bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publicar en inglés o en castellano: Un marco teórico para el estudio de las motivaciones de los investigadores
Authors: López-Navarro Irene , Moreno Ana I. , Burgess Sally , Sachdev Itesh , Rey-Rocha Jesús
Published: February 2015

Este trabajo propone un marco para el estudio comparativo de las motivaciones de los investigadores a la hora de publicar en inglés o en su lengua materna. Dicho marco tiene por objeto ofrecer una visión dinámica, multidimensional y multinivel de la motivación. Los resultados de este trabajo provienen de una encuesta on-line a gran escala realizada entre investigadores españoles. Nuestro principal objetivo es investigar los factores que motivan a los investigadores a la hora de publicar en revistas académicas, ya sea en inglés o en español, así como el grado en que estas motivaciones son moldeadas por determinadas características individuales, especialmente el género y la experiencia investigadora y en publicación. Los resultados muestran un uso instrumental del inglés con fines académicos frente a una visión del empleo del castellano más fragmentada y basada en motivaciones sociales e ideológicas.
Desarrollo e implementación de un modelo de características o indicadores de calidad para evaluar los blogs de bibliotecas escolares de centros de educación infantil y primaria
Authors: García-Romero José Enrique , Faba-Pérez Cristina
Published: February 2015

El objetivo del presente trabajo es el desarrollo de un modelo ponderado de características o indicadores de calidad para la evaluación específica de los blogs de bibliotecas escolares para centros de educación infantil y primaria, así como su aplicación práctica en la población concreta de los centros públicos de la Comunidad de Extremadura en España, con el fin de obtener un ranking de los mismos basado en las características que incluyen. El desarrollo del modelo, que comienza con el diseño previo de una plantilla de 32 características, se centra en dos parámetros: el peso específico asignado a cada característica por dos grupos de expertos según su nivel de importancia para los blogs (elegido entre los valores 1, 2 y 3); y el grado de cumplimiento de cada una de ellas en cada blog analizado (valores 0, 0,5 o 1). Los resultados de la aplicación práctica del modelo demuestran que hay una elevada proporción de características (65,62%) que no son cumplidas en ninguna medida por más del 50% de los blogs y que el número de habitantes de la localidad extremeña a la que pertenecen los centros escolares cuyos blogs se analizan y, por consiguiente, los recursos humanos y tecnológicos disponibles para su desarrollo, no influyen directamente en la posición que éstos obtienen en un ranking de calidad basado en sus características.
Japanese Cultural Traditions and International Business
Authors: Garcia Gloria
Published: February 2015

Although people from several countries may share some universal values, they also have different cultural values. The differences in cultural values generally produce different ways of thinking and acting that can cause misunderstandings and disappointments in business communication. Therefore, the willingness to understand in depth others' cultures is necessary for doing international business. Japan is an important country and thus the author explains in-depth the specific cultural values that are important in the international business between Japanese and non-Japanese people. This chapter is based on a broader research conducted in Japan and focused on the unique characteristics of Japan's cultural values, social norms, and business customs. Thus, it presents the specific cultural values coming from the Japanese philosophical and cultural traditions, examines their influence in the Japanese international business, and emphasizes the importance of understanding them in depth for doing business successfully in Japan.
Religious Social Movements and Economic Welfare in Modern Turkey
Authors: Köroğlu Cemile Zehra , Köroğlu Muhammet Ali
Published: February 2015

In all societies, there have been some movements that point out social, political, economic, ideological, or moral problems or aim at partial or complete change. This chapter discusses the new meanings attributed to the concept of social movements in the postmodern era. A theoretical framework is proposed to understand the nature of social movements since the 1960s and to demonstrate their differences from classical movements. Turkey provides a particularly rich context with high potential for social movements, both with secular and religious aspirations. Religious social movements have shown quite a tense relationship with the state throughout the history of the republic; yet, they have gained power and prosperity through evolving liberal economic policies since the 1980s. Therefore, resource mobilization and new social movement paradigms are used in this chapter to explain Turkey's religious social movements today.
Workplace Perceptions and Workplace Incivility in Egypt
Authors: Ewis Mamdouh Zaky
Published: February 2015

Using a sample of two hundred and ninety two administrative employees from five universities in Egypt completed the survey, the survey response rate was 58.4%, this study examined whether organizational cynicism mediated the effects of workplace perceptions represented in distributive, procedural, interactional justice (DJ, PJ and IJ), perceived organizational support (POS), and Perceived of Psychological Contract Breach (PPCB) on workplace incivility. DJ, PJ, IJ and POS were found to significantly and negatively influence both organization cynicism and workplace incivility. PPCB was found to significantly and positively influence both organization cynicism and workplace incivility. Results from Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) also showed that organizational cynicism partially mediates the relationship among DJ, PJ, IJ, POS, and PPCB and workplace incivility. Implications for research and practice of our findings are discussed.
A Framework for Cybersecurity Strategy Formation
Authors: Chen Jim Q.
Published: February 2015

