bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GLP-1R Agonism Enhances Adjustable Gastric Banding in Diet-Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Habegger Kirk M. , Kirchner Henriette , Yi Chun-Xia , Heppner Kristy M. , Sweeney Dan , Ottaway Nickki , Holland Jenna , Amburgy Sarah , Raver Christine , Krishna Radhakrishna , Müller Timo D. , Perez-Tilve Diego , Pfluger Paul T. , Obici Silvana , DiMarchi Richard D. , D’Alessio David A. , Seeley Randy J. , Tschöp Matthias H.
Published: June 2013

Bariatric procedures vary in efficacy, but overall are more effective than behavioral and pharmaceutical treatment. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass causes increased secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and reduces body weight (BW) more than adjustable gastric banding (AGB), which does not trigger increased GLP-1 secretion. Since GLP-1–based drugs consistently reduce BW, we hypothesized that GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists would augment the effects of AGB. Male Long-Evans rats with diet-induced obesity received AGB implantation or sham surgery. GLP-1R agonism, cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB1-R) antagonism, or vehicle was combined with inflation to evaluate interaction between AGB and pharmacological treatments. GLP1-R agonism reduced BW in both sham and AGB rats (left uninflated) compared with vehicle-treated animals. Subsequent band inflation was ineffective in vehicle-treated rats but enhanced weight loss stimulated by GLP1-R agonism. In contrast, there was no additional BW loss when CB1-R antagonism was given with AGB. We found band inflation to trigger neural activation in areas of the nucleus of the solitary tract known to be targeted by GLP-1R agonism, offering a potential mechanism for the interaction. These data show that GLP-1R agonism, but not CB1-R antagonism, improves weight loss achieved by AGB and suggest an opportunity to optimize bariatric surgery with adjunctive pharmacotherapy.
Brain metastases of neuroendocrine tumor with unknown primary location - Case report
Authors: Brehar F.M. , Gorgan R.M. , Neacsu Angela
Published: June 2013

Neuroendocrine tumors are tumors derived from the cells of the neuroendocrine system. The majority of metastases of neuroendocrine tumors occur in liver, lungs and bone. The brain is an uncommon site of metastasize for this type of tumor. The authors of this paper present a case of brain metastases of neuroendocrine tumor with undetermined primary location. The patient, a 35 yearsold man, was admitted in our clinic with headache, nausea, vomiting and a mild right facial paresis. Head CT scan and cerebral MRI identified two lesions: one larger lesion with mixed solid and cystic components located in the left basal ganglia and thalamus and a second cystic lesion located deep in the right parietal lobe. All complementary investigations (including thoracic CT scan and whole-body MRI) failed to reveal the primary tumor location. Due to the high vital-risks associated with the open surgical procedure, the patient and his family chose the less invasive procedure of stereotactic biopsy. Postoperatively the patient had no additional neurologic deficits, presenting only the initial mild right central facial paresis. The result of immunohistochemistry examination was cerebral metastases of neuroendocrine tumor. The patient was directed to the Institute of Oncology Fundeni for further investigations and therapeutically management. In conclusion, even if these are rare tumors which rarely metastasize in the brain, the neurosurgeons should take in consideration this pathology when they examine a patient with multiple cerebral lesions with unknown location of primary tumor.
Une version québécoise du Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2)—Outil d'évaluation des commotions cérébrales dans le sport 2 : Québec (SCAT2-Qc)
Authors: Pearson Isabelle , Boyd Jami , Boyer-Rémillard Marie-Eve , Pilon-Piquette Michael , McKinley Patricia
Published: June 2013

RÉSUMÉ

Objectif : traduire le Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 2 (SCAT2) dans la langue française parlée au Québec et en vérifier l'acceptabilité pour la population québécoise francophone. Méthodologie : le processus de traduction de la version originale du SCAT2 a fait appel à une variante de la méthode de traduction et d'adaptation d'outils proposée par l'Organisation mondiale de la santé. Une traduction parallèle a d'abord été réalisée. Ensuite, un comité a révisé cette traduction parallèle dans le but de produire une version préliminaire du SCAT2-Qc. Puis, on a procédé à une rétrotraduction parallèle, que l'on a comparée à la version originale. La version préliminaire a été modifiée. Pour parvenir à la version finale, on a intégré les suggestions et les commentaires formulés par deux sujets sains lors de l'essai de l'outil, et lors de la comparaison du SCAT2-Qc à la version française existante par trois réviseurs du domaine de la santé. On a ensuite testé la version finale du SCAT2-Qc auprès de douze sujets sains pour en vérifier l'acceptabilité. Résultats : les douze sujets sains n'ont eu aucun problème de compréhension en utilisant le SCAT2-Qc. Conclusion : les différentes étapes de traduction ont permis de créer le SCAT2-Qc. Son contenu ayant été validé, il peut à présent être utilisé dans le milieu sportif et scientifique québécois.
The impact of smoking on neurosurgical outcomes
Authors: Lau Darryl , Berger Mitchel S. , Khullar Dhruv , Maa John
Published: June 2013

