bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects and side effects of Flemish school inspection
Authors: Penninckx Maarten , Vanhoof Jan , De Maeyer Sven , Van Petegem Peter
Published: July 2015

Despite the increased importance of school inspection in recent years, the current knowledge base does not provide a clear view on the effects and side effects of being inspected. More evidence is needed in more diverse educational contexts. This article responds to this need with a quantitative study on the effects and side effects of school inspections on Flemish schools. In total 2624 respondents from 130 primary and secondary schools participated in the study. The article discusses the conceptual, instrumental, symbolic and strategic effects of inspection and its impact on self-efficacy and collective efficacy. Regarding side effects, the emotional impact is discussed alongside disturbing effects, misleading activities by schools and individual teachers and the impact on staff members’ personal lives. Furthermore the article distinguishes between the responses of staff members from schools with a positive inspection judgement and those with a less favourable judgement, and between the responses of teachers and of members of the school management teams. This study is embedded in the Flemish educational context. The results of our study are put in perspective next to results of studies in other educational contexts. Several particularities of the Flemish educational context (and how they may have affected our results) are discussed.
Department chairs as change agents
Authors: Gaubatz Julie A. , Ensminger David C.
Published: July 2015

Change process research often discusses barriers that impede organizational change (e.g., Banta, 1997; Cavacuiti and Locke, 2013; Mutchler, 1990; Stewart et al., 2012); however, no empirical research has addressed how behaviors established in leadership models counteract these barriers. This study explored these two interconnected constructs of leadership and change in stories of secondary school department chair change attempts, and identified specific leadership behaviors described within their stories that aided the conversion of change barriers into conditions that enhanced the change process. Leadership behavior identification within department chair stories of change was guided by Blake and Mouton’s (1962) leadership theory, which has been further delineated by Yukl et al. (2002), and identification of change process barriers was guided by Ely’s (1990a) eight conditions for change. From the combined descriptions of six successful and four unsuccessful narratives of department chair-led change emerged essential conditions for change and commonly occurring change barriers. Specific leadership behaviors capable of overcoming these change barriers were also identified. Unexpectedly, this investigation also unearthed a change barrier seemingly unrelated to previously identified conditions of change: the contentious resistor. The contentious resistor was described as the most detrimental barrier to department chairs’ leadership of the change process.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of fungal β-(1→6)-glucan in macrophages
Authors: Noss Ilka , Ozment Tammy R , Graves Bridget M , Kruppa Michael D , Rice Peter J , Williams David L
Published: July 2015

Over the last 40 yr, the majority of research on glucans has focused on β-(1→3)-glucans. Recent studies indicate that β-(1→6)-glucans may be even more potent immune modulators than β-(1→3)-glucans. Mechanisms by which β-(1→6)-glucans are recognized and modulate immunity are unknown. In this study, we examined the interaction of purified water-soluble β-(1→6)-glucans with macrophage cell lines and primary peritoneal macrophages and the cellular and molecular consequences of this interaction. Our results indicate the existence of a specific β-(1→6)-glucan receptor that internalizes the glucan ligand via a clathrin-dependent mechanism. We show that the known β-(1→3)-glucans receptors are not responsible for β-(1→6)-glucan recognition and interaction. The receptor–ligand uptake/interaction has an apparent dissociation constant (KD) of ∼4 µM, and was associated with phosphorylation of ERK and JNK but not IκB-α or p38. Our results indicate that macrophage interaction with β-(1→6)-glucans may lead to modulation of genes associated with anti-fungal immunity and recruitment/activation of neutrophils. In summary, we show that macrophages specifically bind and internalize β-(1→6)-glucans followed by activation of intracellular signaling and modulation of anti-fungal immune response-related gene regulation. Thus, we conclude that the interaction between innate immunity and β-(1→6)-glucans may play an important role in shaping the anti-fungal immune response.
Urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Chawathey Kunal
Published: July 2015

Urinary incontinence is a distressing symptom that is a result of a combination of genitourinary pathology, age-related changes, and co-morbid conditions that impair normal micturition or the functional ability to toilet oneself or both. The prevalence of urinary incontinence is rising with the growth of an ageing population, making it imperative for clinicians to be well-versed with its management in both primary and secondary care. Urinary incontinence is classified into three main types: stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence, and mixed urinary incontinence. In this paper we discuss the assessment and management of urinary incontinence with a focus on community-based strategies.
Osteochondral Biopsy Analysis Demonstrates That BST-CarGel Treatment Improves Structural and Cellular Characteristics of Cartilage Repair Tissue Compared With Microfracture
Authors: Méthot Stéphane , Changoor Adele , Tran-Khanh Nicolas , Hoemann Caroline D. , Stanish William D. , Restrepo Alberto , Shive Matthew S. , Buschmann Michael D.
Published: July 2015

Objective

The efficacy and safety of BST-CarGel, a chitosan-based medical device for cartilage repair, was compared with microfracture alone at 1 year during a multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) in the knee. The quality of repair tissue of osteochondral biopsies collected from a subset of patients was compared using blinded histological assessments.

