bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Connection Prescription: Using the Power of Social Interactions and the Deep Desire for Connectedness to Empower Health and Wellness
Authors: Martino Jessica , Pegg Jennifer , Frates Elizabeth Pegg
Published: October 2015

Social connection is a pillar of lifestyle medicine. Humans are wired to connect, and this connection affects our health. From psychological theories to recent research, there is significant evidence that social support and feeling connected can help people maintain a healthy body mass index, control blood sugars, improve cancer survival, decrease cardiovascular mortality, decrease depressive symptoms, mitigate posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, and improve overall mental health. The opposite of connection, social isolation, has a negative effect on health and can increase depressive symptoms as well as mortality. Counseling patients on increasing social connections, prescribing connection, and inquiring about quantity and quality of social interactions at routine visits are ways that lifestyle medicine specialists can use connection to help patients to add not only years to their life but also health and well-being to those years.
Vitamin D
Authors: Gaare Meghan , Howell Carolyn , Frosch Emily
Published: October 2015

Objective. This study evaluates the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency on a pediatric psychiatry inpatient unit. Deficiency has been linked to poor general health outcomes including all-cause mortality as well as psychiatric illness such as depression.1-2 While vitamin D deficiency is common in the United States at large, there is a paucity of data evaluating its prevalence specifically in the pediatric psychiatry population. Method. Vitamin D status, assessed by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level, was obtained on 147 patients as part of routine laboratory blood work on inpatient admission. Low levels were categorized into deficient (<15 ng/mL) or insufficient (15-31 ng/mL). Results. The overall frequency of low vitamin D levels in this population was high, with 85% being insufficient or deficient. Conclusion. A high prevalence of low vitamin D levels was observed in a pediatric psychiatry inpatient sample. This finding highlights an opportunity for potential identification of deficiency/insufficiency at intake for an at-risk population.
Vascular malformation mimicking multiple sclerosis active plaque: Usefulness of susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) to perform correct diagnosis
Authors: Marsecano Claudia , Perri Marco , Michelini Giulia , Varrassi Marco , Splendiani Alessandra , di Cesare Ernesto , Masciocchi Carlo , Gallucci Massimo
Published: October 2015

Brain focal hyperdensity areas are common findings in computed tomography examinations, often further evaluated in magnetic resonance imaging exams. These are usually haemosiderin and calcified perivascular clusters known as cerebral microbleeds and may be secondary signs of brain disorders. Cerebral microbleeds are paramagnetic and ferromagnetic substances determining magnetic field inhomogeneity. Susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) performed at 3T with phase post-processing is very useful in evaluating this field variation. In fact in the past decade SWI has been increasingly reported for its clinical value in adults with neurologic disorders, traumas, arterial venous malformations, occult venous diseases, tumours and functional brain imaging. The occasional computed tomography findings of single or multiple focal hyperdense areas can mimic many of these brain disorders and lead to misinterpretations. For these reason it is useful to have a more detailed diagnosis with MRI brain examination. The authors highlight the role of SWI sequence in the differential diagnosis among active plaque, vascular malformation and haemorrhagic lesion in a case report of a 41-year-old woman suffering from multiple sclerosis with a focal hyperdense area reported in a computed tomography brain examination.
Steam-deformed Judkins-left guiding catheter with use of the GuideLiner® catheter to deliver stents for anomalous right coronary artery
Authors: Kuno Toshiki , Fujisawa Taishi , Yamazaki Hiroyuki , Motoda Hiroyuki , Kodaira Masaki , Numasawa Yohei
Published: October 2015

Objective:

Percutaneous coronary intervention for anomalous right coronary artery (RCA) originating from the left coronary cusp is challenging because of our current inability to coaxially engage the guiding catheter.

Methods:

We report a case of an 88-year-old woman with non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction, with an anomalous RCA origin. Using either the Judkins-Left catheter or Amplatz-Left catheter was difficult because of RCA ostium tortuosity. Thus, we used steam to deform the Judkins-Left catheter, but back-up support was insufficient to deliver the stent.

Results:

We used GuideLiner®, a novel pediatric catheter with rapid exchange/monorail systems, to enhance back-up support.

Conclusions:

We were able to successfully stent with both the deformed Judkins-Left guiding catheter and GuideLiner® for an anomalous RCA origin.
Knowledge of Driving Vehicle Licensing Agency guidelines among NHS doctors: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Ng Ka Y Bonnie , Garnham Jack , Syed Usama M , Green Ben L , Watson Robert , Gollop Nicholas D , Shalhoub Joseph , Maruthappu Mahiben
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Over half of the UK population holds a driver's licence. The DVLA have produced guidelines to ensure drivers with medical conditions drive safely. Doctors should ensure that patients are given appropriate information and advice if they have a medical condition affecting their driving. We sought to evaluate doctors' knowledge of DVLA guidelines.

Design

A 25-point questionnaire was designed from DVLA guidelines (‘The DVLA Questionnaire’). Five questions were included for each of neurology, cardiology, drug and alcohol abuse, visual, and respiratory disorders.

Setting

Ealing Hospital, Northwick Park Hospital, Watford General Hospital, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital and Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust.

