bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A method to set the target on-centre steering force characteristic
Authors: Dang Jianmin , Chen Hui , Li Qi , Watanabe Takeshi , Hayama Ryouhei , Lou Liming
Published: December 2015

In this paper, a method to set the target on-centre steering force characteristic is described. First, both the linear correlations and the non-linear correlations between subjective evaluations and objective metrics were established. During this process, subjective and objective evaluation tests regarding the on-centre steering force characteristic were conducted on a moving-base driving simulator by 15 experienced drivers. To ensure the reliability of the subjective ratings, a method to evaluate the ratings was introduced. Then the linear correlations and the non-linear correlations were analysed using multiple linear regression analysis and a neural network respectively. Second, by setting the desired subjective ratings as an optimization goal, target objective metrics were obtained on the basis of either the linear correlations or the non-linear correlations by means of non-linear programming. The target on-centre steering force characteristic was therefore designed on the basis of the target objective metrics. The results showed that the target on-centre steering force characteristic obtained from the linear correlations was quite similar to that obtained from the non-linear correlations. Also, it was verified that the target on-centre steering force characteristic matched the drivers’ preferences. From the correlations and the target on-centre steering force characteristic, engineers can establish the ratings of subjective evaluations and determine how to design the system to meet the target during the virtual design process. It shows a great potential in assisting the engineers to design a good steering feel at the early stages of the development process. Furthermore, the feasibility of this proposed method to allow customers to customize the on-centre steering force characteristic was explored. During this process, a fixed-base driving simulator was used instead of a moving-base driving simulator for cost reasons.
Caregiver Sexual and HPV Communication Among Female Survivors of Childhood Cancer
Authors: Peasant Courtney , Foster Rebecca H. , Russell Kathryn M. , Favaro Brianne E. , Klosky James L.
Published: December 2015

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is recommended for all female survivors of childhood cancer; yet, it is underused. Parent-child sexual communication and health care provider recommendation for HPV vaccination influence familial vaccination decisions. However, caregivers may be less likely to discuss sexual health issues with survivors as compared to healthy peers. Therefore, this study compared mothers of daughters with/without history of childhood cancer on measures of sexual communication, HPV-specific communication, and health care provider recommendation for HPV vaccination, and examined the effects of sociodemographic and medical factors on these measures. There were no differences between mothers of survivors/noncancer survivors on the outcomes ( Ps > .05). Among all mothers, daughter’s age was associated with sexual communication ( Ps < .05). Household income and daughter’s age were associated with health care provider recommendation for vaccination ( Ps < .05). Among mothers of survivors, daughter’s age at diagnosis was associated with sexual communication, HPV-specific communication, and health care provider recommendation for vaccination ( Ps < .05). Findings have implications for the role of health care providers as advocates for mother-daughter sexual communication and HPV vaccination, especially among survivors of childhood cancer.
Best Practices for Chemotherapy Administration in Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Looper Karen , Winchester Kari , Robinson Deborah , Price Andrea , Langley Rachel , Martin Gina , Jones Sally , Holloway Jodi , Rosenberg Susanne , Flake Susan
Published: December 2015

The administration of chemotherapy to children with cancer is a high-risk process that must be performed in a safe and consistent manner with high reliability. Clinical trials play a major role in the treatment of children with cancer; conformance to chemotherapy protocol requirements and accurate documentation in the medical record are critical. Inconsistencies in the administration and documentation of chemotherapy were identified as opportunities for errors to occur. A major process improvement was initiated to establish best practices for nurses who administer chemotherapy to children. An interdisciplinary team was formed to evaluate the current process and to develop best practices based on current evidence, protocol requirements, available resources, and safety requirements. The process improvement focused on the establishment of standardized and safe administration techniques, exact administration times, and consistent electronic documentation that could easily be retrieved in medical record audits. Quality improvement tools including SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation), process mapping, PDSA (Plan, Do. Study, Act) cycles, and quality metrics were used with this process improvement. The team established best practices in chemotherapy administration to children that have proven to be safe and reliable. Follow-up data have demonstrated that the project was highly successful and improved accuracy, patient and nurse safety, and effectiveness of chemotherapy administration.
Meta-Study as Diagnostic
Authors: Frost Julia , Garside Ruth , Cooper Chris , Britten Nicky
Published: December 2015

Having previously conducted qualitative syntheses of the diabetes literature, we wanted to explore the changes in theoretical approaches, methodological practices, and the construction of substantive knowledge which have recently been presented in the qualitative diabetes literature. The aim of this research was to explore the feasibility of synthesizing existing qualitative syntheses of patient perspectives of diabetes using meta-study methodology. A systematic review of qualitative literature, published between 2000 and 2013, was conducted. Six articles were identified as qualitative syntheses. The meta-study methodology was used to compare the theoretical, methodological, analytic, and synthetic processes across the six studies, exploring the potential for an overarching synthesis. We identified that while research questions have increasingly concentrated on specific aspects of diabetes, the focus on systematic review processes has led to the neglect of qualitative theory and methods. This can inhibit the production of compelling results with meaningful clinical applications. Although unable to produce a synthesis of syntheses, we recommend that researchers who conduct qualitative syntheses pay equal attention to qualitative traditions and systematic review processes, to produce research products that are both credible and applicable.
Financial Stress and Work Hope Beliefs Among Adolescents
Authors: Thompson Mindi N. , Nitzarim Rachel S. , Her Pa , Sampe Maggie , Diestelmann Jacob
Published: December 2015

