bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shakespeare and vampires at the fin de siècle
Authors: Duncan Sophie
Published: January 2016

This article illuminates Henry Irving’s production of Shakespeare’s Cymbeline (1896) as a major contribution to fin-de-siècle Gothic culture. Cymbeline (1896) was one of the most popular Victorian Shakespeare productions, running to wild acclaim for more than seventy-two performances. In Cymbeline’s sexually-charged bedroom scene, Imogen, played by beloved Victorian actress Ellen Terry, was preyed upon by Henry Irving’s villainous Iachimo. Terry and Irving were at the zenith of a twenty-year partnership at London’s Lyceum theatre, and Victorian Britain’s greatest star actors. Ellen Terry’s Imogen became an ideally desirable heroine for both audiences and critics of Victorian Shakespeare. Simultaneously, Cymbeline, and the acclaimed performances of Terry and Irving, became a source for literature’s most famous Gothic vampire novel: Dracula, published by Bram Stoker in 1897. Bram Stoker was Henry Irving’s business manager, and intimately involved with Irving and Terry’s professional lives at the Lyceum theatre. This article reveals the relationship between Shakespeare and Dracula, especially Ellen Terry’s Imogen as an inspiration for Lucy Westenra. Textual evidence includes Terry’s correspondence and unpublished promptbooks, as well as Stoker’s biography of Henry Irving, and facsimile notes on Dracula. Examining Cymbeline (1896) and Dracula (1897) offers a new reading of Dracula, given Cymbeline’s obsession with liminal states and female vulnerability. Moreover, Victorian responses to Ellen Terry’s Imogen in the bedchamber scene highlight fin-de-siècle eroticisations of the sleeping woman, and Victorian fantasies of sexual access to the actress. Examining Terry’s reception illuminates the disjunction between performed female passivity as Imogen, and the professional, creative activity that underlined Terry’s stage practice and agency as a Victorian actress.
The Eurozone crisis and the European Parliament's changing lines of conflict
Authors: Otjes Simon , van der Veer Harmen
Published: January 2016

There is a broad consensus that the left-right dimension has been the dominant line of conflict in the European Parliament since 1979. A pro-/anti-EU dimension is found to be of secondary importance, which is attributed to the fact that decision-making over the competences of the European Union is the realm of intergovernmental negotiations. In this article, we show that the seventh EP witnessed a transformational moment in the history of the EU. The Eurozone crisis amplified the importance of the pro-/anti-EU dimension and increasingly shapes the voting behaviour of Members of the EP. This change is particularly pronounced for voting on economic issues. To demonstrate this transformation, we employ a novel deductive method that allows us to predict the relative importance of two dimensions structuring MEP voting behaviour. Our results contradict established wisdom about the strength of the left-right divide in EP politics.
Relocating people with intellectual disability to new accommodation and support settings
Authors: McConkey Roy , Keogh Fiona , Bunting Brendan , Garcia Iriarte Edurne , Watson Sheelah Flatman
Published: January 2016

Internationally the relocation of people with intellectual disability from institutions has brought significant gains to their quality of life. This study contrasted three groups of persons in Ireland who moved either to personalized arrangements ( n = 29) or to community group homes ( n = 31) with those who remained in congregated settings awaiting relocation ( n = 29). Persons moving to rented accommodation with personalized support tended to be younger and had fewer support needs than those in group homes. They had greater control and choice in their lives, more community engagement and increased personal relationships compared to residents in group homes but those remaining in congregated settings fared worse of all. However, average staff costs were significantly higher in the latter settings. The implications for the future provision of group living arrangements are discussed along with the need for further longitudinal research to assess the sustained impact of personalized arrangements and their funding.
Interpretation of the QuickDASH score after open carpal tunnel decompression: threshold values associated with patient satisfaction
Authors: Clement N. D. , Duckworth A. D. , Jenkins P. J. , McEachan J. E.
Published: January 2016

We studied the correlation between change in the QuickDASH score and the absolute post-operative QuickDASH score with patient satisfaction after open carpal tunnel decompression. Threshold values in the QuickDASH score, the point at which the sensitivity and specificity are maximal in predicting patient satisfaction, were identified. During the study period, outcome data were compiled for 937 carpal tunnel decompressions, which included 219 (23%) male and 718 (77%) female patients with a mean age of 58 years (standard deviation (SD) 14). There was a significant improvement (mean difference 32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 30 to 34) in the QuickDASH from a mean of 54 (SD 20) to 22 (SD 23) at 1 year after surgery. There were 808 (86%) patients who defined their outcome as satisfactory at 1 year. The identified threshold values for the post-operative QuickDASH score (⩽34 points) and the change (⩾20 points) in the score were highly predictive of patient satisfaction. However, these threshold values varied significantly according to the baseline pre-operative score. The threshold values identified in the QuickDASH can be used to interpret the score. However, the influence of the pre-operative baseline score should be taken into account when comparing different cohorts of patients or using the values to power future studies.

