bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying Hybrids: Sectors and Mechanisms
Authors: Seibel Wolfgang
Published: May 2015

The present paper introduces and compares two alternative perspectives on hybridity. One is the perspective of hybrids being located at the interface of dominant ‘sectors’ such as the private for-profit sector, the public sector and the civil society or nonprofit sector. The alternative perspective focuses on a combination of sector-specific governance mechanisms. The paper discusses the characteristics as well as the advantages and disadvantages of those two perspectives and what a combination of both implies for further research with an emphasis on the analysis of organizational pathologies and managerial coping.
Olfactory Function Assessment of Blind Subjects Using the Sniffin’ Sticks Test
Authors: Çomoğlu Şenol , Orhan Kadir Serkan , Kocaman Selin Ünsaler , Çelik Mehmet , Keleş Nesil , Değer Kemal
Published: May 2015

Objective

In recent years, a growing number of studies have focused on the olfactory abilities of blind individuals as well as their tactile and auditory senses. In this study, we aimed to investigate possible alterations in the sense of smell in early‐ and late‐blind subjects as compared with sighted controls, using a Sniffin’ Sticks test battery.

Study Design

Prospective clinical study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Subjects and Methods

A total of 66 subjects were included in the study. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: blind subjects—who were then subgrouped as subjects with congenital blindness (n = 17) and those with acquired blindness (n = 16)—and sighted subjects (n = 33). We compared both congenitally and acquired blind subjects with sighted counterparts using the Sniffin’ Sticks test for odor threshold, odor discrimination, odor identification, and total odor scores.

Results

The blind subjects were more successful than their sighted counterparts in odor discrimination and odor threshold tasks. There was no statistically significant difference between the blind participants and the sighted individuals in terms of odor identification value. Another important finding was that the difference between individuals with congenital blindness and those with acquired blindness was not significant in any of the parameters.

Conclusion

This finding may suggest that odor discrimination and odor threshold in blind people were superior to those of controls. There was no difference in any of the results of tasks among congenital and acquired blind subjects.
“I Know What Them Girls Like”
Authors: Craig Richard T.
Published: May 2015

Rap music, once associated with low-income urban communities, has become a staple in contemporary pop culture extending globally beyond the ghettos, and projects from where it began. Along with the transcendence of the art, those who master the art are repositioning themselves in a social context. This analysis observed the content of rap lyrics to understand how the genre depicts the rappers’ regards toward and relationships with women they know intimately, particularly content that portrays these young men as “thugs.” This observation explores the characteristics put forth by the rapper, specifically those demonstrating thug characteristics, as a potential dating and mating partner for young women. This analysis takes into consideration psychological concepts offering knowledge into peoples’ perceived and real reasons for establishing relationships. Psychological theories contribute to the analysis of the observed actions and principles found in the content of the reviewed lyrics. At the core of this study are concepts of Black male masculinity and intimate relationships. This study analyzed rap lyrics to understand how the “thug” is presented to the female audience.
Evidence-based guidelines for treating depressive disorders with antidepressants: A revision of the 2008 British Association for Psychopharmacology guidelines
Authors: Cleare Anthony , Pariante CM , Young AH , Anderson IM , Christmas D , Cowen PJ , Dickens C , Ferrier IN , Geddes J , Gilbody S , Haddad PM , Katona C , Lewis G , Malizia A , McAllister-Williams RH , Ramchandani P , Scott J , Taylor D , Uher R ,   the members of the Consensus Meeting
Published: May 2015

A revision of the 2008 British Association for Psychopharmacology evidence-based guidelines for treating depressive disorders with antidepressants was undertaken in order to incorporate new evidence and to update the recommendations where appropriate. A consensus meeting involving experts in depressive disorders and their management was held in September 2012. Key areas in treating depression were reviewed and the strength of evidence and clinical implications were considered. The guidelines were then revised after extensive feedback from participants and interested parties. A literature review is provided which identifies the quality of evidence upon which the recommendations are made. These guidelines cover the nature and detection of depressive disorders, acute treatment with antidepressant drugs, choice of drug versus alternative treatment, practical issues in prescribing and management, next-step treatment, relapse prevention, treatment of relapse and stopping treatment. Significant changes since the last guidelines were published in 2008 include the availability of new antidepressant treatment options, improved evidence supporting certain augmentation strategies (drug and non-drug), management of potential long-term side effects, updated guidance for prescribing in elderly and adolescent populations and updated guidance for optimal prescribing. Suggestions for future research priorities are also made.
Engaging Students via Social Media
Authors: Mostafa Rania B.
Published: May 2015