This study investigated the relationship of perceived financial stress and strain within the family with work hope beliefs among 119 adolescents in the United States. As expected, higher levels of perceived financial stress and strain related to lowered work hope. Using a test of moderation, we explored how this relationship was influenced by adolescents’ perceptions of support for educational success from their primary caregiver. Results indicated that caregiver support for educational success moderated the relationship between perceived financial stress and strain and work hope such that the negative relationship between financial stress and strain was strengthened among those who reported heightened perceived caregiver support for educational success. Limitations and implications for research and practice are discussed.
‘Freedom Park, A Heritage Destination’: Tour-guiding and visitor experience at a post-apartheid heritage site
Authors: Jethro Duane
Published: December 2015

As a national site of commemoration that materially enshrined the democratic values of reconciliation and freedom, Freedom Park is South Africa’s premier post-apartheid heritage venture. Branded as a heritage destination, this complex raises questions about the relationship between practices of heritage formation and tourism. Heritage destinations are considered significant not merely as end points of tourist discovery, but also as sites that structure the practices of consumption, central to the functioning of the tourism industry. Mediating the cultural and commercial pressures that bear on visitor experience, considered the most valuable commodity in tourism economies, heritage destinations also situate meaningful experience. This article engages with how and in what ways this particular category of knowledge is mobilized around Freedom Park to legitimate the venture and shape visitor understanding of post-apartheid South Africa. Drawing on ethnographic data, this article analyses how Freedom Park wielded aesthetics of persuasion, an experiential inducement, regarding the legitimacy of the site and the complex set of meanings it was meant to represent.
Ubuntu and constructivist grounded theory: an African methodology package
Authors: Schreiber Rita , Tomm-Bonde Laura
Published: December 2015

Conducting qualitative research in Southern Africa can present challenges for researchers seeking to explore local perspectives on health phenomena. We must address sensitive issues such as language, translation and cultural differences as well as local history, power and, possibly, colonial legacies. Our purpose in this paper is to explore the use of a Southern African philosophy, Ubuntu, as an appropriate ontology to guide qualitative nursing research, specifically constructivist grounded theory. To do so, we briefly discuss the historical problematic of Western research and its relationship to Africa and Africans. We introduce the principles of Ubuntu and its role in African society and use constructivist grounded theory as an example of a methodology that is congruent with Ubuntu. We highlight the areas of correspondence between them. The values of Ubuntu, of mutuality, interdependence, humility, solidarity and so forth could serve as a way to strengthen any research, by reminding researchers to enter the field with humility, awe and wonder at the complexity of human life.
Is there a role for e-cigarettes in smoking cessation?
Authors: Leduc Charlotte , Quoix Elisabeth
Published: December 2015

The use of e-cigarettes has dramatically increased over the past few years and their role in smoking cessation remains controversial. Several clinical studies have evaluated their efficacy in smoking cessation but most of them are prospective cohort studies. Only two randomized, controlled trials have compared e-cigarettes versus placebo or patches. A meta-analysis of these two randomized, controlled trials has been performed. Nicotine-containing e-cigarettes appear to help smokers unable to stop smoking altogether to reduce their cigarette consumption when compared with placebo. However, these results are rated ‘low’ by GRADE standards. Many cohort studies have been conducted, with contradictory results. For some, e-cigarettes could increase the risk of nonsmokers developing nicotine dependence and of current smokers maintaining their dependence. The debate remains open and more randomized trials are needed with long-term data about the efficacy and safety of e-cigarettes.
A New Occupational/Industrial Coding System for 19th Century U.S. Heavy Industrial Workers
Authors: Healey Richard
Published: December 2015

Many census occupational classification systems have been developed over the last 150 years. Availability of digital census data sets now means such classifications can be systematically analyzed. Examination of heavy industrial workers in the full count U.S. 1880 census, and other censuses, has revealed major problems in the attribution of occupations to industrial sectors. This is traceable to the original enumeration process, and it particularly affects generic tradesmen such as blacksmiths and carpenters, who worked in numerous industrial sectors. As a result, the imputation of industrial sector codes from recorded occupations by the North Atlantic Population Project (NAPP) is substantially in error, suggesting that re-coding of existing census records using non-census sources would be necessary for such industrial sector codes to have empirical validity. A new occupational/industrial coding system, incorporating the NAPP-modified HISCO scheme, is presented. This system is capable of supporting both future re-coding work, in a structured data warehouse environment, and the systematic coding of occupational data from a range of archival sources such as company records and city directories.
The immunogenicity of platelet-derived FVIII in hemophilia A mice with or without preexisting anti-FVIII immunity
Authors: Chen Yingyu , Schroeder Jocelyn A. , Chen Juan , Luo Xiaofeng , Baumgartner Christina K. , Montgomery Robert R. , Hu Jianda , Shi Qizhen
Published: December 2015

