bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Under- or Overtreatment of Pain in the Patient With Cancer: How to Achieve Proper Balance
Authors: Paice Judith A. , Von Roenn Jamie H.
Published: May 2014

Achieving balance in the appropriate use of opioids for the treatment of cancer pain is complex. The definition of “balance” is continually being modified. Palliative care professionals, pain specialists, and oncologists have long been advocating for the aggressive management of pain for patients with advanced cancer. Some progress has been made in this arena but barriers persist. Fear of addiction by patients, family members, and oncology professionals presents a serious obstacle to the provision of adequate pain control. This is further complicated by societal factors that receive extensive media coverage, such as diversion of prescribed opioids for recreational use and increasing deaths as a result of this inappropriate use of prescription opioids. This growing concern has led to more opioid regulation, which increases obstacles to pain management in this population. Another evolving concern is whether the long-term use of opioids is safe and effective. Data from the chronic nonmalignant pain literature suggest that toxicities may result and misuse has been underestimated, yet little information is available in the cancer population. These issues lead to serious questions regarding how balance might be successfully achieved for patients in an oncology setting. Can pain relief be provided while reducing negative consequences of treatment? Which patient should be prescribed what medications, in what situations, for what kind of pain, and who should be managing the pain?
Scaling morphogen gradients during tissue growth by a cell division rule
Authors: Averbukh Inna , Ben-Zvi Danny , Mishra Siddhartha , Barkai Naama
Published: May 2014

Morphogen gradients guide the patterning of tissues and organs during the development of multicellular organisms. In many cases, morphogen signaling is also required for tissue growth. The consequences of this interplay between growth and patterning are not well understood. In the Drosophila wing imaginal disc, the morphogen Dpp guides patterning and is also required for tissue growth. In particular, it was recently reported that cell division in the disc correlates with the temporal increase in Dpp signaling. Here we mathematically model morphogen gradient formation in a growing tissue, accounting also for morphogen advection and dilution. Our analysis defines a new scaling mechanism, which we term the morphogen-dependent division rule (MDDR): when cell division depends on the temporal increase in morphogen signaling, the morphogen gradient scales with the growing tissue size, tissue growth becomes spatially uniform and the tissue naturally attains a finite size. This model is consistent with many properties of the wing disc. However, we find that the MDDR is not consistent with the phenotype of scaling-defective mutants, supporting the view that temporal increase in Dpp signaling is not the driver of cell division during late phases of disc development. More generally, our results show that local coupling of cell division with morphogen signaling can lead to gradient scaling and uniform growth even in the absence of global feedbacks. The MDDR scaling mechanism might be particularly beneficial during rapid proliferation, when global feedbacks are hard to implement.
EVIDENCIAÇÃO DO ARRENDAMENTO MERCANTIL FINANCEIRO DAS EMPRESAS LISTADAS NO NOVO MERCADO DA BM&FBOVESPA
Authors: Beuren Ilse Maria , Kaveski Itzhak David Simão , Politelo Leandro , Godoy Nádia Nara de
Published: May 2014

Este estudo objetiva mensurar o nível de evidenciação das informações relativas ao arrendamento mercantil financeiro, exigidas pelo CPC 06 (R1), das empresas listadas no segmento do Novo Mercado da BM&FBovespa. Pesquisa descritiva com abordagem quantitativa foi realizada baseando-se nas notas explicativas divulgadas pelas empresas nos anos de 2010 e 2011. Para verificar a evidenciação pelas empresas em conformidade com o CPC 06 (R1) utilizou-se como base um checklist com nove itens, pautado no item 31 do referido pronunciamento técnico. Os resultados indicam baixo nível de evidenciação do arrendamento mercantil financeiro no período analisado, sendo que a maioria das empresas não tem evidenciado nenhuma informação exigida pelo CPC 06 (R1), e as demais empresas poucas informações evidenciaram das exigidas pelo referido pronunciamento técnico. Conclui-se que o nível de evidenciação das informações relativas ao arrendamento mercantil financeiro nas notas explicativas das empresas pesquisadas é baixo.
Análise do Clima Organizacional na Mesorregião Central do Paraná: Percepção dos futuros Administradores
Authors: Stefano Silvio Roberto , Koszalka Jean Adriel , Zampier Marcia Aparecida
Published: May 2014

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar a satisfação e clima organizacional de diversas empresas, na percepção dos futuros Administradores de uma Instituição de Ensino Superior Pública. As variáveis estudadas englobaram: excelência, cultura e clima organizacional, além das práticas de gestão de pessoas, destacando a influência destas variáveis como diferencial competitivo para as empresas. Na tentativa de aprimorar e mensurar a análise, foi utilizado como método survey. Optou-se pela escolha da abordagem quantitativa exploratória. Houve aplicação dos instrumentos de pesquisa aos 112 acadêmicos de Administração (período noturno) de uma Universidade Estadual da mesorregião central do Paraná, divididos nos 4 anos de curso. Através das análises desenvolvidas, chegou-se a conclusão que os fatores que tornam as pessoas mais satisfeitas no ambiente de trabalho são: prestígio nas empresas, estabilidade e salário. Em contrapartida, como fatores que acarretam a insatisfação dentro das organizações, pode-se elencar: falta de reconhecimento e de valorização e o salário.
Accelerated Contact
Authors: Mock John D.
Published: May 2014