Cigarette smoking is a common health risk behavior among the general adult population, and is the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the US. The surgical literature shows that active tobacco smoking is a major risk factor for perioperative morbidity and complications, and that preoperative smoking cessation is an effective measure to lower these risks associated with active smoking. However, few studies have examined the effects of smoking and perioperative complications following neurosurgical procedures. The goal of this review was to highlight the scientific data that do exist regarding the impact of smoking on neurosurgical outcomes, to promote awareness of the need for further work in the specific neurosurgical context, and to suggest ways that neurosurgeons can promote smoking cessation in their patients and lead efforts nationally to emphasize the importance of preoperative smoking cessation. This review indicates that there is limited but good evidence that smoking is associated with higher rates of perioperative complications following neurosurgical intervention. Specific research is needed to understand the effects of smoking and perioperative complications. Neurosurgeons should encourage preoperative smoking cessation as part of their clinical practice to mitigate perioperative morbidity associated with active smoking.
Outcome of Standardized Case Management of Under-5 Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition in Three Hospitals of Dhaka City in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Ashraf Uddin , Ahmed Taslim Uddin , Uddin Md Sultan , Chowdhury Md Haider Ali , Rahman Mohamnmed Hamidur , Hossain Md Iqbal
Published: June 2013

Objects: A hospital based descriptive study was carried out among under-5 children suffering from severe protein-energy-malnutrition (PEM) Methodology: This was a descriptive analytical study conducted during June 2002 to May 2003 in three purposively selected hospitals of Dhaka city, Bangladesh. Results: Mean±SD age of the children was 15.1±10.9 months, majority being under three years (91.5%), 47.2% were female, and 51% did not receive or complete immunization according to their age. No significant age and sex difference was found among the admitted children in different hospitals. Most of their parents were illiterate (mothers 71%, fathers 56%) with low family income and social status. Marasmus cases were 61%, followed by kwashiorkor 25% and marasmic kwashiorkor 14%. The children were managed broadly according to standard protocol based on the guideline of World Health Organization but adopted/modified by the individual hospitals. Overall outcome of the patients were: recovery 62.4%, default 21.4%, death 13.7% and transfer 2.6%. Mean duration of hospital stay was 14.2±9.9 (ranging from 0 to 59) days. Recovery rate was better among male (67.3%) than female (56.8%) children, p=0.033. Default rate was higher among female (27.3%) than male (16.1%) children, p=0.007. Case fatality rate was highest (40%, p=0.001) in children suffering from septicaemia. Conclusion: Evidences of faulty case management practices viz. over use of intravenous fluids and blood transfusion, inappropriate diets, less use of micronutrients, incorrect antibiotics were observed occasionally in all the three hospitals. Updated and comprehensive treatment guidelines need to be implemented, and every hospital should review its own clinical management procedures and performance with a view to improving practice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i1.15345 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (1) : 5-13
Neonatal Sepsis in A Tertiary Care Hospital: Evaluation of Causative Agents and Antimicrobial Susceptibilities
Authors: Nahar Begum Sharifun , Afroza Syeda , Roy Sunirmol , Nahar Nurun , Kundu Tarok Nath
Published: June 2013

Background: Neonatal sepsis is an important issue with a high morbidity and mortality rate in spite of new advances in antibiotic therapy. Identifying the causative agents and their antibiotic sensitivity in a neonatal care unit (NCU) helps the physician to choose the most appropriate antibiotic therapy. Objectives: This study was aimed to find out the etiological agent and antibiotic susceptibilities in newborn with culture positive sepsis. Methodology: This was a cross sectional study carried out in the neonatal care unit (NCU) of Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital (SSMC) from June 2010 to May 2011. Seventy five neonates both preterm and term with culture proven sepsis were analyzed from admitted sick newborn to find out their etiology and antimicrobial sensitivity pattern. Blood culture was done in the department of Microbiology of the same medical college hospital. Results: In this study, out of 75 cases, early onset sepsis was observed in 55(73.33%) cases. Whereas late onset sepsis was in 20(26.66%) cases. Gram negative organisms were isolated in 59 (78%) of 75 cases. Pseudomonas aeroginosa 27 (46.55%), E Coli 15(25.86%) and Serratia 8 (13.79%) were the common microbes. Coagulase negative staphylococcus (CONS) was 10 (62%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus 6 (38%) were the major Gram positive isolates. Gram negative isolates were sensitive to Imipenem, Ceftazidime and Ciprofloxacin whereas 80 % gram positive isolates were sensitive to Amikacin. Conclusion : It was observed from this study that gram negative organisms like pseudomonas aeroginosa and E.coli were the common organisms for neonatal sepsis in hospitalized neonates and imipenem was the most sensitive drug against gram - ve septicaemia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i1.15346 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (1) : 14-17
Idiopathic Congenital Lymphedema - A Case Report
Authors: Baki Md Abdul , Begum Suraiya , Haque Afroza , Begum Tahmina , Zabeen Bedowra , Nahar Nazmun
Published: June 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i1.15352 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (1) : 49-51
Abstracts from Current Literature Vol.37(1)
Authors: Editor The
Published: June 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v37i1.15354 BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2013; VOL 37 (1) : 74-75
Towards a Post-radical Front National? Patterns of Ideological Change and dédiabolisation on the French Radical Right
Authors: Almeida Dimitri
Published: June 2013