Key Points

Infusion of platelets containing FVIII triggers neither a primary nor memory anti-FVIII immune response in hemophilia A mice. Total body irradiation plus platelet-FVIII infusion suppresses anti-FVIII immune response.
In vivo experience with natural scaffolds for myocardial infarction: the times they are a-changin’
Authors: Perea-Gil Isaac , Prat-Vidal Cristina , Bayes-Genis Antoni
Published: December 2015

Treating a myocardial infarction (MI), the most frequent cause of death worldwide, remains one of the most exciting medical challenges in the 21st century. Cardiac tissue engineering, a novel emerging treatment, involves the use of therapeutic cells supported by a scaffold for regenerating the infarcted area. It is essential to select the appropriate scaffold material; the ideal one should provide a suitable cellular microenvironment, mimic the native myocardium, and allow mechanical and electrical coupling with host tissues. Among available scaffold materials, natural scaffolds are preferable for achieving these purposes because they possess myocardial extracellular matrix properties and structures. Here, we review several natural scaffolds for applications in MI management, with a focus on pre-clinical studies and clinical trials performed to date. We also evaluate scaffolds combined with different cell types and proteins for their ability to promote improved heart function, contractility and neovascularization, and attenuate adverse ventricular remodeling. Although further refinement is necessary in the coming years, promising results indicate that natural scaffolds may be a valuable translational therapeutic option with clinical impact in MI repair.
Adenovirus-mediated transfer of hepatocyte growth factor gene to human dental pulp stem cells under good manufacturing practice improves their potential for periodontal regeneration in swine
Authors: Cao Yu , Liu Zhenhai , Xie Yilin , Hu Jingchao , Wang Hua , Fan Zhipeng , Zhang Chunmei , Wang Jingsong , Wu Chu-Tse , Wang Songlin
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Periodontitis is one of the most widespread infectious diseases in humans. We previously promoted significant periodontal tissue regeneration in swine models with the transplantation of autologous periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) and PDLSC sheet. We also promoted periodontal tissue regeneration in a rat model with a local injection of allogeneic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the roles of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) in periodontal tissue regeneration in swine.

Method

In the present study, we transferred an adenovirus that carried HGF gene into human DPSCs (HGF-hDPSCs) under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions. These cells were then transplanted into a swine model for periodontal regeneration. Twenty miniature pigs were used to generate periodontitis with bone defect of 5 mm in width, 7 mm in length, and 3 mm in depth. After 12 weeks, clinical, radiological, quantitative and histological assessment of regenerated periodontal tissues was performed to compare periodontal regeneration in swine treated with cell implantation.

Results

Our study showed that injecting HGF-hDPSCs into this large animal model could significantly improve periodontal bone regeneration and soft tissue healing. A hDPSC or HGF-hDPSC sheet showed superior periodontal tissue regeneration compared to the injection of dissociated cells. However, the sheets required surgical placement; thus, they were suitable for surgically-managed periodontitis treatments. The adenovirus-mediated transfer of the HGF gene markedly decreased hDPSC apoptosis in a hypoxic environment or in serum-free medium, and it increased blood vessel regeneration.

Conclusion

This study indicated that HGF-hDPSCs produced under GMP conditions significantly improved periodontal bone regeneration in swine; thus, this method represents a potential clinical application for periodontal regeneration.
Autophagy promotes apoptosis of mesenchymal stem cells under inflammatory microenvironment
Authors: Dang Shipeng , Yu Zhi-ming , Zhang Chang-ying , Zheng Jie , Li Ku-lin , Wu Ying , Qian Ling-ling , Yang Zhen-yu , Li Xiao-rong , Zhang Yanyun , Wang Ru-xing
Published: December 2015

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely applied to treat various inflammatory diseases. Inflammatory cytokines can induce both apoptosis and autophagy in MSCs. However, whether autophagy plays a pro- or con-apoptosis effect on MSCs in an inflammatory microenvironment has not been clarified.

Methods

We inhibited autophagy by constructing MSCs with lentivirus containing small hairpin RNA to knockdown Beclin-1 and applied these MSCs to a model of sepsis to evaluate therapeutic effect of MSCs.

Results

Here we show that inhibition of autophagy in MSCs increases the survival rate of septic mice more than control MSCs, and autophagy promotes apoptosis of MSCs during application to septic mice. Further study demonstrated that autophagy aggravated tumor necrosis factor alpha plus interferon gamma-induced apoptosis of MSCs. Mechanically, autophagy inhibits the expression of the pro-survival gene Bcl-2 via suppressing reactive oxygen species/mitogen-activated protein kinase 1/3 pathway.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that an inflammatory microenvironment-induced autophagy promotes apoptosis of MSCs. Therefore, modulation of autophagy in MSCs would provide a novel approach to improve MSC survival during immunotherapy.
Analysis of Impact of Post-Treatment Biopsies in Phase I Clinical Trials
Authors: Sweis Randy F. , Drazer Michael W. , Ratain Mark J.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

The use of biopsy-derived pharmacodynamic biomarkers is increasing in early-phase clinical trials. It remains unknown whether drug development is accelerated or enhanced by their use. We examined the impact of biopsy-derived pharmacodynamic biomarkers on subsequent drug development through a comprehensive analysis of phase I oncology studies from 2003 to 2010 and subsequent publications citing the original trials.

