bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic severity scoring of non-immune hydrops: a predictor of perinatal mortality
Authors: Kim Su Ah , Lee Seung Mi , Hong Joon-Seok , Lee JoonHo , Park Chan-Wook , Kim Byoung Jae , Park Kyo Hoon , Park Joong Shin , Jun Jong Kwan
Published: May 2014

Aim: To develop an ultrasonographic severity scoring of non-immune hydrops in order to predict perinatal outcomes in women with non-immune hydrops.

Methods: The study population consisted of pregnant women who were admitted and delivered with the diagnosis of fetal non-immune hydrops and singleton gestation. Cases were divided into “perinatal survivor” and “perinatal non-survivor” groups. Perinatal non-survivor cases were defined as those with stillbirth or neonatal death ≤28 completed days after birth. The presence of an abnormal fluid collection in each body compartment, such as subcutaneous edema, pleural effusion, pericardial effusion, or ascites was assigned a score of 1 point per each body compartment, and the absence of abnormal fluid collection was scored as 0 point. The total number of abnormal fluid collections was converted to a numeric score, which was called the ultrasonographic severity scoring of non-immune hydrops (USNIH).

Results: Perinatal death occurred in 46.5% (20/43) of the cases of non-immune hydrops. USNIH in patients of the non-survivor group was significantly higher than that in those of the survivor group [non-survivor group 3 (2–4) vs. survivor 2 (2–3); median (range); P<0.05]. Perinatal mortality rates were higher in patients with USNIH ≥3 points than in those with USNIH of 2 points (67% vs. 13%, P<0.005). This difference remained significant after adjustment for confounding variables. When confining analysis to those with idiopathic non-immune hydrops, women in the perinatal non-survivor group had significantly higher USNIH score than those in the perinatal survivor group, and this difference remained significant after adjustment.

Conclusions: Our USNIH system may be a reliable predictive marker for perinatal outcomes in cases of non-immune hydrops, especially in idiopathic hydrops during the antenatal period.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of Neurofibromatosis Bright Objects in Children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Authors: Ertan Gulhan , Zan Elcin , Yousem David M. , Ceritoglu Can , Tekes Aylin , Poretti Andrea , Huisman Thierry A.G.M.
Published: May 2014

Neurofibromatosis bright objects (NBOs) are poorly understood. This article aimed to investigate: 1) differences in fractional anisotropy (FA) between NBOs based in gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM), and 2) the relationship between NBOs and the affected white matter tracts. Fourteen NF1 patients were included in this study. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), FA, radial diffusivity (RD) and eigenvalues were used to compare NBOs and matching contralateral normal-appearing sites (NAS). Diffusion tensor imaging scalars were also compared with age-matched healthy controls. Fiber tractography was performed to assess NBO-induced changes in WM trajectories. ADC values were higher for GM and WM NBOs than for NAS and controls. FA values were lower in GM and WM NBOs compared with controls. In all regions, eigenvalues were higher in NBOs than in NAS and controls. Only three out of 18 NOBs appeared to disrupt WM tracts. ADC, Λ2 and RD values of WM NBOs were higher in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic patients. Increased ADC, RD and eigenvalues and decreased FA values in NBOs can be explained by myelin and axonal damage. Increased ADC values and RD in WM NBOs correlated with the presence of symptoms. Tract integrity predominated in our study.
Serial Diffusion-Weighted and Conventional MR Imaging in Primary Cerebral Neuroblastoma Treated with Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy
Authors: Ren Ai-Jun , Ning Hao-Yong , Lin Wei
Published: May 2014

Primary cerebral neuroblastoma is a rare malignant tumor encountered most commonly in children. The radiological features of this entity are variable and rarely reported. The diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) findings have not previously reported. We describe serial DWI and conventional MRI in a case of primary cerebral neuroblastoma to assess the imaging features and the role of DWI for monitoring chemoradiotherapy response.
ENDOCRINE SIDE-EFFECTS OF ANTI-CANCER DRUGS: Thyroid effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Authors: Illouz Frédéric , Braun Doreen , Briet Claire , Schweizer Ulrich , Rodien Patrice
Published: May 2014

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are currently used by most oncologists. Among their side effects, thyroid dysfunctions are nowadays clearly observed. Whereas changes in thyroid function tests have been originally described with sunitinib, we now know that many TKIs can induce hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In this study, the various molecules implicated in thyroid dysfunctions are analysed and the latest data on physiopathological mechanisms are approached in order to propose a strategy of thyroid monitoring of patients on TKI therapy.
Calphad description of the Ge-Mn system
Authors: Berche Alexandre , Tédenac Jean-Claude , Jund Philippe , Gorsse Stéphane
Published: May 2014

The germanium-manganese system has been experimentally studied but no Calphad description is available yet. After a critical review of the literature concerning the phase diagram and the thermodynamic properties, a thermodynamic description of the Gibbs energy of the phases is performed using the Calphad method. The liquid phase is described with an associated model and the variation to the stoichiometry of the solid phases is taken into account.
Hearing aid handling skills: relationship with satisfaction and benefit
Authors: Campos Patrícia Danieli , Bozza Amanda , Ferrari Deborah Viviane
Published: May 2014

