bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjugated donor–acceptor copolymers derived from phenylenevinylene and trisubstituted pyridine units
Authors: Hariharan A. , Subramanian K. , Alagar M. , Dinakaran K.
Published: December 2014

Copolymers having intramolecular donor–acceptor systems encompassing trisubstituted pyridine derivatives as acceptor and phenylenevinylene (PPV) unit as a donor segment were synthesized. In addition, thiophene-containing random terpolymer PPVPYT via palladium-catalyzing Heck coupling reaction is reported. The novel-substituted pyridine monomers (PYBr) are synthesized by adopting a one-pot synthesis method using p-toluenesulfonic acid as catalyst in ethanol medium, which results in an excellent yield of about 95%. All the copolymers Poly phenylenevinylene-co-Pyridine derivatives (PPVPY) and terpolymers of Polyphenylenevinylene-co-Pyridine and Thiophene (PPVPYT) are found to be soluble in organic solvents, such as tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, and N, N-dimethylformamide. The molecular weights of the synthesized polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and their chemical structures were confirmed by infra red and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The electrochemical band gaps of PPVPY-1, PPVPY-2, and PPVPY-3 copolymers are estimated to be 2.55, 2.48, and 2.0, respectively. Similarly, the band gap of PPVPY75T25, PPVPY50T50, and PPVPY25T75 random copolymers are estimated as 2.31, 1.95, and 2.23, respectively. These polymers also show excellent optical and thermal properties.
Postglacial shifts in lake trophic status based on a multiproxy study of a humic lake
Authors: Drzymulska Danuta , Fiłoc Magdalena , Kupryjanowicz Mirosława , Szeroczyńska Krystyna , Zieliński Piotr
Published: December 2014

The long-term development of a humic lake ecosystem in Poland was investigated via palaeoecological analyses of age-dated sediment cores. Peat and lacustrine deposit records spanning approximately 12,000 years of lake history were analysed with regard to palynomorphs, plant macrofossils, degree of peat decomposition, Cladocera and geochemistry. Our study demonstrated the difficulty of classifying sediments deposited in humic lakes. We considered it inadequate to classify dy sediment exclusively using macroscopic criteria in the absence of geochemical parameters. Our study of the palaeoecology of the humic lake suggested three primary shifts in its trophic status: from oligotrophy to mesotrophy (Allerød-Boreal), to eutrophy (Atlantic), and to humotrophy (from the Sub-Boreal to the present). The results indicated that shifts in the trophic status occurred in response to climatic changes and factors linked to the catchment. The transformation from a clearwater lake of high trophic status to a humic lake was possible, such that the latter may originate not only from an oligotrophic lake. As a result of our pioneering study, we determined that a humic water body may even develop because of transformation of a eutrophic lake.
Temporal and spatial variability in dune reactivation across the Nebraska Sand Hills, USA
Authors: Schmeisser McKean Rebecca L , Goble Ronald J , Mason Joseph B , Swinehart James B , Loope David B
Published: December 2014

The Nebraska Sand Hills is a stabilized dune field on the Great Plains of North America. Although it is well known that this dune field, like several others on the Great Plains, last experienced widespread activity during the Medieval Climatic Anomaly (MCA, ~AD 900–1300), spatial variation in the timing and nature of drought development is poorly constrained. To elucidate spatial trends in dune reactivation, samples potentially representing MCA activity across the Sand Hills were collected and dated using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). Ages from the older part of the MCA were obtained from eolian sediments in the northwestern Sand Hills, while ages from later in the episode were obtained to the southeast, suggesting a geographic trend in the timing of revegetation of the dunes near the end of the drought. Revegetation likely occurred to the northwest initially as a result of renewed moisture availability from a rising water table in the interdunes, which serve as refugia for vegetation during times of drought. Vegetation then gradually spread to the southeastern Sand Hills. An additional spatial trend in ages is apparent in the chronology of linear dune mobilization across the Sand Hills. Linear dunes in the northwest are superimposed on megadunes and originated during the last reactivation, while linear dunes in the southeast are built around older cores of dunes and formed during several reactivations. Our geochronology reveals three episodes of eolian transport, including the MCA, in the formation of linear dunes in the southeast.
Tolerability and outcome of once weekly liposomal amphotericin B for the prevention of invasive fungal infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients with graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Luu Tran Huong , Mahmoudjafari Zahra , Rockey Michelle , Henry Dave , Grauer Dennis , Aljitawi Omar , Abhyankar Sunil , Ganguly Siddhartha , Lin Tara , McGuirk Joseph
Published: December 2014

Background

Invasive fungal infections remain problematic in immunosuppressed allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients and the use of corticosteroids for the treatment of graft-versus-host-disease can increase the risk threefold. Although antifungal prophylaxis has been shown to decrease the incidence of infection, the optimal antifungal prophylactic regimen in this patient population has yet to be identified. Since early diagnosis of fungal infections might not be possible and the treatment of established fungal infections might be difficult and associated with high infection-related mortality, prevention has become an important strategy in reducing overall morbidity and mortality. While triazoles are the preferred agents, some patients are unable to tolerate them and an alternative drug is warranted.