Methods

We conducted a search to identify and examine publications of phase I oncology studies including the use of biopsy-derived pharmacodynamic biomarkers between 2003 and 2010. Characteristics of those studies were extracted and analyzed, along with outcomes from the biomarker data. We then compiled and reviewed publications of subsequent phase II and III trials citing the original phase I biomarker studies to determine the impact on drug development.

Results

We identified 4,840 phase I oncology publications between 2003 and 2010. Seventy-two studies included a biopsy-derived pharmacodynamic biomarker. The proportion of biomarker studies including nondiagnostic biopsies increased over time (P = .002). A minimum of 1,873 tumor biopsies were documented in the 72 studies, 12 of which reported a statistically significant biomarker result. Thirty-three percent of studies (n = 24) were referenced by subsequent publications specifically with regard to the biomarkers. Only five positive biomarker studies were cited subsequently, and maximum tolerated dose was used for subsequent drug development in all cases.

Conclusion

Despite their increased use, the impact of biopsy-derived pharmacodynamic biomarkers in phase I oncology studies on subsequent drug development remains uncertain. No impact on subsequent dose or schedule was demonstrated. This issue requires further evaluation, given the risk and cost of such studies.
Ablation of the Stimulatory G Protein α-Subunit in Renal Proximal Tubules Leads to Parathyroid Hormone-Resistance With Increased Renal Cyp24a1 mRNA Abundance and Reduced Serum 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Zhu Yan , He Qing , Aydin Cumhur , Rubera Isabelle , Tauc Michel , Chen Min , Weinstein Lee S. , Marshansky Vladimir , Jüppner Harald , Bastepe Murat
Published: December 2015

PTH regulates serum calcium, phosphate, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) levels by acting on bone and kidney. In renal proximal tubules (PTs), PTH inhibits reabsorption of phosphate and stimulates the synthesis of 1,25(OH)2D. The PTH receptor couples to multiple G proteins. We here ablated the α-subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα) in mouse PTs by using Cre recombinase driven by the promoter of type-2 sodium-glucose cotransporter (GsαSglt2KO mice). GsαSglt2KO mice were normophosphatemic but displayed, relative to controls, hypocalcemia (1.19 ±0.01 vs 1.23 ±0.01 mmol/L; P < .05), reduced serum 1,25(OH)2D (59.3 ±7.0 vs 102.5 ±12.2 pmol/L; P < .05), and elevated serum PTH (834 ±133 vs 438 ±59 pg/mL; P < .05). PTH-induced elevation in urinary cAMP excretion was blunted in GsαSglt2KO mice (2- vs 4-fold over baseline in controls; P < .05). Relative to baseline in controls, PTH-induced reduction in serum phosphate tended to be blunted in GsαSglt2KO mice (−0.39 ±0.33 vs −1.34 ±0.36 mg/dL; P = .07). GsαSglt2KO mice showed elevated renal vitamin D 24-hydroxylase and bone fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF23) mRNA abundance (∼3.4- and ∼11-fold over controls, respectively; P < .05) and tended to have elevated serum FGF23 (829 ±76 vs 632 ±60 pg/mL in controls; P = .07). Heterozygous mice having constitutive ablation of the maternal Gsα allele (E1m−/+) (model of pseudohypoparathyroidism type-Ia), in which Gsα levels in PT are reduced, also exhibited elevated serum FGF23 (474 ±20 vs 374 ±27 pg/mL in controls; P < .05). Our findings indicate that Gsα is required in PTs for suppressing renal vitamin D 24-hydroxylase mRNA levels and for maintaining normal serum 1,25(OH)2D.
Gsα Deficiency in the Ventromedial Hypothalamus Enhances Leptin Sensitivity and Improves Glucose Homeostasis in Mice on a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Berger Alta , Kablan Ahmed , Yao Catherine , Ho Thuy , Podyma Brandon , Weinstein Lee S. , Chen Min
Published: December 2015

In both mice and patients with Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, heterozygous inactivating mutations of Gsα, a ubiquitously expressed G protein that mediates receptor-stimulated intracellular cAMP production, lead to obesity and insulin resistance but only when the mutation is present on the maternal allele. This parent-of-origin effect in mice was shown to be due to Gsα imprinting in one or more brain regions. The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is involved in the regulation of energy and glucose homeostasis, but the role of Gsα in VMH on metabolic regulation is unknown. To examine this, we created VMH-specific Gsα-deficient mice by mating Gsα-floxed mice with SF1-cre mice. Heterozygotes with Gsα mutation on either the maternal or paternal allele had a normal metabolic phenotype, and there was no molecular evidence of Gsα imprinting, indicating that the parent-of-origin metabolic effects associated with Gsα mutations is not due to Gsα deficiency in VMH SF1 neurons. Homozygous VMH Gsα knockout mice (VMHGsKO) showed no changes in body weight on either a regular or high-fat diet. However, glucose metabolism (fasting glucose, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity) was significantly improved in male VMHGsKO mice, with the difference more dramatic on the high-fat diet. In addition, male VMHGsKO mice on the high-fat diet showed a greater anorexigenic effect and increased VMH signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 phosphorylation in response to leptin. These results indicate that VMH Gsα/cyclic AMP signaling regulates glucose homeostasis and alters leptin sensitivity in mice, particularly in the setting of excess caloric intake.
K. William Kapp's Social Theory of Social Costs
Authors: Berger Sebastian
Published: December 2015

