bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social Support Substitution and the Earnings Rebound: Evidence from a Regression Discontinuity in Disability Insurance Reform
Authors: Borghans Lex , Gielen Anne C. , Luttmer Erzo F. P.
Published: November 2014

We exploit a cohort discontinuity in the stringency of Dutch disability reforms to estimate the effects of decreased DI (disability insurance) generosity on behavior of existing recipients. We find evidence of social support substitution: individuals on average offset €1.00 of lost DI benefits by collecting €0.30 more from other social assistance programs, but this benefit-substitution effect declines over time. Individuals also exhibit a rebound in earnings: earnings increase by € 0.62 on average per euro of lost DI benefits and this effect remains roughly constant over time. This is strong evidence of substantial remaining earnings capacity among long-term claimants of DI. (JEL I38, J14, J22, J28, J31)
A Test for the Rational Ignorance Hypothesis: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in Brazil
Authors: Lopez de Leon Fernanda Leite , Rizzi Renata
Published: November 2014

This paper tests the rational ignorance hypothesis by Downs (1957). This theory predicts that people do not acquire costly information to educate their votes. We provide new estimates for the effect of voting participation by exploring the Brazilian dual voting system—voluntary and compulsory—whose exposure is determined by citizens' date of birth. Using a fuzzy RD approach and data from a self-collected survey, we find no impact of voting on individuals' political knowledge or information consumption. Our results corroborate Downs' predictions and refute the conjecture by Lijphart (1997) that compulsory voting stimulates civic education. (JEL D12, D72, D83, O12, O17)
Investigating the life and work of teachers
Authors: Goodson Ivor F.
Published: November 2014

Töö suhteline osakaal õpetajate elus on viimase 40 aasta jooksul astmeliselt kasvanud. Ettepanekuid kooli ja hariduse ümberkorraldamiseks on esitatud üha rohkem, niisamuti on suurenenud muutuste mõju käsitlevate uuringute arv. Siinne uurimus võimaldab meil keskenduda mõningatele keerulistele probleemidele, mis peituvad uue koolireformi algatustes. Lääne ühiskonna kuldaja lõpus, 1975. aastal võttis Lortie Ameerika õpetajate ja haridusteaduslike uurimuste seose kokku järgmiste, tänini kehitavate sõnadega: "Kooliharidus on ettekirjutuste järgi mahukas, ent kirjelduse järgi väikesemahuline. Kuskil mujal ei ilmne see nii selgelt kui nende kahe miljoni inimese puhul, kes õpetavad riigikoolis." See küsimus, millele Lortie tähelepanu pöörab, on õpetajatega seotud teaduslikes aruteludes endiselt aktuaalne: palju ettekirjutusi ja kaudset portreteerimist, aga väga vähe tõsiselt võetavaid uurimusi portreteeritavatest ja ka ebapiisavalt koostööd nendega.
Full text
Middle-aged people with Soviet-era university education in the lifelong learning environment of the transition period
Authors: Männiste Tiiu
Published: November 2014

Artikkel käsitleb 1950ndate lõpul ja 1960ndate esimesel poolel sündinud nõukogudeaegse kõrgharidusega spetsialistide kultuurilise kapitali uuendamist siirdeajal tööalases täiendus- ja ümberõppes osalemise kaudu. Kvalitatiivse uuringu tulemuste põhjal selgus, et nõukogudeaegse kõrgharidusega keskealiste praegune põlvkond suutis siirdeajal püsida aktiivses tööhõives suurel määral tänu osalemisele elukestvas õppes. Samas ei suutnud intervjueeritavad omandada siirdeaja baasoskusi (võõrkeel, arvutioskus) sellisel tasemel, mis annaks neile konkurentsieelise digitaalses ühiskonnas. Uurimistulemused võimaldavad väita, et keskealiste kõrgharidusega inimeste väheste baasoskuste põhjused peituvad suurel määral siirdeaja kultuuris, elukestva õppe poliitikas ja selle põlvkonna elukaare trajektoori katkestuses 1990ndate algul.
Summary
Through hardships to the stars: Experiences of doctoral thesis supervisors about their doctoral studies and connections with their supervising practice
Authors: Lepp Liina , Remmik Marvi , Leijen Äli , Karm Mari
Published: November 2014

Doktoriõppe eesmärkide mitmekesistumine ja muutused doktoriõppe korralduses on andnud ainestikku erinevateks uurimusteks. Juhendamispraktikat analüüsivate uurimuste keskmes on olnud juhendajate juhendamistegevused ja arusaamad doktoriõppe eesmärkidest. Üks juhendamispraktikat mõjutavaid tegureid on juhendajate kraadiõppe kogemus. Uurimuse eesmärk on kirjeldada Eestis tegutsevate juhendajate kujunemise tausta ning osutada võimalikele seostele nende kraadiõpingute kogemuste ja juhendamispraktika vahel. Andmeid koguti poolstruktureeritud intervjuuga 21-lt haridus- ja loodusteaduste valdkonna juhendajalt. Andmete analüüsimisel kasutati temaatilist analüüsi. Uurimuse tulemused osutasid, et juhendajad väärtustasid õpinguteaegset võimalust pühenduda väitekirja koostamisele, hoolivaid suhteid juhendaja ja juhendatava vahel ning toetava kogukonna olemasolu. Juhendamispraktikasse on üle võetud näiteks avatud suhtlusviis, toetava konstruktiivse tagasiside andmine, üliõpilase toetamine iseseisvaks uurijaks kujunemisel.
Summary
Supporting music students’ refl ection in instrument studies
Authors: Kivestu Tuulike , Leijen Äli , Steinbach Kadri
Published: November 2014