Objectives

To assess the tolerability of once weekly liposomal amphotericin B as a prophylactic strategy in patients undergoing stem cell transplantation by evaluating any adverse events leading to its discontinuation. In terms of efficacy, to also compare the outcome and incidence of invasive fungal infections in patients who received amphotericin B, triazoles, and echinocandins.

Results

A total of 101 allogeneic transplant recipients receiving corticosteroids for the treatment of graft-versus-host-disease and antifungal prophylaxis were evaluated from August 2009 to September 2012. Liposomal amphotericin B 3 mg/kg intravenous once weekly was found to be well tolerated. The incidence of invasive fungal infections was 19%, 17%, and 7% in the liposomal amphotericin B, echinocandin, and triazole groups, respectively. Two deaths occurred in the liposomal amphotericin B group and one death occurred in the echinocandin group. None of the deaths were fungal infection related.

Conclusion

Antifungal prophylaxis with liposomal amphotericin B was well tolerated, but the incidence of invasive fungal infections in patients receiving liposomal amphotericin B was higher than other antifungal agents in this study. The optimal dose and schedule of liposomal amphotericin B for antifungal prophylaxis in this patient population are still not known and considering its broad spectrum activity, prospective trials in comparison to triazoles are warranted.
Twenty-first-century International Political Economy: A class-relational perspective
Authors: Selwyn Benjamin
Published: December 2014

The nature, subject matter and future direction of International Political Economy has been opened up for debate following interventions by Benjamin Cohen, John Hobson and special issues of the Review of International Political Economy and New Political Economy. Most contributors to the debate are dissatisfied with the current state of International Political Economy and desire to identify the ‘Big Questions’ of the 21st century. This article argues, however, that all contributors miss the ‘Really Big Question’ of the 21st century: the rise of a planetary labouring class of over 3 billion (and counting), living, for the most part, in poverty or near-poverty. While this class’s existence is not new (although its size is), International Political Economy’s ignorance of it is as old as the discipline’s institutional formation. This article shows that mainstream International Political Economy’s sidelining of class relations disables it from explaining the global systemic transformations that underpin changes in the relations between states and markets (International Political Economy’s traditional focus). It illustrates the long-term making of the global labouring class by discussing three examples of global systemic transformation: the rise of capitalism; the post-1945 embedded liberalism–development project conjuncture; and contemporary globalisation.
University Change in Ireland
Authors: Dowling-Hetherington Linda
Published: December 2014

Over the past decade, universities in Ireland have been implementing large-scale institutional change designed to better prepare them for the multitude of pressures they face. Changes have been taking place, for example, in approaches to institutional management and leadership practices and in decision-making structures. However, despite the rapid pace of change taking place in Irish universities, there has been a considerable dearth of research resulting in a lack of any real insight into how the higher education landscape may be changing from a grassroots faculty perspective. This article presents the findings of a case study conducted in the School of Business at University College Dublin. The article reports on the kinds of institutional changes that have taken place (the ‘what’); the impetus for these changes (the ‘why’); and the top-down manner in which many of these changes were implemented and the ways in which faculty have responded to them (the ‘how’). The article concludes by suggesting the importance of understanding the possible implications of faculty responses to change for their institutional loyalty and commitment and suggests some areas for further research.
Ernst Kantorowicz, Shakespeare, and the Humanities’ Two Bodies
Authors: Elsky Stephanie
Published: December 2014

This commentary reflects on two very different revivals of Ernst Kantorowicz’s The King’s Two Bodies: A Study in Medieval Political Theology in the field of early modern studies, the first during the heyday of New Historicism and the second in the current post-New Historicist moment that is still defining itself. The first revival focused on the literal meaning of king’s two bodies, the second on its figurative and fictional nature. The first trained its lens on the doctrine’s absolutist potential, the second on its constitutionalist strain. To account for these political and literary shifts I turn to a larger trend in literary and humanistic studies, the desire to move away from ideology critique and to reframe the humanities in terms of its capacity to articulate “a new vision for human community,” to borrow Victoria Kahn’s phrase. I argue that the peculiarly ironic status of the king’s two bodies offers a way to intervene in this debate, which I term “the humanities’ two bodies.” The commentary concludes by offering Laertes’ popular rebellion in Hamlet as a brief test case of the limits and promise of this most recent turn in the career of Kantorowicz’s protean text.
The struggle for safe staffing levels in the USA: a political economy of evidence-based practice
Authors: Munier Timothy , Porter Sam
Published: December 2014

