bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sox2 Requirement in Sonic Hedgehog-Associated Medulloblastoma
Authors: Ahlfeld Julia , Favaro Rebecca , Pagella Pierfrancesco , Kretzschmar Hans A. , Nicolis Silvia , Schüller Ulrich
Published: April 2013

The transcription factor Sox2 has been shown to play essential roles during embryonic development as well as in cancer. To more precisely understand tumor biology and to identify potential therapeutical targets, we thoroughly investigated the expression and function of Sox2 in medulloblastoma, a malignant embryonic brain tumor that initiates in the posterior fossa and eventually spreads throughout the entire cerebrospinal axis. We examined a large series of tumor samples (n = 188) to show that SOX2 is specifically expressed in Sonic hedgehog (SHH)-associated medulloblastoma with an interesting preponderance in adolescent and adult cases. We further show that cerebellar granule neuron precursors (CGNP), which are believed to serve as the cell of origin for this medulloblastoma subgroup, express Sox2 in early stages. Also, Shh-associated medulloblastoma can be initiated from such Sox2-positive CGNPs in mice. Independent of their endogenous Sox2 expression, constitutive activation of Shh signaling in CGNPs resulted in significantly enhanced proliferation and ectopic expression of Sox2 in vitro and Sox2-positive medulloblastoma in vivo. Genetic ablation of Sox2 from murine medulloblastoma did not affect survival, most likely due to a compensatory overexpression of Sox3. However, acute deletion of Sox2 from primary cultures of CGNPs with constitutive Shh signaling significantly decreased proliferation, whereas overexpression of Sox2 enhanced proliferation of murine medulloblastoma cells. We conclude that Sox2 is a marker for Shh-dependent medulloblastomas where it is required and sufficient to drive tumor cell proliferation. Cancer Res; 73(12); 3796–807. ©2013 AACR.
Effects of Early Chemotherapeutic Treatment on Learning in Adolescent Mice: Implications for Cognitive Impairment and Remediation in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Authors: Bisen-Hersh Emily B. , Hineline Philip N. , Walker Ellen A.
Published: April 2013

Purpose: Among children diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and given chemotherapy-only treatment, 40% to 70% of survivors experience neurocognitive impairment. The present study used a preclinical mouse model to investigate the effects of early exposure to common ALL chemotherapeutics methotrexate (MTX) and cytarabine (Ara-C) on learning and memory.

Experimental Design: Preweanling mouse pups were treated on postnatal day (PND) 14, 15, and 16 with saline, MTX, Ara-C, or a combination of MTX and Ara-C. Nineteen days after treatment (PND 35), behavioral tasks measuring different aspects of learning and memory were administered.

Results: Significant impairment in acquisition and retention over both short (1 hour) and long (24 hours) intervals, as measured by autoshaping and novel object recognition tasks, was found following treatment with MTX and Ara-C. Similarly, a novel conditional discrimination task revealed impairment in acquisition for chemotherapy-treated mice. No significant group differences were found following the extensive training component of this task, with impairment following the rapid training component occurring only for the highest MTX and Ara-C combination group.

Conclusions: Findings are consistent with those from clinical studies suggesting that childhood cancer survivors are slower at learning new information and primarily exhibit deficits in memory years after successful completion of chemotherapy. The occurrence of mild deficits on a novel conditional discrimination task suggests that chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment may be ameliorated through extensive training or practice. Clin Cancer Res; 19(11); 3008–18. ©2013 AACR.
RASSF1A-Mediated Regulation of AREG via the Hippo Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ahn Ei Yong , Kim Ji Su , Kim Gi Jeong , Park Young Nyun
Published: April 2013

Ras association domain family 1 isoform A (RASSF1A) is a tumor suppressor that is methylated in many human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). RASSF1A has been shown to suppress tumors via activation of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway, including mammalian STE20-like kinase (MST). Amphiregulin (AREG), a target gene for Yes-associated protein (YAP), is a known oncogenic component of the Hippo pathway; however, the tumor-suppressive effect of RASSF1A on AREG in regard to regulation of the Hippo pathway remains unclear in HCC. Overexpression of RASSF1A in HCC cells, which lack functional RASSF1A, significantly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis by activating the Hippo pathway. Consequently, overexpression of RASSF1A inhibited the oncogenic functions of YAP, leading to a significant reduction in AREG secretion via regulation of the Hippo pathway. In human specimens, greater expression of RASSF1A was observed in chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis than in HCC, whereas expression of YAP and AREG was higher in 81% and 86% of HCC than in corresponding chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis, respectively. Furthermore, RASSF1A protein gradually decreased as multistep hepatocarcinogenesis progressed from chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis dysplastic nodules toward HCC, whereas the protein expression of YAP and AREG gradually increased. These findings provide mechanistic insight into the regulation of YAP and AREG by RASSF1A in human multistep hepatocarcinogenesis. Mol Cancer Res; 11(7); 748–58. ©2013 AACR.
Nested Bacterial Boxes: Nuclear and Other Intracellular Compartments in Planctomycetes
Authors: Fuerst John A. , Sagulenko Evgeny
Published: April 2013

