bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contemporary Relevance of Nehru
Authors: Singh Baljit
Published: October 2014

The subject contemporary relevance of Nehru is unfolded into five sections. First section introduces the subject by contextualising Nehru’s ideas in the contemporary scenario. Nehruvian ideological system and its utility in the age of globalisation constitute the body of this article. His nationalism, socialism and world view are located and discussed in the second, third and fourth sections, respectively. Nehru’s idea of composite culture, contested by cultural nationalism from the one end and ethno-nationalism from the other end of spectrum comprises the second section. The third section discusses the conception, consolidation, retreat and revival of Nehruvian model of economic development in the light of Washington Consensus and Post-Washington Consensus. His idea of socialism and the mixed economy are debated in liberal, neoliberal and post-neoliberal scenario. His world view faced rough weather during the second and third phase of India’s foreign policy. The former was set in motion after his death, whereas the latter started taking shape in the Post-Soviet world, which has acquired the hegemonic overtones. Contemporary significance of Nehru’s world view in the hegemonic world is probed in the fourth section. The last section sums up the discussion in the form of concluding observations.
How to Be a Successful Graduate Student
Authors: Cullen Francis T. , Vose Brenda
Published: October 2014

Earning a PhD is an exciting but arduous process, marked by an attrition rate of about 50%. In this context, we provide advice—10 lessons—on how students can not only survive but also thrive in graduate school. A core message is that students must understand that doctoral education is a unique social world whose main function is to prepare trained academics. Toward this end, students should not expect to be taken care of but must be the architects of their own professional development. Thus, they need to develop research skills, learn how to teach, use unstructured time productively, and act in ways that will bolster their reputation and make faculty want to collaborate with them. Students’ most important challenge, however, is to become an independent scholar—to acquire the depth of expertise and genuine passion for the criminological enterprise necessary for subsequent professional accomplishment and fulfillment.
How to Be a Successful Classroom Teacher
Authors: Jonson Cheryl Lero , Moon Melissa M.
Published: October 2014

Taking a well-known set of guidelines for effectively rehabilitating criminal offenders, we present a unique twist on how to create an effective classroom environment. Based on our 30 years of collective experience, as well as the extant pedagogical research, we outline eight principles of effective classroom teaching. Being a successful college professor requires a range of skills and talents ranging from fostering an open classroom environment based on reinforcement to addressing the various characteristics and abilities students bring to the classroom to assessing appropriate learning outcomes. In essence, an effective classroom teacher must be a “jack of all trades.” Whether a first-time instructor in front of a classroom or a seasoned professor, these eight principles provide a simple framework to enhance the impact you have in the classroom and in the overall academic careers of your students.
How to Be a Successful Administrator
Authors: Burton Velmer S.
Published: October 2014

Being an academic administrator, specifically a department chair, can be an exciting and rewarding role in the discipline of criminal justice/criminology. Securing and succeeding in such a position, however, can be a daunting challenge. In this context, the aim of this essay is to provide as much direct and to the point information as possible to consider before and after accepting an assignment within the university’s administrative structure. The advice given is intended to be suggestive—points to weigh. Still, given that they are based on extensive experience in diverse roles across diverse institutions, they are insights that might well help readers to avoid salient pitfalls that chairs of academic units commonly confront.
How to Be a Successful Mentor
Authors: Moak Stacy C. , Walker Jeffery T.
Published: October 2014