Participants

140 UK doctors.

Main outcome measures

Questionnaire scores assessing knowledge of DVLA guidelines in five specialty areas.

Results

The median overall questionnaire score was 28%, interquartile range 20–36% and range 0–100% [Watford 28%, Leeds 30%, Norfolk and Norwich 36%, Ealing 30%, Northwick Park 28%]. There were no significant differences between the scores for each centre ( p = 0.1332), Mean scores for specialty areas were: neurology 33.1%, standard deviation 22.1; cardiology 35.6%, standard deviation 26.9; drug and alcohol abuse 30.6%, standard deviation 23.8; visual disorders 33.9%, standard deviation 23.5 and respiratory disorders 20.3%, standard deviation 24.8; overall score 30.7%. There was no significant difference between the scores of the specialty areas ( p = 0.4060).

Conclusions

Knowledge of DVLA guidelines in our cohort was low. There is a need for increased awareness among hospital doctors through focused education on driving restrictions for common medical conditions. Improving physician knowledge in this area may help optimise patient safety.
Initial experience of SPECT/CT in the diagnosis of occult scaphoid fracture
Authors: de Zwart Andele D , Beeres Frank JP , Rietbergen Daphne DD , Krijnen Pieta , Schipper Inger B
Published: October 2015

Background

*Equal contributors. Planar bone scintigraphy (PBS) is often advocated for diagnosing occult scaphoid fractures. PBS is a sensitive diagnostic modality, but lacks specificity, which may result in over-diagnosis.

Purpose

To examine, in a pilot study, the potential additional value of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) combined with low dose computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of an occult scaphoid fracture.

Material and Methods

Ten patients that underwent combined PBS and SPECT/CT for a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture, where radiographs could not detect a fracture, were included in this pilot study. The PBS and SPECT/CT results were independently and separately evaluated by a nuclear physician for scaphoid fractures and other injuries.

Results

PBS was positive for a scaphoid fracture in four patients and diagnosed three other fractures. SPECT/CT showed five scaphoid fractures and one other fracture. SPECT/CT – PBS had discrepant results in three patients. In two patients PBS diagnosed a trapezoid fracture where SPECT/CT showed a scaphoid fracture. The other patient was diagnosed with a scaphoid fracture on PBS, whereas SPECT/CT showed bone bruise of other carpal bones.

Conclusion

SPECT/CT has the potential to be more accurate than PBS as it uses anatomical information of the CT to discriminate between the scaphoid, other carpal bones, and bone bruises. Larger studies with an independent reference standard are needed for confirmation of these preliminary data.
Image rejects in general direct digital radiography
Authors: Hofmann Bjørn , Rosanowsky Tine Blomberg , Jensen Camilla , Wah Kenneth Hong Ching
Published: October 2015

Background

The number of rejected images is an indicator of image quality and unnecessary imaging at a radiology department. Image reject analysis was frequent in the film era, but comparably few and small studies have been published after converting to digital radiography. One reason may be a belief that rejects have been eliminated with digitalization.

Purpose

To measure the extension of deleted images in direct digital radiography (DR), in order to assess the rates of rejects and unnecessary imaging and to analyze reasons for deletions, in order to improve the radiological services.

Material and Methods

All exposed images at two direct digital laboratories at a hospital in Norway were reviewed in January 2014. Type of examination, number of exposed images, and number of deleted images were registered. Each deleted image was analyzed separately and the reason for deleting the image was recorded.

Results

Out of 5417 exposed images, 596 were deleted, giving a deletion rate of 11%. A total of 51.3% were deleted due to positioning errors and 31.0% due to error in centering. The examinations with the highest percentage of deleted images were the knee, hip, and ankle, 20.6%, 18.5%, and 13.8% respectively.

Conclusion

The reject rate is at least as high as the deletion rate and is comparable with previous film-based imaging systems. The reasons for rejection are quite different in digital systems. This falsifies the hypothesis that digitalization would eliminates rejects. A deleted image does not contribute to diagnostics, and therefore is an unnecessary image. Hence, the high rates of deleted images have implications for management, training, education, as well as for quality.
Understanding Classroom Roles in Inquiry Education
Authors: Walker Cheryl L. , Shore Bruce M.
Published: October 2015

Inquiry-based teaching and learning are rooted in social constructivism and are central to curricular reform. Role theory and social constructivism provided insight into a commonly observed but insufficiently understood phenomenon in inquiry. Within inquiry, role shifts have been described as the switching of roles between students and teachers; however, the process may be better conceptualized as role diversification because students and teachers may undertake multiple roles simultaneously in inquiry. This article expands on existing research and proposes a framework potentially applicable to both learners and teachers, but here focused on learners. Beyond exploration, engagement, and stabilization of roles, diversification was added and described. This framework expanded on current education theory, adding new insight to a minimally explored topic, with implications for students, teachers, consultants, and researchers.
Learning, Leading, and Letting Go of Control
Authors: Iversen Ann-Merete , Pedersen Anni Stavnskær , Krogh Lone , Jensen Annie Aarup
Published: October 2015

