bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences in end‐of‐life communication for children with advanced cancer who were referred to a palliative care team
Authors: Kassam Alisha , Skiadaresis Julia , Alexander Sarah , Wolfe Joanne
Published: April 2015

Background

There is a general consensus that involving a specialized palliative care team in the care of children with advanced cancer can help optimize end‐of‐life communication; however, how this compares to standard oncology care is still unknown. We aimed to determine whether there was an association between specialist palliative care involvement and improved end‐of‐life communication for children with advanced cancer and their families.

Procedure

We administered questionnaires to 75 bereaved parents (response rate 54%). Outcome measures were presence or absence of 11 elements related to end‐of‐life communication.

Results

Parents were significantly more likely to receive five communication elements if their child was referred to a palliative care team. These elements are: discussion of death and dying with parents by the healthcare team (P < 0.01); discussion of death and dying with child by the healthcare team when appropriate (P < 0.01); providing parents with guidance on how to talk to their child about death and dying when appropriate (P < 0.01); preparing parents for medical aspects surrounding death (P = 0.02) and sibling support (P = 0.02). Children were less likely to be referred to a palliative care team if they had a hematologic malignancy.

Conclusions

Children who receive standard oncology care are at higher risk of not receiving critical communication elements at end of life. Strategies to optimize end‐of‐life communication for children who are not referred to a palliative care team are needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1409–1413. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validity of diagnostic codes and laboratory tests of liver dysfunction to identify acute liver failure events
Authors: Lo Re Vincent , Carbonari Dean M. , Forde Kimberly A. , Goldberg David , Lewis James D. , Haynes Kevin , Leidl Kimberly B. F. , Reddy Rajender K. , Roy Jason , Sha Daohang , Marks Amy R. , Schneider Jennifer L. , Strom Brian L. , Corley Douglas A.
Published: April 2015

Purpose

Identification of acute liver failure (ALF) is important for post‐marketing surveillance of medications, but the validity of using ICD‐9 diagnoses and laboratory data to identify these events within electronic health records is unknown. We examined positive predictive values (PPVs) of hospital ICD‐9 diagnoses and laboratory tests of liver dysfunction for identifying ALF within a large, community‐based integrated care organization.

Methods

We identified Kaiser Permanente Northern California health plan members (2004–2010) with a hospital diagnosis suggesting ALF (ICD‐9 570, 572.2, 572.4, 572.8, 573.3, 573.8, or V42.7) plus an inpatient international normalized ratio ≥1.5 (off warfarin) and total bilirubin ≥5.0 mg/dL. Hospital records were reviewed by hepatologists to adjudicate ALF events. PPVs for confirmed outcomes were determined for individual ICD‐9 diagnoses, diagnoses plus prescriptions for hepatic encephalopathy treatment, and combinations of diagnoses in the setting of coagulopathy and hyperbilirubinemia.

Results

Among 669 members with no pre‐existing liver disease, chart review confirmed ALF in 62 (9%). Despite the presence of co‐existing coagulopathy and hyperbilirubinemia, individual ICD‐9 diagnoses had low PPVs (range, 5–15%); requiring prescriptions for encephalopathy treatment did not increase PPVs of these diagnoses (range, 2–23%). Hospital diagnoses of other liver disorders (ICD‐9 573.8) plus hepatic coma (ICD‐9 572.2) had high PPV (67%; 95%CI, 9–99%) but only identified two (3%) ALF events.

Conclusions

Algorithms comprising relevant hospital diagnoses, laboratory evidence of liver dysfunction, and prescriptions for hepatic encephalopathy treatment had low PPVs for confirmed ALF events. Studies of ALF will need to rely on medical records to confirm this outcome. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Open‐circuit voltage recovery in type II GaSb/GaAs quantum ring solar cells under high concentration
Authors: Fujita Hiromi , Carrington Peter J. , Wagener Magnus C. , Botha Johannes R. , Marshall Andrew R. J. , James Juanita , Krier Anthony , Lee Kan‐Hua , Ekins‐Daukes Nicholas John
Published: April 2015

We report on the open‐circuit voltage recovery in GaSb quantum ring (QR) solar cells under high solar concentration up to 2500 suns. The detailed behaviour of type II GaSb/GaAs QR solar cells under solar concentration, using different temperatures and light illumination conditions, is analysed through optical and electrical measurements. Although enhancement of the short‐circuit current was observed because of sub‐bandgap photon absorption in the QR, the thermionic emission rate of holes was found to be insufficient for ideal operation. The direct excitation of electron–hole pairs into QRs has revealed that the accumulation of holes is one of the causes of the open‐circuit voltage (VOC) degradation. However, using concentrated light up to 2500 suns, the GaSb QR cell showed much quicker VOC recovery rate than a GaAs control cell. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INPPO2014, First INPPO World Congress on “Plant Proteomics: Methodology to Biology”—A global platform for involving, gathering and disseminating knowledge
Authors: Lüthje Sabine , Renaut Jenny , Job Dominique , Hajduch Martin , Carpentier Sébastien , Sarkar Abhijit , Agrawal Raj , Dunn Michael J. , Rakwal Randeep , Agrawal Ganesh Kumar
Published: April 2015