Review of B. Coleman, Hello Avatar: Rise of the Networked Generation. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2011, 216 pp. ISBN 978-0262015714. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-1_13
Listas do Desassossego
Authors: Sepúlveda Pedro
Published: May 2014

O espólio de Fernando Pessoa alberga inúmeros papéis que não chegaram a ser integrados em livros, mas que na maioria dos casos foram concebidos com esse propósito. É o que acontece no caso do Livro do Desassossego, onde uma aparente desordem dos materiais legados contrasta com uma persistente ideia estruturante de livro. Para além dos textos concebidos explicitamente como parte integrante do mesmo, numerosas listas editoriais testemunham a presença de uma ideia de edição constantemente modificada e adiada. Estas listas, entre as quais importa distinguir listas de projetos editoriais e planos de estruturação do livro, não só possuem um propósito prático, como lhe conferem um sentido e uma posição no conjunto da obra. Através da análise deste corpus procurar-se-á traçar a história deste planeamento e mostrar o modo como a conceção do Livro dele depende.AbstractFernando Pessoa’s Archive houses innumerous papers that were never integrated in books, but were in most cases conceived with this purpose. This is also the case of the Book of Disquiet, where an apparent disorder of the materials left by the poet contrasts with a persistent structuring idea of book. Beyond the texts explicitly conceived as part of the book, several editorial lists show the presence of an idea of edition constantly changed and delayed. These lists, among which one should distinguish between lists of editorial projects and structuring plans of the book, not only follow a practical purpose, but also give a meaning and a position to it within the work as a whole. The analysis of this corpus allows for the charting of the history of this planning, showing how the conception of the Book depends on it. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-1_2
Mediações Dilaceradas: Linguagem e Experiência no Pensamento de Theodor Adorno
Authors: Brito Matheus De
Published: May 2014

Este artigo apresenta e particulariza o conceito de “mediação” como empregue por Adorno ao longo de sua obra filosófica e crítica. Desenvolvendo a discussão a partir do problema da cultura na sociedade contemporânea, retomam-se considerações do filósofo sobre o dilaceramento da linguagem entre o aspecto social da comunicação e uma noção enfática (e dialética) de verdade. Neste quadro, em que se privilegia o tópico da “não-identidade” da Arte, discute-se também a correlação entre a literatura e a possibilidade de, tomando como modelo a atenção à “dignidade estética das pala-vras”, superar aquele dilaceramento no sentido da comunicação da diferencialidade.AbstractThis article focuses on the concept of "mediation" as used by Adorno throughout his philosophical and critical work. Starting with his discussion about culture in contemporary society, the paper examines his reflections on language as a process lacerated between the social aspect of communication and an emphatic (and dialectic) notion of truth. In a dialectical framework that privileges the motif of the "non-identity" of Art, I discuss the relationship between literature – as the model for the "aesthetic dignity of words" – and the possibility of overcoming that laceration in the sense of communicating differentiality. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_1-1_9
SEMICLASSICAL ASYMPTOTICS OF EIGENVALUES FOR NON-SELFADJOINT OPERATORS AND QUANTIZATION CONDITIONS ON RIEMANN SURFACES
Authors: Esina Anna I. , Shafarevich Andrei I.
Published: May 2014

This paper reports a study of the semiclassical asymptotic behavior of the eigenvalues of some nonself-adjoint operators that are important for applications. These operators are the Schrödinger operator with complex periodic potential and the operator of induction. It turns out that the asymptotics of the spectrum can be calculated using the quantization conditions. These can be represented as the condition that the integrals of a holomorphic form over the cycles on the corresponding complex Lagrangian manifold, which is a Riemann surface of constant energy, are integers. In contrast to the real case (the Bohr–Sommerfeld–Maslov formulas), in order to calculate a chosen spectral series, it is sufficient to assume that the integral over only one of the cycles takes integer values, and different cycles determine different parts of the spectrum.
ON THE REAL MATRIX REPRESENTATION OF PT-SYMMETRIC OPERATORS
Authors: Fernández Francisco M.
Published: May 2014

We discuss the construction of real matrix representations of PT-symmetric operators. We show the limitation of a general recipe presented some time ago for non-Hermitian Hamiltonians with antiunitary symmetry and propose a way to overcome it. Our results agree with earlier ones for a particular case.
DIRAC AND HAMILTON
Authors: Leach P. G. L.
Published: May 2014

Dirac devised his theory of Quantum Mechanics and recognised that his operators resembled the canonical coordinates of Hamiltonian Mechanics. This gave the latter a new lease of life. We look at what happens to Dirac’s Quantum Mechanics if one starts from Hamiltonian Mechanics.
CAN ONE REALLY STUDY CHAOS ANALYTICALLY?
Authors: Lee M. Howard
Published: May 2014

One generally thinks that chaos can be studied only numerically by aid of the computer. It is however suggested by the theorem of Sharkovskii and Li and Yorke that in Id continuous maps analytical studies are possible. How one might achieve such a goal in one special map is described.
LAPLACE-RUNGE-LENZ VECTOR IN QUANTUM MECHANICS IN NONCOMMUTATIVE SPACE
Authors: Prešnajder Peter , Gáliková Veronika , Kováčik Samuel
Published: May 2014

