bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-lasting Disease Stabilization in the Absence of Toxicity in Metastatic Lung Cancer Patients Vaccinated with an Epitope Derived from Indoleamine 2,3 Dioxygenase
Authors: Iversen Trine Zeeberg , Engell-Noerregaard Lotte , Ellebaek Eva , Andersen Rikke , Larsen Stine Kiaer , Bjoern Jon , Zeyher Claus , Gouttefangeas Cécile , Thomsen Birthe Moerk , Holm Bente , thor Straten Per , Mellemgaard Anders , Andersen Mads Hald , Svane Inge Marie
Published: November 2013

Purpose: To investigate targeting of indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) enzyme using a synthetic peptide vaccine administered to patients with metastatic non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Experimental Design: In a clinical phase I study, we treated 15 HLA-A2–positive patients with stage III–IV NSCLC in disease stabilization after standard chemotherapy. Patients were treated with imiquimod ointment and subcutaneous vaccinations (100 μg IDO5 peptide, sequence ALLEIASCL, formulated in 900 μL Montanide). Primary endpoint was toxicity. Clinical benefit and immunity were assessed as secondary endpoints.

Results: No severe toxicity was observed. One patient developed a partial response (PR) after one year of vaccine treatment, whereas long-lasting stable disease (SD) ≥ 8.5 months was demonstrated in another six patients. The median overall survival (OS) was 25.9 months. Patients demonstrated significant improved OS (P = 0.03) when compared with the group of patients excluded because of HLA-A2 negativity. IDO-specific CD8+ T-cell immunity was demonstrated by IFN-γ Elispot and Tetramer staining. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses demonstrated a significant reduction of the Treg population (P = 0.03) after the sixth vaccine (2.5 months) compared with pretreatment levels. Furthermore, expression of IDO was detected in nine of ten tumor biopsies by immunohistochemistry. High-performance liquid chromatography analyses of kynurenine/tryptophan (Kyn/Trp) ratio in sera were performed. In long-term analyses of two clinical responding patients, the ratio of Kyn/Trp remained stable.

Conclusions: The vaccine was well tolerated with no severe toxicity occurring. A median OS of 25.9 months was demonstrated and long-lasting PR+SD was seen in 47% of the patients. Clin Cancer Res; 20(1); 221–32. ©2013 AACR.
Nicorandil Protects against Ischaemia-Reperfusion Injury in Newborn Rat Kidney
Authors: Zhang Yu-Jing , Zhang Ai-Qi , Zhao Xia-Xia , Tian Zhi-Liang , Yao Li
Published: November 2013

Ischaemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is the predominant cause of acute kidney injury. Nevertheless, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. The current study investigated the effects of nicorandil on ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and the potential signal transduction pathway(s) in a rat kidney IRI model and in cultured tubular HK-2 cells subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury. The standard procedure for IRI was performed in newborn rat kidneys. Pretreatment with nicorandil (10 mg/kg) 2 h prior to induction of IRI improved renal function, attenuated tubule damage, and prevented apoptosis of tubule cells, infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, and production of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17 and tumour necrosis factor-a. Ischaemia-reperfusion-induced reduction of KIR6.2 was restored to normal levels by nicorandil. The activation of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-nuclear factor (NF)-κB axis was detected in this rat kidney IRI model, which was blocked by nicorandil. The renoprotection of nicorandil against IRI was abolished by its inhibitor glibenclamide (1 mg/kg). Similar results were obtained in OGD/R-damaged HK-2 cells. Taken together, our findings demonstrated the specific renoprotective role of nicorandil in the newborn rat IRI kidney by decreasing the production of inflammatory cytokines, and restoring the expression of KIR6.2 potentially through the PI3K-Akt-NF-κB axis.
Final Results of a Safety and Efficacy Trial of Preoperative Sequential Chemoradiation Therapy for the Nonsurgical Treatment of Early Breast Cancer: Japan Clinical Oncology Group Study JCOG0306
Authors: Mukai Hirofumi , Watanabe Toru , Mitsumori Michihide , Tsuda Hitoshi , Nakamura Seigo , Masuda Norikazu , Yamamoto Naohito , Shibata Taro , Sato Akihiro , Iwata Hiroji , Aogi Kenjiro
Published: November 2013

Objective: To explore the possibility of nonsurgical treatment of primary breast cancers by a sequential treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Methods: We conducted a safety and efficacy trial of chemotherapy and radiation therapy sequentially as primary therapy in patients with stage I-IIIA breast cancer. All patients underwent mastectomy or lumpectomy 12-16 weeks after the completion of radiation therapy to maximize the effect of radiation therapy. The primary endpoint was the pathological complete response (pCR) rate. Results: Between June 2004 and April 2005, one hundred eight patients were enrolled. Thirty six percent of the entire population achieved a pCR, which could not reject the null hypothesis. The pCR rate was 57% in patients with hormone receptor (HR)-negative/HER-2-positive tumors and 52% in patients with triple-negative tumors. While 7% of the HR-negative/HER2-positive patients recurred, a higher incidence of recurrence (24%) was observed in triple-negative tumors in a follow-up of 4.5 years. The rate of breast-conserving surgery was 88.9% (96/108). Conclusion: The pCR rate was not high enough, even though preoperative sequential chemoradiation therapy did not increase the risk of operative complications and could achieve a high rate of breast-conserving surgery.
Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma with Angioinvasive Features and Cytotoxic Phenotype: A Rare Lymphoma Variant within the Spectrum of CD30+ Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Kempf Werner , Kazakov Dmitry V. , Paredes Bruno E. , Laeng Hubert R. , Palmedo Gabriele , Kutzner Heinz
Published: November 2013