Methods

The international RCT evaluated repair tissue quantity and quality by 3-dimensional quantitative magnetic resonance imaging as co-primary endpoints at 12 months. At an average of 13 months posttreatment, 21/41 BST-CarGel and 17/39 microfracture patients underwent elective second look arthroscopies as a tertiary endpoint, during which ICRS (International Cartilage Repair Society) macroscopic scoring was carried out, and osteochondral biopsies were collected. Stained histological sections were evaluated by blinded readers using ICRS I and II histological scoring systems. Collagen organization was evaluated using a polarized light microscopy score.

Results

BST-CarGel treatment resulted in significantly better ICRS macroscopic scores ( P = 0.0002) compared with microfracture alone, indicating better filling, integration, and tissue appearance. Histologically, BST-CarGel resulted in a significant improvement of structural parameters— Surface Architecture ( P = 0.007) and Surface/Superficial Assessment ( P = 0.042)—as well as cellular parameters— Cell Viability ( P = 0.006) and Cell Distribution ( P = 0.032). No histological parameters were significantly better for the microfracture group. BST-CarGel treatment also resulted in a more organized repair tissue with collagen stratification more similar to native hyaline cartilage, as measured by polarized light microscopy scoring ( P = 0.0003).

Conclusion

Multiple and independent analyses in this biopsy substudy demonstrated that BST-CarGel treatment results in improved structural and cellular characteristics of repair tissue at 1 year posttreatment compared with microfracture alone, supporting previously reported results by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging.
Depth-Dependent Glycosaminoglycan Concentration in Articular Cartilage by Quantitative Contrast-Enhanced Micro–Computed Tomography
Authors: Mittelstaedt Daniel , Xia Yang
Published: July 2015

Objective

A quantitative contrast-enhanced micro–computed tomography (qCECT) method was developed to investigate the depth dependency and heterogeneity of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration of ex vivo cartilage equilibrated with an anionic radiographic contrast agent, Hexabrix.

Design

Full-thickness fresh native ( n = 19 in 3 subgroups) and trypsin-degraded ( n = 6) articular cartilage blocks were imaged using micro–computed tomography (μCT) at high resolution (13.4 μm3) before and after equilibration with various Hexabrix bathing concentrations. The GAG concentration was calculated depth-dependently based on Gibbs-Donnan equilibrium theory. Analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc was used to test for statistical significance ( P < 0.05) for effect of Hexabrix bathing concentration, and for differences in bulk and zonal GAG concentrations individually and compared between native and trypsin-degraded cartilage.

Results

The bulk GAG concentration was calculated to be 74.44 ± 6.09 and 11.99 ± 4.24 mg/mL for native and degraded cartilage, respectively. A statistical difference was demonstrated for bulk and zonal GAG between native and degraded cartilage ( P < 0.032). A statistical difference was not demonstrated for bulk GAG when comparing Hexabrix bathing concentrations ( P > 0.3214) for neither native nor degraded cartilage. Depth-dependent GAG analysis of native cartilage revealed a statistical difference only in the radial zone between 30% and 50% Hexabrix bathing concentrations.

Conclusions

This nondestructive qCECT methodology calculated the depth-dependent GAG concentration for both native and trypsin-degraded cartilage at high spatial resolution. qCECT allows for more detailed understanding of the topography and depth dependency, which could help diagnose health, degradation, and repair of native and contrived cartilage.
Know Thy Outgroup
Authors: Stern Chadly , Kleiman Tali
Published: July 2015

In three studies, we examined whether activating a reasoning process that fosters the consideration of alternatives (a conflict mindset) reduces the extent to which individuals consistently overestimate how different outgroup members’ attitudes are from their own attitudes. In Study 1, tacitly activating a conflict mindset reduced the overestimation of outgroup dissimilarity compared to a control condition. Study 2 ruled out the alternative explanation that conflict reduces the tendency to overestimate outgroup dissimilarity through diminishing effortful thought. Study 3 showed that a conflict mindset, but not an accuracy incentive, reduced the tendency to overestimate outgroup dissimilarity. Additionally, Study 3 demonstrated that reductions in perceived self–outgroup distance explained in part why a conflict mindset attenuated the overestimation of outgroup dissimilarity. Implications for social judgment accuracy are discussed.
Frighteningly Similar
Authors: Keefer Lucas A. , Landau Mark J.
Published: July 2015

Messages in public discourse commonly employ metaphors to describe abstract sociopolitical issues in terms of unrelated concepts. In prior research, exposure to such metaphoric messages influences attitudes. The current research tests the novel possibility that metaphor exposure can elicit defensive avoidance of otherwise benign information. We build on the evidence that individuals with avoidant attachment style avoid thinking about close relationships, operationalized as lower recall of relationship information. Two studies show that dispositionally high and experimentally increased attachment avoidance impaired recall of messages framing political topics metaphorically in terms of close relationships. This effect is specific to the relationship metaphor and avoidance regarding relevant relationships. It held even when the message referred to positive relationships, casting doubt on an alternative valence priming explanation. Although the target political topics are not, literally speaking, close relationships, relationship-metaphoric messages led individuals who avoid relationship information to transfer that defensive processing style across domains.
Acute embolic occlusion of the right common iliac artery after revision total hip arthroplasty treated with catheter-directed thrombolysis and balloon angioplasty: A case report
Authors: Yang Hongqi , Lei Qing , Chen Song , Chen Li , Li Yuefeng , Chai Yasheng , Wei Ping , Xu Shunchi , Liu Tangyou , Liu Feng , Zhang Zhuo
Published: July 2015

Methods:

A 63-year-old woman with atrial fibrillation presented clinical symptoms and signs of acute ischemia in the right lower extremity on the 17th postoperative day after revision total hip arthroplasty of the left hip for aseptic loosening of femoral component. Aspirin was discontinued 7 days before surgery. Both computed tomography angiography and digital subtraction angiography demonstrated complete occlusion of the right common iliac artery. An emergency catheter-directed thrombolysis with urokinase combined with balloon angioplasty was performed to obtain complete patency of the right common iliac artery.