Bacteria in the phylum Planctomycetes and some related phyla challenge our concept of the typical bacterium as consisting of cells without internal compartments or membrane-bounded organelles. Cells of all species of planctomycetes examined consist of at least two major compartments, and there are two other types of compartmentation in which a third compartment is formed either by a double-membrane envelope around the nucleoid in the case of the aerobic Gemmata obscuriglobus or by a single but potentially energized membrane in the case of the anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing anammox planctomycetes. We examine here the nature of these planctomycete compartments in relation to function and their relationship to the endomembranes defining them, and discuss the implications of the remarkable compartment-confined process of protein uptake in Gemmata, which resembles receptor- and clathrin-mediated endocytosis of eukaryotes. Planctomycetes have implications for our understanding of the evolution of membrane-bounded organelles, of endomembranes, transport across endomembranes and membrane trafficking, and for how the complexity of a eukaryote style of cell organization could have originated.
Functional Advantages Conferred by Extracellular Prokaryotic Membrane Vesicles
Authors: Manning Andrew J. , Kuehn Meta J.
Published: April 2013

The absence of subcellular organelles is a characteristic typically used to distinguish prokaryotic from eukaryotic cells. But recent discoveries do not support this dogma. Over the past 50 years, researchers have begun to appreciate and characterize Gram-negative bacterial outer membrane-derived vesicles and Gram-positive and archaeal membrane vesicles. These extracellular, membrane-bound organelles can perform a variety of functions, including binding and delivery of DNA, transport of virulence factors, protection of the cell from outer membrane targeting antimicrobials and ridding the cell of toxic envelope proteins. Here, we review the contributions of these extracellular organelles to prokaryotic physiology and compare these with the contributions of the bacterial interior membrane-bound organelles responsible for harvesting light energy and for generating magnetic crystals of heavy metals. Understanding the roles of these multifunctional extracellular vesicle organelles as microbial tools will help us to better realize the diverse interactions that occur in our polymicrobial world.
Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles in Trafficking, Communication and the Host-Pathogen Interaction
Authors: Schertzer Jeffrey W. , Whiteley Marvin
Published: April 2013

Vesicular transport is a central process in eukaryotes that was believed to be absent in bacteria. However, as our understanding of the communal and interactive lifestyles of bacteria has increased by leaps and bounds, we are now well positioned to appreciate the many ways that membrane trafficking impacts this domain of life as well. Nearly all Gram-negative organisms release outer membrane vesicles into their environment. In this communication, we discuss the nature of these vesicles, the roles they play in bacterial physiology, ecology and virulence, and what is known about how they are formed. These remarkable structures can be used to confuse, communicate or kill depending on the situation and unlocking the mechanisms behind their formation, loading and delivery could lead to effective treatments against many important bacterial pathogens.
The Ability of Self-Rated Health to Predict Mortality among Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals Differs according to the Specific Cause of Death: Data from the NEDICES Cohort
Authors: Fernández-Ruiz Mario , Guerra-Vales Juan M. , Trincado Rocío , Fernández Rebeca , Medrano María José , Villarejo Alberto , Benito-León Julián , Bermejo-Pareja Félix
Published: April 2013

Background: The biomedical and psychosocial mechanisms underlying the relationship between self-rated health (SRH) and mortality in elderly individuals remain unclear. Objective: To assess the association between different measurements of subjective health (global, age-comparative, and time-comparative SRH) and cause-specific mortality. Methods: Neurological Disorders in Central Spain (NEDICES) is a prospective population-based survey of the prevalence and incidence of major age-associated conditions. Data on demographic and health-related variables were collected from 5,278 subjects (≥65 years) in the baseline questionnaire. Thirteen-year mortality and cause of death were obtained from the National Death Registry. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) for SRH and all-cause and cause-specific mortality were estimated by Cox proportional hazard models. Results: At baseline, 4,958 participants (93.9%) answered the SRH questionnaire. At the end of follow-up, 2,468 (49.8%) participants had died, of whom 723 (29.2%) died from cardiovascular diseases, 609 (24.7%) from cancer, and 359 (14.5%) from respiratory diseases. Global SRH independently predicted all-cause mortality (aHR for ‘poor or very poor' vs. ‘very good' category: 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-1.69). Analysis of cause-specific mortality revealed that global SRH was an independent predictor for death due to respiratory diseases (aHR for ‘poor or very poor' vs. ‘very good' category: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.55-4.39), whereas age-comparative SRH exhibited a gradient effect on the risk of death due to stroke. Time-comparative SRH provided small additional predictive value. Conclusions: The predictive ability of SRH for mortality largely differs according to the specific cause of death, with the strongest associations found for respiratory disease and stroke mortality.
The mRNA encoding TAFI is alternatively spliced in different cell types and produces intracellular forms of the protein lacking TAFIa activity
Authors: Lin Joellen H. H. , Novakovic Dragana , Rizzo Christina M. , Zagorac Branislava , Garand Mathieu , Filipieva Anastassia , Koschinsky Marlys L. , Boffa Michael B.
Published: April 2013