Academic analyses of the French radical right tend to converge in their assessment that, since Marine Le Pen took over the campaign management of the 2007 presidential election and succeeded her father as party president, the Front National has undergone a path of image change and ideological deradicalization or, at least, that most radical and polemic stances have been toned down. Demonstrating that ideological change must be understood as a complex and multiform process, this article examines whether the dédiabolisation preached by Marine Le Pen has led to the emergence of a post-radical Front National. The analysis is based on a qualitative content analysis of campaign speeches and programmatic documents produced between 2007 and June 2012. The results reveal that, rather than an all-encompassing deradicalization, the FN has undergone a process of selective moderation, issue reframing and integration of republican lieux de mémoire accompanied by a radicalization of its programmatic responses to European integration.
S'adresser aux électeurs face caméra dans la campagne officielle: figure imposée ou programme libre pour les candidats?
Authors: Borrell Alexandre
Published: June 2013

Résumé

Dans les années 1950–1960, la télévision française permet à l'exécutif de s'adresser aux téléspectateurs en s'exprimant face à la caméra. Le procédé est largement mis à profit à partir de 1965 par les candidats à l’élection présidentielle dans le temps d'antenne qui leur est octroyé. L'analyse des composantes visuelles et sonores de ce dispositif énonciatif permet de mettre en évidence sa place prépondérante dans la campagne officielle de 2012. L’étude de ses contournements et altérations, des entretiens avec certains des concepteurs des spots, et la comparaison avec les rares autres occurrences rencontrées donnent à comprendre, par contraste, leurs similitudes et leur raison d’être. Simple à réaliser, le face caméra s'impose parce qu'il permet de promouvoir et différencier candidats et programmes, et de s'adresser directement aux électeurs. Mais la plus value persuasive qu'on lui prête est à double tranchant: le coût d'adoption du regard caméra et du prompteur est élevé, son utilisation parfois contre-productive.
Taking homophobia’s measure
Authors: Rasmussen Mary Lou
Published: June 2013

My focus in this article is on the topic of homophobia and its place in the sexuality education classroom in Australia and the United States (US). This paper draws on research in anthropology law and, on studies of gender and sexuality in an attempt to complicate predominantly psychological understandings of homophobia that may underscore the popular use of scales to measure homophobic attitudes in pre-service and in-service teachers. These interdisciplinary approaches to homophobia provide the basis for a critical reading of some contemporary pedagogical approaches to anti-homophobia education in diverse education contexts.
Where's Wally: the influence of visual salience on referring expression generation
Authors: Clarke Alasdair D. F. , Elsner Micha , Rohde Hannah
Published: June 2013

Referring expression generation (REG) presents the converse problem to visual search: given a scene and a specified target, how does one generate a description which would allow somebody else to quickly and accurately locate the target?Previous work in psycholinguistics and natural language processing has failed to find an important and integrated role for vision in this task. That previous work, which relies largely on simple scenes, tends to treat vision as a pre-process for extracting feature categories that are relevant to disambiguation. However, the visual search literature suggests that some descriptions are better than others at enabling listeners to search efficiently within complex stimuli. This paper presents a study testing whether participants are sensitive to visual features that allow them to compose such “good” descriptions. Our results show that visual properties (salience, clutter, area, and distance) influence REG for targets embedded in images from the Where's Wally? books. Referring expressions for large targets are shorter than those for smaller targets, and expressions about targets in highly cluttered scenes use more words. We also find that participants are more likely to mention non-target landmarks that are large, salient, and in close proximity to the target. These findings identify a key role for visual salience in language production decisions and highlight the importance of scene complexity for REG.
Integration of Photovoltaics in Buildings—Support Policies Addressing Technical and Formal Aspects
Authors: Schuetze Thorsten
Published: June 2013

The integration of photovoltaic (PV) generators in the envelope of a building by means of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) offers an immense potential, both in market development and the production of renewable electric energy that is close to the point of electricity consumption. In Germany, for example, by integrating photovoltaics in buildings up to 50% of the electricity demand can be covered. The political support of BIPV would contribute to the development and installation of BIPV components and therefore also promote the development of new business areas for industries dealing with components used in building envelopes and photovoltaic generators. BIPV can be separated into three different integration types: “technical”, “formal” and “technical & formal”. Political instruments for the support of PV-installations, particularly BIPV are discussed in this paper using Germany and France as examples. Due to successful financial support policies, PV became the most powerful electricity production technology in Germany. In France, the unique financial support of BIPV is resulting in an exemplary development and growth of certified BIPV components available on the market and, from a technical, aesthetic architectural and legal certainty point of view, facilitating the easy and widespread integration of photovoltaic generators in buildings.
A Counter-Current Heat-Exchange Reactor for the Thermal Stimulation of Hydrate-Bearing Sediments
Authors: Schicks Judith , Spangenberg Erik , Giese Ronny , Luzi-Helbing Manja , Priegnitz Mike , Beeskow-Strauch Bettina
Published: June 2013