Level of Evidence IV: Prognosis, observational cohort study
Effectiveness of long-acting antipsychotics in clinical practice: 2. Effects of antipsychotic polypharmacy on risperidone long-acting injection and zuclopenthixol decanoate
Authors: Cordiner Matthew , Shajahan Polash , McAvoy Sarah , Bashir Muhammad , Taylor Mark
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

Antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) is common clinical practice. Theoretically, APP runs the risk of additional side effects, drug interactions, adherence and cost. A limited evidence base is emerging to support the effectiveness of APP in clinical practice. Our companion paper highlighted the extent of APP alongside commonly prescribed long-acting antipsychotic injections (LAIs). We aimed to examine the effects of APP on discontinuation rates and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) outcomes in patients commenced on risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) and zuclopenthixol decanoate.

Method:

LAI-naïve patients commenced on RLAI ( n = 102) and zuclopenthixol decanoate( n = 105) were identified using our electronic patient record (running from 2002) within NHS Lanarkshire, Scotland, UK. This was a retrospective, electronic case note review with an 18-month follow up. Patient groups were divided into those receiving the LAI as the sole antipsychotic and those who were receiving additional oral antipsychotic polypharmacy (APP) for at least 50% of the duration of the treatment with their LAI. Kaplan–Meier statistics were calculated for discontinuation rates. CGI severity and improvement scores were retrospectively assigned by the investigating team.

Results:

Antipsychotic polypharmacy occurred with RLAI (37%) and zuclopenthixol decanoate (46%) and was associated with lower discontinuation rates (statistical significant with zuclopenthixol for any cause and adverse effects discontinuation). APP had no adverse outcomes on hospital admissions or CGI ratings. Patients on APP did not have more severe, chronic or treatment resistant illnesses.

Conclusions:

For RLAI and zuclopenthixol decanoate, APP had some favourable outcomes when examining discontinuation rates for any cause, and adverse effects. This was unexpected as we had considered APP would signal illness chronicity and severity and be associated with increased adverse effects resulting in early discontinuation. APP had no adverse outcomes on assigned CGI improvement or mean end-point severity ratings for RLAI and zuclopenthixol decanoate.
A drain- and catheter-free enhanced recovery protocol to achieve discharge within 23 hours of laparoscopic pyeloplasty surgery: Is this feasible and safe?
Authors: Donati-Bourne Jack , Husaini Muhammad Idzwan , Pillai Praveen , Mathias Suresh Jay , Fernando Herman , Luscombe Christopher , Golash Anurag
Published: January 2016

Objective:

The objective of this article is to review the outcomes of our updated single-centre extended experience of an innovative enhanced recovery pathway to perform catheter- and drain-free laparoscopic pyeloplasties, achieving safe discharge within 23 hours of surgery.

Patients and methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent a standard trans-peritoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty repair over an antegrade stent in our centre by a single surgeon, between 1 September 2007 and 1 February 2015. Patients who had a urinary catheter and/or peri-nephric drain inserted intraoperatively and were not planned for day-case discharge were excluded. Data were collected for duration of in-patient stay, readmission rates and reasons for these. Successful outcome was deemed both in subjective improvement of patient symptoms and/or objective improvement in post-operative MAG-3 renogram curve.

Results:

Fifty-eight patients were included. A total of 74% ( n = 43) were successfully discharged as day-case, and four of these were readmitted. Fifteen patients required in-patient stay, of whom two were readmitted. Successful outcome was recorded in 93% ( n = 54).