This article deals with the theory of social costs by K. William Kapp, as outlined in his book The Social Costs of Private Enterprise (1950). This work is a continuation of the socialist calculation debate, in which Kapp defended the possibility of rational planning, that is, the need to prevent social costs ex ante. This defense of planning to prevent social costs was developed into a foundation for social economics, consisting of a framework for social and democratic controls of the economy. The framework effectively ties market, state, and civil society actors to a substantive rationality, that is, social minima. Hence, Kapp developed a genuinely social theory of social costs because it originated as an explicit defense of the substantive rationality of planning to prevent social costs and guarantee social minima, and became the foundation of a comprehensive theoretical framework of social economics.
Tropomodulin1 directly controls thin filament length in both wild-type and tropomodulin4-deficient skeletal muscle
Authors: Gokhin David S. , Ochala Julien , Domenighetti Andrea A. , Fowler Velia M.
Published: December 2015

Sarcomeric tropomodulin (Tmod) isoforms, Tmod1 and Tmod4, cap thin filament pointed ends and functionally interact with leiomodin (Lmod) isoforms, Lmod2 and Lmod3, to control myofibril organization, thin filament lengths, and actomyosin crossbridge formation in skeletal muscle fibers. Here, we show that Tmod4 is more abundant than Tmod1 on both the transcript and protein levels in a variety of muscle types, but the relative abundances of sarcomeric Tmods are muscle-specific. We then generate Tmod4−/− mice, which exhibit normal thin filament lengths, myofibril organization, and skeletal muscle contractile function due to compensatory upregulation of Tmod1, together with an Lmod isoform switch wherein Lmod3 is downregulated and Lmod2 is upregulated. However, RNAi depletion of Tmod1 from either wild-type or Tmod4−/− muscle fibers leads to thin filament elongation by ∼15%. Thus, Tmod1 per se, rather than total sarcomeric Tmod levels, controls thin filament lengths in mouse skeletal muscle, while Tmod4 appears to be dispensable for thin filament length regulation. These findings identify Tmod1 as the key direct regulator of thin filament length in skeletal muscle, in both adult muscle homeostasis and in developmentally compensated contexts.
Assessing Soil Water Repellency of a Sandy Field with Visible near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Knadel Maria , Masís-Meléndez Federico , de Jonge Lis Wollesen , Moldrup Per , Arthur Emmanuel , Greve Mogens Humlekrog
Published: December 2015

Soil water repellency (WR) is a widespread phenomenon caused by aggregated organic matter (OM) and layers of hydrophobic organic substances coating the surface of soil particles. These substances have a very low surface free energy, reducing a soil's water attraction. There is focus on WR due to its effects on germination, root growth, liquid–vapour dynamics, surface erosion and leaching of chemicals through fingered flow paths. However, common techniques for measuring WR are time-consuming and expensive. Meanwhile, it is well established that visible near infrared (vis-NIR) spectroscopy is a reliable method for determining soil OM. Potentially it could therefore provide fast measurements of WR through autocorrelation with OM. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of vis-NIR spectroscopy for estimating the WR of soils with a small gradient in soil organic carbon (SOC) and texture, and to evaluate the effect of soil pretreatment on the predictive ability of WR models. A total of 87 soil samples from an agricultural coarse sandy field in Denmark were analysed for SOC, particle size fractions, water content and WR. Soil samples were scanned with a vis-NIR sensor (350–2500 nm) after air- and oven-drying at 60°C and 105°C. WR, expressed as liquid surface tension (mN m−1), was determined using the molarity of ethanol droplet test. Partial least squares regression models of SOC, texture and water content showed no predictive ability ( r2 values between 0.10 and 0.51). However, successful models ( r2 = 0.85) were generated for WR. The majority of bands important in the vis-NIR region of WR models were related to different components of OM indicating that, across the investigated field, WR was related to specific hydrophobic components of soil OM rather than to the total amount of carbon. A lower prediction error of the WR model for soils dried at 105°C (1.93 mN m−1) than at 60°C (2.52 mN m−1) can be explained by a lower range of WR values for the soils dried at 105°C. Moreover, a higher temperature reduced the number of absorption bands related to OM, indicating a degradation of hydrocarbon groups and a more hydrophobic character of the soil.
Negative feedback regulation of AXL by miR-34a modulates apoptosis in lung cancer cells
Authors: Cho Chun-Yu , Huang Jhy-Shrian , Shiah Shine-Gwo , Chung Shih-Ying , Lay Jong-Ding , Yang Ya-Yu , Lai Gi-Ming , Cheng Ann-Lii , Chen Li-Tzong , Chuang Shuang-En
Published: December 2015

