bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resistance to UV‐induced apoptosis by β‐HPV5 E6 involves targeting of activated BAK for proteolysis by recruitment of the HERC1 ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Holloway Amy , Simmonds Mark , Azad Abul , Fox Joanna L. , Storey Alan
Published: November 2014

UV exposure is the main etiological agent in the development of non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), but mounting evidence suggests a co‐factorial role for β‐genus HPV types early in tumor initiation or progression. UV damage initiates an apoptotic response, driven at the mitochondrial level by BCL‐2 family proteins, that eliminates damaged cells that may accumulate deleterious mutations and acquire tumorigenic properties. BAK is a pro‐apoptotic BCL‐2 protein that functions ultimately to form pores that permeabilize the mitochondrial outer membrane, thereby committing a cell to death, a process involving changes in BAK phosphorylation and conformation. The E6 protein of β‐type HPV5 signals BAK for proteasomal degradation, a function that confers protection from UV‐induced apoptosis. We find that HPV5 E6 does not constitutively target BAK for proteolysis, but targets the latter stages of BAK activation, following changes in phosphorylation and conformation. A mutational analysis identified the lysine residue on BAK required for proteolysis, and a functional siRNA screen identified the HECT domain E3 ubiquitin ligase HERC1 as being required for E6‐mediated BAK degradation. We show that HERC1 interacts with BAK in E6‐expressing cells that have been damaged by UV, and provide evidence that the interaction of HERC1 with BAK requires access to a hydrophobic surface on BAK that binds BH3 domains of BCL‐2 proteins. We also show that HERC1 contains a putative BH3 domain that can bind to BAK. These findings reveal a specific and unique mechanism used by the HPV5 E6 protein to target BAK.
Applying Regression Discontinuity Design in Institutional Research
Authors: Flaster Allyson , DesJardins Stephen L.
Published: November 2014

The goal of this chapter is to provide a brief introduction to one of the most rigorous nonexperimental analytical methods currently employed by education researchers: regression discontinuity.
The Meaning and Interpretation of College Student Self‐Reported Gains
Authors: Bowman Nicholas A.
Published: November 2014

This chapter examines the relationship between student self‐reported gains and college satisfaction, and it considers whether self‐reported gains constitute a form of college satisfaction.
Identifying Low‐Effort Examinees on Student Learning Outcomes Assessment: A Comparison of Two Approaches
Authors: Rios Joseph A. , Liu Ou Lydia , Bridgeman Brent
Published: November 2014

This chapter describes a study that compares two approaches (self‐reported effort [SRE] and response time effort [RTE]) for identifying low‐effort examinees in student learning outcomes assessment. Although both approaches equally discriminated from measures of ability (e.g., SAT scores), RTE was found to have a stronger relationship with test performance, identified more low‐effort examinees, and led to higher mean performance upon filtering than the SRE approach.
Survey Page Length and Progress Indicators: What Are Their Relationships to Item Nonresponse?
Authors: Sarraf Shimon , Tukibayeva Malika
Published: November 2014

The popularity of online student surveys has been associated with greater item nonresponse. This chapter presents research aimed at exploring what factors might help minimize item nonresponse, such as altering online survey page length and using progress indicators.
The regulation of the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway: New answers to old problems
Authors: Barcia‐Vieitez Ramiro , Ramos‐Martínez Juan Ignacio
Published: November 2014

There is a paradox in the oxidizing phase of the phosphate pentose pathway that has not yet been solved. The flow through the pathway is reduced in basal conditions; however, it must rise notably when a NADPH supplement is required. The paradox consists of the strong inhibition that the NADPH exerts on the both dehydrogenases of the pathway, especially on the regulating enzyme glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD). Theoretically, in anabolic situations, the increase of gene expression of G6PD and 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase can induce a rise in the production of NADPH, which would cause the immediate inhibition of the enzyme and a drastic flow reduction. However, increasing the flow through oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway (OPPP) has been experimentally demonstrated in many physiological states. However, this situation will be resolved if the NADPH metabolized or otherwise sufficient NADPH is sequestered to relax the inhibition of the dehydrogenases of OPPP and to maintain high ratio of NADPH/NADP+ needed to ensure the reducing environment of the cell cytoplasm and the contribution of NADPH for anabolic processes. In 1974, the presence of a protein capable of reversing the inhibition of G6PD by NADPH was detected; however, to date, this paradox remains undisclosed. This review deals with the possibility that such reverting action might be similar to the activity of a protein named HSCARG, which is responsible for the abduction of NADPH, thus keeping a portion of the coenzyme away from the catalytic action and, simultaneously, the immune response through the NF‐κB (nuclear factor kappa light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells) system. The model has many similarities with the hypothesis proposed some 40 years back on the reversion of G6PD inhibition by NADPH. © 2014 IUBMB Life, 66(11):775–779, 2014
Androgen Receptor Action in Osteoblasts in Male Mice Is Dependent on Their Stage of Maturation
Authors: Russell Patricia K , Clarke Michele V , Cheong Karey , Anderson Paul H , Morris Howard A , Wiren Kristine M , Zajac Jeffrey D , Davey Rachel A
Published: November 2014

