bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrodynamics influence coral performance through simultaneous direct and indirect effects
Authors: Lenihan Hunter S. , Hench James L. , Holbrook Sally J. , Schmitt Russell J. , Potoski Matthew
Published: November 2014

Hydrodynamic conditions can influence the distribution and abundance of aquatic species in many ways, including directly through disturbance and resource delivery, and indirectly by altering environmental cues and species interactions. In coral reef ecosystems, corallivory is an important top‐down control of coral populations, while water motion can enhance coral performance via autotrophic and/or heterotrophic pathways. Using a large‐scale field assay in Mo‘orea, French Polynesia, we measured the extent to which the growth of a branching acroporid coral is influenced by hydrodynamics that deliver nutrients and food to corals but also impede corallivory. We explored two hydrodynamic properties that characterized our study system, mean current velocity and current velocity fluctuation (a measure of waves and turbulence). In treatments where predators were excluded, coral skeletal growth was positively related to mean current velocity, whereas no effect of velocity fluctuations was detected. In the presence of predators, growth was positively related to velocity fluctuations, but no relationship with mean velocity was detected. The major effect of velocity fluctuations was to reduce the attack rate of corallivores by lowering both their per capita bite rate and local density. Corals thus benefited directly from increased currents, probably through enhanced autotrophy and/or heterotrophy, and indirectly from velocity fluctuations through reduced corallivory. Our data indicate that for the coral and locale we examined, the indirect hydrodynamic effect on coral performance via reduction in corallivory was substantial, increasing daily growth rate by 4%. Hydrodynamic enhancement of acroporid coral growth via simultaneous direct and indirect effects can be important for the persistence of coral reefs as well as their recovery following disturbance.
Disability-Inclusive Employer Practices and Hiring of Individuals With Disabilities
Authors: Erickson William A. , Schrader Sarah von , Bruyère Susanne M. , VanLooy Sara A. , Matteson David S.
Published: November 2014

Purpose:To determine what disability-inclusive policies and practices employers have in place and examine the relationship between these practices and the actual recruitment and hiring of persons with disabilities.

Method:A survey 675 of human resources professionals who were members of the Society for Human Resource Management.

Results:After controlling for organizational characteristics, 9 of the 10 specific recruitment and hiring practices/policies examined in this study were found to significantly increase the likelihood of hiring individuals with disabilities.

Conclusions:The findings inform rehabilitation professionals who interface regularly with businesses regarding good practices for finding and hiring qualified candidates.
How Organizational Embeddedness and Affective Commitment Influence Job Crafting
Authors: Qi Jipeng , Li Jie , Zhang Qiusheng
Published: November 2014

The focus in existing job crafting research has been mainly on employees' perceptions about opportunities to craft their jobs. However, researchers have overlooked the role of emotional attachment to the organization. We examined how organizational embeddedness and affective commitment
influence job crafting. To test our model, we surveyed 220 employees working in a manufacturing company in China. The results indicated that organizational embeddedness and affective commitment were both positively related to job crafting. We also examined the moderating role of internal social
capital in these relationships. Implications and future research directions are discussed.
Determinants of the Proenvironmental Consumption Behavior of Chinese Rural Residents
Authors: Wang Dongxing , Tu Ming , Guo Jinyong
Published: November 2014

We examined the influence of Chinese traditional cultural, psychological, and sociological factors on the proenvironmental consumption behavior (PCB) of Chinese rural residents. The results show that Chinese traditional culture (man–nature orientation and collectivism), personal
attitudes (environmental cognition and environmental affect), and reference groups had a significant positive influence on proenvironmental consumption intention, which, in turn, increased PCB. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Gratitude and School Well-Being Among Chinese University Students: Interpersonal Relationships and Social Support As Mediators
Authors: Sun Peizhen , Jiang Hongyan , Chu Minyi , Qian Feifei
Published: November 2014

We investigated the relationship between gratitude and school well-being, and the mediating effect of interpersonal relationships and social support. Participants were 782 Chinese undergraduate students who completed measures of gratitude, interpersonal relationships, social support,
school satisfaction, positive affect, and negative affect in school. Results revealed that gratitude was positively associated with school well-being, and that both interpersonal relationships and social support acted as mediators of this relationship. The final model also showed a significant
sequential pathway from gratitude to interpersonal relationships, and then through social support to school well-being. Implications and limitations of the findings are discussed.
Validation of a Forced-Choice Emotional Intelligence Scale with Chinese Nurses
Authors: Wang Yefei , Xie Guangrong , Tang Jin , Liu Xinhua , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2014

We evaluated the reliability and validity of Wong's Emotional Intelligence Scale (WEIS) – a forced-choice emotional intelligence scale – with a sample of 271 Chinese nurses employed at 2 large hospitals in the Hunan Province of China. The results demonstrated that the WEIS
did not fit a 4-factor structure and the scale had acceptable reliability and convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity. Although our results in this study support the practical utility of the WEIS with Chinese nurses, our results suggest the need for further validation of the WEIS.
Effect of Situational Leadership and Employee Readiness Match on Organizational Citizenship Behavior in China
Authors: Luo Haibin , Liu Shanshi
Published: November 2014

