bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to Manage Hospital-Based Palliative Care Teams Without Full-Time Palliative Care Physicians in Designated Cancer Care Hospitals
Authors: Sakashita Akihiro , Kishino Megumi , Nakazawa Yoko , Yotani Nobuyuki , Yamaguchi Takashi , Kizawa Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2015

Objective:

To clarify how highly active hospital palliative care teams can provide efficient and effective care regardless of the lack of full-time palliative care physicians.

Methods:

Semistructured focus group interviews were conducted, and content analysis was performed.

Results:

A total of 7 physicians and 6 nurses participated. We extracted 209 codes from the transcripts and organized them into 3 themes and 21 categories, which were classified as follows: (1) tips for managing palliative care teams efficiently and effectively (7 categories); (2) ways of acquiring specialist palliative care expertise (9 categories); and (3) ways of treating symptoms that are difficult to alleviate (5 categories).

Conclusions:

The findings of this study can be used as a nautical chart of hospital-based palliative care team (HPCT) without full-time PC physician. Full-time nurses who have high management and coordination abilities play a central role in resource-limited HPCTs.
Approximation of a fractional order model by an integer order model: a new approach taking into account approximation error as an uncertainty
Authors: Sabatier Jocelyn , Farges Christophe , Fadiga Lamine
Published: January 2015

In order to solve some analysis or control problems for fractional order models, integer order approximations are often used. However, in many works, approximation error is not taken into account, leading to results that cannot be guaranteed for the initial fractional order model. The objective of the paper is thus to provide a new methodology that takes into account approximation error and leads to rewriting the fractional order model as an uncertain integer order model.
Noteworthy Literature in Cardiac Surgery for 2014
Authors: Cleveland Joseph C. , Reece T. Brett
Published: January 2015

Year 2014 has provided insight into the optimal care of surgical patients with cardiovascular disease. In mitral disease, the management of degenerative mitral regurgitation and ischemic mitral insufficiency are moving in the opposite directions. In aortic disease, the description of arch procedures is becoming more definable for comparisons across approaches, while the treatment of acute type B dissections is becoming more aggressive, yet deliberate.
A Human Fetal Prostate Xenograft Model of Developmental Estrogenization
Authors: Saffarini Camelia M. , McDonnell-Clark Elizabeth V. , Amin Ali , Boekelheide Kim
Published: January 2015

Prostate cancer is a common disease in older men. Rodent models have demonstrated that an early and later-life exposure to estrogen can lead to cancerous lesions and implicated hormonal dysregulation as an avenue for developing future prostate neoplasia. This study utilizes a human fetal prostate xenograft model to study the role of estrogen in the progression of human disease. Histopathological lesions were assessed in 7-, 30-, 90-, 200-, and 400-day human prostate xenografts. Gene expression for cell cycle, tumor suppressors, and apoptosis-related genes (ie, CDKN1A, CASP9, ESR2, PTEN, and TP53) was performed for 200-day estrogen-treated xenografts. Glandular hyperplasia was observed in xenografts given both an initial and secondary exposure to estradiol in both 200- and 400-day xenografts. Persistent estrogenic effects were verified using immunohistochemical markers for cytokeratin 10, p63, and estrogen receptor α. This model provides data on the histopathological state of the human prostate following estrogenic treatment, which can be utilized in understanding the complicated pathology associated with prostatic disease and early and later-life estrogenic exposures.
Epistemicity and stance: A cross-linguistic study of epistemic stance strategies in journalistic discourse in English and Spanish
Authors: Marín Arrese Juana I
Published: January 2015

This article explores the use of epistemic stance strategies in journalistic discourse in English and Spanish. The linguistic resources of epistemic stance include evidential and modal expressions, as well as verbs of cognitive attitude and expressions of factivity. This article examines the pattern of distribution of epistemic stance expressions in three types of journalistic genres in English and Spanish and the presence of multifunctionality of some evidential expressions in the two languages. The article aims to reveal possible similarities or differences in the use of the stance resources in the various genres and across languages.
Family resilience in families where a parent has a mental illness
Authors: Power Jennifer , Goodyear Melinda , Maybery Darryl , Reupert Andrea , O’Hanlon Brendan , Cuff Rose , Perlesz Amaryll
Published: January 2015

This study explores the concept of family resilience where a parent has a mental illness. Eleven Australian adults who have grown up in a household with a parent who had a diagnosed mental illness participated in an in-depth interview. The interviews focused on the ways in which these families responded to challenges in everyday life, particularly related to parental mental illness.

Findings

Families developed resilience through processes such as shared humour or regular family rituals and routines. In some cases, open communication about mental illness enabled families to better cope when parents were unwell and to build a greater sense of family connectedness. However, data suggest that parental mental illness potentially creates stress and confusion for families and there are multiple social and cultural barriers that make it difficult for families to acknowledge and speak openly about mental illness. For participants, resilience tended to be about maintaining a balance between stress/distress and optimism and strength within their family.