The International Plant Proteomics Organization (INPPO) is a global platform of the plant proteomics community or, more generally, the scientific community that uses proteomics to address plant biology. Organizing an international conference is one of its initiatives to promote plant proteomics by involving and gathering scientists/researchers/students and by disseminating the acquired knowledge. In this fourth INPPO Highlights, the first INPPO World Congress 2014 (INPPO2014) is described and discussed. The INPPO2014 was held at the University of Hamburg (Germany) with the title "Plant Proteomics: Methodology to Biology" under the leadership of Sabine Lüthje (Germany). Participants (around 150) from 38 nations attended this congress covering all continents. The four‐day scientific program comprised 52 lectures and 61 poster presentations in a highly professional and friendly atmosphere on mass spectrometry and gel‐based proteomics. Two round‐table open discussions deliberated on plant proteomics, its associated international organizations/initiatives and future INPPO perspectives. The Second INPPO World Congress 2016 (INPPO2016) “The Quest for Tolerant Varieties—Phenotyping at Plant and Cellular Level” is planned to be organized in Bratislava (Slovakia) under the leadership of Martin Hajduch (Slovak Republic) and Sébastien Carpentier (Belgium) and cosponsored by the COST action FA1306.
Side chain engineering and conjugation enhancement of benzodithiophene and phenanthrenequnioxaline based conjugated polymers for photovoltaic devices
Authors: Sun Ying , Zhang Chao , Dai Bin , Lin Baoping , Yang Hong , Zhang Xueqin , Guo Lingxiang , Liu Yurong
Published: April 2015

A series of donor‐acceptor conjugated polymers incorporating benzodithiophene (BDT) as donor unit and phenanthrenequnioxaline as acceptor unit with different side chains have been designed and synthesized. For polymer P1 featuring the BDT unit and alkoxy chains substituted phenanthrenequnioxaline unit in the backbone, serious steric hindrance resulted in quite low molecular weight. The implementation of thiophene ring spacer in polymer P2 greatly suppressed the interannular twisting to extend the effective conjugation length and consequently gave rise to improved absorption property and device performance. In addition, utilizing the alkylthienyl side chains to replace the alkyl side chains at BDT unit in polymer P3 further enhanced the photovoltaic performance due to the increased conjugation length. For polymer P4, translating the alkoxy side chains at the phenanthrenequnioxaline ring into the alkyl side chains at thiophene linker group enhanced molecular planarity and strengthened π−π stacking. Consequently improved absorption property and increased hole mobility were achieved for polymer P4. Our results indicated that side chain engineering not only can influence the solubility of polymer but also can determine the polymer backbone planarity and hence the photovoltaic properties. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 1915–1926
Facile fabrication of fast recyclable and multiple self‐healing epoxy materials through diels‐alder adduct cross‐linker
Authors: Kuang Xiao , Liu Guoming , Dong Xia , Liu Xianggui , Xu Jianjun , Wang Dujin
Published: April 2015

A reversibly cross‐linked epoxy resin with efficient reprocessing and intrinsic self‐healing was prepared from a diamine Diels‐Alder (DA) adduct cross‐linker and a commercial epoxy oligomer. The newly synthesized diamine cross‐linker, comprising a DA adduct of furan and maleimide moieties, can cure epoxy monomer/oligomer with thermal reversibility. The reversible transition between cross‐linked state and linear architecture endows the cured epoxy with rapid recyclability and repeated healability. The reversibly cross‐linked epoxy fundamentally behaves as typical thermosets at ambient conditions yet can be fast reprocessed at elevated temperature like thermoplastics. As a potential reversible adhesive, the epoxy polymer with adhesive strength values about 3 MPa showed full recovery after repeated fracture‐thermal healing processes. The methodology explored in this contribution provides new insights in modification of conventional engineering plastics as functional materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015, 53, 2094–2103
“Green polyethylene” and curauá cellulose nanocrystal based nanocomposites: Effect of vegetable oils as coupling agent and processing technique
Authors: Oliveira de Castro Daniele , Frollini Elisabete , Ruvolo‐Filho Adhemar , Dufresne Alain
Published: April 2015

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were prepared from curauá fibers via acid hydrolysis, and used as reinforcing phase for high‐density biopolyethylene (HDBPE) or green polyethylene. Castor oil (CO), epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) and epoxidized linseed oil (ELO) were chosen as compatibilizers for this study. Nanocomposites reinforced with CNC (3, 6, and 9 wt %) were processed by extrusion, using CO (3, 6, and 9 wt %) to evaluate its action as CNC dispersing agent in the HDBPE matrix. From the results obtained for these films, the CNC and oil contents were set at 3 wt%. In addition to CO, ELO, and ESO were also used, and besides processing by extrusion, extrusion/hot‐pressing process was also considered, in order to compare the two processing techniques. The nanocomposites were characterized by microscopic, thermal, mechanical, and rheological analyses. The presence of oil leads to less opaque films and improved dispersion. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 1010–1019
The Effect of Art Therapy with Clay on Hopelessness Levels Among Neurology Patients
Authors: Akhan Latife Utas , Kurtuncu Meltem , Celik Sevim
Published: April 2015

Purpose:

This study was performed to determine the effect of art therapy with clay on hopelessness levels of patients under treatment in departments of neurology.

Design:

The study was of one group, pre- and posttest design.

Methods:

This study was performed on patients who were hospitalized in the neurology departments of a university and a state hospital between February and May 2012 in Turkey. The sample for the study comprised 50 neurology patients with diagnoses of epilepsy (17 patients) and stroke (33 patients). The patients in the study were asked to create objects of clay of any shape they desired. Data for the research were collected with a sociodemographic data form and by using the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS).