Tänapäevase muusikahariduse valdkonnas rõhutatakse aktiivõppe, sh refleksiooni olulisust. Sellest hoolimata puudub erimetoodika, mis toetaks õppijate refleksiooni pilliõppes. Selle uurimuse tarbeks korraldati ühe Eesti kõrgkooli muusikaõppe üliõpilaste (N = 11) hulgas ekspertide valideeritud refleksiooni toetamise mudeli prooviuuring. Mudel koosnes neljast tsüklist ja baseerus refleksiooni põhiprotsesside (kirjeldamise, hindamise, suhestumise ja refleksiooniprotsessi reflekteerimise) toetamisel. Uurimuse eesmärk oli selgitada välja, millised on muusikaõppe üliõpilaste kogemused refleksioonimudeli rakendamisel ja kuivõrd kasulikuks nad hindavad rakendatud refleksiooniülesandeid pillimänguoskuste arendamise seisukohalt. Üliõpilaste kogemuste ja hinnangute kohta koguti andmeid fookusrühma intervjuudega. Rakendatud refleksiooni toetamise mudeli puhul väärtustasid üliõpilased kõrvaltvaataja positsiooni võimaldamist, üksikasjade märkamist ja mitmekülgse tagasiside saamist kaasüliõpilastelt. Uurimistulemuste põhjal arendati mudelit edasi, et see toetaks tõhusamalt üliõpilaste refleksiooni pilliõppes ning aitaks kaasa individuaalse erialase arengu kavandamisele.
Summary
Women's experiences of body image and baby feeding choices: Dealing with the pressure to be slender
Authors: Fern Victoria Anne , Buckley Emily , Grogan Sarah
Published: November 2014

This qualitative study was designed to assess postpartum women's body image in relation to feeding choices. Forty women aged 20–42 years, up to 3 years postpartum were interviewed through email. Participants were allocated to three groups; currently breastfeeding, former breastfeeding, or bottle-feeding. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, which revealed three key themes: attitude transition, celebrity comparisons, and emotional reactions to celebrity mothers. Analysis suggested that women with experience of breastfeeding viewed their body more functionally, which created feelings of appreciation and acceptance towards their bodies. The findings suggest that although breastfeeding does not necessarily protect women from body concerns and pressure for thinness, it allows women to see their body as an ‘instrument’ rather than an aesthetic ‘object’. Further research is required to confirm or challenge the current findings.
Femoral neck fractures
Authors: Su E. P. , Su S. L.
Published: November 2014

Surgical interventions consisting of internal fixation (IF) or total hip replacement (THR) are required to restore patient mobility after hip fractures. Conventionally, this decision was based solely upon the degree of fracture displacement. However, in the last ten years, there has been a move to incorporate patient characteristics into the decision making process. Research demonstrating that joint replacement renders superior functional results when compared with IF, in the treatment of displaced femoral neck fractures, has swayed the pendulum in favour of THR. However, a high risk of dislocation has always been the concern. Fortunately, there are newer technologies and alternative surgical approaches that can help reduce the risk of dislocation. The authors propose an algorithm for the treatment of femoral neck fractures: if minimally displaced, in the absence of hip joint arthritis, IF should be performed; if arthritis is present, or the fracture is displaced, then THR is preferred.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):43–7.
The multiply-operated total knee replacement patient
Authors: Haidukewych G. J. , Petrie J. R. , Adigweme O.
Published: November 2014

Although the vast majority of patients that undergo total knee replacement have satisfactory outcomes with a generally low complication rate, occasionally a patient will be encountered that has had multiple failed surgeries, and now reaches a crossroad as to whether limb salvage will be acceptable or not.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B(11 Suppl A):122–4.
The revision acetabulum – allograft and bone substitutes
Authors: Callaghan J. J. , Liu S. S. , Phruetthiphat O-A.
Published: November 2014

A common situation presenting to the orthopaedic surgeon today is a worn acetabular liner with substantial acetabular and pelvic osteolysis. The surgeon has many options for dealing with osteolytic defects. These include allograft, calcium based substitutes, demineralised bone matrix, or combinations of these options with or without addition of platelet rich plasma. To date there are no clinical studies to determine the efficacy of using bone-stimulating materials in osteolytic defects at the time of revision surgery and there are surprisingly few studies demonstrating the clinical efficacy of these treatment options. Even when radiographs appear to demonstrate incorporation of graft material CT studies have shown that incorporation is incomplete. The surgeon, in choosing a graft material for a surgical procedure must take into account the efficacy, safety, cost and convenience of that material.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B (11 Suppl A):70–2.
Editorial
Authors: Salvador Cruz Judith
Published: November 2014

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Los nuevos desarrollos tecnológicos aplicados al tratamiento psicológico.
Authors: Peñate Castro Wenceslao , Roca Sánchez María José , Del Pino Sedeño Tasmania
Published: November 2014

El desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías ha alcanzado prácticamente a todo el desarrollo humano. En el caso de la psicología clínica, ha significado nuevos avances en el conocimiento, evaluación y tratamientos psicológicos de diferentes problemas y trastornos. En este trabajo se revisan cuatro desarrollos que han tenido una expansión importante: el uso de internet para el tratamiento psicológico, el uso de la realidad virtual, el neurofeedback y la estimulación magnética transcraneal. Se presenta brevemente cada técnica o procedimiento, su aplicación a problemas concretos, sus ventajas y sus inconvenientes. Finalmente se discute el desarrollo de estos recursos y la necesidad de seguir aportando conocimientos que vayan mejorando su eficacia y su eficiencia, de acuerdo con tipos de pacientes, patologías, procedimiento específico, así como evitar efectos indeseables.
Qualidade de vida e estratégias de enfrentamento de pacientes em tratamento oncológico.
Authors: Ottati Fernanda , Souza Campos Mariana Pinhatari
Published: November 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a relação entre percepção da qualidade de vida e as estratégias de enfrentamento em pessoas em tratamento quimioterápico. Participaram 42 pacientes, 22 (52,4%) mulheres e 20 (47,6%) homens, com idade média de 57 anos (M= 57,07; DP= 13,269). Os instrumentos utilizados foram a Escala de modos de enfrentamento de problemas – EMEP e WHOQOL-Bref. Os resultados indicam que os pacientes que estão em fase inicial do tratamento fazem maior uso de estratégias que modificam ou alteram o evento estressor (o tratamento oncológico) com o objetivo de controlar ou lidar melhor com a situação, além de se envolverem mais com práticas religiosas ou pensamentos fantasiosos para auxiliar o processo de enfrentamento. Os dados reafirmam a importância da relação entre os construtos, que, quando utilizados de forma eficaz promovem resultados significativos na vida do paciente e na sua adaptação frente à doença e ao tratamento.
Evaluación de distintos niveles de comprensión lectora en estudiantes mexicanos de psicología.
Authors: Guevara Benítez Yolanda , Guerra García Jorge , Delgado Sánchez Ulises , Flores Rubí Claudia
Published: November 2014

Actualmente no se cuenta con un sistema de evaluación de las competencias lectoras de los alumnos universitarios mexicanos. Esta investigación evaluó habilidades en cinco niveles de comprensión lectora, con un instrumento validado. Participaron 570 estudiantes de la Carrera de Psicología, de los diferentes semestres, con edad promedio de 19.9 años. Se aplicó el instrumento grupalmente. La prueba arrojó un porcentaje promedio general de 66% de respuestas correctas. Los tres niveles de comprensión que mostraron porcentajes inferiores a 50% fueron: literal, inferencial y crítico; mientras que los niveles de organización de la información y apreciativo exhibieron porcentajes por encima del 70%. El ANOVA indicó diferencias (p <.05) en cuatro niveles de comprensión, a favor de los alumnos de los primeros semestres. Se discuten los hallazgos a la luz de investigaciones previas y de sus implicaciones formativas.
Cambios en el perfil funcional de pacientes con patología psiquiátrica resistente sometidos a neurocirugía funcional estereotáctica.
Authors: Ledesma Torres Lucía A. , García Saldivar Pamela , Rodríguez Hernández Cristina , Medrano Espinosa Omar , Meneses Luna Óscar , Valencia Granados Francisco J. , Hernández Salazar Manuel
Published: November 2014

Con el objetivo de evaluar los resultados de la Neurocirugía Funcional Estereotáctica (NFE) sobre el perfil funcional de los pacientes diagnosticados con Patología Psiquiátrica Resistente (PPR), se realizó un diseño pre/post tratamiento. 13 pacientes fueron evaluados ( x = 31 ± 8 años): siete mujeres diagnosticadas con algún Trastorno de la Conducta Alimentaria Resistente (TCAR); tres mujeres diagnosticadas con Trastornos Resistentes Obsesivo Compulsivo y Depresivo (TOC y DR) y tres pacientes (dos mujeres y un hombre) diagnosticados con Depresión Resistente (DR). A estos pacientes se les aplicó la Escala de funcionamiento del paciente Eje K, la cual consta de siete subescalas, y una Escala de Evaluación de la Actividad Global (EAG) antes del tratamiento y después de éste (seis meses posteriores a la NFE). Todos los grupos diagnósticos y el total de los pacientes evaluados presentaron cambios clínicos positivos; sin embargo, sólo el grupo de TCAR mostró importantes cambios clínicos de mejoría en el perfil de funcionamiento, siendo esta diferencia estadísticamente significativa (pre Md = 56; post Md = 84; z= - 2.36, p <0.05). Con la evidencia obtenida se observó que la NFE representa una opción terapéutica emergente efectiva orientada a disminuir el sufrimiento de los pacientes con PPR, así como a mejorar el nivel de funcionamiento global y por ende su calidad de vida. Todos los pacientes del estudio presentaban una condición de resistencia a tratamientos convencionales indicados, la cual había sido documentada por un equipo interdisciplinario experto.
Effects of CB1 cannabinoid receptor activation in the nucleos accumbens shell on feeding behavior.
Authors: Cortés Salazar Felipe , Suárez Ortíz Josué Omar , Cendejas Trejo Nancy Mónica , Mancilla Díaz Juan Manuel , López Alonso Verónica Elsa , Escartín Pérez Rodrigo Erick
Published: November 2014

