bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-Life Distribution of KRAS and NRAS Mutations in Metastatic Colorectal Carcinoma from French Routine Genotyping
Authors: Piton Nicolas , Lonchamp Etienne , Nowak Frédérique , Sabourin Jean-Christophe
Published: July 2015

In metastatic colorectal cancer, KRAS and NRAS genotyping is mandatory before prescription of panitumumab or cetuximab. In order to perform such molecular tests, the French National Cancer Institute has set up a nationwide network of molecular centers. We report here the percentage of these mutations according to a prospective nonselected cohort of incident metastatic colorectal carcinoma patients. A total of 6,803 patients were tested between July 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013. Overall, 49.06% of patients harbored a mutation in either KRAS or NRAS. Mutations of NRAS exons 3 and 4 were very rare. No NRAS exon 3 at c.59 or exon 4 at c.117 mutations were retrieved, and only 1 NRAS exon 4 at c.146 mutation was detected. This present cohort is likely to represent most of the incident cases of metastatic colorectal adenocarcinomas arising in France over 6 months and is to our knowledge the largest population set genotyped for these genes in this condition. This is a unique opportunity to observe the frequency of RAS mutations regardless of most inclusion bias. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(9); 1416–8. ©2015 AACR.
Enhanced Glucose Tolerance and Pancreatic Beta Cell Function by Low Dose Aspirin in Hyperglycemic Insulin-Resistant Type 2 Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) Rats
Authors: Amiri Layla , John Annie , Shafarin Jasmin , Adeghate Ernest , Jayaprakash Petrilla , Yasin Javed , Howarth Frank Christopher , Raza Haider
Published: July 2015

Background/Aim: Type 2 diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder, characterized by insulin resistance and pancreatic islet beta-cell failure. The most common complications associated with type 2 diabetes are hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, increased inflammatory and reduced insulin response. Aspirin (ASA) and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been associated with the prevention of diabetes, obesity and related cardiovascular disorders. Aspirin has been used in many clinical and experimental trials for the prevention of diabetes and associated complications. Methods: In this study, five month old Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, which showed signs of mild hyperglycemia (fasting blood glucose 80-95 mg/dl vs 55-60 mg/dl Wistar control rats) were used. Two subgroups of GK and Wistar control rats were injected intraperitoneally with 100 mg aspirin/kg body weight/ day for 5 weeks. Animals were sacrificed and blood and tissues were collected after performing glucose tolerance (2 h post 2g IP glucose ingestion) tests in experimental and control groups. Results: Aspirin caused a moderate decrease in hyperglycemia. However, we observed a significant improvement in glucose tolerance after ASA treatment in GK rats compared to the nondiabetic Wistar rats. Also, the ASA treated GK rats exhibited a significant decrease in insulinemia. ASA treatment also caused a marked reduction in the pro-inflammatory prostaglandin, PGE2, which was significantly higher in GK rats. On the other hand, no significant organ toxicity was observed after ASA treatment at this dose and time period. However, the total cholesterol and lipoprotein levels were significantly increased in GK rats, which decreased after ASA treatment. Immunofluorescence staining for insulin/glucagon secreting pancreatic cells showed improved beta-cell structural and functional integrity in ASA-treated rats which was also confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Conclusion: The improved glucose tolerance in ASA-treated GK rats may be associated with increased insulin responses due to the anti-inflammatory properties of ASA and enhanced nitric oxide (NO) level which facilitated insulin signaling and energy utilization in target tissues. These results may have implications in determining the therapeutic use of ASA in insulin-resistant type 2 diabetes.
Inhibition of Recombining Binding Protein Suppressor of Hairless (RBPJ) Impairs the Growth of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Xue Li , Li Hecheng , Chen Qi , Wang Zhenlong , Zhang Peng , Chen Haiwen , Wang Ziming , Chong Tie
Published: July 2015

Background/Aims: Notch signaling pathway regulates cancer cell growth. RBPJ is a key transcription factor downstream of Notch receptor activation, whereas the role of RBPJ in carcinogenesis of prostate cancer is ill-defined. Methods: Here, we evaluated the effects of RBPJ inhibition on the growth of prostate cancer cells. We knocked down RBPJ in prostate cancer cells by a short hairpin interfering RNA (shRNA). We measured cell growth by an MTT assay. We analyzed the levels of cell-cycle-associated proteins by Western blot. Results: We found that shRNA for RBPJ efficiently inhibited RBPJ expression in prostate cancer cells, resulting in a significant decrease in the cell growth. Further, RBPJ-mediated cell-growth inhibition appeared to be resulting from alteration of cell-cycle inhibitors p21 and p27, cell-cycle activators CDK2, CDK4 and CyclinD1, and apoptosis-suppressor Bcl-2. Conclusion: Our data suggest that shRNA intervention of RBPJ expression could be a promising therapeutic approach for treating human prostate cancer.
Interleukin-26: An Emerging Player in Host Defense and Inflammation
Authors: Tengvall Sara , Che Karlhans Fru , Lindén Anders
Published: July 2015