This paper examines the debate over nursing staff to patient ratios through the lens of Marxist political economy, arguing that the owners and controllers of healthcare in the USA have a vested interest in opposing mandated minimum ratios, while those involved in carrying out nursing care have a vested interest in their implementation, which coincides with the interests of patients. We examine how evidence-based practice articulates with social power, and proceed to interrogate the research methods used to generate evidence for practice, noting that randomised controlled trials are not suitable for evaluating nurse/patient ratios, which means that observational studies are the primary source of evidence. Representatives of nursing managers have used the fact that observational studies, while demonstrating an association between high ratios and poor outcomes, have not established a causal relationship, to support their argument that there is not sufficient evidence for the imposition of mandatory ratios. We argue that the precautionary principle provides firm justification for mandatory ratios, unless and until a causal relationship has been disproved. We conclude that those involved in the generation of evidence have to choose between technical arguments about the inferiority of observational studies, or emphasising their sufficiency in triggering the precautionary principle.
Calling time on ‘alcohol-related’ crime? Examining the impact of court-mandated alcohol treatment on offending using propensity score matching
Authors: McSweeney Tim
Published: December 2014

This article sought to assess what impact exposure to a court-mandated alcohol treatment requirement (ATR) had on offending. Recidivism risk factors were also investigated. The comparative design involved secondary analysis of three linked administrative datasets which focused upon an experimental group of 112 probationers exposed to the ATR and a comparison group of equal size supervised by the same probation area prior to their introduction. Both groups were selected from a larger pool of cases ( N = 476) that were found to be significantly different on a number of key variables. Propensity score matching was used to deal with this non-equivalence. The outcome measures examined were the rate and volume of reoffending, and the time to first reoffence. The results showed no association between exposure to the ATR and the rate of reconviction at 12 months (59.8 per cent vs 63.4 per cent), the time to first reoffence (70.7 vs 81.5 days) and the number of proven reoffences (mean 2.4 vs 2.3). The factor with the largest effect on risk of recidivism was supervision completion status. These findings provide indicative evidence to inform discussions about a future programme of research in this area and potential strategies for enhancing the crime prevention impact of court-mandated alcohol treatment.
Corrective Realignment Arthrodesis of the First Tarsometatarsal Joint Without Wedge Resection
Authors: McAlister Jeffrey E. , Peterson Kyle S. , Hyer Christopher F.
Published: December 2014

Moderate to severe hallux valgus (HV) has traditionally been treated with a corrective osteotomy or a tarsometatarsal arthrodesis. Tarsometatarsal arthrodesis can be performed as a planar wedge resection or using a joint curettage technique. Little is known about whether adequate correction can be obtained with purely a joint curettage technique. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the corrective power of a first tarsometatarsal joint (TMTJ) arthrodesis using a nonplanar wedge curettage technique. A retrospective radiograph and chart review was performed on 99 consecutive patients (110 feet) who underwent a first TMTJ arthrodesis for primary HV correction utilizing a curettage technique. The radiographic measurements collected were the first intermetatarsal angle, HV angle, and tibial sesamoid position and were obtained at the following intervals: preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 6 months postoperative. In all, 91 patients (100 feet) qualified for statistical analysis. There was a significant decrease in all 3 measurements from the preoperative throughout the entire postoperative time period ( P < .001). The authors demonstrate the ability to achieve significant angular correction with a joint curettage method for a tarsometatarsal arthrodesis.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level IV: Case series
Combination of a geolocation database access with infrastructure sensing in TV bands
Authors: Dionísio Rogério , Ribeiro Jorge , Marques Paulo , Rodriguez Jonathan
Published: December 2014

This paper describes the implementation and the technical specifications of a geolocation database assisted by a spectrum-monitoring outdoor network. The geolocation database is populated according to Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) report 186 methodology. The application programming interface (API) between the sensor network and the geolocation database implements an effective and secure connection to successfully gather sensing data and sends it to the geolocation database for post-processing. On the other hand, the testbed allows authorized TV white space devices to gain access to the services of the geolocation database, according to a draft implementation of Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Protocol to Access White Space (PAWS) Two experimental methodologies are available with the testbed: one focused on coexistence studies with commercial wireless microphones, when the testbed is used for sensing only, and another for demonstration purposes, when the testbed is also used to emulate wireless microphone signals. Overall, this hybrid approach is a promising solution for the effective use of TV white spaces and for the coexistence with digital TV broadcast signals, or dynamic incumbent systems, such as unregistered wireless microphones.
No Association of Polymorphisms in the Serotonin Transporter Gene with Thermal Pain Sensation in Healthy Individuals
Authors: Schaldemose Ellen Lund , Horjales-Araujo Emilia , Demontis Ditte , Eørglum Anders D , Svensson Peter , Finnerup Nanna Brix
Published: December 2014

Background:

Recent studies have suggested an association between genotypes affecting the expression of the serotonin transporter and thermal pain perception and the thermal grill. The aim of this study was to investigate differences in thermal and mechanical pain perception and the thermal grill in two groups of healthy volunteers according to their genotype, associated with either high (n = 40) or low (n = 40) expression of the serotonin transporter and according to gender. Cold and warm detection and pain thresholds, pressure pain threshold and cold, warm and pain sensations to single or alternating stimuli with cold (20°C) and warm (40°C) temperatures (known as the thermal grill) were determined. In addition, intensity of ongoing pain and area and intensity of pinprick hyperalgesia in the secondary hyperalgesic area following topical application of capsaicin and vehicle control (ethanol) were determined.