The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase is frequently overexpressed in cancers and is important in cancer invasion/metastasis and chemoresistance. Here, we demonstrate a regulatory feedback loop between AXL and microRNA (miRNA) at the post-transcriptional level. Both the GAS6-binding domain and the kinase domain of AXL, particularly the Y779 tyrosine phosphorylation site, are shown to be crucial for this autoregulation. To clarify the role of miRNAs in this regulation loop, approaches using bioinformatics and molecular techniques were applied, revealing that miR-34a may target the 3′ UTR of AXL mRNA to inhibit AXL expression. Interestingly and importantly, AXL overexpression may induce miR-34a expression by activating the transcription factor ELK1 via the JNK signaling pathway. In addition, ectopic overexpression of ELK1 promotes apoptosis through, in part, down-regulation of AXL. Therefore, we propose that AXL is autoregulated by miR-34a in a feedback loop; this may provide a novel opportunity for developing AXL-targeted anticancer therapies.
Regional or general anesthesia for fast-track hip and knee replacement - what is the evidence?
Authors: Kehlet Henrik , Aasvang Eske Kvanner
Published: December 2015

Regional anesthesia for knee and hip arthroplasty may have favorable outcome effects compared with general anesthesia by effectively blocking afferent input, providing initial postoperative analgesia, reducing endocrine metabolic responses, and providing sympathetic blockade with reduced bleeding and less risk of thromboembolic complications but with undesirable effects on lower limb motor and urinary bladder function. Old randomized studies supported the use of regional anesthesia with fewer postoperative pulmonary and thromboembolic complications, and this has been supported by recent large non-randomized epidemiological database cohort studies. In contrast, the data from newer randomized trials are conflicting, and recent studies using modern general anesthetic techniques may potentially support the use of general versus spinal anesthesia. In summary, the lack of properly designed large randomized controlled trials comparing modern general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia for knee and hip arthroplasty prevents final recommendations and calls for prospective detailed studies in this clinically important field.
Molecular chaperones: guardians of the proteome in normal and disease states
Authors: Jeng Wilson , Lee Sukyeong , Sung Nuri , Lee Jungsoon , Tsai Francis T.F.
Published: December 2015

Proteins must adopt a defined three-dimensional structure in order to gain functional activity, or must they? An ever-increasing number of intrinsically disordered proteins and amyloid-forming polypeptides challenge this dogma. While molecular chaperones and proteases are traditionally associated with protein quality control inside the cell, it is now apparent that molecular chaperones not only promote protein folding in the “forward” direction by facilitating folding and preventing misfolding and aggregation, but also facilitate protein unfolding and even disaggregation resulting in the recovery of functional protein from aggregates. Here, we review our current understanding of ATP-dependent molecular chaperones that harness the energy of ATP binding and hydrolysis to fuel their chaperone functions. An emerging theme is that most of these chaperones do not work alone, but instead function together with other chaperone systems to maintain the proteome. Hence, molecular chaperones are the major component of the proteostasis network that guards and protects the proteome from damage. Furthermore, while a decline of this network is detrimental to cell and organismal health, a controlled perturbation of the proteostasis network may offer new therapeutic avenues against human diseases.
Quantitative trait loci mapping of dauer larvae development in growing populations of Caenorhabditis briggsae
Authors: Green James , Harvey Simon
Published: December 2015

The life cycles of many free-living nematodes contain developmental switches that allow individuals to either develop directly to adulthood, or to arrest development as a stress resistant and long-lived dauer larval stage. Here, in a panel of Caenorhabditis briggsae recombinant inbred lines derived from the isolates HK104 x AF16, we use methodologies developed for C.elegans to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting the number of dauer larvae present at the point of food patch exhaustion. These analyses provide strong support for three QTLs and are suggestive of a further two.
More Papyri from Late Antique Memnonia in the British Library
Authors: Benaissa Amin
Published: December 2015

Publication of five Greek papyri from the village of Memnonia near Thebes (modern Medinet Habu, Coptic Djeme) housed in the British Library, and dating from the fifth and sixth centuries, a period comparatively poorly documented at Memnonia. The documents are contracts, mostly of sale, and enlarge our small body of evidence for the legal formulary, toponymy, and onomastics of this area in this period. No. 4 is a sale by an anchorite and two relatives of a building (or part of a building) designated by the novel Coptic word ptech.
Peripheral gingiva giant cell granuloma: A differential diagnosis approach among gingival overgrowths: A case report and a brief review of the literature
Authors: Dervisoglou Theodoros , Matiakis Apostolos , Zaraboukas Thomas
Published: December 2015

Peripheral giant cell granuloma is the most common jaw located giant cell lesion. It originates from periosteum or from periodontal membrane as a response to local irritation or chronic trauma. It appears as a firm, soft or elastic nodule, sessile or pedunculated. Early and accurate diagnosis leads to sufficient management, minimizing possible damage of the adjacent tissues. This article reports the management of a peripheral giant cell granuloma in a 40-year-old male patient.
Impact of Preoperative Anaemia on Outcome in Elective On-Pump Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Zellans Edgars , Ozolina Agnese , Lace Ilze , Strike Eva , Daukste Marite , Lacis Romans
Published: December 2015

Introduction. Anaemia is a clinically important and increasingly frequent finding in cardiac surgery. Whether preoperative anaemia is an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes after elective cardiac surgery is still under discussion. We analysed prevalence of preoperative anaemia and its influence to outcome in patients undergoing elective on-pump cardiac surgery.