The article introduces a new term in higher education: learner-led approaches in education (LED). This does not represent a single approach or dogma to replace existing dogmas, but a way of approaching learning and education that mirrors the complexity of society as it develops. LED is based on the assumption that all students have their own unique approach to learning and therefore have the potential to design learning processes that are meaningful for them. This removes focus from the teacher and the teaching to the learner and the learning. It builds on the student’s motivation and experienced meaningfulness as a driving force, and hence the term learner led. The methods applied in LED change over time, as different learners and teachers together co-create and design methods and approaches appropriate at that particular time, in that particular context and for that particular student or group of students.
Worker-to-Worker Violence in Hospitals
Authors: Hamblin Lydia E. , Essenmacher Lynnette , Ager Joel , Upfal Mark , Luborsky Mark , Russell Jim , Arnetz Judith
Published: October 2015

Worker-to-worker (Type III) violence is prevalent in health care settings and has potential adverse consequences for employees and organizations. Little research has examined perpetrator characteristics of this type of violence. The current study is a descriptive examination of the common demographic and work-related characteristics of perpetrators of Type III workplace violence among hospital workers. Analysis was based on documented incidents of Type III violence reported within a large hospital system from 2010 to 2012. Nurses were involved as either the perpetrator or target in the five most common perpetrator–target dyads. Incidence rate ratios revealed that patient care associates and nurses were significantly more likely to be perpetrators than other job titles. By examining characteristics of perpetrators and common worker dyads involved in Type III workplace violence, hospital stakeholders and unit supervisors have a starting point to develop strategies for reducing conflict between workers.
Dapagliflozin as an adjunct therapy to insulin in the treatment of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tamez Hector E. , Tamez Alejandra L. , Garza Lucas A. , Hernandez Mayra I. , Polanco Ana C.
Published: October 2015

We have evaluated the efficacy of dapagliflozin in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) without adequate control. We expected that adding dapagliflozin to this population on top of their base treatment would lower their HbA1c levels.

We conducted a pragmatic, open, 24-week study of treatment with 10 mg of oral dapagliflozin in patients with DM1 and chronic hyperglycemia. We evaluated glycemic control, lipid profile, weight, and insulin dose. Safety was assessed by adverse event reporting.

Fasting glucose levels decreased from 176.42 ± 45.33 mg/dL to 139.67 ± 44.42 mg/dL (p = 0.05); although no significant valued was reached, postprandial glucose showed a decreased tendency from 230.25 ± 52.06 mg/dL to 193.83 ± 45.43 mg/dL (p = 0.08). The hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) level decreased from 9.18 ± 1.02 (77 ± 11.1 mmol/mol) to 8.05 ± 1.09 % (64 ± 11.9 mmol/mol) (p = 0.0156); total cholesterol decreased from 299 ± 12 to 199 ± 7 mg/dL (p = 0.02); triglycerides decreased from 184 ± 15 to 160 ± 11 mg/dL (p = 0.0002), HDL-C decreased from 40 ± 17 to 42 ± 9 mg/dL (p = 0.54); and LDL-C decreased from 187 ± 19 to 170 ± 21 mg/dL (p = 0.049). No adverse events were reported.

The beneficial effects of SGLT2 inhibitors on metabolic control and their safety after a 24-week open study demonstrate their potential indication as an adjunctive treatment with insulin in patients with DM1; however, long-term clinical trials should be considered.
Role played by theSP4gene in schizophrenia and major depressive disorder in the Han Chinese population
Authors: Chen Jianhua , He Kuanjun , Wang Qingzhong , Li Zhiqiang , Shen Jiawei , Li Tao , Wang Meng , Wen Zujia , Li Wenjin , Qiang Yu , Wang Ti , Ji Jue , Wu Na , Wang Zhiqiao , Zhang Bo , Feng Guoyin , He Lin , Xu Yifeng , Shi Yongyong
Published: October 2015

Background

Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and major depressive disorder (MDD) are likely to be caused by multiple susceptibility genes, each with small effects in increasing the risk of illness. Identifying DNA variants associated with schizophrenia and MDD is a crucial step in understanding the pathophysiology of these disorders.

Aims

To investigate whether theSP4gene plays a significant role in schizophrenia or MDD in the Han Chinese population.

Method

We focused on nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) harbouring theSP4gene and carried out case–control studies in 1235 patients with schizophrenia, 1045 patients with MDD and 1235 healthy controls recruited from the Han Chinese population.

Results

We found that rs40245 was significantly associated with schizophrenia in both allele and genotype distributions (Pallele= 0.0005,Pallele= 0.004 after Bonferroni correction;Pgenotype= 0.0023,Pgenotype= 0.0184 after Bonferroni correction). The rs6461563 SNP was significantly associated with schizophrenia in the allele distributions (Pallele= 0.0033,Pallele= 0.0264 after Bonferroni correction).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that common risk factors in theSP4gene are associated with schizophrenia, although not with MDD, in the Han Chinese population.
Psychometric evaluation of the Questionnaire about the Process
of Recovery (QPR)
Authors: Williams Julie , Leamy Mary , Pesola Francesca , Bird Victoria , Boutillier Clair Le , Slade Mike
Published: October 2015

Background

Supporting recovery is the aim of national mental health policy in many
countries. However, only one measure of recovery has been developed in
England: the Questionnaire about the Process of Recovery (QPR), which
measures recovery from the perspective of adult mental health service
users with a psychosis diagnosis.