Purpose: To evaluate hearing aid handling skills for new and experienced users and to assess if such skills influence user's benefit and satisfaction. Methods: Seventy four participants (mean age of 70.43), experienced (n=37) or new hearing aid users (n=37) performed the tasks of "Practical Hearing Aid Skills Test" (PHAST), which were scored on a five-point Likert scale - higher scores indicate better hearing aid handling skills. Experienced users answered the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) and the hearing aid benefit for handicap reduction was calculated by the hearing handicap inventory (HHIA/HHIE). Results: Medians for PHAST total scores of 79 and 71% were obtained for experienced and new users, respectively - there were no significant difference between groups. Lower PHAST scores were observed for the tasks of volume control manipulation and telephone usage. Moderate correlations were obtained between IOI benefit and quality of life items and the PHAST scores. There was no correlation between the results of PHAST and demographic data of the participants. Conclusion: There was no difference in handling skills between new and experienced hearing aid users. Handling skills affected hearing aid benefit.
New And Neglected Morphological Features in the Taxonomy of Asian Lejeunea (Marchantiophyta)
Authors: Lee Gaik Ee , Damanhuri Ahmad , Latiff Abdul , Gradstein S. Robbert
Published: May 2014

The infrageneric classification of the large genus Lejeunea Lib. is poorly understood due to the lack of stable morphological characters characterizing supraspecific groups. Phenetic analysis of 26 morphological features of 31 Asian Lejeunea species separated two main species clusters based on the number of superior central cells at underleaf bases. The number of superior central cells had not previously been utilized in the classification of Lejeunea and appears to be new and stable morphological feature within this genus. The presence of surface wax was confirmed in L. flava (Sw.) Nees and was newly recorded in L. mimula Hürl. and L. tuberculosa Steph. We suggest that wax ornamentation may be a useful taxonomic feature at species level in Lejeunea.
Children, Mathematics, and Videotape
Authors: Parks Amy Noelle , Schmeichel Mardi
Published: May 2014

Despite the increased use of video for data collection, most research using assessment interviews in early childhood education relies solely upon the analysis of linguistic data, ignoring children’s bodies. This trend is particularly troubling in studies of marginalized children because transcripts limited to language can make it difficult to analyze embodied power relations between majority researchers and minority children. This article responds to this problem by outlining a theoretical position on power and bodies, describing multimodal analysis strategies, and using these strategies to analyze the subject positions available during a mathematical assessment interview for three African American preschool child-participants and the European American adult researcher. This study draws attention to the complexity of human interactions during assessment interviews by describing the ways children positioned themselves as willing (or not), attentive (or not), and competent (or not) as well as describing the ways the researcher sought to position herself.
Neuronavigation using susceptibility-weighted venography: application to deep brain stimulation and comparison with gadolinium contrast
Authors: Bériault Silvain , Sadikot Abbas F. , Alsubaie Fahd , Drouin Simon , Collins D. Louis , Pike G. Bruce
Published: May 2014

Careful trajectory planning on preoperative vascular imaging is an essential step in deep brain stimulation (DBS) to minimize risks of hemorrhagic complications and postoperative neurological deficits. This paper compares 2 MRI methods for visualizing cerebral vasculature and planning DBS probe trajectories: a single data set T1-weighted scan with double-dose gadolinium contrast (T1w-Gd) and a multi–data set protocol consisting of a T1-weighted structural, susceptibility-weighted venography, and time-of-flight angiography (T1w-SWI-TOF). Two neurosurgeons who specialize in neuromodulation surgery planned bilateral STN DBS in 18 patients with Parkinson's disease (36 hemispheres) using each protocol separately. Planned trajectories were then evaluated across all vascular data sets (T1w-Gd, SWI, and TOF) to detect possible intersection with blood vessels along the entire path via an objective vesselness measure. The authors' results show that trajectories planned on T1w-SWI-TOF successfully avoided the cerebral vasculature imaged by conventional T1w-Gd and did not suffer from missing vascular information or imprecise data set registration. Furthermore, with appropriate planning and visualization software, trajectory corridors planned on T1w-SWI-TOF intersected significantly less fine vasculature that was not detected on the T1w-Gd (p < 0.01 within 2 mm and p < 0.001 within 4 mm of the track centerline). The proposed T1w-SWI-TOF protocol comes with minimal effects on the imaging and surgical workflow, improves vessel avoidance, and provides a safe cost-effective alternative to injection of gadolinium contrast.
Face Validity of the Single Work Ability Item: Comparison with Objectively Measured Heart Rate Reserve over Several Days
Authors: Gupta Nidhi , Jensen Bjørn , Søgaard Karen , Carneiro Isabella , Christiansen Caroline , Hanisch Christiana , Holtermann Andreas
Published: May 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the face validity of the self-reported single item work ability with objectively measured heart rate reserve (%HRR) among blue-collar workers. Methods: We utilized data from 127 blue-collar workers (Female = 53; Male = 74) aged 18–65 years from the cross-sectional “New method for Objective Measurements of physical Activity in Daily living (NOMAD)” study. The workers reported their single item work ability and completed an aerobic capacity cycling test and objective measurements of heart rate reserve monitored with Actiheart for 3–4 days with a total of 5,810 h, including 2,640 working hours. Results: A significant moderate correlation between work ability and %HRR was observed among males (R = −0.33, P = 0.005), but not among females (R = 0.11, P = 0.431). In a gender-stratified multi-adjusted logistic regression analysis, males with high %HRR were more likely to report a reduced work ability compared to males with low %HRR [OR = 4.75, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.31 to 17.25]. However, this association was not found among females (OR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.03 to 2.16), and a significant interaction between work ability, %HRR and gender was observed (P = 0.03). Conclusions: The observed association between work ability and objectively measured %HRR over several days among male blue-collar workers supports the face validity of the single work ability item. It is a useful and valid measure of the relation between physical work demands and resources among male blue-collar workers. The contrasting association among females needs to be further investigated.
Opening up Peer Review in Life: Towards a Transparent and Reliable Process
Authors: Rampelotto Pabulo
Published: May 2014