Obesity and its related pathologies are well- known health hazards. Although obesity and overweight have multifactorial causes, overeating is common in both of these conditions. According to animal models, endocannabinoids and their receptors in the brain play a key role in the genesis and development of obesity. It has been proposed that the cannabinoid receptors CB1 (RCB1) expressed in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAC) are involved in the increase of the hedonic properties of food. To test this hypothesis, thisstudy aimed to assess the effects of activating the NACs RCB1 on standard food intake during the light phase of the light-dark cycle. The effects of activating the RCB1 with CP 55,940 and WIN 55-212-2 (0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 nmol) in the NACS on feeding behavior and the behavioral satiety sequence of rats were assessed. It wasfound that both agonists increased food intake and delayed expression of satiety during the light phase. These results suggest that cannabinoid agonists encourage food intake when motivation is low and palatability is normal.
Análisis del funcionamiento de la memoria operativa en niños con trastornos en el aprendizaje.
Authors: Ocampo Gaviria Tulia , Sierra Fitzgerald Óscar
Published: November 2014

La presente investigación buscó indagar la manera en que los diferentes componentes del modelo de memoria operativa, inicialmente propuesto por Baddeley y Hitch en 1974, están afectados en dos tipos de trastornos en el aprendizaje escolar en niños de siete años: Trastorno en el Aprendizaje de la Lectura (TAL) y trastorno concomitante de TAL con Trastorno en el Aprendizaje de las Matemáticas (TAL/TAM), con el fin de ayudar a comprender las diferencias entre los diferentes trastornos en el aprendizaje escolar. En la investigación se estudiaron 45 niños: 15 niños sin Trastornos Específicos en el Aprendizaje (Sin TEA), 15 con TAL y 15 con TAL/TAM. Los resultados muestran que los niños con cualquiera de estos trastornos específicos del aprendizaje presentan déficits en la memoria operativa, y que éste es mayor en aquellos que presentan un trastorno más generalizado en el aprendizaje como es el caso de los niños con TAL/TAM, confirmándose la relación estrecha entre la memoria operativa y el aprendizaje escolar. Adicionalmente, se encontró que los niños con TAL presentaban dificultades significativas en la memoria operativa verbal cuando se requiere no sólo el almacenamiento de la información, sino también su procesamiento. Los niños con TAL/TAM se diferenciaron de los niños con TAL en tareas de memoria operativa viso-espacial, pudiendo concluirse que un déficit en esta habilidad cognoscitiva es lo que los pondría en riesgo de presentar dificultades en matemáticas, además de las de lectura.
Sustainable Export Marketing Strategy Fit and Performance
Authors: Zeriti Athina , Robson Matthew J. , Spyropoulou Stavroula , Leonidou Constantinos N.
Published: November 2014

Despite the growing global importance of sustainability issues, scant research has examined marketing strategy sustainability issues in international settings. Although significant prior work has examined drivers and performance consequences of adaptation/standardization of marketing strategies in international markets, researchers have yet to apply this avenue of inquiry to sustainable marketing strategies. Building on contingency theory and the concept of strategic fit, the authors develop a model of drivers of sustainable export marketing strategy adaptation and explore the circumstances under which such a strategy affects export performance. Using a sample of U.K. exporters, they find that various macro- and microenvironmental factors are responsible for sustainable export marketing strategy adaptation, which shapes the nature of sustainable export marketing strategy fit and its export venture performance outcomes. The results indicate that sustainable export marketing strategy adaptation is the outcome of the differences between home and export markets in terms of economic and technological conditions, competitive intensity, customer characteristics, and stakeholder pressures. Moreover, the performance relevance of sustainable export marketing strategy adaptation requires adequate fit with these macro- and microenvironmental factors.
Die digitale Transformation eines ganzen Jahrhunderts: Digitalisierung der Zeitungen des 17. Jahrhunderts an der SuUB Bremen
Authors: Müller Maria Elisabeth , Hermes Maria
Published: November 2014

Seit Mai 2013 fördert die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) Pilotprojekte zur Digitalisierung historischer Zeitungen in vier Bibliotheken Deutschlands, u. a. in der Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Bremen. Zudem erfolgen der Ausbau der Zeitschriftendatenbank (ZDB) und die Anpassung des DFG-Viewers für Zeitungen. Neben der signifikanten Vermehrung digitalisierter Zeitungen erarbeiten die am Rahmenprojekt teilnehmenden Bibliotheken Standards der Zeitungsdigitalisierung, die auch für zukünftige Digitalisierungsprojekte Relevanz haben.

Das Pilotprojekt der SuUB Bremen hat sich zum Ziel gesetzt, die kompletten deutschsprachigen Zeitungen des 17. Jahrhunderts zu digitalisieren, die in keiner anderen Bibliothek so vollständig vorhanden sind. Die Präsentation der Zeitungen erfolgt im Portal Digitale Sammlungen der SuUB Bremen (http://brema.suub.uni-bremen.de/) auf der Basis der Software Visual Library. Der Beitrag stellt die Zeitungsdigitalisierung im Kontext der aktuellen Förderpolitik der DFG vor. Neben der Herausstellung der standard- und strukturbildenden Ziele der Pilotprojekte werden die spezifische Ausrichtung und die Besonderheiten des Bremer Projekts thematisiert.
The effects of asymmetrical loading on gait characteristics
Authors: Shi Ping , Fang Youfang , Guo Mingming , Yu Hongliu
Published: November 2014