A good cybersecurity strategy consists of the most effective and the most optimal course of actions available at the moment of operation in order to ensure the success of a cyber operation. How to form such a strategy is always a challenge. The current literature does not have much discussion about this topic. This paper intends to explore this process, which supports decision-makers in the cyber domain. It applies the Cybersecurity Formation Framework proposed in Chen and Duvall (2014), and shows how it can integrate varied actions into a systematic and consolidated course of actions to guarantee the success in a mission. This paper also suggests areas for future studies.
How Social Media Facilitate Learning Communities and Peer Groups around MOOCS
Authors: Rothkrantz Leon
Published: February 2015

Social media enable the development of new didactical models underlying MOOCs. Individual learning will be complemented by group learning. Students are connected by and cooperate via a social network of study friends for example via Facebook or Twitter. They inform each other about to be expected study activities, learning experiences, cooperate in study activities and take the role of tutor or model for other students. In this paper the authors present next to the didactical model a matching algorithm to create peer groups to perform group work. In distant learning students are remote in place and time. Social media can provide a virtual meeting place. So the question is how to select your friends to cooperate successfully in study activities. They will describe a tool, which recommends best matching students, taking care of abilities and personal characteristics of students and requirements set by the lecturers in such a way that balanced groups are created. Students make a selection from the offer. Special Apps have to be downloaded on phones or computer devices to connect the teaching-learning environment.
An Exploratory Study of Home Healthcare Robots Adoption Applying the UTAUT Model
Authors: Alaiad Ahmad , Zhou Lina , Koru Gunes
Published: February 2015

The home healthcare initiative is aimed to reduce readmission costs, transportation costs, and hospital medical errors, and to improve post hospitalization healthcare quality, and enhance patient home independency. Today, it is almost unimaginable to consider this initiative without information technology. Home healthcare robots are one of such emerging technologies. Several robots have been developed to facilitate home healthcare such as remote presence robots (e.g., RP2) and Paro. Most previous research in this area has focused on technology and implementation issues of home healthcare robots, but ignored the factors that influence their adoption. To address the limitation, the current research applied and extended the UTAUT model to the home healthcare domain. The model was tested using survey questionnaire. The empirical results not only confirmed the effects of some constructs from the original UTAUT model but also identified perceived security as a new factor that directly affects usage intention of home healthcare robots. In addition, effort expectancy did not show a direct effect but an indirect effect through performance expectancy on usage intention. Several practical and theoretical implications are also discussed.
Adding More Agility to Software Product Line Methods
Authors: Tian Kun
Published: February 2015

Software Product Line Methods (SPLMs) have been continuously gaining attention, especially in practice, for on one hand, they address diverse market needs while controlling costs by planned systematic reuse in core assets development (domain engineering), and on another hand, they reduce products' time-to-market, achieving a certain level of agility in product development (application engineering). More cost-effective and agile as they are than traditional development methods for producing families of similar products, SPLMs still seem to be heavy weight in nature. In SPLMs, significant up-front commitments are involved in development of a flexible product platform, which will be modified into a range of products sharing common features. Agile Methods (AMs) share similar goals with SPLMs, e.g., on rapidly delivering high quality software that meets the changing needs of stakeholders. However, they appear to differ significantly practices. The purpose of this work is to compare Agile and Software Product line approaches from fundamental goals/principles, engineering, software quality assurance, sand project management perspectives, etc. The results of the study can be used to determine the feasibility of tailoring a software product line approach with Agile practices, resulting in a lighter-weight approach that provides mass customization, reduced time-to-market, and improved customer satisfaction.
Complex Mobile Learning that Adapts to Learners' Cognitive Load
Authors: Deegan Robin
Published: February 2015

Mobile learning is cognitively demanding and frequently the ubiquitous nature of mobile computing means that mobile devices are used in cognitively demanding environments. This paper examines the use of mobile devices from a Learning, Usability and Cognitive Load Theory perspective. It suggests scenarios where these fields interact and presents an experiment which determined that several sources of cognitive load can be measured simultaneously by the learner. The experiment also looked at the interaction between these cognitive load types and found that distraction did not affect the performance or cognitive load associated with a learning task but it did affect the perception of the cognitive load associated with using the application interface. This paper concludes by suggesting ways in which mobile learning can benefit by developing cognitive load aware systems that could detect and change the difficulty of the learning task based on the cognitive state of the learner.
A Comparative Analysis of Knowledge Management Practices in Times of Crisis in the Digital Age
Authors: Ipcioglu Isa
Published: February 2015

Time of crisis is an extraordinary state. Knowledge based crisis management reduces uncertainties in the management process, supports decision-making process and assists executives to overcome the crisis. However, as knowledge management (KM) increasingly becomes important in time of crisis, organizations reduce KM practices to optimize their costs. The objective of this study is to compare the KM practices of top 500 industrial companies of Turkey before and after the Global Financial Crisis by comparing 2008 data with the findings of 2004 study of the author. The results of this study show that there are several developments of KM applications in time of crisis, particularly decreased use of some significant knowledge management technologies such as decision support systems, document management system, and data warehousing/mining.
Employee Welfare Measures in Public and Private Sectors
Authors: Patro Chandra Sekhar
Published: February 2015