Mentoring doctoral students is one of the most challenging and important tasks faced by faculty teaching in PhD programs. Receiving effective mentoring is central to students’ success in their graduate education. Without quality mentors, many graduate students do not have positive experiences, are unprepared for the life of an academic, and even drop out of graduate school. Previous research also reveals that mentors are closely tied to success after graduation. This essay contains observations and suggestions for becoming a successful mentor based on our years of experience.
A Pilot Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Hanrahan Nancy P. , Solomon Phyllis , Hurford Matthew O.
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVE: People with multiple and persistent mental and physical health problems have high rates of transition failures when transferring from a hospital level of care to home. The transitional care model (TCM) is evidence-based and demonstrated to improve posthospital outcomes for elderly with physical health conditions, but it has not been studied in the population with serious mental illness. METHOD: Using a randomized controlled design, 40 inpatients from two general hospital psychiatric units were recruited and randomly assigned to an intervention group ( n = 20) that received the TCM intervention that was delivered by a psychiatric nurse practitioner for 90 days posthospitalization, or a control group ( n = 20) that received usual care. Outcomes were as follows: service utilization, health-related quality of life, and continuity of care. RESULTS: The intervention group showed higher medical and psychiatric rehospitalization than the control group ( p = .054). Emergency room use was lower for intervention group but not statistically significant. Continuity of care with primary care appointments were significantly higher for the intervention group ( p = .023). The intervention group’s general health improved but was not statistically significant compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: A transitional care intervention is recommended; however, the model needs to be modified from a single nurse to a multidisciplinary team with expertise from a psychiatric nurse practitioner, a social worker, and a peer support specialist. A team approach can best manage the complex physical/mental health conditions and complicated social needs of the population with serious mental illness.
A Qualitative Understanding of Patient Falls in Inpatient Mental Health Units
Authors: Powell-Cope Gail , Quigley Patricia , Besterman-Dahan Karen , Smith Maureen , Stewart Jonathan , Melillo Christine , Haun Jolie , Friedman Yvonne
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND: Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among people age 65 and older, and fractures are the major category of serious injuries produced by falls. OBJECTIVE: Determine market segment–specific recommendations for “selling” falls prevention in acute inpatient psychiatry. DESIGN: Descriptive using focus groups. SETTING: One inpatient unit at a Veterans’ hospital in the Southeastern United States and one national conference of psychiatric and mental health nurses. PATIENTS: A convenience sample of 22 registered nurses and advanced practice nurses, one physical therapist and two physicians participated in one of six focus groups. INTERVENTION: None. MEASUREMENTS: Focus groups were conducted by expert facilitators using a semistructured interview guide. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed. Content analysis was used to organize findings. RESULTS: Findings were grouped into fall risk assessment, clinical fall risk precautions, programmatic fall prevention, and “selling” fall prevention in psychiatry. Participants focused on falls prevention instead of fall injury prevention, were committed to reducing risk, and were receptive to learning how to improve safety. Participants recognized unique features of their patients and care settings that defined risk, and were highly motivated to work with other disciplines to keep patients safe. CONCLUSIONS: Selling fall injury prevention to staff in psychiatric settings is similar to selling fall injury prevention to staff in other health care settings. Appealing to the larger construct of patient safety will motivate staff in psychiatric settings to implement best practices and customize these to account for unique population needs characteristics.
Video Games and the Cerebral Subject: On Playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Authors: Väliaho Pasi
Published: October 2014

This article engages with the fabrication of experiences in first-person shooter video games. On one hand, it explores the forms of affective and cognitive engagement this novel type of immersive imagery demands of the player. On the other hand, the article speculates on how video games images resonate and coincide with other key practices and imaginations defining the political reality of life today. What (at least according to some accounts) matters most in the politics of life today is a particular locus of mediation – the brain. The ways we imagine ourselves are today characterized by a figure of the ‘cerebral subject’. The article presents an attempt to chart video games imagery in relation to this key contemporary image of who we are, and to consider how the rhythms of the console screen might be seen as emblematic of a more general anthropology of subjectivity today.
Thinking in Movement: Response to Erin Manning
Authors: Sheets-Johnstone Maxine
Published: October 2014

This review of Manning’s article wonders at the wonder that Manning describes. It does so first in broad terms that question the experience of wonder that Manning describes and goes on to wonder specifically about her understanding of the experienced realities of thinking in movement. In the course of doing so, the review questions her sweeping away ‘the subject’; questions her hard-and-fast distinctions between phenomenology and Whitehead’s metaphysics and voices wonder about her neglecting complementarities between phenomenology and Whitehead’s metaphysics; questions the validity of her claims about ‘where phenomenology goes wrong’; wonders about the absence of kinesthesia and its qualitative dynamics in what she writes of human movement; and finally wonders about her non-substantiated claims about ontogeny.
Rhythmanalysis in Gymnastics and Dance: Rudolf Bode and Rudolf Laban
Authors: Crespi Paola
Published: October 2014

The translation of Rudolf Bode’s Rhythm and its Importance for Education and Rudolf Laban’s ‘Eurhythmy and kakorhythmy in art and education’ aims at unearthing rhythm-related discourses in the Germany of the 1920s. If for most of the English-speaking world the translation of Henri Lefebvre’s Rhythmanalysis: Space, Time and Everyday Life marks the moment in which rhythm descends into the theoretical arena, these texts, seen in their connection with other sources, express, instead, the degree to which rhythm was omnipresent in philosophical, artistic, socio-economical and psychological discourses at the turn of the 20th century. Some commentators, such as Lubkoll, have recently highlighted the centrality of rhythm in Modernity, lamenting a lack of scholarship focusing on this phenomenon. This is arguably due to a lack of access to sources accentuated by the language barrier; if, indeed, the ‘rhythmanalysis’ of the turn of the century is not an exclusively Teutonic phenomenon, it is also true that a copious amount of material on rhythm of this period is written in German and remains untranslated. In this sense, then, this translation aims at contributing to the project of a cultural history of rhythm.
Material flow during friction stir spot welding of dissimilar Al2024/Al materials
Authors: Zhang D. , Shibayanagi T.
Published: October 2014

In the present paper, the material flow and intermixing during friction stir spot welding of dissimilar Al2024/Al materials were investigated. The dissimilar materials had quite different strength. The microstructural evolutions taking place during a series of lap and butt welds were observed. The effect of penetration depths, dwell time, rotational speed and tool geometry were systematically investigated. The material flow and formation of the intermixed region were explained by a modified model.
Modification of microstructure to increase impact toughness of nanostructured bainite–austenite steel
Authors: Garbarz B. , Niżnik–Harańczyk B.
Published: October 2014

