (b) chronic public self‐awareness moderates the watching eyes phenomenon in that specifically individuals with strong chronic public self‐awareness show more prosocial behavior under conditions of watching eyes. The applicability of subtle cues of being watched in research on social presence is discussed.
Visualization of large elongated DNA molecules
Authors: Lee Jinyong , Kim Yongkyun , Lee Seonghyun , Jo Kyubong
Published: May 2015

Long and linear DNA molecules are the mainstream single‐molecule analytes for a variety of biochemical analysis within microfluidic devices, including functionalized surfaces and nanostructures. However, for biochemical analysis, large DNA molecules have to be unraveled, elongated, and visualized to obtain biochemical and genomic information. To date, elongated DNA molecules have been exploited in the development of a number of genome analysis systems as well as for the study of polymer physics due to the advantage of direct visualization of single DNA molecule. Moreover, each single DNA molecule provides individual information, which makes it useful for stochastic event analysis. Therefore, numerous studies of enzymatic random motions have been performed on a large elongated DNA molecule. In this review, we introduce mechanisms to elongate DNA molecules using microfluidics and nanostructures in the beginning. Secondly, we discuss how elongated DNA molecules have been utilized to obtain biochemical and genomic information by direct visualization of DNA molecules. Finally, we reviewed the approaches used to study the interaction of proteins and large DNA molecules. Although DNA‐protein interactions have been investigated for many decades, it is noticeable that there have been significant achievements for the last five years. Therefore, we focus mainly on recent developments for monitoring enzymatic activity on large elongated DNA molecules.
Successful direct amplification of nuclear markers from single dog hairs using DogFiler multiplex
Authors: Blackie Renée , Taylor Duncan , Linacre Adrian
Published: May 2015

We report on successful amplification of canine STR DNA profiles from single dog hairs. Dog hairs are commonly found on clothing or items of interest in forensic casework and may be crucial associative evidence if linked to an individual dog. We used direct amplification from these hairs to increase the DNA yield of the sample, as well as greatly reducing analysis time. Hairs from different somatic regions were used from several different dog breeds to amplify a selection of eight loci from the validated DogFiler multiplex. Naturally shed canine hairs were processed, with a mix of coarse topcoat (guard) hairs and thinner soft undercoat hairs. Multiple sections of single hairs were amplified in 5 mm segments to determine the viability of DNA recovery from the shaft of the hair. Single guard hairs were cut into 5 mm sections and added directly into a PCR tube. Undercoat hairs, which are very fine, were amplified together in a single tube (approximately ten small hairs). Coarse hairs were found to be the most successful in producing full DNA profiles at all eight loci, matching the corresponding reference profile for that dog.
Calibration‐free inverse modeling of ion‐exchange chromatography in industrial antibody purification
Authors: Hahn Tobias , Huuk Thiemo , Osberghaus Anna , Doninger Katharina , Nath Susanne , Hepbildikler Stefan , Heuveline Vincent , Hubbuch Jürgen
Published: May 2015

The identification of optimal process parameters for the isolation of a target component from multicomponent mixtures is especially challenging in industrial applications. With constantly increasing time‐to‐market pressure, screening a large parameter space is not feasible and design‐of‐experiment approaches with few experiments might fail due to dynamic and nonlinear reactions to small parameter changes. Model‐based optimization can determine optimal operating conditions, once the model has been calibrated to the specific process step. In this work, parameters for the steric mass action model were estimated for the target protein and three impurities of an industrial antibody cation‐exchange purification step using only chromatograms at different wavelengths and additional fraction analyses with size exclusion chromatography. Information on the molar or mass concentrations in the feed are not available. The model‐based optimization results coincide with conventional chromatogram‐based optimization.
Recent Developments on Alternative Proton Exchange Membranes: Strategies for Systematic Performance Improvement
Authors: Zhang Yunfeng , Li Jing , Ma Liang , Cai Weiwei , Cheng Hansong
Published: May 2015

The development of cost‐effective, high performance, and durable proton exchange membranes (PEMs) as an alternative to Nafion represents one of the key technical challenges for the mass deployment of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) technology in the market place. This review focuses on the most important attributes of PEM materials, namely, proton conductivity, mechanical stability, and fuel permeability, and relates these properties with the structural design of new materials. Various strategies for enhancing device performance with these materials are highlighted and a comparison of different designs of membrane structures for achieving improved target properties is made. Possible solutions for overcoming the shortcomings of alternative PEM materials against Nafion are discussed.
Explicit Modeling of Ancestry Improves Polygenic Risk Scores and BLUP Prediction
Authors: Chen Chia‐Yen , Han Jiali , Hunter David J. , Kraft Peter , Price Alkes L.
Published: May 2015