Aims

To independently evaluate the psychometric properties of the 15- and
22-item versions of the QPR.

Method

Two samples were used: data-set 1 (n = 88) involved
assessment of the QPR at baseline, 2 weeks and 3 months. Data-set 2
(n = 399; trial registration: ISRCTN02507940)
involved assessment of the QPR at baseline and 1 year.

Results

For the 15-item version, internal consistency was 0.89, convergent
validity was 0.73, test–retest reliability was 0.74 and sensitivity to
change was 0.40. Confirmatory factor analysis showed the 15-item version
offered a good fit. For the 22-item version, the interpersonal subscale
was found to underperform and the intrapersonal subscale overlaps
substantially with the 15-item version.

Conclusions

Both the 15-item and the intrapersonal subscale of the 22-item versions
of the QPR demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties. The 15-item
version is slightly more robust and also less burdensome, so it can be
recommended for use in research and clinical practice.
Postoperative Anemia Is Associated with Acute Kidney Injury in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Replacement Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Choi Yoon Ji , Kim Seon-Ok , Sim Ji Hoon , Hahm Kyung-Don
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND:

Chronic and acute anemia are both correlated with an increased risk of injury to major organs, such as the brain, heart, and kidney. We evaluated the association between postoperative anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] < 10 g/dL) and acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients undergoing total hip replacement arthroplasty (THRA).

METHODS:

Patients who underwent THRA between January 2005 and February 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. We divided patients into 2 groups: Hb < 10 (n = 938) and Hb ≥ 10 (n = 1529). They were then categorized according to changes in plasma creatinine concentration within 48 hours of THRA using Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. To evaluate the association between postoperative anemia and postoperative AKI, an inverse-probability-of-treatment weighted method was used and both univariate and multivariable analyses were performed.

RESULTS:

Postoperative anemia was significantly associated with postoperative AKI (multivariate odds ratio, 2.036; 95% confidence interval, 1.369–3.028; P < 0.001; inverse probability-of-treatment weighted odds ratio, 1.817; 95% confidence interval, 1.169–2.826; P = 0.011). In patients with a normal glomerular filtration rate, postoperative AKI was also related to postoperative anemia (P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS:

Postoperative anemia was associated with postoperative AKI after THRA. Although our study was limited by its retrospective design, our observation suggests that postoperative anemia may play a role in postoperative AKI.
Suppression of epithelial differentiation by Foxi3 is essential for molar crown patterning
Authors: Jussila Maria , Aalto Anne , Navarro Maria Sanz , Shirokova Vera , Balic Anamaria , Kallonen Aki , Ohyama Takahiro , Groves Andrew , Mikkola Marja L. , Thesleff Irma
Published: October 2015

Epithelial morphogenesis generates the shape of the tooth crown. This is driven by patterned differentiation of cells into enamel knots, root-forming cervical loops and enamel-forming ameloblasts. Enamel knots are signaling centers that define the positions of cusp tips in a tooth by instructing the adjacent epithelium to fold and proliferate. Here we show that the forkhead-box transcription factor Foxi3 inhibits formation of enamel knots and cervical loops and thus the differentiation of dental epithelium. Conditional deletion of Foxi3 (Foxi3 cKO) led to fusion of molars with abnormally patterned shallow cusps. Foxi3 was expressed in the epithelium, and its expression was reduced in the enamel knots and cervical loops as well as in ameloblasts. Bmp4, a known inducer of enamel knots and dental epithelial differentiation, downregulated Foxi3 in wild-type teeth. Using genome-wide gene expression profiling we showed that in Foxi3 cKO there was an early upregulation of differentiation markers, such as p21, Fgf15 and Sfrp5. Different signaling pathway components that are normally restricted to the enamel knots were expanded in the epithelium, and Sostdc1, a marker of the intercuspal epithelium was missing. These findings indicated that the activator-inhibitor balance regulating cusp patterning was disrupted in Foxi3 cKO. In addition, early molar bud morphogenesis and, in particular, formation of the suprabasal epithelial cell layer were impaired. We identified Keratin-10 as a marker of suprabasal epithelial cells in teeth. Our results suggest that Foxi3 maintains dental epithelial cells in an undifferentiated state and thereby regulates multiple stages of tooth morphogenesis.
Regulation of mitochondrial oxidative stress by β-arrestins in cardiac fibroblasts
Authors: Philip Jennifer L. , Razzaque Md. Abdur , Han Mei , Li Jinju , Theccanat Tiju , Xu Xianyao , Akhter Shahab A.
Published: October 2015