As an advocate of the transparency on the peer review process, during the last months, I’ve been working with MDPI to implant a new system of open peer review, under which the peer-review reports and authors’ responses are published as an integral part of the final version of each article. This new model of publishing associated with the open access platform of MDPI result in one of the most transparent, unbiased, democratic and reliable assessment of research currently available. Life is the first MDPI journal to make this courageous step towards open peer-review in order to demonstrate the rigorous, fair and efficient standard of our editorial work. The first paper published under this new policy was a manuscript written by a Nobelist and reviewed by three experts in the field, as highlighted in this editorial.
Isolation and Identification of Antitrypanosomal and Antimycobacterial Active Steroids from the Sponge Haliclona simulans
Authors: Viegelmann Christina , Parker Jennifer , Ooi Thengtheng , Clements Carol , Abbott Gráinne , Young Louise , Kennedy Jonathan , Dobson Alan , Edrada-Ebel RuAngelie
Published: May 2014

The marine sponge Haliclona simulans collected from the Irish Sea yielded two new steroids: 24-vinyl-cholest-9-ene-3β,24-diol and 20-methyl-pregn-6-en-3β-ol,5a,8a-epidioxy, along with the widely distributed 24-methylenecholesterol. One of the steroids possesses an unusually short hydrocarbon side chain. The structures were elucidated using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and confirmed using electron impact- and high resolution electrospray-mass spectrometry. All three steroids possess antitrypanosomal and anti-mycobacterial activity. All the steroids were found to possess low cytotoxicity against Hs27 which was above their detected antitrypanosomal potent concentrations.
Alterporriol-Type Dimers from the Mangrove Endophytic Fungus, Alternaria sp. (SK11), and Their MptpB Inhibitions
Authors: Xia Guoping , Li Jia , Li Hanxiang , Long Yuhua , Lin Shao'e , Lu Yongjun , He Lei , Lin Yongcheng , Liu Lan , She Zhigang
Published: May 2014

A new alterporriol-type anthranoid dimer, alterporriol S (1), along with seven known anthraquinone derivatives, (+)-aS-alterporriol C (2), hydroxybostrycin (3), halorosellinia A (4), tetrahydrobostrycin (5), 9α-hydroxydihydrodesoxybostrycin (6), austrocortinin (7) and 6-methylquinizarin (8), were isolated from the culture broth of the mangrove fungus, Alternaria sp. (SK11), from the South China Sea. Their structures and the relative configurations were elucidated using comprehensive spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR spectra. The absolute configurations of 1 and the axial configuration of 2 were defined by experimental and theoretical ECD spectroscopy. 1 was identified as the first member of alterporriols consisting of a unique C-10−C-2′ linkage. Atropisomer 2 exhibited strong inhibitory activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein tyrosine phosphatase B (MptpB) with an IC50 value 8.70 μM.
Synthesis and Application of Hybrid Polymer Composites Based on Silver Nanoparticles as Corrosion Protection for Line Pipe Steel
Authors: Atta Ayman , El-Mahdy Gamal , Al-Lohedan Hamad , Ezzat Abdurrahman
Published: May 2014

A facile method was developed to synthesize in high yield dispersed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with small particle sizes of less than 10 nm. Silver nitrate was reduced to silver nanoparticles by p-chloroaniline in the presence of polyoxyethylene maleate 4-nonyl-2-propylene-phenol (NMA) as a stabilizer. The produced AgNPs were used to prepare hybrid polymer based on N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm), 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and potassium persulfate (KPS) using a semi-batch solution polymerization method. The prepared AgNPs and hybrid polymer were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The corrosion inhibition activity of the AgNPs and hybrid polymer towards steel corrosion in the presence of hydrochloric acid has been investigated by polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods. Polarization measurements indicate that the AgNPs and hybrid polymer acts as a mixed type-inhibitor and the inhibition efficiency increases with inhibitor concentration. The results of potentiodynamic polarization and EIS measurements clearly showed that the inhibition mechanism involves blocking of the steel surface by inhibitor molecules via adsorption.
Increased Circulating MicroRNA-155 as a Potential Biomarker for Breast Cancer Screening: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Faliang , Hou Jinchao , Jin Wei , Li Jiaqiu , Yue Yongfang , Jin Hongchuan , Wang Xian
Published: May 2014