Polygenic prediction using genome‐wide SNPs can provide high prediction accuracy for complex traits. Here, we investigate the question of how to account for genetic ancestry when conducting polygenic prediction. We show that the accuracy of polygenic prediction in structured populations may be partly due to genetic ancestry. However, we hypothesized that explicitly modeling ancestry could improve polygenic prediction accuracy. We analyzed three GWAS of hair color (HC), tanning ability (TA), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in European Americans (sample size from 7,440 to 9,822) and considered two widely used polygenic prediction approaches: polygenic risk scores (PRSs) and best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP). We compared polygenic prediction without correction for ancestry to polygenic prediction with ancestry as a separate component in the model. In 10‐fold cross‐validation using the PRS approach, the R2 for HC increased by 66% (0.0456–0.0755; P < 10−16), the R2 for TA increased by 123% (0.0154 to 0.0344; P < 10−16), and the liability‐scale R2 for BCC increased by 68% (0.0138–0.0232; P < 10−16) when explicitly modeling ancestry, which prevents ancestry effects from entering into each SNP effect and being overweighted. Surprisingly, explicitly modeling ancestry produces a similar improvement when using the BLUP approach, which fits all SNPs simultaneously in a single variance component and causes ancestry to be underweighted. We validate our findings via simulations, which show that the differences in prediction accuracy will increase in magnitude as sample sizes increase. In summary, our results show that explicitly modeling ancestry can be important in both PRS and BLUP prediction.
Children's and Mothers' Contribution to Joint Reminiscing in Different Sociocultural Contexts: Who Speaks and What is Said
Authors: Tulviste Tiia , Tõugu Pirko , Keller Heidi , Schröder Lisa , De Geer Boel
Published: May 2015

The study compares mothers' conversation with their 4‐year‐old children about two past events in two autonomy‐oriented (35 German and 42 Swedish families), one relatedness‐oriented (22 Cameroonian Nso families) and one autonomy‐relatedness oriented (38 Estonian families) contexts. German mothers were rather similar to Swedish mothers in talking a lot, providing a lot of information and engaging children into conversation, but they differed from Swedish mothers by talking more about social content. Swedish children were more independent conversational partners to their mothers than other children, including German children. Estonian mothers' contribution to conversation was similar to Cameroonian Nso mothers, except that they asked a lot of open‐ended questions to engage children in conversations. Estonian children did not differ from Swedish and German children in their contribution to conversations. Compared to Swedish mothers, past event talk of Estonian mothers was characterized by a bigger proportion of talk devoted to social content, but also to the child, mental states and non‐social content. It was characteristic of Cameroonian Nso mothers that they focused more on other people and actions, and their conversational dominance was larger. Differences in reminiscing were consistent with different cultural models of self and the type of autonomy – psychological or action – promoted. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parental Personality, Relationship Stress, and Child Development: A Stress Generation Perspective
Authors: Tang Eileen , Luyten Patrick , Casalin Sara , Vliegen Nicole
Published: May 2015

This study aimed to investigate associations among the parental personality dimensions of self‐criticism and dependency, parental relationship stress, and child development from a stress generation perspective. Data from 79 first‐time parents and their children aged 8–13 months, who were followed up in a two‐wave, 1‐year longitudinal study, were analysed within a multilevel structural equation modelling framework in order to account for within‐couple interdependence. Results revealed that, as hypothesised, both parental self‐criticism and dependency were associated with increased levels of relationship stress, which in turn were negatively related to child development. Hence, parental personality features in combination with relationship stress may be an important target in couple and family‐based interventions. Implications for further research on family dynamics and interventions are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“My Journey of Hope and Peace”
Authors: Stewart Mary Amanda
Published: May 2015

This article details a project with students who are refugees who read and wrote about the refugee experience to give the instructor important information about their lives. The high school students first read various texts about the refugee experience that guided their class discussions, journal writing, and graphic illustrations of their journeys. Through a weeklong writers’ workshop during a summer literacy program, students published their final narratives. The project illustrates how refugee students have vast knowledge through their lived experiences that often gives them a unique perspective of their own life events. By writing about their journeys to the United States, the students engaged deeply in multiple modes of literacy while sharing their powerful voices, which transformed the community of learners, including the teacher.
Developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption of naphthenic acids on the early life stage of zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Wang Jie , Cao Xiaofeng , Huang Yi , Tang Xiaoyan
Published: May 2015

