bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Modifications and Potential New Treatment Targets in Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Perrone Lorena , Matrone Carmela , Singh Lalit P.
Published: August 2014

Retinopathy is a debilitating vascular complication of diabetes. As with other diabetic complications, diabetic retinopathy (DR) is characterized by the metabolic memory, which has been observed both in DR patients and in DR animal models. Evidences have provided that after a period of poor glucose control insulin or diabetes drug treatment fails to prevent the development and progression of DR even when good glycemic control is reinstituted (glucose normalization), suggesting a metabolic memory phenomenon. Recent studies also underline the role of epigenetic chromatin modifications as mediators of the metabolic memory. Indeed, epigenetic changes may lead to stable modification of gene expression, participating in DR pathogenesis. Moreover, increasing evidences suggest that environmental factors such as chronic hyperglycemia are implicated DR progression and may also affect the epigenetic state. Here we review recent findings demonstrating the key role of epigenetics in the progression of DR. Further elucidation of epigenetic mechanisms, acting both at the cis- and trans-chromatin structural elements, will yield new insights into the pathogenesis of DR and will open the way for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets to prevent DR progression.
Trap-Door Incision for Penetrating Thoracic Trauma: An Obsolete Approach?
Authors: Fabregues Olea Ana , Zarain Obrador Leire , Perez-Diaz Dolores , Turégano Fuentes Fernando
Published: August 2014

Penetrating injuries to the subclavian vessels are uncommon and very severe lesions. They are difficult to expose and carry a high mortality. “Trap-door” incisions have lately been dismissed as too mutilating for the occasional victim of a penetrating thoracic trauma with massive bleeding difficult that is to expose. We present a case of severe bleeding from a stab wound in the left subclavicular area in a heavy-built patient where a “trap-door” incision proved inevitable to expose and repair the injury, and most probably saved his life.
Reactive GTS Allocation Protocol for Sporadic Events Using the IEEE 802.15.4
Authors: Azeem Mukhtar , Khan Majid I. , Faheem Yasir , Tamimy Manzoor Illahi , Malik Najmus Saqib , Khan Abid , Ahmed Mansoor
Published: August 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) find applications in the industrial automation where periodic and sporadic events occur. The combined propagation of information generated by periodic and sporadic events from a sensor node to an actuator node is challenging due to random nature of sporadic events, particularly, if the deadlines are hard. The IEEE 802.15.4 standard provides the basis for a real‐time communication mechanism between neighboring nodes of the WSN at the media access control layer. However, the standard does not address such communications over multiple hops. To support the industrial applications with such requirements, this work proposes a novel online control protocol that exploits the basis provided
by the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. The proposed control protocol ensures that a given offline sporadic schedule can be adapted online in a timely manner such that the static periodic schedule has not been disturbed and the IEEE 802.15.4 standard compliance remains intact. The proposed protocol is simulated in OPNET. The simulation results are analyzed and presented in this paper to prove the correctness of the proposed protocol regarding the efficient real‐time sporadic event delivery along with the periodic event propagation.
Foeniculum vulgareMill: A Review of Its Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Contemporary Application, and Toxicology
Authors: Badgujar Shamkant B. , Patel Vainav V. , Bandivdekar Atmaram H.
Published: August 2014

Foeniculum vulgareMill commonly called fennel has been used in traditional medicine for a wide range of ailments related to digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems. Additionally, it is also used as a galactagogue agent for lactating mothers. The review aims to gather the fragmented information available in the literature regarding morphology, ethnomedicinal applications, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology ofFoeniculum vulgare. It also compiles available scientific evidence for the ethnobotanical claims and to identify gaps required to be filled by future research. Findings based on their traditional uses and scientific evaluation indicates thatFoeniculum vulgareremains to be the most widely used herbal plant. It has been used for more than forty types of disorders. Phytochemical studies have shown the presence of numerous valuable compounds, such as volatile compounds, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, and amino acids. Compiled data indicate their efficacy in severalin vitroandin vivopharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antinociceptive, antipyretic, antispasmodic, antithrombotic, apoptotic, cardiovascular, chemomodulatory, antitumor, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and memory enhancing property.Foeniculum vulgarehas emerged as a good source of traditional medicine and it provides a noteworthy basis in pharmaceutical biology for the development/formulation of new drugs and future clinical uses.
General Vertex-Distinguishing Total Coloring of Graphs
Authors: Liu Chanjuan , Zhu Enqiang
Published: August 2014

The general vertex-distinguishing total chromatic number of a graphGis the minimum integerk, for which the vertices and edges ofGare colored usingkcolors such that any two vertices have distinct sets of colors of them and their incident edges. In this paper, we figure out the exact value of this chromatic number of some special graphs and propose a conjecture on the upper bound of this chromatic number.
Design and Development of the Humanoid Robot BHR-5
Authors: Yu Zhangguo , Huang Qiang , Ma Gan , Chen Xuechao , Zhang Weimin , Li Jing , Gao Junyao
Published: August 2014