The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of circulating microRNA-155 (miR-155) for breast cancer (BC). PubMed, Embase, EBSCO (ASP/BSP), Cochrane Library and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched up to 30 January 2014 for eligible studies. Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS) was employed to assess the quality of the included studies. Meta-analysis were performed in Meta-Disc 1.4 and Stata 12.0. Three studies with total 184 BC patients and 75 control individuals were included in this meta-analysis. All of the included studies are of high quality (QUADAS scores 12 or 13). The summary estimates revealed that the pooled sensitivity is 79% (95% confidence interval (CI): 72%–84%) and the specificity is 85% (95% CI: 75%–92%), for the diagnosis of breast cancer. In addition, the area under the summary ROC curve (AUC) is 0.9217. The current evidence suggests that circulating miR-155 has the potential diagnostic value with a high sensitivity and specificity for BC. More prospective studies on the diagnostic value of circulating miR-155 for BC are needed in the future.
Evaluation of Four Different Analytical Tools to Determine the Regional Origin of Gastrodia elata and Rehmannia glutinosa on the Basis of Metabolomics Study
Authors: Lee Dong-Kyu , Lim Dong , Um Jung , Lim Chang , Hong Ji , Yoon Young , Ryu Yeonsuk , Kim Hyo , Cho Hi , Park Jeong , Seo Young , Kim Kyunga , Lim Johan , Kwon Sung , Lee Jeongmi
Published: May 2014

Chemical profiles of medicinal plants could be dissimilar depending on the cultivation environments, which may influence their therapeutic efficacy. Accordingly, the regional origin of the medicinal plants should be authenticated for correct evaluation of their medicinal and market values. Metabolomics has been found very useful for discriminating the origin of many plants. Choosing the adequate analytical tool can be an essential procedure because different chemical profiles with different detection ranges will be produced according to the choice. In this study, four analytical tools, Fourier transform near‑infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIR), 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‑NMR), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) were applied in parallel to the same samples of two popular medicinal plants (Gastrodia elata and Rehmannia glutinosa) cultivated either in Korea or China. The classification abilities of four discriminant models for each plant were evaluated based on the misclassification rate and Q2 obtained from principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to latent structures-discriminant analysis (OPLS‑DA), respectively. 1H-NMR and LC-MS, which were the best techniques for G. elata and R. glutinosa, respectively, were generally preferable for origin discrimination over the others. Reasoned by integrating all the results, 1H-NMR is the most prominent technique for discriminating the origins of two plants. Nonetheless, this study suggests that preliminary screening is essential to determine the most suitable analytical tool and statistical method, which will ensure the dependability of metabolomics-based discrimination.
Vitamin K2 Therapy for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Iwamoto Jun
Published: May 2014

Vitamin K may play an important role in the prevention of fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Menatetrenone is the brand name of a synthetic vitamin K2 that is chemically identical to menaquinone-4. The present review study aimed to clarify the effect of menatetrenone on the skeleton in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, by reviewing the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the literature. RCTs that investigated the effect of menatetrenone on bone mineral density (BMD), measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and fracture incidence in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, were identified by a PubMed search for literature published in English. Eight studies met the criteria for RCTs. Small RCTs showed that menatetrenone monotherapy decreased serum undercarboxylated osteocalcin (ucOC) concentrations, modestly increased lumbar spine BMD, and reduced the incidence of fractures (mainly vertebral fracture), and that combined alendronate and menatetrenone therapy enhanced the decrease in serum ucOC concentrations and further increased femoral neck BMD. This review of the literature revealed positive evidence for the effects of menatetrenone monotherapy on fracture incidence in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Further studies are required to clarify the efficacy of menatetrenone in combination with bisphosphonates against fractures in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.
Application of Morphological Segmentation to Leaking Defect Detection in Sewer Pipelines
Authors: Su Tung-Ching , Yang Ming-Der
Published: May 2014

As one of major underground pipelines, sewerage is an important infrastructure in any modern city. The most common problem occurring in sewerage is leaking, whose position and failure level is typically identified through closed circuit television (CCTV) inspection in order to facilitate rehabilitation process. This paper proposes a novel method of computer vision, morphological segmentation based on edge detection (MSED), to assist inspectors in detecting pipeline defects in CCTV inspection images. In addition to MSED, other mathematical morphology-based image segmentation methods, including opening top-hat operation (OTHO) and closing bottom-hat operation (CBHO), were also applied to the defect detection in vitrified clay sewer pipelines. The CCTV inspection images of the sewer system in the 9th district, Taichung City, Taiwan were selected as the experimental materials. The segmentation results demonstrate that MSED and OTHO are useful for the detection of cracks and open joints, respectively, which are the typical leakage defects found in sewer pipelines.
Test-Retest Reliability of a Pendant-Worn Sensor Device in Measuring Chair Rise Performance in Older Persons
Authors: Zhang Wei , Regterschot G. , Schaabova Hana , Baldus Heribert , Zijlstra Wiebren
Published: May 2014