We tested the effect of leader-follower matches of 182 supervisor and subordinate dyads on organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) in a Chinese context, based on situational leadership theory (SLT). Our aim was to expand the understanding of SLT application in an emerging market in
a culture different from Western countries. Results indicated that situational leadership and employee readiness matches had a positive effect on OCB. However, 1 match in which the leader had a coaching role and the employee required detailed directions, was a partial match and was not significantly
related to OCB. Theoretical and practical applications are discussed.
Continuance Intention of Facebook Check-In Service Users: An Integrated Model
Authors: Lin Tzu-Hong , Lu Hsi-Peng , Hsiao Kuo-Lun , Hsu Huei-Hsia
Published: November 2014

A Facebook check-in service that allows users to check in at various places and broadcast their location to peers has gained attention recently. However, little is known about why people continue to use the service. We built an integrated model applicable for use within the social network
context. We based this study on an expectation confirmation model (ECM) and related technology adoption literature, and examined data from a random survey of 205 users. The results indicated that the direct path between perceived usefulness and continuance intention and satisfaction was non-significant
but that perceived playfulness exerted a significant influence on satisfaction and continuance intention. In addition, users' satisfaction was influenced not only by confirmation but also by perceived playfulness. In contrast, privacy concerns did not seem to influence the direct path between
satisfaction and continuance intention. Usage frequency was an important indicator in determining user continuance intention. Overall, we found that an integrated model of the ECM had a better explanatory power of Facebook check-in service continuance compared to the ECM by itself.
Antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of mono- and bissalicylic acid derivatives
Authors: Djurendic Evgenija , Savic Marina , Jovanovic-Santa Suzana , Sakac Marija , Kojic Vesna , Szécsi Mihály , Okljesa Aleksandar , Posa Mihalj , Penov-Gasi Katarina
Published: November 2014

A simple synthesis of mono- and bis-salicylic acid derivatives 1-10 by the
transesterification of methyl salicylate (methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate) with
3-oxapentane-1,5-diol, 3,6- dioxaoctane-1,8-diol,
3,6,9-trioxaundecane-1,11-diol, propane-1,2-diol or 1-aminopropan- 2-ol in
alkaline conditions is reported. All compounds were tested in vitro on three
malignant cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, PC-3) and one non-tumor cell line
(MRC- 5). Strong cytotoxicity against prostate PC-3 cancer cells expressed
compounds 3, 4, 6, 9 and 10, all with the IC50 less than 10 ?mol/L, which
were 11-27 times higher than the cytotoxicity of antitumor drug doxorubicin.
All tested compounds were not toxic against the non-tumor MRC-5 cell line.
Antioxidant activity of the synthesized derivatives was also evaluated.
Compounds 2, 5 and 8 were better OH radical scavengers than commercial
antioxidants BHT and BHA. The synthesized compounds showed satisfactory
scavenger activity, which was studied by QSAR modeling. A good correlation
between the experimental variables IC50 DPPH and IC50 OH and MTI (molecular
topological indices) molecular descriptors and CAA (accessible Connolly
solvent surface area) for the new compounds 1, 3, and 5 was observed.
Prolonged Survival After Neurosurgical Resection of Lung Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Bergs Gvido Janis , Bricis Raimonds , Jakovlevs Arvids , Vanags Andrejs , Strumfa Ilze
Published: November 2014

Metastatic tumours in the brain occur more frequently than primary neoplasms. Despite the generally dismal prognosis, neurosurgical resection is indicated in certain patients and can yield prolonged survival. Here we describe an 82-year-old male with a history of neurosurgical resection of a single brain metastasis 6 years ago. Tumour immunophenotype disclosed lung adenocarcinoma with low proliferation fraction. However, the primary tumour remained occult then. At present, 3 new brain metastases were identified by computed tomography. Repeated resection was performed in 2 stages, resulting in removal of 2 metastases. Lung mass was now evident as well. The final diagnosis was lung adenocarcinoma with metachronous brain metastases, stage IV. In conclusion, prolonged survival, in this case 6 years, can be reached even in patients with metastatic cancer by successful selective application of neurosurgical treatment. The biological properties of the tumour including low proliferation also contributed to longer survival and demonstrated surgery as a successful treatment option.
Pyogenic granuloma of tongue: A rare case report
Authors: Sharma Sonam , Sharma Amita , Kumar Ashok , Kalhan Shivani , Kaur Jasmine
Published: November 2014

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a kind of inflammatory hyperplasia in response to chronic irritation. Here, we report a case of 64 year old male patient with PG on midline of the dorsum of the posterior third of the tongue. Its differential diagnosis, the importance of biopsy findings in establishing definitive diagnosis and about the new approaches for its treatment is discussed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.10619Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 84-86
Plasmablastic neoplasm in an HIV affected individual and a brief note on its differential diagnosis
Authors: Hegde Veda , Hallikeri Kaveri , Anehosur Venkatesh
Published: November 2014