The production of interleukin (IL)-26 was initially attributed to T cells, and in particular to Th17 cells. However, more recent findings indicate IL-26 production in natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages and fibroblast-like cells as well. It is known that IL-26 binds to the IL-20R1/IL-10R2 receptor complex on certain target cells, where it causes specific intracellular signaling and the secretion of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α. In line with this type of proinflammatory role, IL-26 also increases chemotaxis of human neutrophils. Interestingly, high levels of IL-26 are present even in normal human airways, and endotoxin exposure further enhances these levels; this indicates involvement in antibacterial host defense. Studies on acute inflammatory disorders are few but there are studies showing the involvement of IL-26 in rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. In conclusion, IL-26 is emerging as a potentially important player in host defense and may also be a pathogenic factor in the chronic inflammatory disorders of humans.
Repeatability of Retinal Macular Thickness Measurements in Patients with Clinically Significant Macular Edema Using Two Different Scanning Protocols of Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Fiore Tito , Lupidi Marco , Androudi Sofia , Giansanti Fabrizio , Fruttini Daniela , Cagini Carlo
Published: July 2015

Objective: To determine the repeatability of Spectralis optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal thickness measurements in diabetic patients with clinically significant macular edema (CSME) using two different scanning protocols. Methods: Seventy-one eyes of 71 diabetic patients with CSME were included in the study. Coefficients of repeatability and intrasession variation coefficients were tested with 20 × 15 degree raster scans consisting of 19 or 37 high-resolution line scans (15 or 8 frames per scan, respectively) that were repeated 2 times by 1 experienced examiner. The first scan was set as the reference scan; the second scan was the follow-up scan and was performed with the use of the follow-up mode. Results: The mean and standard deviation for the central foveal subfield (CSF) using the first scanning method was 404 ± 88 μm, while it was 399 ± 86 μm using the second protocol, which was not statistically significantly different (p = 0.35, paired test). Particularly examining the CSF, the coefficient of repeatability was 1.48 (6.00 µm) and 1.49 (5.95 µm) for the 19- and the 37-B-scan acquisition, respectively, showing a nonstatistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Retinal thickness measurements in diabetic patients with CSME are repeatable using both scanning protocols (19 or 37 B-scans) with Spectralis OCT. The repeatability of the retinal thickness measurement does not improve by increasing the number of B-scans from 19 to 37.
S
‐Nitrosoglutathione Reductase Deficiency Enhances the Proliferative Expansion of Adult Heart Progenitors and Myocytes Post Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hatzistergos Konstantinos E. , Paulino Ellena C. , Dulce Raul A. , Takeuchi Lauro M. , Bellio Michael A. , Kulandavelu Shathiyah , Cao Yenong , Balkan Wayne , Kanashiro‐Takeuchi Rosemeire M. , Hare Joshua M.
Published: July 2015

Background

Mammalian heart regenerative activity is lost before adulthood but increases after cardiac injury. Cardiac repair mechanisms, which involve both endogenous cardiac stem cells (
CSC
s) and cardiomyocyte cell‐cycle reentry, are inadequate to achieve full recovery after myocardial infarction (
MI
). Mice deficient in
S
‐nitrosoglutathione reductase (

GSNOR

−⁄−
), an enzyme regulating
S
‐nitrosothiol turnover, have preserved cardiac function after
MI
. Here, we tested the hypothesis that
GSNOR
activity modulates cardiac cell proliferation in the post‐
MI
adult heart.

Methods and Results

GSNOR

−⁄−

and C57Bl6/J (wild‐type [
WT
]) mice were subjected to sham operation (n=3

GSNOR

−⁄−

; n=3
WT
) or
MI
(n=41

GSNOR

−⁄−

; n=65
WT
). Compared with
WT
,

GSNOR

−⁄−

mice exhibited improved survival, cardiac performance, and architecture after
MI
, as demonstrated by higher ejection fraction (
P
<0.05), lower endocardial volumes (
P
<0.001), and diminished scar size (
P
<0.05). In addition, cardiomyocytes from post‐
MI

GSNOR

−⁄−

hearts exhibited faster calcium decay and sarcomeric relaxation times (
P
<0.001). Immunophenotypic analysis illustrated that post‐
MI

GSNOR

−⁄−

hearts demonstrated enhanced neovascularization (
P
<0.001), c‐kit
+
CSC
abundance (
P
=0.013), and a ≈3‐fold increase in proliferation of adult cardiomyocytes and c‐kit
+
/
CD
45
−
CSC
s (
P
<0.0001 and
P
=0.023, respectively) as measured by using 5‐bromodeoxyuridine.