Androgen action via the androgen receptor (AR) is essential for normal skeletal growth and bone maintenance post-puberty in males; however, the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which androgens exert their actions in osteoblasts remains relatively unexplored in vivo. To identify autonomous AR actions in osteoblasts independent of AR signaling in other tissues, we compared the extent to which the bone phenotype of the Global-ARKO mouse was restored by replacing the AR in osteoblasts commencing at either the 1) proliferative or 2) mineralization stage of their maturation. In trabecular bone, androgens stimulated trabecular bone accrual during growth via the AR in proliferating osteoblasts and maintained trabecular bone post-puberty via the AR in mineralizing osteoblasts, with its predominant action being to inhibit bone resorption by decreasing the ratio of receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) to osteoprotegerin (OPG) gene expression. During growth, replacement of the AR in proliferating but not mineralizing osteoblasts of Global-ARKOs was able to partially restore periosteal circumference, supporting the concept that androgen action in cortical bone to increase bone size during growth is mediated via the AR in proliferating osteoblasts. This study provides further significant insight into the mechanism of androgen action via the AR in osteoblasts, demonstrating that it is dependent on the stage of osteoblast maturation. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Pharmacokinetics of doripenem during high volume hemodiafiltration in patients with septic shock
Authors: Tamme Kadri , Oselin Kersti , Kipper Karin , Low Kaywei , Standing Joseph F. , Metsvaht Tuuli , Karjagin Juri , Herodes Koit , Kern Hartmut , Starkopf Joel
Published: November 2014

Pharmacokinetics (PK) of doripenem was determined during high volume hemodiafiltration (HVHDF) in patients with septic shock. A single 500 mg dose of doripenem was administered as a 1 hour infusion during HVHDF to 9 patients. Arterial blood samples were collected before and at 30 or 60 minute intervals over 8 hours (12 samples) after study drug administration. Doripenem concentrations were determined by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry. Population PK analysis and Monte Carlo simulation of 1,000 subjects were performed. The median convective volume of HVHDF was 10.3 L/h and urine output during the sampling period was 70 mL. The population mean total doripenem clearance on HVHDF was 6.82 L/h, volume of distribution of central compartment 10.8 L, and of peripheral compartment 12.1 L. Doses of 500 mg every 8 hours resulted in 88.5% probability of attaining the target of 50% time over MIC for bacteria with MIC = 2 µg/mL at 48 hours, when doubling of MIC during that time was assumed. Significant elimination of doripenem occurs during HVHDF. Doses of 500 mg every 8 hours are necessary for treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria during extended HVHDF.
Clinical profiles of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis in the elderly
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Tazuma Susumu , Okazaki Kazuichi , Tsubouchi Hirohito , Inui Kazuo , Takikawa Hajime
Published: November 2014

Background

In 2012 we conducted a nationwide survey for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and isolated IgG4‐related sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4‐SC) in Japan, and demonstrated the young as well as the elderly individuals were at higher risk for development of PSC. In the current study we aimed to further clarify the clinical profiles of PSC in the elderly, compared with PSC in the young and IgG4‐SC.

Methods

The design was a questionnaires‐based, multi‐center retrospective study. The enrolled subjects were patients with PSC and isolated IgG4‐SC diagnosed after 2005. Since the median of age of patients with PSC was 48.1, we defined those who developed the disease at the age older than 48.1 as PSC in the elderly, and the rest as PSC in the young.

Results

We defined 98 and 99 patients as PSC in the elderly and in the young, respectively. Although symptoms and biochemistries at presentation were similar, serum IgA and IgM levels were significantly higher and lower in the elderly PSC compared to the young PSC, respectively (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of serum IgG4 levels were 89.5% and 88.9% for discriminating the elderly PSC and IgG4‐SC. In terms of complications, prevalence of IBD was 12% in the elderly PSC and 57% in the young PSC, the latter being comparable to those in Europe and the USA.

Conclusion

It is reasoned to conclude that PSC in the young resembles those in Europe and the USA in terms of the onset age and prevalence of IBD, while PSC in the elderly is really unique in Japan.
Biological markers of hepatocellular carcinoma for use as selection criteria in liver transplantation
Authors: Takada Yasutsugu , Tohyama Taiji , Watanabe Jota
Published: November 2014

The Milan criteria (MC) have been widely accepted as an effective way of selecting patients with early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for curative liver transplantation (LT). However, since a substantial subset of HCC patients exists that is beyond the MC but with the potential for good outcomes after LT, several institutions have recently proposed new extended criteria. To explore optimal criteria that can reasonably predict the risk of recurrence, it is considered that new markers of biological behavior are needed in addition to morphological tumor size and number. Several promising candidates for such biological markers have been reported, including serum tumor markers such as alpha‐fetoprotein and des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin, inflammatory markers such as C‐reactive protein and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio, response to pre‐transplant treatments for bridging therapy or down‐staging, and fluorine‐18‐fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography. However, the role of these biological markers in patient selection criteria for LT has yet to be clarified. This review article aims to summarize the results of recent reported studies and to display perspectives for the establishment of optimal criteria that incorporate such biological markers.
Diagnostic point‐of‐care ultrasound for hospitalists
Authors: Soni Nilam J. , Lucas Brian P.
Published: November 2014