Chair rise performance is incorporated in clinical assessments to indicate fall risk status in older persons. This study investigated the test-retest reliability of a pendant-sensor-based assessment of chair rise performance. Forty-one older persons (28 females, 13 males, age: 72–94) were assessed in two sessions with 3 to 8 days in between. Repeated chair rise transfers were measured after different instructions. Relative and absolute test-retest reliability of chair rise measurements in individual tests and average over all tests were evaluated by means of intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) and standard error of measurement (SEM) as a percentage of the measurement mean. Systematic bias between the measurements in test and retest was examined with paired t-tests. Heteroscedasticity of the measurements was visually checked with Bland-Altman plots. In the different test conditions, the ICCs ranged between 0.63 and 0.93, and the SEM% ranged between 5.7% and 21.2%. The relative and absolute reliability of the average over all tests were ICC = 0.86 and SEM% = 9.5% for transfer duration, ICC = 0.93 and SEM% = 9.2% for maximum vertical acceleration, and ICC = 0.89 and SEM% = 10.0% for peak power. The results over all tests indicated that a fall risk assessment application based on pendant-worn-sensor measured chair rise performance in daily life might be feasible.
A CMOS Humidity Sensor for Passive RFID Sensing Applications
Authors: Deng Fangming , He Yigang , Zhang Chaolong , Feng Wei
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a low-cost low-power CMOS humidity sensor for passive RFID sensing applications. The humidity sensing element is implemented in standard CMOS technology without any further post-processing, which results in low fabrication costs. The interface of this humidity sensor employs a PLL-based architecture transferring sensor signal processing from the voltage domain to the frequency domain. Therefore this architecture allows the use of a fully digital circuit, which can operate on ultra-low supply voltage and thus achieves low-power consumption. The proposed humidity sensor has been fabricated in the TSMC 0.18 μm CMOS process. The measurements show this humidity sensor exhibits excellent linearity and stability within the relative humidity range. The sensor interface circuit consumes only 1.05 µW at 0.5 V supply voltage and reduces it at least by an order of magnitude compared to previous designs.
Engineered Hair Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells Overexpressing Controlled-Release Insulin Reverse Hyperglycemia in Mice with Type l Diabetes
Authors: Wu Chunling , Liu Feilin , Li Pengdong , Zhao Guifang , Lan Shaowei , Jiang Wenyue , Meng Xiangwei , Tian Lixing , Li Gang , Li Yulin , Liu Jin Yu
Published: May 2014

Genetically engineered stem cells that overexpress genes encoding therapeutic products can be exploited to correct metabolic disorders by repairing and regenerating diseased organs or restoring their function. Hair follicles are readily accessible and serve as a rich source of autologous stem cells for cell-based gene therapy. Here we isolated mesenchymal stem cells from human hair follicles (HF-MSCs) and engineered them to overexpress the human insulin gene and release human insulin in a time- and dose-dependent manner in response to rapamycin. The engineered HF-MSCs retained their characteristic cell surface markers and retained their potential to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts. When mice with streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes were engrafted with these engineered HF-MSCs, these cells expressed and released a dose of human insulin, dramatically reversed hyperglycemia, and significantly reduced death rate. Moreover, the engineered HF-MSCs did not form detectable tumors throughout the 120-day animal tests in our experiment. Our results show that HF-MSCs can be used to safely and efficiently express therapeutic transgenes and therefore show promise for cell-based gene therapy of human disease.
Cyclodextrin-poly(ε-caprolactone) based nanoparticles able to complex phenolphthalein and adamantyl carboxylate
Authors: Ailincai Daniela , Ritter Helmut
Published: May 2014

A new compound composed of poly(ε-caprolactone) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was synthesized by click chemistry. This compound was used to obtain stable nanoparticles, which have been proven to be able to complex phenolphthalein and adamantyl carboxylate. The nanoparticles are characterized by a distinct morphology, i.e., a hydrophobic core formed by the polyester chain and a shell containing the CD part. Moreover, the formed nanoparticles have been proven to encapsulate umbelliferone in the polyester phase, which may serve as an example for the uptake of a drug. The formed nanoparticles were characterized in terms of sizes and morphology by both DLS and TEM.
Amino acid motifs in natural products: synthesis of O-acylated derivatives of (2S,3S)-3-hydroxyleucine
Authors: Ries Oliver , Büschleb Martin , Granitzka Markus , Stalke Dietmar , Ducho Christian
Published: May 2014

(2S,3S)-3-Hydroxyleucine can be found in an increasing number of bioactive natural products. Within the context of our work regarding the total synthesis of muraymycin nucleoside antibiotics, we have developed a synthetic approach towards (2S,3S)-3-hydroxyleucine building blocks. Application of different protecting group patterns led to building blocks suitable for C- or N-terminal derivatization as well as for solid-phase peptide synthesis. With respect to according motifs occurring in natural products, we have converted these building blocks into 3-O-acylated structures. Utilizing an esterification and cross-metathesis protocol, (2S,3S)-3-hydroxyleucine derivatives were synthesized, thus opening up an excellent approach for the synthesis of bioactive natural products and derivatives thereof for structure activity relationship (SAR) studies.
Cluster Analysis of Autoantibodies in 852 Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus from a Single Center
Authors: Artim-Esen Bahar , Çene Erhan , Şahinkaya Yasemin , Ertan Semra , Pehlivan Özlem , Kamali Sevil , Gül Ahmet , Öcal Lale , Aral Orhan , Inanç Murat
Published: May 2014

Objective.

Associations between autoantibodies and clinical features have been described in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Herein, we aimed to define autoantibody clusters and their clinical correlations in a large cohort of patients with SLE.

Methods.

We analyzed 852 patients with SLE who attended our clinic. Seven autoantibodies were selected for cluster analysis: anti-DNA, anti-Sm, anti-RNP, anticardiolipin (aCL) immunoglobulin (Ig)G or IgM, lupus anticoagulant (LAC), anti-Ro, and anti-La. Two-step clustering and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used.

Results.