Oxidative stress in cardiac fibroblasts (CF) promotes transformation to myofibroblasts and collagen synthesis leading to myocardial fibrosis, a precursor to heart failure (HF). NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) is a major source of cardiac reactive oxygen species (ROS), however, mechanisms of Nox4 regulation are unclear. β-arrestins are scaffold proteins which signal in G protein-dependent and independent manners including ERK activation. We hypothesize that β-arrestins regulate oxidative stress in a Nox4-dependent manner and increase fibrosis in HF. CF were isolated from normal and failing adult human left ventricles. Mitochondrial ROS/superoxide production was quantitated using MitoSox. β-arrestin and Nox4 expression were manipulated using adenoviral overexpression or siRNA-mediated knockdown. Mitochondrial oxidative stress and Nox4 expression in CF are significantly increased in HF. Nox4 knockdown resulted in significant inhibition of mitochondrial superoxide production and decreased basal and TGF-β stimulated collagen and α-SMA expression. CF β-arrestin expression is upregulated 4-fold in HF. β-arrestin knockdown in failing CF decreased ROS and Nox4 expression by 50%. β-arrestin overexpression in normal CF increased mitochondrial superoxide production 2-fold. These effects were inhibited by Nox or ERK inhibition. Upregulation of Nox4 appears to be a primary mechanism for increased ROS production in failing CF, which stimulates collagen deposition. β-arrestin expression is upregulated in HF and plays an important and novel role in regulating mitochondrial superoxide production via Nox4. The mechanism for this effect appears to be ERK-mediated. Targeted inhibition of β-arrestins in CF may decrease oxidative stress as well as pathological cardiac fibrosis.
CLARITY and PACT-based imaging of adult zebrafish and mouse for whole-animal analysis of infections
Authors: Cronan Mark R. , Rosenberg Allison F. , Oehlers Stefan H. , Saelens Joseph W. , Sisk Dana M. , Smith Kristen L. Jurcic , Lee Sunhee , Tobin David M.
Published: October 2015

Visualization of infection and the associated host response has been challenging in adult vertebrates. Due to their transparency, zebrafish larvae have been used to directly observe infection in vivo, but as larvae have not yet developed a functional adaptive immune system. Thus, the study of many aspects of vertebrate infection requires dissection of adult organs or ex vivo isolation of immune cells. Cells involved in adaptive immunity mature later and thus have been difficult to access optically in intact animals. Recently, CLARITY and PACT methodologies have enabled clearing and direct visualization of dissected organs. Here, we show that these techniques can be applied to image host-pathogen interactions directly in whole animals. CLARITY and PACT-based clearing of whole adult zebrafish and mouse lungs enables imaging of mycobacterial granulomas deep within tissue to a depth of more than 1 mm. Using established transgenic lines, we are able to image normal and pathogenic structures and their surrounding host context at high resolution. We identify the three-dimensional organization of granuloma-associated angiogenesis, an important feature of mycobacterial infection, and characterize the induction of the cytokine TNF within the granuloma using an established fluorescent reporter line. We observe heterogeneity in TNF induction within granuloma macrophages, consistent with an evolving view of the tuberculous granuloma as a non-uniform, heterogeneous structure. Broad application of this technique will enable new understanding of host-pathogen interactions in situ.
Allometry in Physarum plasmodium during free locomotion: size versus shape, speed and rhythm
Authors: Kuroda Shigeru , Takagi Seiji , Nakagaki Toshiyuki , Ueda Tetsuo
Published: October 2015

Physarum plasmodium is a giant unicellular organism whose size varies by more than three orders of magnitude in length. Using plasmodia ranging from 100µm to 10cm, we investigated the size dependency of their thickness distributions and locomotion speeds during free locomotion. (1) In the longitudinal direction, the organism is thickest close to the front, and decreases exponentially in thickness towards the rear. The slenderness ratio varies with body size according to a power law such that large plasmodia are long and flat, whereas small plasmodia are short and thick. (2) The mean locomotion speed is proportional to the mean maximum thickness of the frontal part. By conducting a dimensional analysis, possible physical models are discussed. (3) The intrinsic period of the thickness oscillation is related to shuttle streaming (period 1-2 min) and increases logarithmically with body size. (4) Various characteristics exhibit size-independent, long-period (20±10 min) oscillations including speed, shape, and intrinsic thickness oscillation period. These variations are closely coupled to the formation of the entire cell shape including the undulation of thickness along the longitudinal axis and the branching timing of the frontal tip. Based on these experimental results together with those reported previously, we propose a simple mathematical model for cell locomotion.
Effects of estradiol on neural responses to social signals in female túngara frogs
Authors: Chakraborty Mukta , Burmeister Sabrina S.
Published: October 2015

Estradiol plays an important role in mediating changes in female sexual behavior across reproductive cycles. In the túngara frog (Engystomops=Physalaemus pustulosus), the relationship between gonadal activity and female sexual behavior, as expressed by phonotaxis, is mediated primarily by estradiol. Estradiol receptors are expressed in auditory and motivational brain areas and the hormone could serve as an important modulator of neural responses to conspecific calls. To better understand how estradiol modifies neural responses to conspecific social signals, we manipulated estradiol levels and measured expression of the immediate early gene egr-1 in the auditory midbrain, thalamus, and limbic forebrain in response to conspecific or heterospecific calls. We found that estradiol and conspecific calls increased egr-1 expression in the auditory midbrain and limbic forebrain, but in the thalamus, only conspecific calls were effective. In the preoptic area, estradiol enhanced the effect of the conspecific call on egr-1 expression, suggesting that the preoptic area could act as a hormonal gatekeeper to phonotaxis. Overall, the results suggest that estradiol has broad influences on the neural circuit involved in female reproduction, particularly those implicated in phonotaxis
Characterization of known protein complexes using k-connectivity and other topological measures
Authors: Gallagher Suzanne R , Goldberg Debra S
Published: October 2015