Findings:

While BHS scores of neurology patients before clay therapy were found higher compared to the scores after therapy with clay, there was also a statistically significant difference. After clay therapy, BHS scores were lower in women, in married patients, in patients who suffered from a stroke, people who had chronic disease, people without psychological illness, and in the case of children.

Conclusion:

The study showed that clay therapy had an impact on the hopelessness levels of neurology patients.

Clinical Relevance:

Art therapy with clay may be used for rehabilitation purposes in neurology patients, both in the hospital and at home after discharge.
Mechanical Stress Promotes Maturation of Human Myocardium From Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Progenitors
Authors: Ruan Jia-Ling , Tulloch Nathaniel L. , Saiget Mark , Paige Sharon L. , Razumova Maria V. , Regnier Michael , Tung Kelvin Chan , Keller Gordon , Pabon Lil , Reinecke Hans , Murry Charles E.
Published: April 2015

Recent advances in pluripotent stem cell biology and directed differentiation have identified a population of human cardiovascular progenitors that give rise to cardiomyocytes, smooth muscle, and endothelial cells. Because the heart develops from progenitors in 3D under constant mechanical load, we sought to test the effects of a 3D microenvironment and mechanical stress on differentiation and maturation of human cardiovascular progenitors into myocardial tissue. Progenitors were derived from embryonic stem cells, cast into collagen hydrogels, and left unstressed or subjected to static or cyclic mechanical stress. Compared to 2D culture, the unstressed 3D environment increased cardiomyocyte numbers and decreased smooth muscle numbers. Additionally, 3D culture suppressed smooth muscle α-actin content, suggesting diminished cell maturation. Cyclic stress-conditioning increased expression of several cardiac markers, including β-myosin heavy chain and cardiac troponin T, and the tissue showed enhanced calcium dynamics and force production. There was no effect of mechanical loading on cardiomyocyte or smooth muscle specification. Thus, 3D growth conditions favor cardiac differentiation from cardiovascular progenitors, whereas 2D conditions promote smooth muscle differentiation. Mechanical loading promotes cardiomyocyte structural and functional maturation. Culture in 3-D facilitates understanding how cues such as mechanical stress affect the differentiation and morphogenesis of distinct cardiovascular cell populations into organized, functional human cardiovascular tissue. Stem Cells 2015;33:2148–2157
Brief Report: Factors Released by Megakaryocytes Thrombin Cleave Osteopontin to Negatively Regulate Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Storan Melonie J. , Heazlewood Shen Y. , Heazlewood Chad K. , Haylock David N. , Alexander Warren S. , Neaves Rebecca J. , Oteiza Ana , Nilsson Susan K.
Published: April 2015

Factor V (FV) and factor X (FX) activate and complex to form prothrombinase which subsequently cleaves prothrombin (PT), converting it to active thrombin. Thrombin cleaved osteopontin (tcOPN) contains a cryptic binding site for α4β1 and α9β1 integrins. We have previously shown that hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) bind to tcOPN via this site resulting in a decrease in their proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, tcOPN and the factors required for its generation are important components of the HSC niche. Herein we show mature megakaryocytes (MM, ≥8N) contain FV, FX, and PT mRNA and protein. Furthermore, we show 8N, 16N, 32N, and 64N MM all release the required factors to enable thrombin cleavage of OPN. Importantly, mice devoid of the myeloproliferative leukemia protein (Mpl), c-Mpl−/− mice, contain only approximately 10% of normal megakaryocyte numbers, showed significantly reduced FX and tcOPN protein levels in endosteal bone marrow (BM). In addition, WT hematopoietic progenitors and HSC showed reduced homing to the BM of c-Mpl−/− mice. This is the first report identifying MM as a key cellular component in the production of tcOPN in situ, allowing the BM microenvironment to self regulate HSC biology via tcOPN. Stem Cells 2015;33:2351–2357
Fetoscopic laser surgery to decompress distal urethral obstruction caused by prolapsed ureterocele
Authors: Torres Montebruno X. , Martinez J. M. , Eixarch E. , Gómez O. , García Aparicio L. , Castañón M. , Gratacos E.
Published: April 2015

We report on the successful use of fetoscopic surgery to treat a case of prolapsed ureterocele in a female fetus. At 21 weeks' gestation, a double renal system with an intravesical ureterocele obstructing the bladder outlet was diagnosed, causing severe megacystis, bilateral hydronephrosis and progressive oligohydramnios. Ultrasound evaluation following referral to our center confirmed severe bilateral hydronephrosis with pelvic and calyceal dilatation, but amniotic fluid volume was normal and the ureterocele was not visualized in the bladder. Instead, a cystic mass within the external genitalia was observed, suggestive of a prolapsed ureterocele, causing intermittently severe obstruction of the urethra. The parents were counseled about the uncertain prognosis and fetal surgery to decompress the urinary system was proposed. The procedure involved firing a contact diode laser until perforation of the ureterocele was achieved. Following laser surgery, resolution of megacystis, reduction of hydronephrosis and normalization of amniotic fluid volume were observed. Our report demonstrates that fetoscopic decompression of a distal urethral obstruction is feasible in the rare event of congenital prolapsed ureterocele. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Elastodynamics of strongly heterogeneous periodic plates using Reissner‐Mindlin and Kirchhoff‐Love models
Authors: Rohan Eduard , Miara Bernadette
Published: April 2015