TAFI (thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor) is a pro-carboxypeptidase, encoded by the CPB2 gene in humans that links the coagulation cascade to fibrinolysis and inflammation. The liver is the main source for plasma TAFI, and TAFI expression has been documented in platelets and monocyte-derived macrophages. A recent study reported an alternatively spliced CPB2 mRNA variant lacking exon 7 (Δ7) in HepG2 cells and liver. Another study identified a CPB2 mRNA variant lacking exon 7 and a 52 bp deletion in exon 11 (Δ7+11) in human hippocampus. We have examined alternative splicing of CPB2 mRNA in various cell types by RT-PCR and have assessed the functional properties of TAFI variants encoded by these transcripts by recombinant expression in mammalian cells. We identified the Δ7 exon skipping event in liver, Dami megakaryoblasts, THP-1-derived macrophages, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, platelets, testis, cerebellum, and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. The Δ11 alternative splicing event was notably absent in liver cells. We also detected a novel exon Δ7+8 skipping event in liver and megakaryocytes. Of note, we detected non-alternatively spliced CPB2 transcripts in brain tissues, suggesting the expression of full-length TAFI in brain. Experiments using cultured mammalian cells transfected with wild-type CPB2-, Δ7-, Δ7+11 -, and_Δ11 -cDNA revealed that alternatively spliced TAFI is stored inside the cells, cannot be activated by thrombin-thrombomodulin, and does not have TAFIa activity. The alternative splicing events clearly do not give rise to a secreted protein with basic carboxy-peptidase activity, but the intracellular forms may possess novel functions related to intracellular proteolysis.
Insulin Sensitivity and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Authors: Kozakova Michaela , Natali Andrea , Dekker Jacqueline , Beck-Nielsen Henning , Laakso Markku , Nilsson Peter , Balkau Beverley , Ferrannini Ele
Published: April 2013

Objective—

Despite a wealth of experimental data in animal models, the independent association of insulin resistance with early carotid atherosclerosis in man has not been demonstrated.

Approach and Results—

We studied a European cohort of 525 men and 655 women (mean age, 44±8 years) free of conditions known to affect carotid wall (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia). All subjects received an oral glucose tolerance test, a euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp (M/I as a measure of insulin sensitivity), and B-mode carotid ultrasound. In 833 participants (380 men), the carotid ultrasound was repeated after 3 years. In men, baseline intima-media thickness in the common carotid artery (CCA-IMT) was significantly higher (
P
<0.05) in the lowest M/I tertile, whereas in women CCA-IMT was higher (
P
<0.0005) in the highest fasting plasma glucose tertile (after adjustment for established risk factors). In multiple regression models, with CCA-IMT as the dependent variable and with risk factors and univariate metabolic correlates as independent variables, circulating free fatty acids and the leptin:adiponectin ratio replaced M/I as independent metabolic determinants of CCA-IMT in men. The strongest metabolic determinant of CCA-IMT in women was fasting plasma glucose. Three-year CCA-IMT changes were not associated with any cardio-metabolic risk factor.

Conclusions—

In young-to-middle aged apparently healthy people, the association of CCA-IMT with insulin sensitivity and its metabolic correlates differs between men and women. Lower insulin sensitivity is associated with higher IMT only in men; this association seems to be mediated by circulating free fatty acids and adipocytokines. In women, CCA-IMT is independently associated with fasting plasma glucose.
Identification of Therapeutic Benefit from Revascularization in Patients With Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction
Authors: Ling Lee Fong , Marwick Thomas H. , Flores Demetrio Roland , Jaber Wael A. , Brunken Richard C. , Cerqueira Manuel D. , Hachamovitch Rory
Published: April 2013

Background—

Although the recent surgical treatment of ischemic heart failure substudy reported that revascularization of viable myocardium did not improve survival, these results were limited by the viability imaging technique used and the lack of inducible ischemia information. We examined the relative impact of stress-rest rubidium-82/F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography identified ischemia, scar, and hibernating myocardium on the survival benefit associated with revascularization in patients with systolic dysfunction.

Methods and Results—

The extent of perfusion defects and metabolism-perfusion mismatch was measured with an automated quantitative method in 648 consecutive patients (age, 65±12 years; 23% women; mean left ventricular ejection fraction, 31±12%) undergoing positron emission tomography. Follow-up time began at 92 days (to avoid waiting-time bias); deaths before 92 days were excluded from the analysis. During a mean follow-up of 2.8±1.2 years, 165 deaths (27.5%) occurred. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to adjust for potential confounders, including a propensity score to adjust for nonrandomized treatment allocation. Early revascularization was performed within 92 days of positron emission tomography in 199 patients (33%). Hibernating myocardium, ischemic myocardium, and scarred myocardium were associated with all-cause death (
P
=0.0015, 0.0038, and 0.0010, respectively). An interaction between treatment and hibernating myocardium was present such that early revascularization in the setting of significant hibernating myocardium was associated with improved survival compared with medical therapy, especially when the extent of viability exceeded 10% of the myocardium.