We review the literature on diagnostic point‐of‐care ultrasound applications most relevant to hospital medicine and highlight gaps in the evidence base. Diagnostic point‐of‐care applications most relevant to hospitalists include cardiac ultrasound for left ventricular systolic function, pericardial effusion, and severe mitral regurgitation; lung ultrasound for pneumonia, pleural effusion, pneumothorax, and pulmonary edema; abdominal ultrasound for ascites, aortic aneurysm, and hydronephrosis; and venous ultrasound for central venous volume assessment and lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. Hospitalists and other frontline providers, as well as physician trainees at various levels of training, have moderate to excellent diagnostic accuracy after brief training programs for most of these applications. Despite the evidence supporting the diagnostic accuracy of point‐of‐care ultrasound, experimental evidence supporting its clinical use by hospitalists is limited to cardiac ultrasound. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:120–124. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
PPARγ is involved in the hyperglycemia‐induced inflammatory responses and collagen degradation in human chondrocytes and diabetic mouse cartilages
Authors: Chen Ying‐Ju , Chan Ding‐Cheng , Lan Kuo‐Cheng , Wang Ching‐Chia , Chen Chang‐Mu , Chao Sung‐Chuan , Tsai Keh‐Sung , Yang Rong‐Sen , Liu Shing‐Hwa
Published: November 2014

Diabetic hyperglycemia has been suggested to play a role in osteoarthritis. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPARγ) was implicated in several pathological conditions including diabetes and inflammation. The detailed effects and mechanisms of hyperglycemia on cartilage damage still need to be clarified. Here, we investigated the role of PPARγ in hyperglycemia‐triggered chondrocyte/cartilage damages using a human chondrocyte culture model and a diabetic mouse model. Human chondrocytes were cultured and treated with high concentration of glucose (30 mM) to mimic hyperglycemia in the presence or absence of pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist. Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce mouse diabetes. Our data showed that high glucose induced the protein expressions of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and production of prostaglandin‐E2 (PGE2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13), but decreased the protein expression of collagen II and PPARγ in human chondrocytes. These alterations in high glucose‐treated human chondrocytes could be reversed by pioglitazone in a dose‐dependent manner. Moreover, pioglitazone administration could also significantly reverse the hyperglycemia, formation of AGEs, productions of IL‐6 and MMP‐13, and cartilage damage in STZ‐induced diabetic mice. Taken together, these findings suggest that hyperglycemia down‐regulates PPARγ expression and induces inflammatory and catabolic responses in human chondrocytes and diabetic mouse cartilages. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:???–???, 2015.
Boronated (co)polystyrene: monomer reactivity ratios, thermal behavior and flammability
Authors: Wiacek Malgorzata , Wesolek Dorota , Rojewski Szymon , Bujnowicz Krzysztof , Schab‐Balcerzak Ewa
Published: November 2014

Chemical modification based on incorporation of flame retardants (FR) into the polymer backbone was used in order to reduce polystyrene flammability. Boronated styrenes such as 4‐vinylphenylboronic acid (StB(OH)2) and 6‐methyl‐2‐(4‐vinylphenyl)‐1,3,6,2‐dioxazaborocane‐4,8‐dione (StBcyclo) were applied as reactive FR. Homo‐ and copolymers of boronated styrenes and styrene (St) were synthesized with different feed ratios using free radical polymerization. It yielded in series of (co)polymers with various amounts of StB(OH)2 and StBcyclo (5–20% mol/mol of St). Copolymer compositions were determined by 1H NMR. The relative reactivity ratios of system St‐StBcyclo were determined by applying the Jaacks method. Glass transition temperature and thermal stability of obtained (co)polymers were determined from DSC and TGA analysis, respectively. The pyrolysis combustion flow calorimeter was applied as a tool for assessing the flammability of the synthesized (co)polymers. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
BDNF repairs podocyte damage by microRNA‐mediated increase of actin polymerization
Authors: Li Min , Armelloni Silvia , Zennaro Cristina , Wei Changli , Corbelli Alessandro , Ikehata Masami , Berra Silvia , Giardino Laura , Mattinzoli Deborah , Watanabe Shojiro , Agostoni Carlo , Edefonti Alberto , Reiser Jochen , Messa Piergiorgio , Rastaldi Maria Pia
Published: November 2014