To improve impact toughness of the nanostructured bainite–austenite steel, a heat treatment operation was developed to divide prior austenite grains by plates of martensite directly before isothermal transformation. In the investigation, nanostructured steel containing 0·55C, 1·95Mn, 1·82Si, 1·29Cr and 0·72Mo was used. It was found that a partial transformation to martensite achieved by cooling to 160°C followed by direct isothermal transformation to bainite at 225°C was the most promising treatment to improve Charpy impact energy of the investigated steel. For each testing temperature: ambient, 0, −20, −40 and −60°C, the specimens subjected to the developed treatment showed a higher averaged impact energy than the specimens subjected to the standard treatment.
Microstructure and tensile properties of as extruded and as aged Mg–Al–Zn–Mn–Sn alloy
Authors: Jiang L. , Zhang D. , Dong Y. , Guo F. , Hu G. , Xue H. , Pan F.
Published: October 2014

The effect of 0–4 wt- Sn addition on the microstructure and tensile properties of AZ80 alloys was investigated. The results indicated that Mg2Sn particles were barely formed during the extrusion process until the content of Sn is >2 wt-. The dislocation density in alloys after extrusion declined with the addition of Sn due to the promotion of dynamic recrystallisation after adding Sn. In aging treatment, Mg17Al12 precipitates were promoted by Sn and the phases distributed uniformly at low density level of dislocation. The AZ80-2 wt- Sn alloy possessed the excellent tensile properties in as extruded and as aged state.
Cellulose aerogels from cellulose–NaOH/PEG solution and comparison with different cellulose contents
Authors: Wan C. , Lu Y. , Jiao Y. , Cao J. , Sun Q. , Li J.
Published: October 2014

A green mild NaOH/polyethylene glycol solution was employed to dissolve the cellulose extracted from waste wheat straw. Subsequently combined with the freezing−thawing treatment, regeneration process and freeze drying, the cellulose aerogels with different cellulose contents were fabricated at mass ratios of 1∶100, 3∶100, 5∶100 and 7∶100 cellulose to the solution. Moreover, the influences of cellulose contents on the morphologies, crystal structures, crystallinity indexes, thermal stabilities and pore characteristic parameters of the aerogels were investigated by scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and nitrogen adsorption. Meanwhile, the oil adsorption properties of the aerogels with different cellulose contents were also surveyed; besides, for improving lipophilicity, the hydrophobic modifications of trimethylchlorosilane for the aerogels were carried out before the adsorption tests.
Structural, thermal and electrical properties of plasticised PVA based polymer electrolyte
Authors: Sheha E. , Nasr M. M. , El-Mansy M. K.
Published: October 2014

Polymer electrolyte films of polyvinyl alcohol as host polymer, poly(3,4-etylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrenesulphonate), magnesium bromide were prepared using solution cast technique. Succinonitrile was used as plasticiser in the matrix at different concentrations. These films were characterised using thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and ac impedance spectroscopy. The conductivity measurement was used to determine the ionic conductivity of the polymer electrolyte at different temperature and frequency values, giving some insight into its potential utility as a solid membrane in solid state batteries. The ionic transference number of mobile ions has been estimated by a dc polarisation method, and the results reveal that the conducting species are predominately ions. A solid state magnesium battery was fabricated and characterised.
Adhesion strength of Cu coating on substrate at different temperatures
Authors: Yang K. , Liu M. , Deng C.
Published: October 2014

Flattening of an individual particle on the substrate is a unit cell for the coating formation in plasma spraying. In this study, individual Cu splats and coatings were collected on the AISI304 substrates at different temperatures by plasma spraying. Microstructures of the splats and coatings were observed by scanning electron microscope, and the adhesion strength of each coating was measured by tensile test. The coating hardness was also evaluated. The splats collected on the unheated substrate performed as splash shape, while most of the splats collected on the substrate at high temperatures exhibited as regular disc type. In particular, less nanopores could be found at the bottom surface of the disc shaped splats. The coating adhesion strength increased dramatically from 22 to 63 MPa with the increase in substrate temperature; the coating hardness also increased with the increase in substrate temperature. Accordingly, the coating performance has a close relation with the splats flattening behaviour on the substrates surface.
Influence of stirring conditions on Ni/Al2O3 nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Kucharska B. , Popławski K. , Jezierska E. , Oleszak D. , Sobiecki J. R.
Published: October 2014

The influence of the stirring conditions in the electrolyte on the structure and properties of Ni/Al2O3 nanocomposite coatings was studied. The coatings were produced by electrochemical reduction on a copper substrate in a Watts bath modified by nickel grain inhibitor, cationic surfactant and low concentrated nanometric alumina. The process has been carried out with different types of agitation (mechanical, ultrasonic stirring and with a copper rotating disc electrode). The structures of the produced coatings were characterised by scanning and transmission electron microscopy as well as X-ray diffraction. The influence of Al2O3 particles on the microhardness of composite coatings was also analysed. The adhesion of the composite coatings to the substrate and coefficient of friction were determined by means of the scratch test. The studies have shown that the bath stirring method affects the content and distribution of the alumina, as well as the properties of the produced composite Ni/Al2O3 coatings.
The electronic structure and optical properties of Mn and B, C, N co-doped MoS2 monolayers
Authors: Xu Wei-bin , Huang Bao-jun , Li Ping , Li Feng , Zhang Chang-wen , Wang Pei-ji
Published: October 2014