Many protein complexes are densely packed, so proteins within complexes often interact with several other proteins in the complex. Steric constraints prevent most proteins from simultaneously binding more than a handful of other proteins, regardless of the number of proteins in the complex. Because of this, as complex size increases, several measures of the complex decrease within protein-protein interaction networks. However, k-connectivity, the number of vertices or edges that need to be removed in order to disconnect a graph, may be consistently high for protein complexes. The property of k-connectivity has been little used previously in the investigation of protein-protein interactions. To understand the discriminative power of k-connectivity and other topological measures for identifying unknown protein complexes, we characterized these properties in known Saccharomyces cerevisiae protein complexes in networks generated both from highly accurate X-ray crystallography experiments which give an accurate model of each complex, and also as the complexes appear in high-throughput yeast 2-hybrid studies in which new complexes may be discovered. We also computed these properties for appropriate random subgraphs.We found that clustering coefficient, mutual clustering coefficient, and k-connectivity are better indicators of known protein complexes than edge density, degree, or betweenness. This suggests new directions for future protein complex-finding algorithms.
CONTEMPORARY CONSUMER IN THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Grubor Aleksandar , Marić Dražen
Published: October 2015

One of the characteristics of human society in the 21st century is that the individual is increasingly viewed predominantly as a consumer. The turbulent development of science and technology has also resulted in new, changed consumer behavior patterns, which are achieving a new role in the modern society. Research into consumer behavior imposes itself as an imperative of successful functioning of the economic and social system.Many companies are faced with serious problems of effectiveness and efficiency of their conducted marketing activities. The consumer is predominantly becoming the central factor determining a company's corporate performance, but the key problem lies in the fact that the prevalent philosophy of the marketing practices still regards the consumers as “passive end users” of the value created, neglecting their changed role, behavior, and impact on market processes.Presenting and analyzing the results of research from marketing literature dealing with the problem of changed market behavior, this article aims to point to the necessity to change the thinking patterns of marketing theory and practice on the significance and impact of the consumer on companies’ corporate performance by accepting new roles that the consumers have in the contemporary society.By changing the attitude toward consumers as key stakeholders on the market and accepting their new roles, companies get guidelines for shaping and amending their marketing strategies toward raising the quality of corporate performance, and the same stands for institutions responsible for the functioning of a society and the state as a whole.The current marketing reality inexorably promotes the notion that consumer behavior as a whole is an essential social process shaped by intensive word-of-mouth communication. As a science and practice, marketing must become a complex and fluid system of network relationships, constantly redefining itself toward integration with the changes of contemporary consumers and their modus vivendi.
ADVERTISING WITH SOCIAL DISCOURSE AS A BRAND POSITIONING TECHNIQUE: REVIEW OF RESEARCH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE LATVIAN MEDIA
Authors: Helde Aivars
Published: October 2015

This study examines the nature of the social discourse of advertising used as a brand positioning technique. The focus is on consumer advertising that is directed at the promotion of selected products or services to the general public. The study is neither meant to exhaust all aspects of this particular discourse, nor present the answers to all the problems posed. The aims of this paper include analyzing varying commercial advertisements (both product/non-product ads) to investigate the intentions and techniques of consumer product companies for reaching more consumers and selling more products. Norman Fairclough’s ‘3-D model’ and Kress and van Leeuwen’s ‘grammar of visual design’ present methods for use by professionals in this respect, but we focus on the use of stereotypes in our study.Traditionally, stereotypes are defined as patterns or schemes by which people organize their behaviors and activities. Psychologists have been extremely interested in the persuasion techniques used by advertisers. The implicit question that most of these studies have entertained is whether advertising has become a force that molds cultural mores and individual behaviors, or whether it constitutes no more than a ‘mirror’ of deeper cultural tendencies within urbanized contemporary society.The one thing which everyone agrees upon, is that advertising has become one of the most recognizable and appealing forms of social communication to which everyone in society is exposed.However, it could be said from the results of this study that the producers of ads generally use power and ideology to change people’s behavior and thoughts. In cases where ‘old’ stereotypes were effective, there was no attempt to change the consumer’s habits, but rather the power of the ad was in preserving their customary behaviors. This is achieved through reinforcing behaviors known to be similar to the traditional values identified by customers. When we considered gender stereotypes we looked at notions about the supposedly traditional behaviors of men and women, and the characteristics and standards of these behaviors, which are grounded in our culture and society. Producers use these ideas to make customers feel they belong in the society, and become psychologically involved, in the story presented by the advertisement. Culture involves human values, actions, patterns, ideas, and material and artificial surroundings that enable interaction among people. The content of culture determines the particular qualities of certain groups of people, which potentially governs their consumer characteristics. This indicates the importance of understanding the way in which culture affects individuals. In today’s information area, the media are the primary means of transmitting and reproducing cultural information. Today’s media shape the image of culture in people’s consciousness.Finally, this study provides an analysis of varying ads, using different means of interpretation. All materials are taken from Latvian media.
THE CONSUMER AS A SOURCE OF MARKETING INFORMATION IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY
Authors: Peszko Kamila
Published: October 2015