HIV/AIDS predisposes an individual to a variety of malignancies. Lymphomas constitute a group of neoplasm of which are derived from the basic cells of lymphoid tissue, lymphocytes and histiocytes in any of their developmental stages. Thus these neoplasms are closely related and difficult to diagnose based on the histopathology alone. To highlight the importance of immuno-histochemistry in lesions as in the present case and the varied differential diagnosis that is useful to arrive at a diagnosis. We report a case of plasmablastic neoplasm in a young female whose HIV status became apparent only after the histopathologic diagnosis. Oral lesion was the only presenting feature. The lesion was a very aggressive lesion. Diverse differential diagnosis has been illustrated with their specific features which can be valuable to achieve a diagnosis of a particular lymphoma. Although, the histopathology reveals predominantly plasmablasts, it is still not possible to give an accurate diagnosis based on microscopy alone. Thus such lesions have to be differentiated with the help of immuno-histochemistry. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.10762  Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 77-80
Evaluation of thyroid dysfunction among type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Raghuwanshi Pranav Kumar , Rajput Devendra Pratap Singh , Ratre Bhupendra Kumar , Jain Roopesh , Patel Narmada , Jain Sudeep
Published: November 2014

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a very common endocrinal disorders and incidence of thyroid dysfunction also rising in India and world over. Thyroid hormones directly control insulin secretion and insulin clearance. Diabetes also may affect the thyroid function to variable extent first at the level of hypothalamic control of TSH release and second at peripheral tissue by converting T4 to T3. Aims and Objectives: The present study was carried out aiming to evaluate thyroid dysfunction among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Material and Methods: Study included total 80 subjects. Thyroid dysfunction was evaluated by investigating the subjects for Total tri-iodo-thyronine (T3), Total thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Plasma glucose was estimated by- GOD-POD method and Thyroid profile was estimated by- CLIA (chemiluminescence immunoassay) system. Statistical analysis was performed using software statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20, unpaired T test, Pearson’s correlation. Results: In type 2 diabetic patients the prevalence of hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism was found to be 4(10.00%) and 6(15.00%) respectively, while the prevalence of subclinical hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism was found to be 0(0.0%) and 1(2.5%) respectively. In non diabetic healthy subjects the prevalence of hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism was found to be 1(2.5%) and 3(7.5%) respectively while the prevalence of subclinical hyperthyroidism and hyperthyroidism was found to be 0(0.0%) and 0(0.0%) respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction was found to be higher in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects as compared to non-diabetic subjects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.10814Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 33-37
Fusion following lateral mass reconstruction in the cervical spine
Authors: Clarke Michelle J. , Zadnik Patricia L. , Groves Mari L. , Sciubba Daniel M. , Witham Timothy F. , Bydon Ali , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Wolinsky Jean-Paul
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

Recently, aggressive surgical techniques and a push toward en bloc resections of certain tumors have resulted in a need for creative spinal column reconstruction. Iatrogenic instability following these resections requires a thoughtful approach to adequately transfer load-bearing forces from the skull and upper cervical spine to the subaxial spine.

METHODS

The authors present a series of 7 cases in which lateral mass reconstruction with a cage or fibular strut graft was used to provide load-bearing support, including 1 case of bilateral cage placement.

RESULTS

The authors discuss the surgical nuances of en bloc resection of high cervical tumors and explain their technique for lateral mass cage placement. Additionally, they provide their rationale for the use of these constructs throughout the craniocervical junction and subaxial spine.

CONCLUSIONS

Lateral mass reconstruction provides a potential alternative or adjuvant method of restoring the load-bearing capabilities of the cervical spine.
High-resolution direct microstimulation mapping of spinal cord motor pathways during resection of an intramedullary tumor
Authors: Gandhi Ravi , Curtis Corinne M. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: November 2014

Despite the use of advanced microsurgical techniques, resection of intramedullary tumors may result in significant postoperative deficits because of the vicinity or invasion of important functional tracts. Intraoperative monitoring of somatosensory evoked potentials and transcranial electrical motor evoked potentials has been used previously to limit such complications. Electromyography offers an opportunity for the surgeon to map the eloquent tissue associated with the tumor using intraoperative motor fiber stimulation. Similar to the use of cortical simulation in the resection of supratentorial gliomas, this technique can potentially advance the safety of intramedullary spinal cord tumor resection. The authors describe the use of intraoperative motor fiber tract stimulation to map the corticospinal tracts associated with an intramedullary tumor. This technique led to protection of these tracts during resection of the tumor.
Volumetric brain analysis in neurosurgery: Part 2. Brain and CSF volumes discriminate neurocognitive outcomes in hydrocephalus
Authors: Mandell Jason G. , Kulkarni Abhaya V. , Warf Benjamin C. , Schiff Steven J.
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

The evaluation of hydrocephalus remains focused on ventricular size, yet the goal of treatment is to allow for healthy brain development. It is likely that brain volume is more related to cognitive development than is fluid volume in children with hydrocephalus. This study tests this hypothesis by comparing brain and fluid volumes with neurocognitive outcome in pediatric patients with hydrocephalus.