Results:

No significant differences in detection and pain thresholds for cold and warm temperatures, presence of paradoxical heat sensation, pressure pain threshold and pain responses to suprathreshold thermal stimuli were observed. There was also no difference in capsaicin-evoked ongoing pain and secondary hyperalgesia between the two genotype groups (p >0.4), also when subdivided by gender (p >0.17). In addition, there were no significant differences in the perception of the thermal grill between the two genotypes (p >0.5), also when subdivided by gender.

Conclusions:

Genotypes associated with high or low expression of the serotonin transporter were not associated with thermal pain thresholds, pressure pain threshold, pain after capsaicin application or responses to the thermal grill. The present results do not support that the investigated genotypes play a major role in thermal pain perception among healthy individuals.
Jugular vein distensibility predicts fluid responsiveness in septic patients
Authors: Guarracino Fabio , Ferro Baldassarre , Forfori Francesco , Bertini Pietro , Magliacano Luana , Pinsky Michael R
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The purpose of the study was to verify the efficacy of using internal jugular vein (IJV) size and distensibility as a reliable index of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis.

Methods

Hemodynamic data of mechanically ventilated patients with sepsis were collected through a radial arterial indwelling catheter connected to continuous hemodynamic monitoring system (Most Care®, Vytech Health, Padova, Italy), including cardiac index (CI) (L/min/M2), heart rate (beats/min), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (mmHg), central venous pressure (CVP) (mmHg) and arterial pulse pressure variation (PPV), coupled with ultrasound evaluation of IJV distensibility (%), defined as a ratio of the difference between IJV maximal antero-posterior diameter during inspiration and minimum expiratory diameter to minimum expiratory diameter x100. Patients were retrospectively divided into two groups; fluid responders (R), if CI increase of more than or equal to 15% after a 7 ml/kg crystalloid infusion, and non-responders (NR) if CI increased more than 15%. We compared differences in measured variables between R and NR groups and calculated receiver-operator-characteristic (ROC) curves of optimal IJV distensibility and PPV sensitivity and specificity to predicting R. We also calculated a combined inferior vena cava distensibility-PPV ROC curve to predict R.

Results

We enrolled 50 patients, of these, 30 were R. Responders presented higher IJV distensibility and PPV before fluid challenge than NR (P <0.05). An IJV distensibility more than 18% prior to volume challenge had an 80% sensitivity and 85% specificity to predict R. Pairwise comparison between IJV distensibility and PPV ROC curves revealed similar ROC area under the curve results. Interestingly, combining IJV distensibility more than 9.7% and PPV more than 12% predicted fluid responsiveness with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 95%.

Conclusion

IJV distensibility is an accurate, easily acquired non-invasive parameter of fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated septic patients with performance similar to PPV. The combined use of IJV distensibility with left-sided indexes of fluid responsiveness improves their predictive value.
Decreasing the time to achieve therapeutic vancomycin concentrations in critically ill patients: developing and testing of a dosing nomogram
Authors: Baptista João Pedro , Roberts Jason A , Sousa Eduardo , Freitas Ricardo , Deveza Nuno , Pimentel Jorge
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Achievement of optimal vancomycin exposure is crucial to improve the management of patients with life-threatening infections caused by susceptible Gram-positive bacteria and is of particular concern in patients with augmented renal clearance (ARC). The aim of this study was to develop a dosing nomogram for the administration of vancomycin by continuous infusion for the first 24 hours of therapy based on the measured urinary creatinine clearance (8 h CLCR).

Methods

This single-center study included all critically ill patients treated with vancomycin over a 13-month period (group 1), in which we retrospectively assessed the correlation between vancomycin clearance and 8 h CLCR. This data was used to develop a formula for optimised drug dosing. The efficiency of this formula was prospectively evaluated in a second cohort of 25 consecutive critically ill patients (group 2). Vancomycin serum concentrations between 20 to 30 mg/L were considered adequate. ARC was defined as 8 h CLCR more than 130 ml/min/1.73 m2.

Results

The incidence of ARC was 36% (n = 29/79) and 40% (10/25) in group 1 (n = 79) and 2 (n = 25), respectively. The mean serum vancomycin concentration on day 1 was 21.5 (6.4) and 24.5 (5.2) mg/L, for both groups respectively. On the treatment day, vancomycin plasma clearance was 5.12 (1.9) L/h in group 1 and correlated significantly with the 8 h CLCR (r2 = 0.66; P <0.001). The achievement of adequate vancomycin serum concentrations in group 2 was 84% (n = 21/25) versus 51% (n = 40/79) – P <0.005.

Conclusions

This new vancomycin nomogram enabled the achievement of adequate serum concentrations in 84% of the patients on the first day of treatment.
Association between vitamin D deficiency and mortality in critically ill adult patients: a meta-analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Zhang Yan-Peng , Wan You-Dong , Sun Tong-Wen , Kan Quan-Cheng , Wang Le-Xin
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Vitamin D deficiency is common in critically ill patients, and was reported to be associated with adverse outcomes. However, the effect of vitamin D deficiency on mortality in critically ill patients remains unclear.