Conclusions

Loss of

GSNOR

confers enhanced post‐
MI
cardiac regenerative activity, characterized by enhanced turnover of cardiomyocytes and
CSC
s. Endogenous denitrosylases exert an inhibitory effect over cardiac repair mechanisms and therefore represents a potential novel therapeutic target.
Male description and intraspecific variations of Cyrtopsis t-sigillata (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae)
Authors: SONG QIONG , DU BAO-JIE , SHI FU-MING
Published: July 2015

The paper describes the male of Cyrtopsis t-sigillata Liu, Zhou & Bi, 2010 for the first time, and discusses individual variations in the species. It provides the photos of important morphological features, and offers a distribution map about the genus Cyrtopsis Bey-Bienko, 1962. The examined material is deposited in the Museum of Hebei University. Morphological images were acquired using Leica M205 A digital imaging system.
Causes of the 2011–14 California Drought*
Authors: Seager Richard , Hoerling Martin , Schubert Siegfried , Wang Hailan , Lyon Bradfield , Kumar Arun , Nakamura Jennifer , Henderson Naomi
Published: July 2015

The causes of the California drought during November–April winters of 2011/12–2013/14 are analyzed using observations and ensemble simulations with seven atmosphere models forced by observed SSTs. Historically, dry California winters are most commonly associated with a ridge off the west coast but no obvious SST forcing. Wet winters are most commonly associated with a trough off the west coast and an El Niño event. These attributes of dry and wet winters are captured by many of the seven models. According to the models, SST forcing can explain up to a third of California winter precipitation variance. SST forcing was key to sustaining a high pressure ridge over the west coast and suppressing precipitation during the three winters. In 2011/12 this was a response to a La Niña event, whereas in 2012/13 and 2013/14 it appears related to a warm west–cool east tropical Pacific SST pattern. All models contain a mode of variability linking such tropical Pacific SST anomalies to a wave train with a ridge off the North American west coast. This mode explains less variance than ENSO and Pacific decadal variability, and its importance in 2012/13 and 2013/14 was unusual. The models from phase 5 of CMIP (CMIP5) project rising greenhouse gases to cause changes in California all-winter precipitation that are very small compared to recent drought anomalies. However, a long-term warming trend likely contributed to surface moisture deficits during the drought. As such, the precipitation deficit during the drought was dominated by natural variability, a conclusion framed by discussion of differences between observed and modeled tropical SST trends.
Is There a Relationship Between Snoring Sound Intensity and Frequency and OSAS Severity?
Authors: Acar Mustafa , Yazıcı Demet , Bayar Muluk Nuray , Hancı Deniz , Seren Erdal , Cingi Cemal
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

We investigated the relationship between snoring sounds and severity of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS).

Methods:

A total number of 103 snoring patients (60 males and 43 females) were evaluated by means of polysomnographic findings and snoring sound recordings. Snoring sound intensity was assessed using fast Fourier transform (FFT) method by measuring maximal frequency (Fmax) and average snoring sound intensity level (SSIL).

Results:

Maximal frequency and SSIL are correlated with apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), REM AHI, and severity of the OSAS. So, as the severity of the OSAS increased, so did the Fmax and SSIL of the snoring recordings, meaning patients started snoring louder with more frequency. In older patients, in females, in severe OSAS group, and in patients with higher body mass index (BMI), AHI and AHI REM values and SSIL and Fmax values increased. As mean oxygen (O2) saturation and lowest O2 saturation decreased, SSIL and Fmax values increased.

Conclusion:

Maximal frequency and SSIL analysis of the snoring sound increased in severe OSAS patients. People should be aware of the importance of snoring sounds. In particular, patients with snoring sounds increasing in intensity and of higher frequency should discuss with their physicians the possibility of OSAS.
Evaluating restrictive measures containing housing prices in China: A data envelopment analysis approach
Authors: Li Jing , Xu Ying
Published: July 2015

This paper establishes and evaluates the efficiency of three restrictive measures adopted by the government to contain housing prices: restricted bank loan ( xiandai), restricted sale price ( xianjia) and restricted housing purchase ( xiangou). Based on the data envelopment analysis non-controllable variable model, the efficiency of the three measures to mediating housing prices among 35 major cities are examined. It is found that xiangou is more efficient than xianjia and xiandai to achieve stabilising goals in the housing market. The findings of this research could provide the government with a benchmark to estimate the possible outcome of different restrictive measures containing property prices, in the context of the global overflow of liquidity over the past decade.
Public Sector Change in Australia: Are Managers' Ideals Being Realized?
Authors: Bradley Lisa , Parker Rachel
Published: July 2015

Public sector organizations traditionally have been associated with the internal process (bureaucratic) model of organizational culture. Public choice and management theory have suggested that public sector managers can learn from the experience of private sector management, and need to change from the internal process model of organizational culture. Due to these influences on managers, the current research proposes that managers' perceptions of ideal organizational culture would no longer reflect the Internal process model. Public sector managers' perceptions of the current culture, as well as their perceptions of the ideal culture, were measured. A mail-out survey was conducted in the Queensland (a state of Australia) public sector. Responses to a competing values culture inventory were received from 222 managers. Results indicated that a reliance on the Internal process model persists, while managers had a desire for cultural models other than the internal process model, as hypothesized.
Strategic Human Resource Management: Perceptions among North Carolina County Social Service Professionals
Authors: Daley Dennis , Vasu Michael L. , Weinstein Meredith Blackwell
Published: July 2015