METHODS

Warf and colleagues previously acquired CT scans for pediatric patients in Uganda with myelomeningocele, measured frontal–occipital horn ratio (FOHR), and administered the modified Bayley Scales of Infant Development, third edition (BSID-III) to measure neurocognitive outcome that did not correlate with FOHR. In this present study, brain and fluid volumes were measured in 33 of these patients, 26 of whom required surgical treatment for hydrocephalus. Linear discrimination analysis (LDA) was used to test whether age-normalized brain and fluid volumes can discriminate neurocognitive outcome.

RESULTS

Hydrocephalic patients show normal to small brain volumes and substantially larger fluid volumes compared with normal values. FOHR correlates highly with fluid volume (r = 0.84, p < 0.001) and substantially less with brain volume (r = −0.37, p = 0.03), while brain and fluid volumes do not correlate with each other (p = 0.99). Brain and CSF volumes correlated best with fine motor (p = 0.03, p = 0.01), cognitive (p = 0.05, p = 0.09), and expressive communication (p = 0.08, p = 0.08) scores. A combination of these 3 scores was used as a multivariate measure of neurocognitive outcome. Brain volume alone, unlike fluid volume, could discriminate high from low cognitive outcome (by t-test and ANOVA). It was shown that a combination of age-normalized brain and fluid volumes can discriminate neurocognitive outcome by 2-way LDA (p < 0.01) and 3-way LDA (p < 0.01). The multivariate LDA demonstrated the contribution of large fluid volume to a decrement in cognition.

CONCLUSIONS

Hydrocephalus is treated by normalizing CSF, but normal brain development depends on brain growth. A combination of brain and CSF volumes appears to be significantly more powerful at predicting good versus poor neurocognitive outcomes in patients with hydrocephalus than either volume alone.
A Thermodynamical Selection-Based Discrete Differential Evolution for the 0-1 Knapsack Problem
Authors: Guo Zhaolu , Yue Xuezhi , Zhang Kejun , Wang Shenwen , Wu Zhijian
Published: November 2014

Many problems in business and engineering can be modeled as 0-1 knapsack problems. However, the 0-1 knapsack problem is one of the classical NP-hard problems. Therefore, it is valuable to develop effective and efficient algorithms for solving 0-1 knapsack problems. Aiming at the drawbacks of the selection operator in the traditional differential evolution (DE), we present a novel discrete differential evolution (TDDE) for solving 0-1 knapsack problem. In TDDE, an enhanced selection operator inspired by the principle of the minimal free energy in thermodynamics is employed, trying to balance the conflict between the selective pressure and the diversity of population to some degree. An experimental study is conducted on twenty 0-1 knapsack test instances. The comparison results show that TDDE can gain competitive performance on the majority of the test instances.
Correction: Giordano, P.C.; et al. Genetic Epidemiology and Preventive Healthcare in Multiethnic Societies: The Hemoglobinopathies. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11, 6136–6146
Authors: Giordano Piero , Harteveld Cornelis , Bakker Egbert
Published: November 2014

The authors wish to add the following amendment and correction on their paper published in IJERPH [1]: Page 6139, Line 3 in Paragraph 3: “…Israel, [17,18],…” should read “…Israel and Palestine [17,18]…”. [...]
Autonomous Motivation Is Not Enough: The Role of Compensatory Health Beliefs for the Readiness to Change Stair and Elevator Use
Authors: Radtke Theda , Rackow Pamela
Published: November 2014

Compensatory health beliefs (CHBs) are beliefs that an unhealthy behavior can be compensated with a healthy behavior. In line with the CHBs model, the aim of this study was twofold. First, the study investigated the relationship between autonomous motivation and CHBs that physical inactivity can be compensated by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Second, the study focused on the associations between CHBs and readiness to use the stairs more often and stair and elevator use. Thus, a cross-sectional online questionnaire was designed that was filled out by 135 participants. Path analysis showed that individuals with stronger autonomous motivation to use the stairs strongly agreed that sedentary behavior could be compensated by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Moreover, CHBs were positively related to readiness to change behavior, but not to self-reported stair and elevator use. Even though future research is necessary to replicate these findings, autonomous motivation seems to have a positive impact on CHBs which, in turn, might boost an intended behavior change. Thus, promoting possible compensation of physical inactivity might foster the readiness to change the unhealthy behavior.
A Survey of African American Physicians on the Health Effects of Climate Change
Authors: Sarfaty Mona , Mitchell Mark , Bloodhart Brittany , Maibach Edward
Published: November 2014