Conclusion:

The insertion of a drain and catheter are not essential in laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Avoidance of unnecessary tubes facilitates day-case surgery with no adverse effect on outcome. At our institute all patients are now offered the enhanced recovery protocol for laparoscopic pyeloplasty with resulting benefits both to patients and the local health economy.
Eighth-Grade Algebra Course Placement and Student Motivation for Mathematics
Authors: Simzar Rahila , Domina Thurston , Tran Cathy
Published: January 2016

This study uses student panel data to examine the association between algebra placement and student motivation for mathematics. Changes in achievement goals, expectancy, and task value for students in eighth-grade algebra are compared with those of peers placed in lower-level mathematics courses (N = 3,306). In our sample, students placed in algebra reported an increase in performance-avoidance goals as well as decreases in academic self-efficacy and task value. These relations were attenuated for students who had high mathematics achievement prior to algebra placement. Whereas all students reported an overall decline in performance-approach goals over the course of eighth grade, previously high-achieving students reported an increase in these goals. Lastly, previously high-achieving students reported an increase in mastery goals. These findings suggest that while previously high-achieving students may benefit motivationally from eighth-grade algebra placement, placing previously average- and low-performing students in algebra can potentially undermine their motivation for mathematics.
Nineveh Revisited: Theory and Practice in Interfaith Relations
Authors: Lamb Christopher
Published: January 2016

A Christian woman I am in touch with has just discovered that her Pakistani Muslim husband already has a wife and children in Pakistan. How do I counsel her?

A group of Muslims want to use our church hall for their coming festival. What should we say?

The regional television network wants to make a program about a leader of one of the other faith communities in Britain. Whom do you suggest?

The school governors are anxious to maintain the Christian character of the school although it has over 50 percent Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu pupils. What do you advise?
What We Can Learn from Y. T. Wu Today
Authors: Ting K. H.
Published: January 2016

Wu Yaozong (1893–1979), or Y. T. Wu as he was known in Western circles, rose from his work in the Shanghai branch of the YMCA to become the leader of those Chinese Christians who determined to support the new regime after the communist victory over Nationalist forces in 1949. Earlier, in 1945, he had founded Tian Feng but wasforced to resign its editorship on account of an article he wrote attacking the association of Christianity in China with capitalism and American policies. In the spirit of the principles of self-support, self-government, and self-propagation, Wu incorporated the slogan ai quo ai jiao (love country, love church) in the Three-Self Patriotic Movement. Around him gathered a circle of younger men and women who shared his determination to end Western domination of the Chinese churches. Best known of these today is Bishop K. H. Ting, author of the following article. He followed Wu as Chair of the National Three-Self Patriotic Movement and also founded the China Christian Council. Bishop Ting's address was presented in Shanghai in September 1989, at a gathering called by the China Christian Council and the National Three-Self Movement Committee in Shanghai. Sister Theresa Chu, R.S.C.]., of the Canada China Project, provided the English translation from which this article is adapted.
CCRL2 regulates M1/M2 polarization during EAE recovery phase
Authors: Mazzon Cristina , Zanotti Lucia , Wang Li , Del Prete Annalisa , Fontana Elena , Salvi Valentina , Poliani Pietro Luigi , Sozzani Silvano
Published: January 2016

Chemokine (CC motif) receptor-like 2 is a 7-transmembrane protein related to the family of the atypical chemokine receptors, which are proteins devoid of chemotactic activity and involved in the control of inflammation. Experimental autoimmune encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder that replicates the inflammatory aspects of multiple sclerosis. Chemokine (CC motif) receptor-like 2–deficient mice developed exacerbated, nonresolving disease with protracted inflammatory response and increased demyelination. The increased severity of the disease was associated with higher levels of microglia/macrophage activation markers and imbalanced M1/M2 polarization. Thus, chemokine (CC motif) receptor-like 2 is involved in the downregulation of central nervous system–associated experimental autoimmune encephalitis inflammation in the recovery phase of the disease. Therefore chemokine (CC motif) receptor-like 2 should be considered to be a molecule involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response associated with multiple sclerosis.
CD26/dipeptidylpeptidase IV—chemokine interactions: double-edged regulation of inflammation and tumor biology
Authors: Mortier Anneleen , Gouwy Mieke , Van Damme Jo , Proost Paul , Struyf Sofie
Published: January 2016