This paper presents the mechanical and control system design of the latest humanoid robot platform, BHR-5, from Beijing Institute of Technology. The robot was developed as a comprehensive platform to investigate the planning and control for the fast responsive motion under unforeseen circumstances, for example, playing table-tennis. It has improvement on mechanical structure, stiffness, and reliability. An open control architecture based on concurrent multichannel communication mode of CAN bus is proposed to upgrade the real-time communication performance and the expansibility of the control system. Experiments on walking and playing table-tennis validate the effectiveness of the design.
A Modified Damage‐Plasticity Coupled Area‐Weighted Nonlocal Model for Simulating Ductile Fracture and Softening Behaviors of Materials
Authors: Cao Peng , Feng Decheng , Zhou Changjun
Published: August 2014

A nonlocal damage‐plasticity coupled area‐weighted model was proposed to investigate the fracture process of the ductile fracture materials with softening behavior, such as asphalt concrete materials. The model can overcome the mesh sensitivity problem in the analysis. A subroutine of ABAQUS software was developed to apply this nonlocal damage‐plasticity coupled area‐weighted model into finite element analysis. Then, the subroutine was adopted in finite element models to simulate several loading conditions. The results indicate that the nonlocal damage‐plasticity coupled area‐weighted model and the subroutine describe the softening behavior of asphalt concrete materials better than traditional softening models. And the robustness and stability of the proposed model were also justified. The proposed model provides a concrete and accurate alternate to predict the damage condition of asphalt concrete.
Ground to Cloud Lightning Flash Currents and Electric Fields: Interaction with Aircraft and Production of Ionosphere Sprites
Authors: Hoole P. R. P. , Thirukumaran S. , Ramiah Harikrishnan , Kanesan Jeevan , Hoole S. R. H.
Published: August 2014

This paper presents for the first time a case for the importance of ground to cloud (upward leader) lightning flash parameters for safety testing of direct aircraft-lightning interaction and protection of wind turbines, as well as the importance of radiated electric fields for indirect lightning-aircraft interaction and generation of electric discharges called sprites and halos in the ionosphere. By using an electric circuit model of the transverse magnetic waves along the return stroke channel, electric currents at ground level as well as cloud level are determined for both the cloud to ground lightning flash and the ground to cloud lightning flash. We show that when an aircraft triggers lightning, the electric currents will be much more severe in current magnitude, rate of rise of currents, and frequency spectrum than otherwise and are more severe than the parameters observed for the usual and well monitored (and measured) cloud to ground (downward leader) flashes. The rate of rise of currents and the frequency spectrum of the ground to cloud lightning flash are also given here. The electric fields radiated by the lightning flashes that would appear in the ionosphere are presented for both the earth flash and the ground to cloud flash.
Damage Detection of Structures Identified with Deterministic-Stochastic Models Using Seismic Data
Authors: Huang Ming-Chih , Wang Yen-Po , Chang Ming-Lian
Published: August 2014

A deterministic-stochastic subspace identification method is adopted and experimentally verified in this study to identify the equivalent single-input-multiple-output system parameters of the discrete-time state equation. The method of damage locating vector (DLV) is then considered for damage detection. A series of shaking table tests using a five-storey steel frame has been conducted. Both single and multiple damage conditions at various locations have been considered. In the system identification analysis, either full or partial observation conditions have been taken into account. It has been shown that the damaged stories can be identified from global responses of the structure to earthquakes if sufficiently observed. In addition to detecting damage(s) with respect to the intact structure, identification of new or extended damages of the as-damaged counterpart has also been studied. This study gives further insights into the scheme in terms of effectiveness, robustness, and limitation for damage localization of frame systems.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Focus on Disease Progression
Authors: Calvo Ana C. , Manzano Raquel , Mendonça Deise M. F. , Muñoz María J. , Zaragoza Pilar , Osta Rosario
Published: August 2014

Since amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was discovered and described in 1869 as a neurodegenerative disease in which motor neuron death is induced, a wide range of biomarkers have been selected to identify therapeutic targets. ALS shares altered molecular pathways with other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, and Parkinson’s diseases. However, the molecular targets that directly influence its aggressive nature remain unknown. What is the first link in the neurodegenerative chain of ALS that makes this disease so peculiar? In this review, we will discuss the progression of the disease from the viewpoint of the potential biomarkers described to date in human and animal model samples. Finally, we will consider potential therapeutic strategies for ALS treatment and future, innovative perspectives.
New Results on Stability and Stabilization of Markovian Jump Systems with Time Delay
Authors: Xia Hongwei , Li Li , Wang Yanmin , Ma Guangcheng , Wang Changhong
Published: August 2014

This technical paper deals with the problem of stochastic stability and stabilization for a class of linear Markovian jumping systems with discrete time‐varying delay. A novel delay‐dependent stochastic stability criterion for Markovian delay systems is established based on new augmented Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional and delay fractioning techniques. Then a state feedback controller is designed to guarantee the stochastic stability of the resulting closed‐loop system. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed design approach in this paper.
Methylobacterium populiVP2: Plant Growth-Promoting Bacterium Isolated from a Highly Polluted Environment for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Biodegradation
Authors: Ventorino Valeria , Sannino Filomena , Piccolo Alessandro , Cafaro Valeria , Carotenuto Rita , Pepe Olimpia
Published: August 2014