The U.S. National Climate Assessment concluded that climate change is harming the health of many Americans and identified people in some communities of color as particularly vulnerable to these effects. In Spring 2014, we surveyed members of the National Medical Association, a society of African American physicians who care for a disproportionate number of African American patients, to determine whether they were seeing the health effects of climate change in their practices; the response rate was 30% (n = 284). Over 86% of respondents indicated that climate change was relevant to direct patient care, and 61% that their own patients were already being harmed by climate change moderately or a great deal. The most commonly reported health effects were injuries from severe storms, floods, and wildfires (88%), increases in severity of chronic disease due to air pollution (88%), and allergic symptoms from prolonged exposure to plants or mold (80%). The majority of survey respondents support medical training, patient and public education regarding the impact of climate change on health, and advocacy by their professional society; nearly all respondents indicated that the US should invest in significant efforts to protect people from the health effects of climate change (88%), and to reduce the potential impacts of climate change (93%). These findings suggest that African American physicians are currently seeing the health impacts of climate change among their patients, and that they support a range of responses by the medical profession, and public policy makers, to prevent further harm.
Therapeutic Effect of Activated Carbon-Induced Constipation Mice with Lactobacillus fermentum Suo on Treatment
Authors: Suo Huayi , Zhao Xin , Qian Yu , Li Guijie , Liu Zhenhu , Xie Jie , Li Jian
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus fermentum Suo (LF-Suo) on activated carbon-induced constipation in ICR (Institute of Cancer Research) mice. ICR mice were orally administered with lactic acid bacteria for 9 days. Body weight, diet intake, drinking amount, defecation status, gastrointestinal transit and defecation time, and the serum levels of MTL (motilin), Gas (gastrin), ET (endothelin), SS (somatostatin), AChE (acetylcholinesterase), SP (substance P), VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) were used to evaluate the preventive effects of LF-Suo on constipation. Bisacodyl, a laxative drug, was used as a positive control. The normal, control, 100 mg/kg bisacodyl treatment, LB (Lactobacillus bulgaricus)-, LF-Suo (L)- and LF-Suo (H)-treated mice showed the time to the first black stool defecation at 90, 218, 117, 180, 155 and 137 min, respectively. By the oral administration of LB-, LF-Suo (L), LF-Suo (H) or bisacodyl (100 mg/kg), the gastrointestinal transit was reduced to 55.2%, 72.3%, 85.5% and 94.6%, respectively, of the transit in normal mice, respectively. In contrast to the control mice, the serum levels of MTL, Gas, ET, AChE, SP and VIP were significantly increased and the serum levels of SS were reduced in the mice treated with LF-Suo (p < 0.05). By the RT-PCR (reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction) and western blot assays, LF-Suo increased the c-Kit, SCF (stem cell factor), GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor) and decreased TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1), NOS (nitric oxide synthase) expressions of small intestine tissue in mice. These results demonstrate that lactic acid bacteria has preventive effects on mouse constipation and LF-Suo demonstrated the best functional activity.
Inorganic Fullerene-Like Nanoparticles and Inorganic Nanotubes
Authors: Tenne Reshef , Enyashin Andrey
Published: November 2014

Fullerene-like nanoparticles (inorganic fullerenes; IF) and nanotubes of inorganic layered compounds (inorganic nanotubes; INT) combine low dimensionality and nanosize, enhancing the performance of corresponding bulk counterparts in their already known applications, as well as opening new fields of their own [1]. This issue gathers articles from the diverse area of materials science and is devoted to fullerene-like nanoparticles and nanotubes of layered sulfides and boron nitride and collects the most current results obtained at the interface between fundamental research and engineering.[...]
Endophenotypes for Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Extending Our Reach into the Preclinical Stages of Disease
Authors: Gorin Michael , Weeks Daniel , Baron Robert , Conley Yvette , Ortube Maria , Nusinowitz Steven
Published: November 2014

The key to reducing the individual and societal burden of age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-related vision loss, is to be able to initiate therapies that slow or halt the progression at a point that will yield the maximum benefit while minimizing personal risk and cost. There is a critical need to find clinical markers that, when combined with the specificity of genetic testing, will identify individuals at the earliest stages of AMD who would benefit from preventive therapies. These clinical markers are endophenotypes for AMD, present in those who are likely to develop AMD, as well as in those who have clinical evidence of AMD. Clinical characteristics associated with AMD may also be possible endophenotypes if they can be detected before or at the earliest stages of the condition, but we and others have shown that this may not always be valid. Several studies have suggested that dynamic changes in rhodopsin regeneration (dark adaptation kinetics and/or critical flicker fusion frequencies) may be more subtle indicators of AMD-associated early retinal dysfunction. One can test for the relevance of these measures using genetic risk profiles based on known genetic risk variants. These functional measures may improve the sensitivity and specificity of predictive models for AMD and may also serve to delineate clinical subtypes of AMD that may differ with respect to prognosis and treatment.
Motility Control of Bacteria-Actuated Biodegradable Polymeric Microstructures by Selective Adhesion Methods
Authors: Yoo Hyung , Lee Sangmin , Cho Dong-il
Published: November 2014

Certain bacteria have motility and can be made non-toxic, and using them for drug delivery has been proposed. For example, using bacteria with flagella motion in multiple spin actuators in drug delivery microrobots has been suggested. This paper investigates various adhesion enhancement methods for attaching bacteria on preferred surfaces of cubic polymeric microstructures to achieve the directional control of motion. Serratia marcescens which has an excellent swimming behavior and 50-μm sized cubic structures made of biodegradable poly-capro-lactone (PCL) are used. Three treatment methods are investigated and compared to the untreated control case. The first method is retarding bacterial attachments by coating certain surfaces with bovine serum albumin (BSA) which makes those surfaces anti-adherent to bacteria. The second and third methods are roughening the surfaces with X-ray irradiation and plasma respectively to purposely increase bacterial attachments on the roughened surfaces. The measured motilities of bacteria-tethered PCL microactuators are 1.40 μm/s for the BSA coating method, 0.82 μm/s for the X-ray irradiation, and 3.89 μm/s for the plasma treatment method. Therefore, among the methods investigated in the paper the plasma treatment method achieves the highest directionality control of bacteria motility.
Bioinspired Syntheses of Dimeric Hydroxycinnamic Acids (Lignans) and Hybrids, Using Phenol Oxidative Coupling as Key Reaction, and Medicinal Significance Thereof
Authors: Magoulas George , Papaioannou Dionissios
Published: November 2014