Applications

The article highlights the importance of family context when describing resilience, and identifies specific clinical implications for working with families affected by parental mental illness.
Understanding service engagement: Young people’s experience of service use
Authors: Munford Robyn , Sanders Jackie
Published: January 2015

This article explores young people’s experiences of service use and their life experiences, including exposure to harmful events and environments, such as abuse, violence, addictions, disengagement from school and mental health issues. It draws on the findings of a New Zealand study that used a mixed methods approach to investigate young people’s (aged between 13 and 17) experience of service use. These young people were multiple service users of statutory and non-governmental services including: child welfare services, juvenile justice services, remedial education services and mental health services. The first phase involved the administration of a survey ( n = 605) and the qualitative phase ( n = 109) used a semi-structured interview schedule to explore the service use experience of these young people. The qualitative interviews took place over 14 months which reflects the time it took to locate the young people and complete interviews. This article briefly reports on the quantitative phase and then focuses on a key finding from the qualitative phase, service engagement.

Findings

The findings identified the resources and strategies young people used to mitigate the effects of harmful events and environments in order to achieve their goals. The study produced rich accounts of service encounters: what was positive in these encounters and the barriers to successful engagement with services. Key themes focused on what happens for young people when there is confusion about service provision and when provision is intermittent. The findings emphasise the important role of social workers in creating positive service encounters for young people.

Applications

The findings underline the importance of the relationship between social workers and their clients as a foundation for successful interventions. It reiterates the need for social workers to take the time to understand young people’s contexts and how young people make sense of these contexts.
Mitigation and adaptation: Critical perspectives toward digital technologies in place-conscious environmental education
Authors: Greenwood David A , Hougham R Justin
Published: January 2015

This paper explores the tension for educators between the proliferation of mobile, digital technologies, and the widely held belief that environmental learning is best nurtured through place-based approaches that emphasize direct experience. We begin by offering a general critique of technology in culture and education, emphasizing what is at stake in the new era of digital tools and climate crisis. Building an analogy to the problem of climate change, the second part of the paper takes an “adaptation and mitigation” stance toward technology in environmental learning, and offers critical conceptual guidelines for policy and practice. Invoking language that describes the worldwide response to the climate crisis is a reminder of how the everyday devices we rely on are embedded in political, economic, and ecological webs of contention. Ultimately, we hope that describing some promising adaptations of these tools and their limitations will enable learners to better understand the relation between people, place, and planet, as well as the relation of people to their tools.
Influence of cellulose water absorption on the tensile properties of polyester composites reinforced with Sansevieria ehrenbergii fibers
Authors: Sathishkumar TP
Published: January 2015

The research work investigates the tensile properties of Sansevieria ehrenbergii (SE) fiber and SE fiber-reinforced polyester composite with various water absorption times. The experiments were conducted according to ATSM standards. The simple hand lay-up method followed by compression molding process adopted to prepare the SE fiber-reinforced polyester composites at constant fiber weight fractions. The surface treatment was done on the SE fiber with various chemicals such as NaOH, KMnO4, benzoyl peroxide, benzoyl chloride, and stearic acid. These results show that the tensile strength was dropped off with increase in water absorption time. Among all, the tensile strength was found to be highest for KMnO4-treated SE fiber-reinforced composite compared to other composites. This was due to the highest bonding area between the fiber and matrix compared to other treated fiber composites. The percentage of water absorption for composites increased with water absorption time. The morphology of the tensile fractured specimens was studied using scanning electron microscope. This shows that the fiber pull-out was lower in raw fiber composite compared to water-swelled fiber composites and this dropped off the tensile strength of the composites. Hence, the water-swelled fiber composites decrease the mechanical properties of the composites.
Comparison of Ray Tracing and Monte Carlo Calculation Algorithms for Thoracic Spine Lesions Treated With CyberKnife-Based Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Authors: Okoye Christian C. , Patel Ravi B. , Hasan Shaakir , Podder Tarun , Khouri Anton , Fabien Jeffrey , Zhang Yuxia , Dobbins Donald , Sohn Jason W. , Yuan Jiankui , Yao Min , Machtay Mitchell , Sloan Andrew E. , Miller Jonathan , Lo Simon S.
Published: January 2015

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an emerging technology for the treatment of spinal metastases, although the dosimetric impact of the calculation method on spinal dose distribution is unknown. This study attempts to determine whether CyberKnife (CK)-based SBRT using a Ray Tracing (RyTc) algorithm is comparable dosimetrically to that of Monte Carlo (MC) for thoracic spinal lesions. Our institutional CK-based SBRT database for thoracic spinal lesions was queried and a cohort was generated. Patients were planned using RyTc and MC algorithms using the same beam angles and monitor units. Dose–volume histograms of the planning target volume (PTV), spinal cord, esophagus, and skin were generated, and dosimetric parameters were compared. There were 37 patients in the cohort. The average percentage volume of PTV covered by the prescribed dose with RyTc and MC algorithms was 91.1% and 80.4%, respectively ( P < .001). The difference in average maximum spinal cord dose between RyTc and MC plans was significant (1126 vs 1084 cGy, P = .004), with the MC dose ranging from 18.7% below to 13.8% above the corresponding RyTc dose. A small reduction in maximum skin dose was also noted ( P = .017), although no difference was seen in maximum esophageal dose ( P = .15). Only PTVs smaller than 27 cm3 were found to correlate with large (>10%) changes in dose to 90% of the volume ( P = .014), while no correlates with the average percentage volume of PTV covered by the prescribed dose were demonstrated. For thoracic spinal CK-based SBRT, RyTc computation may overestimate the MC calculated average percentage volume of PTV covered by the prescribed dose and have unpredictable effects on doses to organs at risk, particularly the spinal cord. In this setting, use of RyTc optimization should be limited and always verified with MC.
Treatment of Large Brain Metastases With Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Authors: Zimmerman Amy L. , Murphy Erin S. , Suh John H. , Vogelbaum Michael A. , Barnett Gene H. , Angelov Lilyana , Ahluwalia Manmeet , Reddy Chandana A. , Chao Samuel T.
Published: January 2015