The paper deals with the homogenization of strongly heterogeneous elastic plates satisfying the Reissner‐Mindlin or the Kirchhoff‐Love hypotheses. We rigorously justify the limit models obtained by the asymptotic analysis which describe the harmonic waves propagation associated with in‐plane displacement and transversal deflection modes in these two classical plate structures. Large contrasts in the coefficients of the elastic material components may result in existence of band gaps for the limit Reissner‐Mindlin plates while an analogous property is lost for the deflection of the Kirchhoff‐Love model. The different dispersion properties of both the limit plates are related to the changing sign of the limit frequency dependent mass density coefficients.
Conservative Treatment in Selected Patients with Severe Critical Limb Ischemia
Authors: Thomas Adriaan R. , Raats Jelle W. , Lensvelt Mare M. A. , de Groot Hans G. W. , Veen Eelco J. , van der Laan Lijckle
Published: April 2015

Objective

To assess the outcome of conservative treatment of severe critical limb ischemia (CLI) classified as Rutherford 5/6.

Background

The preferred therapy for CLI is either endovascular revascularization or bypass surgery. With a growing aged population with more serious comorbidities, these therapies are not always a viable option. Primary amputation leads to decreased mobility and a reduced quality of life. There is a lack of literature regarding the outcome of conservative therapy.

Methods

Hospital charts were reviewed of all patients who were diagnosed with Rutherford classification 5–6 and received conservative treatment and lacked interventional options. Outcome measures were mortality, complete wound closure, and limb salvage rate.

Results

38 patients were included with a median age of 80 years (range 57–97). The amputation rate during follow‐up was 16 %. In 58 % of patients, complete wound closure was achieved. All‐cause mortality was 58 % with a 2‐year survivability rate of 55 %.

Conclusions

Conservative management in our selected patients with CLI results in a moderate rate of wound closure and acceptable amputation rates albeit with a high mortality rate. For patients not eligible for endovascular revascularization or bypass surgery, conservative treatment could be a viable option besides primary limb amputation.
Temporal changes in Mediterranean bird communities across fragmented and continuous forests
Authors: Capizzi Dario , Luiselli Luca , Papi Roberto
Published: April 2015

Habitat loss and fragmentation are recognized as the main causes for the global biodiversity crisis. Most of the studies investigating the issue of habitat fragmentation in vertebrates are cross‐sectional, whereas long‐term studies are least available. We surveyed bird communities in 17 forest fragments (FF) and a single continuous forest stands (CF) in central Italy twice, 10 years apart (i.e. in 1996 and in 2006). All community parameters showed a contrasting pattern between 1996 and 2006, i.e. an increase of abundance and diversity measures in CF and a decrease or a stability of the same parameters in FF. Insectivorous and migratory bird species were the most prone to population declines associated with fragmented landscapes. Differences in species turnover between CF and FF were due to a higher extinction rate in the latter forest type. There was substantial population increase between 1996 and 2006, especially in FF, of opportunistic predator species like corvids. This fact may be responsible for the observed dropping in species number, evenness and diversity in FF. Hence, we conclude that, in FF, the bird community is far from being either stabilized or resilient, as it is rapidly evolving into a more simplified assemblage, dominated by generalist species.
Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma of the Hand: The Role of Marginal Excision and Adjuvant Radiation Therapy
Authors: Casey Dana L. , van de Rijn Matt , Riley Geoffrey , Tung Ka-Wah , Mohler David G. , Donaldson Sarah S.
Published: April 2015

Background

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the hand is rare, and its optimal modality of local control is not currently known.

Methods

A literature search was performed to identify studies that describe the treatment and outcomes of extraskeletal osteosarcoma. A second literature search was performed to identify studies that describe the treatment and outcomes of extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the hand specifically.

Results

The role of adjuvant radiation for extraskeletal osteosarcoma is not well defined. All cases in the literature describing treatment of extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the hand utilized amputation, and none of the patients described received radiation therapy. However, there are multiple reports showing excellent local control, minimal toxicity, and superior functional outcome with limb conservation and radiation rather than amputation of the hand in pediatric and adult soft tissue sarcoma.

Conclusion

For extraskeletal osteosarcoma of the hand, we recommend a treatment approach with the goal of preservation of form and function using limb-sparing surgery and planned postoperative radiation.
Mechanistic studies of anticancer aptamer AS1411 reveal a novel role for nucleolin in regulating Rac1 activation
Authors: Reyes-Reyes E. Merit , Šalipur Francesca R. , Shams Mitra , Forsthoefel Matthew K. , Bates Paula J.
Published: April 2015