Since huge amounts of CH4 are bound in natural gas hydrates occurring at active and passive continental margins and in permafrost regions, the production of natural gas from hydrate-bearing sediments has become of more and more interest. Three different methods to destabilize hydrates and release the CH4 gas are discussed in principle: thermal stimulation, depressurization and chemical stimulation. This study focusses on the thermal stimulation using a counter-current heat-exchange reactor for the in situ combustion of CH4. The principle of in situ combustion as a method for thermal stimulation of hydrate bearing sediments has been introduced and discussed earlier [1,2]. In this study we present the first results of several tests performed in a pilot plant scale using a counter-current heat-exchange reactor. The heat of the flameless, catalytic oxidation of CH4 was used for the decomposition of hydrates in sand within a LArge Reservoir Simulator (LARS). Different catalysts were tested, varying from diverse elements of the platinum group to a universal metal catalyst. The results show differences regarding the conversion rate of CH4 to CO2. The promising results of the latest reactor test, for which LARS was filled with sand and ca. 80% of the pore space was saturated with CH4 hydrate, are also presented in this study. The data analysis showed that about 15% of the CH4 gas released from hydrates would have to be used for the successful dissociation of all hydrates in the sediment using thermal stimulation via in situ combustion.
HIV-Infected Adolescent, Young Adult and Pregnant Smokers: Important Targets for Effective Tobacco Control Programs
Authors: Escota Gerome , Önen Nur
Published: June 2013

Tobacco use is inextricably linked to a number of health risks both in the general and HIV-infected populations. There is, however, a dearth of research on effective tobacco control programs among people living with HIV, and especially among adolescents, young adults and pregnant women, groups with heightened or increased vulnerability secondary to tobacco use. Adolescents and young adults constitute a growing population of persons living with HIV infection. Early and continued tobacco use in this population living with a disease characterized by premature onset multimorbidity and chronic inflammation is of concern. Additionally, there is an increased acuity for tobacco control among HIV-infected pregnant women to reduce pregnancy morbidity and improve fetal outcome. This review will provide an important summary of current knowledge of tobacco use among HIV-infected adolescents, young adults and pregnant women. The effects of tobacco use in these specific populations will be presented and the current state of tobacco control within these populations, assessed.
Role of Prokineticin Receptor-1 in Epicardial Progenitor Cells
Authors: Nguyen Thu , Gasser Adelin , Nebigil Canan
Published: June 2013

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form a large class of seven transmembrane (TM) domain receptors. The use of endogenous GPCR ligands to activate the stem cell maintenance or to direct cell differentiation would overcome many of the problems currently encountered in the use of stem cells, such as rapid in vitro differentiation and expansion or rejection in clinical applications. This review focuses on the definition of a new GPCR signaling pathway activated by peptide hormones, called “prokineticins”, in epicardium-derived cells (EPDCs). Signaling via prokineticin-2 and its receptor, PKR1, is required for cardiomyocyte survival during hypoxic stress. The binding of prokineticin-2 to PKR1 induces proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in endothelial cells. The expression of prokineticin and PKR1 increases during cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction. Gain of function of PKR1 in the adult mouse heart revealed that cardiomyocyte-PKR1 signaling activates EPDCs in a paracrine fashion, thereby promoting de novo vasculogenesis. Transient PKR1 gene therapy after myocardial infarction in mice decreases mortality and improves heart function by promoting neovascularization, protecting cardiomyocytes and mobilizing WT1+ cells. Furthermore, PKR1 signaling promotes adult EPDC proliferation and differentiation to adopt endothelial and smooth muscle cell fate, for the induction of de novo vasculogenesis. PKR1 is expressed in the proepicardium and epicardial cells derived from mice kidneys. Loss of PKR1 causes deficits in EPDCs in the neonatal mice hearts and kidneys and impairs vascularization and heart and kidney function. Taken together, these data indicate a novel role for PKR1 in heart-kidney complex via EPDCs.
Enhancement of the Mechanical Properties of Basalt Fiber-Wood-Plastic Composites via Maleic Anhydride Grafted High-Density Polyethylene (MAPE) Addition
Authors: Chen Jinxiang , Wang Yong , Gu Chenglong , Liu Jianxun , Liu Yufu , Li Min , Lu Yun
Published: June 2013

This study investigated the mechanisms, using microscopy and strength testing approaches, by which the addition of maleic anhydride grafted high-density polyethylene (MAPE) enhances the mechanical properties of basalt fiber-wood-plastic composites (BF-WPCs). The maximum values of the specific tensile and flexural strengths are achieved at a MAPE content of 5%–8%. The elongation increases rapidly at first and then continues slowly. The nearly complete integration of the wood fiber with the high-density polyethylene upon MAPE addition to WPC is examined, and two models of interfacial behavior are proposed. We examined the physical significance of both interfacial models and their ability to accurately describe the effects of MAPE addition. The mechanism of formation of the Model I interface and the integrated matrix is outlined based on the chemical reactions that may occur between the various components as a result of hydrogen bond formation or based on the principle of compatibility, resulting from similar polarity. The Model I fracture occurred on the outer surface of the interfacial layer, visually demonstrating the compatibilization effect of MAPE addition.
Mechanism of Generation of ZnO Microstructures by Microwave-Assisted Hydrothermal Approach
Authors: Majithia Ravish , Speich Jeffrey , Meissner Kenith
Published: June 2013