Lignans are mainly dimers of 4-hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs) and reduced analogs thereof which are produced in Nature through phenol oxidative coupling (POC) as the primary C-C or C-O bond-forming reaction under the action of the enzymes peroxidases and laccases. They present a large structural variety and particularly interesting biological activities, therefore, significant efforts has been devoted to the development of efficient methodologies for the synthesis of lignans isolated from natural sources, analogs and hybrids with other biologically interesting small molecules. We summarize in the present review those methods which mimic Nature for the assembly of the most common lignan skeleta by using either enzymes or one-electron inorganic oxidants to effect POC of HCAs and derivatives, such as esters and amides, or cross-POC of pairs of HCAs or HCAs with 4-hydrocycinnamyl alcohols. We, furthermore, provide outlines of mechanistic schemes accounting for the formation of the coupled products and, where applicable, indicate their potential application in medicine.
Maslinic Acid Induces Mitochondrial Apoptosis and Suppresses HIF-1α Expression in A549 Lung Cancer Cells under Normoxic and Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Hsia Te-Chun , Liu Wen-Hu , Qiu Wen-Wei , Luo Jian , Yin Mei-Chin
Published: November 2014

The apoptotic effects of maslinic acid (MA) at 4, 8, 16, 32 and 64 μmol/L on human lung cancer A549 cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions were examined. MA at 4–64 and 16–64 μmol/L lowered Bcl-2 expression under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, respectively (p < 0.05). This agent at 4–64 μmol/L decreased Na+-K+-ATPase activity and increased caspase-3 expression under normoxic conditions, but at 8–64 μmol/L it caused these changes under hypoxic conditions (p < 0.05). MA up-regulated caspase-8, cytochrome c and apoptosis-inducing factor expression under normoxic and hypoxic conditions at 8–64 μmol/L and 32–64 μmol/L, respectively (p < 0.05). MA down-regulated hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), survivin and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression under normoxic and hypoxic conditions at 8–64 and 16–64 μmol/L, respectively (p < 0.05). After cells were pre-treated with YC-1, an inhibitor of HIF-1α, MA failed to affect the protein expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, survivin and iNOS (p > 0.05). MA at 8-64 and 32-64 μmol/L reduced reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide levels under both conditions (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that maslinic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenic acid, exerted its cytotoxic activities toward A549 cells by mediating mitochondrial apoptosis and the HIF-1α pathway.
The Epoxidation of Limonene over the TS-1 and Ti-SBA-15 Catalysts
Authors: Wróblewska Agnieszka
Published: November 2014

Limonene belongs to a group of very important intermediates used in the production of fine chemicals. This monoterpene compound can be obtained from peels of oranges or lemon which are a (biomass) waste from the orange juice industry. Thus, limonene is a renewable, easy available and a relatively cheap compound. This work presents preliminary studies on the process of limonene epoxidation over zeolite type catalysts such as: TS-1 and Ti-SBA-15. In these studies methanol was used as a solvent and as an oxidizing agent a 60 wt % hydrogen peroxide solution was applied. The activity of each catalyst was investigated for four chosen temperatures (0 °C, 40 °C, 80 °C and 120 °C). The reaction time was changed from 0.5 to 24 h. For each catalyst the most beneficial conditions (the appropriate temperature and the reaction time) have been established. The obtained results were compared and the most active catalyst was chosen. These studies have also shown different possible ways of limonene transformation, not only in the direction of 1,2-epoxylimonene and its corresponding diol, but also in direction of carveol, carvone and perillyl alcohol—compounds with a lot of applications. The possible mechanisms of formation of the allylic oxidation products were proposed.
Understanding Relationships among Agro-Ecosystem Services Based on Emergy Analysis in Luancheng County, North China
Authors: Ma Fengjiao , Eneji A. , Liu Jintong
Published: November 2014

Exploring the relationship between different services has become the focus of ecosystem services research in recent years. The agro-ecosystem, which accounts for one-third of the global land area, provides lots of services but also disservices, depending on resources provided by other systems. In this paper, we explored the agro-ecosystem from four aspects: a summary of different indicators in the agro-ecosystem, input and output changes with time, relationships between different ecosystem services and disservices, and resource contribution to major services, using Luancheng County of North China as the study area. We then used emergy analysis to unify all the indicators. The conclusions were that the agro-ecosystem maintained provisioning and regulating services but with increasing volatility under continued growth in production inputs and disservice outputs. There was a positive correlation between most of the different services and disservices. Rainfall and groundwater resources were the most used input resources in the agro-ecosystem and all other major ecosystem services depended directly on them.
Agrippa d'Aubigné's lasting legacy : the influence of Les Tragiques on Pierre Emmanuel's Babel [Présence d'Agrippa d'Aubigné. L'influence des Tragiques sur Babel de Pierre Emmanuel]
Authors: O'Neil Mary Anne
Published: November 2014