Introduction:

We report our series of patients with large brain metastases, >3 cm in diameter, who received stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) as a component of their treatment, focusing on survival and intracranial recurrence rates.

Materials and Methods:

The brain tumor database was queried for patients treated with SRS for large brain metastases. Local recurrence (LR) and distant brain recurrence (DBR) rates were calculated using cumulative incidence analysis, and overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Patients were classified into 1 of the 4 groups based on treatment strategy: SRS alone, surgery plus SRS, SRS plus whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT), and salvage SRS from more remote WBRT and/or surgery.

Results:

A total of 153 patients with 164 lesions were evaluated. The SRS alone was the treatment approach in 62 lesions, surgery followed by SRS to the resection bed (S + SRS) in 33, SRS + WBRT in 19, and salvage SRS in 50. There was no statistically significant difference in OS between the 4 treatment groups ( P = .06). Median survival was highest in patients receiving surgery + SRS (12.2 months) followed by SRS + WBRT (6.9 months), SRS alone (6.6 months), and salvage SRS (6.1 months). There was also no significant difference for LR rates between the groups at 12 months. No significant variables on univariate analysis were noted for LR. The 12-month DBR rates were highest in the S + SRS group (52%), followed by salvage SRS (31%), SRS alone (28%), and SRS + WBRT (13%; P = .03).

Conclusion:

There were no significant predictors for local control. Keeping in mind that patient numbers in the SRS + WBRT group are small, the addition of WBRT to SRS did not appear to significantly improve survival or local control, supporting the delayed use of WBRT for some patients to prevent potential side effects provided regular imaging surveillance and salvage therapy are utilized. Prospective studies are needed to optimize SRS treatment regimens for patients with large brain metastases.
Characteristics and Mental Health of Hispanic Dementia Caregivers in New York City
Authors: Luchsinger José A. , Tipiani Dante , Torres-Patiño Gabriela , Silver Stephanie , Eimicke Joseph P. , Ramirez Mildred , Teresi Jeanne , Mittelman Mary
Published: January 2015

Background:

Dementia prevalence and related caregiving burden are increasing, particularly among Hispanics. We studied the characteristics and mental health of Hispanic caregivers in New York City.

Methods:

We recruited 139 Hispanic family caregivers. We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics and predictors of caregiver burden, measured with the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, and depressive symptoms, measured with the Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results:

The mean age was 59.3 ± 10.4 years. The majority of caregivers were daughters and earned less than US$30 000 a year. In multivariate analyses with linear regression, lower satisfaction with social networks was associated with higher caregiver burden and a greater number of depressive symptoms. Higher dementia severity was associated with higher caregiver burden, while higher caregiver comorbidities were associated with higher depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

Caregiver comorbidities and satisfaction with social support may be targets for intervention that could improve caregiver burden and depressive symptoms among Hispanic caregivers.
Use of Fructosyl Peptide Oxidase for HbA1c Assay
Authors: Yonehara Satoshi , Inamura Norio , Fukuda Miho , Sugiyama Koji
Published: January 2015

ARKRAY, Inc developed the world’s first automatic glycohemoglobin analyzer based on HPLC (1981). After that, ARKRAY developed enzymatic HbA1c assay “CinQ HbA1c” with the spread and diversification of HbA1c measurement (2007). CinQ HbA1c is the kit of Clinical Chemistry Analyzer, which uses fructosyl peptide oxidase (FPOX) for a measurement reaction. This report mainly indicates the developmental background, measurement principle, and future of the enzymatic method HbA1c reagent.
Using personalisation to improve the effectiveness of global educational projects
Authors: Pogorskiy Eduard
Published: January 2015