In this report, a technique for rapid synthesis of ZnO microstructures by microwave-assisted heating of precursors at hydrothermal conditions is demonstrated. Further, the reaction mechanism for the growth of ZnO microstructures is analyzed. An accelerated rate of reaction obtained using microwaves enables a dissolution-recrystallization mechanism for generation of one dimensional (1D) rod-like structures, thereby showing that time of reaction can be used to dictate ZnO microstructure morphology.
Study of the Microstructure Evolution of Low-pH Cements Based on Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) by Mid- and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, and Their Influence on Corrosion of Steel Reinforcement
Authors: García Calvo José , Sánchez Moreno Mercedes , Alonso Alonso María , Hidalgo López Ana , García Olmo Juan
Published: June 2013

Low-pH cements are designed to be used in underground repositories for high level waste. When they are based on Ordinary Portland Cements (OPC), high mineral admixture contents must be used which significantly modify their microstructure properties and performance. This paper evaluates the microstructure evolution of low-pH cement pastes based on OPC plus silica fume and/or fly ashes, using Mid-Infrared and Near-Infrared spectroscopy to detect cement pastes mainly composed of high polymerized C-A-S-H gels with low C/S ratios. In addition, the lower pore solution pH of these special cementitious materials have been monitored with embedded metallic sensors. Besides, as the use of reinforced concrete can be required in underground repositories, the influence of low-pH cementitious materials on steel reinforcement corrosion was analysed. Due to their lower pore solution pH and their different pore solution chemical composition a clear influence on steel reinforcement corrosion was detected.
Disperse Dyes Based on Aminothiophenes: Their Dyeing Applications on Polyester Fabrics and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Al-Mousawi Saleh , El-Apasery Morsy , Mahmoud Huda
Published: June 2013

A series of monoazo disperse dyes derived from arylazothienopyridazines were synthesized. Fastness properties of dyed polyester samples were measured. Most of the dyed fabrics tested displayed excellent washing and perspiration fastness and moderate light fastness. Finally, the biological activity of the synthesized dyes against Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria and yeast were evaluated.
New Resveratrol Oligomer Derivatives from the Roots of Rheum lhasaense
Authors: Liu Wen-Bo , Hu Lin , Hu Qun , Chen Na-Na , Yang Qing-Song , Wang Fang-Fang
Published: June 2013

Two new resveratrol trimer derivatives, named rheumlhasol A (1) and rheumlhasol B (2) were isolated from the methanolic extract of roots of Rheum lhasaense A. J. Li et P. K. Hsiao together with four known resveratrol dimer derivatives, including maximol A (3), gnetin C (4), e-viniferin (5), and pallidol (6). The structures were determined by combined spectroscopic methods and by comparison of their spectral data with those reported in the literature. All the compounds isolated from R. lhasaense were tested for their ability to scavenge1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical.
Novel Antimicrobial Peptide Dendrimers with Amphiphilic Surface and Their Interactions with Phospholipids — Insights from Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Polcyn Piotr , Zielinska Paulina , Zimnicka Magdalena , Troć Anna , Kalicki Przemysław , Solecka Jolanta , Laskowska Anna , Urbanczyk-Lipkowska Zofia
Published: June 2013

A series of new peptide dendrimers with amphiphilic surface, designed around a dendronized ornithine (Orn) core were synthesized and characterized by ESI-MS, 1H-, 13C- NMR, and CD spectrometry. An improved antimicrobial potency against S. aureus and E. coli was detected as a result of an increased charge, higher branching and variable lipophilicity of the residues located at the C-terminus. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values indicated that the selected dendrimers were not sensitive to the physiological concentration of Na+ and K+ ions (100 mM), but expressed reduced potency at 10 mM concentration of Mg2+ and Ca2+ ions. Circular dichroism (CD) curves measured under various conditions revealed structure and solvent-dependent curve evolution. ESI-MS studies of gas-phase interactions between selected dendrimers and both anionic (DMPG) and neutral (DMPC) phospholipids revealed the presence of variously charged dendrimer/phospholipid aggregates with 1:1 to 1:5 stoichiometry. The collision-induced fragmentation (CID) of the most abundant [dendrimer/phospholipid]2+ ions of the 1:1 stoichiometry demonstrated that the studied dendrimers formed stronger complexes with anionic DMPG. Both phospholipids have higher affinity towards dendrimers with a more compact structure. Higher differences in CID energy necessary for dissociation of 50% of the complex formed by dendrimers with DMPG vs. DMPC (DCID50) correlate with a lower hemotoxicity. Mass spectrometry results suggest that for a particular group of compounds the DCID50 might be one of the important factors explaining selectivity of antimicrobial peptides and their branched analogs targeting the bacterial membrane. Both circular dichroism and mass spectrometry studies demonstrated that dendrimers of Nα- and Nε-series possess a different conformation in solution and different affinity to model phospholipids, what might influence their specific microbicidal mechanism.
The Role of Vitamin D in Hematologic Disease and Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Hall Aric , Juckett Mark
Published: June 2013

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone with a broad range of biological effects ranging from the classical role as a mediator of calcium and phosphate balance to cellular differentiation and immune modulation. These effects impact normal and dysfunctional hematopoietic and immune function, which may allow an avenue for improved treatment and support of patients suffering from hematologic disorders. In this review, we will summarize the role of vitamin D in normal hematopoiesis, discuss ways in which vitamin D may improve outcomes, and discuss a potential role of vitamin D for treating hematologic disorders and modulating the immune system to improve the outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplant.
The Potential Role of Nanotechnology in Therapeutic Approaches for Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Johnson Rebecca , Sabnis Nirupama , McConathy Walter , Lacko Andras
Published: June 2013