Malgré le grand intérêt que la poésie de l'âge baroque français a suscité au vingtième siècle, les poètes mêmes de cette période ont exercé peu d'influence sur la poésie moderne. Une exception frappante à cette règle est Pierre Emmanuel, poète prolifique des années 1940-1970, qui a trouvé l'inspiration de son épopée du totalitarisme, Babel de 1951, dans la grande épopée des Guerres de Religion, Les Tragiques d' Agrippa d' Aubigné.

Emmanuel, comme d' Aubigné, était un écrivain engagé à la fois dans la défense de la religion chrétienne et dans la politique contemporaine. Il a participé activement à la Résistance pendant la Deuxième Guerre Mondiale et, après une liaison passagère avec le Communisme, il a lutté en faveur de la libération des intellectuels opprimés par l'Union Soviétique. Ainsi que d' Aubigné, qui a dédié ses premiers vers, Le printemps, à Diane Salviati, Emmanuel a commencé sa carrière en 1942 par un recueil érotique, Tombeau d'Orphée. Tout comme d' Aubigné s'est consciemment éloigné des « flateurs d'amour » pour devenir dans Les Tragiques le défenseur du Protestantisme, Emmanuel, avec la composition de Babel, a abandonné ses préoccupations personnelles pour se lancer sur la scène publique.

Malgré les 400 ans qui les séparent, le lecteur découvre dans ces deux épopées le même sujet et, en fin de compte, la même intrigue. Chaque poème épique prend comme point de départ une double crise, religieuse et sociale, qui permet l'avènement d'un tyran, l'oppression du peuple et une perversion de la vie spirituelle. La conclusion des deux poèmes prévoit, pourtant, la victoire du Christ et la libération des fidèles. Par la juxtaposition des événements tirés de la Bible et de l'histoire contemporaine, chaque poète oblige le lecteur à envisager la crise actuelle dans le cadre chrétien de la Chute et de la Rédemption. Emmanuel rappelle aussi d'Aubigné par sa préférence de la nature sur la ville, et par son style oratoire et ses images qui évoquent l'horreur et la pourriture.

Chez d'Aubigné et Emmanuel, l'épopée fonctionne non seulement comme un genre convenant aux gestes héroïques, mais aussi comme une poésie de témoignage, qui incorpore l'histoire et la théologie, le lyrisme et la rhétorique, l'érudition et l'expérience vécue.
Occupational Self-Perceptions of Hotel Employees: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Reichel Arie , Fuchs Galia , Pizam Abraham , Poria Yaniv
Published: November 2014

This study aimed to reveal the occupational self-perceptions of rank-and-file employees in the Israeli hotel industry. Due to the exploratory nature of the study a qualitative research approach was adopted. The findings are based on 40 semistructured interviews with current and former
Israeli hotel employees. The results revealed that almost all participants had disconcerting negative perceptions of rank-and-file occupations in the Israeli hotel industry. The themes emerged as relevant to the understanding of employees' occupational self-perception were classified into
four groups: working conditions, occupational profile, job characteristics and requirements, and moderating factors linked with the reputation of the hotel and hospitality industry as a work environment.
In situ metalation of free base phthalocyanine covalently bonded to silicon surfaces
Authors: Lupo Fabio , Tudisco Cristina , Bertani Federico , Dalcanale Enrico , Condorelli Guglielmo G
Published: November 2014

Free 4-undecenoxyphthalocyanine molecules were covalently bonded to Si(100) and porous silicon through thermic hydrosilylation of the terminal double bonds of the undecenyl chains. The success of the anchoring strategy on both surfaces was demonstrated by the combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with control experiments performed adopting the commercially available 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24-octakis(octyloxy)-29H,31H-phthalocyanine, which is not suited for silicon anchoring. Moreover, the study of the shape of the XPS N 1s band gave relevant information on the interactions occurring between the anchored molecules and the substrates. The spectra suggest that the phthalocyanine ring interacts significantly with the flat Si surface, whilst ring–surface interactions are less relevant on porous Si. The surface-bonded molecules were then metalated in situ with Co by using wet chemistry. The efficiency of the metalation process was evaluated by XPS measurements and, in particular, on porous silicon, the complexation of cobalt was confirmed by the disappearance in the FTIR spectra of the band at 3290 cm−1 due to –NH stretches. Finally, XPS results revealed that the different surface–phthalocyanine interactions observed for flat and porous substrates affect the efficiency of the in situ metalation process.
Thermal and oxidative stability of the Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil/β-cyclodextrin supramolecular system
Authors: Hădărugă Daniel I , Hădărugă Nicoleta G , Costescu Corina I , David Ioan , Gruia Alexandra T
Published: November 2014