Oil sands process‐affected water (OSPW) has been reported to exhibit adverse effects on the environment and wildlife. Although the compounds responsible are unknown, naphthenic acids (NAs) have been considered to be implicated. The current study was designed to investigate whether NAs might cause developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption on the early life stage of zebrafish (Danio rerio). The success of embryo hatch was inhibited by 2.5 mg l–1 oil sands NAs (OS‐NAs) exposure, and both OSPW NAs and commercial NAs (C‐NAs) exposure resulted in a variety of developmental lesions in the fish larvae, such as yolk sac edema, pericardial edema and spinal malformation. The transcription of genes involved cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19a and CYP19b), estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ1 and ERβ2), and vitellogenin (VTG) was analyzed to evaluate the endocrine disrupting effects of NAs. Significant up‐regulated gene expressions of CYP19b, ERα and VTG were observed in both OS‐NAs and C‐NAs groups, which indicated the deleteriously estrogenic potential of NAs. These results confirmed that NAs derived from crude petroleum could negatively impact the development and endocrine function of zebrafish, and be primarily responsible for the toxicity of OSPW. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of ex‐vivo confocal scanning microscopic features and their histological correlates in human skin
Authors: Hartmann Daniela , Ruini Cristel , Mathemeier Leonie , Dietrich Andreas , Ruzicka Thomas , von Braunmühl Tanja
Published: May 2015

Ex‐vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is an emerging diagnostic tool allowing fast and easy microscopic tissue examination. The first generation of ex‐vivo devices have already shown promising results in the ex‐vivo evaluation of basal cell carcinoma compared to Mohs surgery. Nevertheless, for the diagnostics of pathological skin lesions the knowledge of normal skin features is essential. Therefore we examined 50 samples of healthy skin from various donor sites including head and neck (n = 25), trunk (n = 10), upper (n = 10) and lower extremities (n = 5) using a new generation ex‐vivo CLSM device offering three different laser wavelengths and compared the findings to the corresponding histological sections. In correlation with the histopathology we identified different layers of the epidermis, differentiated keratinocytes from melanocytes and described in detail skin appendages including hair follicle, sebaceous and sweat glands. Furthermore, structures of the dermis and subcutis were illustrated. Additionally, artefacts and pitfalls occurring with the use of ex‐vivo CLSM have been documented. The study offers an overview of the main ex‐vivo CLSM skin characteristics in comparison to the standard histological examination and helps to recognize and avoid common artefacts.

Anatomy of a hair follicle in the reflectance mode (RM) CLSM, fluorescence mode (FM) CLSM and in a routine hematoxylin‐eosin stained histological section (H).

magnified image

Anatomy of a hair follicle in the reflectance mode (RM) CLSM, fluorescence mode (FM) CLSM and in a routine hematoxylin‐eosin stained histological section (H).
Wavelength‐Modulated Differential Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (WM‐DPAS) for noninvasive early cancer detection and tissue hypoxia monitoring
Authors: Choi Sung soo (Sean) , Mandelis Andreas , Guo Xinxin , Lashkari Bahman , Kellnberger Stephan , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: May 2015

This study introduces a novel noninvasive differential photoacoustic method, Wavelength Modulated Differential Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (WM‐DPAS), for noninvasive early cancer detection and continuous hypoxia monitoring through ultrasensitive measurements of hemoglobin oxygenation levels (StO2). Unlike conventional photoacoustic spectroscopy, WM‐DPAS measures simultaneously two signals induced from square‐wave modulated laser beams at two different wavelengths where the absorption difference between maximum deoxy‐ and oxy‐hemoglobin is 680 nm, and minimum (zero) 808 nm (the isosbestic point). The two‐wavelength measurement efficiently suppresses background, greatly enhances the signal to noise ratio and thus enables WM‐DPAS to detect very small changes in total hemoglobin concentration (CHb) and oxygenation levels, thereby identifying pre‐malignant tumors before they are anatomically apparent. The non‐invasive nature also makes WM‐DPAS the best candidate for ICU bedside hypoxia monitoring in stroke patients. Sensitivity tunability is another special feature of the technology: WM‐DPAS can be tuned for different applications such as quick cancer screening and accurate StO2 quantification by selecting a pair of parameters, signal amplitude ratio and phase shift. The WM‐DPAS theory has been validated with sheep blood phantom measurements.

Sensitivity comparison between conventional single‐ended signal and differential signal.