Methods

We searched PubMed and EMBASE from the inception to July 2014 for cohort studies to assess the effect of vitamin D deficiency on the incidence of mortality in critically ill patients. Mortality-specific odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled with a random- or fixed-effect models when appropriate.

Results

Seven cohort studies with a total of 4,204 participants including 1,679 cases of vitamin D deficiency were included in this meta-analysis. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with an increased hospital mortality (OR 1.76; 95% CI, 1.38 to 2.24; P <0.001), with very low heterogeneity (I2 = 2.3%; P = 0.402). The finding of increased hospital mortality in critically ill adult patients was consistently found in every stratum of our subgroup analyses.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased incidence of hospital mortality in critically ill adult patients.
Hyponatremia influences the outcome of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure: an analysis of the CANONIC study
Authors: Cárdenas Andrés , Solà Elsa , Rodríguez Ezequiel , Barreto Rogelio , Graupera Isabel , Pavesi Marco , Saliba Faouzi , Welzel Tania Mara , Martinez-Gonzalez Javier , Gustot Thierry , Bernardi Mauro , Arroyo Vicente , Ginès Pere
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Hyponatremia is a marker of poor prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. This analysis aimed to assess if hyponatremia also has prognostic value in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), a syndrome characterized by acute decompensation of cirrhosis, organ failure(s) and high short-term mortality.

Methods

We performed an analysis of the Chronic Liver Failure Consortium CANONIC database in 1,341 consecutive patients admitted to 29 European centers with acute decompensation of cirrhosis (including ascites, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, or bacterial infections, or any combination of these), both with and without associated ACLF (301 and 1,040 respectively).

Results

Of the 301 patients with ACLF, 24.3% had hyponatremia at inclusion compared to 12.3% of 1,040 patients without ACLF (P <0.001). Model for end-stage liver disease, Child-Pugh and chronic liver failure-SOFA scores were significantly higher in patients with ACLF and hyponatremia compared to those without hyponatremia. The presence of hyponatremia (at inclusion or during hospitalization) was a predictive factor of survival both in patients with and without ACLF. The presence of hyponatremia and ACLF was found to have an independent effect on 90-day survival after adjusting for the potential confounders. Hyponatremia in non-ACLF patients nearly doubled the risk (hazard ratio (HR) 1.81 (1.33 to 2.47)) of dying at 90 days. However, when considering patients with both factors (ACLF and hyponatremia) the relative risk of dying at 90 days was significantly higher (HR 6.85 (3.85 to 12.19) than for patients without both factors. Patients with hyponatremia and ACLF had a three-month transplant-free survival of only 35.8% compared to 58.7% in those with ACLF without hyponatremia (P <0.001).

Conclusions

The presence of hyponatremia is an independent predictive factor of survival in patients with ACLF. In cirrhosis, outcome of patients with ACLF is dependent on its association with hyponatremia.
CHRFAM7A, a human-specific and partially duplicated α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene with the potential to specify a human-specific inflammatory response to injury
Authors: Costantini Todd W , Dang Xitong , Coimbra Raul , Eliceiri Brian P , Baird Andrew
Published: December 2014

Conventional wisdom presumes that the α7nAChR product of CHRNA7 expression mediates the ability of the vagus nerve to regulate the inflammatory response to injury and infection. Yet, 15 years ago, a 2nd structurally distinct and human-specific α7nAChR gene was discovered that has largely escaped attention of the inflammation research community. The gene, originally called dupα7nAChR but now known as CHRFAM7A, has been studied exhaustively in psychiatric research because of its association with mental illness. However, dupα7nAChR/CHRFAM7A expression is relatively low in human brain but elevated in human leukocytes. Furthermore, α7nAChR research in human tissues has been confounded by cross-reacting antibodies and nonspecific oligonucleotide primers that crossreact in immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry, and RT-PCR. Yet, 3 independent reports show the human-specific CHRFAM7A changes cell responsiveness to the canonical α7nAChR/CHRNA7 ion-gated channel. Because of its potential for the injury research community, its possible significance to human leukocyte biology, and its relevance to human inflammation, we review the discovery and structure of the dupα7nAChR/CHRFAM7A gene, the distribution of its mRNA, and its biologic activities and then discuss its possible role(s) in specifying human inflammation and injury. In light of emerging concepts that point to a role for human-specific genes in complex human disease, the existence of a human-specific α7nAChR regulating inflammatory responses in injury underscores the need for caution in extrapolating findings in the α7nAChR literature to man. To this end, we discuss the translational implications of a uniquely human α7nAChR-like gene on new drug target discovery and therapeutics development for injury, infection, and inflammation.
Advantages of borehole vector gravity in density imaging
Authors: Rim Hyoungrea , Li Yaoguo
Published: December 2014