This article explores for the first time the moderating effect of students’ readiness for cocreation on the student social media engagement and perceived value relationship. Ping’s and Cadogan et al.’s procedures for assessing the structural model with interaction terms were followed. Results based on a sample of 353 university students demonstrated that students who are ready to participate in value creation tend to perceive more value from social media engagement. In particular, when the students perceive role clarity, have higher ability, and are motivated to take active part in creating value, they report high functional, social, and emotional value. This research is expected to impart key insights for scholars, as well as educators and policy makers in tertiary institutions seeking to further understand the nascent student social media engagement concept, and the nature of the student social media engagement/perceived value nexus. A series of recommendations are offered to assist faculty efforts to enhance students’ willingness to take active part in value creation. The article concludes with an overview of key research limitations and implications.
Customization of a Severity of Illness Score Using Local Electronic Medical Record Data
Authors: Lee Joon , Maslove David M.
Published: May 2015

Purpose:

Severity of illness (SOI) scores are traditionally based on archival data collected from a wide range of clinical settings. Mortality prediction using SOI scores tends to underperform when applied to contemporary cases or those that differ from the case-mix of the original derivation cohorts. We investigated the use of local clinical data captured from hospital electronic medical records (EMRs) to improve the predictive performance of traditional severity of illness scoring.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis using data from the Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II (MIMIC-II) database, which contains clinical data from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. A total of 17 490 intensive care unit (ICU) admissions with complete data were included, from 4 different service types: medical ICU, surgical ICU, coronary care unit, and cardiac surgery recovery unit. We developed customized SOI scores trained on data from each service type, using the clinical variables employed in the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS). In-hospital, 30-day, and 2-year mortality predictions were compared with those obtained from using the original SAPS using the area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUROC) as well as the area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC). Test performance in different cohorts stratified by severity of organ injury was also evaluated.

Results:

Most customized scores (30 of 39) significantly outperformed SAPS with respect to both AUROC and AUPRC. Enhancements over SAPS were greatest for patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery and for prediction of 2-year mortality.

Conclusions:

Custom models based on ICU-specific data provided better mortality prediction than traditional SAPS scoring using the same predictor variables. Our local data approach demonstrates the value of electronic data capture in the ICU, of secondary uses of EMR data, and of local customization of SOI scoring.
Regional Impact of Public Transportation Infrastructure
Authors: Chen Zhenhua , Haynes Kingsley E.
Published: May 2015

This research examines the regional impact of public transportation infrastructure in the northeast megaregion of the United States: public highways, railways, transit, and airports. Infrastructure stock is valued in monetary terms from 1991 to 2009. A spatial panel approach with fixed effects is adopted to test the hypothesis of spillovers by controlling for spatial dependence. The result suggests that transportation infrastructure, in general, does have a significant impact on regional economic growth, most of which is from spillover effects. Highways have an overwhelming influence through local effects and spillover effects. The impacts from public railways and airports are significant, but transit impacts are insignificant, although a positive spillover effect is found.
Advertising the Chinese dream: Urban billboards and Ni Weihua’s documentary photography
Authors: Wang Meiqin
Published: May 2015

Consumerism is a central feature of urbanism in China and has been actively promoted as a sign of urbanity in the official rhetoric and mass media. This urban ideology is exemplified by the ubiquitous presence of street advertisements that often occupy prominent urban public spaces. After all, turning every citizen of China into a consumer has become a widely accepted Chinese dream and one that is employed to mobilize a population otherwise divided by the ever-widening gap between the rich and poor. Advertisements have assumed a commanding role and are utilized by both official entities and private corporations to promote all kinds of urban consumption, ranging from concrete commodities such as high-end homes, beautiful neighbourhoods, and luxurious goods to intangible symbols such as lifestyle, ideology, and cosmopolitan identity. All these have fallen under the scrutiny of the Shanghainese artist Ni Weihua, whose photography documents billboards advertising official ideologies and real-estate projects in Shanghai and other cities. This study brings into context Ni’s artistic practice and examines specific ways in which his photographic series Keywords (关键词) and Landscape Wall (风景墙) engage with formal advertisements in the street both as an urban reality and as a site for deconstruction.
Adherence to online monitoring of patient-reported outcomes by patients with chronic inflammatory diseases: a feasibility study
Authors: Jamilloux Y , Sarabi M , Kérever S , Boussely N , le Sidaner A , Valgueblasse V , Carrier P , Loustaud-Ratti V , Sautereau D , Fauchais A-L , François B , Vidal E , Collaborators
Published: May 2015

Objectives

The objective of this report is to investigate the feasibility of collecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs) via e-questionnaires delivered to patients with chronic inflammatory diseases (CIDs).

Methods

Consecutive outpatients with a confirmed diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, primary Sjögren’s syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease were followed at two medical departments. Patients received monthly e-mails containing the SF36, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and an analogue symptom scale over a six-month period. Participation rate, socio-demographic characteristics and patients’ satisfaction were analysed.