AS1411 is a G‐rich quadruplex‐forming oligodeoxynucleotide that binds specifically to nucleolin, a protein found on the surface and in the cytoplasm of most malignant cells but absent from the surface/cytoplasm of most normal cells. AS1411 has shown promising clinical activity and is being widely used as a tumor‐targeting agent, but its mechanism of action is not fully understood. Previously, we showed that AS1411 is taken up in cancer cells by macropinocytosis (fluid phase endocytosis) and subsequently stimulates further macropinocytosis by a nucleolin‐dependent mechanism. In the current study, we have investigated the significance and molecular mechanisms of AS1411‐induced macropinocytosis. Our results indicate that the antiproliferative activity of AS1411 in various cell lines correlated with its capacity to stimulate macropinocytosis. In DU145 prostate cancer cells, AS1411 induced activation of EGFR, Akt, p38, and Rac1. Activation of Akt and p38 were not critical for AS1411 activity because Akt activation was not observed in all AS1411‐responsive cell lines and knockdown of p38 had no effect on AS1411's ability to inhibit proliferation. On the other hand, activation of EGFR and Rac1 appeared to play a role in AS1411 activity in all cancer cell lines examined (DU145, MDA‐MB‐468, A549, LNCaP) and their inhibition significantly reduced AS1411‐mediated macropinocytosis and AS1411 antiproliferative activity. Interestingly, downregulation of nucleolin expression by siRNA also produced a substantial increase in activated Rac1, revealing a previously unknown role for nucleolin as a negative regulator of Rac1 activation. Our results are consistent with a model whereby AS1411 binding to nucleolin leads to sustained activation of Rac1 and causes methuosis, a novel type of nonapoptotic cell death characterized by hyperstimulation of macropinocytosis. We speculate that methuosis is a tumor/metastasis suppressor mechanism that opposes the malignant functions of Rac1 and that cancer cells may overexpress nucleolin to surmount this barrier.
Natural product (−)‐gossypol inhibits colon cancer cell growth by targeting RNA‐binding protein Musashi‐1
Authors: Lan Lan , Appelman Carl , Smith Amber R. , Yu Jia , Larsen Sarah , Marquez Rebecca T. , Liu Hao , Wu Xiaoqing , Gao Philip , Roy Anuradha , Anbanandam Asokan , Gowthaman Ragul , Karanicolas John , De Guzman Roberto N. , Rogers Steven , Aubé Jeffrey , Ji Min , Cohen Robert S. , Neufeld Kristi L. , Xu Liang
Published: April 2015

Musashi‐1 (MSI1) is an RNA‐binding protein that acts as a translation activator or repressor of target mRNAs. The best‐characterized MSI1 target is Numb mRNA, whose encoded protein negatively regulates Notch signaling. Additional MSI1 targets include the mRNAs for the tumor suppressor protein APC that regulates Wnt signaling and the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor P21WAF−1. We hypothesized that increased expression of NUMB, P21 and APC, through inhibition of MSI1 RNA‐binding activity might be an effective way to simultaneously downregulate Wnt and Notch signaling, thus blocking the growth of a broad range of cancer cells. We used a fluorescence polarization assay to screen for small molecules that disrupt the binding of MSI1 to its consensus RNA binding site. One of the top hits was (−)‐gossypol (Ki = 476 ± 273 nM), a natural product from cottonseed, known to have potent anti‐tumor activity and which has recently completed Phase IIb clinical trials for prostate cancer. Surface plasmon resonance and nuclear magnetic resonance studies demonstrate a direct interaction of (−)‐gossypol with the RNA binding pocket of MSI1. We further showed that (−)‐gossypol reduces Notch/Wnt signaling in several colon cancer cell lines having high levels of MSI1, with reduced SURVIVIN expression and increased apoptosis/autophagy. Finally, we showed that orally administered (−)‐gossypol inhibits colon cancer growth in a mouse xenograft model. Our study identifies (−)‐gossypol as a potential small molecule inhibitor of MSI1‐RNA interaction, and suggests that inhibition of MSI1's RNA binding activity may be an effective anti‐cancer strategy.
Political rationality vs. technical rationality in China's target-based performance measurement system: The case of social stability maintenance
Authors: Jie Gao
Published: April 2015

Performance measurement is not only a technical tool but also a product of politics. Therefore, examining the politics behind the implementation of performance measurement systems will yield important insights into the purposes, designs, and outcomes of those systems. This study investigates how the political function of China's performance measurement system affects it technical rationality. Drawing evidence mainly from the policy area of social stability maintenance, this article argues that these systems are in a paradoxical situation in China. On the one hand, the techniques of performance measurement are greatly improved when there is a political need to implement such systems in local governments. On the other hand, the very fact that they have a political function interferes with their functioning in a rational, effective manner. The article concludes by suggesting that one must examine both the political rationality and technical rationality underlying government performance measurement systems so as to understand their values and limitations. In the case of China, the most important function of performance measurement is to ensure local policy compliance. Although such a design causes problems in practice—most notably, pernicious gaming behavior that seriously harms public interests—the cost of implementation does not invalidate its benefits in governing China's vast localities.
The Holocene paleoenvironmental history of central European Russia reconstructed from pollen, plant macrofossil, and testate amoeba analyses of the Klukva Peatland, Tula Region
Authors: Novenko Elena Yu. , Tsyganov Andrey N. , Volkova Elena M. , Babeshko Kirill V. , Lavrentiev Nikita V. , Payne Richard J. , Mazei Yuri A.
Published: April 2015

Holocene climatic variability and human impact on vegetation are reconstructed from a region in central European Russia, which lies at an important ecotone between broadleaf forest and steppe. For the first time in this region we adopt a multi-proxy approach that combines analysis of local mire conditions from plant macrofossil and testate amoeba analyses with pollen-based quantitative climate reconstruction. The proxies indicate a long-term warming trend from 9700 to 7500 cal yr BP, interrupted by a series of short-term cold events. From 7500 to 5000 cal yr BP the results imply a relatively stable climate, warmer and drier than present, spanning the Holocene Thermal Maximum. Since 5000 cal yr BP the data suggest a change to cooler climate, but with centennial-scale variability. This shift at around 5000 cal yr BP is supported by extensive evidence from other sites. In the early Holocene, the region was occupied mainly by pine and birch forests. Broad-leafed forests of oak, lime and elm expanded after 7800 cal yr BP and remained dominant until the last few centuries. During the historical period, vegetation changes have been driven mainly by human activities.
Fun and Facts about American Business: Economic Education and Business Propaganda in an Early Cold War Cartoon Series
Authors: JACK CAROLINE
Published: April 2015