Idiopathic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a progressive and proteinuric kidney disease that starts with podocyte injury. Podocytes cover the external side of the glomerular capillary by a complex web of primary and secondary ramifications. Similar to dendritic spines of neuronal cells, podocyte processes rely on a dynamic actin‐based cytoskeletal architecture to maintain shape and function. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a pleiotropic neurotrophin that binds to the tropomyosin‐related kinase B receptor (TrkB) and has crucial roles in neuron maturation, survival, and activity. In neuronal cultures, exogenously added BDNF increases the number and size of dendritic spines. In animal models, BDNF administration is beneficial in both central and peripheral nervous system disorders. Here we show that BDNF has a TrkB‐dependent trophic activity on podocyte cell processes; by affecting microRNA‐134 and microRNA‐132 signalling, BDNF up‐regulates Limk1 translation and phosphorylation, and increases cofilin phosphorylation, which results in actin polymerization. Importantly, BDNF effectively repairs podocyte damage in vitro, and contrasts proteinuria and glomerular lesions in in vivo models of FSGS, opening a potential new perspective to the treatment of podocyte disorders. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical and microstructural characterization of sulfonated pentablock copolymer membranes
Authors: Laprade Evan J. , Liaw Chya‐Yan , Jiang Zhang , Shull Kenneth R.
Published: November 2014

Creep experiments utilizing a membrane inflation geometry were used to characterize the mechanical properties of pentablock copolymer membranes designed for water purification applications. Membranes were formed by casting from micellar solutions, and structure development during the casting process was followed in real time with grazing incidence small angle X‐ray scattering. The thin film morphologies were consistent with previously published results obtained for much thicker solvent cast films. The biaxial creep compliance of the films for applied stresses in the megapascal range increased substantially as the degree of sulfonation and consequent hydration of the middle block was increased. The sulfonation level was much more important than the overall degree of ordering in determining the creep compliance of the hydrated membranes. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2015, 53, 39–47
Conductivity patterning with Physarum polycephalum: natural growth and deflecting
Authors: Dimonte Alice , Berzina Tatiana , Cifarelli Angelica , Chiesi Valentina , Albertini Franca , Erokhin Victor
Published: November 2014

The present work is dedicated to the use of Physarum polycephalum slime mold, an unicellular organism self‐adapting, self‐repairing and self‐repellent, for the realization of elements for unconventional computational systems. Physarum continuously changes its shape under the influence of different stimuli like attractors (food in the most of cases) and repellents (light, temperature, humidity, chemicals), creating optimized networks. Here we introduced a new, softer, element able to influence the motion and the shape of Physarum: the DEFLECTOR. Physarum polycephalum, loaded with magnetic particles and placed under a magnetic field, is conditioned in its active zones routing and shape topology networks. Thus, slime mold can be used as particles carrier and, moreover, it is possible to deflect the mold movement and realize chemical composites in defined places what allows to consider Physarum as a simple version of bio‐robot. On the other hand, we have realized the idea of creating networks with the varied conductivity with the slime mold on polyaniline (PANI) substrates. As the result, it was shown that Physarum growth results in the changing of the conductivity state of PANI layers in different ways, providing negative and positive patterning of the sample.

The possibility to control mold's direction with a deflector together with the capability of Physarum to pattern PANI surfaces are the main points of this work. This paper opens new possibilities of the development in many fields and areas from the electrical circuit design and the bio‐actuators (bio‐) robot research, up to the unconventional computing and realization of a novel category of polymer‐mold‐modified. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Morphologic, structural, and optical characterization of sol‐gel derived TiO2 thin films for memristive devices
Authors: Prusakova Valentina , Armellini Cristina , Carpentiero Alessandro , Chiappini Andrea , Collini Cristian , Dirè Sandra , Ferrari Maurizio , Lorenzelli Leandro , Nardello Marco , Normani Simone , Vaccari Alessandro , Chiasera Alessandro
Published: November 2014

Sol‐gel derived TiO2 thin films were prepared by spin‐ coating from an alcoholic solution of titanium isopropoxide. With the aim to develop titania layers suitable for memristive devices, the films were deposited onto test structures based on fused silica quartz substrates patterned with a Ti (5nm)/Pt (50nm) layer. The reported fabrication protocol is suitable for the development of a memristive device. Optical, structural, and morphological features of the samples were investigated with complementary techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), prism coupling m‐line and micro‐Raman spectroscopy as well as transmittance and profilometry measurements. The quality of the surface of the obtained films was evaluated by SEM technique, and the morphology of samples deposited with different fabrication protocols was investigated. Additionally, a computer code for the refractive index and thickness estimation from the transmittance spectra was developed by unconstrained optimization procedure. The results of simulation were in good agreement with the experimental data obtained by m‐line measurements. Moreover, the porosity of a specific set of test unannealed films has been estimated. TiO2 films exhibit thickness of tens of nm, and micro‐Raman spectroscopy in conjunction with SEM indicate the presence of anatase phase after thermal annealing at 400 °C. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystalline structure and optical properties of GaS‐CdS nanocomposite
Authors: Caraman Iuliana , Vatavu Elmira , Leontie Liviu , Stamate Marius , Untila Dumitru
Published: November 2014