Background: Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) presents with solitary or grouped exophytic tumors and cohesive infiltrates of large CD30+ T cells. Objective: To report an angioinvasive variant of PCALCL. Methods: Retrospective analysis of clinicopathological features of this variant. Results: The group consisted of six patients (median age 46 years) with a solitary flat necrotic lesion preferentially located on the upper extremity. Histologically, there were angiocentric and angiodestructive infiltrates of medium-sized to large pleomorphic and anaplastic cells co-expressing CD30 and CD8. Five patients were treated with surgical excision and one patient with radiotherapy. A relapse was observed in one patient with spontaneous regression of the lesions suggesting a link to the recently described angioinvasive lymphomatoid papulosis (type E). All patients were alive without evidence of disease after a median follow-up of 31 months (range 15-96), indicating an excellent prognosis. Conclusions: The angioinvasive variant of PCALCL is rare but distinctive and prone to misinterpretation as aggressive lymphoma due to its histological features.
Gene Expression Analysis and Urinary Biomarker Assays Reveal Activation of Tubulointerstitial Injury Pathways in a Rodent Model of Chronic Proteinuria (Doxorubicin Nephropathy)
Authors: Cianciolo Rachel , Yoon Lawrence , Krull David , Stokes Alan , Rodriguez Alex , Jordan Holly , Cooper David , Falls James G. , Cullen John , Kimbrough Carie , Berridge Brian
Published: November 2013

Background: Tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis are well-recognized sequelae of chronic proteinuria; however, little is known regarding the molecular pathways activated within tubulointerstitium in chronic proteinuric nephropathies. Methods: To investigate the molecular mechanisms of proteinuria-associated tubulointerstitial (TI) disease, doxorubicin nephropathy was induced in rats. Progression of disease was monitored with weekly urinary biomarker assays. Because histopathology revealed multifocal TI injury, immunodirected laser capture microdissection was used to identify and isolate injured proximal tubules, as indicated by kidney injury molecule-1 immunolabeling. Adjacent interstitial cells were harvested separately. Gene expression microarray, manual annotation of gene lists, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis were performed. A subset of the regulated transcripts was validated by quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: Severe proteinuria preceded tubular injury biomarkers by 1 week. Histology revealed multifocal, mild TI damage at 3 weeks, which progressed in severity at 5 weeks. Affymetrix microarray analysis revealed tissue-specific regulation of gene expression. Manual annotation of gene lists, gene set enrichment analysis, and urinary biomarker assays revealed similarities to pathways activated in direct TI injuries. This suggests commonalities amongst the molecular mechanisms of TI injury secondary to proteinuria, ischemia-reperfusion, and nephrotoxicity.
IQGAP1 Mediates Angiotensin II-Induced Apoptosis of Podocytes via the ERK1/2 MAPK Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Yipeng , Liang Wei , Yang Qian , Ren Zhilong , Chen Xinghua , Zha Dongqing , Singhal Pravin C. , Ding Guohua
Published: November 2013

Background/Aims: The mechanism underlying angiotensin II (AngII)-promoted podocyte apoptosis has not been established. IQ domain GTPase-activating protein 1 (IQGAP1) is a scaffolding protein of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway, and plays a significant role in apoptosis. The present study evaluates the role of IQGAP1 in AngII-induced podocyte apoptosis. Methods: We randomly assigned 36 male Wistar rats to a normal saline-infused group, an AngII-infused group, or a normal control group, and measured podocyte apoptosis by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and transmission electron microscopic analysis. In addition, we exposed differentiated mouse podocytes to AngII and then assessed apoptosis by flow cytometry and Hoechst-33258 staining. Expression of IQGAP1 was measured by Western blotting, real-time PCR and immunofluorescence assay in vivo and in vitro. IQGAP1 siRNA and MAPK pathway inhibitors were further introduced to investigate the role of IQGAP1 and MAPK signaling in the process. Coimmunoprecipitation was used to evaluate the interaction between ERK1/2 and IQGAP1. Results: AngII promoted podocyte apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. IQGAP1 had a linear distribution along the capillary loops of glomeruli in vivo, and was in the cellular membrane and cytoplasm of cultured podocytes. AngII stimulated IQGAP1 expression and increased phosphorylation of P38, JNK, and ERK1/2. Knockdown of IQGAP1 with siRNA prevented AngII-induced apoptosis of podocytes and reduced AngII-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2, but not that of P38, JNK. This was accompanied by a reduced interaction between ERK1/2 and IQGAP1. Conclusion: IQGAP1 contributes to AngII-induced apoptosis of podocytes by interacting with the ERK1/2 signaling protein.
Negative Impact of β-Arrestin-1 on Post-Myocardial Infarction Heart Failure via Cardiac and Adrenal-Dependent Neurohormonal Mechanisms
Authors: Bathgate-Siryk Ashley , Dabul Samalia , Pandya Krunal , Walklett Karlee , Rengo Giuseppe , Cannavo Alessandro , De Lucia Claudio , Liccardo Daniela , Gao Erhe , Leosco Dario , Koch Walter J. , Lymperopoulos Anastasios
Published: November 2013