Employees' play a key role in the existence and growth of any organisation, therefore their welfare is essential. During the past few years, both public sector and private sector organisations have been contributing towards the employee's benefits and also increase their efficiency. Employees' welfare facilities include housing facilities, free medical facilities, retirement benefits, children and adult educational benefits, welfare measures for the employee's families, loan facilities, etc. If the organisations do not bother about the employees benefit, but expect efficient and high performance from them, it is a mere waste. So there is utmost need for the employee's welfare in any type of organisation. Organizations have to provide welfare facilities to their employees to keep their motivation levels high. A comparative study was undertaken to know the satisfaction level of the employees on the enforceability of various welfare measures in both the public and private sector organizations. The study also throws light on impact of welfare measures on the employees' performance.
Perspectives
Authors: Shankar P. Ravi
Published: February 2015

Dr. David Loxterkamp has been practicing as a primary care physician for over thirty years in Belfast, Maine, United States of America. He is a frequent writer on issues related to primary care and has recently published a book titled ‘What matters in medicine; Lessons from a life in primary care'. Towards the middle of the book he puts forward fourteen aphorisms for physicians with special relevance for primary care practice. In this manuscript the author briefly examines these aphorisms and describes their profound possible influence on modern medical practice, healthcare and medical education. The author is of the opinion that Dr Loxterkamp's observations and concepts born from and honed by over thirty years of practice as primary care physician in Belfast, Maine, United States should be read by all physicians and especially by medical students in training.
Case Study
Authors: Damle Vasudha , Agarwal Rahul , Garg Nitin , Gulwani Hanni V
Published: February 2015

Hemangiopericytoma is a slow growing, vascular mesenchymal tumor, which may behave like a malignant tumor, leading to local recurrence, or metastasis, or both. This report is about a 32-year-old lady with non-axial proptosis and diminished vision due to a mass lesion in the superomedial quadrant of the right orbit. CT scan and MRI reports showed no intracranial extension. Surgical intervention was done through the roof of the orbit keeping hemangioma, neuroma or schwannoma as the leading differential diagnoses; however, on aspiration, it was not bleeding. It was confirmed to be a hemangiopericytoma on histopathological examination. The unique presentation, where, on tapping, no blood was found, makes this case an example of diagnostic dilemma. This lack of bleeding might be due to vascular insufficiency of the mass. Proptosis disappeared the following day after the surgery and vision also showed significant improvement to 20/20 within a week after surgery. The patient has been kept on regular follow up keeping in mind the recurrent and metastatic behavior of the tumor.
Empirical Study on Multi-Channel Service Quality and Customer Loyalty of Retailers
Authors: Yong-zhi Qi
Published: February 2015

This paper studies the influence of offline RSSQ (retailing store service quality), online store ESQ (E-service quality) and O2O MCISQ (multi-channel integration service quality) on traditional retailers' customer loyalty as well as the relation of them three in multi-channel retailing. 380 customers with both offline and online shopping experience at the same retailer's store are investigated. Through the structural equation model, we find out that in multi-channel retailing, RSSQ and MCISQ have a positive influence on customer loyalty; RSSQ and ESQ have a positive influence on MCISQ; the influence of ESQ on customer loyalty is not significant; ESQ has a strong correlation with RSSQ. These conclusions indicate that on one hand, retailers should focus more on RSSQ and ESQ, because they contribute to improve MCISQ. On the other hand, retailers should strengthen the coordination between RSSQ and ESQ in order to further enhance MCISQ and as a result, the customer loyalty.
Buprenorphine Decreases the CCL2-Mediated Chemotactic Response of Monocytes
Authors: Carvallo Loreto , Lopez Lillie , Che Fa-Yun , Lim Jihyeon , Eugenin Eliseo A. , Williams Dionna W. , Nieves Edward , Calderon Tina M. , Madrid-Aliste Carlos , Fiser Andras , Weiss Louis , Angeletti Ruth Hogue , Berman Joan W.
Published: February 2015

Despite successful combined antiretroviral therapy, ∼60% of HIV-infected people exhibit HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). CCL2 is elevated in the CNS of infected people with HAND and mediates monocyte influx into the CNS, which is critical in neuroAIDS. Many HIV-infected opiate abusers have increased neuroinflammation that may augment HAND. Buprenorphine is used to treat opiate addiction. However, there are few studies that examine its impact on HIV neuropathogenesis. We show that buprenorphine reduces the chemotactic phenotype of monocytes. Buprenorphine decreases the formation of membrane projections in response to CCL2. It also decreases CCL2-induced chemotaxis and mediates a delay in reinsertion of the CCL2 receptor, CCR2, into the cell membrane after CCL2-mediated receptor internalization, suggesting a mechanism of action of buprenorphine. Signaling pathways in CCL2-induced migration include increased phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and of the junctional protein JAM-A. We show that buprenorphine decreases these phosphorylations in CCL2-treated monocytes. Using DAMGO, CTAP, and Nor-BNI, we demonstrate that the effect of buprenorphine on CCL2 signaling is opioid receptor mediated. To identify additional potential mechanisms by which buprenorphine inhibits CCL2-induced monocyte migration, we performed proteomic analyses to characterize additional proteins in monocytes whose phosphorylation after CCL2 treatment was inhibited by buprenorphine. Leukosialin and S100A9 were identified and had not been shown previously to be involved in monocyte migration. We propose that buprenorphine limits CCL2-mediated monocyte transmigration into the CNS, thereby reducing neuroinflammation characteristic of HAND. Our findings underscore the use of buprenorphine as a therapeutic for neuroinflammation as well as for addiction.
Predominant Development of Mature and Functional Human NK Cells in a Novel Human IL-2–Producing Transgenic NOG Mouse
Authors: Katano Ikumi , Takahashi Takeshi , Ito Ryoji , Kamisako Tsutomu , Mizusawa Takuma , Ka Yuyo , Ogura Tomoyuki , Suemizu Hiroshi , Kawakami Yutaka , Ito Mamoru
Published: February 2015