The GaS‐CdS composite has been obtained by intercalation of Cd in GaS single crystalline plates. The XRD analysis show that peaks determined by CdS and CdGa2S4 are found along with GaS characteristic reflection in intercalated samples. The spectral dependence of absorption coefficient for the GaS‐CdS composite is determined by both absorption mechanisms in GaS and in CdS components for α > 103 cm–1. The photoluminescence spectrum (78 K) of the composite consists of radiative recombination bands characteristic for both CdS and GaS. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid, a Bile Acid, Promotes Blood Vessel Repair by Recruiting Vasculogenic Progenitor Cells
Authors: Cho Jin Gu , Lee Jun Hee , Hong Shin Hee , Lee Han Na , Kim Chul Min , Kim Seo Yoon , Yoon Kang Jun , Oh Bae Jun , Kim Jae Hyeon , Jung Seok Yoon , Asahara Takayuki , Kwon Sang-Mo , Park Sang Gyu
Published: November 2014

Although serum bile acid concentrations are approximately 10 µM in healthy subjects, the crosstalk between the biliary system and vascular repair has never been investigated. In this study, tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) induced dissociation of CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from stromal cells by reducing adhesion molecule expression. TUDCA increased CD34+/Sca1+ progenitors in mice peripheral blood (PB), and CD34+, CD31+, and c-kit+ progenitors in human PB. In addition, TUDCA increased differentiation of CD34+ HSCs into EPC lineage cells via Akt activation. EPC invasion was increased by TUDCA, which was mediated by fibroblast activating protein via Akt activation. Interestingly, TUDCA induced integration of EPCs into human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) by increasing adhesion molecule expression. In the mouse hind limb ischemia model, TUDCA promoted blood perfusion by enhancing angiogenesis through recruitment of Flk-1+/CD34+ and Sca-1+/c-kit+ progenitors into damaged tissue. In GFP+ bone marrow-transplanted hind limb ischemia, TUDCA induced recruitment of GFP+/c-kit+ progenitors to the ischemic area, resulting in an increased blood perfusion ratio. Histological analysis suggested that GFP+ progenitors mobilized from bone marrow, integrated into blood vessels, and differentiated into VEGFR+ cells. In addition, TUDCA decreased cellular senescence by reducing levels of p53, p21, and reactive oxygen species and increased nitric oxide. Transplantation of TUDCA-primed senescent EPCs in hind limb ischemia significantly improved blood vessel regeneration, as compared with senescent EPCs. Our results suggested that TUDCA promoted neovascularization by enhancing the mobilization of stem/progenitor cells from bone marrow, their differentiation into EPCs, and their integration with preexisting endothelial cells. Stem Cells  2015;33:792–805
Privacy‐preserving authentication schemes for vehicular ad hoc networks: a survey
Authors: Lu Huang , Li Jie
Published: November 2014

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are expected in improving road safety and traffic conditions, in which security is essential. In VANETs, the authentication of the vehicular access control is a crucial security service for both inter‐vehicle and vehicle–roadside unit communications. Meanwhile, vehicles also have to be prevented from the misuse of the private information and the attacks on their privacy. There is a number of research work focusing on providing the anonymous authentication with preserved privacy in VANETs. In this paper, we specifically provide a survey on the privacy‐preserving authentication (PPA) schemes proposed for VANETs. We investigate and categorize the existing PPA schemes by their key cryptographies for authentication and the mechanisms for privacy preservation. We also provide a comparative study/summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the existing PPA schemes. Lastly, the open issues and future objectives are identified for PPA in VANETs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The trajectory of cognitive decline in the pre-dementia phase in memory clinic visitors: findings from the 4C-MCI study
Authors: Hamel R. , Köhler S. , Sistermans N. , Koene T. , Pijnenburg Y. , van der Flier W. , Scheltens P. , Aalten P. , Verhey F. , Visser P. J. , Ramakers I.
Published: November 2014

Background

We investigated the course of decline in multiple cognitive domains in non-demented subjects from a memory clinic setting, and compared pattern, onset and magnitude of decline between subjects who progressed to Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia at follow-up and subjects who did not progress.

Method

In this retrospective cohort study 819 consecutive non-demented patients who visited the memory clinics in Maastricht or Amsterdam between 1987 and 2010 were followed until they became demented or for a maximum of 10 years (range 0.5–10 years). Differences in trajectories of episodic memory, executive functioning, verbal fluency, and information processing speed/attention between converters to AD dementia and subjects remaining non-demented were compared by means of random effects modelling.

Results

The cognitive performance of converters and non-converters could already be differentiated seven (episodic memory) to three (verbal fluency and executive functioning) years prior to dementia diagnosis. Converters declined in these three domains, while non-converters remained stable on episodic memory and executive functioning and showed modest decline in verbal fluency. There was no evidence of decline in information processing speed/attention in either group.