The electronic structure and optical properties of Mn and B, C, N co-doped molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) monolayers have been investigated through first-principles calculations. It is shown that the MoS2 monolayer reflects magnetism with a magnetic moment of 0.87 μB when co-doped with Mn-C. However, the systems co-doped with Mn-B and Mn-N atoms exhibit semiconducting behavior and their energy bandgaps are 1.03 and 0.81 eV, respectively. The bandgaps of the co-doped systems are smaller than those of the corresponding pristine forms, due to effective charge compensation between Mn and B (N) atoms. The optical properties of Mn-B (C, N) co-doped systems all reflect the redshift phenomenon. The absorption edge of the pure molybdenum disulfide monolayer is 0.8 eV, while the absorption edges of the Mn-B, Mn-C, and Mn-N co-doped systems become 0.45, 0.5, and 0 eV, respectively. As a potential material, MoS2 is widely used in many fields such as the production of optoelectronic devices, military devices, and civil devices.
Measuring pain in non-verbal critically ill patients: which pain instrument?
Authors: Payen Jean-Francois , Gélinas Céline
Published: October 2014

Pain is experienced by many critically ill patients. Although the patient’s self-report represents the gold-standard measure for pain, many patients are unable to communicate in the ICU. In this commentary, we discuss the study findings comparing three objective scales for the assessment of pain in non-verbal patients and the importance of the tool selection process.
How much oxygen in adult cardiac arrest?
Authors: Dell’Anna Antonio Maria , Lamanna Irene , Vincent Jean-Louis , Taccone Fabio Silvio
Published: October 2014

Although experimental studies have suggested that a high arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) might aggravate post-anoxic brain injury, clinical studies in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest (CA) have given conflicting results. Some studies found that a PaO2 of more than 300 mm Hg (hyperoxemia) was an independent predictor of poor outcome, but others reported no association between blood oxygenation and neurological recovery in this setting. In this article, we review the potential mechanisms of oxygen toxicity after CA, animal data available in this field, and key human studies dealing with the impact of oxygen management in CA patients, highlighting some potential confounders and limitations and indicating future areas of research in this field. From the currently available literature, high oxygen concentrations during cardiopulmonary resuscitation seem preferable, whereas hyperoxemia should be avoided in the post-CA care. A specific threshold for oxygen toxicity has not yet been identified. The mechanisms of oxygen toxicity after CA, such as seizure development, reactive oxygen species production, and the development of organ dysfunction, need to be further evaluated in prospective studies.
Prehospital induction of mild hypothermia with cold normal saline for cardiac arrest: more harm than good?
Authors: Yajnik Vishal , Gomez Hernando
Published: October 2014

No abstract.
Etomidate for anesthesia induction: friends or foe in major cardiac surgery?
Authors: De Jong Audrey , Jaber Samir
Published: October 2014

Use of etomidate for anesthesia induction is still debated. In the previous issue of Critical Care, Heinrich and colleagues reported that etomidate for anesthesia induction had similar outcome in comparison with other drugs, in a specific population of 3,054 patients ahead of major cardiac surgery. For the authors, the similar outcomes for mortality and length of hospital stay add to the hemodynamic stability and the improved intubation conditions to support keeping etomidate in the emergency drugs armamentarium for induction of anesthesia in patients at risk of hemodynamic failure. This commentary reviews the results and implications of their study.
DNA methylation profiling in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study defines cancer subclasses differing in clinicopathologic characteristics and survival
Authors: Conway Kathleen , Edmiston Sharon N , May Ryan , Kuan Pei Fen , Chu Haitao , Bryant Christopher , Tse Chiu-Kit , Swift-Scanlan Theresa , Geradts Joseph , Troester Melissa A , Millikan Robert C
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, with several intrinsic subtypes differing by hormone receptor (HR) status, molecular profiles, and prognosis. However, the role of DNA methylation in breast cancer development and progression and its relationship with the intrinsic tumor subtypes are not fully understood.

Methods

A microarray targeting promoters of cancer-related genes was used to evaluate DNA methylation at 935 CpG sites in 517 breast tumors from the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, a population-based study of invasive breast cancer.