The object under scrutiny is the dynamical symmetry connected with conservation of the Laplace-Runge-Lenz vector (LRL) in the hydrogen atom problem solved by means of noncommutative quantum mechanics (NCQM). The considered noncommutative configuration space has such a “fuzzy”
structure that the rotational invariance is not spoilt. An analogy with the LRL vector in the NCQM is brought to provide our results and also a comparison with the standard QM predictions.
EXACT RENORMALIZATION GROUP FOR POINT INTERACTIONS
Authors: Turgut Osman Teoman Turgut Teoman , Eröncel Cem
Published: May 2014

Renormalization is one of the deepest ideas in physics, yet its exact implementation in any interesting problem is usually very hard. In the present work, following the approach by Glazek and Maslowski in the flat space, we will study the exact renormalization of the same problem in a nontrivial geometric setting, namely in the two dimensional hyperbolic space. Delta function potential is an asymptotically free quantum mechanical problem which makes it resemble nonabelian gauge theories, yet it can be treated exactly in this nontrivial geometry.
Crystal-Quasichemical Analysis of Defect Subsystem of Doped PbTe: Sb Crystals and Pb-Sb-Te Solid Solutions
Authors: Freik D.M. , Turovska L.V.
Published: May 2014

Within crystalquasichemical formalism models of point defects of crystals in the Pb-Sb-Te system were specified. Based on proposed crystalquasichemical formulae of antimony doped crystals PbTe:Sb amphoteric dopant effect was explained. Mechanisms of solid solution formation for РbТе-Sb2Те3: replacement of antimony ions lead sites  with the formation of cation vacancies  (I) or neutral interstitial tellurium atoms  (II) were examined. Dominant point defects in doped crystals PbTe:Sb and РbТе-Sb2Те3 solid solutions based on p-PbTe were defined. Dependences of concentration of dominant point defects, current carriers and Hall concentration on content of dopant compound and the initial deviation from stoichiometry in the basic matrix were calculated.
Patient registries from the view of health policy
Authors: Kissné Horváth Ildikó
Published: May 2014

Integrated health data management and disease registries which are able to support evidence-based decision making are of critical importance for health policy. Data provided by disease registries are used for the development of health strategy, planning of preventive activities, capacity-building in health care provision, improving health care quality, and planning clinical trials. Disease registries monitoring epidemiology, natural history of diseases, treatment outcomes and the detection of adverse reactions are requested not only by policy-makers, but public health authorities and health care providers, too. Registries for rare diseases are of critical importance for developing network between reference centres and developing and evaluating new drugs. Data and information need for decision-making in public services and the protection of health data of individuals require a careful balance that needs to be taken into account when considering disease registries. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(19), 729–731.
Past, present, future and benefits of “Tauffer”, the Hungarian obstetric registry
Authors: Csákány M. György
Published: May 2014

Since more than 80 years, the Hungarian obstetric database, called Tauffer registry, shows the evolution as well as professional and organizational issues of the Hungarian obstetrics. The system, renewed in 1994, provides detailed on-line information about obstetric events in the website owned by the National Institute for Quality and Organizational Development in Healthcare and Medicines. Although a significant overlap between Tauffer registry and other databases exists, these databases improve the efficacy of Tauffer registry and they provide additional information on obstetric events. Tauffer registry is publicly available for anyone and its data can be used by professionals and professional managers. The author presents 3 examples to demonstrate the practical use of professional indicators obtained from Tauffer registry. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(19), 750–754.
Bodies on Display
Authors: Lindsey Rachel
Published: May 2014

In this brief introduction, Rachel McBride Lindsey frames the questions around which the original conference panel was formed, briefly gestures to the studies of the four authors, and engages some of the insights provided in the formal response.
Spinless relativistic particle in energy-dependent potential and normalization of the wave function
Authors: Benchikha Amar , Chetouani Lyazid
Published: May 2014

The problem of normalization related to a Klein-Gordon particle subjected to vector plus scalar energy-dependent potentials is clarified in the context of the path integral approach. In addition the correction relating to the normalizing constant of wave functions is exactly determined. As examples, the energy dependent linear and Coulomb potentials are considered. The wave functions obtained via spectral decomposition, were found exactly normalized.
Bistability of Feshbach resonance in optical cavity
Authors: Xu Xiao-Qiang , Li You-Quan
Published: May 2014

We consider Feshbach resonance in an optical cavity where photons interact with atoms and molecules dispersively. From mean-field theory we obtain multiple fixed-point solutions, which is strongly related to the phenomenon of bistability. Adiabatic evolutions demonstrate hysteretic behaviors by varying pump-cavity detuning from opposite directions. We also use the quantum model to check mean-field results which match perfectly. The analysis here may enrich the study of particle-photon interaction systems.
Two new frameworks for biphenyl-3,3′,5,5′-tetracarboxylic acid and nitrogen-containing organics
Authors: Zhao Wen-Jie , Tan Jin-Ting , Li Xia , Lu Ying-Li , Feng Xing , Yang Xu-Wu
Published: May 2014