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Sensitivity comparison between conventional single‐ended signal and differential signal.
Essential Role of Lysophosphatidylcholine Acyltransferase 3 in the Induction of Macrophage Polarization in PMA‐Treated U937 Cells
Authors: Taniguchi Kosuke , Hikiji Hisako , Okinaga Toshinori , Hashidate‐Yoshida Tomomi , Shindou Hideo , Ariyoshi Wataru , Shimizu Takao , Tominaga Kazuhiro , Nishihara Tatsuji
Published: May 2015

Lysophospholipid acyltransferases (LPLATs) regulate the diversification of fatty acid composition in biological membranes. Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferases (LPCATs) are members of the LPLATs that play a role in inflammatory responses. M1 macrophages differentiate in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and are pro‐inflammatory, whereas M2 macrophages, which differentiate in response to interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), are anti‐inflammatory and involved in homeostasis and wound healing. In the present study, we showed that LPCATs play an important role in M1/M2‐macrophage polarization. LPS changed the shape of PMA‐treated U937 cells from rounded to spindle shaped and upregulated the mRNA and protein expression of the M1 macrophage markers CXCL10, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β. IL‐4 had no effect on the shape of PMA‐treated U937 cells and upregulated the M2 macrophage markers CD206, IL‐1ra, and TGF‐β in PMA‐treated U937 cells. These results suggest that LPS and IL‐4 promote the differentiation of PMA‐treated U937 cells into M1‐ and M2‐polarized macrophages, respectively. LPS significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of LPCAT3, one of four LPCAT isoforms, and suppressed its enzymatic activity toward linoleoyl‐CoA and arachidonoyl‐CoA in PMA‐treated U937 cells. LPCAT3 knockdown induced a spindle‐shaped morphology typical of M1‐polarized macrophages, and increased the secretion of CXCL10 and decreased the levels of CD206 in IL‐4‐activated U937 cells. This indicates that knockdown of LPCAT3 shifts the differentiation of PMA‐treated U937 cells to M1‐polarized macrophages. Our findings suggest that LPCAT3 plays an important role in M1/M2‐macrophage polarization, providing novel potential therapeutic targets for the regulation of immune and inflammatory disorders. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 2840–2848, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knee extension torque variability after exercise in ACL reconstructed knees
Authors: Goetschius John , Kuenze Christopher M. , Hart Joseph M.
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to compare knee extension torque variability in patients with ACL reconstructed knees before and after exercise. Thirty two patients with an ACL reconstructed knee (ACL‐R group) and 32 healthy controls (control group) completed measures of maximal isometric knee extension torque (90° flexion) at baseline and following a 30‐min exercise protocol (post‐exercise). Exercise included 30‐min of repeated cycles of inclined treadmill walking and hopping tasks. Dependent variables were the coefficient of variation (CV) and raw‐change in CV (ΔCV): CV = (torque standard deviation/torque mean x 100), ΔCV = (post‐exercise – baseline). There was a group‐by‐time interaction (p = 0.03) on CV. The ACL‐R group demonstrated greater CV than the control group at baseline (ACL‐R = 1.07 ± 0.55, control = 0.79 ± 0.42, p = 0.03) and post‐exercise (ACL‐R = 1.60 ± 0.91, control = 0.94 ± 0.41, p = 0.001). ΔCV was greater (p = 0.03) in the ACL‐R group (0.52 ± 0.82) than control group (0.15 ± 0.46). CV significantly increased from baseline to post‐exercise (p = 0.001) in the ACL‐R group, while the control group did not (p = 0.06). The ACL‐R group demonstrated greater knee extension torque variability than the control group. Exercise increased torque variability more in the ACL‐R group than control group. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1165–1170, 2015.
Application of an Alternate Framework for Assessing Microfinance Programs’ Contribution to Development: An Empirical Study in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Shankar Savita
Published: May 2015

Microfinance institutions can enhance their contribution to financial inclusion promotion by expanding their suite of financial services, participating in a credit bureau, and providing portability of accounts, greater flexibility in operation, and financial literacy training.
External Governance and Dual Mission in the African MFIs
Authors: Halouani Nihel , Boujelbène Younes
Published: May 2015

In spite of their external relation with MFIs, external governance mechanisms strongly affect the realization of the dual mission on microfinance.
Detection of undeclared animal by‐products in commercial canine canned foods: Comparative analyses by ELISA and PCR‐RFLP coupled with slab gel electrophoresis or capillary gel electrophoresis
Authors: Hsieh Ming‐Kun , Shih Pei‐Yin , Wei Chia‐Fong , Vickroy Thomas W , Chou Chi‐Chung
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

The potential presence of undeclared animal by‐products in pet foods is not subject to routine examination. Previously published methods for species‐based identification of animal by‐products have not been used routinely owing to inconsistent results. The present study evaluated the utility of several approaches for accurate identification of animal by‐products in 11 commercial brands of canine canned foods.