The use of microorganisms to accelerate the natural detoxification processes of toxic substances in the soil represents an alternative ecofriendly and low-cost method of environmental remediation compared to harmful incineration and chemical treatments. Fourteen strains able to grow on minimal selective medium with a complex mixture of different classes of xenobiotic compounds as the sole carbon source were isolated from the soil of the ex-industrial site ACNA (Aziende Chimiche Nazionali Associate) in Cengio (Savona, Italy). The best putative degrading isolate,Methylobacterium populiVP2, was identified using a polyphasic approach on the basis of its phenotypic, biochemical, and molecular characterisation. Moreover, this strain also showed multiple plant growth promotion activities: it was able to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and siderophores, solubilise phosphate, and produce a biofilm in the presence of phenanthrene and alleviate phenanthrene stress in tomato seeds. This is the first report on the simultaneous occurrence of the PAH-degrading ability byMethylobacterium populiand its multiple plant growth-promoting activities. Therefore, the selected indigenous strain, which is naturally present in highly contaminated soils, is good candidate for plant growth promotion and is capable of biodegrading xenobiotic organic compounds to remediate contaminated soil alone and/or soil associated with plants.
Parameter Estimation for Stochastic Differential Equations Driven by Mixed Fractional Brownian Motion
Authors: Song Na , Liu Zaiming
Published: August 2014

We study the asymptotic properties of minimum distance estimator of drift parameter for a class of nonlinear scalar stochastic differential equations driven by mixed fractional Brownian motion. The consistency and limit distribution of this estimator are established as the diffusion coefficient tends to zero under some regularity conditions.
Achieving Construct Stability in Periprosthetic Femur Fracture Treatment
Authors: Firoozabadi Reza , Graves Matthew L. , Krieg James C. , Eastman Jonathan , Nork Sean E.
Published: August 2014

One of the greatest challenges in treating patients with periprosthetic femoral fractures is achieving bone fixation in the presence of a well-fixed stem. Three techniques are described, which allow for improved fixation. A clinical series of fourteen patients with periprosthetic femur fractures that underwent open reduction internal fixation utilizing these techniques were reviewed. Thirteen patients had clinical and radiographic union. One patient required conversion to a revision total hip arthroplasty when it was noted that he had a loose prosthesis. Average time to radiographic union was 122 days. The described techniques allow surgeons to obtain multiple points of fixation around the prosthesis in an effective manner.
Evaluating the Efficacy of Primary Treatment for Graves’ Disease Complicated by Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis
Authors: Chang Rita Yuk-Kwan , Lang Brian Hung-Hin , Chan Ai Chen , Wong Kai Pun
Published: August 2014

Objective. Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is a potentially life-threatening complication of Graves’ disease (GD). The present study compared the long-term efficacy of antithyroid drugs (ATD), radioactive iodine (RAI), and surgery in GD/TPP.Methods. Sixteen patients with GD/TPP were followed over a 14-year period. ATD was generally prescribed upfront for 12–18 months before RAI or surgery was considered. Outcomes such as thyrotoxic or TPP relapses were compared between the three modalities.Results. Eight (50.0%) patients had ATD alone, 4 (25.0%) had RAI, and 4 (25.0%) had surgery as primary treatment. Despite being able to withdraw ATD in all 8 patients for 37.5 (22–247) months, all subsequently developed thyrotoxic relapses and 4 (50.0%) had ≥1 TPP relapses. Of the four patients who had RAI, two (50%) developed thyrotoxic relapse after 12 and 29 months, respectively, and two (50.0%) became hypothyroid. The median required RAI dose to render hypothyroidism was 550 (350–700) MBq. Of the 4 patients who underwent surgery, none developed relapses but all became hypothyroid.Conclusion. To minimize future relapses, more definitive primary treatment such as RAI or surgery is preferred over ATD alone. If RAI is chosen over surgery, a higher dose (>550 MBq) is recommended.
Development of siRNA Payloads to Target KRAS-Mutant Cancer
Authors: Yuan Tina L. , Fellmann Christof , Lee Chih-Shia , Ritchie Cayde D. , Thapar Vishal , Lee Liam C. , Hsu Dennis J. , Grace Danielle , Carver Joseph O. , Zuber Johannes , Luo Ji , McCormick Frank , Lowe Scott W.
Published: August 2014

RNAi is a powerful tool for target identification and can lead to novel therapies for pharmacologically intractable targets such as KRAS. RNAi therapy must combine potent siRNA payloads with reliable in vivo delivery for efficient target inhibition. We used a functional “Sensor” assay to establish a library of potent siRNAs against RAS pathway genes and to show that they efficiently suppress their targets at low dose. This reduces off-target effects and enables combination gene knockdown. We administered Sensor siRNAs in vitro and in vivo and validated the delivery of KRAS siRNA alone and siRNA targeting the complete RAF effector node (A/B/CRAF) as promising strategies to treat KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer. We further demonstrate that improved therapeutic efficacy is achieved by formulating siRNA payloads that combine both single-gene siRNA and node-targeted siRNAs (KRAS + PIK3CA/B). The customizable nature of Sensor siRNA payloads offers a universal platform for the combination target identification and development of RNAi therapeutics.