This paper introduces the role of personalisation in the learning process, with a focus on aspects of the philosophy of technology and Internet studies. Significant changes in education, with the spread of the technological capabilities of open educational resources (OER) and massive open online courses (MOOC), offer the possibility to develop new approaches to solve problems resulting from a limited perception of new knowledge. This makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of learning through the personalisation of educational content which utilises information about participants in the educational process—students, lecturers and managers. In this work, we use the concept of a ‘world view’, which is a key feature of the ‘thesaurus’ approach. Practice of the thesaurus approach to the analysis of data about the participants’ educational projects allows the construction of an individual world view of each participant in the educational process. Firstly, by utilising a world view, it is increasingly possible to identify potentially interesting topics which are open to the perception of an individual. Secondly, these themes can serve as a background or context through which an individual will be open to new information. Thirdly, following the analysis of a world view it seems possible to find authorities whose opinions are important to a person and will affect his behaviour. Finally, understanding of a community’s world view can give insight into the best and most productive combinations in the formation of work groups, learning classes and other human interactions. Shakespeare’s ‘eternal images’ are used to illustrate how this can be done.
The use of echocardiography in acute cardiovascular care: Recommendations of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association
Authors: Lancellotti Patrizio , Price Susanna , Edvardsen Thor , Cosyns Bernard , Neskovic Aleksandar N , Dulgheru Raluca , Flachskampf Frank A , Hassager Christian , Pasquet Agnes , Gargani Luna , Galderisi Maurizio , Cardim Nuno , Haugaa Kristina H , Ancion Arnaud , Zamorano Jose-Luis , Donal Erwan , Bueno Héctor , Habib Gilbert
Published: January 2015

Echocardiography is one of the most powerful diagnostic and monitoring tools available to the modern emergency/critical care practitioner. Currently, there is a lack of specific European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging/Acute Cardiovascular Care Association recommendations for the use of echocardiography in acute cardiovascular care. In this document, we describe the practical applications of echocardiography in patients with acute cardiac conditions, in particular with acute chest pain, acute heart failure, suspected cardiac tamponade, complications of myocardial infarction, acute valvular heart disease including endocarditis, acute disease of the ascending aorta and post-intervention complications. Specific issues regarding echocardiography in other acute cardiac care scenarios are also described.
A rare case of metastatic ureteric malignancy from endometriosis
Authors: Sarkar Debashis , Cliff Andrew , Maurice Yasmine
Published: January 2015

A 61-year-old woman presented with left loin pain and was found to have a long standing left-sided hydronephrosis. CT IVU showed a 2.5 cm soft tissue in the region of the distal left ureter with marked proximal dilatation (Figures 1–3). Her urine cytology, flexible cystoscopy and renal function were normal. She underwent a left laparoscopic nephroureterectomy; histology revealed periureteric metastatic adenocarcinoma with clear margin. On immunohistochemistry, oestrogen receptor, CK7, BerEp4, and CEA were strongly expressed (Figures 4 and 5). She had a history of hysterectomy 20 years earlier for ovarian and fallopian tube endometriosis. It was found that adenocarcinoma had arisen within a focus of periureteric endometriosis persisting as hydronephrosis.
Effects of electric pulses on annealing hardening of submicrometre grained copper
Authors: Li Wei , Shen Yao , Xie Chaoying
Published: January 2015

Effects of electric pulses on the annealing hardening of submicrometre grained (0.1 μm <  D < 1 μm) Cu processed by heavy cold rolling were investigated. Annealing induced hardening occurred after moderate annealing, which can be attributed to the dislocation source hardening rather than aging hardening, based on the fact that the ultrapure Cu showed higher hardening effect than commercial pure Cu. Electric pulses induced enhancement in the hardening effect for ultrapure Cu, but not for commercial pure Cu. The TEM investigations show that dislocation recovery was enhanced by electric pulses for ultrapure Cu, but not for commercial pure Cu due to the pinning effects of impurity, and negligible growth in both cases due to the short treatment time.
Inductive crystallization effect of atomic-layer-deposited Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 films for ferroelectric application
Authors: Zhang Xun , Chen Lin , Sun Qing-Qing , Wang Lu-Hao , Zhou Peng , Lu Hong-Liang , Wang Peng-Fei , Ding Shi-Jin , Zhang David Wei
Published: January 2015

Ferroelectric Hf
x
Zr1-x
O2 thin films are considered promising candidates for future lead-free CMOS-compatible ferroelectric memory application. The inductive crystallization behaviors and the ferroelectric performance of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 thin films prepared by atomic layer deposition were investigated. Inductive crystallization can be induced by the film growth condition and appropriate top electrode selection. In this work, a Ni/Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/Ru/Si stack annealed at 550°C for 30 s in N2 ambient after the Ni top electrode has been deposited was manufactured, and it shows the best ferroelectric hysteresis loop in the dielectric thickness of 25 nm, with a remanent polarization value of 6 μC/cm2 and a coercive field strength of 2.4 MV/cm measured at 10 kHz. Endurance, retention, and domain switching current characteristics were evaluated well for potential application in the field of ferroelectric field effect transistor (FeFET) and nonvolatile ferroelectric memories (FeRAM).
Mammary gland tumor promotion by chronic administration of IGF1 and the insulin analogue AspB10 in the p53R270H/+WAPCre mouse model
Authors: ter Braak Bas , Siezen Christine , Speksnijder Ewoud N , Koedoot Esmee , van Steeg Harry , Salvatori Daniela CF , van de Water Bob , van der Laan Jan Willem
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Insulin analogues are structurally modified molecules with altered pharmaco-kinetic and -dynamic properties compared to regular human insulin used by diabetic patients. While these compounds are tested for undesired mitogenic effects, an epidemiological discussion is ongoing regarding an association between insulin analogue therapy and increased cancer incidence, including breast cancer. Standard in vivo rodent carcinogenesis assays do not pick up this possible increased carcinogenic potential.