Two complexes, {Zn(bptc)0.5(bib)}n (I) and {Mn2(bptc)(pip)(H2O)}n (II) (H4bptc = biphenyl-3,3′,5,5′-tetracarboxylic acid; bib = 1,4-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-yl)butane; pip = 2-phenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR, TGA and solid fluorescence spectra. The results show that I and II both have 3D network architectures. I has porous architecture with a 162 topology structure. Effective porosity calculated by Platon is 5.5 %. Moreover, it has a two-fold interpenetrating structure allowed by a 70.73° torsion between the benzene rings of the bptc4− ligand and the flexibility of bib. II has a tetranuclear structure composed of binuclear architecture units with the torsion of 43.44° between the benzene rings of the bptc4− ligand. TGA shows that the skeletons of I and II are stable up to 372°C and 553°C, respectively. I exhibits fluorescence.
Absolute chronology of fluvial events in the Upper Dnieper River system and its palaeogeographic implications
Authors: Panin Andrey , Adamiec Grzegorz , Arslanov Khikmatulla , Bronnikova Maria , Filippov Vladimir , Sheremetskaya Elena , Zaretskaya Natalya , Zazovskaya Elya
Published: May 2014

A set of 121 radiocarbon and OSL dates has been compiled from the Upper Dnieper River and tributary valleys, Western European Russia. Each date was attributed according to geomorphic/sedimentological events and classes of fluvial activity. Summed probability density functions for each class were used to establish phases of increasing and reducing fluvial activity. The oldest detected reduction of fluvial activity was probably due to glacial damming at LGM. Within the Holocene three palaeohydrological epochs of millennial-scale were found: (1) high activity at 12,000–8,000 cal BP marked by large river palaeochannels; (2) low activity at 8,000–3,000 cal BP marked by formation of zonal-type soils on -floodplains; short episodes of high floods occurred between 6,500—4,400 cal BP; (3) contrasting hydrological oscillations since 3,000 cal BP with periods of high floods between 3,000–2,300 (2,000) and 900–100 cal BP separated by long interval of low floods 2,300 (2,000)-900 cal BP when floodplains were not inundated — zonal-type soils were developing and permanent settlements existed on floodplains. In the last millennium, four centennial-scale intervals were found: high flooding intervals are mid-11–mid-15th century and mid-17–mid-20th century. Intervals of flood activity similar to the present-day were: mid-15–mid-17th century and since mid-19th century till present. In the context of palaeohydrological changes, discussed are selected palaeogeographic issues such as: position of the glacial boundary at LGM, role of changing amounts of river runoff in the Black Sea level changes, floodplain occupation by Early Medieval population.
Study of Supracondylar Fracture of Distal Humerus in Children and Its Management with Lateral K-Wire Fixation
Authors: Sapkota K , Shrestha B
Published: May 2014

Background: Supracondylar fracture is one of the common fractures in children. There are different methods of treatment. This study was undertaken to evaluate the results of lateral k wire fixation for the displaced supracondylar fracture of distal humerus in children. Methods: There were 32 children with displaced Supracondylar fracture, treated with closed reduction and percutaneous lateral K-wires fixation. Clinical and radiological assessments were done and outcomes were assessed on basis of Flynn criteria and data were analyzed in SPSS 16. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Result: The mean age of patients was 6.41 ± 2.37 with boys predominant. There were excellent result of 24(75%) good result 5(15%) regarding carrying angle and regarding range of motion 25 (78%) excellent and4(12%) good result. There were more than 90% patients with excellent to good result. Comparing the Baumann’s angle intra-operatively and at the final follow up, there was no statistically significant difference with P value > 0.05. Conclusion: Lateral pinning with 2 and if necessary 3 k wires for proper stabilization and idea configuration of divergent to hold medial and lateral column is the ideal treatment of supracondylar fracture without risk of iatrogenic nerve injury. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 03 | Number 01 | January-June 2014 | Page 38-43 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v3i1.10356
Prevalence and complications of Hypothyroidism during pregnancy in western Nepal
Authors: Upadhyaya TL , KC A , Paudel S
Published: May 2014

Background: This study was designed to know the prevalence of hypothyroidism during pregnancy in western part of Nepal and its potential complications. Methods: One Hundred seven pregnant cases from Gandaki Medical college teaching hospital and Diabetes thyroid and Endocrinology care center, two of the tertiary care centers in Pokhara were enrolled in the study from the year 2011 January to 2012 December. Detailed history and physical examination was done. Thyroid Function test (FT3, FT4 andTSH) were performed after the confirmation of pregnancy. Patients were followed up during entire pregnancy. Seven patients dropped out from the study. Results: Out of 107 patients 56 patients had TSH below 6 mIU/L,31patients had TSH between 6mIU/L - 10 mIU/L and 13 patients had TSH more than 10 mIU/L. Seven patients dropped out from the study. There was1 miscarriage, 1 still birth from hypothyroid mother and 11 hypothyroid and subclinical hypothyroid mothers had preterm delivery. Conclusion: Prevalence of overt hypothyroidism is around 13% and subclinical hypothyroidism is around 31% in pregnant ladies in western Nepal. Also complications like stillbirth should be prevented by detecting and treating hypothyroidism early. So we recommend all patients with pregnancy to perform thyroid function test at the start of pregnancy. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 03 | Number 01 | January-June 2014 | Page 48-50 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v3i1.10358
Histomorphometric Changes of Pancreatic Islets with Advancing Age – A Postmortem Study in A Bangladeshi Male Population
Authors: Shahriah S , Nurunnabi ASM , Begum GN , Kabir R
Published: May 2014