Significance: To advance RNAi therapy for KRAS-mutant cancer, we developed a validated siRNA library against RAS pathway genes that enables combination gene silencing. Using an in vivo model for real-time siRNA delivery tracking, we show that siRNA-mediated inhibition of KRAS as well as RAF or PI3K combinations can impair KRAS-mutant colorectal cancer in xenograft models. Cancer Discov; 4(10); 1182–97. ©2014 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1103
Changing Concepts of Diagnostic Criteria of Myeloproliferative Disorders and the Molecular Etiology and Classification of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms: From Dameshek 1950 to Vainchenker 2005 and Beyond
Authors: Michiels Jan Jacques , Berneman Zwi , Schroyens Wilfried , De Raeve Hendrik
Published: August 2014

The Polycythemia Vera Study Group (PVSG) and WHO classifications distinguished the Philadelphia (Ph1) chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia from the Ph1-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV) and primary myelofibrosis (MF) or primary megakaryocytic granulocytic myeloproliferation (PMGM). Half of PVSG/WHO-defined ET patients show low serum erythropoietin levels and carry the JAK2V617F mutation, indicating prodromal PV. The positive predictive value of a JAK2V617F PCR test is 95% for the diagnosis of PV, and about 50% for ET and MF. The WHO-defined JAK2V617F-positive ET comprises three ET phenotypes at clinical and bone marrow level when the integrated WHO and European Clinical, Molecular and Pathological (ECMP) criteria are applied: normocellular ET (WHO-ET), hypercellular ET due to increased erythropoiesis (prodromal PV) and hypercellular ET associated with megakaryocytic granulocytic myeloproliferation (EMGM). Four main molecular types of clonal MPN can be distinguished: JAK2V617F-positive ET and PV; JAK2 wild-type ET carrying the MPL515; mutations in the calreticulin (CALR) gene in JAK2/MPL wild-type ET and MF, and a small proportion of JAK2/MPL/CALR wild-type ET and MF patients. The JAK2V617F mutation load is low in heterozygous normocellular WHO-ET. The JAK2V617F mutation load in hetero-/homozygous PV and EMGM is clearly related to MPN disease burden in terms of splenomegaly, constitutional symptoms and fibrosis. The JAK2 wild-type ET carrying the MPL515 mutation is featured by clustered small and giant megakaryocytes with hyperlobulated stag-horn-like nuclei, in a normocellular bone marrow (WHO-ET), and lacks features of PV. JAK2/MPL wild-type, CALR mutated hypercellular ET associated with PMGM is featured by dense clustered large immature dysmorphic megakaryocytes and bulky (cloud-like) hyperchromatic nuclei, which are never seen in WHO-ECMP-defined JAK2V617F mutated ET, EMGM and PV, and neither in JAK2 wild-type ET carrying the MPL515 mutation. Two thirds of JAK2/MPL wild-type ET and MF patients carry one of the CALR mutations as the cause of the third distinct MPN entity. WHO-ECMP criteria are recommended to diagnose, classify and stage the broad spectrum of MPN of various molecular etiologies.
Superglue in the Urethra: Surgical Treatment
Authors: Heberling Ulrike , Fröhner Michael , Oehlschläger Sven , Wirth Manfred P.
Published: August 2014

We describe a case of superglue application into the male urethra with successful surgical treatment of the glue particles by external urethrotomy.
The Role of Mirabegron in Overactive Bladder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wu Tao , Duan Xi , Cao Chen-Xi , Peng Chuan-Du , Bu Si-Yuan , Wang Kun-Jie
Published: August 2014

Objective: To present a systematic review assessing the efficacy and safety of mirabegron for overactive bladder (OAB). Materials and Methods: A literature search was performed using the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and Science Citation Index Expanded. The literature reviewed included meta-analyses, randomized and nonrandomized prospective studies. We utilized mean difference (MD) to measure the mean number of incontinence episodes and the mean number of micturitions, and OAB questionnaire (OAB-q) and odds ratio (OR) to measure adverse events rates. We used the Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager 5.1 software for statistical analysis. Results: We identiﬁed six publications that strictly met our eligibility criteria. Meta-analysis of extractable data showed that mirabegron was more effective than placebo in treating OAB despite different drug dosages in the efficacy end points: mean number of incontinence episodes per 24 h (MD -0.54; 95% CI -0.63, -0.45; p = 0.001), mean number of micturitions per 24 h (MD -0.55; 95% CI -0.63, -0.47; p = 0.001), OAB-q (MD -4.49; 95% CI -6.27, -2.71; p = 0.001) and adverse events (OR 0.99; 95% CI 0.83, 1.19; p = 0.92). When compared to tolterodine, mirabegron was more effective in terms of mean number of incontinence episodes per 24 h (MD -0.25; 95% CI -0.43, -0.06; p = 0.009). However, there were no differences between mirabegron and tolterodine in mean number of micturitions per 24 h (MD -0.17; 95% CI -0.35, 0.01; p = 0.07) and OAB-q (MD -1.09; 95% CI -2.51, 0.33; p = 0.13). Mirabegron also had a lower adverse reaction rate (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.8, 1.0; p = 0.04). Conclusions: In this diverse population, mirabegron was an effective and safe pharmacologic therapy for OAB.
Meiotic Chromosome Structure and Function in Plants
Authors: Mainiero Samantha , Pawlowski Wojciech P.
Published: August 2014