Asymmetrical load carriage is a popular method used among people in daily life. This study investigated the impact of asymmetrical load carriage and the load mass spatiotemporal parameters associated with gait patterns. Twelve participants were recorded as they walked under six load conditions. The loads included a control condition in which individuals carried no added load and loads of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% body weight carried with their right hand. Parameters used to describe the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait were quantified and analyzed. The results of the study demonstrated that the gait patterns of the individuals were affected by increases in the carried load. The loaded right side was more sensitive to changes in the loads carried. Overall, we conclude that the spatiotemporal parameters actually depend on the combination of both loading mass and the side that was loaded.
Different methods to estimate serum free cortisol: a comparison during cortisol tetracosactide testing
Authors: Brossaud Julie , Gatta Blandine , Tabarin Antoine , Corcuff Jean-Benoît
Published: November 2014

Serum cortisol is routinely quantified by immunoassays. In intensive care units serum free cortisol (FC) determination has been described as a better indicator of survival than total cortisol (TC). To estimate FC different methods are available including saliva sampling. We compared five methods to estimate FC, before and after an ACTH stimulating test in patients suspected of adrenal insufficiency.

Serum and saliva was collected from 130 patients from the Endocrine Department of a university hospital before and after tetracosactide injection for TC determination. FC was estimated: after serum ultrafiltration, quadratic (Coolens’) or cubic (Dorin’s) equations, using TC/cortisol-binding globulin concentrations ratio or using cortisol concentration determination in saliva.

FC concentrations obtained by different techniques were significantly correlated and Passing-Bablok regressions showed no deviation from linearity between salFC and filtFC or quadFC. Using the routine assumption that the patients were correctly diagnosed using a post-tetracosactide TC threshold of 550 nmol/L the FC methods generating the best ROC curves were

FC concentrations obtained by different techniques are significantly but not similarly correlated with TC. As,
Finite Element Simulation of Weld Bead Geometry and Temperature Distribution during GTA Welding of Modified 9Cr-1Mo Steel and Experimental Validation
Authors: Zubairuddin M. , Albert S.K. , Vasudevan M. , Chaudhari V. , Suri V.K.
Published: November 2014

The thermal analysis of Modified 9Cr-1Mo steel plate during GTA welding is carried out using finite element method employing SYSWELD software. First, the simulation of bead on plate welds for 16 varying process parameter conditions by employing a double ellipsoidal heat source was carried out. Simulated bead on plate weld bead dimensions for the 16 welds were compared with the actual bead dimensions obtained experimentally. Then the simulation of GTA welding of square butt joint on 3 mm thick plates of dimensions 300 × 125 × 3 mm was carried out. The simulated thermal profiles were validated using thermocouple measurements. There was good agreement between the predicted and measured weld bead profiles and thermal cycles for square butt joint. The investigation on the effect of copper back up plate on the peak temperature and the cooling rate has revealed that the peak temperature decreased by 147 °C and the cooling rate increased by 35%.
“Unholy Traffic in Human Blood and Souls”
Authors: Madley Benjamin
Published: November 2014

From 1846 onward, at least 20,000 California Indians worked in varied forms of bondage under U.S. rule. This essay provides the first article-length survey of the statewide rise and fall of California’s systems of Indian servitude under U.S. rule, including their Russo-Hispanic antecedents, establishment under martial law, expansion under civilian rule, and dismantling by state and federal authorities. Further, this article proposes the first taxonomy of these systems and, in conclusion, discusses how California Indian servitude illuminates the histories of California, the western United States, the nation as a whole, and the western hemisphere while suggesting new analytical methods and research directions.
The mammalian tRNA ligase complex mediates splicing of XBP1 mRNA and controls antibody secretion in plasma cells
Authors: Jurkin Jennifer , Henkel Theresa , Nielsen Anne Færch , Minnich Martina , Popow Johannes , Kaufmann Therese , Heindl Katrin , Hoffmann Thomas , Busslinger Meinrad , Martinez Javier
Published: November 2014

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a conserved stress‐signaling pathway activated after accumulation of unfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Active UPR signaling leads to unconventional, enzymatic splicing of XBP1 mRNA enabling expression of the transcription factor XBP1s to control ER homeostasis. While IRE1 has been identified as the endoribonuclease required for cleavage of this mRNA, the corresponding ligase in mammalian cells has remained elusive. Here, we report that RTCB, the catalytic subunit of the tRNA ligase complex, and its co‐factor archease mediate XBP1 mRNA splicing both in vitro and in vivo. Depletion of RTCB in plasma cells of Rtcbfl/fl Cd23‐Cre mice prevents XBP1s expression, which normally is strongly induced during plasma cell development. RTCB‐depleted plasma cells show reduced and disorganized ER structures as well as severe defects in antibody secretion. Targeting RTCB and/or archease thus represents a promising strategy for the treatment of a growing number of diseases associated with elevated expression of XBP1s.
Foxd3 suppresses NFAT‐mediated differentiation to maintain self‐renewal of embryonic stem cells
Authors: Zhu Lili , Zhang Shiyue , Jin Ying
Published: November 2014