Triple Negative Breast Cancer, TNBC, a highly aggressive and metastatic type of breast cancer, is characterized by loss of expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and a lack of overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). It is a heterogeneous group of tumors with diverse histology, molecular uniqueness and response to treatment. Unfortunately, TNBC patients do not benefit from current anti-HER2 or hormone positive targeted breast cancer treatments; consequently, these patients rely primarily on chemotherapy. However, the 5-year survival rate for woman with metastatic TNBC is less than 30%. As a result of ineffective treatments, TNBC tumors often progress to metastatic lesions in the brain and lung. Brain metastases of invasive breast cancer are associated with 1 and 2 year survival rate of 20% and <2% respectively. Because the only current systemic treatment for TNBC is chemotherapy, alternative targeted therapies are urgently needed to improve the prognosis for TNBC patients. This review is focused on opportunities for developing new approaches for filling the current void in an effective treatment for TNBC patients.
Solid-State Organization and Ambipolar Field-Effect Transistors of Benzothiadiazole-Cyclopentadithiophene Copolymer with Long Branched Alkyl Side Chains
Authors: Pisula Wojciech , Tsao Hoi , Dudenko Dmytro , Cho Don , Puniredd Sreenivasa , Zhao Yanfei , Mavrinskiy Alexey , Shu Jie , Hansen Michael , Baumgarten Martin , Müllen Klaus
Published: June 2013

The solid-state organization of a benzothiadiazole-cyclopentadithiophene copolymer with long, branched decyl-tetradecyl side chains (CDT-BTZ-C14,10) is investigated. The C14,10 substituents are sterically demanding and increase the π-stacking distance to 0.40 nm from 0.37 nm for the same polymer with linear hexadecyls (C16). Despite the bulkiness, the C14,10 side chains tend to crystallize, leading to a small chain-to-chain distance between lamellae stacks and to a crystal-like microstructure in the thin film. Interestingly, field-effect transistors based on solution processed layers of CDT-BTZ-C14,10 show ambipolar behavior in contrast to CDT-BTZ-C16 with linear side chains, for which hole transport was previously observed. Due to the increased π-stacking distance, the mobilities are only 6 × 10−4 cm²/Vs for electrons and 6 × 10−5 cm²/Vs for holes, while CDT-BTZ-C16 leads to values up to 5.5 cm²/Vs. The ambipolarity is attributed to a lateral shift between stacked backbones provoked by the bulky C14,10 side chains. This reorganization is supposed to change the transfer integrals between the C16 and C14,10 substituted polymers. This work shows that the electronic behavior in devices of one single conjugated polymer (in this case CDT-BTZ) can be controlled by the right choice of the substituents to place the backbones in the desired packing.
Power Measurement Methods for Energy Efficient Applications
Authors: Calandrini Guilherme , Gardel Alfredo , Bravo Ignacio , Revenga Pedro , Lázaro José , Toledo-Moreo F.
Published: June 2013

Energy consumption constraints on computing systems are more important than ever. Maintenance costs for high performance systems are limiting the applicability of processing devices with large dissipation power. New solutions are needed to increase both the computation capability and the power efficiency. Moreover, energy efficient applications should balance performance vs. consumption. Therefore power data of components are important. This work presents the most remarkable alternatives to measure the power consumption of different types of computing systems, describing the advantages and limitations of available power measurement systems. Finally, a methodology is proposed to select the right power consumption measurement system taking into account precision of the measure, scalability and controllability of the acquisition system.
Enhanced Electronic Properties of Pt@Ag Heterostructured Nanoparticles
Authors: Dao Anh , Mott Derrick , Higashimine Koichi , Maenosono Shinya
Published: June 2013

Platinum coated by silver nanoparticles was synthesized, which displays a unique structure where polycrystalline platinum particles are completely encapsulated in continuous monocrystalline silver shells. These particles display accentuated electronic properties, where the silver shells gain electron density from the platinum cores, imparting enhanced properties such as oxidation resistance. This electron transfer phenomenon is highly interfacial in nature, and the degree of electron transfer decreases as the thickness of silver shell increases. The nanoparticle structure and electronic properties are studied and the implication to creating sensing probes with enhanced robustness, sensitivity and controllable plasmonic properties is discussed.
Heparin-Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-like Growth Factor/Diphtheria Toxin Receptor in Normal and Neoplastic Hematopoiesis
Authors: Vinante Fabrizio , Rigo Antonella
Published: June 2013

Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) belongs to the EGF family of growth factors. It is biologically active either as a molecule anchored to the membrane or as a soluble form released by proteolytic cleavage of the extracellular domain. HB-EGF is involved in relevant physiological and pathological processes spanning from proliferation and apoptosis to morphogenesis. We outline here the main activities of HB-EGF in connection with normal or neoplastic differentiative or proliferative events taking place primitively in the hematopoietic microenvironment.
Exploration of an epoxidation–ring-opening strategy for the synthesis of lyconadin A and discovery of an unexpected Payne rearrangement
Authors: Loertscher Brad M , Zhang Yu , Castle Steven L
Published: June 2013