Results

A total of 128 patients were included (79% female; mean age: 42 ± 12 years). Eighty-two per cent of questionnaires were returned. The monthly participation rate ranged from 89% to 77%, with a six-month attrition rate of 13%. The mean completion rate of questionnaires was 98%. Factors significantly associated with increased answer rate were: married/couple status, greater number of children at home and previous participation in online surveys. The main reasons for non-response were: ‘too busy to participate’ (35%) and ‘away from home Internet access’ (31%). Overall, 68% of the participants found the study convenient and 96% agreed to continue at a monthly or bimonthly frequency.

Conclusion

Online home self-assessment of PROs was feasible in the setting of CIDs. Patients were satisfied and willing to continue the survey. The Internet allows immediate and sophisticated presentation of PROs to clinicians. Future studies are warranted to determine how PRO monitoring may contribute to routine care in CIDs and other diseases.
Aberrant expression of regulatory cytokine IL-35 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Cai Z , Wong C K , Kam N W , Dong J , Jiao D , Chu M , Lam C W K , Tam L S
Published: May 2015

Objective

This study characterizes an IL-35-mediated regulatory role in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Plasma of SLE patients and healthy controls (HCs) was analyzed for the concentrations of IL-35 and soluble gp130 by using ELISA. mRNA expression of IL-35 subunit (p35 and EBI3) and its receptor (gp130 and IL-12Rβ2) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was assessed by RT-qPCR. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the number of CD4+CD25highCD127−Treg cells and the expression of IL-35 receptor on the CD4+ helper (Th) cells and CD19+ B cells. Plasma collected from SLE patients and HCs was assayed for cytokine and chemokine expression by Luminex multiplex assay.

Results

Plasma IL-35 and soluble gp130 levels positively correlated with each other and were significantly higher in patients with severe SLE compared with HCs. Significantly higher levels of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines CCL2, CXCL8, IL-6, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-10 and IL-17A were observed in plasma of SLE patients than HCs. mRNA levels of IL-35 and its receptor were significantly positively correlated in PBMCs from SLE patients and their levels were higher in SLE than HCs. The increase significantly correlated with changes in SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) (all p < 0.05). In addition, the number of Treg cells in severe and moderate SLE patients were both significantly lower than HCs, where the ratio of CD4+CD25−effector T cell %/CD4+CD25highCD127−Treg % was found to be significantly higher in severe SLE patients. Furthermore, the expression of gp130 on CD4+ Th cells and percentage of Tregs were positively correlated with each other, and both were negatively correlated with SLEDAI.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that high level of plasma IL-35 in active SLE patients expressed with low level of IL-35 receptor (gp130) on CD4+ Th cells. These data raise the possibility that the level of IL-35 expression in SLE patients is not sufficient to induce the production of CD4+CD25highCD127−Tregs, and subsequently suppress the release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines upon inflammation.
Participation rates for organized colorectal cancer screening programmes: an international comparison
Authors: Klabunde Carrie , Blom Johannes , Bulliard Jean-Luc , Garcia Montse , Hagoel Lea , Mai Verna , Patnick Julietta , Rozjabek Heather , Senore Carlo , Törnberg Sven
Published: May 2015

Objective

Participation, an indicator of screening programme acceptance and effectiveness, varies widely in clinical trials and population-based colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes. We aimed to assess whether CRC screening participation rates can be compared across organized guaiac fecal occult blood test (G-FOBT)/fecal immunochemical test (FIT)-based programmes, and what factors influence these rates.

Methods

Programme representatives from countries participating in the International Cancer Screening Network were surveyed to describe their G-FOBT/FIT-based CRC screening programmes, how screening participation is defined and measured, and to provide participation data for their most recent completed screening round.

Results

Information was obtained from 15 programmes in 12 countries. Programmes varied in size, reach, maturity, target age groups, exclusions, type of test kit, method of providing test kits and use, and frequency of reminders. Coverage by invitation ranged from 30–100%, coverage by the screening programme from 7–67.7%, overall uptake/participation rate from 7–67.7%, and first invitation participation from 7–64.3%. Participation rates generally increased with age and were higher among women than men and for subsequent compared with first invitation participation.

Conclusion

Comparisons among CRC screening programmes should be made cautiously, given differences in organization, target populations, and interpretation of indicators. More meaningful comparisons are possible if rates are calculated across a uniform age range, by gender, and separately for people invited for the first time vs. previously.
Rate of Union After Segmental Midshaft Shortening Osteotomy of the Lesser Metatarsals
Authors: DeSandis Bridget , Ellis Scott J. , Levitsky Matthew , O’Malley Quinn , Konin Gabrielle , O’Malley Martin J.
Published: May 2015

Background:

Current literature reports excellent rates of union following various lesser metatarsal osteotomy techniques. However, it is our experience that segmental midshaft shortening osteotomies heal very slowly and have a greater potential for nonunion than has previously been reported. The purpose of this study was to assess union rates and report the time required for segmental midshaft shortening osteotomies to achieve radiographic union.