Results:

The patient received anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy postoperatively and was fine at the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusions:

This case demonstrated that catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with balloon angioplasty could be an efficacious, minimally invasive approach for the treatment of acute embolic occlusion of the common iliac artery. Preoperative anticoagulation for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty with long-term use of aspirin for atrial fibrillation needs further investigation.
Type 1 serrated polyposis represents a predominantly female disease with a high prevalence of dysplastic serrated adenomas, without germline mutation in MUTYH, APC, and PTEN genes
Authors: Petronio Marco , Pinson Stephane , Walter Thomas , Joly Marie‐Odile , Hervieu Valerie , Forestier Julien , Saurin Jean‐Christophe
Published: July 2015

Aim

The aim of this article is to clarify the epidemiologic, clinical, endoscopic, biological and genetic characteristics of type 1 serrated polyposis patients.

Patients and methods

Consecutive patients responding to the WHO definition of type 1 serrated polyposis in one reference center for polyposis patients accepted genetic counseling. Detailed data on previous endoscopies, histology, and life habits were recorded, after informed consent, germline analysis of MUTYH, APC, and PTEN germline mutations. Molecular biology was tested on available fixed tissue from different lesion types.

Results

We included 29 patients (mean age 53.5 years, 21 women (72.4%)), four with a personal history of colorectal cancer (CRC), with a mean of 11.6 SSAs, with associated hyperplastic polyps in 93.1% and adenomas in 82.8%. SSAs showed no dysplasia in 46.9% of lesions (three of 29 patients), LGD in 51.9% (22/29 patients), and HGD in 1.2% (four of 29 patients). Dysplasia was more frequent in proximal SSAs and in women. Colectomy 15 patients (51.7%), upper digestive neoplasms: eight patients (27.5%); smokers: 24 patients (82.8%); family history of CRC: 16 patients (55.2%). Biology: MSI‐H phenotype in one SSA, V600E BRAF mutation in 95% of SSAs; MGMT hypermethylation in three of 17 SSAs. No germline mutation was detected in MYH, APC or PTEN genes.

Conclusion

Type 1 serrated polyposis corresponds to a majority of women, with a high prevalence of smokers, a high prevalence of dysplastic serrated adenomas, particularly in females, without identified germline mutation in targeted predisposing genes.
Prevalence of severe esophagitis in Spain. Results of the PRESS study (Prevalence and Risk factors for Esophagitis in Spain: A cross‐sectional study)
Authors: Piqué Núria , Ponce Marta , Garrigues Vicente , Rodrigo Luis , Calvo Félix , de Argila Carlos Martín , Borda Fernando , Naranjo Antonio , Alcedo Javier , José Soria María , Rey Enrique , Bujanda Luis , Gisbert Javier P , Suarez David , Calvet Xavier , Ponce Julio ,   PRESS Study Group
Published: July 2015

Background

The current prevalence of esophagitis in southern Europe is unknown. In addition, the risk factors for reflux esophagitis are not fully understood.

Objective

The objective of this article is to assess the prevalence and risk factors for esophagitis in Spain.

Methods

A prospective, observational, cross‐sectional, multicenter study (PRESS study) was conducted among 31 gastrointestinal endoscopy units throughout Spain. A total of 1361 patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were enrolled. Sociodemographic, clinical and treatment data were recorded.

Results

A total of 95% of patients were Caucasian and 52% were male (mean age: 53 ± 17 years). The most frequent symptoms prompting endoscopy were heartburn (40%), regurgitation (26%) and dysphagia (15%). Fifty‐four percent of patients undergoing endoscopy were receiving proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment. Esophagitis (mainly mild‐moderate) was present in 154 (12.4%) patients. The severe form was recorded in only 11 (0.8%) patients. Multivariate analysis results indicated that the likelihood of esophagitis was higher in men (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.31–2.78), in patients with high GERD‐Q scores (OR = 1.256, 95% CI = 1.176–1.343), weight increase (OR = 1.014, 95% CI = 1.003–1.025) and high alcohol consumption (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.16–5.36).