Chromosome structure is important for many meiotic processes. Here, we outline 3 main determinants of chromosome structure and their effects on meiotic processes in plants. Cohesins are necessary to hold sister chromatids together until the first meiotic division, ensuring that homologous chromosomes and not sister chromatids separate during anaphase I. During meiosis in maize, Arabidopsis, and rice, cohesins are needed for establishing early prophase chromosome structure and recombination and for aligning bivalents at the metaphase plate. Condensin complexes play pivotal roles in controlling the packaging of chromatin into chromosomes through chromatin compaction and chromosome individualization. In animals and fungi, these complexes establish a meiotic chromosome structure that allows for proper recombination, pairing, and synapsis of homologous chromosomes. In plants, information on the role of condensins in meiosis is limited, but they are known to be required for successful completion of reproductive development. Therefore, we speculate that they play roles similar to animal and fungal condensins during meiosis. Plants generally have large and complex genomes due to frequent polyploidy events, and likely, condensins and cohesins organize chromosomes in such a way as to ensure genome stability. Hexaploid wheat has evolved a unique mechanism using a Ph1 locus-controlled chromosome organization to ensure proper chromosome pairing in meiosis. Altogether, studies on meiotic chromosome structure indicate that chromosome organization is not only important for chromatin packaging but also fulfills specific functions in facilitating chromosome interactions during meiosis, including pairing and recombination.
Cladocroce caelum sp. nov. from the Brazilian coast; first record of the genus in the South Atlantic
Authors: SANTOS GEORGE GARCIA , DA SILVA LÍCIA PIRES , ALLIZ ADÉLIA , PINHEIRO ULISSES
Published: August 2014

Haplosclerida is characterized by the possession of diactinal megascleres, most commonly oxeas in isodictyal arrangement. While the sizes of spicules may be an important characteristic to identify species the skeletal architecture serves to discriminate families and genera (van Soest & Hooper 2002). Cladocroce Topsent, 1892 is characterized by the presence of multispicular fibres tracts with a rather dense subisotropic reticulation in between (De Weerdt 2002), currently with 15 valid species (van Soest et al. 2013), only three of which are from the Atlantic Ocean, and none from the South Atlantic. Here we are record a new species of Cladocroce for Brazil for the first time. Specimens were collected during a faunistic survey conducted in the area of Enseada dos Corais Beach (Pernambuco State, Brazil) and Baía da Traição (Paraíba State, Brazil). The present contribution takes the number of valid described species of Cladocroce to 16.
One new species in the cockroach genus Jacobsonina Hebard 1929 (Blattodea, Ectobiidae, Blattellinae) from Mainland China
Authors: Wu Keliang , Yue Qiaoyun , Qiu Deyi , LIU DEXING
Published: August 2014

One new species of Jacobsonina Hebard from China is described and illustrated: Jacobsonina erebis sp. nov.. A key to all known species in this genus, except for J. lugubris (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1893), based on males, is provided.
Transforming HRD
Authors: Bierema Laura , Callahan Jamie L.
Published: August 2014

The Problem

Human resource development (HRD) has become powerfully influenced by a dominant rationality in which masculine characteristics of assertiveness, objectivity, control, and performance are privileged without question, resulting in inequitable practices and social systems such as sexism, racism, and capitalism. The humanistic roots of the field of HRD have been co-opted into serving organizations at the expense of workers and other stakeholders. The current frameworks used to understand and apply practices within the field are not sufficient to reclaim the HRD voice of organizational conscience.

The Solution

This article defines critical human resource development (CHRD) and offers a framework for envisioning the field that restructures the “holy trinity” of HRD known as Training & Development, Career Development, and Organization Development. We make a case for why a CHRD is needed and provide an overview of key, and contested, issues of practice for HRD (and CHRD) professionals—relating, learning, changing, and organizing.

The Stakeholders

Scholars and practitioners invested in exploring a new framework of CHRD.
Foundations of Critical Theory
Authors: Brookfield Stephen D.
Published: August 2014

The Problem

Despite the late 20th century explosion of interest in quality circles, the learning organization, and the habits of effective organizational members, dissatisfaction with organizational life under capitalism and globalization seems to rise exponentially. The financial crisis of 2008, the export of manufacturing jobs, and the rise of the information economy all contribute to worker restlessness and alienation. What theoretical frameworks are most useful to help us understand the way work is experienced as fluctuating and deskilled by many inservice industries and part-time employment?

The Solution

Critical theory is proposed as one theoretical solution to disentangling this problem. Although crafted in the first half of the 20th century, this attempt to modernize and adapt Marxism has enduring relevance for the 21st century. Its analysis of worker alienation, the fetishization of consumer goods, the commodification of labor, and the way organizations co-opt efforts at structural change are all helpful to Human Resource Development (HRD) practitioners who seek a different perspective on understanding workplace issues.