Pluripotency‐associated transcription factor Foxd3 is required for maintaining pluripotent cells. However, molecular mechanisms underlying its function are largely unknown. Here, we report that Foxd3 suppresses differentiation induced by calcineurin–NFAT signaling to maintain the ESC identity. Mechanistically, Foxd3 interacts with NFAT proteins and recruits co‐repressor Tle4, a member of the Tle repressor family highly expressed in undifferentiated ESCs, to suppress NFATc3's transcriptional activities. Furthermore, global transcriptome analysis shows that Foxd3 and NFATc3 co‐regulate a set of differentiation‐associated genes in ESCs. Collectively, our study establishes a molecular and functional link between a pluripotency‐associated factor and an important ESC differentiation‐inducing pathway.
BMI is an important driver of β-cell loss in type 1 diabetes upon diagnosis in 10 to 18-year-old children
Authors: Lauria A , Barker A , Schloot N , Hosszufalusi N , Ludvigsson J , Mathieu C , Mauricio D , Nordwall M , Van der Schueren B , Mandrup-Poulsen T , A Scherbaum W , Weets I , K Gorus F , Wareham N , D Leslie R , Pozzilli P
Published: November 2014

Objective

Body weight-related insulin resistance probably plays a role in progression to type 1 diabetes, but has an uncertain impact following diagnosis. In this study, we investigated whether BMI measured at diagnosis was an independent predictor of C-peptide decline 1-year post-diagnosis.

Design

Multicentre longitudinal study carried out at diagnosis and up to 1-year follow-up.

Methods

Data on C-peptide were collected from seven diabetes centres in Europe. Patients were grouped according to age at diagnosis (<5 years, n=126; >5 years <10 years, n=295; >10 years <18 years, n=421; >18 years, n=410). Linear regression was used to investigate whether BMI was an independent predictor of change in fasting C-peptide over 1 year. Models were additionally adjusted for baseline insulin dose and HbA1c.

Results

In individuals diagnosed between 0 and 5 years, 5 and 10 years and those diagnosed >18 years, we found no association between BMI and C-peptide decline. In patients aged 10–18 years, higher BMI at baseline was associated with a greater decline in fasting C-peptide over 1 year with a decrease (β 95% CI; P value) of 0.025 (0.010, 0.041) nM/kg per m2 higher baseline BMI (P=0.001). This association remained significant after adjusting for gender and differences in HbA1c and insulin dose (β=0.026, 95% CI=0.0097, 0.042; P=0.002).

Conclusions

These observations indicate that increased body weight and increased insulin demand are associated with more rapid disease progression after diagnosis of type 1 diabetes in an age group 10–18 years. This should be considered in studies of β-cell function in type 1 diabetes.
Phase II clinical trial of pasireotide long-acting repeatable in patients with metastatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Cives M , Kunz P L , Morse B , Coppola D , Schell M J , Campos T , Nguyen P T , Nandoskar P , Khandelwal V , Strosberg J R
Published: November 2014

Pasireotide long-acting repeatable (LAR) is a novel somatostatin analog (SSA) with avid binding affinity to somatostatin receptor subtypes 1, 2, 3 (SSTR1,2,3) and 5 (SSTR5). Results from preclinical studies indicate that pasireotide can inhibit neuroendocrine tumor (NET) growth more robustly than octreotidein vitro. This open-label, phase II study assessed the clinical activity of pasireotide in treatment-naïve patients with metastatic grade 1 or 2 NETs. Patients with metastatic pancreatic and extra-pancreatic NETs were treated with pasireotide LAR (60 mg every 4 weeks). Previous systemic therapy, including octreotide and lanreotide, was not permitted. Tumor assessments were performed every 3 months using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), overall radiographic response rate (ORR), and safety. Twenty-nine patients were treated with pasireotide LAR (60 mg every 4 weeks) and 28 were evaluable for response. The median PFS was 11 months. The most favorable effect was observed in patients with low hepatic tumor burden, normal baseline chromogranin A, and high tumoral SSTR5expression. Median OS has not been reached; the 30-month OS rate was 70%. The best radiographic response was partial response in one patient (4%), stable disease in 17 patients (60%), and progressive disease in ten patients (36%). Although grade 3/4 toxicities were rare, pasireotide LAR treatment was associated with a 79% rate of hyperglycemia including 14% grade 3 hyperglycemia. Although pasireotide appears to be an effective antiproliferative agent in the treatment of advanced NETs, the high incidence of hyperglycemia raises concerns regarding its suitability as a first-line systemic agent in unselected patients. SSTR5expression is a potentially predictive biomarker for response.
Alteration in the intrafollicular thiol–redox system in infertile women with endometriosis
Authors: Choi Young Sik , Cho SiHyun , Seo Seok Kyo , Park Joo Hyun , Kim Seok Hyun , Lee Byung Seok
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to compare intrafollicular biomarkers of thiol–redox system and chronic inflammation in infertile patients with and without endometriosis, and examine correlations between biomarkers and IVF outcomes. The study included 65 patients receiving IVF: 31 patients with endometriosis vs 34 patients without endometriosis. Follicular fluid (FF) was obtained from a single-dominant follicle during oocyte retrieval and stored at −70 °C. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPX3), thioredoxin (TRX), TRX-binding protein 2 (TBP2), and peroxiredoxin-4 levels were measured in the FF samples by ELISAs as biomarkers of oxidative stress. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin 1 beta (IL1β), IL6, IL8, and tumor-necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) were also measured by ELISAs. GSH levels were significantly lower in the endometriosis group compared with the controls. TBP2 levels were significantly higher in the endometriosis group. IL6, IL8, and TNFα levels were significantly higher in the endometriosis group. The levels of all of the inflammatory cytokines positively correlated with the levels of TRX. GSH levels positively correlated with the number of high-quality embryos. GPX3 and TRX levels negatively correlated with the percentage of mature oocytes. TNFα levels negatively correlated with the cumulative embryo score per embryo. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the number of high-quality embryos was an independent factor predicting clinical pregnancy. In conclusion, there may be an imbalance in the thiol–redox system and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines in the intrafollicular microenvironment of infertile patients with endometriosis, which may affect the qualities of the oocyte and embryo.
A direct action for GH in improvement of oocyte quality in poor-responder patients
Authors: Weall B M , Al-Samerria S , Conceicao J , Yovich J L , Almahbobi G
Published: November 2014