β-Arrestin (βarr)-1 and β-arrestin-2 (βarrs) are universal G-protein–coupled receptor adapter proteins that negatively regulate cardiac β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) function via βAR desensitization and downregulation. In addition, they mediate G-protein–independent βAR signaling, which might be beneficial, for example, antiapoptotic, for the heart. However, the specific role(s) of each βarr isoform in cardiac βAR dysfunction, the molecular hallmark of chronic heart failure (HF), remains unknown. Furthermore, adrenal βarr1 exacerbates HF by chronically enhancing adrenal production and hence circulating levels of aldosterone and catecholamines. Herein, we sought to delineate specific roles of βarr1 in post–myocardial infarction (MI) HF by testing the effects of βarr1 genetic deletion on normal and post-MI cardiac function and morphology. We studied βarr1 knockout (βarr1KO) mice alongside wild-type controls under normal conditions and after surgical MI. Normal (sham-operated) βarr1KO mice display enhanced βAR-dependent contractility and post-MI βarr1KO mice enhanced overall cardiac function (and βAR-dependent contractility) compared with wild type. Post-MI βarr1KO mice also show increased survival and decreased cardiac infarct size, apoptosis, and adverse remodeling, as well as circulating catecholamines and aldosterone, compared with post-MI wild type. The underlying mechanisms, on one hand, improved cardiac βAR signaling and function, as evidenced by increased βAR density and procontractile signaling, via reduced cardiac βAR desensitization because of cardiac βarr1 absence, and, on the other hand, decreased production leading to lower circulating levels of catecholamines and aldosterone because of adrenal βarr1 absence. Thus, βarr1, via both cardiac and adrenal effects, is detrimental for cardiac structure and function and significantly exacerbates post-MI HF.
Did the 2007 Legal Arizona Workers Act Reduce the State's Unauthorized Immigrant Population?
Authors: Bohn Sarah , Lofstrom Magnus , Raphael Steven
Published: November 2013

We test for an effect of Arizona's 2007 Legal Arizona Workers Act (LAWA) on the proportion of the state's population characterized as noncitizen Hispanic. We use the synthetic control method to select a group of states against which Arizona's population trends can be compared. We document a notable and statistically significant reduction in the proportion of the Hispanic noncitizen population in Arizona. The decline observed matches the timing of LAWA's implementation, deviates from the time series for the synthetic control group, and stands out relative to the distribution of placebo estimates for other states in the nation.
Social Networks and Research Output
Authors: Ductor Lorenzo , Fafchamps Marcel , Goyal Sanjeev , van der Leij Marco J.
Published: November 2013

We study how knowledge about the social network of an individual researcher, as embodied in his coauthor relations, helps us in developing a more accurate prediction of his or her future productivity. We find that incorporating information about coauthor networks leads to a modest improvement in the accuracy of forecasts on individual output, over and above what we can predict based on the knowledge of past individual output. Second, we find that the informativeness of networks dissipates over the lifetime of a researcher's career. This suggests that the signaling content of the network is quantitatively more important than the flow of ideas.
New species of Narnia (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Coreidae: Coreinae: Anisoscelini) from Mexico and key to the known species of the genus
Authors: BRAILOVSKY HARRY , BARRERA ERNESTO
Published: November 2013

One new species of Narnia is described from Mexico, N. anaticula sp. nov. A key to the species is provided together with dorsal view photograph of each known species of Narnia. The genus is divided in two groups according the color of the dorsal abdominal segments.
Redescription of Parapercis punctata (Cuvier, 1829) and status of Neosillago Castelnau, 1875 and its type species Neosillago marmorata Castelnau, 1875 (Perciformes: Pinguipedidae)
Authors: HO HSUAN-CHING
Published: November 2013

The status of two doubtful fish species is reviewed. Percis punctata Cuvier, 1829 is confirmed to be a valid species of Parapercis Bleeker, 1863 and a senior synonym of Parapercis guezei Fourmanoir, 1966. A redescription of Parapercis punctata is provided, based on four specimens collected from the western Indian Ocean. Examination of the holotype of Neosillago marmorata Castelnau, 1875 revealed that Neosillago is a junior synonym of Parapercis and N. marmorata is a junior synonym of Parapercis nebulosa (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825).
Variability of Southern Ocean Jets near Topography
Authors: Chapman Christopher C. , Morrow Rosemary
Published: November 2013