Background: We proposed this study to see the difference in number and diameter of the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas with increasing age in Bangladeshi males, as male population is more prone to diabetes mellitus than female. Methods: This cross-sectional, descriptive study was done in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from August 2005 to December 2006, based on collection of 75 postmortem male human pancreas. The collected samples were divided into seven age groups: A (10-19 years), B (20-29 years), C (30-39 years), D (40-49years), E (50-59 years), F (60-69 years) and G (≥70 years). In histological slides, number of islets of Langerhans was measured by point counting technique per unit area of microscopic field and diameter by using ocular and stage micrometer. Results: The number of islets per unit area of the head of the pancreas were 1.40±0.55, 1.80±0.45, 1.40±0.55, 1.00±0.00, 1.80±0.45, 1.00±0.00and 1.20±0.45; in the body 1.20±0.45, 2.40±0.45, 2.00±0.00, 2.50±0.55,2.40±8.90, 2.20±0.45 and 2.00±0.00; in the tail region 2.40±0.55,3.00±1.22, 2.40±1.34, 2.80±0.84, 3.00±1.22, 2.80±0.84 and 3.20±0.45 in group A, B, C, D, E, F and G respectively. The diameter of pancreatic islets were found 82.64±0.73μm, 96.32±0.91μm, 108.52±8.76μm,135.20±8.38μm, 134.36±4.46μm, 102.40±0.89μm and 97.20±2.00μm in group A, B, C, D, E, F and G respectively. Conclusion: The number of the islets was much higher in tail than that of other regions. However, the diameter of the islets was found to increase up to 49 years and later decreased. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 03 | Number 01 | January-June 2014 | Page 63-37 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v3i1.10361
Beyond Figuration and Narration: Deleuzian Approaches to Gwen John's Paintings
Authors: Tamboukou Maria
Published: May 2014

In this paper I trace pictorial acts that move beyond figuration and narration, particularly focusing on Gwen John's portraits of women and girls, the work of her maturity as an artist. In doing this I make connections between John's and Cézanne's letters about their painting techniques and direction. The analysis draws on Deleuze and Guattari's approaches to the work of art. I discuss in particular the concept of faciality in the Thousand Plateaus and the problem of painting forces in Deleuze's work on Bacon, The Logic of Sensation. My argument is that an analysis that goes beyond phenomenology and semiotics opens new ways of seeing and appreciating a modernist woman artist's paintings, and sheds new light on the way her art allows the female figure to emerge as a woman-becoming-imperceptible within a patriarchal regime of signs.
Graphic Haunting: Illustration and Excluded Masculinity in Charles Dickens's Nicholas Nickleby (1838–9) and A Christmas Carol (1843)
Authors: Chettle Christine
Published: May 2014

Illustrations of Dickens's texts have often been seen as offering a moral encoding in which physical symmetry represents moral beauty. However, this reading does not explain the representation of more socially deviant personae, such as Nicholas Nickleby's Smike and A Christmas Carol's Scrooge. A comparison between the ‘ghost’ text and the ‘non-ghost’ text demonstrates the social breadth of the tension between illustration and text (or, as I term it, graphic haunting), due to the ability of this genre-crossing tension to uncover ‘other’ experiences haunting idealised formations of community. Fluctuations of line (Nickleby) and of colour (Carol) encode social liminality: Smike displays elements of both physical and intellectual or cognitive disability; Scrooge has no physical or mental disability but does have emotional scarring). The development of Smike's character through the Nickleby illustrations moves him from an outcast status to a place of pathos in which the audience can sympathise with him; the development of Scrooge's character in the Carol illustrations moves him to a place in which Scrooge empathises with outcast members of his contemporary society. By dramatising the emotional reality of male characters displaced from their communities, Dickens's graphically haunted texts explore the formation and permanency of a liminal masculinity from multiple angles, and consequently, question the social structures which produce exclusion.
Decoding F508del Misfolding in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Li Chenglong
Published: May 2014

The functional deficiency of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a plasma membrane chloride channel, leads to the development of cystic fibrosis. The deletion of a phenylalanine at residue 508 (F508del) is the most common cause of CFTR misfolding leading to the disease. The F508del misfolding originates in the first nucleotide-binding domain (NBD1), which induces a global conformational change in CFTR through NBD1’s interactions with other domains. Such global misfolding produces a mutant chloride channel that is impaired in exocytic trafficking, peripheral stability, and channel gating. The nature and atomic details of F508del misfolding have been subject to extensive research during the past decade. Current data support a central role for NBD1 in F508del misfolding and rescue. Many cis-acting NBD1 second-site mutations rescue F508del misfolding in the context of full-length CFTR. While some of these mutations appear to specifically counteract the F508del-induced misfolding, others release certain inherent conformational constraints of the human wild-type CFTR. Several small-molecule correctors were recently found to act on key interdomain interfaces of F508del CFTR. Potential rational approaches have been proposed in an attempt to develop highly effective small molecule modulators that improve the cell surface functional expression of F508del CFTR.
Strong Coupling between Plasmons and Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Bellessa Joel , Symonds Clementine , Laverdant Julien , Benoit Jean-Michel , Plenet Jean Claude , Vignoli Stephane
Published: May 2014