Methods

Here we studied the role of insulin analogues in breast cancer development. For this we used the human relevant mammary gland specific p53R270H/+WAPCre mouse model. Animals received life long repeated treatment with four different insulin (−like) molecules: normal insulin, insulin glargine, insulin X10 (AspB10) or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1).

Results

Insulin-like molecules with strong mitogenic signaling, insulin X10 and IGF1, significantly decreased the time for tumor development. Yet, insulin glargine and normal insulin, did not significantly decrease the latency time for (mammary gland) tumor development. The majority of tumors had an epithelial to mesenchymal transition phenotype (EMT), irrespective of treatment condition. Enhanced extracellular signaling related kinase (Erk) or serine/threonine kinase (Akt) mitogenic signaling was in particular present in tumors from the insulin X10 and IGF1 treatment groups.

Conclusions

These data indicate that insulin-like molecules with enhanced mitogenic signaling increase the risk of breast cancer development. Moreover, the use of a tissue specific cancer model, like the p53R270H/+WAPCre mouse model, is relevant to assess the intrinsic pro-carcinogenic potential of mitogenic and non-mitogenic biologicals such as insulin analogues.
Associations between self-referral and health behavior responses to genetic risk information
Authors: Christensen Kurt D , Roberts J Scott , Zikmund-Fisher Brian J , Kardia Sharon LR , McBride Colleen M , Linnenbringer Erin , Green Robert C ,   for the REVEAL Study Group
Published: January 2015

Background

Studies examining whether genetic risk information about common, complex diseases can motivate individuals to improve health behaviors and advance planning have shown mixed results. Examining the influence of different study recruitment strategies may help reconcile inconsistencies.

Methods

Secondary analyses were conducted on data from the REVEAL study, a series of randomized clinical trials examining the impact of genetic susceptibility testing for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We tested whether self-referred participants (SRPs) were more likely than actively recruited participants (ARPs) to report health behavior and advance planning changes after AD risk and APOE genotype disclosure.

Results

Of 795 participants with known recruitment status, 546 (69%) were self-referred and 249 (31%) had been actively recruited. SRPs were younger, less likely to identify as African American, had higher household incomes, and were more attentive to AD than ARPs (all P < 0.01). They also dropped out of the study before genetic risk disclosure less frequently (26% versus 41%, P < 0.001). Cohorts did not differ in their likelihood of reporting a change to at least one health behavior 6 weeks and 12 months after genetic risk disclosure, nor in intentions to change at least one behavior in the future. However, interaction effects were observed where ε4-positive SRPs were more likely than ε4-negative SRPs to report changes specifically to mental activities (38% vs 19%, p < 0.001) and diets (21% vs 12%, p = 0.016) six weeks post-disclosure, whereas differences between ε4-positive and ε4-negative ARPs were not evident for mental activities (15% vs 21%, p = 0.413) or diets (8% versus 16%, P = 0.190). Similarly, ε4-positive participants were more likely than ε4-negative participants to report intentions to change long-term care insurance among SRPs (20% vs 5%, p < 0.001), but not ARPs (5% versus 9%, P = 0.365).

Conclusions

Individuals who proactively seek AD genetic risk assessment are more likely to undergo testing and use results to inform behavior changes than those who respond to genetic testing offers. These results demonstrate how the behavioral impact of genetic risk information may vary according to the models by which services are provided, and suggest that how participants are recruited into translational genomics research can influence findings.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00089882 and NCT00462917
Studying the patterns of alien and native floras of some habitats in Srinagar city, Kashmir, India
Authors: Andrabi Syed Mubashir , Reshi Zafar Ahmad , Shah Manzoor Ahmad , Qureshi Salman
Published: January 2015

Introduction

Urban flora is an important component of human-dominated ecosystems that links urban dwellers with nature. This study aims at compiling and analysing the alien and native vascular plant species of some selected habitats in the Srinagar city, Kashmir, India.

Methods

Bi-seasonal sampling was employed and each habitat type (viz., graveyards, grasslands, orchards and wastelands) was sampled at seven different sites.

Results

The number of species recorded from graveyards was 96; from grasslands 112; 141 from orchards and 110 from wastelands. The level of invasion among habitats varied from 67.27% to 68.75%, with a mean value of 67.86%; out of clubbed species list, 64.84% were alien. Asteraceae, Poaceae, Brassicaceae and Fabaceae were the biggest families in all four habitat types.