Five clusters were identified. A cluster consisted of patients with only anti-dsDNA antibodies, a cluster of anti-Sm and anti-RNP, a cluster of aCL IgG/M and LAC, and a cluster of anti-Ro and anti-La antibodies. Analysis revealed 1 more cluster that consisted of patients who did not belong to any of the clusters formed by antibodies chosen for cluster analysis. Sm/RNP cluster had significantly higher incidence of pulmonary hypertension and Raynaud phenomenon. DsDNA cluster had the highest incidence of renal involvement. In the aCL/LAC cluster, there were significantly more patients with neuropsychiatric involvement, antiphospholipid syndrome, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia. According to the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics damage index, the highest frequency of damage was in the aCL/LAC cluster. Comparison of 10 and 20 years survival showed reduced survival in the aCL/LAC cluster.

Conclusion.

This study supports the existence of autoantibody clusters with distinct clinical features in SLE and shows that forming clinical subsets according to autoantibody clusters may be useful in predicting the outcome of the disease. Autoantibody clusters in SLE may exhibit differences according to the clinical setting or population.
Infliximab in Pediatric Rheumatology Patients: A Retrospective Analysis of Infusion Reactions and Severe Adverse Events During 2246 Infusions over 12 Years
Authors: Aeschlimann Florence A. , Hofer Kevin D. , Cannizzaro Schneider Elvira , Schroeder Silke , Lauener Roger , Saurenmann Rotraud K.
Published: May 2014

Objective.

To describe infusion reactions (IR) and severe adverse events (SAE) associated with infliximab (IFX) in pediatric patients with rheumatologic and ocular inflammatory diseases in a real-world setting.

Methods.

This is a retrospective chart review of all patients treated with IFX at the pediatric rheumatology division of a university hospital between October 2000 and December 2012.

Results.

A total of 2446 IFX infusions were given to 82 patients (72% female). IR occurred in 46 infusions (2%) of 14 patients (17%) after a mean IFX treatment time of 340 days (range 41–780); 9/14 patients (64%) experienced repeated IR. IR were classified as mild (26%), moderate (74%), or severe (0%). Indications for IFX were arthritis (60%), uveitis (20%), arthritis and uveitis (13%), and other inflammatory diseases (5%). The most common clinical symptoms were respiratory signs (72%), cutaneous manifestations (69%), and malaise (61%). In 6/14 patients (43%) with IR, IFX was discontinued: 4 patients because of repeated IR and 2 patients wished to stop treatment immediately following a mild IR. The other 8/14 patients (57%) received premedication with high-dose antihistamine (100%), corticosteroids (75%), and IFX dose increase (75%) and continued IFX treatment for a mean followup period of 146 weeks (range 26–537) after the first IR. We observed severe infections in 5/82 patients (6%); other SAE were rare.

Conclusion.

Mild and moderate IR occurred in 17% of our patients. Treatment with antihistamines and methylprednisolone, and increasing the IFX dose, allowed continued treatment despite IR in > 50% of patients. Other SAE were infrequent.
Baetis bundyae(Ephemeroptera: Baetidae), described from Arctic Canada is found in northernmost Europe
Authors: Savolainen Eino , Drotz Marcus K. , Saura Anssi , Ståhls Gunilla
Published: May 2014

The taxonomy and identification of mayflies of theBaetis vernusgroup (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) represents a major challenge in both Europe and North America. The recent description ofB. jaerviiSavolainen from Finland, a species taxonomically close to the Palaearctic taxonBaetis macaniKimmins and the NearcticB. bundyaeLehmkuhl, called for clarification of the status and distribution of these species in northernmost Europe. We generated mtDNA COI sequences for establishing the identity of the collected samples. Based on these data we conclude thatB. bundyaedoes occur in northeastern Finland in sympatry withB. macani. Accordingly, this taxon shows a highly interesting distributional pattern across the Nearctic and western Palaearctic regions.
The significance of the second cave episode in Jerome’s Vita Malchi
Authors: Kritzinger Jacobus P. , Botha Philippus J.
Published: May 2014

The authors argue that the second cave episode in Jerome’s Vita Malchi Monachi Captivi should, in view of the similarities with the first cave episode and the high incidence of literary devices employed in it, be recognised for its value in the interpretation of this vita. The book was intended as a defence of, and an exhortation to a life of celibacy and this dual purpose is clearly demonstrated in both episodes in which a cave is used as the setting. The second cave episode has been neglected in the scholarly debate about the purpose of the book and this article attempts to set the record straight.
Mbokodo owakhiwe ngensimbi – Boulder of iron
Authors: Mann Chris
Published: May 2014

No abstract available.
Temperature dependence of an estuarine harmful algal bloom: Resolving interannual variability in bloom dynamics using a degree‐day approach
Authors: Ralston David K. , Keafer Bruce A. , Brosnahan Michael L. , Anderson Donald M.
Published: May 2014