Conclusions

Differences in cognitive performance between converters to AD dementia and subjects remaining non-demented could be established 7 years prior to diagnosis for episodic memory, with verbal fluency and executive functioning following several years later. Therefore, in addition to early episodic memory decline, decline in executive functions may also flag incident AD dementia. By contrast, change in information processing speed/attention seems less informative.
Beer and Bell Beakers: Drinking Rituals in Copper Age Inner Iberia
Authors: Rojo-Guerra Manuel Ángel , Garrido-Pena Rafael , García-Martínez-de-Lagrán Íñigo , Juan-Treserras Jordi , Matamala Juan Carlos
Published: November 2014

This article provides a summary of the archaeological context of Bell Beaker pottery from two Ambrona Valley (Soria, Spain) tombs whose chemical analysis identifies the existence of a primitive wheat beer. This is compared with other new analyses in Iberia, from both Neolithic and Copper Age sites, which also demonstrate the use of alcoholic beverages. The two Ambrona examples are Copper Age Bell Beaker intrusions into earlier Middle Neolithic Monumental graves. The archaeological features of both discoveries are described, and an interpretation is offered concerning the social and symbolic context in which these Bell Beaker inhumations were deposited, and the role that alcoholic beverages such as beer might have played in this social context.
Pit Clusters and the Temporality of Occupation: an Earlier Neolithic Site at Kilverstone, Thetford, Norfolk
Authors: Garrow Duncan , Beadsmoore Emma , Knight Mark
Published: November 2014

This paper discusses 226 earlier Neolithic pits found at Kilverstone in Norfolk. In particular, it focuses on the dynamics involved in the site's creation, investigating what had happened to the material found in the pits prior to deposition, and exploring the material connections (refitting sherds and flints) across the site. As a result of these material insights, it proved possible to shed important light on the character of that place in particular, and on the temporality of Neolithic deposition and occupation in general.
Attributive clauses in Danish – and the relative irrelevance of relative clauses
Authors: Mortensen Sune Sønderberg
Published: November 2014

This paper discusses criteria for distinguishing attributive (also known as adjectival) clauses and relative clauses, and argues that traditional approaches to these subclause categories and their interrelation lack consistency as well as empirical justification, from a modern Scandinavian perspective. Relative clauses are traditionally and in current Scandinavian reference grammars treated as a formally defined clause type with the attributive function as their prototypical, but not their only, constituent function. In this paper it is argued that the traditional criteria for identifying relative clauses, especially in Danish, Norwegian and Swedish, are essentially not formal but functional criteria, more or less identical to those applied to identify attributive clauses. Indeed, the modern Scandinavian languages, it is argued, hardly offer the empirical basis for a coherent category of relative clauses to be consistently distinguished on formal criteria. Rather, to account for the heterogeneous inventory of subclauses traditionally associated with relative clauses, a general outline of the functional category of attributive clauses in Danish is proposed, based on authentic spoken and written Danish discourse. Traditional definitions of attributive clauses are discussed and refined, and are shown to apply to a different and wider range of Danish subclause forms than has traditionally been recognised.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Resource-limited Health Systems–Considerations for Training and Delivery
Authors: Friesen Jason , Patterson Dean , Munjal Kevin
Published: November 2014

In the past 50 years, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has gained widespread recognition as a life-saving skill that can be taught successfully to the general public. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be considered a cost-effective intervention that requires minimal classroom training and low-cost equipment and supplies; it is commonly taught throughout much of the developed world. But, the simplicity of CPR training and its access for the general public may be misleading, as outcomes for patients in cardiopulmonary arrest are poor and survival is dependent upon a comprehensive “chain-of-survival,” which is something not achieved easily in resource-limited health care settings. In addition to the significant financial and physical resources needed to both train and develop basic CPR capabilities within a community, there is a range of ethical questions that should also be considered. This report describes some of the financial and ethical challenges that might result from CPR training in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It is determined that for many health care systems, CPR training may have financial and ethically-deleterious, unintended consequences. Evidence shows Basic Life Support (BLS) skills training in a community is an effective intervention to improve public health. But, health care systems with limited resources should include CPR training only after considering the full implications of that intervention.

FriesenJ, PattersonD, MunjalK. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in resource-limited health systems–considerations for training and delivery. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2015;30(1):1-5.
Treatment of bipolar depression: making sensible decisions
Authors: Citrome Leslie
Published: November 2014