We generated a severe immunodeficient NOD/Shi-scid-IL-2Rγnull (NOG) mouse substrain expressing the transgenic human IL-2 gene (NOG–IL-2 Tg). Upon transfer of human cord blood–derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), CD3−CD56highCD16+/− cells developed unexpectedly, predominantly in the NOG–IL-2 Tg (hu-HSC NOG–IL-2 Tg). These cells expressed various NK receptors, including NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKG2D, and CD94, as well as a diverse set of killer cell Ig-like receptor molecules at levels comparable to normal human NK cells from the peripheral blood, which is evidence of their maturity. They produced levels of granzyme A as high as in human peripheral blood–derived NK cells, and a considerable amount of perforin protein was detected in the plasma. Human NK cells in hu-HSC NOG–IL-2 Tg produced IFN-γ upon stimulation, and IL-2, IL-15, or IL-12 treatment augmented the in vitro cytotoxicity. Inoculation of K562 leukemia cells into hu-HSC NOG–IL-2 Tg caused complete rejection of the tumor cells, whereas inoculation into hu-HSC NOG fully reconstituted with human B, T, and some NK cells did not. Moreover, when a CCR4+ Hodgkin’s lymphoma cell line was inoculated s.c. into hu-HSC NOG–IL-2 Tg, the tumor growth was significantly suppressed by treatment with a therapeutic humanized anti-CCR4 Ab (mogamulizumab), suggesting that the human NK cells in the mice exerted active Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in vivo. Taken together, these data suggest that the new NOG–IL-2 Tg strain is a unique model that can be used to investigate the biological and pathological functions of human NK cells in vivo.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor–CXCR4 Is the Dominant Chemotactic Axis in Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Recruitment to Tumors
Authors: Lourenco Sofia , Teixeira Vitor H. , Kalber Tammy , Jose Ricardo J. , Floto R. Andres , Janes Sam M.
Published: February 2015

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are inherently tumor homing and can be isolated, expanded, and transduced, making them viable candidates for cell therapy. This tumor tropism has been used to deliver anticancer therapies to various tumor models. In this study, we sought to discover which molecules are the key effectors of human MSC tumor homing in vitro and using an in vivo murine model. In this study, we discover a novel role for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) as the key director of MSC migration and infiltration toward tumor cells. We have shown this major role for MIF using in vitro migration and invasion assays, in presence of different receptor inhibitors and achieving a drastic decrease in both processes using MIF inhibitor. Additionally, we demonstrate physical interaction between MIF and three receptors: CXCR2, CXCR4, and CD74. CXCR4 is the dominant receptor used by MIF in the homing tumor context, although some signaling is observed through CXCR2. We demonstrate downstream activation of the MAPK pathway necessary for tumor homing. Importantly, we show that knockdown of either CXCR4 or MIF abrogates MSC homing to tumors in an in vivo pulmonary metastasis model, confirming the in vitro two-dimensional and three-dimensional assays. This improved understanding of MSC tumor tropism will further enable development of novel cellular therapies for cancers.
Alcohol-Induced miR-27a Regulates Differentiation and M2 Macrophage Polarization of Normal Human Monocytes
Authors: Saha Banishree , Bruneau Johanna C. , Kodys Karen , Szabo Gyongyi
Published: February 2015

Alcohol abuse is a leading cause of liver disease characterized by liver inflammation, fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, or liver cirrhosis. Immunomodulatory effects of alcohol on monocytes and macrophages contribute to alcoholic liver disease. Alcohol use, an independent risk factor for progression of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection–mediated liver disease, impairs host defense and alters cytokine production and monocyte/macrophage activation. We hypothesized that alcohol and HCV have synergistic effects on the phenotype and function of monocytes. Our data show that acute alcohol binge drinking in healthy volunteers results in increased frequency of CD16+ and CD68+ and M2-type (CD206+, dendritic cell [DC]-SIGN+–expressing and IL-10–secreting) circulating CD14+ monocytes. Expression of HCV-induced CD68 and M2 markers (CD206 and DC-SIGN) in normal monocytes was further enhanced in the presence of alcohol. The levels of microRNA (miR)-27a was significantly upregulated in monocytes cultured in the presence of alcohol or alcohol and HCV as compared with HCV alone. The functional role of miR-27a in macrophage polarization was demonstrated by transfecting monocytes with an miR-27a inhibitor that resulted in reduced alcohol- and HCV- mediated monocyte activation (CD14 and CD68 expression), polarization (CD206 and DC-SIGN expression), and IL-10 secretion. Overexpression of miR-27a in monocytes enhanced IL-10 secretion via activation of the ERK signaling pathway. We found that miR-27a promoted ERK phosphorylation by downregulating the expression of ERK inhibitor sprouty2 in monocytes. Thus, we identified that sprouty2 is a target of miR-27a in human monocytes. In summary, our study demonstrates the regulatory role of miR-27a in alcohol-induced monocyte activation and polarization.
Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Gram-Negative Bacteria, such asEscherichia coli, Induce Emphysema Mainly via IL-17A–Mediated Neutrophilic Inflammation
Authors: Kim You-Sun , Lee Won-Hee , Choi Eun-Jeong , Choi Jun-Pyo , Heo Young Joo , Gho Yong Song , Jee Young-Koo , Oh Yeon-Mok , Kim Yoon-Keun
Published: February 2015