Results

Consensus clustering using methylation (β) values for the 167 most variant CpG loci defined four clusters differing most distinctly in HR status, intrinsic subtype (luminal versus basal-like), and p53 mutation status. Supervised analyses for HR status, subtype, and p53 status identified 266 differentially methylated CpG loci with considerable overlap. Genes relatively hypermethylated in HR+, luminal A, or p53 wild-type breast cancers included FABP3, FGF2, FZD9, GAS7, HDAC9, HOXA11, MME, PAX6, POMC, PTGS2, RASSF1, RBP1, and SCGB3A1, whereas those more highly methylated in HR-, basal-like, or p53 mutant tumors included BCR, C4B, DAB2IP, MEST, RARA, SEPT5, TFF1, THY1, and SERPINA5. Clustering also defined a hypermethylated luminal-enriched tumor cluster 3 that gene ontology analysis revealed to be enriched for homeobox and other developmental genes (ASCL2, DLK1, EYA4, GAS7, HOXA5, HOXA9, HOXB13, IHH, IPF1, ISL1, PAX6, TBX1, SOX1, and SOX17). Although basal-enriched cluster 2 showed worse short-term survival, the luminal-enriched cluster 3 showed worse long-term survival but was not independently prognostic in multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis, likely due to the mostly early stage cases in this dataset.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that epigenetic patterns are strongly associated with HR status, subtype, and p53 mutation status and may show heterogeneity within tumor subclass. Among HR+ breast tumors, a subset exhibiting a gene signature characterized by hypermethylation of developmental genes and poorer clinicopathologic features may have prognostic value and requires further study. Genes differentially methylated between clinically important tumor subsets have roles in differentiation, development, and tumor growth and may be critical to establishing and maintaining tumor phenotypes and clinical outcomes.
Sequence specificity incompletely defines the genome-wide occupancy of Myc
Authors: Guo Jiannan , Li Tiandao , Schipper Joshua , Nilson Kyle A , Fordjour Francis K , Cooper Jeffrey J , Gordân Raluca , Price David H
Published: October 2014

Background

The Myc-Max heterodimer is a transcription factor that regulates expression of a large number of genes. Genome occupancy of Myc-Max is thought to be driven by Enhancer box (E-box) DNA elements, CACGTG or variants, to which the heterodimer binds in vitro.

Results

By analyzing ChIP-Seq datasets, we demonstrate that the positions occupied by Myc-Max across the human genome correlate with the RNA polymerase II, Pol II, transcription machinery significantly better than with E-boxes. Metagene analyses show that in promoter regions, Myc is uniformly positioned about 100 bp upstream of essentially all promoter proximal paused polymerases with Max about 15 bp upstream of Myc. We re-evaluate the DNA binding properties of full length Myc-Max proteins. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay results demonstrate Myc-Max heterodimers display significant sequence preference, but have high affinity for any DNA. Quantification of the relative affinities of Myc-Max for all possible 8-mers using universal protein-binding microarray assays shows that sequences surrounding core 6-mers significantly affect binding. Compared to the in vitro sequence preferences, Myc-Max genomic occupancy measured by ChIP-Seq is largely, although not completely, independent of sequence specificity.

Conclusions

We quantified the affinity of Myc-Max to all possible 8-mers and compared this with the sites of Myc binding across the human genome. Our results indicate that the genomic occupancy of Myc cannot be explained by its intrinsic DNA specificity and suggest that the transcription machinery and associated promoter accessibility play a predominant role in Myc recruitment.
Subchondral bone influences chondrogenic differentiation and collagen production of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and articular chondrocytes
Authors: Leyh Michaela , Seitz Andreas , Dürselen Lutz , Schaumburger Jens , Ignatius Anita , Grifka Joachim , Grässel Susanne
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by an imbalance in cartilage and underlying subchondral bone homeostasis. We hypothesized that signals from the subchondral bone may modulate production of matrix components, alter chondrogenic differentiation potential of cocultured bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) and induce a phenotypic shift in differentiated OA chondrocytes.

Methods

We established a novel coculture model between BMSC, mixed cultures (BMSC and chondrocytes) and chondrocytes embedded in fibrin gel with OA and normal subchondral bone explants (OAB and NB). Tissues and cells were either derived from OA or trauma patients. In addition, we used adipose-derived stem cells (ASC) from liposuction. With gene expression analysis, biochemical assays, immunofluorescence and biomechanical tests we characterized the properties of newly generated extracellular matrix (ECM) from chondrocytes and chondrogenically differentiating BMSC cocultured with OAB or NB in comparison with monocultures (cultures without bone explants).

Results

Overall, gene expression of collagens of OAB and NB cocultured cells was reduced compared to monocultures. Concomitantly, we observed significantly lower collagen I, II and III and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) production in OAB cocultured cell lysates. In parallel, we detected increased concentrations of soluble GAGs and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in supernatants of OAB and NB cocultures mainly at early time points. IL-1ß concentration was increased in supernatants of OAB cocultures, but not in NB cocultures. Cell-free NB or OAB explants released different amounts of IL-1ß, bFGF and soluble GAG into cell culture supernatants. In comparison to cocultures, monocultures exhibited higher Young’s modulus and equilibrium modulus. Stimulation of monocultures with IL-1ß led to a downregulation of aggrecan (ACAN) gene expression and in general to induced matrix metalloprotease (MMP)2, MMP3 and MMP-13 gene expression while IL-6 and IL-8 stimulation partly reduced ACAN, MMP3 and MMP-13 gene expression.