A major challenge in the treatment of major depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder is differentiating this illness from major depressive episodes associated with major depressive disorder. Mistaking the former for the latter will lead to incorrect treatment and poor outcomes. None of the classic antidepressants, serotonin specific reuptake inhibitors, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors have ever received regulatory approval as monotherapies for the treatment of bipolar depression. At present, there are only 3 approved medication treatments for bipolar depression: olanzapine/fluoxetine combination, quetiapine (immediate or extended release), and lurasidone (monotherapy or adjunctive to lithium or valproate). All 3 have similar efficacy profiles, but they differ in terms of tolerability. Number needed to treat (NNT) and number needed to harm (NNH) can be used to quantify these similarities and differences. The NNTs for response and remission for each of these interventions vs placebo range from 4 to 7, and 5 to 7, respectively, with overlap in terms of their 95% confidence intervals. NNH values less than 10 (vs placebo) were observed for the spontaneously reported adverse events of weight gain and diarrhea for olanzapine/fluoxetine combination (7 and 9, respectively) and somnolence and dry mouth for quetiapine (3 and 4, respectively). There were no NNH values less than 10 (vs placebo) observed with lurasidone treatment. NNH values vs placebo for weight gain of at least 7% from baseline were 6, 16, 58, and 36, for olanzapine/fluoxetine combination, quetiapine, lurasidone monotherapy, and lurasidone combined with lithium or valproate, respectively. Individualizing treatment decisions will require consideration of the different potential adverse events that are more likely to occur with each medication. The metric of the likelihood to be helped or harmed (LHH) is the ratio of NNH to NNT and can illustrate the tradeoffs inherent in selecting medications. A more favorable LHH was noted for treatment with lurasidone. However, OFC and quetiapine monotherapy may still have utility in high urgency situations, particularly in persons who have demonstrated good outcomes with these interventions in the past, and where a pressing clinical need for efficacy mitigates their potential tolerability shortcomings. In terms of maintenance therapy, adjunctive quetiapine is the only agent where the NNT vs lithium or valproate alone is less than 10 for both the prevention of mania and the prevention of depression.
Neuropsychological Function, Anxiety, Depression and Pain Impact in Fibromyalgia Patients
Authors: Cuevas-Toro Ana Mª , López-Torrecillas Francisca , Díaz-Batanero Mª Carmen , Pérez-Marfil Mª Nieves
Published: November 2014

Cognitive deficits have a significant impact on the daily performance of fibromyalgia patients. This paper analyzes executive functioning and decision-making performance, and the relationships between these functions and pain, anxiety, depression and medication in fibromyalgia patients. A group of fibromyalgia patients (FG) (n = 85) was compared with a healthy control group (CG) (n = 85) in their performance in the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) and the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). In the WCST, results showed a percentage of non-perseverative errors significantly higher in the CG than in the FG (p = .026), the other variables (percentage of perseverative errors, number of categories and failures to maintain set) showed no significant differences. In relation to decision-making (IGT), once the rules had been learnt, the FG made fewer advantageous choices than the CG, but these differences were not statistically significant (p = .325). In the FG, pain severity (p = .010) and impact on daily activities (p = .016) interfered with decision-making, unlike anxiety, depression or medication, which did no relate to it. In executive function, pain and impact on daily activities were associated with the percentage of perseverative errors (p = .051) and the number of categories (p = .031), whereas pain severity was related to failures to maintain set (p = .039), indicative of increased distractibility and poor attentional ability. In conclusion, FG showed normal performance in executive functioning and decision-making. Moreover, pain was associated with neuropsychological functioning whereas anxiety, depression and medication were not.
Exploratory Investigation of Biomarker Candidates for Suicide in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Youssef Nagy A. , Bradford Daniel W. , Kilts Jason D. , Szabo Steven T. , Naylor Jennifer C. , Allen Trina B. , Strauss Jennifer L. , Hamer Robert M. , Brunca Mira , Shampine Lawrence J. , Marx Christine E.
Published: November 2014

Background: Clozapine and lithium increase neurosteroids in rodents, and both drugs demonstrate antisuicidal actions. We therefore hypothesized that neurosteroid levels may be reduced in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who completed suicide. Aims: To investigate neurosteroid levels in the parietal cortex and posterior cingulate in schizophrenia and bipolar patients who died by suicide, and compare them with patients with these disorders who died of other causes. Method: Neurosteroid levels were quantified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry in the parietal cortex and posterior cingulate. Mann–Whitney analyses were conducted in exploratory post hoc analyses to investigate neurosteroids as possible biomarker candidates for suicide. Results: The study showed that pregnenolone was significantly decreased in the parietal cortex in the combined group of patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder who died by suicide (n = 13) compared with patients with these disorders who died of other causes (n = 17, p = .02). Pregnenolone levels were also lower in the parietal cortex in the individual group of schizophrenia patients who died by suicide (n = 4) compared with schizophrenia patients who died of other causes (n = 11) p = .04). Conclusion: Pregnenolone alterations may be relevant to the neurobiology of suicide in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Interrater Reliability of the Silverman et al. Nomenclature for Suicide-Related Ideations, Behaviors, and Communications
Authors: Kattimani Shivanand , Bharadwaj Balaji , Sarkar Siddharth , Mukherjee Aniruddha
Published: November 2014