Recent evidence indicates that Gram-negative bacteria–derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in indoor dust can evoke neutrophilic pulmonary inflammation, which is a key pathology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Escherichia coli is a ubiquitous bacterium present in indoor dust and secretes nanometer-sized vesicles into the extracellular milieu. In the current study, we evaluated the role of E. coli–derived EVs on the development of COPD, such as emphysema. E. coli EVs were prepared by sequential ultrafiltration and ultracentrifugation. COPD phenotypes and immune responses were evaluated in C57BL/6 wild-type (WT), IFN-γ–deficient, or IL-17A–deficient mice after airway exposure to E. coli EVs. The present study showed that indoor dust from a bed mattress harbors E. coli EVs. Airway exposure to E. coli EVs increased the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and IL-6. In addition, the repeated inhalation of E. coli EVs for 4 wk induced neutrophilic inflammation and emphysema, which are associated with enhanced elastase activity. Emphysema and elastase activity enhanced by E. coli EVs were reversed by the absence of IFN-γ or IL-17A genes. In addition, during the early period, lung inflammation is dependent on IL-17A and TNF-α, but not on IFN-γ, and also on TLR4. Moreover, the production of IFN-γ is eliminated by the absence of IL-17A, whereas IL-17A production is not abolished by IFN-γ absence. Taken together, the present data suggest that E. coli–derived EVs induce IL-17A–dependent neutrophilic inflammation and thereby emphysema, possibly via upregulation of elastase activity.
Repression of Ccr9 Transcription in Mouse T Lymphocyte Progenitors by the Notch Signaling Pathway
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Veena , Carr Tiffany , de Pooter Renee F. , Akinola Emanuelle Olumide , Gounari Fotini , Kee Barbara L.
Published: February 2015

The chemokine receptor CCR9 controls the immigration of multipotent hematopoietic progenitor cells into the thymus to sustain T cell development. Postimmigration, thymocytes downregulate CCR9 and migrate toward the subcapsular zone where they recombine their TCR β-chain and γ-chain gene loci. CCR9 is subsequently upregulated and participates in the localization of thymocytes during their selection for self-tolerant receptor specificities. Although the dynamic regulation of CCR9 is essential for early T cell development, the mechanisms controlling CCR9 expression have not been determined. In this article, we show that key regulators of T cell development, Notch1 and the E protein transcription factors E2A and HEB, coordinately control the expression of Ccr9. E2A and HEB bind at two putative enhancers upstream of Ccr9 and positively regulate CCR9 expression at multiple stages of T cell development. In contrast, the canonical Notch signaling pathway prevents the recruitment of p300 to the putative Ccr9 enhancers, resulting in decreased acetylation of histone H3 and a failure to recruit RNA polymerase II to the Ccr9 promoter. Although Notch signaling modestly modulates the binding of E proteins to one of the two Ccr9 enhancers, we found that Notch signaling represses Ccr9 in T cell lymphoma lines in which Ccr9 transcription is independent of E protein function. Our data support the hypothesis that activation of Notch1 has a dominant-negative effect on Ccr9 transcription and that Notch1 and E proteins control the dynamic expression of Ccr9 during T cell development.
Ultraviolet Radiation Signaling through TLR4/MyD88 Constrains DNA Repair and Plays a Role in Cutaneous Immunosuppression
Authors: Harberts Erin , Zhou Hua , Fishelevich Rita , Liu Juan , Gaspari Anthony A.
Published: February 2015

UV radiation (UVR) induces DNA damage, leading to the accumulation of mutations in epidermal keratinocytes and immunosuppression, which contribute to the development of nonmelanoma skin cancer. We reported previously that the TLR4–MyD88 signaling axis is necessary for UV-induced apoptosis. In the dinitrofluorobenzene contact hypersensitivity model, UV-irradiated MyD88-deficient (MyD88−/−) C57BL/6 mice had intact ear swelling, exaggerated inflammation, and higher levels of dinitrofluorobenzene-specific IgG2a compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Even with normal UV-induced, dendritic cell migration, DNA damage in the local lymph nodes was less pronounced in MyD88−/− mice compared with WT mice. Cultured, UV-irradiated WT APCs showed cleavage (inactivation) of the DNA damage–recognition molecule PARP, whereas PARP persisted in MyD88−/− and TLR4−/− APCs. Epidermal DNA from in vivo UV-irradiated MyD88−/− mice had an increased resolution rate of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers. Both in vitro treatment of MyD88−/− APCs with and intradermal in vivo injections of PARP inhibitor, PJ-34, caused WT-level cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer repair. Lymphoblasts deficient in DNA repair (derived from a xeroderma pigmentosum group A patient) failed to augment DNA repair after MyD88 knockdown after UVR, in contrast to lymphoblasts from a healthy control. These data suggest that interference with the TLR4/MyD88 pathway may be a useful tool in promoting DNA repair and maintaining immune responses following UVR-induced damage.
Liver-Resident CD103+ Dendritic Cells Prime Antiviral CD8+ T Cells In Situ
Authors: Krueger Peter D. , Kim Taeg S. , Sung Sun-Sang J. , Braciale Thomas J. , Hahn Young S.
Published: February 2015