Strategic human resource management (SHRM) enhances productivity and the effectiveness of organizations. Research shows that when organizations employ such personnel practices as internal career ladders, formal training systems, results-oriented performance appraisal, employment security, employee voice/participation, broadly defined jobs, and performance-based compensation, they are more able to achieve their goals and objectives. Using a survey of North Carolina county social service professionals, this study examines (1) the extent to which strategic human resource management is perceived, (2) the relationship of these SHRM practices to demographic variables such as age, ethnic status, sex, education, supervisory status and tenure, and county population, and (3) the relationship between SHRM and outcome assessments for welfare reform (unemployment change and organizational report card measures). While SHRM practices are perceived to be present in North Carolina counties, they clearly are not a predominant feature. Weak demographic influences, especially in terms of population and supervisory status and tenure, are evident. Especially disturbing are the influences those demographic influences have on employment security. Few relationships are found (and those only weak) involving outcome assessments.
A Motive to Serve: Public Service Motivation in Human Resource Management and the Role of PSM in the Nonprofit Sector
Authors: Mann Gregory A.
Published: July 2015

Several studies over the past two decades have presented varying degrees of evidence that an increased motive to serve the public good is prevalent in the public sector workforce. A widely accepted and measurable construct for public service motivation could have ramifications for public personnel managers in a number of key areas. This paper reviews the current literature on public service motivation (PSM) theory and examines how this desire to make a difference might e harnessed as a motivational force for human resource managers. The prevalence of PSM in the nonprofit sector is also explored as a means of broadening the current public-private dichotomy.
One More Reason Not to Cut Your Training Budget: The Relationship between Training and Organizational Outcomes
Authors: Owens Patrick L.
Published: July 2015

Training is a vital function for all organizations. However, determining the contribution of training is oftentimes an elusive task. This paper examines training's impact on organizational variables that have been shown to positively impact an organization's employees. Specifically, this paper investigates the relationship between training, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, organizational justice and turnover cognitions. Results from a sample of 218 employees from state local subdivision indicate positive relationships between training and organizational outcomes such as job satisfaction, organizational commitment and turnover cognitions. Further, organizational justice variables were shown to mediate those relationships.
E-Mail Policies of the 50 States: A Content Analysis
Authors: Ahmed Shamima
Published: July 2015

E-mail has become one of the most common means of office communication. It has also become a risky and potentially costly mode of communication. A well-written e-mail policy is a major safeguard for employers against the intentional and unintentional abuse of office e-mail privileges. A growing body of literature offers suggestions on the essential components of an e-mail policy. In this article, the author compares the 50 states' e-mail policies with these components to assess their adequacy. Only two states' e-mail policies have 10 of the 11 components. Furthermore, none of the states' policies clarify the grievance process for e-mail policy violations.
Science, System, or Hunch: Alternative Approaches to Improving Employee Selection
Authors: Daniel Christopher
Published: July 2015

Since the scientific management movement of the early 20th century, managers have attempted to improve employee selection by introducing innovative techniques. The federal government's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) validation requirements have affected many institutions' selection efforts negatively, stifling innovation and leading to increased reliance on unreliable, informal interviews. Some managers cannot improve selection without first reassessing their assumptions about science, validity, EEO, and the law.
Pay Equity in Review
Authors: Reichenberg Neil E.
Published: July 2015

This article provides an overview of pay equity as well as an update of recent developments concerning this issue. The article summarizes the arguments advanced by pay equity advocates and opponents. There is a discussion of the leading court decisions which is organized as cases brought before and after the United States Supreme Court's landmark decision in the case of County of Washington v. Gunther, 452 U.S. 161 (1981). The position of the Reagan Administration, as set forth by the Department of Justice and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission also is summarized. The article includes a description of the legislation pending before the 99th United States Congress along with state legislative developments. The final section of the article is a pay equity bibliography.
Federal Training in Tight Budget Years
Authors: Hinch Gerald K. , Pangallo Clement D.
Published: July 2015

As federal agencies look for ways to improve productivity, they should concentrate on developing their most important resource—their human capital resource. Although federal civilian training has exceeded the recommended norms on several key indicators, training departments will have to do more with fewer resources. Several ideas and techniques are presented in this paper to stimulate divergent thinking on ways to cope with fulfilling the training department's mission, purpose and objectives during times of dwindling financial resources.
Management Development and More: Contracting Out Makes it Possible
Authors: Misler Dennis I.
Published: July 2015

Training offices often have to decide whether to develop and present training with in-house staff or contract out. In the Montgomery County (Maryland) Government, a policy of belt tightening created the need for more effective management development, and cut backs in the staff of the Training Unit made it necessary to contract out for training. The resulting success of the Management Development Program has spawned other training program opportunities, all of which have been made possible by the effective use of contractors.
The Concurrent Validity of the Correctional Officers' Interest Blank
Authors: Sevy Bruce A.
Published: July 2015

The fairness and criterion-related validity of the Correctional Officers' Interest Blank as a predictor of rated job performance was investigated for three county-level corrections-related jobs: correction officers, juvenile counselors, and probation officers. Validity for corrections officers was considerably below that reported in the test manual (Gough, 1982). Criterion unreliability and range restriction in COIB scores were ruled out as explanations of the lower validity. Combining all available data yields an estimated validity of .27 for the COIB as a predictor of the job performance of corrections officers. The COIB is only weakly related to the job performance of juvenile counselors and has no relationship to the performance of probation officers. Analyses based upon the Cleary model (1968) indicate that the COIB fairly predicts the performance of minority and majority corrections officers and juvenile counselors. Further analyses indicate, however, that to avoid adverse impact the passing score for the COIB has to be set so low as to seriously reduce its effectiveness as a selection tool.
Professional Burnout among Public School Teachers
Authors: Hock Roger R.
Published: July 2015