The interaction of jets with topography in the Southern Ocean is investigated using 19 years of altimetry data. In particular, the “jet jumping” mode of variability, by which two or more jets passing close to the same topographic feature show strongly anticorrelated strengthening and weakening, is studied. Three regional case studies are described—the Southeast Indian Ridge south of Tasmania, the Macquarie Ridge south of New Zealand, and the Pacific–Antarctic Rise—where the jet jumping variability is found to occur. Using principal component analysis, the spatial patterns of variability show a vortex dipole forming on either side of a particular jet. For each regional study, it is found that the variability in strength of these vortices (as measured by the spatially averaged vorticity) is strongly correlated with time series of the principle component that describes the jet jumping variability. The observational analysis is complemented by a suite of idealized numerical experiments using a three-layer quasigeostrophic model with simple topography. The numerical results show similar spatial patterns of variability to those observed in the altimetric data. Internal variability is sufficient to generate jet jumping variability, as there is no time-varying external forcing applied in the model configuration. The simulations are used to investigate the effect of topographic scale and changing bottom friction. The authors find that both have a strong influence on the time scale of the variability, with larger topographic scales and higher bottom friction leading to faster time scales. This study shows that even in regions where the flow is strongly influenced by topography, Southern Ocean jet flow may exhibit low-frequency variability.
A Comparison of Preservice Teachers’ Responses to Cyber Versus Traditional Bullying Scenarios
Authors: Boulton Michael J. , Hardcastle Katryna , Down James , Fowles John , Simmonds Jennifer A.
Published: November 2013

Prior studies indicate that teachers differ in how they respond to different kinds of traditional bullying, and that their beliefs predict their intervention intentions. The current study provided the first extension of this work into the realm of cyber bullying. Preservice teachers in the United Kingdom ( N = 222) were presented with vignettes describing three subtypes of traditional bullying as well as cyber bullying, and the latter was directly compared with the former. Dependent variables were perceived seriousness, ability to cope, empathy, and intentions to intervene. Results showed that responses to cyber bullying were most similar to verbal traditional bullying, but distinct from physical and relational traditional bullying. For cyber bullying, willingness to intervene was significantly predicted from the other three dependent variables (collectively and each one uniquely). No gender differences were observed. The implications of the results concerning how teacher educators could help teachers to deal with cyber bullying were discussed.
Property and Administration
Authors: van der Molen Paul
Published: November 2013

This article addresses the role of private property rights in the process of spatial planning. The article considers this process from the viewpoint of the dichotomy of power between the private property rights and public policy. On one hand, there is the private owner, who has the right to decide how to use the land based on the right to dispose. On the other hand, there is the government, which has the right to aim at realizing socially desirable land use based on its role as custodian of the public good. The article investigates which mechanisms are available to settle these interests, such as the binding zoning plan with its regulations and the options for government land acquisition. The article in short presents the integrated approach that is in force in the Netherlands. As this settlement process concerns the relationship between citizen and State, attention is paid to human rights aspects of property. The article addresses briefly the issue of land administration systems; adjusting public powers and private rights at least requires good knowledge of who owns what and how. Without such knowledge, it appears to be difficult for any government to operate effectively, efficiently, and fairly.
Real-time driver drowsiness estimation by multi-source information fusion with Dempster–Shafer theory
Authors: Li Xuanpeng , Seignez Emmanuel , Lambert Alain , Loonis Pierre
Published: November 2013

Driver drowsiness greatly increases the driver’s risk of a crash or near-crash. It is recognized as one of the major causes of severe traffic accidents. In this paper, a novel non-intrusive surveillance system is proposed to estimate driver drowsiness by fusion of visual information about lane and driver with Dempster–Shafer theory. Based on expert knowledge and data statistics, various visual features extracted from lane and eye tracking are analysed for their correlation with driver drowsiness in the framework of the subjective ‘observer rating of drowsiness’. The system is validated in real road scenarios and the experiment results demonstrate that it is promising in improving the robustness and temporal response of driver surveillance in real time.
Cyber physical system for vehicle application
Authors: Nawa Kazunari , Chandrasiri Naiwala P , Yanagihara Tadashi , Oguchi Kentaro
Published: November 2013

In-vehicle information provision services have started according to the progress of data communication infrastructure surrounding vehicles. In such information services, a large amount of data related to vehicles and drivers has been accumulated in the data centre and been analysed to provide proper information to drivers. Towards such technical trends surrounding vehicles, a cyber physical system for vehicle applications is proposed here. In the proposed system, the expected continuous spiral information flow for vehicles and drivers is described. In the data centre, accumulated information has been analysed by intelligent information processing of data mining, then finally extracted information has been provided to drivers through a human–machine interface. According to the progress of information processing technologies surrounding vehicles, the current situation and challenges of typical technological areas to realize the system are discussed. Several research activities towards potential new services for drivers are also introduced, mainly based on personal adaptation, big data analysis and web mining.
Notice: PSPB Articles by Authors With Retracted Articles at PSPB or Other Journals
Authors: Funder David ,   Task Force on Publication and Research Practices, Society for Personality and Social Psychology
Published: November 2013