Conclusion

Severe esophagitis is a rare finding in the Spanish population. Male gender, high GERD‐Q score, weight increase and high alcohol consumption are main risk factors for its appearance.
Nickel sensitization in patients with gastro‐esophageal reflux disease
Authors: Stanghellini Vincenzo , Tosetti Cesare , Benedetto Edoardo , Condoluci Mario , De Bastiani Rudi , Cogliandro Rosanna , Mastronuzzi Tecla , De Polo Manuela , Di Mita Francesco , Napoli Luigi , Ubaldi Enzo , Nebiacolombo Cristina , Cottone Carmelo , Grattagliano Ignazio , Zamparella Maria , Baldi Elisabetta , Sanna Guido
Published: July 2015

Background

Gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD) leads to frequent medical visits, and available therapies fail in up to 40% of patients. Food allergies may be involved in GERD pathogenesis; however, allergens other than food have received little attention. Nickel allergy is common in the general population and some high‐nickel foods are associated with GERD. However, the potential relationship between nickel allergy and GERD remains unaddressed.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of nickel sensitization in patients with and without GERD and to compare clinical and demographic features.

Methods

This prospective, multicenter study included 210 adult GERD patients and 140 patients without GERD who presented at the general practitioner. All GERD patients had undergone treatment with proton pump inhibitors and upper digestive endoscopy within the previous five years. Demographic and clinical data were collected by questionnaire and patients underwent a nickel patch allergy test.

Results

Patients with and without GERD presented similar characteristics, with the exception of nickel sensitization, which was significantly more prevalent among GERD patients than controls (39.5% vs. 16.4%; p  = 0.001). Nickel‐positive GERD patients were more frequently female (90.4% vs. 65.4%, p  = 0.003) and asthmatic (18.1% vs. 4.7%; p  = 0.038), compared to nickel‐negative GERD patients. At six‐month follow‐up, most of the patients, with or without nickel sensitization, reported improved symptoms without differences in drug prescription.

Conclusion

Nickel sensitization is particularly prevalent in GERD patients seen in general practice. Whether allergies other than food allergy play a role in GERD remains to be elucidated.
In vitro fertilization‐induced pregnancies predispose to gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Turan Ilker , Kitapcioglu Gul , Tavmergen Goker Ege , Sahin Gulnaz , Bor Serhat ,   Ege Reflux Study Group
Published: July 2015

Background

Women conceiving following in vitro fertilization (IVF) likely have a variety of risk factors that predispose them to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in the future.

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether pregnancy through IVF may predispose to subsequent GERD compared with pregnancies without IVF. We also evaluate whether twin IVF pregnancies lead to additional risk for having GERD compared with singleton IVF pregnancies.

Methods

A validated reflux questionnaire was administered to 156 women with singleton (n  = 102) or twin (n  = 54) IVF birth (IVF group) and 111 women with a naturally conceived singleton birth (control group). All women included in the study were primiparas who had given birth at least 1 year prior to data collection. The diagnosis of GERD was based on the occurrence of typical symptoms (heartburn, regurgitation, or both) at least once a week.

Results

The prevalence of GERD was 13.5% and 4.5% in IVF and control groups (p  = 0.015); in the IVF group, this was slightly higher, but not statistically significant, in women with twin compared with singleton pregnancies (14.8% vs. 12.7%, p  = 0.749). Logistic regression analysis showed that IVF was strongly associated with subsequent GERD (OR, 3.30; 95% CI 1.20–9.04; p  = 0.02).

Conclusion

The risk of developing GERD at least 1 year after delivery increased following IVF. Long‐term follow‐up studies are required to determine whether therapy during pregnancy can prevent this risk.
Influence of reflux and central obesity on intercellular space diameter of esophageal squamous epithelium
Authors: Blevins Christopher H , Sharma Anamay N , Johnson Michele L , Geno Deborah , Gupta Milli , Bharucha Adil E , Katzka David A , Iyer Prasad G
Published: July 2015

Background

While central obesity increases gastroesophageal reflux (GER) by mechanically disrupting the anti‐reflux barrier, limited data exist on pathways by which central obesity may potentiate esophageal injury by non‐mechanical means. Obesity has been associated with an impaired epithelial intestinal barrier.

Objective

We aimed to assess the influence of central obesity and reflux on the squamous esophageal epithelial intercellular space diameter (ICSD).

Methods

The ICSD was measured using electron microscopy in esophageal biopsies from individuals who underwent ambulatory pH monitoring and endoscopy. Anthropometric measurements were obtained on all participants. Participants were classified into four groups: with and without central obesity and reflux.

Results

Sixteen individuals were studied with four in each study group. The mean ICSD was almost three‐fold greater (p  < 0.001) in the group with central obesity without reflux, compared to controls without central obesity and reflux. It was also comparable to the ICSD in groups with acid reflux only and those with both reflux and central obesity.

Conclusions

There is evidence of esophageal squamous ICSD increase in individuals with central obesity who do not have evidence of acid and nonacid reflux on ambulatory pH monitoring. This may reflect a mechanism by which central obesity potentiates reflux‐induced esophageal injury and inflammation.
Breast cancer screening and diagnosis in the 21st century within the UK
Authors: Murray Philip J , Wivell Glynis , Denton Erika
Published: July 2015

In the UK, breast cancer represents the most commonly diagnosed cancer in females and carries with it a significant morbidity and mortality. An established national screening programme is in place to identify those with the disease at an early stage in order to optimise treatment and prognosis. This article provides an overview for the non-breast specialist clinician whose practice regularly deals with women who may be the subject of the screening programme. It outlines the diagnostic methods employed in the screening programme, the controversies that have surrounded it and the evolving technologies that will improve detection and diagnostic accuracy.
Big Web data, small focus: An ethnosemiotic approach to culturally themed selective Web archiving
Authors: Huc-Hepher Saskia
Published: July 2015