Borehole gravity is an effective method for directly imaging anomalous mass distributions at large depths, and it has broad applications in mineral and petroleum exploration and production. The method is presently limited to vertical gravity data only. The anticipated development of vector gravimeters may change this scenario dramatically. There was a need to understand the potential capability of vector gravimetry and to develop corresponding modeling and interpretation techniques. We introduced a set of numerical modeling tools for vector gravity and examined the relative information content of vertical and vector gravity data in borehole environments. Through simulations, we illustrated that vector gravity was superior to vertical gravity in applications such as locating and characterizing anomalous mass and in tracking the movement of fluid injection in reservoirs.
Guest Editor’s Introduction
Authors: Cassuto Leonard
Published: December 2014

This introduction positions the essays in this special cluster as early entries in a necessary conversation about how to teach graduate school better and more attentively during these straitened and changing times. It is a conversation we need to begin.
The Melancholy Odyssey of a Dissertation with Pictures
Authors: Lee Melanie
Published: December 2014

This informed opinion piece discusses the author’s dispiriting experience filing the first hybrid dissertation at Ohio University. “Document Format Checklist” guidelines enforced a “rhetoric of distance” between pictures and words—compulsory logos-centrism. Specifications for projects like the author’s that blend images with text did not exist, and staff responsible for document approval at her graduate college insisted that she follow their guidelines. While her advisers’ communications with the graduate college and council eventually resulted in revised guidelines that included two new options for filing multimodal dissertations, her project continued to meet resistance when she tried to file it following these new options.
Condemned to Repeat
Authors: Bousquet Marc
Published: December 2014

This response to the articles collected in this cluster observes that many analysts have constructed a “survivor” discourse surrounding graduate education, offering solutions at the level of individual choice and agency. The author argues instead for the critical importance of addressing academic employment structurally.
A Vocation/Avocation
Authors: Schmid David
Published: December 2014

This essay takes the contrarian point of view that graduate study in the humanities should be thought of as an avocation rather than as a vocation. While we have a responsibility to professionalize our graduate students, it is also incumbent on us to continue to redefine what we mean by professionalization so that it both refers to a variety of employment outcomes and addresses that most old-fashioned of subjects: the pleasures of intellectual labor.
p75NTR-dependent Rac1 activation requires receptor cleavage and activation of an NRAGE and NEDD9 signaling cascade
Authors: Zeinieh Michele , Salehi Amir , Rajkumar Vijidha , Barker Philip A.
Published: December 2014

The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is implicated in diverse cellular events but fundamental aspects of its signaling mechanisms remain unclear. To address this, we have established a novel bioassay to characterize signaling cascades activated by p75NTR. We show that in COS7 cells, p75NTR expression causes a large increase in cell surface area that relies on the activation of Rac1 and we demonstrate that the p75NTR-dependent COS7 phenotype is dependent on ADAM17- and γ-secretase dependent cleavage of p75NTR and generation of the p75NTR intracellular domain (p75NTRICD). We show that the p75NTR adaptor protein NRAGE acts downstream of the p75NTRICD in this cascade and, through a yeast two-hybrid screen, identify NEDD9, a Cas family adaptor protein, as a novel NRAGE binding partner, that mediates p75NTR-dependent Rac1 activation and cell spreading. Our results demonstrate a crucial role for p75NTR cleavage in small GTPase activation and define a novel Rac1 activation pathway involving the p75NTRICD, NRAGE and NEDD9.
Salt-inducible kinase 2 regulates CRTCs, HDAC4 and glucose uptake in adipocytes
Authors: Henriksson Emma , Säll Johanna , Gormand Amélie , Wasserstrom Sebastian , Morrice Nicholas A. , Fritzen Andreas M. , Foretz Marc , Campbell David G. , Sakamoto Kei , Ekelund Mikael , Degerman Eva , Stenkula Karin G. , Göransson Olga
Published: December 2014

Salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2) is an AMPK-related kinase abundantly expressed in adipose tissue. Our aim was to identify molecular targets and functions of SIK2 in adipocytes, and to address the role of PKA-phosphorylation of SIK2 on Ser358. Modulation of SIK2 in adipocytes resulted in altered phosphorylation of CREB-regulated transcription co-activator 2 (CRTC2) and -3, and class IIa histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4). Furthermore, CRTC2, CRTC3, HDAC4 and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) interacted with SIK2, and the binding of CRTCs and PP2A to wild-type, but not Ser358Ala SIK2, was reduced by cAMP-elevation. Silencing of SIK2 resulted in reduced GLUT4 protein levels, whereas cells treated with CRTC2 or HDAC4 siRNA displayed increased GLUT4. Over-expression or pharmacological inhibition of SIK2 resulted in increased and decreased glucose uptake, respectively. We also describe a SIK2/CRTC2/HDAC4 pathway and its regulation in human adipocytes, strengthening the physiological relevance of our findings. Collectively, we demonstrate that SIK2 acts directly on CRTC2, CRTC3 and HDAC4, and that cAMP/PKA reduces the interaction of SIK2 with CRTCs and PP2A. Downstream, SIK2 promotes GLUT4 levels and glucose uptake in adipocytes.
Phosphoinositide binding by the SNX27 FERM domain regulates localisation at the immune synapse of activated T-cells
Authors: Ghai Rajesh , Tello-Lafoz Maria , Norwood Suzanne J. , Yang Zhe , Clairfeuille Thomas , Teasdale Rohan D. , Mérida Isabel , Collins Brett M.
Published: December 2014

Sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) controls the endosomal to cell-surface recycling of diverse transmembrane protein cargos. Critical to this function is the recruitment of SNX27 to endosomes through the binding of phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PtdIns3P) by the phox-homology (PX) domain. In T cells, SNX27 is polarized to the immunological synapse (IS) in an activation-dependent manner, but the molecular mechanisms underlying SNX27 translocation remain to be clarified. Here, we examined the phosphoinositide lipid-binding capabilities of full-length SNX27, and discovered a novel PtdInsP binding site within the C-terminal 4.1/ezrin/radixin/moesin (FERM) domain. This binding site showed a clear preference for di and tri-phosphorylated phophoinositides, and the interaction was confirmed through biophysical, mutagenesis and modeling approaches. At the IS of activated T-cells cell signaling regulates phosphoinositide dynamics, and we find that perturbing phosphoinositide binding by the SNX27 FERM domain alters its distribution in both endosomal recycling compartments and PtdIns(3,4,5)P3-enriched domains of the plasma membrane during synapse formation. Our results suggest that SNX27 undergoes dynamic partitioning between different membrane domains during IS assembly, and underscore the contribution of unique lipid interactions for SNX27 orchestration of cargo trafficking.
Validating a Diffuse Reflectance near Infrared Spectroscopy Method for Measuring a Coating on a Highly-Scattering Surface
Authors: Ritchie Gary E. , Ciurczak Emil W. , Flank Sharon
Published: December 2014

As an anti-counterfeiting aid, a thin, clear, ultraviolet-cured coating, invisible to the eye, is applied to electronic components as a taggant. It is detected via diffuse reflection near infrared (DR-NIR) spectroscopy. This paper describes the potential difficulties of measuring extremely thin layers of organic materials on a highly-scattering matrix. Principal component analysis (PCA) was a useful tool with which to examine the loadings and residual variance plots for physical and chemical differences between coated and uncoated microchips. The various coating layer(s) differed only in the amount applied and, while spectrally difficult to quantify, were easily discriminated when plotting the principal component (PC) scores that described the major log 1/ R regions of the thin film.
Sector-led improvement in children’s services: a lever for evidence-informed practice?
Authors: Holmes Dez , Brookes Carole
Published: December 2014

The drive for sector-led improvement within children’s services has a more prominent place in improving outcomes for children and young people than ever before. Concurrently, the imperative to access and utilise evidence to inform practice has become increasingly important, enabling scarce resources to be allocated according to ‘what works’. This paper examines features of the current model of sector-led improvement and evidence-informed practice, demonstrating that there is an undeniable congruence between the two. The role of intermediary organisations is considered. The paper concludes that sector-led improvement cannot be effectively achieved without an underpinning understanding of, and access to, robust evidence.
From theory to practice: an illustrative case for selecting evidence-based practices and building implementation capacity in three Canadian health jurisdictions
Authors: Duda Michelle A , Riopelle Richard J , Brown Jacquie
Published: December 2014

Using principles of Applied Implementation Science, this paper examines strategies for systematically selecting and operationalising National clinical practice guidelines and intentionally creating implementation supports to ensure high fidelity use and sustainable application and outcomes. In the spirit of participatory action research, key pan-Canadian stakeholders including funders, researchers, providers and patients were brought together around shared interests of optimal patient outcomes, improved provider performance, and continuous quality improvement of practices targeting the three most common secondary complications that patients with spinal cord injuries experience: pressure ulcers, bladder dysfunction and pain. Implementation capacity development at site and project levels will be described.
The Global Transformation Toward Testing for Accountability
Authors: Smith William C.
Published: December 2014

To ensure equal access to high quality education, the global expansion of universal basic education has included accountability measures in the form of academic tests. Presently the majority of countries participate in national testing; however, the past two decades have seen a substantial shift in test characteristics and aims. This article investigates the global transformation toward testing for accountability, where intentional or unintentional positive or negative consequences are applied to educators (teachers and administrators) based on their student’s test scores, in light of the emerging global culture, identified by World Culture theorists. Elements of the world culture – including the expansion of western education models, an emphasis on academic intelligence, faith in science as a rational path to truth, and the decentralization of authority to the local level – justify the establishment of testing for accountability systems. Descriptive evidence from regional and international datasets, such as PISA, PIRLS, and TIMSS, illustrate the speed at which this transformation occurs. The convergence of countries toward testing for accountability and its position as an increasingly normative policy lever is illustrated in brief vignettes from the diverse systems of Hungary, Mexico, and South Korea. As testing for accountability becomes embedded in the world culture as a legitimate tool for education reform it is less prone to critical reflection. If the potential benefits and concerns of testing for accountability, outlined in this article, are not thoughtfully evaluated this global transformation will lead to a testing culture that is internalized as normative and adopted as individual values.
Accountability Practices in the History of Danish Primary Public Education from the 1660s to the Present
Authors: Ydesen Christian , Andreasen Karen E.
Published: December 2014