Numerous articles by the social psychologists Diederick Stapel, Dirk Smeesters, and Lawrence Sanna have been retracted in several different journals. The present notice reports the results of an investigation into papers authored or coauthored by these individuals, and published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, that have not been retracted. The status of these papers range from data confirmed as legitimate by coauthors to, in many cases, being unknown as to their legitimacy. Given the lack of information in the latter cases, there is insufficient basis to recommend retraction at this time. Researchers using the results of these papers in their own work are advised to take the information reported in this notice into account.
Youth Transitions in Kashmir
Authors: Bhat Mohd Aslam , Rather Tareak A.
Published: November 2013

Contemporary interpretations of youth transitions have been extensively influenced by sociological preoccupations with individualisation. Hence youth researchers have been inclined to present homogeneous and synchronised portraits of contemporary youth, skipping the crucial underlying structural features that still persist and sustain differential transitions into adulthood. Drawing on in-depth interviews with young people in Kashmir (North India), this article uses Bourdieu’s conceptualisation of interdependent forms of capital to support the proposition that making rational choices and decisions, which does constitute individualisation, also still depends on one’s class position.
Appearance learning for 3D tracking of robotic surgical tools
Authors: Reiter Austin , Allen Peter K , Zhao Tao
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we present an appearance learning approach which is used to detect and track surgical robotic tools in laparoscopic sequences. By training a robust visual feature descriptor on low-level landmark features, we build a framework for fusing robot kinematics and 3D visual observations to track surgical tools over long periods of time across various types of environment. We demonstrate 3D tracking on multiple types of tool (with different overall appearances) as well as multiple tools simultaneously. We present experimental results using the da Vinci® surgical robot using a combination of both ex-vivo and in-vivo environments.
Influence of HGB on cell structure and mechanical properties of CSW-reinforced PP/LDPE foam composites
Authors: Xu Qi , Li Ziquan , Liu Jinsong , Yang Jinian
Published: November 2013

Polypropylene (PP)/low-density polyethylene (LDPE) foam composites were prepared by the extrusion and a subsequent post-foaming process in a designed die. Hollow glass beads (HGB) were added to improve the performance of calcium sulfate whisker (CSW)-reinforced PP/LDPE foam composites. The influence of the content of HGB on cell structure and mechanical properties of the as-fabricated PP/LDPE foam composites reinforced by CSW was investigated . It was found that the introduction of HGB could enhance the cell structure of the PP/LDPE foam composites characterized by the reduced mean cell diameter, the increased cell density, and the uniform distribution of cell size. The mechanical properties tests indicated that HGB could significantly improve the compressive properties of the PP/LDPE foam composites in particular.
Vibration damping characteristics of short hemp fibre thermoplastic composites
Authors: Etaati A , Mehdizadeh S Abdanan , Wang H , Pather S
Published: November 2013

In this project, free vibration testing and dynamic mechanical analysis methods were used to study the damping properties of noil hemp fibre-reinforced polypropylene composites with varying fibre contents (0 to 60 wt%) and compatibilizers (maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene and maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene octane) under applied frequencies of 1 to 200 Hz. The storage modulus of the composites was increased by the increase in hemp fibre content. However, the maximum damping ratio was obtained from the composite with 30 wt% noil hemp fibre. The addition of coupling agents reduced the damping capacity of all composites. However, 30 wt% noil hemp fibre-reinforced polypropylene coupled with 2.5 wt% anhydride-grafted poly ethylene octane revealed the highest damping ratio among coupled composites. Damping properties of the composites were relatively constant over the frequency range, except at frequencies which the material–instrument system began to resonate and peaks were observed in the curves.
Noninflammatory necrotizing vasculopathy in lupus nephritis: a single-center experience
Authors: Chu H , Wu LH , Song D , Yu F , Zhao MH
Published: November 2013

In this study, we assessed the clinicopathological features of lupus nephritis patients with renal noninflammatory necrotizing vasculopathy (NNV). A total of 142 renal biopsies with lupus nephritis were reviewed, including nine cases presented with NNV and 36 without renal vascular lesions. The comparisons of clinical, laboratory and pathological features, treatments, as well as renal outcome between the two groups were further performed. In comparison with the no renal vascular lesions group, patients with NNV changes had significantly higher proportions of noninfection leukocyturia ( p = 0.013) and leukocytopenia ( p = 0.042), significantly higher serum creatinine ( p = 0.012), lower hemoglobin ( p = 0.002) and serum C3 ( p < 0.001) levels. Renal pathological activity indices and chronicity indices were significantly higher in the NNV group ( p = 0.002 and p = 0.006, respectively) than those in the no vascular lesions group. Regarding renal prognosis, the presence of NNV was not a risk factor for renal outcome ( p = 0.327). In conclusion, NNV was not infrequent in renal biopsies of lupus nephritis. It was commonly associated with active clinical status and proliferative glomerular lesions of lupus.
The impact of teachers’ expectations on students’ educational opportunities in the life course: An empirical test of a subjective expected utility explanation
Authors: Becker Dominik
Published: November 2013