The liver maintains a tolerogenic environment to avoid unwarranted activation of its resident immune cells upon continuous exposure to food and bacterially derived Ags. However, in response to hepatotropic viral infection, the liver’s ability to switch from a hyporesponsive to a proinflammatory environment is mediated by select sentinels within the parenchyma. To determine the contribution of hepatic dendritic cells (DCs) in the activation of naive CD8+ T cells, we first characterized resident DC subsets in the murine liver. Liver DCs exhibit unique properties, including the expression of CD8α (traditionally lymphoid tissue specific), CD11b, and CD103 markers. In both the steady-state and following viral infection, liver CD103+ DCs express high levels of MHC class II, CD80, and CD86 and contribute to the high number of activated CD8+ T cells. Importantly, viral infection in the Batf3−/− mouse, which lacks CD8α+ and CD103+ DCs in the liver, results in a 3-fold reduction in the proliferative response of Ag-specific CD8+ T cells. Limiting DC migration out of the liver does not significantly alter CD8+ T cell responsiveness, indicating that CD103+ DCs initiate the induction of CD8+ T cell responses in situ. Collectively, these data suggest that liver-resident CD103+ DCs are highly immunogenic in response to hepatotropic viral infection and serve as a major APC to support the local CD8+ T cell response. It also implies that CD103+ DCs present a promising cellular target for vaccination strategies to resolve chronic liver infections.
Canonical Wnt Signaling in Dendritic Cells Regulates Th1/Th17 Responses and Suppresses Autoimmune Neuroinflammation
Authors: Suryawanshi Amol , Manoharan Indumathi , Hong Yuan , Swafford Daniel , Majumdar Tanmay , Taketo M. Mark , Manicassamy Balaji , Koni Pandelakis A. , Thangaraju Muthusamy , Sun Zuoming , Mellor Andrew L. , Munn David H. , Manicassamy Santhakumar
Published: February 2015

Breakdown in immunological tolerance to self-Ags or uncontrolled inflammation results in autoimmune disorders. Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in regulating the balance between inflammatory and regulatory responses in the periphery. However, factors in the tissue microenvironment and the signaling networks critical for programming DCs to control chronic inflammation and promote tolerance are unknown. In this study, we show that wnt ligand-mediated activation of β-catenin signaling in DCs is critical for promoting tolerance and limiting neuroinflammation. DC-specific deletion of key upstream (lipoprotein receptor-related protein [LRP]5/6) or downstream (β-catenin) mediators of canonical wnt signaling in mice exacerbated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis pathology. Mechanistically, loss of LRP5/6-β-catenin–mediated signaling in DCs led to an increased Th1/Th17 cell differentiation but reduced regulatory T cell response. This was due to increased production of proinflammatory cytokines and decreased production of anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10 and IL-27 by DCs lacking LRP5/6-β-catenin signaling. Consistent with these findings, pharmacological activation of canonical wnt/β-catenin signaling delayed experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis onset and diminished CNS pathology. Thus, the activation of canonical wnt signaling in DCs limits effector T cell responses and represents a potential therapeutic approach to control autoimmune neuroinflammation.
Rare Loss-of-Function Mutation in Complement Component C3 Provides Insight into Molecular and Pathophysiological Determinants of Complement Activity
Authors: Sfyroera Georgia , Ricklin Daniel , Reis Edimara S. , Chen Hui , Wu Emilia L. , Kaznessis Yiannis N. , Ekdahl Kristina N. , Nilsson Bo , Lambris John D.
Published: February 2015

The plasma protein C3 is a central element in the activation and effector functions of the complement system. A hereditary dysfunction of C3 that prevents complement activation via the alternative pathway (AP) was described previously in a Swedish family, but its genetic cause and molecular consequences have remained elusive. In this study, we provide these missing links by pinpointing the dysfunction to a point mutation in the β-chain of C3 (c.1180T > C; p.Met373Thr). In the patient’s plasma, AP activity was completely abolished and could only be reconstituted with the addition of normal C3. The M373T mutation was localized to the macroglobulin domain 4 of C3, which contains a binding site for the complement inhibitor compstatin and is considered critical for the interaction of C3 with the AP C3 convertase. Structural analyses suggested that the mutation disturbs the integrity of macroglobulin domain 4 and induces conformational changes that propagate into adjacent regions. Indeed, C3 M373T showed an altered binding pattern for compstatin and surface-bound C3b, and the presence of Thr373 in either the C3 substrate or convertase-affiliated C3b impaired C3 activation and opsonization. In contrast to known gain-of-function mutations in C3, patients affected by this loss-of-function mutation did not develop familial disease, but rather showed diverse and mostly episodic symptoms. Our study therefore reveals the molecular mechanism of a relevant loss-of-function mutation in C3 and provides insight into the function of the C3 convertase, the differential involvement of C3 activity in clinical conditions, and some potential implications of therapeutic complement inhibition.
Three Adult Cases of HPV-B19 Infection with Concomitant Leukopenia and Low Platelet Counts
Authors: Yaguchi Daizo , Marui Nobuyuki , Matsuo Masaki
Published: February 2015