This paper focuses on primary education accountability as a concept and as an organizational practice in the history of Danish public education. Contemporary studies of education policy often address questions of accountability, but the manifestations of school accountability differ significantly between different national settings. Furthermore, accountability measures and practices have an impact on both the ways and means by which societies approach their educational systems. Hence there is a need to clarify the characteristics and traits connected with the concept. One way of approaching this endeavor is to turn to the history of education, because the discourse and practice of accountability incorporates numerous historical antecedents, technologies, and arguments. Based on primary as well as secondary sources this article presents the case of Denmark, analyzing the period from 1660 to the present. The article is analytically divided into four chapters, one treating the period of absolute monarchy, from 1660 to 1849; one treating the era of the nation state, from 1849 to 1933; one treating the welfare state, from 1933 to 1990; and one treating the era of globalization and the marketization of education, from 1990 to the present. The key analytical findings are that changing forms of government are reflected in accountability practices and accountability practices exert strong disciplining effects.
The Development of Educational Accountability in China and Denmark
Authors: Rasmussen Palle , Zou Yihuan
Published: December 2014

In recent decades, the concept of accountability has attracted more and more attention in public governance and management. The management of education is no exception. This article presents and discusses the evolution and current status of educational accountability in two different national contexts, China and Denmark. Two main sectors of education are covered, general school education and higher education. It is shown that both countries are marked by an increasing concern with educational accountability, that differences in history and culture between the two countries are reflected in the approaches to accountability, but that there are still considerable similarities in the types of accountability pursued. Under the influence of a transnational regime of policy development both countries seem to be moving towards output-based accountability, but more traditional inspection continues to have a role.
A new case of Casamassima-Morton-Nance (CMN) syndrome presenting prenatally as VACTERL association
Authors: Weraduwage Hashinee , Manton Nicholas , Barnett Christopher P.
Published: December 2014

Casamassima-Morton-Nance (CMN) syndrome (OMIM 271520) has clinical overlap with spondylocostal dysostosis and Vertebral, Anorectal, Cardiac, Tracheo-Esophageal, Radial/Renal, Limb (VACTERL) association but with consistent features of anal and urogenital abnormalities, particularly ambiguous genitalia. Since the original report, it has become clear that the combination of vertebral segmentation abnormalities, rib abnormalities, and urogenital anomalies may enable prenatal diagnosis of CMN by ultrasound. CMN syndrome is an important diagnosis to consider prenatally because of the generally poor prognosis compared to the more common VACTERL association. Here we present the seventh reported case of CMN syndrome. Prenatally presenting features of multiple segmentation anomalies within the spine, a left multi-cystic dysplastic kidney, marked pelvicaliectasis with abnormal renal parenchyma and a small stomach were suggestive of VACTERL association. There was severe oligohydramnios. Termination of pregnancy was performed at 22 weeks gestation and autopsy revealed dysmorphic coarse facial features, marked scoliosis, bilateral talipes, ambiguous external genitalia, and anal atresia. These features were highly suggestive of CMN syndrome. The important discriminating feature of ambiguous genitalia was not apparent on the prenatal ultrasound in this case because of severe oligohydramnios but we suggest that careful prenatal ultrasound assessment of the genitalia in cases of suspected VACTERL is important in differentiating these two conditions.
Contribution of biopsychosocial risk factors to nonspecific neck pain in office workers: A path analysis model
Authors: Paksaichol Arpalak , Lawsirirat Chaipat , Janwantanakul Prawit
Published: December 2014

Contribution of biopsychosocial risk factors to nonspecific neck pain in office workers: A path analysis model: Arpalak PAKSAICHOL, et al. Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

Objective

The etiology of nonspecific neck pain is widely accepted to be multifactorial. Each risk factor has not only direct effects on neck pain but may also exert effects indirectly through other risk factors. This study aimed to test this hypothesized model in office workers.

Methods

A one‐year prospective cohort study of 559 healthy office workers was conducted. At baseline, a self‐administered questionnaire and standardized physical examination were employed to gather biopsychosocial data. Follow‐up data were collected every month for the incidence of neck pain. A regression model was built to analyze factors predicting the onset of neck pain. Path analysis was performed to examine direct and indirect associations between identified risk factors and neck pain.

Results

The onset of neck pain was predicted by female gender, having a history of neck pain, monitor position not being level with the eyes, and frequently perceived muscular tension, of which perceived muscular tension was the strongest effector on the onset of neck pain. Gender, history of neck pain, and monitor height had indirect effects on neck pain that were mediated through perceived muscular tension. History of neck pain was the most influential effector on perceived muscular tension.

Conclusions

The results of this study support the hypothesis that each risk factors may contribute to the development of neck pain both directly and indirectly. The combination of risk factors necessary to cause neck pain is likely occupation specific. Perceived muscular tension is hypothesized to be an early sign of musculoskeletal symptoms.