This was a questionnaire study designed to address the problem of professional burnout among elementary, junior high, and high school teachers in a large metropolitan public school system. Subjects were 939 teachers in the San Diego Unified School District who responded to a new questionnaire that assessed various aspects of teachers and their jobs including demographic variables, teaching climate, job stress, and dissatisfaction, psychological effects of burnout, and related physical symptoms. The questionnaires were distributed and collected by the San Diego Teachers Association.

Results indicated that there is wide variation in the degree of burnout teachers experience. No differences were found in susceptibility to burnout due to demographic variables such as age, sex, grade level, subject taught, or years of experience. Certain characteristics of teaching climate associated with high and low levels of burnout were identified. Those specific stressors that most affected teachers and those that were most highly associated with burnout were delineated. Additional analyses clarified the psychological and physical effects of burnout for the sample of teachers studied. Burnout as a useful construct for studying individuals in large organizations was discussed and suggestions were offered for future research possibilities.
The Relationship between Supervisory Communication and Subordinate Performance and Satisfaction among Professionals
Authors: Alexander Elmore R. , Helms Marilyn M. , Wilkins Ronnie D.
Published: July 2015

The study described in this article explored the relationship between supervisory communication and subordinate performance and satisfaction in a vocational rehabilitation agency setting. Providing professional vocational-rehabilitation counselors with information about the job and the organization as well as explaining the rationale for decisions was positively related to their performance and satisfaction. Telling them how to do their job as well as encouraging participation in work group decisions had a negative relationship with performance and satisfaction. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of these results for supervisors of professional workers.
Deprofessonialization and the Organizational Life Cycle: The Case of Community Service Agencies
Authors: Schmid Hillel , Yanay Uri
Published: July 2015

This paper focuses on a process of deprofessionalization observed in one type of human service organization. The case relates to Community Service Agencies in which deprofessionalization occurred as the organization matured. An integration of the Resource Dependence Model with the model of Organizational Life Cycle offers an explanation of the phenomenon.
Structured Interviewing Simplified
Authors: Daniel Christopher , Valencia Sergio
Published: July 2015

Structured interviewing is useful because informally conducted interviews are not predictive of job performance. This article describes components of structured interviews, emphasizing practices supported by research and common sense. There is no “one size fits all” remedy, but jurisdictions can benefit by adopting a step-by-step agenda.
The Assessment Center: Effects of Varying Consensus Procedures
Authors: Lowry Phillip E.
Published: July 2015

The impact of using two different consensus procedures in an assessment center was investigated using a field experiment. Two groups of assessors observed participants in the same exercises. The experimental group used a consensus procedure that did not allow evaluative discussions of behaviors or attribution of scores to assessors. The control group allowed both activities. The results showed significant and important differences between the two groups of assessors in both scores and rankings of participants. Scores from the experimental group showed no significant difference form independent ratings by supervisors on the same performance dimensions. This contrasted with the strongly significant difference shown by the control group. The results support previous findings that there is a need to standardize the consensus procedures. The process described for the experimental group is suggested as a model.
A Critique of Ethics Laws
Authors: Grumet Barbara Ruhe
Published: July 2015

Ethics laws, which prescribe and prohibit certain behavior for public officials, have been enacted in response to recent scandals in federal and state government. These laws focus on methods which include financial disclosure, defining and prohibiting behaviors such as conflict of interest, and restricting private sector employment in matters directly related to public life. While these laws have some benefits, such as providing more information to the public about elected and appointed officials, they do not go far enough either to define, or prevent, unethical behavior. This paper suggests that a broader approach, focusing on specific actions of public officials, would be a better way to prevent unethical behavior in the public sector.
In Search of the Holy Grail: Lessons in Performance Management
Authors: Schay Brigitte W.
Published: July 2015

This article discusses the federal government's search for the perfect performance management system and recommends flexible approaches that focus more on feedback than evaluation. Results are presented from three alternative performance management systems tested in govemmentwide demonstration projects (China Lake, NIST, and Pacer Share), authorized by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Two different pay-for-performance systems were found to be effective, while the third system tested under Pacer Share, which eliminated performance appraisal consistent with Deming's TQM philosophy, produced some undesirable results.
Ten Years of Experience with a Performance-Based Promotional Selection and Career Development System within State Government
Authors: Baugher Dan , Varanelli Andrew , Hall James
Published: July 2015

This article describes the experiences of the New York State Division of the Budget over the past ten years with the decentralized administration of an organizationally-based system for selecting and developing employees for promotion. This system assesses candidate training and experience against the requirements of the position to which they aspire as well as recent job performance on behaviors relevant to performance in the promotional position. Overall, both managers and candidates have found the system to be more effective than traditional written/oral exam processes in furthering career development within the Division, selecting employees for promotion, and rewarding current performance.
Artistic interventions in contemporary China
Authors: Lu Sheldon H.
Published: July 2015