The Stakeholders

The article provides examples of how concepts drawn from critical theory can inform scholars’ and practitioners’ understanding of the practice of HRD. Critical theory is proposed as providing a more informed understanding of organizational power dynamics, of the enactment of microaggressions, of the way that labor is commodified, of the production of a social character of capitalism, and of the practice of repressive tolerance.
Feminist Theory and Queer Theory
Authors: Gedro Julie , Mizzi Robert C.
Published: August 2014

The Problem

Although the workforce has become increasingly diverse, there has not been a corresponding interrogation of the assumptions about the ways that demographics, particularly gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, relate to Human Resource Development (HRD) imperatives.

The Solution

This article will provide justification for why feminist theory and queer theory should be drawn into conversation with each other as useful frameworks for HRD research and scholarship. These frameworks are concerned with “othering” practices and the marginalization that can occur in workplaces, and they can assist HRD scholars and practitioners to expand their knowledge about diversity and inform research and scholarship.

The Stakeholders

Stakeholders invested in this topic include HRD practitioners and scholars, marginalized people, and, more specifically, women and sexual minorities.
International Critical Perspectives
Authors: Sambrook Sally , Poell Rob F.
Published: August 2014

The Problem

Critical perspectives on human resource development (HRD) have emerged, across Europe and America, hailed as the future of the field. However, we note the paucity of critical perspectives globally, the problematic dominance of critical HRD activities in Western sites of theory and practice, and the apparent dearth in non-Western sites.

The Solution

We analyze locations of critical HRD to advance understanding of critical perspectives in the international context, raising awareness of where critical HRD operates globally, celebrating its successes, and critically examining its struggles. We hope this encourages colleagues in underrepresented locations to experiment to effect improvements in the lives of otherwise oppressed, marginalized, voiceless workers/learners.

The Stakeholders.

Critical HRD encompasses attempts to critique and challenge the hegemony of dominant practices in research, education, and practice, around three stakeholders: researchers, educators, and practitioners. Moreover, the purpose of critical HRD is to emancipate workers/learners, the last but not least important stakeholders.
What Type of Leaders Are We? Understanding and Enhancing Critical Human Resource Development Identity in the United States
Authors: Storberg-Walker Julia
Published: August 2014

The Problem

These are the days of grand, interdisciplinary, and global challenges. For example, there is widespread acknowledgment within the scientific community that climate change is happening. The financial meltdown caused thousands of families to lose their homes, and environmental debacles like the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico generated economic, social, and public health concerns.These are problems—not necessarily human resource development (HRD) problems—but problems nonetheless that impact the people, communities and organizations we lead and serve.We are the leaders, change agents, consultants, and educators whom organizations, communities, and people turn to for their development and training needs.

The Solution

I believe HRD scholars should proactively develop a critical orientation to economic, social, cultural, and environmental issues currently plaguing the planet. With such a critical perspective, we can develop a CHRD leadership identity and challenge hidden assumptions and work with others to expose environmental, human, and economicexploitation.The accomplish this goal, I believe, we should examine the historical emergence of critical HRD identities and thenintentionally create critical leadership development opportunities for more HRD professionals to enact critical HRD more of the time.

The Stakeholders

Communities, individuals, organizations, the planet.
Survival at the Frontier of Holy War: Political Expansion, Crusading, Environmental Exploitation and the Medieval Colonizing Settlement at Biała Góra, North Poland
Authors: Sawicki Zbigniew , Pluskowski Aleksander , Brown Alexander , Badura Monika , Makowiecki Daniel , Shillito Lisa-Marie , Zabilska-Kunek Mirosława , Seetah Krish
Published: August 2014

Between the eleventh and thirteenth centuries AD, the Lower Vistula valley represented a permeable and shifting frontier between Pomerelia (eastern Pomerania), which had been incorporated into the Polish Christian state by the end of the tenth century, and the territories of western Prussian tribes, who had resisted attempts at Christianization. Pomeranian colonization eventually began to falter in the latter decades of the twelfth and early thirteenth centuries, most likely as a result of Prussian incursions, which saw the abandonment of sites across the borderland. Subsequently, the Teutonic Order and its allies led a protracted holy war against the Prussian tribes, which resulted in the conquest of the region and its incorporation into a theocratic state by the end of the thirteenth century. This was accompanied by a second wave of colonization, which resulted in the settlement pattern that is still visible in the landscape of north-central Poland today. However, not all colonies were destroyed or abandoned in between the two phases of colonization. The recently excavated site of Biała Góra, situated on the western side of the Forest of Sztum overlooking the River Nogat, represents a unique example of a transitional settlement that included both Pomeranian and Teutonic Order phases. The aim of this paper is to situate the site within its broader landscape context which can be characterized as a militarized frontier, where, from the later twelfth century and throughout much of the thirteenth century, political and economic expansion was combined with the ideology of Christian holy war and missionary activity. This paper considers how the colonists provisioned and sustained themselves in comparison to other sites within the region, and how Biała Góra may be tentatively linked to a documented but otherwise lost outpost in this volatile borderland.
Formation of linearly linked Fe clusters on Si(111)-7 × 7-C2H5OH surface
Authors: Ding Wanyu , Ju Dongying , Guo Yuanyuan , Tanaka Ken-ichi , Komori Fumio
Published: August 2014