This paper proposes a multimodal ethnosemiotic conceptual framework for culturally themed selective Web archiving, taking as a practical example the curation of the London French Special Collection (LFSC) in the UK Web Archive. Its focus on a particular ‘community’ is presented as advantageous in overcoming the sheer scale of data available on the Web; yet, it is argued that these ethnographic boundaries may be flawed if they do not map onto the collective self-perception of the London French. The approach establishes several theoretical meeting points between Pierre Bourdieu’s ethnography and Gunther Kress’s multimodal social semiotics, notably, the foregrounding of practice and the meaning-making potentialities of the everyday; the implications of language and categorisation; the interplay between (curating/researcher) subject and (curated/research) object; evolving notions of agency, authorship and audience; together with social engagement, and the archive as dynamic process and product. The curation rationale proposed stems from Bourdieu’s three-stage field analysis model, which places a strong emphasis on habitus, considered to be most accurately (re)presented through blogs, yet necessitates its contextualisation within the broader (diasporic) field(s), through institutional websites, for example, whilst advocating a reflexive awareness of the researcher/curator’s (subjective) role. This, alongside the Kressian acknowledgement of the inherent multimodality of on-line resources, lends itself convincingly to selection and valuation strategies, whilst the discussion of language, genre, authorship and audience is relevant to the potential cataloguing of Web objects. By conceptualising the culturally themed selective Web-archiving process within the ethnosemiotic framework constructed, concrete recommendations emerge regarding curation, classification and crowd-sourcing.
Heterogeneity of sickness absence and disability pension trajectories among individuals with MS
Authors: Björkenstam Charlotte , Alexanderson Kristina , Wiberg Michael , Hillert Jan , Tinghög Petter
Published: July 2015

Background

The variability of progression of multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests that MS is a heterogeneous entity.

Objective

The objective of this article is to determine whether sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) could be used to identify groups of patients with different progression courses.

Methods

We analyzed mean-annual net months of SA/DP, five years prior to MS diagnosis, until the year of diagnosis, and five years after for 3543 individuals diagnosed 2003–2006, by modeling trajectory subgroups.

Results

Five different groups were identified, revealing substantial heterogeneity among MS patients. Before diagnosis, 74% had a flat trajectory, while the remaining had a sharply increasing degree of SA/DP. After diagnosis, 95% had a flat or marginally increasing trajectory, although at various SA/disability pension (DP) levels, whereas a small group of 5% had decreasing SA/DP. A majority had few or no SA/DP months throughout the 11-year study period. Higher age and a lower educational level were associated with an unfavorable trajectory ( p values <0.01).

Conclusions

There’s a considerable heterogeneity of MS progression in terms of SA/DP. Compared with other measures of disability, sickness-absence and disability pension offer a continuous variable that can be assigned to every individual for each time period without missing data. To what extent the SA/DP measure reflects classical MS outcome-measures as well as how correlated it is with co-morbidities and working-conditions needs to be investigated further.
Association of plasma levels of Protein S with disease severity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Ma Gerry ZM , Giuffrida Lauren L , Gresle Melissa M , Haartsen Jodi , Laverick Louise , Butzkueven Helmut , Field Judith , Binder Michele D , Kilpatrick Trevor J
Published: July 2015

Background

The TAM family of receptor tyrosine kinases (TYRO3, AXL and MERTK) play important roles in modulating innate immune responses and central demyelination. The TAM receptor ligand Protein S (PROS) has also been shown to modulate innate immune cell responses.

Objectives

We assessed whether plasma levels of PROS are changed in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and whether changes are associated with disease severity.

Methods

Plasma levels of total and free PROS were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in a discovery cohort (MS: 65, control: 14) and an independent replication cohort (MS: 29, control: 29). The Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS) was used to evaluate associations between plasma PROS levels and disease severity.

Results

We found plasma levels of total, but not free PROS, were decreased in MS patients compared with controls. In female MS patients, we observed decreases in total and free PROS levels compared with controls. In addition, we also observed higher MSSS in patients with very low levels of plasma free PROS.

Conclusions

These data suggest PROS may represent a potential marker of disease severity in MS.
Post-Disaster Housing Reconstruction in Sri Lanka
Authors: Amaratunga Nuwani , Haigh Richard , Ingirige Bingunath
Published: July 2015

Research methodology is the procedural framework within which the research is conducted. This includes the overall approach to a problem that could be put into practice in a research process, from the theoretical underpinning to the collection and analysis of data. Choice of methodology depends on the primary drivers: topic to be researched and the specific research questions. Hence, methodological perspectives of managing stakeholder expectations of PDHR context are composed of research philosophies, research strategy, research design, and research techniques. This research belonged to social constructivism or interpretivism within a philosophical continuum. The nature of the study was more toward subjectivism where human behavior favored voluntary stance. Ontological, methodological, epistemological, and axiological positioning carried the characteristics of idealism, ideographic, anti-positivism, and value laden, respectively. Data collection comprises two phases, preliminary and secondary. Exploratory interviews with construction experts in the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka were carried out to refine the interview questions and identify the case studies. Case study interviews during the secondary phase took place in Sri Lanka. Data collected at the preliminary stage were used to assess the attributes of power, legitimacy/proximity, and urgency of stakeholders to the project using Stakeholder Circle™ software. Moreover, the data collected at secondary phase via case studies will be analyzed with NVivo 8. This article aims to discuss these methodological underpinnings in detail applied in a post-disaster housing reconstruction context in Sri Lanka.
Questioning Kindling
Authors: Anderson Samantha F. , Monroe Scott M. , Rohde Paul , Lewinsohn Peter M.
Published: July 2015