This concluding article examines the ways in which Chinese artists depict, decipher, and react to urbanization in contemporary China. It summarizes several important themes in the cluster of articles included in this special issue of China Information. First, Chinese artists navigate the complex relationship between art and society, namely the tension between the individual aspirations of artists on the one hand and the limits of tolerance in Chinese public culture on the other hand. Second, the artists feel compelled to negotiate with and make sense of the Janus-faced reality of China: rosy images of a forward-looking society as painted by the official media in contrast to the plight of marginal social groups who have not been able to benefit from China’s march to prosperity. Third, the artists attempt to find the right balance in artistic expression between localism and globalization, namely, between the indigenous roots of their art and the pressures and opportunities afforded by the global capitalist economy and the international art market.
Prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigens 1, 4, and 7 in galgos (Spanish Greyhounds)
Authors: Spada Eva , Proverbio Daniela , Viñals Flórez Luis Miguel , del Rosario Perlado Chamizo Maria , Perego Roberta , Bagnagatti De Giorgi Giada , Baggiani Luciana
Published: July 2015

Galgos (Spanish Greyhounds), in common with other sighthounds, have higher hematocrits, hemoglobin concentrations, and red blood cell counts than other breeds. In addition to these hematological characteristics, the physical characteristics of these dogs (medium to large dogs with an easily accessible jugular vein and a good temperament) make galgos ideal blood donors. However, to date, there are only published reports concerning dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1 in this breed. Information on DEAs 4 and 7 would be useful when recruiting blood donors to donation programs, as DEA 1 and 7–negative and DEA 4–positive dogs can be considered universal donors. Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid–anticoagulated jugular blood samples were collected from 205 galgos. Dogs were aged between 1 and 10 years, 102 were female (49.8%) and 103 male (50.2%), and all were living in South Madrid, Spain. All 205 blood samples were tested for DEA 1 by card agglutination, and 150 of these samples were tested for DEA 4 and DEA 7 by gel column agglutination using polyclonal anti-DEA antibodies. Of the 205 galgos blood samples typed, 112 out of 205 (54.6%) were positive for DEA 1. Of the 150 blood samples tested, all (150/150, 100%) were positive for DEA 4, and 12 out of 150 (8%) samples tested positive for DEA 7. Of these samples, 70 out of 150 (46.7%) were positive only for DEA 4. There was no relationship between blood types and sex. In addition to the hematological characteristics previously reported and the physical characteristics of these dogs, the relative prevalence of blood types DEA 1, 4, and 7 make galgos good candidates for blood donation in blood donor programs.
Formula Supplementation of Breastfed Infants
Authors: Walker Marsha
Published: July 2015

Formula supplementation of the breastfed infant is engaged in for numerous reasons, many of which are not evidence based. While clinicians and mothers may view this practice as a benign intervention, there are a number of undesired side effects of which parents and health care providers may be unaware. These side effects can result in adverse outcomes on the maternal milk supply, on the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding, and on the infant’s gut microbiome. Alterations of the neonatal gut environment from formula supplementation can be responsible for mucosal inflammation and disease, autoimmunity disorders, and allergic conditions in childhood and adulthood. Soy infant formula can contain genetically modified ingredients and present a food with lower nutritional quality. Careful assessment and interventions that are designed to produce outcomes of abundant milk production and rapid resolution of breastfeeding problems help preserve the exclusive breastfeeding experience and result in optimal health outcomes for mothers and their infants.
Scalable efficient expansion of mesenchymal stem cells in xeno free media using commercially available reagents
Authors: Riordan Neil H , Madrigal Marialaura , Reneau Jason , de Cupeiro Kathya , Jiménez Natalia , Ruiz Sergio , Sanchez Nelsy , Ichim Thomas E , Silva Francisco , Patel Amit N
Published: July 2015

Background

The rapid clinical translation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has resulted in the development of cell-based strategies for multiple indications. Unfortunately one major barrier to widespread implementation of MSC-based therapies is the limited supply of fetal calf serum (FCS) used to expand cells to therapeutic numbers. Additionally, the xenogeneic element of fetal calf serum has been previously demonstrated to stimulate antibody mediated reactions and in some cases sensitization leading to anaphylaxis.

Method

XcytePLUS™ media, a human platelet lysate based product, was used to supplement the culture medium at 5, 7.5 and 10% and compared to fetal calf serum at 10%, for human umbilical cord MSC expansion. Properties of the expanded cells were investigated.

Results

This study demonstrated equivalent or superior effects of human platelet lysate compared to standard FCS supplemented media, based on doubling rate, without loss of identity or function, as demonstrated with flow cytometry characterization. Differentiation into osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes was comparable from cells expanded in either media supplement.