The Fe atoms were deposited on the Si(111)-7 × 7 surface, which has been saturated with the C2H5OH molecules. Then, the Fe clusters were formed on Si(111)-7 × 7-C2H5OH surface and in situ observed by the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The STM images showed that with the increase of Fe clusters, the size of clusters was about 5 nm and they self-assembled in straightly linked chain crossing the step to lower or upper terrace. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was in situ carried out on the surface of Fe/Si(111)-7 × 7-C2H5OH samples before and after the introduction of thin air (4.5 × 10-2 Langmuir) into the STM chamber. The XPS results showed that the Fe clusters are stable in the abovementioned thin air condition at room temperature. Based on the STM and XPS results, the driving force making one-dimensional straightly linked chain structure might be the magnetic force of the Fe clusters. The formation of straightly linked Fe clusters chains suggests the formation of single magnetic domain Fe clusters.

PACS

07.79.Cz, 81.15.-z, 75.75.Fk
Controlled growth of 1D and 2D ZnO nanostructures on 4H-SiC using Au catalyst
Authors: Dahiya Abhishek Singh , Opoku Charles , Alquier Daniel , Poulin-Vittrant Guylaine , Cayrel Frederic , Graton Olivier , Hue Louis-Pascal Tran Huu , Camara Nicolas
Published: August 2014

A perfect control of nanostructure growth is a prerequisite for the development of electronic and optoelectronic device/systems. In this article, we demonstrate the growth of various ZnO-derived nanostructures, including well-ordered arrays of high aspect ratio single crystalline nanowires with preferred growth direction along the [0001] axis, nanowalls, and hybrid nanowire-nanowall structures. The growths of the various ZnO nanostructures have been carried out on SiC substrates in a horizontal furnace, using Au thin film as catalyst. From experimental observations, we have ascribed the growth mechanisms of the different ZnO nanostructures to be a combination of catalytic-assisted and non-catalytic-assisted vapor–liquid-solid (VLS) processes. We have also found that the different ZnO nanoarchitectures' material evolution is governed by a Zn cluster drift effects on the SiC surface mainly driven by growth temperature. Au thin film thickness, growth time, and temperature are the parameters to optimize in order to obtain the different ZnO nanoarchitectures.
68Ga-DOTA-Siglec-9 PET/CT imaging of peri-implant tissue responses and staphylococcal infections
Authors: Ahtinen Helena , Kulkova Julia , Lindholm Laura , Eerola Erkki , Hakanen Antti J , Moritz Niko , Söderström Mirva , Saanijoki Tiina , Jalkanen Sirpa , Roivainen Anne , Aro Hannu T
Published: August 2014

Background

Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) has emerged as one of the leading pathogens of biomaterial-related infections. Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is an inflammation-inducible endothelial molecule controlling extravasation of leukocytes. Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin 9 (Siglec-9) is a leukocyte ligand of VAP-1. We hypothesized that 68Ga-labeled 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid-conjugated Siglec-9 motif containing peptide (68Ga-DOTA-Siglec-9) could detect inflammatory response due to S. epidermidis peri-implant infection by positron emission tomography (PET).

Methods

Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups. A sterile catheter was implanted into the medullary canal of the left tibia. In groups 1 and 2, the implantation was followed by peri-implant injection of S. epidermidis or Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with adjunct injections of aqueous sodium morrhuate. In group 3, sterile saline was injected instead of bacteria and no aqueous sodium morrhuate was used. At 2 weeks after operation, 68Ga-DOTA-Siglec-9 PET coupled with computed tomography (CT) was performed with the measurement of the standardized uptake value (SUV). The presence of the implant-related infection was verified by microbiological analysis, imaging with fluorescence microscope, and histology. The in vivo PET results were verified by ex vivo measurements by gamma counter.

Results

In group 3, the tibias with implanted sterile catheters showed an increased local uptake of 68Ga-DOTA-Siglec-9 compared with the intact contralateral bones (SUVratio +29.5%). 68Ga-DOTA-Siglec-9 PET detected inflammation induced by S. epidermidis and S. aureus catheter-related bone infections (SUVratio +58.1% and +41.7%, respectively). The tracer uptake was significantly higher in the S. epidermidis group than in group 3 without bacterial inoculation, but the difference between S. epidermidis and S. aureus groups was not statistically significant. The difference between the S. aureus group and group 3 was neither statistically significant.

Conclusion

PET/CT imaging with novel 68Ga-DOTA-Siglec-9 tracer was able to detect inflammatory tissue response induced by catheter implantation and staphylococcal infections.
Oligomeric Arylstibonates
Authors: Liu Zun-qi , Ozawa Yoshiki , Yagasaki Atsushi
Published: August 2014

Three oligomeric arylstibonates [H5(p-ClC6H4Sb)16O36]3−, [H4(p-ClC6H4Sb)16O36]4−, and [Na2(p-ClC6H4Sb)12O24(OH)6(H2O)3]4− have been synthesized as tetra-n-butylammonium salts and structurally characterized. The Sb16C16O36 core of the [H5(p-ClC6H4Sb)16O36]3− and [H4(p-ClC6H4Sb)16O36]4− anions is made up from arrays of close-packed O and C atoms and Sb atoms that occupy the octahedral interstices between the close-packed layers. The layers of close-packed O and C atoms are stacked in a sequence ABACA, resulting in an hch packing. The [Na2(p-ClC6H4Sb)12O24(OH)6(H2O)3]4− anion has an “opened-up” δ-Keggin structure.
Types of Lesson for the Primary School in the Context of the Federal State Educational Standards (FSES) Requirements
Authors: Виноградова  , Vinogradova Natalya
Published: August 2014