Methods:

We reviewed the charts and postoperative radiographs of 58 patients (representing 91 osteotomies) who underwent segmental midshaft shortening osteotomies with internal fixation between January 2009 and December 2013. Radiographs were reviewed to determine when union was achieved. Union was defined as the bridging of 2 or more cortices in the anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique radiographic views. Osteotomies were classified as delayed union if they were not healed at 3 months postoperatively and nonunions if they were not healed at 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

Overall, 27 of 91 osteotomies met our radiographic classification of union and were healed by 3 months (29.7%). Sixty-nine of the 91 osteotomies healed by 6 months (75.8%) and were considered delayed unions. Twenty-two osteotomies were not healed yet and therefore were considered nonunions (24.2%). Of the 22 nonunions, 7 healed in an additional 2 months (8 months) for an overall healing percentage of 83.5%, (76 of 91). By 10 months, 6 more nonunions were healed (overall healing percentage of 90.1%, 82 of 91). Three additional nonunions went on to heal by 12.9 months, yielding a final union rate of 93.4% (85 of 91), while 6 were still considered nonunions (6.6%).

Conclusion:

We report that a significant percentage of segmental midshaft metatarsal shortening osteotomies experienced delayed unions and nonunions. These findings contrast those previously reported in the literature that metatarsal osteotomies have very low nonunion rates. These results support our hypothesis that these osteotomies require a prolonged amount of time to achieve bony healing and that they have a higher tendency to develop delayed and nonunions than previously reported.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Effect of UV-C light on the microbial and sensory quality of seasoned dried seafood
Authors: Lee Eun-Seon , Park Shin Young , Ha Sang-Do
Published: May 2015

This study investigated the effects of different doses of UV-C light at 253.7 nm (0–18 kJ/m2) on the reduction of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus in contaminated seasoned dried filefish ( Thamnaconus modestus) and sliced squid ( Todarodes pacificus) surfaces and sensory quality. The counts of all three bacteria were significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced by the increase of UV-C dosage. E. coli, S. aureus and B. cereus on filefish with 18 kJ/m2 of UV-C maximally reduced by 2.70, 2.55 and 2.57 log CFU/g, respectively; however, on the sliced squid using the same UV dose reduced the same bacteria by 1.35, 0.54 and 1.05 log CFU/g, respectively. However, the results suggest that 6 to 9 kJ/m2 of UV-C could be used for the inactivation of E. coli and B. cereus in these dried fishery products without any changes in sensory quality. However, S. aureus levels on sliced squid will require a combination of UV-C light and chemical treatment.
Dynamic and tribological analysis of a toroidal continuously variable transmissions
Authors: Philpot K , Glovnea R
Published: May 2015

The continuously variable transmission investigated in this paper works with contacts in the elastohydrodynamic regime of lubrication, thus the tangential forces between elements are transmitted through the shearing the lubricant film. The behaviour of the lubricant film when subjected to shear depends of the nature of the lubricant and the relative motion between the contacting surfaces. In this paper, a non-Newtonian behaviour is assumed for the lubricant while the relative motion is determined for every point on the contact area by kinematic methods. The net tractive force in the sliding direction and the spin torque are evaluated and from these the power losses in the contacts are calculated. The dynamic behaviour of the device is evaluated taking into account the behaviour of the lubricant as extracted from traction measurements. A simplified method for the evaluation of the dynamic response of the device to a rapid variation of the resistive torque is presented. The results show the importance of the rheological behaviour of the lubricant, measured by the slope of the linear region of lubricant traction curves.
The nature of negotiations in face-to-face versus computer-mediated communication in pair interactions
Authors: Rouhshad Amir , Wigglesworth Gillian , Storch Neomy
Published: May 2015

The Interaction Approach argues that negotiation for meaning and form is conducive to second language development. To date, most of the research on negotiations has been either in face-to-face (FTF) or text-based synchronous computer-mediated communication (SCMC) modes. Very few studies have compared the nature of negotiations across the modes. Such comparisons are important as they can indicate which mode may be more conducive to language learning. The present study set out to compare the nature of negotiations between FTF and SCMC modes in same-proficiency intermediate dyads. Dyads performed two similar decision-making tasks, one in FTF and one in SCMC mode, and were encouraged to provide corrective feedback, where necessary, to their partner. The analysis revealed that negotiations for form and meaning were scarce in both modes, with more negotiations for meaning in FTF mode. The findings also suggested that mode of interaction influenced the type of negotiations, and their outcomes, in terms of modified output as well as successful uptake.
Emotional, physical and sexual violence among Sami and non-Sami populations in Norway: The SAMINOR 2 questionnaire study
Authors: Eriksen Astrid M.A. , Hansen Ketil Lenert , Javo Cecilie , Schei Berit
Published: May 2015