In this paper we describe the properties of organic material in strong coupling with plasmon, mainly based on our work in this field of research. The strong coupling modifies the optical transitions of the structure, and occurs when the interaction between molecules and plasmon prevails on the damping of the system. We describe the dispersion relation of different plasmonic systems, delocalized and localized plasmon, coupled to aggregated dyes and the typical properties of these systems in strong coupling. The modification of the dye emission is also studied. In the second part, the effect of the microscopic structure of the organics, which can be seen as a disordered film, is described. As the different molecules couple to the same plasmon mode, an extended coherent state on several microns is observed.
Combination of a Fast Cleanup Procedure and a DR-CALUX® Bioassay for Dioxin Surveillance in Taiwanese Soils
Authors: Lin Ding-Yan , Lee Yi-Pin , Li Chiu-Ping , Chi Kai-Hsien , Liang Bo-Wei , Liu Wen-Yao , Wang Chih-Cheng , Lin Susana , Chen Ting-Chien , Yeh Kuei-Jyum , Hsu Ping-Chi , Hsu Yi-Chyun , Chao How-Ran , Tsou Tsui-Chun
Published: May 2014

Our goal was to determine dioxin levels in 800 soil samples collected from Taiwan. An in vitro DR-CALUX® assay was carried out with the help of an automated Soxhlet system and fast cleanup column. The mean dioxin level of 800 soil samples was 36.0 pg-bioanalytical equivalents (BEQs)/g dry weight (d.w.). Soil dioxin-BEQs were higher in northern Taiwan (61.8 pg-BEQ/g d.w.) than in central, southern, and eastern Taiwan (22.2, 24.9, and 7.80 pg-BEQ/g d.w., respectively). Analysis of multiple linear regression models identified four major predictors of dioxin-BEQs including soil sampling location (β = 0.097, p < 0.001), land use (β = 0.065, p < 0.001), soil brightness (β = 0.170, p < 0.001), and soil moisture (β = 0.051, p = 0.020), with adjusted R2 = 0.947 (p < 0.001) (n = 662). An univariate logistic regression analysis with the cut-off point of 33.4 pg-BEQ/g d.w. showed significant odds ratios (ORs) for soil sampling location (OR = 2.43, p < 0.001), land use (OR = 1.47, p < 0.001), and soil brightness (OR = 2.83, p = 0.009). In conclusion, four variables, including soil sampling location, land use, soil brightness, and soil moisture, may be related to soil-dioxin contamination. Soil samples collected in northern Taiwan, and especially in Bade City, soils near industrial areas, and soils with darker color may contain higher dioxin-BEQ levels.
Alpha-Bulges in G Protein-Coupled Receptors
Authors: Van der Kant Rob , Vriend Gert
Published: May 2014

Agonist binding is related to a series of motions in G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that result in the separation of transmembrane helices III and VI at their cytosolic ends and subsequent G protein binding. A large number of smaller motions also seem to be associated with activation. Most helices in GPCRs are highly irregular and often contain kinks, with extensive literature already available about the role of prolines in kink formation and the precise function of these kinks. GPCR transmembrane helices also contain many α-bulges. In this article we aim to draw attention to the role of these α-bulges in ligand and G-protein binding, as well as their role in several aspects of the mobility associated with GPCR activation. This mobility includes regularization and translation of helix III in the extracellular direction, a rotation of the entire helix VI, an inward movement of the helices near the extracellular side, and a concerted motion of the cytosolic ends of the helices that makes their orientation appear more circular and that opens up space for the G protein to bind. In several cases, α-bulges either appear or disappear as part of the activation process.
The Canonical Notch Signaling Was Involved in the Regulation of Intestinal Epithelial Cells Apoptosis after Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Chen Guoqing , Zhang Zhicao , Cheng Yingdong , Xiao Weidong , Qiu Yuan , Yu Min , Sun Lihua , Wang Wensheng , Du Guangsheng , Gu Yingchao , Peng Ke , Xu Chao , Yang Hua
Published: May 2014

Notch signaling plays a critical role in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of Notch signaling in the apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells after intestinal ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to sham operation or I/R injury. Intestinal tissue samples were collected at 12 h after reperfusion. TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) staining showed that intestinal I/R injury induced significantly increased apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression of Jagged1, DLL1, Notch2, and Hes5, and protein expression of NICD2 and Hes5 were increased significantly after I/R injury in intestinal epithelial cells. In an in vitro IEC-6 culture model, flow cytometry analyses showed that inhibition of Notch signaling by γ-secretase inhibitor DAPT and the suppression of Hes5 expression using siRNA both significantly increased the apoptosis of IEC-6 cells under the condition of hypoxia/ reoxygenation (H/R). In conclusion, the Notch2/Hes5 signaling pathway was activated and involved in the regulation of intestinal epithelial cells apoptosis in intestinal I/R injury.
Homology Modeling Study of Bovine μ-Calpain Inhibitor-Binding Domains
Authors: Chai Han-Ha , Lim Dajeong , Lee Seung-Hwan , Chai Hee-Yeoul , Jung Eunkyoung
Published: May 2014