The objective of this paper is to integrate the idea of Pygmalion or self-fulfilling prophecy research into the subjective expected utility framework of inequality in educational opportunities. The theoretical section develops a formal model about the impact of teachers’ expectations on students’ educational transitions in sense of a self-fulfilling prophecy. In the empirical section, I test this model to predict both students’ educational success (in terms of high school graduations) and their university transitions. Analyses control for selection bias and unobserved heterogeneity by means of a bivariate probit model. I find that even net of both students’ performance and motivation, teachers’ expectations show significant effects on students’ educational success ( Abitur), but not on their university transitions. This finding is stable against several robustness checks.
A model-free damage identification method for flexural structures using dynamic measurements from distributed long-gage macro-strain sensors
Authors: Tang Yongsheng , Wu Zhishen , Yang Caiqian , Wu Gang , Wan Chunfeng
Published: November 2013

A damage identifying algorithm, named modal macro-strain vector, has been verified as efficient to locate local damages for flexural structures, with modal parameters directly extracted from the dynamic macro-strain measurements. However, the basic relation between the change in modal macro-strain vector and damage severity has not been established yet. In this article, a model-free damage identification method is proposed based on the modal macro-strain vector method to implement both damage location and quantification. In this method, one assumption is first proposed that the normalized modal macro-bending-moment is constant, as proved by the simulations. Then, damage quantification is performed with the combination of the spatial parameter of neutral axis and normalized modal macro-strain vector. In view of these, different finite element beam models are simulated with several damage cases for each specimen to verify the method. Simulation results show that the damage severity can be evaluated with a high accuracy with the proposed method. As a result, the efficiency of the method is verified through the experiments of a steel beam in the laboratory. Therefore, the proposed system is proved to be effective and useful for structural health monitoring.
Visualising future behaviour: Effects for snacking on biscuit bars, but no effects for snacking on fruit
Authors: Adams Catherine , Rennie Laura , Uskul Ayse K , Appleton Katherine M
Published: November 2013

In this study, participants ( N = 223) were randomised to visualise snacking on fruit, visualise snacking on biscuit bars or no visualisation, and intentions and attitudes towards fruit and biscuit bars, immediate selection of fruit or biscuit bars and subsequent consumption were measured. No effects of visualising snacking on fruit were found once background variables were taken into account. Visualising snacking on biscuit bars, however, resulted in greater intentions to consume biscuit bars (smallest β = 0.19, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that specifics of the visualised target behaviour may be important in visualisation. Further investigation is needed before recommending visualisation for increasing fruit consumption.
Teaching classical sociological theory in Hong Kong SAR, China
Authors: Barbalet Jack
Published: November 2013

‘Metropolitan’ sociology has universal pretensions that cannot be realised. These and other limitations of mainstream sociology are borne out by the experience of teaching a classical sociological theory course in Hong Kong during 2012. Imparting accessible material meaningfully applicable to analysis of Chinese society led students to scrutinise primary texts and to apply to them material that supplemented, corrected and provided an alternative framework to the received wisdom of western social theory.
A critical reflection on the use of an embedded academic literacy program for teaching sociology
Authors: Black Michelle , Rechter Sue
Published: November 2013

New government education policies stress both social justice and economic imperatives. The tensions between these goals for universities are familiar themes for critique. The diversity, and shift in cultural capital among university students is also a concern. The authors of this article teach sociology at an Australian university with a comparative over-representation of students with low levels of cultural capital in academic literacy: research, reading and writing skills. In this article we outline and discuss the approach and outcomes of a pilot online program ‘Leap into Sociology’, developed to help sociology students increase their academic literacy in sociology. The program is, like other academic skills support programs, premised on an understanding that the development of academic research and writing skills needs to be ‘embedded’ in discipline units to be most useful for students. Our discussion considers these challenges in relation to current tensions in higher education work and policy contexts.
Service teaching and the sociological critique: Lessons from a military academy
Authors: Connor James , McDermott Vanessa
Published: November 2013

The challenges facing sociological pedagogy are exacerbated by the contemporary university context of service teaching. While we are well equipped with the tools to analyse the broader social forces that impact on teaching practice, there appears to be a reluctance to apply our sociological imagination to these issues. Drawing on the Sociology of the College Classroom (SoCC) agenda, we use our experience in teaching sociology in a School of Business, located in a military academy, to illustrate ways in which the sociological imagination can be incorporated into service teaching spaces. We outline the praxis–theory nexus used to inform students of sociological concepts via the utilisation of their own military experiences and an attempt to give students ‘free rein’ in the major course assessment, the Free Passion assignment. We demonstrate that it is possible to be sociologists of, and sociologists in, the service teaching classroom.
Durkheim as a sociologist of knowledge: Rudiments of a reflexive theory of the concept
Authors: Ogien Albert
Published: November 2013