The development of IT technology has provided people with free access to the Internet, which is now a place for consumers to look for opportunities to share their observations with others. The Internet user wants to be more aware, and willingly participates in the development of emerging brands. Companies have also found their place on the Internet, where they source information from Internet users. They realize the power of the consumer as a source of marketing information, and "take advantage" of consumer behavior to promote their brands. They analyze information about consumers, especially consumer preferences, and then publish this via social media in ways that might appeal to users and lead them to share it with others. This study describes this relationship between consumers and marketing via the Internet, and how the consumer is a source of marketing information, because of the possibilities created for entrepreneurs in the information society.
LOCAL COMPLEX TREATMENT EXPERIENCE FOR PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PURULENT OTITIS MEDIA
Authors: Khushvakova Nilufar Jurakulovna , Khamrakulova Nargiza Orzuevna
Published: October 2015

In this article, we have analyzed the results of the application of the combined solution of decasan and ozone-oxygen mixture, as a local conservative treatment, for 135 patients with acute exacerbation of chronic purulent medial otitis (CPOM). Its use increases the effectiveness of treatment and reduces time. The study of long-term results has shown persistence of sustained remission in 91,4% of patients.A comparative analysis of traditional treatments and topical administration of antiseptic 0.002 % solution of “Dekasan” (dekametansin), in combination with ozone-oxygen mixture in patients with suppurative otitis media, was carried out. The analysis was conducted using ozone-oxygen mixture along with a local irrigation of middle ear cavity with “Dekasan.”
IMPROVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF SILICON CARBIDE CERAMICS PRODUCTION BY BATCH REGULATION
Authors: Zhukov Dmitriy , Makarov Nikolay , Vartanyan Maria , Guseva Tatiana
Published: October 2015

The article discusses an energy-efficient method for producing SiC-based composites via doping with oxide eutectic compositions and batch granulometry regulation. The influence of batch granulometry on physico-mechanical properties of ceramics is studied, and fractions ratio is determined allowing us to obtain a dense material with improved strength and fracture toughness. Such ceramics shows excellent mechanical behavior and holds much promise as a structural and armor material.
APPLICATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES AND INTERACTIVE TOOLS FOR IMPROVING EDUCATIONAL QUALITY
Authors: Georgieva Krasimira , Stoykova Vanya , Ivanova Nevena , Dimova Emiliya
Published: October 2015

The rapid development of science, technology, and information technologies in various sectors of the economy imposes increased requirements and expectations in the preparation of engineering professionals in higher education. In recent years, there have been some difficulties in engineering and technology training related to the assimilation of the methodology for constructive thinking, the development of clear and precise knowledge structuring, improvement of the ability of expressing thoughts, and graphical presentation of information.This article presents some applications and best practices in the use of e-learning systems, interactive boards, and accessories. The application of active teaching methods and use of information technologies with interactive tools, providing active involvement of the students in training, leads to considerable interest and improvement in the quality of teaching and learning.
Using quality improvement methods to prevent catheter-associated UTI
Authors: Mavin Claire , Mills Gillian
Published: October 2015

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is considered to be reasonably preventable and there is an abundance of published guidance, all of which details similar CAUTI-prevention strategies. Many strategies and methods have been applied to reduce CAUTI; this article describes a quality improvement (QI) approach to the implementation of CAUTI prevention strategies, which can provide better patient experience and outcomes for patients.
Urine-drainage leg bags: an overview
Authors: Wilson Mary
Published: October 2015

This article looks at leg bags from the perspective of the clinical guidance available, published research, review papers, the diverse nature of products available, and their use with catheters, sheaths or urinals. The part that leg bags play in catheter-associated urinary tract infection control is addressed. Other aspects of catheter safety are discussed, including the avoidance of catheter traction. Variations in leg-bag structure including bag size, inlet tubing, tap, connector and backing, along with the reasons for selecting a particular leg bag are considered, along with the choice of either leg-bag straps or sleeves. The article concludes that, as a result of the variation of leg bags available, patients may require assistance and support from health professionals in finding the right leg bag for them.
Tales of Satisfaction and Disillusionment: Second-Generation “Return” Migration to Greece and Cyprus
Authors: King Russell , Christou Anastasia , Goodson Ivor , Teerling Janine
Published: October 2015

We examine the comparative “return” experiences of second-generation Greek-Americans and British-born Greek Cypriots who have relocated to their respective parental homelands of Greece and Cyprus. Sixty individuals, born in the United States or the United Kingdom yet now living in Greece or Cyprus, were interviewed and detailed life narratives recorded. We find both similarities and differences between the two groups. While the broad narrative themes “explaining” their returns are similar—a search for a “place to belong” in the ancestral homeland linked to what is, or was, perceived to be a more relaxed and genuine way of life—the post-return outcomes vary. In Greece there is disappointment, even profound disillusionment, whereas in Cyprus the return is generally viewed with satisfaction. For Greek-Americans, negative experiences include difficulty in accessing employment, frustration with bureaucracy and a culture of corruption, struggles with the chaos and stress of life in Athens, and pessimism about the future for their children in Greece. As a result, some Greek-Americans contemplate a second return, back to the United States. For the returnee British Cypriots, these problems are far less evident; they generally rationalize their relocation to Cyprus as the “right decision,” both for themselves and for their children. Greek-Americans tend to withdraw into a social circle of their own kind, whereas British-born returnee Cypriots adopt a more cosmopolitan or “third-space” cultural identity related, arguably, to the small scale and intimate spaces of social Second-Generation “Return” Migration to Greece and Cyprus exchange in an island setting, and to the colonial and postcolonial history of Cyprus and its diaspora.
Ad Aquas : Roman Spa Bathing in Tunisia
Authors: Allen Tana J.
Published: October 2015