Conclusions—

Among patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy, hibernating, but not ischemic, myocardium identifies which patients may accrue a survival benefit with revascularization versus medical therapy.
Cyclooxygenase-2–Derived Prostaglandin E
2
Promotes Injury-Induced Vascular Neointimal Hyperplasia Through the E-prostanoid 3 Receptor
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zou Fangfang , Tang Juan , Zhang Qianqian , Gong Yanjun , Wang Qingsong , Shen Yujun , Xiong Lixia , Breyer Richard M. , Lazarus Michael , Funk Colin D. , Yu Ying
Published: April 2013

Rationale:

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) migration and proliferation are the hallmarks of restenosis pathogenesis after angioplasty. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived prostaglandin (PG) E
2
is implicated in the vascular remodeling response to injury. However, its precise molecular role remains unknown.

Objective:

This study investigates the impact of COX-2–derived PGE
2
on neointima formation after injury.

Methods and Results:

Vascular remodeling was induced by wire injury in femoral arteries of mice. Both neointima formation and the restenosis ratio were diminished in COX-2 knockout mice as compared with controls, whereas these parameters were enhanced in COX-1>COX-2 mice, in which COX-1 is governed by COX-2 regulatory elements. PG profile analysis revealed that the reduced PGE
2
by COX-2 deficiency, but not PGI
2
, could be rescued by COX-1 replacement, indicating COX-2–derived PGE
2
enhanced neointima formation. Through multiple approaches, the EP3 receptor was identified to mediate the VSMC migration response to various stimuli. Disruption of EP3 impaired VSMC polarity for directional migration by decreasing small GTPase activity and restricted vascular neointimal hyperplasia, whereas overexpression of EP3α and EP3β aggravated neointima formation. Inhibition or deletion of EP3α/β, a Gαi protein–coupled receptor, activated the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway and decreased activation of RhoA in VSMCs. PGE
2
could stimulate phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase3β signaling in VSMCs through Gβγ subunits on EP3α/β activation. Ablation of EP3 suppressed phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling and reduced GTPase activity in VSMCs and altered cell polarity and directional migration.

Conclusions:

COX-2–derived PGE
2
facilitated the neointimal hyperplasia response to injury through EP3α/β-mediated cAMP/protein kinase A and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways, indicating EP3 inhibition may be a promising therapeutic strategy for percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.
Rescue Treatment of Thromboembolic Complications During Endovascular Treatment of Cerebral Aneurysms
Authors: Brinjikji Waleed , McDonald Jennifer S. , Kallmes David F. , Cloft Harry J.
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose—

Acute intraprocedural thrombus formation complicating endovascular cerebral aneurysm treatment is often treated with intra-arterial or intravenous administration of thrombolytic agents or glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GpIIb/IIIa) inhibitors. We sought to evaluate the morbidity and mortality associated with such treatments using a large multihospital database.

Methods—

Using the Premier Perspective Database, we examined outcomes for patients receiving endovascular coiling for ruptured and unruptured aneurysms requiring rescue therapy, defined as treatment with GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors and fibrinolytic therapy. We compared discharge status, length of stay, and complication rates across 3 groups: (1) patients receiving GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors only, (2) patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy only, and (3) patients receiving both GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors and fibrinolytics. Student
t
test was used to compare continuous variables, and Fisher exact test was used to compare categorical variables.

Results—

Seven-percent (254/3627) of patients treated for unruptured aneurysms received rescue therapy. When compared with patients receiving GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors alone, patients receiving only fibrinolytics had significantly higher rates of discharge to institutions other than home (37.5% [9/24] versus 7.4% [15/201];
P
<0.0001). Eight-percent of patients (338/4204) treated for ruptured aneurysms received rescue therapy. When compared with patients receiving GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors alone, patients receiving only fibrinolytics had significantly higher rates of mortality (26.0% [18/69] versus 14.5% [35/241];
P
=0.02) and discharge to institutions other than home (59.4% [41/69] versus 36.5% [88/241];
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions—

Pharmacological rescue therapy occurred in 7% to 8% of endovascular coiling patients with unruptured and ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Rescue therapy with thrombolytic agents resulted in significantly more morbidity and mortality than rescue therapy with GpIIb/IIIa inhibitors.
International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Case Law Review
Authors: Fouret Julien , Khayat Dany
Published: April 2013

Abstract

The ICSID case law review aims at discussing all decisions published by ICSID arbitral tribunals during a given period of time. This review covers the last semester 2011 and the first trimester 2012 with the analysis of one order, nine decisions and four awards.
Doing Minority Justice Through Procedural Fairness: Face Veil Bans in Europe
Authors: Ouald Chaib Saïla , Ouald Chaib Saïla , Brems Eva
Published: April 2013