Observations of harmful algal blooms (HABs) of the dinoflagellate Alexandrium fundyense in an estuary over multiple years were used to assess drivers of their spatial and temporal variability. Nauset Estuary on Cape Cod, Massachusetts has a recurrent, self‐seeding A. fundyense population that produces paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins and leads to nearly annual closure to shellfishing. Weekly surveys of the entire estuary were made in 3 of 4 consecutive years, with surveys of a subembayment during the intervening year. Major A. fundyense blooms were observed all 4 yr, with maximum concentrations > 106 cells L−1. Concentrations were greatest in three salt ponds at the distal edges of the estuary. The bloom timing varied among the salt ponds and among years, although the blooms had similar durations and maximum cell concentrations. Nutrient concentrations did not correlate with the growth of the bloom, but differences in water temperature among years and ponds were significant. Net growth rates inferred from the surveys were similar to those from laboratory experiments, and increased linearly with temperature. A growing degree‐day calculation was used to account for effects of interannual variability and spatial gradients in water temperature on population development. The approach collapsed variability in the timing of bloom onset, development, and termination across years and among ponds, suggesting that this relatively simple metric could be used as an early‐warning indicator for HABs in Nauset and similar areas with localized, self‐seeding blooms.
Influence of water availability in the distributions of branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether in soils of the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Menges J. , Huguet C. , Alcañiz J. M. , Fietz S. , Sachse D. , Rosell-Melé A.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The combined application of the MBT (degree of methylation) and CBT (degree of cyclization) indices, based on the distribution of branched glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (brGDGTs) in soils, has been proposed as a paleoproxy to estimate mean annual temperature (MAT). CBT quantifies the degree of cyclization of brGDGTs and relates to soil pH. MBT and the simplified version MBT' quantify the degree of methylation of brGDGTs and relate to MAT and soil pH. However, other factors such as soil water availability have also been suggested to influence MBT' and possibly restrict the combined application of the MBT' and CBT indices as a paleotemperature proxy. To assess the effect of hydrological conditions on MBT' and CBT, a set of 23 Iberian Peninsula soil samples, covering a MAT range from 10 to 18 °C and a mean annual precipitation (MAP) range of 405 mm to 1455 mm, was analyzed. We found that the CBT was indeed significantly correlated with soil pH in our sample set. In contrast, MBT' was not correlated with MAT but had a significant correlation with the aridity index (AI), a parameter related to water availability in soils. The AI can explain 50% of the variation of the MBT', and 70% of the residuals of MAT estimated with the MBT/CBT proxy as compared to instrumentally measured MAT. We propose that, in arid settings, where water may be an ecologically limiting factor, MBT' is influenced by hydrological conditions rather than temperature. Thus, our results suggest that the combination of MBT' and CBT indices should be applied with caution in paleotemperature reconstructions in soils from dry subhumid to hyperarid environments.
Resolving vorticity-driven lateral fire spread using the WRF-Fire coupled atmosphere-fire numerical model
Authors: Simpson C. C. , Sharples J. J. , Evans J. P.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Fire channelling is a form of dynamic fire behaviour, during which a wildland fire spreads rapidly across a steep lee-facing slope in a direction transverse to the background winds, and is often accompanied by a downwind extension of the active flaming region and extreme pyro-convection. Recent work using the WRF-Fire coupled atmosphere-fire model has demonstrated that fire channelling can be characterised as vorticity-driven lateral fire spread (VDLS). In this study, 16 simulations are conducted using WRF-Fire to examine the sensitivity of resolving VDLS to spatial resolution and atmosphere-fire coupling within the WRF-Fire model framework. The horizontal grid spacing is varied between 25 and 90 m, and the two-way atmosphere-fire coupling is either enabled or disabled. At high spatial resolution, the atmosphere-fire coupling increases the peak uphill and lateral spread rate by a factor of up to 2.7 and 9.5. The enhancement of the uphill and lateral spread rate diminishes at coarser spatial resolution, and VDLS is not modelled for a horizontal grid spacing of 90 m. The laterally spreading fire fronts become the dominant contributors of the extreme pyro-convection. The resolved fire-induced vortices responsible for driving the lateral spread in the coupled simulations have non-zero vorticity along each unit vector direction, and develop due to an interaction between the background winds and vertical return circulations generated at the flank of the fire front as part of the pyro-convective updraft. The results presented in this study demonstrate that both high spatial resolution and two-way atmosphere-fire coupling are required to reproduce VDLS within the current WRF-Fire model framework.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in post-pyrogenic soils of drained peatlands in West Meshchera (Moscow Region, Russia)
Authors: Tsibart A. S. , Gennadiev A. N. , Koshovskii T. S.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are priority pollutants and they arrive to the environment from numerous anthropogenic and natural sources, but the data on their natural sources which include wildfires remains insufficient. The level of contamination and the composition of PAHs in soils of the areas affected by wildfires were studied in this work. The study was conducted in Moscow Region (Russia) on the territories occupied with drained peatland and strongly damaged by fires of 2002, 2010 and 2012. The features of PAHs accumulation and profile distribution in histosols and histic podzols after the fires of different time were analyzed. It was shown that new soil horizon form after the fires – Cpir, Hpir and incipient O horizons, and these horizons differ in PAHs accumulation rate. Maximal total concentrations of 14 PAHs were detected in charry peat horizons Hpir (up to 330 ng g−1) and in post-pyrogenic incipient O horizons (up to 180 ng g−1), but the high-molecular weight PAHs (benz(ghi)perylene, benz(a)pyrene, benz(k)fluoranthene) were revealed only in charry peat horizons. The trends to higher PAHs concentrations were found in cases of incomplete burning out of peat horizons while in cases of almost complete pyrogenic destruction of He horizons total PAHs concentration were no more than 50 ng g−1. Also the PAHs accumulation in upper horizons of soils near the sites of latest fires was observed.
Usos y significados del espacio público en personas en situación de calle. Un estudio en Valparaíso y Viña del Mar
Authors: Berroeta Héctor , Muñoz María Isabel
Published: May 2014