Certaines études récentes sous-estiment l’importance thérapeutique du bain dans les eaux thermales en Afrique du Nord. Ainsi les sources littéraires, épigraphiques et archéologiques permettent-elles de localiser avec certitude 29 établissements thermaux. Si certains ne sont connus que par des références littéraires, d’autres se reconnaissent à des éléments architecturaux caractéristiques à la Tunisie: les pièces abritant le bassin principal ne sont pas fermées alors qu’une nette préférence allait aux pièces de bain circulaires. Malgré les problèmes de chronologie que posent ces spas, il est clair que le bain thermal était une coutume fort ancienne.
Παιδα Νεαν Μαλιϲτα: When Did Athenian Girls Really Marry?
Authors: Ingalls Wayne
Published: October 2015

Les spécialistes placent généralement l’âge au mariage des jeunes Athéniennes vers 14/15 ans. Cette conclusion qui s’appuie certes sur des témoignages athéniens, va cependant à l’encontre de nombreuses données portant sur d’autres époques et d’autres lieux de la Grèce ancienne. Un nouvel examen du dossier permet de conclure que si, dans les familles aristocratiques comme celles de Xénophon et de Démosthène, on donnait tôt les filles en mariage, en revanche la majorité de leurs concitoyennes se mariaient plus tard — comme c’était d’ailleurs le cas dans les autres régions grecques.
“Оμηροϲ Ἀάατοϲ
Authors: Shive David
Published: October 2015

L’épithète ἀάατοϲ n’apparaît qu’à quatre reprises dans la littérature grecque : Homère. L’Iliade , XIV, 271: L’Odyssée , XXI, 91 et XXII. 5; enfin Apollonius. Les Argonautiques , II, 77. Une analyse lexicologique n’a pas permis d’obtenir des résultats probants et la nature privative ou intensive du préfixe α demeure controversée. Quoique la majorité des commentateurs et des traducteurs aient marqué une nette préférence pour la préfixe privatif en traduisant l’épithète par « inviolable », nous avançons, en faveur du sens intensif de ce préfixe, des arguments qui s’appuient sur la sémantique contextuelle. Qui plus est, si ex ἀάατοϲ doit se traduire par « très pernicieux », cette lecture pourrait s’appliquer au vel’S 4 de l ’Antigone de Sophocle †ἄτοϲ ἄ†τρ†.
The Roman Crouching Aphrodite
Authors: Francis Jane
Published: October 2015

Le motif de l’Aphrodite accroupie, très populaire chez les Romains, serait copié d’un original de Didalsas, du début de l’époque hellénistique. Or, cette attribution, tout comme la datation qui en résulte, doivent être rejetées car elles s’appuient sur une mauvaise interprétation des témoignages littéraires. L’étude des œuvres conservées qui ont été créées pour répondre aux demandes de la clientèle romaine constitue une meilleure approche. On remarque que la composition en est plate et que la compréhension des points de vue y est minimale, ce qui correspond davantage à la mentalité romaine que grecque. Ce motif présente un trompe l’œil typiquement romain, une grande adaptabilité aux différents emplacements et un éventail de significations qui plaisaient aux goûts des Romains.
More Than Just Another Piece of Pretty Portraiture: A Note on the Relief of the Gessii
Authors: Hughes Lisa A.
Published: October 2015

Nouvelle lecture du relief de la famille Gessius (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Boston, fond Archibald Cary Coolidge 37.100). Sur cette stèle, la position prééminente, c’est-à-dire les premiers nom et portrait que l’on voit lorsque le relief est lu de gauche à droite, est occupée par une femme. Plus encore, cette femme serait une d’affranchie. Cette place prééminente d’une affranchie sur une stèle éclairent les facteurs qui influençaient l’ordre des noms sur les épitaphes romaines, alors que les autres membres de la maisonnée auraient pu avoir un statut social plus élevé.
Roman and Byzantine Coins in the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver
Authors: Pedroni Luigi
Published: October 2015

La collection du Musée d’anthropologie de l’Université de Colombie Britannique comprend 75 monnaies romaines de l’époque impériale émises soit par la monnaie d’État soit par les ateliers provinciaux. À ceci s’ajoutent quatre monnaies d’époque byzantine. La majorité de ces pièces proviennent de la collection d’antiquités privée de feu Sid Leary donnée au Musée en 1957. La description et le catalogue indiquent que la majorité de ces monnaies sont du III e s. ap., c.-à-d. de la période la moins bien représentée dans les collections de la fin de la République et du début de l’empire romain.