Conclusions

Our results suggest an alteration of molecular composition and mechanical properties of the newly formed ECM in subchondral bone cocultures. We suggest that soluble factors, that is interleukins and bFGF, released in cocultures exert inhibitory effects on collagen and temporary effects on proteoglycan production, which finally results in a reduction of mechanical strength of newly formed fibrillar networks.
Study protocol: Randomised controlled trial to evaluate the impact of an educational programme on Alzheimer’s disease patients’ quality of life
Authors: Villars Hélène , Gardette Virginie , Perrin Amélie , Hein Christophe , Elmalem Sophie , de Peretti Eva , Zueras Audrey , Vellas Bruno , Nourhashémi Fati
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Therapeutic education is expanding in the management of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Several studies have revealed a positive impact of therapeutic educational programmes on the caregiver’s burden and/or quality of life. However, to date, no study has evaluated its impact on the quality of life of the AD patient.

Methods

The THERAD study (THerapeutic Education in Alzheimer’s Disease) is a 12-month randomised controlled trial that started in January 2013. This paper describes the study protocol. THERAD plans to enroll 170 dyads (AD patient and caregiver) on the basis of the following criteria: patient at a mild to moderately severe stage of AD, living at home, receiving support from a family caregiver. The main outcome is the patient’s quality of life assessed by the Logsdon QoL-AD scale at 2 months, reported by the caregiver. The study is being led by geriatricians trained in therapeutic education at Toulouse University Hospital in France. To date, 107 caregiver/patient dyads have been recruited.

Conclusion

This is the first trial designed to assess the specific impact of a therapeutic educational programme on the AD patient’s quality of life. The final results will be available in 2015.

Trial registration

[ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01796314] Registered 19 February 2013
Biological and clinical significance of cancer stem cell plasticity
Authors: Zhu Yongyou , Luo Ming , Brooks Michael , Clouthier Shawn G , Wicha Max S
Published: October 2014

In the past decade, the traditional view of cancers as a homogeneous collection of malignant cells is being replaced by a model of ever increasing complexity suggesting that cancers are complex tissues composed of multiple cell types. This complex model of tumorigenesis has been well supported by a growing body of evidence indicating that most cancers including those derived from blood and solid tissues display a hierarchical organization of tumor cells with phenotypic and functional heterogeneity and at the apex of this hierarchy are cells capable of self‐renewal. These “tumor imitating cells” or “cancer stem cells” drive tumorigenesis and contribute to metastasis, treatment resistance and tumor relapse. Although tumor stem cells themselves may display both genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, recent studies have demonstrated that cancer stem cells maintain plasticity to transition between mesenchymal‐like (EMT) and epithelial‐like (MET) states, which may be regulated by the tumor microenvironment. These stem cell state transitions may play a fundamental role in tumor progression and treatment resistance. In this review, we discuss the emerging knowledge regarding the plasticity of cancer stem cells with an emphasis on the signaling pathways and noncoding RNAs including microRNAs (miRNA) and long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in regulation of this plasticity during tumor growth and metastasis. Lastly, we point out the importance of targeting both the EMT and MET states of CSCs in order to eliminate these lethal seeds of cancers.
A randomized controlled trial of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist versus gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist in Iranian infertile couples: oocyte gene expression
Authors: Hoseini Fatemeh Sadat , Noori Mugahi Seyed Mohammad Hossein , Akbari-Asbagh Firoozeh , Eftekhari-Yazdi Poopak , Aflatoonian Behrouz , Aghaee-Bakhtiari Seyed Hamid , Aflatoonian Reza , Salsabili Nasser
Published: October 2014

Background

The main objective of the present work was to compare the effects of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) and GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant) on the gene expression profiles of oocytes obtained from Iranian infertile couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Methods

Fifty infertile couples who underwent IVF between June 2012 and November 2013 at the Infertility Center of Tehran Women General Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, were included in this study. We included women that had undergone IVF treatment because of male factor, tubal factor, or unexplained infertility. The women randomly underwent controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) with either the GnRH-a (n = 26) or the GnRH-ant (n = 24). We obtained 50 germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes donated by women in each group. After the sampling, pool of 50 GV oocytes for each group was separately analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Result

The expression levels of Adenosine triphosphatase 6 (ATPase 6), Bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15), and Neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP) genes were significantly upregulated in the GnRH-ant group compared to the GnRH-a group, with the fold change of 3.990 (SD ± 1.325), 6.274 (SD ± 1.542), and 2.156 (SD ± 1.443), respectively, (P < 0.001). Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) mRNA did not have any expression in the GnRH-a group; however, GDF9 mRNA was expressed in the GnRH-ant group. Finally, it was found that the genes involved in the DNA repairing and cell cycle checkpoint did not have any expression in either group.