The kindling hypothesis for depression predicts that with more recurrences, the interval between successive recurrences decreases. Findings from studies with samples of unipolar and bipolar individuals generally have been consistent with this premise. However, previous research is subject to a statistical artifact. Slater’s fallacy maintains that these intermorbid intervals appear to decrease because highly recurrent individuals with consistently shorter intervals become a larger proportion of the remaining sample with each recurrence. Correcting for this bias, research on bipolar disorder no longer evidences such an effect. We predicted similar results for unipolar depression when correcting for this bias and proposed an alternative model: Individuals who are highly recurrent have consistently shorter intermorbid periods, even after the very first lifetime episode. As predicted, correcting for Slater’s fallacy removed the appearance of decreasing intermorbid intervals. Furthermore, highly recurrent individuals exhibited shorter intermorbid intervals in general, and for the very first interval, thereby supporting the alternative model.
Dual-scale modeling and simulation of film casting of isotactic polypropylene
Authors: Zhou Ying-Guo , Wu Wen-Bin , Zou Jun , Turng Lih-Sheng
Published: July 2015

This paper presents a dual-scale model, which couples the macroscopic flow field of the film-casting process and the microscopic crystallization behavior of the material. In this dual-scale model, the finite difference method is used to calculate the macroscopic flow field variables such as temperature, extensional rate, and draw tension, while the Monte Carlo method is employed to predict the evolution of the crystallinity and the development of the crystal morphology. The effect of draw ratio during film-casting on the morphology of isotactic polypropylene crystallization is investigated both experimentally and numerically. Based on the fairly good agreement between the experimental results and simulation predictions, we conclude that the dual-scale modeling and simulation presented in this paper can well predict the film-casting process and give users more detailed insight into the flow field and morphological evolution.
Mechanical, thermal and optical properties of nanocomposite films prepared by solution mixing of poly(vinyl alcohol) with titania nanoparticles modified with citric acid and vitamin C
Authors: Mallakpour Shadpour , Jarang Najmeh
Published: July 2015

The aim of this work was to fabricate the nanocomposite films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and investigate their thermal stability, mechanical and optical properties of nanocomposite films. For this purpose, first, the titanium dioxide nanoparticles surface was modified simultaneously with biocompatible citric acid and vitamin C to prevent their agglomeration in the poly(vinyl alcohol)matrix. Afterward, the modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles were embedded into the poly(vinyl alcohol)matrix via solution casting along with ultrasonic method. The prepared nanocomposite films were characterized by different analyses such as Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction and thermal gravimetric analysis. Fourier transform infrared emphasized the presence of citric acid and vitamin C on the titanium dioxide surface as well as their interaction with nanoparticles. Poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposites thermal degradation temperature increased by 100℃, tensile strength 300% and E-modulus 200%.
Maghemite-like regions at the crossing of two antiphase boundaries in doped BiFeO3
Authors: Salih J. M. , Wang L. Q. , Ramasse Q. M. , Jones L. , Barthel J. , Reaney I. M. , Craven A. J. , MacLaren I.
Published: July 2015

We report the observation of a novel structure at the point where two antiphase boundaries cross in a doped bismuth ferrite of composition (Bi0.85Nd0.15)(Fe0.9Ti0.1)O0.3. The structure was investigated using a combination of high angle annular dark field imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy spectrum imaging in the scanning transmission electron microscope. A three-dimensional model was constructed by combining the position and chemistry data with previous results and assuming octahedral coordination of all Fe and Ti atoms. The resulting structure shows some novel L-shaped arrangements of iron columns, which are coordinated in a similar manner to FeO6 octahedra in maghemite. It is suggested that this may lead to local ferromagnetic orderings similar to those in maghemite.
Suppression of in vitro megakaryopoiesis by maternal sera containing anti-HPA-1a antibodies
Authors: Liu Zhi-Jian , Bussel James B. , Lakkaraja Madhavi , Ferrer-Marin Francisca , Ghevaert Cedric , Feldman Henry A. , McFarland Janice G. , Chavda Chaitanya , Sola-Visner Martha
Published: July 2015

Key Points

Maternal sera containing anti-HPA-1a antibodies suppress in vitro megakaryopoiesis through induction of cell death. The degree of suppression of megakaryopoiesis is variable and is one of the factors determining the severity of neonatal thrombocytopenia.
Platelet-derived VWF is not essential for normal thrombosis and hemostasis but fosters ischemic stroke injury in mice
Authors: Verhenne Sebastien , Denorme Frederik , Libbrecht Sarah , Vandenbulcke Aline , Pareyn Inge , Deckmyn Hans , Lambrecht Antoon , Nieswandt Bernhard , Kleinschnitz Christoph , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , De Meyer Simon F.
Published: July 2015