Post-translational modification of chemokines is an essential regulatory mechanism to enhance or dampen the inflammatory response. CD26/dipeptidylpeptidase IV, ubiquitously expressed in tissues and blood, removes NH2-terminal dipeptides from proteins with a penultimate Pro or Ala. A large number of human chemokines, including CXCL2, CXCL6, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12, CCL3L1, CCL4, CCL5, CCL11, CCL14, and CCL22, are cleaved by CD26; however, the efficiency is clearly influenced by the amino acids surrounding the cleavage site and although not yet proven, potentially affected by the chemokine concentration and interactions with third molecules. NH2-terminal cleavage of chemokines by CD26 has prominent effects on their receptor binding, signaling, and hence, in vitro and in vivo biologic activities. However, rather than having a similar result, the outcome of NH2-terminal truncation is highly diverse. Either no difference in activity or drastic alterations in receptor recognition/specificity and hence, chemotactic activity are observed. Analogously, chemokine-dependent inhibition of HIV infection is enhanced (for CCL3L1 and CCL5) or decreased (for CXCL12) by CD26 cleavage. The occurrence of CD26-processed chemokine isoforms in plasma underscores the importance of the in vitro-observed CD26 cleavages. Through modulation of chemokine activity, CD26 regulates leukocyte/tumor cell migration and progenitor cell release from the bone marrow, as shown by use of mice treated with CD26 inhibitors or CD26 knockout mice. As chemokine processing by CD26 has a significant impact on physiologic and pathologic processes, application of CD26 inhibitors to affect chemokine function is currently explored, e.g., as add-on therapy in viral infection and cancer.
Parity of publication for psychiatry
Authors: Vivekanantham Sayinthen , Strawbridge Rebecca , Rampuri Riaz , Ragunathan Thivvia , Young Allan H.
Published: January 2016

Background

There is an established disparity between physical and mental healthcare. Parity of research outputs has not been assessed internationally across influential medical journals.

Aims

To assess parity of publication between physical and mental health, and within psychiatry.

Method

Four major medical disciplines were identified and their relative burden estimated. All publications from the highest-impact general medical journals in 2001, 2006 and 2011 were categorised accordingly. The frequency of psychiatry, cardiology, oncology and respiratory medicine articles were compared with the expected proportion (given illness burdens). Six subspecialties within psychiatry were also compared.

Results

Psychiatry was consistently and substantially underrepresented; other specialties were overrepresented. Dementia and psychosis demonstrated overrepresentation, with addiction and anxiety disorders represented proportionately and other disorders underrepresented. The underrepresentation of mood disorders increased more recently.

Conclusions

There appears to be an important element of disparity of esteem; further action is required to achieve equivalence between mental and physical health research publications.
Research Resource: Genetic Labeling of Human Islet Alpha Cells
Authors: Pauerstein Philip T. , Park Keon Min , Peiris Heshan S. , Wang Jing , Kim Seung K.
Published: January 2016

The 2 most abundant human pancreatic islet cell types are insulin-producing β-cells and glucagon-producing α-cells. Defined cis-regulatory elements from rodent Insulin genes have permitted genetic labeling of human islet β-cells, enabling lineage tracing and generation of human β-cell lines, but analogous elements for genetically labeling human α-cells with high specificity do not yet exist. To identify genetic elements that specifically direct reporter expression to human α-cells, we investigated noncoding sequences adjacent to the human GLUCAGON and ARX genes, which are expressed in islet α-cells. Elements with high evolutionary conservation were cloned into lentiviral vectors to direct fluorescent reporter expression in primary human islets. Based on the specificity of reporter expression for α- and β-cells, we found that rat glucagon promoter was not specific for human α-cells but that addition of human GLUCAGON untranslated region sequences substantially enhanced specificity of labeling in both cultured and transplanted islets to a degree not previously reported, to our knowledge. Specific transgene expression from these cis-regulatory sequences in human α-cells should enable targeted genetic modification and lineage tracing.
The Menkes and Wilson disease genes counteract in copper toxicosis in Labrador retrievers: a new canine model for copper-metabolism disorders
Authors: Fieten Hille , Gill Yadvinder , Martin Alan J. , Concilli Mafalda , Dirksen Karen , van Steenbeek Frank G. , Spee Bart , van den Ingh Ted S. G. A. M. , Martens Ellen C. C. P. , Festa Paola , Chesi Giancarlo , van de Sluis Bart , Houwen Roderick H. J. H. , Watson Adrian L. , Aulchenko Yurii S. , Hodgkinson Victoria L. , Zhu Sha , Petris Michael J. , Polishchuk Roman S. , Leegwater Peter A. J. , Rothuizen Jan
Published: January 2016