In the late 1940s and early 1950s, millions of theatergoers, students, and industrial workers saw one or more animated short films, shot in Technicolor and running eight to nine minutes, that were designed to build public support for the principles and practices of free enterprise. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation quietly funded the production of this series of cartoons, titledFun and Facts about American Business, through multiple grants to industrial animation house John Sutherland Productions via Harding College, an evangelical college in rural Arkansas that would become known nationally for its anti-communist and conservative political activism. This article examines the creation and distribution of theFun and Factsfilms in the years 1946 through 1952 as a notable case of ephemeral film and as an example of the Cold War public relations movement known as “economic education.” Further, the article examines the consequences of economic education as a conceptual category on the production and distribution of Cold War industrial propaganda.
The lamellar description of mixing in porous media
Authors: Le Borgne T. , Dentz M. , Villermaux E.
Published: April 2015

We develop a general framework for modelling mixing in porous media flows, in which the scalar mixture is represented as an ensemble of lamellae evolving through stretching, diffusion and coalescence. Detailed numerical simulations in Darcy scale heterogeneous permeability fields are used to analyse the lamella deformation process, which controls the local concentration gradients and thus the evolution of the concentration mixture through stretching enhanced diffusion. The corresponding Lagrangian deformation process is shown to be well modelled by a Langevin equation with multiplicative noise, which can be coupled with diffusion to predict the temporal evolution of the concentration probability density function (PDF). At late times, lamella interaction is enforced by confinement of the mixture within the dispersion area. This process is shown to be well represented by a random aggregation model, which quantifies the frequency of lamella coalescence and allows us to predict the temporal evolution of the concentration PDF in this regime. The proposed theoretical framework provides an accurate prediction of the concentration PDFs at all investigated times, heterogeneity levels and Péclet numbers. In particular, it relates the temporal behaviour of mixing, as quantified by concentration moments, scalar dissipation rate or spatial increments of concentration, to the degree of structural heterogeneity.
Pride and Sin in Sirach 10:13 (15): A Study in the Interdependence of Text and Tradition
Authors: Gregory Bradley C.
Published: April 2015

Ben Sira, a Jewish sage who lived and worked in Jerusalem in the early second centuryb.c.e., takes up the topic of pride in a discussion of politics in order to indict those who behave proudly as betraying the created nature of humans. Within his reflections on anthropology he links pride and sin in Sir 10:13 and then proceeds to assure his students that God will surely punish the proud through humiliation and calamity. Yet, from its rather unassuming role in Ben Sira's discussion of power, the link between pride and sin in Sir 10:13 became a locus of scribal activity and interpretation in subsequent centuries. As the text was transmitted and translated in Second Temple Judaism and late antiquity the versions of this verse in the Greek, Syriac, and Latin texts show vividly the interdependence between textual transmission and theological tradition. When placed within their historical context, the transformations of Sir 10:13 found in the forms of the verse evidence a dialogical interaction with current discussions regarding virtues and vices in moral theology in early Judaism and Christianity. A significant historical turning point occurred when Augustine made the Vulgate version of Sir 10:13a, “pride is the beginning of every sin,” a key prooftext in his discussions of sin. Thereafter this verse came to play a central role in Western Christian hamartiology, especially as it was connected to the placement of pride at the head of the capital vices or “Seven Deadly Sins.” This article will begin with a discussion of the role of pride in Ben Sira and then trace the textual transmission of Sir 10:13 and the theological influences that shaped its transmission and translation. Additionally, the story of how Sir 10:13a became a central text in Western discussions of the nature of sin will be shown to have significant theological implications for an understanding of the relationship between canonical text and the development of theological traditions.
Feeding increasing concentrate to Tifton 85 hay ratios modulated rumen fermentation and microbiota in Nellore feedlot steers
Authors: RIBEIRO C. S. , GRANJA-SALCEDO Y. T. , MESSANA J. D. , NETO A. J. , CANESIN R. C. , FIORENTINI G. , ALARCON M. F. F. , BERCHIELLI T. T.
Published: April 2015

The use of diets with increasing proportions of concentrate to fibre can ensure appropriate energy levels and result in greater efficiency in Nellore feedlot steers. It was hypothesized that higher proportions of concentrate in the diet of these Nellore steers may affect ruminal fermentation and microbiota as a consequence of ruminal pH reduction. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of diets with four different roughage (hay Tifton 85) : concentrate ratios on intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation and rumen microbiota of Nellore feedlot steers. Higher proportions of concentrate in the diet did not affect intake and digestibility of dry and organic matter. The concentration of N-NH3, total rumen volatile fatty acid, acetic (C2), butyric (C4), isobutyric, valeric and isovaleric acids, and microbial nitrogen did not differ among diets. However, increasing proportions of concentrate in the diet resulted in a linear reduction in average rumen pH and increased propionic acid (C3) concentration, resulting in lower relative C2 : C3. Bacterial population ofFibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococus flavefaciensandRuminococcus albusdecreased in the rumen. However, bacteria that are consumers of lactic acid (Selenomonas ruminantiumandMegasphaera elsdenii) and producers of lactic acid (Lactobacillussp. andStreptococcus bovis) increased when animals were fed with high-concentrate diets. The total number of protozoa was similar for the different roughage : concentrate ratios. Protozoan counts were only influenced by diet for the genusDasytricha. The findings point to diets with increasing concentrate to Tifton 85 hay ratios as inhibiting the growth of some cellulolytic bacteria and reducing fibre digestibility, and indicate Tifton 85 hay as a possible modulated rumen fermentation in the Nellore steer feedlot.
The relationship between adenovirus-36 seropositivity, obesity and metabolic profile in Turkish children and adults
Authors: KARAMESE M. , ALTOPARLAK U. , TURGUT A. , AYDOGDU S. , KARAMESE S. AKSAK
Published: April 2015