Abstract

The French and Belgian bans on face veils in public places have been subjected to strong substantive human rights critiques. This article takes a complementary approach, examining the bans from the perspective of procedural fairness. Indeed, the French and Belgian bans are extreme examples of legislative processes taking place above the heads of the people concerned, neglecting the ban’s possible human rights impact. After exploring what the social psychology notion of procedural fairness entails for the judiciary and the legislator, especially in a multicultural context, this article details procedural fairness shortcomings with respect to the face veil ban in France and Belgium. Subsequently, the article sets out how the European Court of Human Rights might compensate for these shortcomings.
Myths and Facts on the Future Number of Muslims—a Danish Case Study
Authors: Jacobsen Brian Arly
Published: April 2013

Abstract

The article discusses various estimates of Muslim populations in Europe, showing that the public debate on numbers reflects academia’s difficulties in quantifying the Muslim populations. Projections of growth in the number of Muslims in Europe are exaggerated both in academia and in the public in general, leading to the construction of myths on the future number of Muslims in Europe. In this article various methods in the field of demography of religion are discussed on the basis of the Danish case. A more precise estimation of Muslims based on national statistics is proposed for countries where direct data on religious affiliation is not available.
Higher Education in Asia: Challenges from and Contributions to Globalization
Authors: Cheung Anthony B. L.
Published: April 2013

The paper puts Asia’s rising, especially its emerging as higher education hub in the context of globalization. By summarizing the four waves of internationalization of higher education over the past hundred years, the paper makes an argument that internationalization is not limited to Europeanization or Americanization, the rise of Asia in the 21st century represents alternative routes to modernity. Asian value and scholarship may serve as a counter-force for the Western-centric globalization of higher learning. In the conclusion, the paper advocates a way towards inclusive globalization and calls for the integration of local/national experience with those of other societies and cultures.
Opening-Up Higher Education in Emerging Economies: Autonomy and Integrity on the Rise of Globalization
Authors: Heitor Manuel , Horta Hugo
Published: April 2013

We focus this paper on higher education systems and related public policies in emerging societies and developing regions worldwide and observe that effective institutional autonomy and integrity of modern universities are to be promoted in a context where building human capital is a priority and alliances and partnerships among universities worldwide, as well as between them and industry, gain significant relevance. For those societies and regions, our analysis identifies ten different themes oriented towards norms that may be helpful in guiding the development of higher education systems and related public policies.
International Research Collaboration among Academics in China and South Korea
Authors: Jung Jisun
Published: April 2013

This study examines international research collaboration among Chinese and Korean academics. International research collaboration among academics, which is generally measured by co-authored publications, is an important part of the internationalization of higher education, not only at an individual level but also at institutional and national levels. This study uses the online Science Citation Index database from Web of Knowledge for the analysis and demonstrates descriptive results of international co-authored publication patterns. International research collaboration is defined as the share of articles published together with at least one author from another country anywhere in the world. The study examines how international research collaboration patterns have changed from 1975 to 2010 in China and South Korea. In particular, it focuses on the growth of international research collaboration, the main collaborative countries among Chinese and Korean academics, and the differences in international research collaboration patterns by academic discipline.
EU-China Student and Academic Staff Mobility: Present Situation and Future Developments
Authors: Mathou Cécile , Yan Jin
Published: April 2013

The objective of this study was to provide comprehensive information about student and academic staff mobility between the European Union (EU) and China as well as the main strategies and policies in place to promote mobility. Based on quantitative and qualitative data provided by national authorities and various stakeholders consulted throughout the research process, the study aimed at taking stock of the situation and identifying trends regarding EU-China learning mobility over the past ten years. It also aimed at drawing recommendations to improve current and future mobility actions between the two regions.
Nuclear Weapons, Dystopian Deserts, and Science Fiction Cinema
Authors: Womack Jeffrey
Published: April 2013

The article explores the relationship between science fiction cinema and nuclear weapons. It argues that the genre’s commercial success directly resulted from its appropriation of nuclear warfare themes and imagery, such as desert landscapes and nuclear blasts. The influence of nuclear weapons eventually permeated the genre as a whole, leading to the widespread appearance of such imagery in science fiction films that do not purport to deal with nuclear weapons or nuclear themes.
Mexican Buprestidae: two new species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz and a review of the genus Chalcophora Dejean
Authors: WESTCOTT RICHARD L. , BELLAMY CHARLES L.
Published: April 2013

Two distinctive new Mexican species of Acmaeodera Eschscholtz are described, A. xanthoskeles from the Yucatán Pen-insula and A. inusitata from Michoacán. The Mexican species of the genus Chalcophora Dejean, C. hondurasica Casey and C. mexicana Waterhouse, are reviewed and discussed along with two U.S. and Canadian species, C. angulicollis (Le- Conte) and C. virginiensis (Drury). Chalcophora angulicollis is shown not to occur in Texas as has long been recorded.
When the Lophopids cross the Lydekker line from New Guinea, a new species for the genus Maana (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha)
Authors: SOULIER-PERKINS ADELINE , STROIŃSKI ADAM
Published: April 2013