The deleterious effects of a disrupted copper metabolism are illustrated by hereditary diseases caused by mutations in the genes coding for the copper transporters ATP7A and ATP7B. Menkes disease, involving ATP7A, is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder of copper deficiency. Mutations in ATP7B lead to Wilson disease, which is characterized by a predominantly hepatic copper accumulation. The low incidence and the phenotypic variability of human copper toxicosis hamper identification of causal genes or modifier genes involved in the disease pathogenesis. The Labrador retriever was recently characterized as a new canine model for copper toxicosis. Purebred dogs have reduced genetic variability, which facilitates identification of genes involved in complex heritable traits that might influence phenotype in both humans and dogs. We performed a genome-wide association study in 235 Labrador retrievers and identified two chromosome regions containing ATP7A and ATP7B that were associated with variation in hepatic copper levels. DNA sequence analysis identified missense mutations in each gene. The amino acid substitution ATP7B:p.Arg1453Gln was associated with copper accumulation, whereas the amino acid substitution ATP7A:p.Thr327Ile partly protected against copper accumulation. Confocal microscopy indicated that aberrant copper metabolism upon expression of the ATP7B variant occurred because of mis-localization of the protein in the endoplasmic reticulum. Dermal fibroblasts derived from ATP7A:p.Thr327Ile dogs showed copper accumulation and delayed excretion. We identified the Labrador retriever as the first natural, non-rodent model for ATP7B-associated copper toxicosis. Attenuation of copper accumulation by the ATP7A mutation sheds an interesting light on the interplay of copper transporters in body copper homeostasis and warrants a thorough investigation of ATP7A as a modifier gene in copper-metabolism disorders. The identification of two new functional variants in ATP7A and ATP7B contributes to the biological understanding of protein function, with relevance for future development of therapy.
A New Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Model, Hyperglycemia-Induced Eye Malformation via Inhibiting Pax6 in Chick Embryo
Authors: Zhang Shi-Jie , Li Yi-Fang , Tan Rui-Rong , Tsoi Bun , Huang Wen-Shan , Huang Yi-Hua , Tang Xiao-Long , Hu Dan , Yao Nan , Yang Xuesong , Kurihara Hiroshi , Wang Qi , He Rong-Rong
Published: January 2016

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the leading causes of fetal malformations. However, few models have been developed to study the underlying mechanisms of GDM-induced fetal eye malformation. In this study, high glucose (0.2 mmol/egg) was injected into the air sac of chick embryo on embryo development day (EDD) 1 to develop a hyperglycemia model. Results showed that 47.3 % embryonic eye malformation happened on EDD 5. In this model, the key genes regulating eye development, Pax6, Six3 and Otx2, were down-regulated by hyperglycemia. Among these genes, the expression of Pax6 was the most vulnerable to hyperglycemia, being suppressed by 70 %. Decreased in Pax6 gene expression induced eye malformation in chick embryos. However, increased expression of Pax6 in chick embryos could rescue hyperglycemia-induced eye malformation. Hyperglycemia stimulated O-GlcNAcylation, which caused oxidative stress in chick embryos. Pax6 was found to be vulnerable to free radicals, but the antioxidant edaravone could restore Pax6 expression and reverse eye malformation. These results illustrated a successful establishment of a novel chick embryo model to study the molecular mechanism of hyperglycemia-induced eye malformation. The suppression of the Pax6 gene is probably mediated by oxidative stress and could be a critical target for the therapy of GDM-induced embryonic eye malformation.
The role of enterocyte defects in the pathogenesis of congenital diarrheal disorders
Authors: Overeem Arend W. , Posovszky Carsten , Rings Edmond H. M. M. , Giepmans Ben N. G. , van IJzendoorn Sven C. D.
Published: January 2016