Conclusion

The present study showed, for the first time, the expression levels of genes involved in the cytoplasmic maturity (BMP15, GDF9), adenosine triphosphate production (ATPase 6), and antiapoptotic process (NAIP), in human GV oocytes were significantly higher in the GnRH-anta group than in the GnRH-a group in COS. Higher expression level of these genes when GnRH-ant protocol is applied, this protocol seems to be a more appropriate choice for women with poly cystic ovarian syndrome, because it can probably improve the expression of the aforementioned genes.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials: IRCT 2014031112307 N3.
Comparison of cadaveric and isomorphic virtual haptic simulation in temporal bone training
Authors: Wong Dana , Unger Bertram , Kraut Jay , Pisa Justyn , Rhodes Charlotte , Hochman Jordan B
Published: October 2014

Background

Virtual surgery may improve learning and provides an opportunity for pre-operative surgical rehearsal. We describe a novel haptic temporal bone simulator specifically developed for multicore processing and improved visual realism. A position locking algorithm for enhanced drill-bone interaction and haptic fidelity is further employed. The simulation construct is evaluated against cadaveric education.

Methods

A voxel-based simulator was designed for multicore architecture employing Marching Cubes and Laplacian smoothing to perform real-time haptic and graphic rendering of virtual bone. Ten Otolaryngology trainees dissected a cadaveric temporal bone (CTB) followed by a virtual isomorphic haptic model (VM) based on derivative microCT data. Participants rated 1) physical characteristics, 2) specific anatomic constructs, 3) usefulness in skill development and 4) perceived educational value. The survey instrument employed a Likert scale (1-7).

Results

Residents were equivocal about the physical properties of the VM, as cortical (3.2 ± 2.0) and trabecular (2.8 ± 1.6) bone drilling character was appraised as dissimilar to CTB. Overall similarity to cadaveric training was moderate (3.5 ± 1.8). Residents generally felt the VM was beneficial in skill development, rating it highest for translabyrinthine skull-base approaches (5.2 ± 1.3). The VM was considered an effective (5.4 ± 1.5) and accurate (5.7 ± 1.4) training tool which should be integrated into resident education (5.5 ± 1.4). The VM was thought to improve performance (5.3 ± 1.8) and confidence (5.3 ± 1.9) and was highly rated for anatomic learning (6.1 ± 1.9).

Conclusion

Study participants found the VM to be a beneficial and effective platform for learning temporal bone anatomy and surgical techniques. They identify some concern with limited physical realism likely owing to the haptic device interface. This study is the first to compare isomorphic simulation in education. This significantly removes possible confounding features as the haptic simulation was based on derivative imaging.
Metabolic tumour volume as a prognostic factor for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma treated with primary surgery
Authors: Zhang Han , Seikaly Hadi , Abele Jonathan T , Jeffery Dean T , Harris Jeffrey R , O'Connell Daniel A
Published: October 2014

Background

Metabolic tumour volume (MTV) obtained from pre-treatment 18 F-fluorodeoxydeglucose positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET-CT) has been validated as an independent predictive factor of outcomes in head and neck cancer patients (HNC) treated with primary chemoradiotherapy (CRT). However its role in patients treated with primary surgery has not yet been studied.

Objective

To evaluate the prognostic value of MTV in patients treated with primary surgery for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC).

Method

Demographic and survival data was obtained from patients diagnosed with OCSCC from 2008-2012 in Alberta, Canada. All patients included in the study had PET-CT scan before curative surgical resection. MTV and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) value was delineated from pre-treatment PET-CT scans using Segami Oasis software (Columbus, OH). MTV and SUVmax were divided into intertertile thirds before statistical analysis to allow for in-group comparison of survival.

Results

A total of 80 patients were analyzed using SPSS ver. 20.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Five-year overall, and disease-free survival using Kaplan-Meier curves were 70% and 73% respectively. When the combined SUVmax (tumour primary and locoregional metastasis) was evaluated, it failed to predict overall (HR = 1.0, p = 0.99) or disease-free survival (HR = 1.0, p = 0.227). Conversely an increase in MTV of 17.5 mL (difference between the highest and lowest MTV tertile) was associated with a 12.4 fold increase in risk of disease recurrence (p < 0.001) and an 11.2 fold increase in the risk of death (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

This study shows that MTV is an independent adverse prognostic factor for death and disease recurrence in OCSCC treated with primary surgery.
Use of solar energy for biodiesel production and use of biodiesel waste as a green reaction solvent
Authors: Agee Brian M , Mullins Gene , Swartling Daniel J
Published: October 2014

Due to the depletion of fossil fuel energy sources, new alternative energy sources are becoming prevalent in our society. Biodiesel has been recognized as an attractive replacement for depleting energy sources since it is produced mainly from vegetable oils and animal fats, is a renewable resource, and is non-toxic. The synthesis of biodiesel involves heating a triglyceride with methanol (or ethanol) under strongly basic conditions. Since fossil fuels are used for electrical energy in the United States, the amount of electricity required to heat this reaction requires the use of non-renewable resources. An effective means for minimizing the amount of electricity needed to drive chemical reactions to completion is proposed through the use of solar parabolic reflectors. In this study, a technique was developed to incorporate recently proposed solar reflectors developed from satellite dishes into the synthetic procedure for biodiesel. Through the use of our technique, the generation of carbon dioxide waste during biodiesel production has been eliminated. Another area of environmental concern in biodiesel production is the generation of waste by-products (glycerol). A technique has been developed that incorporates the use of recovered biodiesel waste glycerol as the solvent system for Wolff-Kishner reduction reactions. The reduction of isobutyryl chloride has been performed successfully using biodiesel waste glycerol as the solvent system and solar irradiation as the heat source for the chemical reaction.
Jurassic raft tectonics in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Pilcher Robin S. , Murphy Ryan T. , McDonough Ciosek Jessica
Published: October 2014