Key Points

Platelet-derived VWF alone mediates full ischemic stroke injury in mice via a GPIb-dependent mechanism. Platelet-derived VWF does not significantly contribute to normal thrombosis and hemostasis in mice.
Zebrafish adult-derived hypothalamic neurospheres generate gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons
Authors: Cortés-Campos Christian , Letelier Joaquín , Ceriani Ricardo , Whitlock Kathleen E.
Published: July 2015

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is a hypothalamic decapeptide essential for fertility in vertebrates. Human male patients lacking GnRH and treated with hormone therapy can remain fertile after cessation of treatment suggesting that new GnRH neurons can be generated during adult life. We used zebrafish to investigate the neurogenic potential of the adult hypothalamus. Previously we have characterized the development of GnRH cells in the zebrafish linking genetic pathways to the differentiation of neuromodulatory and endocrine GnRH cells in specific regions of the brain. Here, we developed a new method to obtain neural progenitors from the adult hypothalamus in vitro. Using this system, we show that neurospheres derived from the adult hypothalamus can be maintained in culture and subsequently differentiate glia and neurons. Importantly, the adult derived progenitors differentiate into neurons containing GnRH and the number of cells is increased through exposure to either testosterone or GnRH, hormones used in therapeutic treatment in humans. Finally, we show in vivo that a neurogenic niche in the hypothalamus contains GnRH positive neurons. Thus, we demonstrated for the first time that neurospheres can be derived from the hypothalamus of the adult zebrafish and that these neural progenitors are capable of producing GnRH containing neurons.
VEGF-A/NRP1 stimulates GIPC1 and Syx complex formation to promote RhoA activation and proliferation in skin cancer cells
Authors: Yoshida Ayumi , Shimizu Akio , Asano Hirotsugu , Kadonosono Tetsuya , Kondoh Shinae Kizaka , Geretti Elena , Mammoto Akiko , Klagsbrun Michael , Seo Misuzu Kurokawa
Published: July 2015

Neuropilin-1 (NRP1) has been identified as a VEGF-A receptor. DJM-1, a human skin cancer cell line, expresses endogenous VEGF-A and NRP1. In the present study, the RNA interference of VEGF-A or NRP1 suppressed DJM-1 cell proliferation. Furthermore, the overexpression of the NRP1 wild type restored shNRP1-treated DJM-1 cell proliferation, whereas NRP1 cytoplasmic deletion mutants did not. A co-immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that VEGF-A induced interactions between NRP1 and GIPC1, a scaffold protein, and complex formation between GIPC1 and Syx, a RhoGEF. The knockdown of GIPC1 or Syx reduced active RhoA and DJM-1 cell proliferation without affecting the MAPK or Akt pathway. C3 exoenzyme or Y27632 inhibited the VEGF-A-induced proliferation of DJM-1 cells. Conversely, the overexpression of the constitutively active form of RhoA restored the proliferation of siVEGF-A-treated DJM-1 cells. Furthermore, the inhibition of VEGF-A/NRP1 signaling upregulated p27, a CDK inhibitor. A cell-penetrating oligopeptide that targeted GIPC1/Syx complex formation inhibited the VEGF-A-induced activation of RhoA and suppressed DJM-1 cell proliferation. In conclusion, this new signaling pathway of VEGF-A/NRP1 induced cancer cell proliferation by forming a GIPC1/Syx complex that activated RhoA to degrade the p27 protein.
Yap and Taz regulate retinal pigment epithelial cell fate
Authors: Miesfeld Joel B. , Gestri Gaia , Clark Brian S. , Flinn Michael A. , Poole Richard J. , Bader Jason R. , Besharse Joseph C. , Wilson Stephen W. , Link Brian A.
Published: July 2015

During ocular morphogenesis the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and neural retina segregate fates from a bi-potential progenitor pool of cells comprising the optic vesicle. Several transcription factors and signaling pathways have been shown to be important for RPE maintenance and differentiation, but an understanding of the initial fate specification and determination of this ocular cell type is lacking. We show that Yap/Taz-Tead activity is necessary and sufficient for optic vesicle progenitors to adopt RPE identity in zebrafish. In support, a Tead responsive transgene expresses within the domain of the optic cup from which RPE arises and Yap immunoreactivity localizes to nuclei of prospective RPE cells. yap mutants lack a subset of RPE cells and/or exhibit coloboma. Loss of RPE in yap mutants is exacerbated in combination with taz mutant alleles such that when Yap and Taz are both absent, optic vesicle progenitor cells completely lose their ability to form RPE. The mechanism of Yap dependent RPE cell-type determination is reliant on both nuclear localization of Yap and interaction with a Tead co-factor. In contrast to loss of Yap and Taz, overexpression of either protein within optic vesicle progenitors leads to ectopic pigmentation in a dosage-dependent manner. Overall, this study identifies Yap and Taz as key early regulators of RPE genesis and provides a mechanistic framework for understanding the congenital ocular defects of Sveinsson's chorioretinal atrophy and congenital retinal coloboma.
Yap control of tissue growth relies on cell density and F-actin in zebrafish fin regeneration
Authors: Mateus Rita , Lourenço Raquel , Fang Yi , Brito Gonçalo , Farinho Ana , Valério Fábio , Jacinto Antonio
Published: July 2015