Aims: To assess the prevalence and investigate ethnic differences of emotional, physical and sexual violence among a population of both Sami and non-Sami in Norway. Methods: Our study was based on the SAMINOR 2 study, a population-based survey on health and living conditions in multiethnic areas with both Sami and non-Sami populations in Central and Northern Norway. Our study includes a total of 11,296 participants: 2197 (19.4%) Sami respondents and 9099 (80.6 %) non-Sami respondents. Results: Almost half of the Sami female respondents and one-third of the non-Sami female respondents reported any violence (any lifetime experience of violence). Sami women were more likely to report emotional, physical and sexual violence than non-Sami women. More than one-third of the Sami men compared with less than a quarter of non-Sami men reported having experienced any violence in their life. Sami men were more likely to report emotional and physical violence than non-Sami men. However, ethnicity was not significantly different regarding sexual violence experienced among men. Violence was typically reported to have occurred in childhood. Sami participants were more likely to report having experienced violence in the past 12 months. For all types of violence, the perpetrator was typically known to the victim. Conclusions: Regardless of gender, Sami respondents were more likely to report interpersonal violence. The prevalence of any violence was substantial in both ethnic groups and for both genders; it was highest among Sami women.
Unreamed Intramedullary Nailing is a Better Alternative than External Fixator for Gustilo Grade IIIB Tibial Fractures Based on a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang F. , Zhu Y. , Li W. , Chen W. , Tian Y. , Zhang Y.
Published: May 2015

Background and Aims:

There remains a controversy between unreamed intramedullary nailing and external fixation to treat Gustilo grade IIIB tibial fractures. To evaluate the comparative effectiveness and safeness of both methods for this type of fracture, we performed this meta-analysis.

Materials and Methods:

Relevant original studies were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Cochrane Central Database (all through February 2014). Studies included in this meta-analysis had to compare the effectiveness or complications and provided sufficient data of interest. The patients treated by both methods were similar statistically in demography and injury mechanism. The Stata 11.0 was used to analyze all data.

Results:

Six studies involving 163 participants were included. Unreamed intramedullary nailing was associated with reduced time to union (standardized mean difference, −1.14; 95% confidence interval, −2.04 to −0.24) and lower rates of superficial infection (odds ratio: 0.39; 95% confidence interval: 0.17–0.87) and malunion (odds ratio: 0.27; 95% confidence interval: 0.09–0.78). However, there were no significant differences in other adverse events including delayed union, non-union, deep infection, and fixation failure.

Conclusion:

The existing evidence supports unreamed intramedullary nailing to be a better method for treating Gustilo grade IIIB tibial fractures, and this might aid in the management of this sever injury.
Bifidobacteria Expressing Tumstatin Protein for Antitumor Therapy in Tumor-Bearing Mice
Authors: Wei C. , Xun A. Y. , Wei X. X. , Yao J. , Wang J. Y. , Shi R. Y. , Yang G. H. , Li Y. X. , Xu Z. L. , Lai M. G. , Zhang R. , Wang L.-S. , Zeng W. S.
Published: May 2015

Tumstatin (Tum) is a powerful angiostatin that inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of tumorous vascular endothelial cells. A nonpathogenic and anaerobic bacterium, Bifidobacterium longum ( BL), selectively localizes to and proliferates in the hypoxia location within solid tumor. The aims of this study were to develop a novel delivery system for Tum using engineered Bifidobacterium and to investigate the inhibitory effect of Tum on tumor in mice. A vector that enabled the expression of Tum under the control of the pBBADs promoter of BL was constructed and transformed into BL NCC2705 by electroporation. The mouse colon carcinoma cells CT26 (1 × 107/mL) were subcutaneously inserted in the left armpit of BALB/c mice. The tumor-bearing mice were treated with Tum-transformed BL, and green fluorescent protein (GFP)-transformed BL was used as a negative control. The microvessel density (MVD) in the transplanted tumor was determined, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 2′-deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nick end labeling was used to detect apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells in transplanted tumor. The in vitro expression of Tum was examined in BL after l-arabinose induction. Bifidobacterium longum with pBBAD-Tum ( BL-Tum) showed significant antitumor effect in tumor-bearing mice. The weight, volume, growth, and MVD, as well as the percentage of apoptotic vascular endothelial cells of transplanted tumors in the tumor-bearing mice treated with Tum-transformed BL were all significantly lower than those in the GFP negative control group. Intragastric administration, injection in tumor and vena caudalis injection of Tum-transformed BL exerted marked antitumor effects in tumor-bearing mice. This is the first demonstration of the utilization of Tum-transformed BL as a specific gene delivery system for treating tumor.
The effects of energy intake of four different feeding patterns in rats
Authors: Gong Huan , Han Yi-wen , Sun Liang , Zhang Yan , Zhang En-yi , Li Yi , Zhang Tie-mei
Published: May 2015