A new species of the genus Maana Soulier-Perkins, 1998 is described, M. keiensis Soulier-Perkins et Stroiński, sp. nov. The presence of this species on the Kei Islands is discussed from its historical biogeography point of view.
Basilic Vein Transposition in the Forearm for Secondary Arteriovenous Fistula
Authors: Glowinski Jerzy , Glowinska Irena , Malyszko Jolanta , Gacko Marek
Published: April 2013

Radiocephalic (RC) fistulae remain the first choice access for hemodialysis. The antecubital fossa is recommended as the next site. However, for some patients a basilic vein can be used to create an arteriovenous (av) fistula. We report a series of patients where the forearm basilic vein served as an alternative conduit for secondary procedures. Over an 8-year period, 30 patients who had a failed RC fistula underwent a basilic vein transposition. The immediate results were satisfactory. All fistulas were successfully cannulated. Cumulative patency was 93% after 1 year, 78% after 2 years, and 55% after 3 years. No ischemic or infectious complications were noted during the study period. The use of the forearm basilic vein to create a native av fistula appears to be a good alternative to procedures in the antecubital fossa or upper arm, thus preserving more proximal veins for future use.
Researching the creation of a national curriculum from systems to classrooms
Authors: Gerrard Jessica , Albright James , Clarke David J , Clarke Doug M , Farrell Lesley , Freebody Peter , Sullivan Peter
Published: April 2013

Under the auspices of its ‘Education Revolution’, the Federal Labor Government is currently implementing a national curriculum for schools. Representing an important intervention into educational practice and governance, the Australian Curriculum offers a unique research opportunity, providing substantial scope for the examination of the changing systems and school-level practices entailed in large-scale curriculum reform. Research into the Australian Curriculum also presents a valuable opportunity to develop educational research methodologies that attend to the complex and multifaceted processes of curriculum reform, from systems to classrooms. Taking two of the disciplinary towers of modern curricula (English and mathematics) and Australia’s two largest jurisdictions (New South Wales and Victoria) as the focus, this article draws on a three-year Australian Research Council Linkage Project to outline an approach to researching major curriculum reform.
Home away from home? Boarding in Australian schools
Authors: Hodges Julie , Sheffield Jeanie , Ralph Alan
Published: April 2013

Currently, Australian boarding schools undertake to provide a home away from home for around 20,000 adolescents. Research documenting the boarding school experience is scarce, and, with few exceptions, exists as a less significant aspect of more general research into private school education. Such school-based research focuses on the positive, character-building benefits of the boarding experience. However, case studies of former boarders paint quite a different picture. In order for boarding schools to best support boarders’ development, it is vital that adults who fulfil a parenting role undertake appropriate training. This paper draws together available information to present a comprehensive picture of boarding in Australian schools, with a focus on the challenges faced by the in loco parentis role of staff. It is apparent that more skills-based training is vital to better equip staff in this very important role.
Politics of the encounter: Cognition, emotions, and networks in the Spanish 15M
Authors: Perugorría Ignacia , Tejerina Benjamín
Published: April 2013

This article seeks to analyze the mobilizations that are currently taking place in Spain as a result of the multidimensional crisis unleashed in 2008. The authors study the ‘15M movement,’ or that of the Spanish indignados, by focusing on three analytical axes: the cognitive, emotional, and relational processes feeding the construction of a social movement identity. First, the article refers to the diagnostic, prognostic, and motivational framing tasks performed by 15M participants to define the problematic situation and attribute blame, articulate a solution to the problem and devise strategies to achieve that end, and motivate participants to sustain their engagement and remedy the situation. Second, the article concentrates on the emotions that were ‘mobilized’ by social movement organizations linked to the 15M (e.g. outrage or indignation), and those emotions that emerged spontaneously during the ‘encounters’ that took place in the public space: joy, efficacy, and empowerment. Finally, the article addresses the relational aspects entailed in the process of identity construction, that is, the activation and de-activation of both ‘real’ and ‘imaginary’ ties between 15M members and previous and/or current political and social collectives within the ‘progressive field.’ In following this triple objective, the article describes the process of identity-synchronization that has allowed people with no previous political participation and with different and oftentimes opposing politico-ideological trajectories to feel part of the movement. The data come from 17 in-depth interviews and eight focus groups with key activists, ethnographic observations in camps and assemblies in both Bilbao and Madrid during the summer of 2011, and visual materials displayed in web pages and Facebook accounts associated to the 15M.
Public reasoning around social contention: A case study of Twitter use in the Italian mobilization for global change
Authors: Vicari Stefania
Published: April 2013