We encountered three adult patients with flu-like symptoms diagnosed with human parvovirus B19 (HPV-B19) infection. Blood serum analysis also revealed leukopenia, with white blood cell counts (WBCs) of 1,000–2,000/mL and low platelet counts of 89–150 × 109/L. Typical skin rash was absent in one patient. Bone marrow examination of another patient showed hypoplastic marrow with <5% blast cells. All patients recovered without administration of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). Therefore, HPV-B19 infection with leukopenia should be considered in adult patients with leukopenia during erythema infectiosum epidemics, even if typical clinical findings (ie, skin rash) are absent. Further, the fact that three cases were observed over the stated time period at our hospital, which is located in Nagoya city, showed a transition to a slightly higher level of incidence than the annual average.
Workplace Exercise for Control of Occupational Neck/Shoulder Disorders a Review of Prospective Studies
Authors: Lowe Brian D. , Dick Robert B.
Published: February 2015

A review was conducted of prospective studies (1997-2014) examining the efficacy of exercise as a workplace intervention to control neck/shoulder pain, symptoms, and disability. The review identified 38 relevant studies - 20 were classified with positive effects, 13 with null effects, and 5 as inconclusive. Of the positive studies, 12 were consistent with Level I evidence, 3 with Level II evidence, and 5 with Level IV evidence. Specific resistance training (SRT) exercise appeared to be associated with more positive studies (eight Level I studies) than other exercise modalities such as general resistance training, general physical exercise, stretching, and movement awareness exercises. Studies of longer trial duration tended toward more null findings and lower program compliance. Evidence for a primary preventive effect of workplace exercise is minimal. The findings of this review suggest that workplace exercise can be effective as tertiary prevention and therapeutic relief of neck/shoulder symptoms, at least over the shorter term.
Lack of Correlation between Bristol Stool Scale and Quantitative Bacterial Load in Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Thabit Abrar K. , Nicolau David P.
Published: February 2015

Decision to test for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is usually made when patients have loose stools with Bristol stool score of ≤5. We aimed to assess the relationship between bacterial load of C. difficile and Bristol stool scale, as well as stool frequency in stool samples collected from patients infected with the organism. Samples were collected at baseline, during therapy, and at the end of therapy. Spearman correlation test was used to evaluate these relationships. No correlation between Bristol stool scale and fecal load of C. difficile was found for both spores and vegetative cells at all time points as counts were persistently high ( P = non-significant). Weak positive correlations were found between stool frequency and fecal load of C. difficile spores and vegetative cells ( r s = 0.22 and 0.24, P = 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). These findings indicate that quantitative colony counts were sufficiently high to detect C. difficile, irrespective of stool consistency, and suggest that semiformed stool should be sought for the pathogen in symptomatic patients with frequent stools.
Student Perceived Value of Anatomy Pedagogy, Part I: Prosection or Dissection?
Authors: Wisco Jonathan J. , Young Stephanie , Rabedeaux Paul , Lerner Seth D. , Wimmers Paul F. , Byus Craig , Guzman Carlos R.
Published: February 2015

A series of three annual surveys of David Geffen School of Medicine (DGSOM) at UCLA students and UCR/UCLA Thomas Haider Program in Biomedical Sciences students were administered from 2010 to 2012 to ascertain student perceptions of which anatomy pedagogy—prosection or dissection—was most valuable to them during the first year of preclinical medical education and for the entire medical school experience in general. Students were asked, “What value does gross anatomy education have in preclinical medical education?” We further asked the students who participated in both prosection and dissection pedagogies, “Would you have preferred an anatomy curriculum like the Summer Anatomy Dissection during your first year in medical school instead of prosection?” All students who responded to the survey viewed anatomy as a highly valued part of the medical curriculum, specifically referring to four major themes: Anatomy is (1) the basis for medical understanding, (2) part of the overall medical school experience, (3) a bridge to understanding pathology and physiology, and (4) the foundation for clinical skills. Students who participated in both prosection and dissection pedagogies surprisingly and overwhelmingly advocated for a prosection curriculum for the first year of medical school, not a dissection curriculum. Time efficiency was the dominant theme in survey responses from students who learned anatomy through prosection and then dissection. Students, regardless of whether interested in surgery/radiology or not, appreciated both pedagogies but commented that prosection was sufficient for learning basic anatomy, while dissection was a necessary experience in preparation for the anatomical medical specialties. This suggests that anatomy instruction should be integrated into the clinical years of medical education.
Псевдоинтегрируемые биллиарды и решетки двойных отражений
Authors: Dragovic Vladimir Il'ich , Radnovic Milena
Published: February 2015

Дается обзор двух недавно возникших направлений в исследовании биллиардов в пучках квадрик: псевдоинтегрируемые биллиарды на плоскости и решетки двойных отражений.
Библиография: 48 названий.
Интегрируемость по Дарбу дискретных двумеризованных цепочек Тоды
Authors: Smirnov Sergei Valer'evich
Published: February 2015