Conclusions

These data support the implementation of human platelet lysate supplemented media as an alternative to xenogeneic containing preparations which may lead to safer MSC products with therapeutic uses.
Assessment of the structural representativeness of sample data sets for the mechanical characterization of deep formations
Authors: Musso Guido , Cosentini Renato Maria , Foti Sebastiano , Comina Cesare , Capasso Gaia
Published: July 2015

Accurate characterization of the mechanical behavior of geomaterials at depth is a fundamental need for geologic and engineering purposes. Laboratory tests on samples from well cores provide the material characterization in terms of mechanical response and other relevant properties. Representativeness of a sample data set with respect to the in situ conditions at depth is a key issue, which needs to be addressed to extrapolate the laboratory response to the whole rock mass. We have developed a procedure aimed at quantitatively evaluating the representativeness of laboratory samples. The methodology is based on joint processing of laboratory ultrasonic tests and wellbore sonic logs. A structural index is used to quantify the difference between the average structure of the laboratory sample and the structure of the formation at the wellbore scale. This index could be used to identify different causes of discrepancies between the behavior of the cored samples and the behavior of the rock formation as documented by well logs. Then, it could also be used to integrate laboratory data for the construction of a reliable geomechanical model with reference to the real in situ state. The methodology was applied to three different experimental data sets, showing the effectiveness of the method.
The Glucose Sensor ChREBP Links De Novo Lipogenesis to PPARγ Activity and Adipocyte Differentiation
Authors: Witte Nicole , Muenzner Matthias , Rietscher Janita , Knauer Miriam , Heidenreich Steffi , Nuotio-Antar Alli M. , Graef Franziska A. , Fedders Ronja , Tolkachov Alexander , Goehring Isabel , Schupp Michael
Published: July 2015

Reduced de novo lipogenesis in adipose tissue, often observed in obese individuals, is thought to contribute to insulin resistance. Besides trapping excess glucose and providing for triglycerides and energy storage, endogenously synthesized lipids can function as potent signaling molecules. Indeed, several specific lipids and their molecular targets that mediate insulin sensitivity have been recently identified. Here, we report that carbohydrate-response element-binding protein (ChREBP), a transcriptional inducer of glucose use and de novo lipogenesis, controls the activity of the adipogenic master regulator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ. Expression of constitutive-active ChREBP in precursor cells activated endogenous PPARγ and promoted adipocyte differentiation. Intriguingly, ChREBP-constitutive-active ChREBP expression induced PPARγ activity in a fatty acid synthase-dependent manner and by trans-activating the PPARγ ligand-binding domain. Reducing endogenous ChREBP activity by either small interfering RNA-mediated depletion, exposure to low-glucose concentrations, or expressing a dominant-negative ChREBP impaired differentiation. In adipocytes, ChREBP regulated the expression of PPARγ target genes, in particular those involved in thermogenesis, similar to synthetic PPARγ ligands. In summary, our data suggest that ChREBP controls the generation of endogenous fatty acid species that activate PPARγ. Thus, increasing ChREBP activity in adipose tissue by therapeutic interventions may promote insulin sensitivity through PPARγ.
Ubc9 Impairs Activation of the Brown Fat Energy Metabolism Program in Human White Adipocytes
Authors: Hartig Sean M. , Bader David A. , Abadie Kathleen V. , Motamed Massoud , Hamilton Mark P. , Long Weiwen , York Brian , Mueller Michaela , Wagner Martin , Trauner Michael , Chan Lawrence , Bajaj Mandeep , Moore David D. , Mancini Michael A. , McGuire Sean E.
Published: July 2015

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) result from an inability to efficiently store and catabolize surplus energy in adipose tissue. Subcutaneous adipocytes protect against insulin resistance and T2DM by coupling differentiation with the induction of brown fat gene programs for efficient energy metabolism. Mechanisms that disrupt these programs in adipocytes are currently poorly defined, but represent therapeutic targets for the treatment of T2DM. To gain insight into these mechanisms, we performed a high-throughput microscopy screen that identified ubiquitin carrier protein 9 (Ubc9) as a negative regulator of energy storage in human sc adipocytes. Ubc9 depletion enhanced energy storage and induced the brown fat gene program in human sc adipocytes. Induction of adipocyte differentiation resulted in decreased Ubc9 expression commensurate with increased brown fat gene expression. Thiazolidinedione treatment reduced the interaction between Ubc9 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ, suggesting a mechanism by which Ubc9 represses PPARγ activity. In support of this hypothesis, Ubc9 overexpression remodeled energy metabolism in human sc adipocytes by selectively inhibiting brown adipocyte-specific function. Further, Ubc9 overexpression decreased uncoupling protein 1 expression by disrupting PPARγ binding at a critical uncoupling protein 1 enhancer region. Last, Ubc9 is significantly elevated in sc adipose tissue isolated from mouse models of insulin resistance as well as diabetic and insulin-resistant humans. Taken together, our findings demonstrate a critical role for Ubc9 in the regulation of sc adipocyte energy homeostasis.
SwissPalm: Protein Palmitoylation database
Authors: Blanc Mathieu , David Fabrice , Abrami Laurence , Migliozzi Daniel , Armand Florence , Bürgi Jérôme , van der Goot Françoise Gisou
Published: July 2015