Social media have become central to the organizational and logistic dynamics in contemporary social contention. Not only have they eased centralized processes of information sharing between social movement entrepreneurs and social movement publics, they have also bolstered the crowdsourced management of public discussion around social contention. This article investigates the use of social media for public reasoning around issues related to social contention. By investigating Twitter streams with reference to the Italian chapter of the 15 October 2011 polycentric protest for global change, this study specifically addresses the use of this medium in the aftermath of protest events of high impact for the general public. The quantitative analysis of longitudinal progression, networking mechanisms and processes of meaning construction in over 8000 tweets shows that Twitter does bolster public reasoning around social contention. It does so as a news medium rather than a conversational platform, primarily providing a space to share information alternative to that available in mainstream media coverage.
Static and low-velocity impact on mechanical behaviors of foam sandwiched composites with different ply angles face sheets
Authors: Mohmmed Ramadan , Zhang Fa , Sun Baozhong , Gu Bohong
Published: April 2013

The current studies give a brief account of analysis of static and low-velocity impact on foam sandwiched composites comprising composite faces from carbon/epoxy and cores from Rohacell (polymethacrylimide). The face sheets consist of four different stacking sequences as unidirectional, cross-ply, angle-ply and quasi-isotropic, which were fabricated by using hand lay-up process. Later, the composite panels were subjected to quasi-static and low-velocity impact loading using MTS and an instrumented Drop-Weight Machine (Instron 9250HV), respectively. The load-displacement curves have been obtained to characterize the failure mechanisms in the face sheets and the core. Impact parameters were evaluated and compared for different types of sandwich structures. Failure modes were studied by sectioning the samples at the impact location and observing under optical microscope. The results evaluated from static test have shown that the unidirectional have the highest peak load. However, the dynamic test data indicated that the foam sandwich with unidirectional face sheet have lowest peak load, lowest displacement at peak load and minimum energy absorption. It has also been observed that largest damage size, highest penetration depth and shear cracking have been experienced by unidirectional as compared to cross-ply, angle-ply and quasi-isotropic face sheets.
Concurrent Validity of The Psychopathic Personality Inventory–Revised and The Psychopathy Checklist
Authors: Hughes Melissa A. , Stout Julie C. , Dolan Mairead C.
Published: April 2013

The Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R) and derivatives, designed for use in offender samples, have proven psychometric properties but are resource intensive and difficult to use in nonincarcerated samples. The Psychopathic Personality Inventory–Revised (PPI-R) is a well-validated self-report measure, used in community samples, but there is limited data on its correspondence with the PCL-R. This study compared the Psychopathy Checklist: Screening Version (PCL:SV) and PPI-R in a sample of Australian prisoners ( n = 48) to determine the correspondence between the measures in characterising psychopathy. We also conducted an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) of the PPI-R’s subscales. While strong relationships were found between the total scores of the two measures ( r = .554), correspondence between the dimensions was poor. EFA did not support the two-factor solution. Our findings question the degree to which one can assume that these measures capture the same construct and highlight the need for further research delineating the PPI-R’s factor structure.
Histologic Features of Prepubertal and Pubertal Reproductive Development in Female Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Picut Catherine A. , Remick Amera K. , Asakawa Midori G. , Simons Michelle L. , Parker George A.
Published: April 2013

In response to growing concerns that environmental chemicals may have adverse effects on human health by altering the endocrine system, the Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program (EDSP), under the auspices of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), recently instituted a Tier I battery of tests including a female pubertal assay. This assay requires dosing of female rats from postnatal day (PND) 22 through PND 42 (or 43), the period of pubertal development in the rat, to identify test articles that may have estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects, or may alter hormones or neurotransmitters. While certain landmarks in female rat reproductive development are published, little is published on the microscopic appearance of the female reproductive tract during prepubertal and pubertal development. In this study, reproductive tissues from three female Sprague-Dawley rats were collected each day from PND 20 through PND 50, such that tissues from a total of 93 rats were collected throughout the prepubertal and pubertal period. Tissues were formalin-fixed, trimmed, paraffin-embedded, sectioned at 5-µm thickness, and examined microscopically. The major histologic features of the female reproductive tract throughout this critical period were described in detail. This information will help pathologists interpret findings observed in female pubertal assays.
Translation, Exegesis, and 1 Thessalonians 2.14–15
Authors: Porter Stanley E.
Published: April 2013

This article examines recent commentaries and translations of 1 Thessalonians 2:14–15, especially the issue of whether the clause describing the Jews is restrictive or not. The author argues that some recent scholarship shows that the clause should be taken as restrictive, but that a number of recent commentaries and translations—although with some encouraging exceptions—have failed to take this into account. This interpretation, which entails punctuation without a comma at the end of v. 14 (in English and Greek), clarifies a number of exegetical problems.
Looking in the Old Testament for the Epic Genre
Authors: Bullard Roger A.
Published: April 2013

This article considers the question of what may qualify as “epic” in the Hebrew Bible. Against Cross, we argue that certain prose narratives can be termed epic in themselves, although Judges 5 and Exodus 15 show that Israel could produce epic poetry. Hector and Nora Chadwick claimed that epic is a cultural rather than literary phenomenon and does not demand poetic form. For Parry and Lord, epic poetry has its origin in oral singing of tales, with no Urtext ever existing since every performance was a new creation. Israel’s epic must be considered secondary, in C. S. Lewis’s terminology, because it does not look back to a heroic past, but assumes a progression in history.
Synergy-based hand pose sensing: Optimal glove design
Authors: Bianchi Matteo , Salaris Paolo , Bicchi Antonio
Published: April 2013