Conclusions

Our research shows that across habitats, alien plant species are the predominant part of their floras.
Does Contralateral Suppression at Adrenal Venous Sampling Predict Outcome Following Unilateral Adrenalectomy for Primary Aldosteronism? A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wolley Martin J. , Gordon Richard D. , Ahmed Ashraf H. , Stowasser Michael
Published: January 2015

Context:

In primary aldosteronism (PA), adrenal vein sampling (AVS) distinguishes unilateral and bilateral disease by comparison of aldosterone/cortisol (A/F) ratios. There is controversy about the criteria for interpretation, however, and in particular it is not clear whether contralateral suppression (CS) (defined as A/Fadrenal ≤ A/Fperipheral on the unaffected side) is important. We therefore performed a retrospective study to determine whether CS in surgically treated unilateral PA was associated with blood pressure (BP) and biochemical outcomes.

Setting and Design:

Patients who underwent unilateral adrenalectomy for PA after successful AVS were included if the lateralization index (A/Fdominant:A/Fnondominant) was ≥2. Cases were reviewed at 6 to 24 months follow-up for outcomes with respect to the presence and degree of CS.

Results:

Sixty-six of 80 patients had CS. Baseline characteristics were similar. At postoperative follow-up, those with CS had lower systolic BP (SBP) (128 mm Hg vs 144 mm Hg, P = .001), a greater proportion with cure or improvement of hypertension (96% vs 64%, P = .0034), a greater proportion with biochemical cure of PA on fludrocortisone suppression testing (43 of 49 [88%] vs 4 of 9 [44%], P = .002) and were taking a lower median number of antihypertensive medications (0 vs 1.5, P = .0032). In a multivariate model, the degree of CS and preoperative SBP were both significantly correlated with postoperative SBP, but the lateralization index, sex, and age were not.

Conclusion:

In this study, the presence of CS correlated with good BP and biochemical outcomes from surgery. This finding suggests that CS should be a factor in deciding whether to offer surgery for treatment of PA.
The Impossible Experience of Words: Blanchot, Beckett, and the Materiality of Language
Authors: Bruns Gerald L.
Published: January 2015

This essay attempts to situate Samuel Beckett’s fiction in the Parisian intellectual and literary milieu of Maurice Blanchot, particularly with respect to the experience of the materiality of language and the double bind of writing in which—as Blanchot wrote in Faux pas (1943)—“the writer finds himself in the increasingly ludicrous condition of having nothing to write, of having no means with which to write it, and of being constrained by the utter necessity of always writing it.” One way of coping with this impasse was to take recourse to the fragment, in which words are not composed but juxtaposed, as in Blanchot’s L’attente, l’oubli (1962) and Beckett’s Worstward Ho (1983).
Contributions of Costal 2-Fused interactions to Hedgehog signaling in Drosophila
Authors: Zadorozny Eva V. , Little Jamie C. , Kalderon Daniel
Published: January 2015

The Drosophila kinesin-family protein Costal 2 (Cos2) and its mammalian ortholog Kif7 play dual roles in Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In the absence of Hh, Cos2 and Kif7 contribute to proteolytic processing and silencing of the Hh-regulated transcription factors, Drosophila Cubitus interruptus (Ci) and mammalian Gli proteins. Cos2 and Kif7 are also necessary for full activation of full-length Ci-155 and Gli transcription factors in response to Hh proteins. Here, we use classical fused alleles and transgenic Cos2 products deficient for Fused (Fu) association to show that Cos2 must bind to Fu to support efficient Ci-155 processing. Residual Ci-155 processing in the absence of Cos2-Fu interaction did not require Suppressor of Fused, which has been implicated in processing mammalian Gli proteins. We also provide evidence that Cos2 binding to the CORD domain of Ci-155 contributes to both Ci-155 processing and Ci-155 silencing in the absence of Hh. In the presence of Hh, Ci-155 processing is blocked and Cos2 now promotes activation of Ci-155, which requires Fu kinase activity. Here, we show that normal Ci-155 activation by Hh requires Cos2 binding to Fu, supporting the hypothesis that Cos2 mediates the apposition of Fu molecules suitable for cross-phosphorylation and consequent full activation of Fu kinase. We also find that phosphorylation of Cos2 by Fu at two previously mapped sites, S572 and S931, which is thought to mediate Ci-155 activation, is not required for normal activation of Ci-155 by Hh or by activated Fu.
Late Alk4/5/7 signaling is required for anterior skeletal patterning in sea urchin embryos
Authors: Piacentino Michael L. , Ramachandran Janani , Bradham Cynthia A.
Published: January 2015