Although Durkheim founded his sociology on his unique epistemology and his corresponding sociology of knowledge, it is the positivist and structuralist interpretations of his work which have mainly influenced sociology, while the foundational sociology of knowledge has languished. This article explores Durkheim’s sociology of knowledge and the theoretical grounding it offers to contemporary fields of inquiry that are focused on an empirical analysis of practical knowledge and its uses in action, particularly those initiated by Erving Goffman and Harold Garfinkel.
Testability demonstration test planning based on sequential posterior odds test method
Authors: Wang Chao , Qiu Jing , Liu Guan-jun , Zhang Yong
Published: November 2013

Testability is a new critical characteristic of equipment, and testability demonstration test plays an important role in assuring the designed testability levels. As a result of the complex structure and higher cost of the current equipment, a reasonable testability demonstration test plan can both guarantee the desired testability level and effectively decrease the test cost. This article considers the testability demonstration test planning with the binomial distribution. The sequential posterior odds test method that combines Bayesian method and sequential probability ratio test method is used to form a sequential decision process by calculating the Bayes factor and making judgment according to the test result sequentially. With a sequential decision criterion, the test result space is divided into three subspaces, based on which a Bayes factor threshold calculation method is presented according to the restriction parameters and prior probability density function of the testability index. Operation characteristic and average sampling number are compared among the classical method, sequential probability ratio test method and the sequential posterior odds test method, which shows that with nearly the same operation characteristic, sequential posterior odds test method has smaller average sampling number than sequential probability ratio test method and classical method. The impact of prior parameters on the sequential posterior odds test method is analyzed, and the results indicate that the sequential posterior odds test method can perform well with a range of prior parameters. Physical testability demonstration tests are carried out to verify the features of sequential posterior odds test and sequential probability ratio test methods. The result indicates that with the same restriction parameters and test condition, the sample size of sequential posterior odds test is smaller than the sample size of sequential probability ratio test as a result of the introduction of prior information.
The amazing innate immune response to influenza A virus infection
Authors: Tripathi Shweta , White Mitchell R , Hartshorn Kevan L
Published: November 2013

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) remain a major health threat and a prime example of the significance of innate immunity. Our understanding of innate immunity to IAV has grown dramatically, yielding new concepts that change the way we view innate immunity as a whole. Examples include the role of p53, autophagy, microRNA, innate lymphocytes, endothelial cells and gut commensal bacteria in pulmonary innate immunity. Although the innate response is largely beneficial, it also contributes to major complications of IAV, including lung injury, bacterial super-infection and exacerbation of reactive airways disease. Research is beginning to dissect out which components of the innate response are helpful or harmful. IAV uses its limited genetic complement to maximum effect. Several viral proteins are dedicated to combating innate responses, while other viral structural or replication proteins multitask as host immune modulators. Many host innate immune proteins also multitask, having roles in cell cycle, signaling or normal lung biology. We summarize the plethora of new findings and attempt to integrate them into the larger picture of how humans have adapted to the threat posed by this remarkable virus. We explore how our expanded knowledge suggests ways to modulate helpful and harmful inflammatory responses, and develop novel treatments.
Dapsone Hypersensitivity Syndrome in a Patient With Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Authors: Grace Yasmin , Guirguis Erenie , Thornby Krisy-Ann
Published: November 2013

Objective: A case of dapsone hypersensitivity syndrome (DHS) in an AIDS patient receiving dapsone for Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis is discussed. Case Summary: A 50-year-old Caucasian male with a history of AIDS was admitted with suspicion of pneumonia. The clinical presentation consisted of shortness of breath, occasional hemoptysis, odynophagia, skin rash, transaminitis, anemia, malaise, and peripheral neuropathy. His medications included nystatin, fluconazole, valacyclovir, and pantoprazole. For PCP prophylaxis, the patient was initiated on dapsone 100 mg daily approximately 4 weeks prior to admission. The patient was also on a 3-drug regimen for the treatment of mycobacterium avium complex: clarithromycin, rifabutin, and ethambutol. After extensive work up, DHS was diagnosed. Dapsone was immediately discontinued and the patient was started on intravenous methylprednisolone, gradually tapered, and transitioned to oral prednisone. On discontinuation of dapsone, the patient improved, evidenced by decreased need for oxygen and reversal of peripheral neuropathy, anemia, and transaminitis. The patient’s skin rash improved within a few days. An objective causality assessment, with the Naranjo scale, suggests that DHS was probably related to dapsone. Discussion: Our patient only exhibited some of the classic symptoms observed in DHS such as skin eruptions, malaise, hepatic failure, and hemolytic anemia. The patient, however, did not present with lymphadenopathy and fever commonly noted in DHS, which may be attributed to his immunosuppressed state, evidenced by a CD4 count of 7 cell/mm3. Conclusions: A patient on dapsone for PCP prophylaxis was diagnosed with DHS. Clinicians and patients should be educated on risk factors and clinical presentation of DHS so that when initial symptoms appear they can be treated promptly. Clinicians should also be aware that patients infected with HIV/AIDS may not present with all the classic symptoms of DHS due to their immunocompromised state. Therefore, practitioners should be vigilant when initiating dapsone in this patient population.
Hyperkalemia and Rhabdomyolysis With Succinylcholine Used for Rapid Sequence Intubation
Authors: Hamilton Leslie A. , Watts Courtney S. , Crain Michael R.
Published: November 2013