Background: There is need for a common and uniform nomenclature for suicide and related behaviors. Many nomenclatures exist to address the same. Aims: Study proposes to assess the inter-rater reliability of Silverman et al. nomenclature on suicide and suicidal behaviors. Method: The present study was conducted at the crisis intervention clinic of a tertiary care centre. Case records of patients referred to the centre were evaluated by two trained psychiatrists and were rated according to the Silverman’s nomenclature in the domains of suicide related ideation, suicide related communication and suicide related behavior. Inter-rater reliability was measured using kappa coefficient. The relationship of suicide intent item of a structured scale with suicide related ideation, communication and behavior were explored. Results: Inter-rater reliability of the two evaluators using the Silverman’s nomenclature on 198 case records was in the moderate range for suicidal related ideation and behavior domains (kappa of 0.476 and 0.502 respectively), but low for communication domain (kappa value of 0.016). The stated intent item of the Pierce Suicide Intent Scale correlated highly with suicide related ideation and behavior as assessed using the Silverman et al. nomenclature (Kendall tau = 0.723 and 0.747 respectively). Conclusions: Based upon the same case record material, evaluators rate suicide related ideations and behaviors with moderate degree of concordance. However, the concordance is poor for suicide related communication.
Show Me The Goods
Authors: Johnson Benjamin K. , Vang Mao H. , Van Der Heide Brandon
Published: November 2014

Consumers using online auction websites face the challenge of appraising products at a distance. Sellers and buyers in online auctions navigate this challenge by displaying and evaluating various cues, a critical one being use of photographs. Warranting theory predicts that cues less subject to control and manipulation by the presenter will be more influential in impression formation. Therefore, user-generated photographs which display the actual item should be more effective in generating successful auctions, more bidders, more bids, and higher prices, compared with stock photographs. A field experiment tested this prediction by systematically manipulating photographs for eBay auctions. User-generated photographs were found to have a positive effect on likelihood of selling and the number of auction bidders. Findings indicate that attracting more bidders is a possible mechanism for higher sale prices and also show a moderating role of bidder experience.
The Cognitive Tax of Self-Objectification
Authors: Aubrey Jennifer Stevens , Gerding Ashton
Published: November 2014

Objectification theory ( Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997 , Psychology of Women Quarterly, 21, 173–206) posits that a consequence of living in a sexually objectifying culture is self-objectification, a cognitively taxing preoccupation with one’s appearance. The present study investigated the effects of exposure to sexual objectification of female artists in music videos, on female emerging adults’ self-objectification and their ability to cognitively process subsequent television commercials. Results indicated that exposure to music videos high in sexual objectification induced self-objectification and hindered participants’ subsequent performance in encoding visual information from commercials, but did not diminish participants’ ability to allocate resources to, or to recall factual information from, the commercials.
Network Autocorrelation of Task Performance via Informal Communication Within a Virtual World
Authors: Carr Caleb T. , Zube Paul
Published: November 2014

Network autocorrelation occurs when individuals receive assistance from others which regulates their own behavior, and it can be used to explain how group members may improve their task performance. This study explored how network autocorrelation, via informal communication within a virtual group, affected an individual’s task achievement in the online game World of Warcraft. Informal interactions between guild members during a 4-year period were collected and analyzed to assess how informal interactions with other group members affected an individual’s in-game achievement. Findings indicate informal communication from other group members (specifically the experience and helpfulness of the other members) positively predict an individual’s task performance, while tenure with the group negatively predict individual achievement. Findings are discussed with respect to network analysis and influence in online groups.
A Multiple Pathway Model Linking Charismatic Leadership Attempts and Abusive Supervision
Authors: Pundt Alexander
Published: November 2014

Researchers have theorized about a link between destructive and charismatic leadership but have left this link rather unspecified. This paper discusses charismatic leadership as an antecedent of abusive supervision. Based on the charismatic leadership process, it specifies five distinct pathways that may lead from charismatic leadership attempts to abusive supervision: Overdramatized charisma with abusive supervision as an unintended consequence, overambitious charisma with abusive supervision as a stress reaction, refused charisma with abusive supervision as a reaction to frustration and provocation, disappointed charisma with abusive supervision as a reaction to threatened self-esteem and negative affect, and abandoned charisma with abusive supervision as a volitional change of influence tactics. This paper aims to introduce these five pathways resulting in theoretical propositions that may inspire future empirical research.
Coping With Destructive Leadership
Authors: May Daniel , Wesche Jenny S. , Heinitz Kathrin , Kerschreiter Rudolf
Published: November 2014

The emerging literature on destructive leadership has been mostly leader centric, often reducing followers to passive subordinates. In line with recent follower-focused approaches to leadership, this theoretical contribution aims at shedding light on the interaction process between leaders and followers and on the active part followers can play in triggering as well as curbing destructive leader behavior. Specifically, we analyze in what ways followers can cope with destructive leadership and how the confrontativeness of the chosen coping strategy in turn affects leaders’ perceptions and resultant behaviors. The proposed interaction model – where subordinate coping is both consequence and antecedent of destructive leadership – offers testable propositions for future research and opens up new avenues for understanding and handling destructive leadership.
Inside the Minds of Narcissists
Authors: Keller Hansbrough Tiffany , Jones Gwen E.
Published: November 2014

Although a growing body of work examines follower outcomes of abusive supervision (see Schyns & Schilling, 2013 ; Tepper, 2007 for reviews), scant attention has been paid to the perpetrators despite Tepper’s (2007) call for future theoretical models to consider how leader characteristics, such as narcissism, might predispose leaders toward abusive behaviors. To address these issues, we develop a conceptual model that details how narcissistic leaders’ cognitive processes may promote abusive supervision.