The article continues the conversation on modern types of lessons, classified according to the Federal State Educational Standards for Primary

General Education (FSES PGE) requirements to projected results of education. Developing descriptive language and oral skills through special

aspects of creative lessons is reviewed. Various tasks and methods to cultivate verbal creativity are revealed; methodic schemes to promote

creative imagination are outlined.
Soft assets as a competitive advantage of retail enterprises
Authors: Майорова Елена , Mayorova Elena
Published: August 2014

The article is devoted to the study of soft assets and their potential as a tool for creating retail-enterprise competitive advantage. The issue is gaining momentum due to the growing competition in the retail market, which makes it imperative for individual retail enterprises to look for new competitive practices, and the low rate of soft-asset usage by retail enterprises. The purpose of the study is to identify additional retail-enterprise competitive strengths derived from a more efficient management of soft assets (case study: OAO Magnit, and X5 Retail Group). The methodology applied to the analysis of the efficiency of soft-asset use includes: an analysis of soft assets as part of organizational assets; a conventional-criteria-based analysis of soft assets; an evaluation of the value of soft assets and of the business in general; an analysis of retail enterprises’ private brands; an analysis of soft-asset franchising-based transfer. The study has revealed that soft assets are a potent means of improving a retail enterprise’s competitiveness through cost reduction, retail emotional gravitation, differentiation and enhancement of a retail enterprise’s investment attractiveness, etc. The results obtained can be deployed by retail enterprises to improve soft-asset management practices with the view to enhancing competitive advantage.
Preliminary assessment and analysis of public amenities capacity and status in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation: Methodological recommendations
Authors: Погребова Елена , Pogrebova Elena
Published: August 2014

The article presents the results of the author’s attempt at developing a complex of methodological recommendations for the preliminary assessment and analysis of the public amenities capacity and status in different constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The recommendations as developed by the author are based on specific examples, and are supported by information sources regarded by the author as necessary to use in the course of the analysis. The author also provides recommendations on the graphic representation of the results of the analysis (spread sheets) as well as recommendations on rating of the regions (ranking and grouping the regions in accordance with the level of public amenities development they demonstrate), a thorough analysis of the system of the public administration of the industry, the competences and authority of the federal executive bodies, regional agencies of State power and the local authorities responsible for the regulation of relations in the sphere of public services, an assessment of the capacity of public service providers, and a comparison of public service user prices as quoted by municipal entities in different constituents of the Russian Federation.
Employee loyalty in the hospitality industry and ways to develop organizational citizenship behaviour
Authors: Чернова Джавания , Chernova Dzhavaniya , Морозова Любовь , Morozova Lyubov , Поправкина Анастасия , Popravkina Anastasiya
Published: August 2014

The article considers the key tasks of Human resources departments in building and maintaining executive employee loyalty in the hospitality industry. The issue of employee loyalty attracts increasing attention for a number of reasons: (1) the possibility of forecasting and preventing personnel turnover; (2) a belief that a loyal employee is more efficient than either an apathetic or an disloyal one. Human resource is one of the greatest contributors to a company’s competitive potential, it is currently regarded as a pivotal element of the management system and, therefore, requires and deserve a scientific approach.
Travel-study in the Moscow Region: Development prospects
Authors: Танеева Екатерина , Taneeva Ekaterina
Published: August 2014

According to UNESCO, by 2020 the share of travel-study will have grown to make up 25% of the overall global tourist market, and will account for approximately two trillion USD annually, thus assuring the tourist sector’s status the leading complex of scientific and cultural development, which primarily concerns scientific, ecological, expedition, sport, and cultural tourism as both science and culture are interested in the principal motives for people’s mobility and migration. Moreover, the two constituents (science and culture) are to be identified in other types of tourism, such as health tourism, business tourism, and congress tourism. The types of tourism under consideration significantly impact the geography of travel. Travel-study in the Russian Federation is in a budding state, and, according to the author, its development will considerably improve Russian domestic tourism. In the article, the author analyses the prospects of travel-study development in the Moscow region, which has a high potential for the development of this type of tourism: unique scientific centers (Pushchino, Dubna, Chernogolovka), industrial complexes (the Zagorsk pumped storage power plant), rocket and space technology museums (Dubna, Reutov, Korolev).
Endowment in the system of higher education: Management specifics
Authors: Кучин Михаил , Kuchin Mikhail , Бокарева Елена , Bokareva Elena , Егорова Елена , Egorova Elena , Черникова Людмила , Chernikova Lyudmila
Published: August 2014

Legislation in many countries promotes the creation of endowment as a generator of

value deployed to finance the activities of non-for-profit organizations, which, having built the endowment fund, obtains a steady and long-term source for financing its functions.