Congenital diarrheal disorders are rare, often fatal, diseases that are difficult to diagnose (often requiring biopsies) and that manifest in the first few weeks of life as chronic diarrhea and the malabsorption of nutrients. The etiology of congenital diarrheal disorders is diverse, but several are associated with defects in the predominant intestinal epithelial cell type, enterocytes. These particular congenital diarrheal disorders (CDDENT) include microvillus inclusion disease and congenital tufting enteropathy, and can feature in other diseases, such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis type 5 and trichohepatoenteric syndrome. Treatment options for most of these disorders are limited and an improved understanding of their molecular bases could help to drive the development of better therapies. Recently, mutations in genes that are involved in normal intestinal epithelial physiology have been associated with different CDDENT. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the cellular mechanisms of CDDENT. We highlight the potential of animal models and patient-specific stem-cell-based organoid cultures, as well as patient registries, to integrate basic and clinical research, with the aim of clarifying the pathogenesis of CDDENT and expediting the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies.
Ubiquitin mediated regulation of the E3 ligase GP78 by Mahogunin in trans affects mitochondrial homeostasis
Authors: Mukherjee Rukmini , Chakrabarti Oishee
Published: January 2016

Cellular quality control provides an efficient surveillance system to regulate mitochondrial turn-over. This study elucidates a novel interaction of the cytosolic E3 ligase, MGRN1 with the ER ubiquitin E3 ligase, GP78. Loss of Mgrn1 function has been implicated in late-onset spongiform neurodegeneration, congenital heart defects amongst several developmental defects. MGRN1 ubiquitinates GP78 in trans via non-canonical K11 linkages. This helps maintain constitutively low levels of GP78 in healthy cells, in turn downregulating mitophagy. GP78, however, does not regulate MGRN1. When mitochondria are stressed, cytosolic Ca2+ increases.This leads to reduced interaction between MGRN1 and GP78 and its compromised ubiquitination. Chelating Ca2+ restores association between the two ligases and the trans ubiquitination. Catalytic inactivation of MGRN1 results in elevated levels of GP78 and consequential increase in the initiation of mitophagy. This is significant because functional depletion of MGRN1 by membrane-associated disease causing prion protein, CtmPrP affects polyubiquitination and degradation of GP78, also leading to an increase in mitophagy events. This suggests that MGRN1 participates in mitochondrial quality control and could contribute to neurodegeneration in a sub-set of CtmPrP mediated prion diseases.
Reverse overshot water-wheel retroendocytosis of Apo Transferrin extrudes cellular iron
Authors: Sheokand Navdeep , Malhotra Himanshu , Chauhan Anoop Singh , Kumar Manoj , Chaudhary Surbhi , Patidar Anil , Boradia Vishant Mahendra , Raje Chaaya Iyengar , Raje Manoj
Published: January 2016

Iron a vital micronutrient for all organisms must be managed judiciously as both, deficiency or excess can trigger severe pathology. While cellular iron import is well understood its export is thought to be limited to transmembrane extrusion via ferroportin the only known mammalian iron exporter. Utilizing primary cells and cell lines (including those with no discernible expression of ferroportin on their surface) we demonstrate that upon iron loading the multifunctional enzyme Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) that is recruited to the cell surface treadmills apo transferrin (apo Tf) in and out of the cell. Kinetic analysis utilizing; labeled ligand, GAPDH knock down cells, Fe55 labeled cells and pharmacological inhibitors of endocytosis confirmed GAPDH dependent apo Tf internalization as a prerequisite for cellular iron export. These studies define an unusual rapid recycling process of retroendocytosis for cellular iron extrusion, a process mirroring receptor mediated internalization that has never before been considered for maintenance of cellular cationic homeostasis. Modulation of this unusual pathway could provide insights for management of iron overload disorders.
RasGRF2 controls nuclear migration in postnatal retinal cone photoreceptors
Authors: Jimeno David , Gómez Carmela , Calzada Nuria , de la Villa Pedro , Lillo Concepción , Santos Eugenio
Published: January 2016

Detailed immunocytochemical analyses comparing WT, GRF1 KO, GRF2 KO and GRF1/2 DKO mouse retinas uncovered the specific accumulation of misplaced, “ectopic” cone photoreceptor nuclei in the photoreceptor segment (PS) area of retinas from GRF2 KO and GRF1/2 DKO, but not of WT or GRF1 KO mice. The localization of “ectopic” nuclei in the PS area of GRF2-devoid retinas occurred postnatally and peaked between P11 and P15. Mechanistically, the generation of this phenotype involved disruption of the outer limiting membrane (OLM), and intrusion into the PS layer, of cone nuclei displaying significant perinuclear accumulation of signaling molecules known to participate in nuclear migration and cytoskeletal reorganization such as PAR3, PAR6, and activated, phosphorylated forms of PAK, MLC2 and VASP. Electroretinographic (ERG) recordings showed specific impairment of cone-mediated retinal function in GRF2 KO and GRF1/2 DKO retinas as compared to WT controls. These data identify defective cone nuclear migration as a novel phenotype in GRF2-devoid mouse retinas and support a critical role of GRF2 in control of the nuclear migration processes required for proper postnatal development and function of retinal cone photoreceptors.
Interpretation of airborne magnetic survey of Gabel Um Tineidba area, south eastern desert, Egypt
Authors: Hafeez Tharwat H. Abdel
Published: January 2016