Skeletal patterning in the sea urchin embryo requires a conversation between the skeletogenic primary mesenchyme cells (PMCs) and the overlying pattern-dictating ectoderm; however, our understanding of the molecular basis for this process remains incomplete. Here, we show that TGF-β-receptor signaling is required during gastrulation to pattern the anterior skeleton. To block TGF-β signaling, we used SB431542 (SB43), a specific inhibitor of the TGF-β type I receptor Alk4/5/7. Treatment with SB43 during gastrulation blocks anterior PMC positioning and the formation of the anterior skeleton, but does not perturb general ectoderm specification or development. This is the first example of a signaling event required for patterning of a specific part of the skeleton. Alk4/5/7 inhibition does not prevent the formation of a mouth, although SB43-treated plutei display reduced feeding ability, presumably due to the loss of the structural support for the mouth conferred by the anterior skeleton. Both Univin and Nodal are potential ligands for Alk4/5/7; however, Nodal is unilaterally expressed on only the right side, whereas Univin is bilaterally expressed in the ectoderm adjacent to the anterior skeleton during the relevant time period. Our results demonstrate that Univin is both necessary and sufficient for secondary skeletal development in a control background, consistent with the hypothesis that Univin is a relevant Alk4/5/7 ligand for anterior skeletal patterning. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Alk4/5/7 signaling during gastrulation is required to direct PMCs to the oral hood, and suggest that Univin is a relevant ligand for this signaling event.
Gene activation-associated long noncoding RNAs function in mouse preimplantation development
Authors: Hamazaki Nobuhiko , Uesaka Masahiro , Nakashima Kinichi , Agata Kiyokazu , Imamura Takuya
Published: January 2015

In mice, zygotic activation occurs for a wide variety of genes, mainly at the 2-cell stage. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly being recognized as modulators of gene expression. In this study, directional RNA-seq of MII oocytes and 2-cell embryos identified more than 1000 divergently transcribed lncRNA/mRNA gene pairs. Expression of these bidirectional promoter-associated noncoding RNAs (pancRNAs) was strongly associated with the upregulation of their cognate genes. Conversely, knockdown of three abundant pancRNAs led to reduced mRNA expression, accompanied by sustained DNA methylation even in the presence of enzymes responsible for DNA demethylation. In particular, microinjection of siRNA against the abundant pancRNA partner of interleukin 17d (Il17d) mRNA at the 1-cell stage caused embryonic lethality, which was rescued by supplying IL17D protein in vitro at the 4-cell stage. Thus, this novel class of lncRNAs can modulate the transcription machinery in cis to activate zygotic genes and is important for preimplantation development.
Functional and molecular characterisation of EO771.LMB tumours, a new C57BL/6-mouse-derived model of spontaneously metastatic mammary cancer
Authors: Johnstone Cameron N. , Smith Yvonne E. , Cao Yuan , Burrows Allan D. , Cross Ryan S. N. , Ling Xiawei , Redvers Richard P. , Doherty Judy P. , Eckhardt Bedrich L. , Natoli Anthony L. , Restall Christina M. , Lucas Erin , Pearson Helen B. , Deb Siddhartha , Britt Kara L. , Rizzitelli Alexandra , Li Jason , Harmey Judith H. , Pouliot Normand , Anderson Robin L.
Published: January 2015

The translation of basic research into improved therapies for breast cancer patients requires relevant preclinical models that incorporate spontaneous metastasis. We have completed a functional and molecular characterisation of a new isogenic C57BL/6 mouse model of breast cancer metastasis, comparing and contrasting it with the established BALB/c 4T1 model. Metastatic EO771.LMB tumours were derived from poorly metastatic parental EO771 mammary tumours. Functional differences were evaluated using both in vitro assays and spontaneous metastasis assays in mice. Results were compared to non-metastatic 67NR and metastatic 4T1.2 tumours of the 4T1 model. Protein and transcript levels of markers of human breast cancer molecular subtypes were measured in the four tumour lines, as well as p53 (Tp53) tumour-suppressor gene status and responses to tamoxifen in vivo and in vitro. Array-based expression profiling of whole tumours identified genes and pathways that were deregulated in metastatic tumours. EO771.LMB cells metastasised spontaneously to lung in C57BL/6 mice and displayed increased invasive capacity compared with parental EO771. By immunohistochemical assessment, EO771 and EO771.LMB were basal-like, as was the 4T1.2 tumour, whereas 67NR had a luminal phenotype. Primary tumours from all lines were negative for progesterone receptor, Erb-b2/Neu and cytokeratin 5/6, but positive for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Only 67NR displayed nuclear estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) positivity. EO771 and EO771.LMB expressed mutant p53, whereas 67NR and 4T1.2 were p53-null. Integrated molecular analysis of both the EO771/EO771.LMB and 67NR/4T1.2 pairs indicated that upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), parathyroid hormone-like hormone (Pthlh) and S100 calcium binding protein A8 (S100a8) and downregulation of the thrombospondin receptor (Cd36) might be causally involved in metastatic dissemination of breast cancer.
The nuclear pore complex – structure and function at a glance
Authors: Kabachinski Greg , Schwartz Thomas U.
Published: January 2015

Nuclear pore complexes (NPCs) are indispensable for cell function and are at the center of several human diseases. NPCs provide access to the nucleus and regulate the transport of proteins and RNA across the nuclear envelope. They are aqueous channels generated from a complex network of evolutionarily conserved proteins known as nucleporins. In this Cell Science at a Glance article and the accompanying poster, we discuss how transport between the nucleoplasm and the cytoplasm is regulated, what we currently know about the structure of individual nucleoporins and the assembled NPC, and how the cell regulates assembly and disassembly of such a massive structure. Our aim is to provide a general overview on what we currently know about the nuclear pore and point out directions of research this area is heading to.
The Synthesis of 5-Functional 3-Hydroxypyridin-4-ones and Their Impact on the Chelating Properties of the Ligands
Authors: Chen Yu-Lin , Chen Jing , Ma Yongmin , Hider Robert C
Published: January 2015