RESULTS

Canine canned foods from several countries were analysed by ELISA, PCR‐RFLP coupled with slab‐gel electrophoresis (SGE) and capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) to test for evidence of by‐products derived from cattle, chicken, sheep or pig. While CGE‐based analysis detected all (24) animal‐derived by‐products that were reported for the 11 test samples, SGE and ELISA detected only 22/24 (92%) and 14/24 (58%) of labelled by‐products, respectively. In addition, undeclared animal by‐products were found using all three analytical approaches with CGE detecting more positives (19) than SGE (17) or ELISA (5).

CONCLUSION

Significant disparities were evident between the labelled contents and the detected content of animal by‐products. CGE‐based testing for PCR products appears to provide greater sensitivity and accuracy than either SGE or ELISA‐based methods. As testing of commercial products becomes more reliable and mainstream, manufacturers will need to develop more thorough and accurate labelling protocols. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Long‐term outcomes of powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy in acute dacryocystitis
Authors: Chisty Naja , Singh Manpreet , Ali Mohammad Javed , Naik Milind N.
Published: May 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is rapidly gaining recognition as a primary modality of management in acute dacryocystitis and lacrimal abscess. The purpose of the present study is to report long‐term outcomes of powered endoscopic DCR in cases of acute dacryocystitis.

Study Design

Prospective interventional case series.

Methods

Twenty‐one powered endoscopic DCRs were performed in 21 patients presenting with acute dacryocystitis. All cases were operated by a single surgeon (m.j.a.) using earlier published techniques. All lacrimal systems were intubated for 6 weeks. A minimum follow‐up of 1 year after stent removal was considered for final analysis. Main outcome measures were the anatomical and functional success of the surgical procedure.

Results

The mean age of patients at presentation was 31.8 years. A total of 14.3% (3/21) were pediatric patients with known history of persistent congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO), and 9.5% (2/21) had a history of external DCR in the past. All patients received postoperative antibiotics. Additional procedures included distal canalicular trephination, septoplasty, and middle turbinoplasty in one patient each. All cases showed resolution of pain and swelling at 1 week follow‐up. At the mean follow‐up of 15.4 months, anatomical success was achieved in 85.7% of the patients (18/21), and functional success was achieved in 80.9% (17/21).

Conclusion

Powered endoscopic DCR is a useful modality in the management acute dacryocystitis, with good outcomes that are maintained over a long duration of time.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:551–553, 2016
Prospective evaluation of ambulatory laser vaporization of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Berquet Gaetan , Corbel Luc , Della Negra Emmanuel , Huet Romain , Trifard François , Codet Yann , Boulière Fabien , Verhoest Grégory , Vincendeau Sébastien , Bensalah Karim , Mathieu Romain
Published: May 2015

Background and objective

Photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) is an alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our objective was to prospectively evaluate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of ambulatory photoselective vaporization of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Materials and Methods

We prospectively collected data of all consecutive patients who underwent ambulatory PVP with the Greenlight® laser 180‐W XPS at two centers between May 2012 and June 2013. Patients' characteristics, perioperative data, postoperative outcomes, complications, and patient's satisfaction were evaluated. Successful ambulatory care procedure was defined as the ability to leave the hospital in the evening of the operation.

Results

The ambulatory procedure was intended in 134 patients. Mean age was 67 years. Mean prostate volume was 54 ml, and Median American Society Anesthesiologists (ASA) score was 2. Ambulatory procedure was successful in 121 patients (90%). At 3 months, International Prostate Symptom Score (7.3 ± 4.9), maximal urinary flow rate (20.8 ± 7.6 ml/s), postvoid residual urine (19.2 ± 71 ml), and quality of life (1.6 ± 1.4) were significantly improved (P < 0.001). Fourteen patients (10.5%) had complications that were all minor (Clavien ≤ 2). Two patients had to be readmitted to the hospital. The majority of patients (89%) were satisfied with ambulatory care. Failure to complete ambulatory procedure was mostly related to logistical problem (70% of the cases).

Conclusions

Ambulatory PVP is feasible with functional results and complications comparable to that of traditional hospitalization. Ambulatory care yields high patient's satisfaction. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:396–402, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Borcea–Voisin Calabi–Yau threefolds and invertible potentials
Authors: Artebani Michela , Boissière Samuel , Sarti Alessandra
Published: May 2015

We prove that the Borcea–Voisin mirror pairs of Calabi–Yau threefolds admit projective birational models that satisfy the Berglund–Hübsch–Chiodo–Ruan transposition rule. This shows that the two mirror constructions provide the same mirror pairs, as soon as both can be defined.