Aim of the Study. To analyse preoperative anaemia and its influence to outcome in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Material and Methods. Prospective study was done from October 2013 to January 2014 at the Cardiac Surgery Centre of Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital. Data were collected on 192 patients who underwent elective on-pump cardiac surgery. The prevalence of preoperative anaemia was defined as haemoglobin (Hb) for men < 130 g/l, for women < 120 g/l. Surgical bleeding was found for 17 patients during re-operation, those were excluded from future analysis. Consequently, 175 were divided into two groups: anaemic (n=69) and control group (n=106). Anaemia relationships with haemotransfusions, postoperative complications as acute heart failure, infections, atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury (AKI) and length of mechanical ventilation and stay in hospital were obtained.

Results. The overall prevalence of preoperative anaemia was 39%. Preoperative Hb values were 111 ± 13 g/l, MCHC 329 ± 12 g/l, MCV 86 ± 8 fl in anaemic group and in a control group Hb 140 ± 11 g/l, MCHC 335 ± 8 g/l, MCV 89 ± 9 fl (p < 0,001; p < 0,001; p = 0,01). Anaemic patients in 80% received red blood cell (RBC) transfusions 586 ± 801 ml and 47% in control group, p < 0,0001. Fresh frozen plasma (FFP) and Cryoprecipitate (Cryo) transfused volumes did not differ statistically between groups (p = 0,15; p = 0,2). Sensitivity and specificity of preoperative anaemia to haemotransfusions: area under curve for RBC transfusions 0,71, for FFP 0,57, for Cryo 0,44. Hb levels before and 24 hours after surgery correlated with RBC transfusions (r = - 0,4, - 0,5; p < 0,001). Anaemia is an independent risk factor for postoperative infection (p=0.04; OR 4.2; 95% C.I. 1.2-16.7) and AKI (p=0,02; OR 2.3; 95% C.I. 1.1-4.6). RBC transfusion volume is adjusted to postoperative infections and AKI, respectively, p = 0.004 and p = 0.01. Anaemic patients had statistically longer mechanical lung ventilation (p = 0.02) and stay in hospital (p = 0.04).

Conclusions. Preoperative anaemia, mainly normocytic normochromic (72%) and microcytic hypochromic (13%), is observed in 39%. Anaemic patients received major RBC transfusions to compare with non-anaemic patients. Preoperative anaemia and volume of RBC transfused are associated with development of AKI and infections postoperatively. Preoperative anaemia prolongs mechanical lung ventilation and in-hospital stay.
An Overview of Treatments for Congenital Forearm Longitudinal Deficiencies
Authors: Ozols Dzintars , Zarins Janis , Bergmanis Uldis , Mamaja Biruta , Petersons Aigars
Published: December 2015

Introduction. Congenital anomalies are rare, affecting 1-2% of new-borns and only 10% of them have upper limb defects. Incidence of forearm longitudinal deficiencies is 1:55 000-1:100 000 live births which means that 1 case in every two to four years can be expected in Latvia.

Centralisation surgical procedure was the main treatment option until 2008, but it had the worst functional outcome (as literature data also show).

Starting from 2010, several new surgical techniques like microvascular metatarsophalangeal joint transfer, epiphyseal fibula flap transfer and wrist radialisation had been performed in the Microsurgery Centre of Latvia.

Aim of the study. A retrospective study to collect and assess functional outcomes of different types of surgeries.

Material and Methods. 5 patients (7 hands) with radial club hand deformity, one ulnar club hand deformity and one ulnar dimelia were treated in the Microsurgery Centre of Latvia from 2012 to 2014. The Paediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) was used to evaluate functional outcome in children. ROM (range of motion), pinch and grasp forces were measured to establish wrist motion and stability. Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate parents’ satisfaction.

Results. 3 patients (5 hands) were selected for the trial. Two patients (3 hands) were not evaluated as thumb reconstruction is not done yet. Patients had a small (10-25°) reoccurrence of radial deviation after centralisation and radialisation procedures, whereas MTP (metatarsophalangeal) joint transfer patients had straight wrists. Wrist joint functionality in MTP patients was following: extension of 10°-35° and flexion of 20°-90°. In MTP transfer patients, PEDI score was 56-58 for daily activities (normal score – 50), 69-70 for mobility (normal score – 63). VAS score was greater for MTP joint transfer patients.