In this paper we study the problem of optimally designing glove-based sensing devices for hand pose reconstruction to maximize their potential for precision. In a companion paper we studied the problem of maximizing the reconstruction accuracy of the hand pose from partial and noisy data provided by any given pose sensing device (a sensorized “glove”) taking into account the knowledge of how humans most frequently use their hands in grasping tasks. In this paper we consider the dual problem of how to design pose sensing devices, i.e. how and where to place sensors on a glove, to get maximum information about the actual hand posture. We study the optimal design of gloves of different nature, according to a classification of current sensing technologies adopted in the domain. The objective is to provide, for given a priori information and fixed number of sensor inputs, the optimal design minimizing the reconstruction error statistics (assuming that optimal reconstruction algorithms are adopted). Finally, an experimental evaluation of the proposed method for optimal design is provided.
The impact of a new service for maltreated children on Children’s Hearings in Scotland: a qualitative study
Authors: Walker Hannah , Wilson Philip , Minnis Helen
Published: April 2013

In Scotland, the Children’s Hearing system determines the placement of maltreated children. A locally tailored version of the New Orleans Intervention for such children is about to be introduced in Glasgow. As part of an evaluation of its impact, an exploration was conducted of decision-making by children’s panel members, their possible role in the new intervention and their attitudes towards the changes. Interviews were held with focus groups and with members of the Children’s Hearing system using vignettes and a topic guide to focus the discussions. Thematic analysis identified key themes about the decision-making process and how the new service might impact on this. It was found that making decisions about a child’s eventual permanent placement is complex, but discussions generally focused on the parent rather than the child. Panel members highlighted how decision-making could be facilitated by a solid evidence base and knowing that a future care plan for the child is in place. Many of them were positive about the new intervention. Good, clear communication will be essential if they are to accept recommendations from a new service. Also, training will be crucial if they are to appreciate the validity of the reports that emerge.
Randomised trial on episodic cluster headache with an angiotensin II receptor blocker
Authors: Tronvik Erling , Wienecke Troels , Monstad Inge , Dahløf Carl , Bøe Magne Geir , Tjensvoll Anne Bolette , Salvesen Rolf , Zwart John Anker , Jansson Sven-Olof , Stovner Lars Jacob
Published: April 2013

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the angiotensin II receptor antagonist candesartan as prophylactic medication in patients with episodic cluster headache.

Methods

This study comprised a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-designed trial performed in seven centres in Scandinavia. Forty (40) patients with episodic cluster headache (ICHD-2) were recruited and randomised over a five-year period to placebo or 16 mg candesartan in the first week, and placebo or 32 mg candesartan in the second and third week.

Results

The number of cluster headache attacks (primary efficacy variable) during the three-week treatment period was reduced from 14.3 ± 9.2 attacks in week 1 to 5.6 ± 7.0 attacks in week 3 (−61%) in the candesartan group and from 16.8 ± 14.1 attacks in week 1 to 10.5 ± 11.3 attacks in week 3 (−38%) in the placebo group. The difference between the candesartan and placebo group was not significant with the pre-planned non-parametric ranking test, but a post-hoc exact Poisson test, which takes into account the temporal properties of the data, revealed a significant result ( p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

This was a negative trial. Post-hoc statistics suitable to describe the temporal changes in cluster headache indicate that conduction of future larger studies may be justified.
Human Circadian Phase Estimation from Signals Collected in Ambulatory Conditions Using an Autoregressive Model
Authors: Gil Enrique A. , Aubert Xavier L. , Møst Els I.S. , Beersma Domien G.M.
Published: April 2013

Phase estimation of the human circadian rhythm is a topic that has been explored using various modeling approaches. The current models range from physiological to mathematical, all attempting to estimate the circadian phase from different physiological or behavioral signals. Here, we have focused on estimation of the circadian phase from unobtrusively collected signals in ambulatory conditions using a statistically trained autoregressive moving average with exogenous inputs (ARMAX) model. Special attention has been given to the evaluation of heart rate interbeat intervals (RR intervals) as a potential circadian phase predictor. Prediction models were trained using all possible combinations of RR intervals, activity levels, and light exposures, each collected over a period of 24 hours. The signals were measured without any behavioral constraints, aside from the collection of saliva in the evening to determine melatonin concentration, which was measured in dim-light conditions. The model was trained and evaluated using 2 completely independent datasets, with 11 and 19 participants, respectively. The output was compared to the gold standard of circadian phase: dim-light melatonin onset (DLMO). The most accurate model that we found made use of RR intervals and light and was able to yield phase estimates with a prediction error of 2 ± 39 minutes (mean ± SD) from the DLMO reference value.