Objective: Succinylcholine, a depolarizing neuromuscular blocker used during intubation, has a black box warning for use in pediatric patients due to the risk of rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalemia, ventricular arrhythmias, and cardiac arrest in patients with skeletal muscle myopathy. Though the warning does not exist for adult patients, succinylcholine is commonly used in adults, who may still be at risk for the same complications. Our objective is to present the case of an adult patient experiencing rhabdomyolysis, hyperkalemia, and cardiac arrest after the administration of succinylcholine for rapid sequence intubation. Case Summary: We describe the hospital course of a 58-year-old patient admitted for the placement of a biventricular implantable cardioverter defibrillator. The patient received etomidate, fentanyl, isoflurane, midazolam, and succinylcholine during rapid sequence intubation. During intubation for the procedure and shortly after the administration of succinylcholine, the patient went into asystole and arrested. After several arrhythmias and periods of cardiac arrest, the patient was stabilized, and the procedure completed. Shortly after the procedure, the patient developed hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury and ultimately expired. Discussion: Though reports of adverse reactions to succinylcholine are less common in adults without underlying muscular disorders, this phenomenon has been reported in the literature. There is the potential that this patient may have had an underlying myopathy that was previously undiagnosed or could have experienced malignant hyperthermia. The Naranjo adverse drug reaction probability scale for this case is 5, which is considered probable. Conclusions: Though uncommon, succinylcholine is a potential cause of hyperkalemia, rhabdomyolysis, and cardiac arrest in susceptible adult patients.
Management of Warfarin in Patients Desiring Tattoo Placement
Authors: Causey Holly Elizabeth , Hodulik Kimberly L.
Published: November 2013

Objective: To provide a review of the primary literature regarding recommendations for management of chronic warfarin therapy during tattoo placement. Data Sources: PubMed and IDIS were searched (up to May 2013) using the search terms vitamin K antagonists, warfarin, anticoagulation, tattoo, tattoo placement, cutaneous procedure, and cutaneous surgery. Study Selection and Data Extraction: No trials including subjects on warfarin undergoing tattoo placement were identified. Clinical trials were included if they were published in English and included subjects on chronic warfarin therapy undergoing cutaneous procedures. Tattoo placement is similar to cutaneous procedures as skin is marked by puncturing into the dermal layer and inserting pigments, and minor bleeding is possible. Thus, recommendations of anticoagulation management for cutaneous procedures were evaluated. Data Synthesis: Eleven articles evaluating warfarin continuation around cutaneous surgery met selection criteria. Ten articles evaluated hemorrhagic complications, and 1 article evaluated thrombotic risk of perioperative anticoagulation discontinuation. In patients continuing warfarin compared to discontinuing warfarin, perioperative bleeding rate was statistically higher in 4 studies, trended higher in 3 studies, and was comparable in 3 studies. Thrombotic risk was increased when warfarin was withheld perioperatively from patients on chronic therapy. Conclusions: Trials evaluating chronic warfarin therapy in patients undergoing cutaneous surgery have conflicting recommendations for warfarin continuation through surgery. At a minimum, international normalized ratio should be evaluated prior to procedures with delay if the international normalized ratio is elevated. Thrombotic risk should be fully assessed prior to holding warfarin in patients on chronic warfarin therapy. Trials evaluating management of chronic warfarin therapy in the setting of tattoo placement are needed.
LysoTracker is a marker of differentiated alveolar type II cells
Authors: Van der Velden Joanne L , Bertoncello Ivan , McQualter Jonathan L
Published: November 2013

Background

LysoTracker Green DND-26 is a fluorescent dye that stains acidic compartments in live cells and has been shown to selectively accumulate in lamellar bodies in alveolar type II (AT2) cells in the lung. The aim of this study was to determine whether the accumulation of LysoTracker in lamellar bodies can be used to isolate viable AT2 cells by flow cytometry and track their differentiation in live-cell culture by microscopy.

Methods

Mouse lung cells were sorted on the basis of CD45negCD31negEpCAMposLysoTrackerpos expression and characterized by immunostaining for SP-C and cultured in a three-dimensional epithelial colony-forming unit (CFU-Epi) assay. To track AT2 cell differentiation, lung epithelial stem and progenitor cells were cultured in a CFU-Epi assay with LysoTracker-supplemented media.

Results

The purity of sorted AT2 cells as determined by SP-C staining was 97.4% and viability was 85.3%. LysoTrackerpos AT2 cells generated SP-Cpos alveolar epithelial cell colonies in culture, and when added to the CFU-Epi culture medium, LysoTracker marked the differentiation of stem/progenitor-derived AT2 cells.

Conclusions

This study describes a novel method for isolating AT2 cells from mouse lungs. The high purity and viability of cells attained by this method, makes them suitable for functional analysis in vitro. The application of LysoTracker to live cell cultures will allow better assessment of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate AT2 cell differentiation.