Energy intake can affect the metabolism. But it is not very clear that how and to what degree the metabolism can be changed by energy intake quantity and change. Here we applied four feeding patterns in male Sprague–Dawley rats—normal ad libitum diet (NFal), high-fat diet (HFal), caloric restriction (CR) after HFal (HFal-NFcr), and refeeding from CR to ad libitum (HFal-NFcr-NFal). Food intake and body weight, along with fat mass, insulin sensitivity, fasting plasma insulin, and glucose level were used to calculate the energy efficiency and compared the quantitative effects of energy intake. Energy intake changed little in NFal or HFal group; while it changed greatly and suddenly in HFal-NFcr or HFal-NFcr-NFal group. All the parameters we detected were different between these four feeding patterns. Excess of energy intake from high-fat diet induced adverse outcomes with low energy efficiency. CR reversed the impairment of high-fat diet with very high energy efficiency in a short period. However, dramatic response with high energy efficiency induced by recovery to feeding ad libitum after CR, which was possible harmful to health. In conclusion, energy intake quantity and change are key determinants of metabolism. Different energy intake quantity and change affect body weight, white adipose tissue weight, insulin sensitivity, etc. at different degrees and speeds because of different energy efficiency.
MicroRNAs targeting prostate cancer stem cells
Authors: Fang Yu-Xiang , Chang Yun-Li , Gao Wei-Qiang
Published: May 2015

Prostate cancer is a frequently diagnosed cancer in males with high mortality in the world. As a heterogeneous tissue, the tumor mass contains a subpopulation that is called as cancer stem cells and displays stem-like properties such as self-renewal, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and drug resistance. Cancer stem cells have been identified in variant tumors and shown to be regulated by various molecules including microRNAs. MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs, which can influence tumorigenesis via different mechanisms. In this review, we focus on the functions of microRNAs on regulating the stemness of prostate cancer stem cells with different mechanisms and propose the potential roles of microRNAs in prostate cancer therapy.
The Effect of Lesion Size on the Organization of the Ipsilesional and Contralesional Motor Cortex
Authors: Touvykine Boris , Mansoori Babak K. , Jean-Charles Loyda , Deffeyes Joan , Quessy Stephan , Dancause Numa
Published: May 2015

Recovery of hand function following lesions in the primary motor cortex (M1) is associated with a reorganization of premotor areas in the ipsilesional hemisphere, and this reorganization depends on the size of the lesion. It is not clear how lesion size affects motor representations in the contralesional hemisphere and how the effects in the 2 hemispheres compare. Our goal was to study how lesion size affects motor representations in the ipsilesional and contralesional hemispheres. In rats, we induced lesions of different sizes in the caudal forelimb area (CFA), the equivalent of M1. The effective lesion volume in each animal was quantified histologically. Behavioral recovery was evaluated with the Montoya Staircase task for 28 days after the lesion. Then, the organization of the CFA and the rostral forelimb area (RFA)—the putative premotor area in rats—in the 2 cerebral hemispheres was studied with intracortical microstimulation mapping techniques. The distal forelimb representation in the RFA of both the ipsilesional and contralesional hemispheres was positively correlated with the size of the lesion. In contrast, lesion size had no effect on the contralesional CFA, and there was no relationship between movement representations in the 2 hemispheres. Finally, only the contralesional RFA was negatively correlated with chronic motor deficits of the paretic forelimb. Our data show that lesion size has comparable effects on motor representations in premotor areas of both hemispheres and suggest that the contralesional premotor cortex may play a greater role in the recovery of the paretic forelimb following large lesions.
The iontophoretic transdermal system formulation of sumatriptan as a new option in the acute treatment of migraine: a perspective
Authors: Vikelis Michail , Spingos Konstantinos C. , Rapoport Alan M.
Published: May 2015

An iontophoretic transdermal system (ITS) (skin patch) formulation of sumatriptan for the acute treatment of migraine attacks was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in January 2013. This transdermal system bypasses the gastrointestinal tract, as it uses low electrical current to move sumatriptan transdermally into the subcutaneous tissue. Randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials have demonstrated minimal triptan-related side effects and superior efficacy versus placebo, comparable with other sumatriptan formulations. Sumatriptan ITS can be applied successfully during a mild or severe migraine attack. According to pharmacokinetic properties and clinical data, sumatriptan ITS may be a good choice for people with migraine and severe nausea, vomiting or gastroparesis, those with intolerable triptan-related adverse events and those not responding optimally to oral medications.
Resisting Connection Following Social Exclusion
Authors: MacDonald Geoff , Baratta Patricia L. , Tzalazidis Rebecca
Published: May 2015