The activated mammalian CAPN-structures, the CAPN/CAST complex in particular, have become an invaluable target model using the structure-based virtual screening of drug candidates from the discovery phase to development for over-activated CAPN linked to several diseases, such as post-ischemic injury and cataract formation. The effect of Ca2+-binding to the enzyme is thought to include activation, as well as the dissociation, aggregation, and autolysis of small regular subunits. Unfortunately, the Ca2+-activated enzyme tends to aggregate when provided as a divalent ion at the high-concentration required for the protease crystallization. This is also makes it very difficult to crystallize the whole-length enzyme itself, as well as the enzyme-inhibitor complex. Several parameters that influence CAPN activity have been investigated to determine its roles in Ca2+-modulation, autoproteolysis, phosphorylation, and intracellular distribution and inhibition by its endogenous inhibitor CAST. CAST binds and inhibits CAPN via its CAPN-inhibitor domains (four repeating domains 1–4; CAST1–4) when CAPN is activated by Ca2+-binding. An important key to understanding CAPN1 inhibition by CAST is to determine how CAST interacts at the molecular level with CAPN1 to inhibit its protease activity. In this study, a 3D structure model of a CAPN1 bound bovine CAST4 complex was built by comparative modeling based on the only known template structure of a rat CAPN2/CAST4 complex. The complex model suggests certain residues of bovine CAST4, notably, the TIPPKYQ motif sequence, and the structural elements of these residues, which are important for CAPN1 inhibition. In particular, as CAST4 docks near the flexible active site of CAPN1, conformational changes at the interaction site after binding could be directly related to CAST4 inhibitory activity. These functional interfaces can serve as a guide to the site-mutagenesis in research on bovine CAPN1 structure-function relationships for the design of small molecules inhibitors to prevent uncontrolled and unspecific degradation in the proteolysis of key protease substrates.
The Role of RNAs and microRNAs in Non-Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis
Authors: Farina Antonio
Published: May 2014

In this paper, all possible clinical applications of circulating mRNA and miRNA for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis appearing in the medical literature so far are described. Data from the literature have also been reported and commented on along with some possible future applications.
A Review of Polymer-Stabilized Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals
Authors: Dierking Ingo
Published: May 2014

The polymer stabilized state of ferroelectric liquid crystals (FLC) is reviewed; and the effect of a dispersed polymer network in an FLC outlined and discussed. All fundamental material aspects are demonstrated; such as director tilt angle; spontaneous polarization; response time and viscosity; as well as the dielectric modes. It was found that the data can largely be explained by assuming an elastic interaction between the polymer network strands and the liquid crystal molecules. The elastic interaction parameter was determined; and increases linearly with increasing polymer concentration.
Fabrication of Metallic Biomedical Scaffolds with the Space Holder Method: A Review
Authors: Arifvianto Budi , Zhou Jie
Published: May 2014

Bone tissue engineering has been increasingly studied as an alternative approach to bone defect reconstruction. In this approach, new bone cells are stimulated to grow and heal the defect with the aid of a scaffold that serves as a medium for bone cell formation and growth. Scaffolds made of metallic materials have preferably been chosen for bone tissue engineering applications where load-bearing capacities are required, considering the superior mechanical properties possessed by this type of materials to those of polymeric and ceramic materials. The space holder method has been recognized as one of the viable methods for the fabrication of metallic biomedical scaffolds. In this method, temporary powder particles, namely space holder, are devised as a pore former for scaffolds. In general, the whole scaffold fabrication process with the space holder method can be divided into four main steps: (i) mixing of metal matrix powder and space-holding particles; (ii) compaction of granular materials; (iii) removal of space-holding particles; (iv) sintering of porous scaffold preform. In this review, detailed procedures in each of these steps are presented. Technical challenges encountered during scaffold fabrication with this specific method are addressed. In conclusion, strategies are yet to be developed to address problematic issues raised, such as powder segregation, pore inhomogeneity, distortion of pore sizes and shape, uncontrolled shrinkage and contamination.
Phosphor Deposits of β-Sialon:Eu2+ Mixed with SnO2 Nanoparticles Fabricated by the Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) Process
Authors: Zhang Chenning , Uchikoshi Tetsuo , Liu Lihong , Sakka Yoshio , Hirosaki Naoto
Published: May 2014

The phosphor deposits of the β-sialon:Eu2+ mixed with various amounts (0–1 g) of the SnO2 nanoparticles were fabricated by the electrophoretic deposition (EPD) process. The mixed SnO2 nanoparticles was observed to cover onto the particle surfaces of the β-sialon:Eu2+ as well as fill in the voids among the phosphor particles. The external and internal quantum efficiencies (QEs) of the prepared deposits were found to be dependent on the mixing amount of the SnO2: by comparing with the deposit without any mixing (48% internal and 38% external QEs), after mixing the SnO2 nanoparticles, the both QEs were improved to 55% internal and 43% external QEs at small mixing amount (0.05 g); whereas, with increasing the mixing amount to 0.1 and 1 g, they were reduced to 36% and 29% for the 0.1 g addition and 15% and 12% l QEs for the 1 g addition. More interestingly, tunable color appearances of the deposits prepared by the EPD process were achieved, from yellow green to blue, by varying the addition amount of the SnO2, enabling it as an alternative technique instead of altering the voltage and depositing time for the color appearance controllability.
Norditerpenoids from Flickingeria fimbriata and Their Inhibitory Activities on Nitric Oxide and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Production in Mouse Macrophages
Authors: Chen Jin-Long , Zhong Wen-Jun , Tang Gui-Hua , Li Jing , Zhao Zhi-Min , Yang De-Po , Jiang Lin
Published: May 2014

Bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract of the leaves of Flickingeria flimbriata led to the isolation of two new degraded diterpenoids 1 and 2, a new ent-pimarane type diterpenoid 3, and four known steroids 4–7. The structures of 1–3 were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, and their absolute configurations were determined by chemical methods, TDDFT quantum chemical calculations of ECD spectra, and CD exiton chirality method. Compounds 1 and 2, named flickinflimilins A and B, possess a rare 15,16-dinor-ent-pimarane skeleton. Compounds 1–7 were screened for the inhibitory activity against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO and TNF-α production in RAW264.7 cells. Compounds 1–3 exhibited potent inhibitory activities, with IC50 values of less than 10 µM.
Antibiofilm Effect of Octenidine Hydrochloride on Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA and VRSA
Authors: Amalaradjou Mary , Venkitanarayanan Kumar
Published: May 2014

Millions of indwelling devices are implanted in patients every year, and staphylococci (S. aureus, MRSA and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA)) are responsible for a majority of infections associated with these devices, thereby leading to treatment failures. Once established, staphylococcal biofilms become resistant to antimicrobial treatment and host response, thereby serving as the etiological agent for recurrent infections. This study investigated the efficacy of octenidine hydrochloride (OH) for inhibiting biofilm synthesis and inactivating fully-formed staphylococcal biofilm on different matrices in the presence and absence of serum protein. Polystyrene plates and stainless steel coupons inoculated with S. aureus, MRSA or VRSA were treated with OH (zero, 0.5, one, 2 mM) at 37 °C for the prevention of biofilm formation. Additionally, the antibiofilm effect of OH (zero, 2.5, five, 10 mM) on fully-formed staphylococcal biofilms on polystyrene plates, stainless steel coupons and urinary catheters was investigated. OH was effective in rapidly inactivating planktonic and biofilm cells of S. aureus, MRSA and VRSA on polystyrene plates, stainless steel coupons and urinary catheters in the presence and absence of serum proteins. The use of two and 10 mM OH completely inactivated S. aureus planktonic cells and biofilm (>6.0 log reduction) on all matrices tested immediately upon exposure. Further, confocal imaging revealed the presence of dead cells and loss in biofilm architecture in the OH-treated samples when compared to intact live biofilm in the control. Results suggest that OH could be applied as an effective antimicrobial to control biofilms of S. aureus, MRSA and VRSA on appropriate hospital surfaces and indwelling devices.
Self-Homodyne Detection in Optical Communication Systems
Authors: Puttnam Benjamin , Luís Ruben , Delgado Mendinueta José , Sakaguchi Jun , Klaus Werner , Kamio Yukiyoshi , Nakamura Moriya , Wada Naoya , Awaji Yoshinari , Kanno Atsushi , Kawanishi Tetsuya , Miyazaki Tetsuya
Published: May 2014

We review work on self-homodyne detection (SHD) for optical communication systems. SHD uses a transmitted pilot-tone (PT), originating from the transmitter laser, to exploit phase noise cancellation at a coherent receiver and to enable transmitter linewidth tolerance and potential energy savings. We give an overview of SHD performance, outlining the key contributors to the optical signal-to-noise ratio penalty compared to equivalent intradyne systems, and summarize the advantages, differences and similarities between schemes using polarization-division multiplexed PTs (PDM-SHD) and those using space-division multiplexed PTs (SDM-SHD). For PDM-SHD, we review the extensive work on the transmission of advanced modulation formats and techniques to minimize the trade-off with spectral efficiency, as well as recent work on digital SHD, where the SHD receiver is combined with an polarization-diversity ID front-end receiver to provide both polarization and modulation format alignment. We then focus on SDM-SHD systems, describing experimental results using multi-core fibers (MCFs) with up to 19 cores, including high capacity transmission with broad-linewidth lasers and experiments incorporating SDM-SHD in networking. Additionally, we discuss the requirement for polarization tracking of the PTs at the receiver and path length alignment and review some variants of SHD before outlining the future challenges of self-homodyne optical transmission and gaps in current knowledge.
Stability Analysis of Reactive Multiphase Slug Flows in Microchannels
Authors: Munera Parra Alejandro , Antweiler Nicolai , Nagpal Rachit , Agar David
Published: May 2014

Conducting multiphase reactions in micro-reactors is a promising strategy for intensifying chemical and biochemical processes. A major unresolved challenge is to exploit the considerable benefits offered by micro-scale operation for industrial scale throughputs by numbering-up whilst retaining the underlying advantageous flow characteristics of the single channel system in multiple parallel channels. Fabrication and installation tolerances in the individual micro-channels result in different pressure losses and, thus, a fluid maldistribution. In this work, an additional source of maldistribution, namely the flow multiplicities, which can arise in a multiphase reactive or extractive flow in otherwise identical micro-channels, was investigated. A detailed experimental and theoretical analysis of the flow stability with and without reaction for both gas-liquid and liquid-liquid slug flow has been developed. The model has been validated using the extraction of acetic acid from n-heptane with the ionic liquid 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ethyl sulfate. The results clearly demonstrate that the coupling between flow structure, the extent of reaction/extraction and pressure drop can result in multiple operating states, thus, necessitating an active measurement and control concept to ensure uniform behavior and optimal performance.