Conclusion. Radial and ulnar deficiencies are rare and reconstructions should be done at age 2 - 4 years, because late reconstructions are more complicated due to the stiffness of the radial fingers. Radialisation procedure is the first choice for wrist stabilization, but, in some cases, MTP joint transfer or vascularised fibular head transfer can provide a better functional outcome in radial club hand patients.
Synchronous Renal and Hepatocellular Carcinomas
Authors: Jekabsone Solveiga , Bogdanova Tatjana , Abolins Arnis , Vanags Andrejs , Gardovskis Janis , Strumfa Ilze
Published: December 2015

Multiple synchronous primary tumours can cause diagnostic difficulties regarding primary origin versus metastatic spread. Greater awareness of concurrent carcinogenesis is necessary as more frequent occurrence of multiple primary cancers can be expected in future due to the growing tumour burden in the aging world population along with improved treatment efficacy. Here we report a 58-year-old male patient, who was diagnosed with two rare synchronous tumours: hepatocellular carcinoma and renal clear cell carcinoma. Both tumours were radically removed by simultaneous liver and kidney resection.
Der Neopragmatismus und das Eichhörnchen
Authors: Bandelin Sebastian
Published: December 2015

According to Dewey, normative criteria are a part of the social process and insofar a process themselves. These criteria have to be reflected and reformulated in new situations in which new social problems occur. The democratic public is in this conception the realm in which a common elucidation of problematic social consequences of the existing institutions takes place and in which proposals for the overcoming of these consequences are formulated. Thereby it reconstructs the central norms embedded within the social institutions and shows how collective actions guided by these norms leads to problematic social consequences. This is then the background for a critical reflection on and a reformulation of the guiding norms of these institutions. To realize such a form of collective self-determination the democratic public has to be extended to all forms of social cooperation.
Musikedition 2.0: Das ,Aus‘ für den Edierten Notentext?
Authors: Veit Joachim
Published: December 2015

The most severe criticism of the concepts of our monumental complete editions in music comes from the side of the editors themselves: laments about unpleasant compromises, ideas of ‘open’ or ‘loose leaf editions’, the wish to easily reprint editions with corrections and addenda, or the complaint about the lack of transparency in editorial decisions - all these details contribute to the impression that the function of critical editions will change fundamentally when we enter the digital world. The example of the several editions of Beethoven’s 1st Symphony, which are all based on the same authentic source (printed parts) shows that aspects of the production and transmission process which help to understand editorial problems in general are more interesting than the edited texts. Similar problems appear in manuscripts and the broad availability of scanned sources brings out the question if, on the one hand, we will have to differentiate between graphemes which until now have been summed up under the same notion, and whereas on the other hand we perhaps often tend to be more sophisticated in terms of exactness than coevals. Thus the move to digital editions will promote questions about writing processes in general and will strengthen the role of contextual knowledge. At the same time this contributes to a clear shift of interest - the former ‘edited text’ is no longer the main goal of a critical edition.
MELLAN DOMESTICERING OCH EXOTISERING.
Authors: Pietrzak-Porwisz Grażyna
Published: December 2015

The present paper deals with culture-specific items as a translational problem. It is based on two Polish translations of four Swedish books from the famous detective series by Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö.

The aim of the study is to analyze some of the practices employed by two Polish translators against the translation methods proposed by Newmark (1988), Svane (2002) and Ingo (2009). For this purpose a number of highly specific cultural items have been collected and the methods applied by translators have been identified.

The analysis has shown a big difference between translators in dealing with culture-specific items. The first translator, Maria Olszańska, adopts such translation methods as calque translation, hyperonym, functional equivalent, paraphrase and omission. The other translator, Halina Thylwe, prefers transference and calque translation combined with additional explanations, either in the main part of the text or in footnotes. The methods employed by both translators are a result of choosing between global translation strategies domestication and foreignization (Venuti 1995). Domestication, adopted in the older translations, minimizes the strangeness of the Swedish text to the Polish readers, whereas foreignization in the newer translations retains the foreignness of the original.
NOMINA INSTRUMENTI BLANDT KOMPOSITA I DANSK OG DERES POLSKE ÆKVIVALENTER
Authors: Szubert Andrzej
Published: December 2015

The article is an attempt at analyzing Danish nomina instrumenti among compounds and finding patterns of equivalence in Polish. The analysis of the collected corpus has shown that the Polish equivalents of the Danish compounds are not compounds but, with the exception of a minor group of derivates, they have the form of phrases. The analysis has shown patterns of regular Polish structures corresponding to the Danish compounds.
Numerical Verification Of Geotechnical Structure In Unfavourable Geological Conditions – Case Study
Authors: Drusa Marián
Published: December 2015

Numerical modelling represents a powerful tool not only for special geotechnical calculations in cases of complicated and difficult structure design or their foundation conditions, but also for regular tasks of structure foundation. Finite element method is the most utilized method of numerical modelling. This method was used for calculations of the retaining wall monitored during 5 years after construction. Retaining wall of the parking lot with the facing from gabion blocks was chosen for numerical model. Besides the unfavourable geological conditions, a soft nature of the facing was also a difficult part of the modelling. This paper presents the results of the modelling when exact geometry, material characteristics and construction stages were simulated. The results capture the trend of displacements even though the basic material models were utilized. The modelling proved the ability of the finite element method to model the retaining structure with sufficient accuracy as well as reasonable demand on quality and quantity of input data. This method can then be used as a regular design tool during project preparation.