The presence of the 5-functional group on 3-hydroxypyridin-4-ones (HPOs) can significantly change their chelating properties because the 5-position is adjacent to one of the chelating moieties. A 5-methoxy-substituted HPO has been successfully synthesized using a 5-bromo analogue with NaOMe in the presence of a copper(I) catalyst. The atomic charges and stability constants of the HPOs with either electron-donating or election-withdrawing groups on the 5-position were compared. The result showed that the 5-substituted HPOs possess lower stability constants, compared to those of the 5-unsubstituted analogue (deferiprone).
QCISD(T) Insight on the Electronic Structure of C3N2 Conjugated Skeletons
Authors: Irshaidat Tareq
Published: January 2015

Tautomerism is an important concept in organic chemistry and a key element in many applications. This motivated us in this study to investigate the electronic structure of the conjugated NCCCN skeleton by studying the properties of malonaldimine as the simplest form. The analysis confirms that the π-system allows efficient electron density flow (delocalization). On the other hand, this skeleton features a valuable energy barrier for the hydrogen-bridge form. These two characteristics are corner stones for designing unsymmetrically functionalized skeletons for molecular switching and signaling.
Russian tourist product: consumer expectations of interrnational tourists
Authors: Кривошеева Татьяна , Krivosheeva Tatiana
Published: January 2015

This article presents the results of the analysis of preferences and motivations of tourists from the main existing and prospective tourist arrivals in Russia, which was conducted by the method of content analysis based on publications of the UNWTO, the World Bank, Eurostat, the European Union, the Federal State Statistics Service, the national tourism administrations, international tourism conferences, scientific and practical work. In the process of the study identified were two groups of research texts: a group of texts about the preferences and motivations of tourists from Europe and America, and a group of texts about the preferences and motivations of tourists from Asia. Results are also presented by geographical areas "Europe and America" and "Asian countries." The study was conducted with the aim of optimizing the preparation of proposals for the formation of the federal policy of promoting Russian tourist product. As a component of the result the author suggest a common approach to marketing efforts to promote Russian tourist product in the European markets and the markets of Asia and the Pacific Region. The approach is to identify priority types of tourism for potential consumers of Russian tourist product, to construct the ratings of distribution policy priorities in the allocation of key expectations from the stay in Russia for the purpose of tourism, to plan route networks and features of the transport component, as well as the to urgently reduce visa formalities for priority markets.
Approaches to forming the concept of rural tourism
Authors: Пинаев Антон , Pinaev Anton
Published: January 2015

Rural tourism - is a young and promising field of activities in the Russian context. For some areas this type of activity can serve as a starting point for regional development after the adverse reforms of the 1990s. Rural tourism is special because tourists come to rural areas not only for rest and to become familiar with local culture, but also for exploring local tourist resources, for participation in various traditional events and with other purposes. Rural tourism contributes to the development of the territory as a whole, as it allows to solve a number of existing problems in rural areas and create jobs for local population by providing for visiting guests comprehensive services in the forms of accommodation, recreational facilities, food, excursions, acquiring specific knowledge and skills. The article discusses the concept of "rural tourism" and "agrotourism", defined the differences and similarities of these concepts. Rural tourism has a huge resource potential and many different forms and it is therefore defined as agrotourism, farm tourism, sports tourism, business tourism, cultural tourism, and others. Some of these concepts are synonymous with rural tourism, others represent various forms of rural tourism, as they have the same potential. Rural tourism can be called "multi-faceted" tourism because it has many different forms of manifestation.
Innovative technologies in hotel businesses
Authors: Духовная Лилия , Dukhovnaya Liliya , Холодцова Ирина , Kholodtsova Irina
Published: January 2015

Today, innovation is becoming a major feature of modern economy, as basic innovations are a powerful and strategic crisis management tool. The relevance of innovative technologies proved by rapid globalization of the world market and a reduction in product life cycles, as well as by the need of a strategic approach to upgrade the quality characteristics of products and services. In the hotel businesses innovations involve technological aspects of the production of hotel services and marketing tools.

In an increasingly competitive hotel enterprises are forced to look for new ways to improve and appeal.

To remain competitive and develop efficiently, as well as to attract foreign tourists in hotels of Russia there is a need for an active introduction of innovative technologies used by leading international hotel companies. Innovation should not only meet the needs of the client, but also create a sense of excitement from the time spent in the hotel.

The article gives a theoretical justification of the term "innovation", the features of the introduction and use of "green" technologies in the hospitality industry in Russia and abroad as one of the most important indicators of success and competitiveness of a modern hotel businesses, noted the role of these innovations in the transition to the new course of "green" economy in the process to ensure public safety and the environment, due to inherent "green" technologies as an integral part of management in the hospitality industry. The article also highlights the need for enhanced problem-solving of ecological and economic efficiency for hotel businesses in regions, which receive significant volumes of tourist flows.