Protein S-palmitoylation is a reversible post-translational modification that regulates many key biological processes, although the full extent and functions of protein S-palmitoylation remain largely unexplored. Recent developments of new chemical methods have allowed the establishment of palmitoyl-proteomes of a variety of cell lines and tissues from different species.  As the amount of information generated by these high-throughput studies is increasing, the field requires centralization and comparison of this information. Here we present SwissPalm (http://swisspalm.epfl.ch), our open, comprehensive, manually curated resource to study protein S-palmitoylation. It currently encompasses more than 5000 S-palmitoylated protein hits from seven species, and contains more than 500 specific sites of S-palmitoylation. SwissPalm also provides curated information and filters that increase the confidence in true positive hits, and integrates predictions of S-palmitoylated cysteine scores, orthologs and isoform multiple alignments. Systems analysis of the palmitoyl-proteome screens indicate that 10% or more of the human proteome is susceptible to S-palmitoylation. Moreover, ontology and pathway analyses of the human palmitoyl-proteome reveal that key biological functions involve this reversible lipid modification. Comparative analysis finally shows a strong crosstalk between S-palmitoylation and other post-translational modifications. Through the compilation of data and continuous updates, SwissPalm will provide a powerful tool to unravel the global importance of protein S-palmitoylation.
Meclophenoxate ion-selective plastic membrane sensors and their pharmaceutical applications
Authors: Drozd Joanna , Gumieniczek Anna
Published: July 2015

The present work describes the construction and general characteristics of meclophenoxate ion-selective plastic membrane sensors, based on the use of a meclophenoxate–tetrakis(4-chlorophenyl)borate ion-pair complex as electroactive material, with 1-isopropyl-4-nitrobenzene (electrode A), 2-nitrophenyloctyl ether (electrode B), 2-nitrodiphenyl ether (electrode C) or bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate (electrode D) as solvent mediators. The electrodes show a linear response to the meclophenoxate concentration ranges of 10-4,1 – 10–2 moll-1 (electrode A), 10-5,1 – 10–2 moll-1 (electrode B), 10-4 – 10–2 moll-1 (electrode C), 10-4,9 – 10–2 moll-1 (electrode D), over the pH range of 4.12 – 6.18 with a cationic slope of 61.7; 64.7; 63,33; 64,41 mV decade-1, respectively. The response time varied from 5 to 20s, depending on the meclophenoxate concentration. Electrode B was used for the potentiometric determination of the content of meclophenoxate hydrochloride in pure form, dragees and dragee dissolution test, with average recovery and mean standard deviation (±SD) of 101.79 ±1.57, 102.72 ±0.91 and 101.32 ± 0.84 of nominal values respectively.
Effects of bupropion and mecamylamine on motivational effects of drugs of abuse measured in CPP-reinstatement test in rats
Authors: Budzyńska Barbara , Polak Piotr , Biała Grażyna , Kruk-Słomka Marta
Published: July 2015

In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of cross-reinstatement of nicotine-induced place conditioning in rats. We used the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm and our data revealed that nicotine (0.175 mg/kg, base, i.p.) produced a place preference and once established, nicotine CPP was extinguished. Moreover the CB1 receptor agonist – WIN 55,212-2 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) or ethanol (0.5 g/kg, i.p.) reinstated a marked preference. Furthermore, we evaluated and compared the efficacy of the atypical antidepressant drug - bupropion (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) and a nonselective nicotinic receptor antagonist - mecamylamine (1 and 2 mg/kg, s.c.), in blocking the reinstatement of nicotine CPP provoked by WIN 55,212-2 and ethanol. Our results demonstrated that mecamylamine in all used doses and bupropion (except for dose of 10 mg/kg used in reinstatement induced by WIN 55,212-2) attenuated the reinstatement of nicotine-conditioned response induced by both drugs. Results obtained in the present studies may contribute to better understanding of the neurochemical mechanisms underlying nicotine addiction and the reciprocal relationships between nicotine, cannabis and ethanol.
Pharmacies in Puławy - from the earliest times, to the nationalization of pharmacies
Authors: Strzemski Maciej , Wróbel Andrzej , Kocjan Ryszard , Wójciak-Kosior Magdalena , Sowa Ireneusz , Szwerc Wojciech
Published: July 2015

The beginnings of pharmacy in Puławy are associated with the family of the Czartoryski princes. They established the pharmacy “Pod Gwiazdą” in 1792, and Franciszek Ksawery Wasilewski, Piotr Garski and Ignacy Adam Mikołajewicz worked in it as pharmacists. The first public pharmacy in Puławy was established by Wilhelm Treutler in 1847. Wilhelm’s son, Ryszard, took it over in 1880, and in 1926, the pharmacy “Pod Gwiazdą” was purchased by Zygmunt Kwiatkowski. The second public pharmacy in Puławy was set-up by Franciszek Roch Cyfracki, who was the mayor of this city from 1916 to 1918. This pharmacy was bought by Zygmunt Gawdzik in 1936. He ran it til outbreak of the Second World War, when he returned to the colours and was murdered by the Soviets at Kharkov. The pharmacy of Adam Wachlewicz was the last pharmacy established in Puławy before the Second World War. It stayed opened continuously during and after the war and was then nationalized.