Obesity potentially arising from viral infection is known as ‘infectobesity’. The latest reports suggest that adenovirus-36 (Adv36) is related to obesity in adults and children. Our aim was not only to determine the Adv36 seropositivity in both obese and non-obese children and adults, but also to investigate correlations between antibody positivity and serum lipid profiles. Both Adv36 positivity and tumour-necrosis-factor-alpha, leptin and interleukin-6 levels were detected in blood samples collected from 146 children and 130 adults by ELISA. Fasting plasma triglycerides, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were also measured. Adv36 positivity was determined to be 27·1% and 6% in obese and non-obese children and 17·5% and 4% in obese and non-obese adults, respectively. There was no difference with regard to total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, tumour-necrosis-factor-alpha and interleukin-6 levels (P> 0·05). However, there was a significant difference between groups in terms of leptin levels (P< 0·05). We determined the prevalence of Adv36 positivity in obese children and adults. Our results showed that Adv36 may be an obesity agent for both adults and children, parallel with current literature data. However, the available data on a possible relationship between Adv36 infection and obesity both in children and adults do not completely solve the problem.
The Outer Halos of Early-Type Galaxies
Authors: Gerhard Ortwin , Arnaboldi Magda , Longobardi Alessia
Published: April 2015

The outer halos of massive early-type galaxies (ETGs) are dark matter dominated and may have formed by accretion of smaller systems during galaxy evolution. Here a brief report is given of some recent work on the kinematics, angular momentum, and mass distributions of simulated ETG halos, and of corresponding properties of observed halos measured with planetary nebulae (PNe) as tracers. In the outermost regions of the Virgo-central galaxy M87, the PN data show that the stellar halo and the co-spatial intracluster light are distinct kinematic components.
Stellar masses calibrated with micro-lensed quasars
Authors: Schechter Paul L. , Blackburne Jeffrey A. , Pooley David , Wambsganss Joachim
Published: April 2015

We measure the stellar mass surface densities of early type galaxies by observing the micro-lensing of macro-lensed quasars caused by individual stars, including stellar remnants, brown dwarfs and red dwarfs too faint to produce photometric or spectroscopic signatures. Our method measures the graininess of the gravitational potential, in contrast to methods that decompose a smooth total gravitational potential into two smooth components, one stellar and one dark. We find the median likelihood value for the calibration factor $\cal F$ by which Salpeter stellar masses (with a low mass cutoff of 0.1 M⊙) must be multiplied is 1.23, with a one sigma confidence range of 0.77 < $\cal F$ < 2.10.
Direct and external modulation of IF over fiber systems for 60 GHz wireless applications
Authors: Kabalan Ali , Faci Salim , Billabert Anne-Laure , Deshours Frédérique , Algani Catherine
Published: April 2015

Wireless domestic applications involving high data rates are required to work on millimeter wave band. Signal propagation at this frequency range is affected by walls and oxygen absorption which limits communication distances to few meters in one room. Radio coverage can be extended to other rooms by optical links. Performances of such photonic systems are dependent on optoelectronic devices, electrical driving, and receiver circuits. In this paper, radio-over-fiber (RoF) links based on the intensity modulation and direct detection technique are investigated for transmission of a broadband OFDM signal. Direct and external modulations are exploited to analyze system performances according to the ultra wideband (UWB) millimeter-band standard. To avoid component tolerances at high frequencies, an intermediate frequency modulation of the optical transducers is chosen. Optoelectronic and optical components of RoF links are modeled by equivalent electrical circuits with consideration of noise and nonlinearities. These models are validated in system simulation by error vector magnitude evaluation with a measurement setup according to the UWB centimeter-band standard.
Befinden und Motivation im Sport
Authors: Schüler Julia , Wegner Mirko
Published: April 2015

Um Befinden und Motivation im Sport vorherzusagen, wird in der vorliegenden Arbeit eine Motiv-Ziel-Passungsannahme geprüft. Zwei Studien testen die Hypothese, dass das Verfolgen sportbezogener Ziele, die zu den impliziten Motiven (Leistungs- und Anschlussmotiv) der Sporttreibenden passen, zu positivem Befinden im Sport und hoher geplanter Sportaktivität führt, während das Verfolgen motivinkongruenter Ziele beeinträchtigend wirkt. Eine erste korrelative Studie (N = 67) bestätigt die Hypothese für die Vorhersage des positiven Befindens während des Sporttreibens in einer Stichprobe bestehend aus Sportstudierenden, die selbstgesetzte Ziele verfolgen. In einer zweiten Studie (N = 67) werden motivkongruente und motivinkongruente TrainerInnen-Ziele experimentell induziert. Die Motiv-Ziel-Interaktionen sagen auch hier das Befinden und zusätzlich die intendierte zukünftige Sportaktivität vorher. Der theoretische Erkenntnisgewinn dieser Studien besteht darin, dass fremdgesetzte TrainerInnen-Ziele sehr ähnlich wirken wie selbstgesetzte Ziele. Die praktischen Implikationen beinhalten Zielimaginationsübungen, die die Wahl motivpassender Sportziele erleichtern sollen.
Pilots Who Are Perceived as Unsociable Are Perceived as More Likely to Have a Mental Illness
Authors: Winter Scott R. , Rice Stephen
Published: April 2015