Social psychologists theorize that individuals seek connection following rejection. However, accepting connection from a low status other may imply that one is of similarly low status, which may call into question one’s prospects for future acceptance. Thus, we hypothesized that rejection would lead individuals to distance themselves from a low status other even when the low status other is accepting. In two studies, single, heterosexual, female participants received simultaneous acceptance/rejection feedback from one physically attractive man and one less attractive man. As predicted, rejected individuals derogated their rejecters as indicated by a decreased desire for affiliation and more negative evaluations. Moreover, participants rejected by the attractive man also derogated the unattractive man even when the unattractive man offered acceptance. These data may shed light on specific circumstances under which rejection leads to antisocial behavior.
Adherence to behavioural interventions in multiple sclerosis: Follow-up meeting report (AD@MS-2)
Authors: Heesen Christoph , Bruce Jared , Gearing Robert , Moss-Morris Rona , Weinmann John , Hamalainen Paivi , Motl Robert , Dalgas Ulrik , Kos Daphne , Visioli Franceso , Feys Peter , Solari Alessandra , Finlayson Marcia , Eliasson Lina , Matthews Vicki , Bogossian Angeliki , Liethmann Katrin , Köpke Sascha , Bissell Paul
Published: May 2015

After an initial meeting in 2013 that reviewed adherence to disease modifying therapy, the AD@MS group conducted a follow-up meeting in 2014 that examined adherence to behavioural interventions in MS (e.g. physical activity, diet, psychosocial interventions). Very few studies have studied adherence to behavioural interventions in MS. Outcomes beyond six months are lacking, as well as implementation work in the community. Psychological interventions need to overcome stigma and other barriers to facilitate initiation and maintenance of behaviour change. A focus group concentrated on physical activity and exercise as one major behavioural intervention domain in MS. The discussion revealed that patients are confronted with multiple challenges when attempting to regularly engage in physical activity. Highlighted needs for future research included an improved understanding of patients’ and health experts’ knowledge and attitudes towards physical activity as well as a need for longitudinal research that investigates exercise persistence.
The Five-Aggregate Model of the Mind
Authors: Karunamuni Nandini D.
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this article is to explore a model of the mind generally known as “the five aggregates” described in Buddhist teachings that relates to understanding subjective conscious experience from a first-person perspective. This model is explored as a potential theoretical resource that could guide meditation/mindfulness interventions. According to the five-aggregate model of the mind, all our experience involves material form, feelings, perception, volition, and sensory consciousness. The mind stream that is constantly changing from moment to moment is extensively analyzed in this tradition. This article explains that methodologies in neuroscience increase our understanding of neurophysiological underpinnings of mental phenomena and also provide important evidence on the practical utility of meditation. When considering moment-by-moment changes that happen in the mind, however, these investigations represent sensory consciousness followed by perception that happens within the mind stream itself. Practical applications of the model are also presented.
Work–Life Integration and Workplace Rights for Domestic Workers in Support to Elderly Persons
Authors: Tremblay Diane-Gabrielle , Ilama Ilda Ilse
Published: May 2015

Our article shows that there is a real challenge in balancing work and family for employees working in support services in domestic work for elderly persons; their workplace rights on this issue are quite limited, and they depend largely on managers’ understanding and support. Given their difficult working conditions, these workers actually find quite a challenge in trying to reconcile work and family. Our article is based on a qualitative research mobilizing 33 semi-structured interviews with employees of the home care sector in the field of the social economy mainly but also in the private sector. We first present the concept of work–family and personal life, then the area of home care and domestic work for the elderly. Then, we present the particular challenges observed in reconciling work and family life, where possible by comparing men and women. The results highlight two major sources of differentiation: age and single parenthood. Those who are older highlight the fact that children have grown up, and they have (finally) some time for themselves, even if their working conditions are difficult (broken schedules, etc.). In contrast, single women live a much more difficult situation concerning work–family, partly because of the lack of workplace rights on this issue and because of the poor working conditions for many (broken hours of work, low wages, difficult working conditions). We conclude with some recommendations, including the Right to request, which appears to be the best option, although it would need some further analysis.
Selection of Statistical Software for Solving Big Data Problems
Authors: Ozgur Ceyhun , Kleckner Michelle , Li Yang
Published: May 2015

The need for analysts with expertise in big data software is becoming more apparent in today’s society. Unfortunately, the demand for these analysts far exceeds the number available. A potential way to combat this shortage is to identify the software taught in colleges or universities. This article will examine four data analysis software—Excel add-ins, SPSS, SAS, and R—and we will outline the cost, training, and statistical methods/tests/uses for each of these software. It will further explain implications for universities and future students.
The Impact of Silent and Freeze-Frame Viewing Techniques of Video Materials on the Intermediate EFL Learners’ Listening Comprehension
Authors: Shahani Sara , Tahriri Abdorreza
Published: May 2015