In the context of synthetic efforts targeting the alkaloid lyconadin A, scalemic epoxide 25 was prepared by a highly stereoselective sequence involving a Myers alkylation and a Shi epoxidation. Ring-opening of this epoxide with a vinylcopper complex afforded alcohol 26 instead of the expected product 27. An unusual Lewis acid promoted Payne rearrangement of an α-trityloxy epoxide is proposed to account for this outcome.
Le coparentage : composants, implications et thérapie
Authors: Favez Nicolas , Frascarolo-Moutinot France
Published: June 2013

Le coparentage est défini comme le soutien instrumental et émotionnel que la mère et le père s’apportent mutuellement dans leurs rôles de parent. Les recherches et la pratique clinique montrent depuis plusieurs années qu’un coparentage coopératif est une variable-clé pour le bien-être de la famille et le développement de l’enfant. Dans cet article, nous commençons par présenter les modèles théoriques actuels qui spécifient les composants du coparentage et ce que la recherche nous a appris sur les conséquences pour l’enfant de la compétition et du désaccord entre parents dans ce domaine. Nous exposons ensuite les variables qui influencent la qualité du coparentage, comme par exemple, la satisfaction conjugale ou le tempérament de l’enfant. Nous présentons pour terminer les thérapies du coparentage, qui visent notamment à optimiser la collaboration entre parents, que cela soit dans les situations de divorce ou de difficultés conjugales et familiales.
Allaitement maternel : liberté individuelle sous influences
Authors: Capponi Irène , Roland Françoise
Published: June 2013

La disparité européenne en matière d’allaitement maternel place la France dans une situation singulière aux vues de son faible taux et de la précocité du sevrage. Partant d’éléments identifiés comme facteurs de décision, c’est à travers aussi bien des travaux d’historiens, de sociologues et de psychologues que nous nous proposons de dégager une catégorisation intégrative en quatre facteurs d’influence. Ce travail fournit des éléments de réponse à des questions qui mettent en cause le degré de responsabilité individuelle et de liberté de choix des femmes.
La tristesse en présence de Dieu : de l'acédie à la mélancolie
Authors: Despland Jean-Nicolas
Published: June 2013

Dans l’histoire de la mélancolie, l’acédie occupe une place particulière. Définie de manière approfondie par Evagre le Pontique au V  e siècle, elle va faire partie des sept péchés capitaux de l’Eglise catholique. Assimilée à la tristesse, puis à la paresse, l’acédie va fortement contribuer à donner de la mélancolie une image extrêmement négative, dont la dépression porte encore les stigmates. Cependant, ni le destin de la maladie, de la théorie des humeurs ou de celle des tempéraments ne suffisent à empêcher que se manifeste toujours un lien entre mélancolie et imagination, entre mélancolie et génie. L’acédie existe-elle toujours ? La question reste ouverte.
Perte, chagrin et pardon dans la dépression : une approche psychodynamique
Authors: Küchenhoff Joachim
Published: June 2013

En s’appuyant sur des tableaux marquants de l’histoire de la peinture, l’auteur discute quelques aspects caractéristiques du vécu dépressif, abordé dans une perspective phénoménologique et psychanalytique. Les enjeux liés à la représentation du manque et de la perte sont soulignés, notamment la difficulté de devoir prendre congé de l’objet perdu. L’inscription de ce mouvement dans une relation triangulaire qui inclut les objets maternels et paternels est requise. Accompagner ce travail de séparation dans le transfert nécessite de mettre en mots et de reconnaître les nœuds traumatiques de l’histoire du sujet.
Devenir parent. Le rôle du psychothérapeute
Authors: Nanzer Nathalie
Published: June 2013

La psychothérapie psychanalytique s’est peu penchée sur le processus bien particulier de l’accès à la parentalité. Quels bouleversements physiques et psychologiques viennent menacer l’équilibre interne, souvent difficilement acquis après le passage par la puberté et le début de la vie adulte ? Des préoccupations œdipiennes et prégénitales qui semblaient définitivement résolues resurgissent, ramenant au devant de la scène des vécus infantiles qui peuvent alors être revisités et perlaborés d’une manière différente, non seulement du point de vue du patient « enfant de ses parents », mais aussi du patient « parent de son enfant ». A l’aide de vignettes cliniques, nous aborderons quelques aspects importants du processus de parentalité et de ses aléas, en tentant de montrer comment le psychothérapeute peut aider ces « devenant parents » dès la grossesse, puis dans le postpartum. Nous décrirons également le concept des thérapies centrées sur la parentalité qui, de par l’importante mobilité psychique particulière à la période périnatale, représentent une réelle opportunité pour le psychothérapeute d’accéder de manière privilégiée à la vie fantasmatique des patients.
Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery in Management of Phacomorphic Glaucoma
Authors: Kránitz Kinga , Takács Ágnes Ildikó , Gyenes Andrea , Filkorn Tamás , Gergely Róbert , Kovács Illés , Nagy Zoltán Zsolt
Published: June 2013

PURPOSE:

To report the use of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery in management of phacomorphic glaucoma.