The mental state of pilots involved in commercial airlines incidents has been the subject of much debate. The current study seeks to use affective theory to address public perceptions of pilot behaviors and likelihood of perceived mental illness. Participants from India and the United States were given hypothetical scenarios about pilots who were presented as either sociable or unsociable. They were asked to give ratings of affective measures and likelihood of mental illness. The results indicate that pilots who were presented as behaving in an unsociable manner were rated as more likely to have a perceived mental illness compared with those who were behaving sociably. Affect appeared to at least partially mediate the relationship between sociability and perceived likelihood of mental illness for both cultural groups.
Dry Minerals in the Lower Mantle
Authors: Palus Shannon
Published: April 2015

Laboratory-made perovskite helps explain how water is distributed inside the Earth.
Science Journalists Face Government Roadblocks, Survey Finds
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: April 2015

U.S. government restrictions pose barriers for science journalists, but the roadblocks appear less severe than those that some other journalists confront, according to a new survey.
Myeloid lineage skewing due to exacerbated NF-κB signaling facilitates osteopenia in Scurfy mice
Authors: Chen T H-P , Swarnkar G , Mbalaviele G , Abu-Amer Y
Published: April 2015

Immune surveillance through Foxp3+ regulatory T cells plays a crucial role in bone homeostasis. Scurfy, the mouse model of autoimmune IPEX syndrome, bears a loss-of-function mutation in Foxp3 that leads to multi-organ inflammation. Herein, we report that scurfy mice exhibit severe bone loss mediated by accelerated osteoclastogenesis. Mechanistically, Foxp3 deficiency results in the upregulation of NF-κB in T helper cells through the loss of repressive Foxp3/NEMO interaction, thereby unleashing NF-κB-mediated over-production of pro-osteoclastogenic cytokines. Flow cytometry analysis shows marked increase in lin-Sca-1+c-kit+ hematopoietic stem cells (LSK HSCs) and granulocyte/macrophage progenitors (GMPs) in bone marrow of scurfy mice with corresponding exacerbated osteoclastogenic potential, implying that osteoclast progenitors are affected at a very primitive stage in this disorder. Scurfy LSK HSCs exhibit greater sensitivity to M-CSF and contain abundant PU.1+ Sf LSK HSCs compared with WT. Accordingly, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of M-CSF or mTOR signaling, but not IL-17 signaling, attenuates osteoclastogenesis and osteopenia in scurfy. Thus, our study suggests that Foxp3 deficiency leads to osteopenia owing to dysregulated NF-κB activity and subsequent cytokine-mediated hyper-proliferation of myeloid precursors, and positions the NF-κB pathway as a potential target for therapeutic intervention for this disorder.
Dynamin-related protein 1 is required for normal mitochondrial bioenergetic and synaptic function in CA1 hippocampal neurons
Authors: Shields L Y , Kim H , Zhu L , Haddad D , Berthet A , Pathak D , Lam M , Ponnusamy R , Diaz-Ramirez L G , Gill T M , Sesaki H , Mucke L , Nakamura K
Published: April 2015

Disrupting particular mitochondrial fission and fusion proteins leads to the death of specific neuronal populations; however, the normal functions of mitochondrial fission in neurons are poorly understood, especially in vivo, which limits the understanding of mitochondrial changes in disease. Altered activity of the central mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) may contribute to the pathophysiology of several neurologic diseases. To study Drp1 in a neuronal population affected by Alzheimer’s disease (AD), stroke, and seizure disorders, we postnatally deleted Drp1 from CA1 and other forebrain neurons in mice (CamKII-Cre, Drp1lox/lox (Drp1cKO)). Although most CA1 neurons survived for more than 1 year, their synaptic transmission was impaired, and Drp1cKO mice had impaired memory. In Drp1cKO cell bodies, we observed marked mitochondrial swelling but no change in the number of mitochondria in individual synaptic terminals. Using ATP FRET sensors, we found that cultured neurons lacking Drp1 (Drp1KO) could not maintain normal levels of mitochondrial-derived ATP when energy consumption was increased by neural activity. These deficits occurred specifically at the nerve terminal, but not the cell body, and were sufficient to impair synaptic vesicle cycling. Although Drp1KO increased the distance between axonal mitochondria, mitochondrial-derived ATP still decreased similarly in Drp1KO boutons with and without mitochondria. This indicates that mitochondrial-derived ATP is rapidly dispersed in Drp1KO axons, and that the deficits in axonal bioenergetics and function are not caused by regional energy gradients. Instead, loss of Drp1 compromises the intrinsic bioenergetic function of axonal mitochondria, thus revealing a mechanism by which disrupting mitochondrial dynamics can cause dysfunction of axons.