Ocimum basilicum L. essential oil and its β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) complex have been investigated with respect to their stability against the degradative action of air/oxygen and temperature. This supramolecular system was obtained by a crystallization method in order to achieve the equilibrium of complexed–uncomplexed volatile compounds in an ethanol/water solution at 50 °C. Both the raw essential oil and its β-CD complex have been subjected to thermal and oxidative degradation conditions in order to evaluate the protective capacity of β-CD. The relative concentration of the O. basilicum L. essential oil compounds, as determined by GC–MS, varies accordingly with their sensitivity to the thermal and/or oxidative degradation conditions imposed. Furthermore, the relative concentration of the volatile O. basilicum L. compounds found in the β-CD complex is quite different in comparison with the raw material. An increase of the relative concentration of linalool oxide from 0.3% to 1.1%, in addition to many sesquiterpene oxides, has been observed. β-CD complexation of the O. basilicum essential oil modifies the relative concentration of the encapsulated volatile compounds. Thus, linalool was better encapsulated in β-CD, while methylchavicol (estragole) was encapsulated in β-CD at a concentration close to that of the raw essential oil. Higher relative concentrations from the degradation of the oxygenated compounds such as linalool oxide and aromadendren oxide were determined in the raw O. basilicum L. essential oil in comparison with the corresponding β-CD complex. For the first time, the protective capability of natural β-CD for labile basil essential oil compounds has been demonstrated.
Le couple amoureux des parents structure les liens familiaux et étaye le principe d'exogamie
Authors: Leprince Christine , Pilorge Didier
Published: November 2014

Le couple amoureux des parents constitue une figure centrale dans l’organisation psychique de tout individu ainsi que dans l’établissement des liens intersubjectifs au sein de la famille. Les échecs ou les lacunes dans la mise en place de cette représentation perturbent le processus de séparation-individuation et maintiennent parents et enfants dans des liens incestuels.
Une famille non famille
Authors: Dillenseger Germain , Journoud Sarah , Oberlé Gaëlle
Published: November 2014

Dans les familles à fonctionnement incestuel, l’absence de triangulation œdipienne et la carence de symbolisation compromettent l’accès à des places différenciées quant aux sexes et aux générations. Partant d’une lecture clinique d’un roman, les auteurs montrent comment les entraves aux processus de subjectivation et de parentalisation s’enracinent dans une absence d’introjection de bons objets parentaux. Le travestissement montre alors sa paradoxalité : tout à la fois solution pour survivre au manque et soumission aux pulsions de mort et d’emprise.
Conjuguer les perceptions des créateurs et des consommateurs pour favoriser l'émergence de la personnalité d'une ville : le cas de l'industrie de la mode à Montréal
Authors: Beaudoin Michèle , Arcand Manon , Petiteau Liza
Published: November 2014

La mode constitue un exemple d’industrie culturelle importante qui contribue au développement de la personnalité de la ville de Montréal. Dans cette optique, les perceptions et les attentes des créateurs et des consommateurs locaux dans le domaine de la mode ont été comparées. Nous constatons la très faible notoriété des créateurs auprès des consommateurs, une image diffuse de Montréal de même que le peu d’arrimage entre les attentes des consommateurs et l’offre des créateurs. Des recommandations pour promouvoir Montréal comme ville de création sont faites. L’étude du cas de la mode permet un éclairage original sur les problématiques rencontrées dans les industries culturelles.
Tele-ophthalmology Screening for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Urban Primary Care Offices: An Economic Analysis
Authors: Brady Christopher J. , Villanti Andrea C. , Gupta Omesh P. , Graham Mark G. , Sergott Robert C.
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether tele-ophthalmology screening for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) can be cost-saving.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Adults with diabetes presenting for routine medical care underwent non-mydriatic fundus photography with remote grading. Direct medical costs were estimated using the Medicare fee schedule in the base case, with Medicaid and commercial insurance rates used for low and high values, respectively. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS:

Of 99 participants, at least mild retinopathy was found in 24 (24.2%). Urgent consultation was recommended for eight participants (8.1%) for possible vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy, including two participants (three eyes) with PDR. In the base case, screening saved $36 per patient. A Monte Carlo simulation indicated that screening saved a median of $48 per patient.

CONCLUSION:

A substantial burden of diabetic retinopathy was identified, most of which was undiagnosed. In a closed system, tele-ophthalmology screening for PDR is likely to be cost-saving across the range of scenarios explored.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2014;45:556–561.]
Bilateral Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Associated With Estrogen Modulator Diindolylmethane
Authors: Bussel Igor I. , Lally David R. , Waheed Nadia K.
Published: November 2014

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is an idiopathic disease associated with states of hypercortisolism that causes fluid to collect under the retina resulting in visual impairment. The authors describe an otherwise healthy female patient who presented with headaches and blurry vision after a 2-month history of excessive daily consumption of diindolylmethane (DIM), an over-the-counter estrogen modulator medication used to treat facial acne. Imaging demonstrated asymmetric, bilateral CSCR with active leakage in the left eye. She was instructed to discontinue DIM and reported that visual improvement began 2 weeks after, with resolution to baseline after 8 weeks.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.2014;45:589–591.]