Caudal fin regeneration is characterized by a proliferation boost in the mesenchymal blastema controlled precisely in time and space. This allows a gradual and robust restoration of original fin size. However, how this is established and regulated is not well understood. Here we report that Yap, the Hippo pathway effector, is a chief player in this process: functionally manipulating Yap during regeneration dramatically affects cell proliferation and expression of key signaling pathways, impacting regenerative growth. The intracellular location of Yap is tightly associated with different cell densities along the blastema proximal-distal axis, which correlate with alterations in cell morphology, cytoskeleton and cell-cell contacts in a gradient-like manner. Importantly, Yap inactivation occurs in high cell density areas, conditional to F-actin distribution and polymerization. We propose that Yap is essential for fin regeneration and its function is dependent on mechanical tension, conferred by a balancing act of cell density and cytoskeleton activity.
Transgenic quail to dynamically image amniote embryogenesis
Authors: Huss David , Benazeraf Bertrand , Wallingford Allison , Filla Michael , Yang Jennifer , Fraser Scott E. , Lansford Rusty
Published: July 2015

Embryogenesis is the coordinated assembly of tissues during morphogenesis by changes in individual cell behaviors and collective cell movements. Dynamic imaging, combined with quantitative analysis, are ideal for investigating fundamental questions in developmental biology involving cellular differ­entiation, growth control, and morphogenesis. However, a reliable amniote model system amenable to the rigors of extended, high resolution imaging and cell tracking has been lacking. To address this shortcoming, we produced a novel transgenic quail that ubiquitously expresses nuclear localized monomer cherry fluorescent protein (chFP). We characterize the expression pattern of the chFP and provide concrete examples of how Tg(PGK1:H2B-chFP) quail can be used to dynamically image and analyze key morphogenetic events during embryonic stages X to 11.
Neurog1 can partially replace Atoh1 to differentiate and maintain hair cells in a disorganized organ of Corti
Authors: Jahan I. , Pan N. , Kersigo J. , Fritzsch B.
Published: July 2015

Atoh1, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor (TF), is essential for the differentiation of hair cells (HCs), mechanotransducers that convert sound into auditory signals in the mammalian organ of Corti (OC). Previous work demonstrated that replacing mouse Atoh1 with the fly ortholog atonal rescues HC differentiation, indicating functional replacement by other bHLH genes. However, replacing Atoh1 with Neurog1 resulted in reduced HC differentiation compared to transient Atoh1 expression in a ‘self-terminating’ Atoh1 conditional null mouse (Atoh1-Cre; Atoh1f/f). We now show that combining Neurog1 in one allele with removal of floxed Atoh1 in a ‘self-terminating’ conditional mutant (Atoh1-Cre; Atoh1f/kiNeurog1) mouse results in significantly more differentiated inner HCs and outer HCs that have a prolonged longevity of nine months compared to Atoh1 ‘self-terminating’ littermates. Stereocilia bundles are partially disorganized, disoriented and not HC type specific. Replacement of Atoh1 with Neurog1 maintains limited expression of Pou4f3 and Barhl1 and rescues HCs quantitatively, but not qualitatively. OC patterning as well as supporting cell differentiation is also partially disrupted. Diffusible factors involved in patterning are reduced (Fgf8) and factors involved in cell interactions are changed (Jag1, Hes5). Despite presence of many HCs with stereocilia these mice are deaf, possibly related to HC and OC patterning defects. This study provides a novel approach to disrupt OC development through modulating the HC specific intracellular TF network. The resulting disorganized OC indicates that normally differentiated HCs act as ‘self-organizers’ for OC development and that Atoh1 plays a critical role to initiate HC stereocilia differentiation independent of HC viability.
Fat1 interacts with Fat4 to regulate neural tube closure, neural progenitor proliferation and apical constriction during mouse brain development
Authors: Badouel Caroline , Zander Mark , Liscio Nicole , Bagherie-Lachidan Mazdak , Sopko Richelle , Coyaud Etienne , Raught Brian , Miller Freda , McNeill Helen
Published: July 2015

Mammalian brain development requires coordination between neural precursor proliferation, differentiation and cellular organization to create the intricate neuronal networks of the adult brain. Here, we have examined the role of the atypical cadherins Fat1 and Fat4 in this process. We show that mutation of Fat1 in mouse embryos causes defects in cranial neural tube closure, accompanied by an increase in the proliferation of cortical precursors and altered apical junctions, with perturbations in apical constriction and actin accumulation. Similarly, knockdown of Fat1 in cortical precursors by in utero electroporation leads to overproliferation of radial glial precursors. Fat1 interacts genetically with the related Fat4 cadherin to regulate these processes. Proteomic analysis reveals that Fat1 and Fat4 bind different sets of actin-regulating and junctional proteins. In vitro data suggest that Fat1 and Fat4 form cis-heterodimers, providing a mechanism for bringing together their diverse interactors. Based on these data, we propose a model in which Fat1 and Fat4 binding coordinates distinct pathways at apical junctions to regulate neural progenitor proliferation, neural tube closure and apical constriction.