The northeastern Gulf of Mexico is dominated by the 900–1800-m Florida Escarpment, which forms the bathymetric expression of the Cretaceous carbonate shelf edge. Outboard of the escarpment lies a region of salt-detached raft blocks, which are closely analogous to type examples in the Kwanza Basin, Angola, in terms of structural style, scale, and amount of extension. We undertook the first detailed structural interpretation of an emerging petroleum exploration province. The rafts detached and translated basinward by gravity gliding on the autochthonous Louann salt in the late Jurassic to early Cretaceous. The Upper Jurassic source rock (lime mudstones) of the Smackover Formation and eolian sandstone reservoir intervals of the Norphlet Formation are structurally segmented and entirely contained within the raft blocks. The rafts are separated by salt ridges and/or extensional fault gaps containing expanded uppermost Jurassic and lower Cretaceous strata of the Cotton Valley Group. The main episode of rafting occurred after deposition of the Smackover and Haynesville Formations and broke the Jurassic carbonate platform into raft blocks 2–40 km in length, which were then translated 25–40 km basinward from their original position. Map-view restoration of the raft blocks suggested a minimum extension of 100%, with basinward transport directions indicating a radial divergence of rafts. In the north of the study area, the transport direction was westerly, whereas in the south, translation was southerly. This pattern, which mimics the Florida Escarpment, suggested that the morphology of the Jurassic slope controlled the style of gravitational tectonics and the location of subsequent Cretaceous carbonate buildups. As with other linked systems on mobile substrates, the observed extension and translation must be balanced by downdip contraction. In the case of the northeastern Gulf of Mexico, the contraction is largely cryptic, being accommodated by salt evacuation, compression of salt walls/stocks, and possibly open-toed canopy advance.
Microseismic monitoring — The key is integration
Authors: Warpinski Norm
Published: October 2014

Microseismic monitoring provides good spatial and temporal information about hydraulic-fracture development in unconventional reservoirs, but it is insufficient by itself to define all the important characteristics of the created fracture system. Other diagnostics can aid in interpretation of fracturing, particularly with respect to volumetric distribution (using microdeformation) and near-wellbore conditions (using fiber optics). The ultimate goal is a better understanding of the effectively producing system through a combination of diagnostics and modeling.
Earth-model building using rock physics and geology for depth imaging
Authors: Dutta Nader C. , Yang Sherman , Dai Jianchun , Chandrasekhar S. , Dotiwala Firoze , Rao C. V.
Published: October 2014

Modern depth imaging is a model-driven technology. At the heart of the process is the challenging task of building an accurate earth model — one that yields a reliable and geologically consistent image at the right depth and accurate earth properties such as pore pressure, lithology, and pore fluid at those depths.
Growing strong and growing fast: The SEG Women's Network
Authors: House Nancy , Capello Maria Angela , MacQueen Patricia , Sprunt Eve
Published: October 2014

The SEG Women's Network invites you to attend its Networking Breakfast at the upcoming SEG Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado, at 8:30 to 11:00 a.m. on 29 October. This year, the program will enlist four panelists: Sally Zinke, SEG President, 2000; Allison Malcolm, SEG Clarence Karcher Award winner, 2012; Louise Pellerin, SEG Life Membership Award winner, 2014; and Sue Webb, SEG Outstanding Educator Award winner, 2014. They will describe their own journeys of success before opening the floor to a facilitated discussion with questions from the audience.
The Role of Information in Management of Civil Society: Philosophical and Legal Aspects
Authors: Grudtsyna Lyudmila , Lagutkin Aleksandr
Published: October 2014

In article an attempt to define a place and information role in a difficult legal mechanism of formation and development of institutes of civil society taking into account application to this problem of cybernetic approach is made. In the system of civil society consisting of a set of elements interacting with each other (certain people, their organizations, communities), changing and supplementing each other, the perception, processing and information transfer is that basis which forms their behavior on near and far prospect. In other words, correctly picked up information — is the concrete administrative model applicable to the individual (or social group) taking into account specific conditions and circumstances. The right as information component also is, in the broadest sense, administrative model in which by means of certain information (scientific and legal, the current legislation, comments to the legislation, speeches of politicians, jurisprudence, etc.) the behavioural program of society, civil society depending on circumstances is corrected. At first the relations in society have to arise and be created, and then come a phase of their regulation by the law. The dual social and legal nature of a phenomenon of civil society in Russia consists that, on the one hand, it grows not "from below", and is formed "from above", at will of the state having opportunity to operate development of civil society by means of information, perceived by its institutes, on the other hand, civil society represents the difficult open social system which development qualitatively depends on development of elements making it. Dialectic possibility of such development is provided by information which elements of system exchange and which completely can´t be controlled by the state.