A partir de una investigación cualitativa, basada en entrevistas en profundidad, autorrelato y mapeo comportamental, se describen los significados asociados al espacio público de personas en situación de calle de las ciudades de Viña del Mar y Valparaíso. Los resultados exponen las principales características referidas al espacio público, sus modalidades de uso y de acción y la significación espacial ligada a las vivencias de la trayectoria en calle. La vinculación con el espacio público se articula en un trasfondo de exclusión-amenaza y valoración de la libertad, lo que fuerza el despliegue de tácticas que instituyen un espacio público contestado.
“Debo tener esquizofrenia tal vez”: experiencia subjetiva y construcción autobiográfica en un adolescente con primer episodio de esquizofrenia
Authors: Abarzúa Marianella
Published: May 2014

En Chile, desde el año 2000, los trastornos psiquiátricos severos han sido una de las siete prioridades programáticas de las políticas públicas de salud mental. El énfasis fue reforzado en 2005, incluyendo el tratamiento del primer episodio de esquizofrenia en el Régimen de Garantías Explícitas en Salud. Este problema de salud mental, de alta relevancia epidemiológica y clínica, acontece habitualmente durante la adolescencia: tiempo de activos procesos de construcción de identidad e historia subjetiva, a los que se suma la experiencia del primer episodio psicótico y su recuperación. El primer episodio de esquizofrenia, ampliamente investigado por la psicología clínica y las ciencias sociales, ha sido insuficientemente abordado desde la perspectiva de las experiencias subjetivas de pacientes en procesos de tratamiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las experiencias subjetivas asociadas al diagnóstico y tratamiento de un primer episodio de esquizofrenia, a fin de interpretar sus modos de participación en la construcción de un relato autobiográfico. Se trató de un estudio cualitativo interpretativo de caso único, cuyo participante fue un adolescente de 17 años, egresado de un hospital de día para adolescentes de la Región Metropolitana. Fue entrevistado en profundidad y el corpus resultante fue estudiado desde el análisis de discurso, incorporando aportes de la hermenéutica de Ricoeur. Los resultados del estudio sugieren que el adolescente que vive un primer episodio psicótico se enfrenta a complejas experiencias subjetivas sobre su diagnóstico y tratamiento, que se elaboran discursivamente en el contexto de los procesos de reconstrucción autobiográfica.
Capacitación y capital humano: análisis de las últimas dos décadas
Authors: Didier Nicolás , Pérez Cristián , Valdenegro Daniel
Published: May 2014

El objetivo de este artículo es describir el funcionamiento del sistema de capacitación en Chile en las ultimas dos décadas, profundizando en las vías de acceso, características  sociodemográficas y condiciones de acceso. Utilizando los datos de la Encuesta de Caracterización Socioeconómica (Casen), se presenta el funcionamiento y dinámica de capacitación desde la óptica de la política pública. Se concluye presentando tres medidas que debieran ser consideradas para la optimización del funcionamiento del sistema de capacitación, como lo es la mejora en los sistemas de información respecto de la inversión en capital humano, la articulación de los servicios del Estado que ofrecen oportunidades de formación y el aumento de la injerencia de los trabajadores en la toma de decisiones de capacitación.
Actitudes implícitas hacia la violencia, conducta antisocial y consumo televisivo en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Garín Mariana , Huenchuleo Juan , Leal Nicolás , Muñoz Ana María , Rehbein Lucio
Published: May 2014

La alta frecuencia de exhibición de violencia en los medios de comunicación y sus efectos en la conducta de los espectadores ha sido estudiada desde diversos ámbitos, principalmente a  través de medidas explícitas de autorreporte. En la presente investigación se indagó la relación entre las actitudes implícitas hacia la violencia, el comportamiento antisocial y el consumo televisivo, en un diseño transversal, mixto, correlacional y de diferencia de grupos. A los 33 participantes voluntarios se les administraron tres instrumentos: la Tarea de Asociación Implícita, el Cuestionario de Autorreporte de Comportamiento Social Adolescente y el Cuestionario de Consumo Televisivo. No se encontraron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre las variables; sin embargo, sí se encontró una significativamente mayor incidencia de conductas antisociales reportadas por los hombres que por las mujeres. Se discuten las implicancias de factores socioculturales que podrían incidir en el fenómeno estudiado.
Desafíos de la prevención de la criminalidad post-conflicto en Guatemala
Authors: Benavides Yates Esteban
Published: May 2014

Actualmente, el crimen y la violencia son de los principales desafíos que enfrentan los países de América Latina. Esto debilita las instituciones y desmembra el tejido social, así como, obstaculiza el desarrollo, reduciendo las oportunidades de educación, empleo y participación ciudadana de una generación de jóvenes. El objetivo de este artículo es revisar algunas políticas e iniciativas de prevención que han sido puestas en marcha en Guatemala durante la última década y analizar cuáles han sido los avances y desafíos de éstas. A su vez, analizar cuáles son las necesidades de seguridad, que demanda la sociedad civil.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/rpsp.v1i1.1382