Declining female fecundity at later age and the increasing tendency for women to delay childbirth have lead to a drastic rise in the number of women seeking assisted reproductive technology. Many women fail to respond adequately to standard ovarian stimulation regimens, raising a significant therapeutic challenge. Recently, we have demonstrated that the administration of GH, as an adjunct to ovarian stimulation, has improved the clinical outcomes by enhancing the oocyte quality. However, the mechanism(s) by which GH facilitated this improvement is yet to be understood. This study aimed to determine these potential mechanism(s) through the use of immunofluorescent localisation of GH receptors (GHRs) on the human oocyte and unbiased computer-based quantification to assess and compare oocyte quality between women of varying ages, with or without GH treatment. This study demonstrates for the first time, the presence of GHRs on the human oocyte. The oocytes retrieved from older women showed significant decrease in the expression of GHRs and amount of functional mitochondria when compared with those from younger patients. More interestingly, when older patients were treated with GH, a significant increase in functional mitochondria was observed in their oocytes. We conclude that GH exerts a direct mode of action, enabling the improvement of oocyte quality observed in our previous study, via the upregulation of its own receptors and enhancement of mitochondrial activity. This result, together with recent observations, provides scientific evidence in support of the use of GH supplementation for the clinical management of poor ovarian response.
5-Hydroxymethylcytosine Is Not Present in Appreciable Quantities in Arabidopsis DNA
Authors: Erdmann Robert M , Souza Amanda L , Clish Clary B , Gehring Mary
Published: November 2014

5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC) is an intermediate in active demethylation in metazoans, as well as a potentially stable epigenetic mark. Previous reports investigating 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in plants have reached conflicting conclusions. We systematically investigated whether 5-hmC is present in plant DNA using a range of methods. Using the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana, in addition to other plant species, we assayed the amount or distribution of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by thin-layer chromatography, immunoprecipitation-chip, ELISA, enzymatic radiolabeling, and mass spectrometry. The failure to observe 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by thin-layer chromatography established an upper bound for the possible fraction of the nucleotide in plant DNA. Antibody-based methods suggested that there were low levels of 5-hmC in plant DNA, but these experiments were potentially confounded by cross-reactivity with the abundant base 5-methylcytosine. Enzymatic radiolabeling and mass spectrometry, the most sensitive methods for detection that we used, failed to detect 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in A. thaliana genomic DNA isolated from a number of different tissue types and genetic backgrounds. Taken together, our results led us to conclude that 5-hmC is not present in biologically relevant quantities within plant genomic DNA.
How Big Is Your Y? A Genome Sequence-Based Estimate of the Size of the Male-Specific Region inMegaselia scalaris
Authors: Hoehn Kenneth B , Noor Mohamed A F
Published: November 2014

The scuttle fly, Megaselia scalaris, is often cited as a model in which to study early sex chromosome evolution because of its homomorphic sex chromosomes, low but measurable molecular differentiation between sex chromosomes, and occasional transposition of the male-determining element to different chromosomes in laboratory cultures. Counterintuitively, natural isolates consistently show sex linkage to the second chromosome. Frequent natural transposition of the male-determining element should lead to the loss of male specificity of any nontransposed material on the previous sex-linked chromosome pair. Using next-generation sequencing data from a newly obtained natural isolate of M. scalaris, we show that even highly conservative estimates for the size of the male-specific genome are likely too large to be contained within a transposable element. This result strongly suggests that transposition of the male-determining region either is extremely rare or has not persisted recently in natural populations, allowing for differentiation of the sex chromosomes of this species.
Relationships of RNA Polymerase II Genetic Interactors to Transcription Start Site Usage Defects and Growth inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Jin Huiyan , Kaplan Craig D
Published: November 2014

Transcription initiation by RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) is an essential step in gene expression and regulation in all organisms. Initiation requires a great number of factors, and defects in this process can be apparent in the form of altered transcription start site (TSS) selection in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Baker’s yeast). It has been shown previously that TSS selection in S. cerevisiae is altered in Pol II catalytic mutants defective in a conserved active site feature known as the trigger loop. Pol II trigger loop mutants show growth phenotypes in vivo that correlate with biochemical defects in vitro and exhibit wide-ranging genetic interactions. We assessed how Pol II mutant growth phenotypes and TSS selection in vivo are modified by Pol II genetic interactors to estimate the relationship between altered TSS selection in vivo and organismal fitness of Pol II mutants. We examined whether the magnitude of TSS selection defects could be correlated with Pol II mutant-transcription factor double mutant phenotypes. We observed broad genetic interactions among Pol II trigger loop mutants and General Transcription Factor (GTF) alleles, with reduced-activity Pol II mutants especially sensitive to defects in TFIIB. However, Pol II mutant growth defects could be uncoupled from TSS selection defects in some Pol II allele-GTF allele double mutants, whereas a number of other Pol II genetic interactors did not influence ADH1 start site selection alone or in combination with Pol II mutants. Initiation defects are likely only partially responsible for Pol II allele growth phenotypes, with some Pol II genetic interactors able to exacerbate Pol II mutant growth defects while leaving initiation at a model TSS selection promoter unaffected.
Mechanisms and Regulation of Mitotic Recombination in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Symington Lorraine S , Rothstein Rodney , Lisby Michael
Published: November 2014