METHODS:

An 89-year-old patient developed acute phacomorphic glaucoma in her right eye with elevated intraocular pressure (62 mm Hg), shallow anterior chamber, and mature cataract. After conservative antiglaucoma therapy and Nd:YAG iridotomy, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery was performed. A Malyugin ring was implanted for mechanical pupil dilatation and a 4.8-mm capsulorrhexis and lens fragmentation was performed using a femtosecond laser system (Alcon LenSx Inc., Aliso Viejo, CA) followed by in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation.

RESULTS:

Intact 4.8-mm capsulorrhexis and successful lens fragmentation could be performed using femtosecond laser. After cataract surgery, the patient’s visual acuity increased from hand motions to 0.4 (Snellen 4/10) and the intraocular pressure returned to normal range without antiglaucoma drop therapy.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results indicate that femtosecond laser can be successfully used in certain cases of phacomorphic glaucoma, even if mechanical pupil dilatation is needed.

[
J Refract Surg.
2013;29(9):645–648.]
Poverty Reduction Strategies via Public-Private Partnerships
Authors: Jeeva Ananda S. , Wood Lincoln C.
Published: June 2013

Government procurement practices influence large volumes of spending in communities and further procurement can be influenced through legislative efforts. Through these mechanisms government bodies carry significant influence on the way in which procurement spend occurs and they have the ability to influence the direction that the procurement may take. Carefully constructed parameters in public-private partnerships (PPP) can shift the focus of procurement activities towards engaging with the local businesses and communities. This represents an approach for government bodies to increase supplier diversity so that, in alignment with UN Millennium goals of poverty reduction, local suppliers can be provided with business opportunities and methods to reduce poverty. A two-focus approach is adopted; first, government drivers and policies are examined in the context of social engagement. Second, the roles and challenges faced by small firms in the local communities are highlighted. This demonstrates the way in which e-government procurement systems play a pivotal role in supporting local sourcing initiatives.
Electronic Procurement (E-Procurement) Implementation in Municipalities
Authors: Hashim Rugayah , Mazuki Mohd Anuar
Published: June 2013

Local authorities or municipalities have different organizational structure and goals and as such implementing a customized information systems project requires a separate evaluation that would fit their needs. In the case of an electronic procurement (e-procurement) system, the implementation of this project at the central government level is not without challenges. Similarly, at the local government level, issues prevailed. Thus, this chapter highlights the issues encountered by twelve local authorities in the state of Selangor, Malaysia. The issues are broken down into four themes, namely, political, economic, social, and technological. It is important to note that local authorities fall within the jurisdiction of the state government; thus, more issues are abound particularly with regards to political interference. Nonetheless, the ultimate goal of having an online public procurement system is a win-win situation for both the local authority concerned and the vendors or suppliers. Hence, identifying the issues and learning from them will limit project failures or extended scheduling. Inherently, the implications of lessons learned from others who have implemented an online public procurement system will provide valuable guidelines for other lagging municipalities, yet at the same time, the late implementers will benefit more as they are able to avoid the pitfalls made by their counterparts that embarked earlier. In fact, the late-comers tend to achieve better success rate and report a significant return of investment.
Data Intensive Enterprise Applications
Authors: Izsak Peter , Shribman Aidan
Published: June 2013

Today almost all big enterprises act globally, which results in a growing need for a new kind of data analytics. Imagine a company where data from distribution and sales needs to be combined with increasing online sales on multiple platforms and marketing across new social media channels. Here, new real-time analytics using Cloud Computing concepts can open new perspectives. SAP has had a strong presence in the Business Intelligence (BI) market. The company pioneered concepts to collect, combine, and analyze company wide information. As a result, SAP customers enjoy BI capabilities that are strongly integrated with their SAP operational systems (e.g., ERP, CRM). In recent years, companies have leveraged Cloud Computing as a means for lowering the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of various types of business applications that are provided On-Demand. SAP already offers products such as SAP Business ByDesign, which is offered as a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) On-Demand product. Feature-rich Cloud storage solution such as VISION Cloud enables SAP to integrate new innovations to its On-Demand software portfolio. This chapter describes how VISION Cloud enriches SAP’s Instant Business Intelligence analytical On-Demand service.
Is Being Perceived as Sustainable a Means to Achieve a Differential Advantage?
Authors: Kapoor Avinash , Kulshrestha Chinmaya
Published: June 2013

Sustainability has been a concern of activists, organizations, and public officials for several decades. The chapter discusses an important issue: whether consumers purchase sustainable products because they perceive them to be higher in quality or because it makes them feel good. Finally, it submits that the sustained efforts of the organizations can fulfill a brand promise dedicated to enhancing the lives of citizens in the state, nation, and world!
Branding Strategies for Digital TV Channels
Authors: Pagani Margherita
Published: June 2013

This chapter analyses the impact of digitalization on TV marketing strategies focusing on the role of brand as a loyalty-based resource, available to digital television networks to create a sustainable competitive advantage. We analyze the cognitive process adopted by a viewer in the selection process of a TV channel and provide managerial implications for branding strategy and the tools that a television network and an iTV portal need to adopt to communicate values connected with their brand. The goal of this analysis is to offer insights on how a digital television network may create a channel experience leveraging on brand to increase viewers’ loyalty and competitive advantage.