The use of modern technologies has been widely prevalent among language learners, and video, in particular, as a valuable learning tool provides learners with comprehensible input. The present study investigated the effect of silent and freeze-frame viewing techniques of video materials on the intermediate English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ listening comprehension. To this end, 45 intermediate EFL learners participated in this quasi-experimental study. The results of one-way ANOVA revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between the experimental groups (using two types of viewing techniques) and the control group. While the difference between the two experimental groups was not statistically significant, the experimental groups outperformed the control group significantly.
A Mixed-Method Approach to Evaluating the Association Between Myofascial Trigger Points and Ankle/Foot Pain Using Handheld Sonography Equipment
Authors: Zale Kathryn E. , Klatt Maryanna , Volz Kevin R. , Kanner Christopher , Evans Kevin D.
Published: May 2015

This mixed-method blinded research study used high-frequency diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) to document myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) associated with ankle/foot pain. A total of 17 symptomatic and 8 asymptomatic participants provided 500 MTrP areas for palpation. Forty-nine of these MTrP areas (including 16 tender points, 15 palpable MTrPs, and 18 palpated and imaged MTrPs) were compared with the patient’s ankle/foot pain, collected with the SF-12 Health Survey, Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles questionnaire, and a visual analog scale. Qualitative analyses of the participants’ histories were used to understand the context of the data collected. The mean area of the 18 imaged MTrPs was 0.09 cm2, and they appeared inhomogeneous and hypoechoic. Those with right-sided MTrPs were statistically significant for those with reported pain. Participants with left-sided MTrPs did not demonstrate a significant correlation to reported pain. The results demonstrated a promising possible diagnostic approach using sonography to evaluate MTrPs in the ankle/foot for documenting myofascial pain. In addition, elastography and transducer frequencies >12 MHz are proposed as a DMS technique to increase overall diagnostic yield.
Effect of nanofillers on adhesion strength of steel joints bonded with acrylic adhesives
Authors: Yadollahi M. , Barkhordari S. , Gholamali I. , Farhoudian S.
Published: May 2015

This paper reports a study on the effect of Al2O3, SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles on the adhesion strength of steel joints bonded with two-part structural acrylic adhesives. Introduction of the nanoparticles in the two-part acrylic adhesive led to a remarkable enhancement in both the shear and the tensile strength of the steel joints. Addition of the nanoparticles caused an increase in the shear and the tensile strength of the joints; however, a reduction was observed in the peel strength of the joints. Differential scanning calorimeter analysis revealed that glass transition temperature values of the adhesives rose with the addition of the nanofillers. The water contact angle was decreased for adhesives containing nanoparticles. Scanning electron microscope images revealed that the addition of the nanoparticles altered the fracture morphology from smooth to rough fracture surfaces.
Transplantation of human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells in an animal model of diffuse traumatic axonal injury: survival and differentiation
Authors: Xu Leyan , Ryu Jiwon , Hiel Hakim , Menon Adarsh , Aggarwal Ayushi , Rha Elizabeth , Mahairaki Vasiliki , Cummings Brian J , Koliatsos Vassilis E
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Diffuse axonal injury is an extremely common type of traumatic brain injury encountered in motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries, and in combat. Although many cases of diffuse axonal injury result in chronic disability, there are no current treatments for this condition. Its basic lesion, traumatic axonal injury, has been aggressively modeled in primate and rodent animal models. The inexorable axonal and perikaryal degeneration and dysmyelination often encountered in traumatic axonal injury calls for regenerative therapies, including therapies based on stem cells and precursors. Here we explore the proof of concept that treatments based on transplants of human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells can replace or remodel myelin and, eventually, contribute to axonal regeneration in traumatic axonal injury.

Methods

We derived human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells from the human embryonic stem cell line H9, purified and characterized them. We then transplanted these human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells into the deep sensorimotor cortex next to the corpus callosum of nude rats subjected to traumatic axonal injury based on the impact acceleration model of Marmarou. We explored the time course and spatial distribution of differentiation and structural integration of these cells in rat forebrain.

Results

At the time of transplantation, over 90 % of human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells expressed A2B5, PDGFR, NG2, O4, Olig2 and Sox10, a profile consistent with their progenitor or early oligodendrocyte status. After transplantation, these cells survived well and migrated massively via the corpus callosum in both injured and uninjured brains. Human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells displayed a striking preference for white matter tracts and were contained almost exclusively in the corpus callosum and external capsule, the striatopallidal striae, and cortical layer 6. Over 3 months, human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells progressively matured into myelin basic protein(+) and adenomatous polyposis coli protein(+) oligodendrocytes. The injured environment in the corpus callosum of impact acceleration subjects tended to favor maturation of human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells. Electron microscopy revealed that mature transplant-derived oligodendrocytes ensheathed host axons with spiral wraps intimately associated with myelin sheaths.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that, instead of differentiating locally, human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells migrate massively along white matter tracts and differentiate extensively into ensheathing oligodendrocytes. These features make them appealing candidates for cellular therapies of diffuse axonal injury aiming at myelin remodeling and axonal protection or regeneration.