Homology-dependent exchange of genetic information between DNA molecules has a profound impact on the maintenance of genome integrity by facilitating error-free DNA repair, replication, and chromosome segregation during cell division as well as programmed cell developmental events. This chapter will focus on homologous mitotic recombination in budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. However, there is an important link between mitotic and meiotic recombination (covered in the forthcoming chapter by Hunter et al. 2015) and many of the functions are evolutionarily conserved. Here we will discuss several models that have been proposed to explain the mechanism of mitotic recombination, the genes and proteins involved in various pathways, the genetic and physical assays used to discover and study these genes, and the roles of many of these proteins inside the cell.
Evaluation of the kinematic structure of indicators key elements of sports equipment exercise by postural orientation movements
Authors: Litvinenko Y.V. , Niznikowski Tomasz , Boloban V.N.
Published: November 2014

Purpose : Examine the kinematic structure of indicators key elements of sports equipment exercise (difficult to coordinate). The method of postural orientation movements. Material : The study involved acrobats jumpers on the path of high qualification (n = 7). The method used video - computer recording the movements of the athlete. Results : Identified nodal elements of sports equipment double back somersault tuck. Exercise performed after rondat and double back flip and stretch after rondat - flick (coup ago). In the preparatory phase of motor actions acrobatic exercises isolated and studied central element of sports equipment - starting posture of the body; in the phase of the main motor action - animation poses of the body; in the final phase - the final body posture (stable landing). Conclusions : The method of video - computer registration allowed to perform a biomechanical analysis and evaluation of key elements of sports equipment double back somersault tuck and a double back flip and stretch. Also gain new knowledge about the mechanism of the phase structure of movements when performing double somersaults.
Theory of safety needs (about the theory of arise of physical education)
Authors: Muntian V.S.
Published: November 2014

Purpose: Existing theories of physical education are examinated. Material : the analysis and synthesis of more than 20 literary sources and Internet information, reflecting the general patterns of occurrence and development of physical education during birth civilization. Results : Informed that early humans lived in a permanent state of the struggle for existence, associated with the satisfaction of primary needs. Ascertain in the process of obtaining food and ensuring their own safety, people began to use the means of physical education, resulting in a conscious understanding of the phenomenon and the importance effectiveness (the result) of doing (perform) the exercises preparation. Conclusions : First put forward and substantiated the theory safety needs as one of the top priorities and the likely causes of physical education and sport, as this needs arose almost simultaneously with the appearance of a person.
Complex integrated method of improvement of sports ballroom dance performance
Authors: Omelyanenko V.I.
Published: November 2014

Purpose: to elaborate complex integrated method of psychological influence upon sport ballroom dancers for their quick response to assumed mistakes by executing other steps in training mode in place of given compositions. Material: 20 senior sport ballroom dancers: 10 - experimental group, 10 - control group. At the I stage dancers for participation in the experimental group with regard to their hypnosis ability for facilitation teaching dynamic meditation were selected. Sportsmen with the 2 nd -3 rd stage of hypnosis were enrolled to the experimental group. At the II stage the experimental group was trained in the method of dynamic meditation. For this, the static meditation was performed first, after this the test persons opened their eyes and without leaving the achieved result with help of the static state of meditation, practiced in dynamic meditation. At the III stage training in sports ballroom dances with introduction new steps changing the composition program sequence to composition was held. The coach evaluated response of the test persons in the state of the dynamic meditation. Results: at the II stage of the research on training in dynamic meditation the dancers of the experimental group needed 3-7 repetitions. At the III stage of the research 8 test persons had trained to response adequately to changes in the compositions within 10-15 repetitions. In the control group if a partner changed steps during performance of the composition it led to stop of the dancing couple. For 8 test persons in the experimental group steps replacement didn’t affect adversely the quality of the dance. The senior group of dancers studied new steps with great difficulty, their motion stereotype was formed badly, they preferred to dance compositions trained earlier. The seniors having insufficient technical background (2 persons) showed low abilities, they had bad memory, they spent 3 months for mastering new compositions. Conclusions: The methods elaborated by us providing for inclusion in the training process stand-alone dance steps in place of compensation steps, provided development of the dancers’ ability to respond quickly to assumed mistakes during dance performance. Mastering dynamic meditation depended on typological features of the nervous system: the higher hypnosis ability degree the better mastering. Women-partners of the experimental group who had high hypnosis ability degree and mastered dynamic meditation could quickly adequately response to the rapid changes in the composition performed by dance partner during dance. Consideration of possible errors trains a woman-partner’s ability to switch timely from one step to another. Using this method, improvement of professional skills of dancers accelerates greatly.