Доказана полная интегрируемость по Дарбу полудискретных и дискретных двумеризованных цепочек Тоды, соответствующих простым алгебрам Ли серий $A$ и $C$.
Effects of Land Use on Plague (Yersinia pestis) Activity in Rodents in Tanzania
Authors: McCauley Douglas J. , Salkeld Daniel J. , Young Hillary S. , Makundi Rhodes , Dirzo Rodolfo , Eckerlin Ralph P. , Lambin Eric F. , Gaffikin Lynne , Barry Michele , Helgen Kristofer M.
Published: February 2015

Understanding the effects of land-use change on zoonotic disease risk is a pressing global health concern. Here, we compare prevalence of Yersinia pestis, the etiologic agent of plague, in rodents across two land-use types—agricultural and conserved—in northern Tanzania. Estimated abundance of seropositive rodents nearly doubled in agricultural sites compared with conserved sites. This relationship between land-use type and abundance of seropositive rodents is likely mediated by changes in rodent and flea community composition, particularly via an increase in the abundance of the commensal species, Mastomys natalensis, in agricultural habitats. There was mixed support for rodent species diversity negatively impacting Y. pestis seroprevalence. Together, these results suggest that land-use change could affect the risk of local transmission of plague, and raise critical questions about transmission dynamics at the interface of conserved and agricultural habitats. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding disease ecology in the context of rapidly proceeding landscape change.
Ultrasound Imaging of Thyroid Gland
Authors: Kamble Rajesh C , Joshi Alpana N , Mestry Pravin , Shah Mohit
Published: February 2015

How to cite this article

Kamble RC, Joshi AN, Mestry P, Shah M. Ultrasound Imaging of Thyroid Gland. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2014;6(1):35-46.
Neutralized Chemical Matricectomy with the Winograd Method in the Management of Ingrowing Toenail
Authors: Agarwala Sanjay , Sobti Anshul Shyam , Mohrir Ganesh
Published: February 2015

Background

Ingrowing toenail is a common condition provoking pain, inflammation and functional limitation. Many surgical methods have evolved over the years for its treatment. The most important aspect of treatment of this problem is to prevent recurrence. The purpose of this paper was to study the effectiveness of combining the standard Winograd technique with neutralized chemical matricectomy to reduce the chances of recurrence and expedite postoperative recovery.

Materials and methods

Between 2006 and 2013, 33 patients (18 males, 15 females); with mean age 37.39 years (range 16 to 65 years) with 38 ingrowing toenails were treated with the standard Winograd technique combined with phenol matricectomy. The patients were evaluated in subsequent follow-ups for postoperative relapse, pain score (VAS) and time return to daily activities and ability to wear footwear and overall satisfaction. The mean follow-up period was 3.57 years (range 2 to 7 years).

Results

A total of 94.73% patients were satisfied with the overall outcome. The average return to normal shoe-wear was 1.54 weeks and the average return to normal activity was 1.18 weeks. Recurrence was seen in two patients (5.26%), 5 and 6 months after surgery. Four patients had delayed healing. None of the patients had any deep infection or neurovascular complications.

Conclusion

The Winograd technique when combined with neutralized phenol matricectomy is associated with a very low recurrence and infection rate. It allows early postoperative recovery and good cosmetic results with a high level of patient satisfaction.

How to cite this article

Agarwala S, Sobti AS, Mohrir G. Neutralized Chemical Matricectomy with the Winograd Method in the Management of Ingrowing Toenail. J Foot Ankle Surg (Asia-Pacific) 2014;1(2):55-59.
Plato, Metaphysics and the Forms
Authors: Grabowski Francis A.
Published: February 2015

Few philosophical doctrines have been as influential and as widely discussed as Plato’s theory of Forms; yet few have been as misunderstood. Most philosophers, following the recommendation of Aristotle, regard the Forms as abstract entities. However, this view is difficult to square with other aspects of Plato’s thought, in particular his theory of knowledge.

Francis A. Grabowski aims to dissociate the theory of Forms from its Aristotelian reception, by interpreting it within the larger framework of Plato’s philosophy. Grabowski notes that the theory emerged largely from epistemological concerns. He shows that the ancients conceived of knowledge almost exclusively as a perception-like acquaintance with things. He goes on to examine Plato’s epistemology and shows that Plato also regards knowledge as the mind being directly acquainted with its object. Grabowski argues that, by modelling knowledge on perception, Plato could not have conceived of the Forms as Aristotle and others have claimed. He concludes that an interpretation of the Forms as concrete rather than abstract entities provides a more plausible and coherent view of Plato’s overall philosophical project.
Food in Early Modern England
Authors: Thirsk Joan
Published: February 2015

What did ordinary people eat and drink five hundred years ago? How much did they talk about food? Did their eating habits change much? Our knowledge is mostly superficial on such commonplace routines, but this book digs deep and finds surprising answers to these questions. We learn that food fads and fashions resembled those of our own day. Commercial, scientific and intellectual movements were closely entwined with changing attitudes and dealings about food. In short, food holds a mirror to a lively world of cultural change stretching from the Renaissance to the industrial Revolution. This book also strongly challenges the assumption that ordinary folk ate dull and monotonous meals.