The study area is regionally covered by rock exposures ranging in age from the Precambrian to Quaternary. The aeromagnetic survey is a useful tool that help in geological mapping, providing information at a reasonable proportion of the cost of ground mapping. The reduced to the northern magnetic pole (RTP) map was separated into regional and residual magnetic component maps by the computed power spectrum of the magnetic data. The estimated mean depths of both regional and residual magnetic sources were found to be 2510 m and 383 m respectively. Also, two advanced techniques were used to analyze the depth magnetic data. These methods are analytical signal (AS) and source parameter imaging (SPI). The results of average depth estimates both methods (–950 m). These depth values were helped -to great extent- for define the direction of throw for the interpreted faults in the basement tectonic map. The statistical analysis shows that, most of the welldeveloped structural features are oriented mostly in the N-S, NNE-SSW, NW-SE and NNWSSE trending faults are considered the main trends affecting the distribution of the radioactive minerals.
Numerical Investigation on the Propulsive Performance of Biplane Counter-Flapping Wings
Authors: Deng Shuanghou , Xiao Tianhang , van Oudheusden Bas , Bijl Hester
Published: January 2016

A numerical investigation is performed to address the flexing effect on the propulsion performance of flapping wing particularly on the counter-flapping wings of the biplane configuration. A Reynolds number of 10,000 is considered in the present study which corresponds to the flight regime of most existing flapping wing micro air vehicles. The computation involves solving the compressible unsteady Reynolds- averaged Native-Stokes equation using an inhouse developed code. The flapping motion is incorporated by an efficient deforming overset grid technique which allows multiple flexible bodies to be embedded into the flow field. Results show that the biplane wing with counter-flapping configuration has a better propulsive performance in comparison to a single flapping wing. A low-pressure regime between the two wings during the outstroke produces more thrust, while the counter-flapping motion can also generate a surfeit momentum rushing in to the wake. The more flexible wing can produce more thrust while less power is required thus owning a better propulsive performance.
Towards Autonomous MAV Soaring in Cities: CFD Simulation, EFD Measurement and Flight Trials
Authors: Watkins Simon , Mohamed Abdulghani , Fisher Alex , Clothier Reece , Carrese Robert , Fletcher David F.
Published: January 2016

MAVs are increasingly being used in complex terrains, such as cities, despite challenges from the highly turbulent flow fields. We investigate the flow around a nominally cuboid building of height 40m both computationally and experimentally in a 1/100th scale wind-tunnel test. A relatively new computational technique, Improved Delayed Detached Eddy Simulation (IDDES), was used for computing the time-varying flow around the building and surrounding domain. The atmospheric boundary layer velocity and turbulent intensity profiles were replicated at the inlet boundary of the computational domain and wind tunnel. The spatial flow field from the CFD was investigated for locating suitable areas of lift, in order to see if soaring flight would be feasible. Good agreement was found with the wind-tunnel results. Flight trials of a small flying wing aircraft were conducted from the roof demonstrating the possibility of keeping aloft with no conventional power system. Soaring was achieved under piloted control and autonomously. The CFD results proved useful in locating the best lift areas and provided insights into path planning.
High-Flow Oxygen through Nasal Cannula in Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure: the FLORALI study
Authors: Jentzer Jacob , Dezfulian Cameron , Emlet Lillian
Published: January 2016

An evaluation of a recent study by Frat JP, Thille AW, Mercat A et al: High-Flow Oxygen through Nasal Cannula in Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure. New England Journal of Medicine 2015;372(23):2185-96. PubMed PMID: 25981908. Clinicaltrials.gov number NCT01320384.
Sustainable commercialization of new crops for the agricultural bioeconomy
Authors: Jordan N.R. , Dorn K. , Runck B. , Ewing P. , Williams A. , Anderson K.A. , Felice L. , Haralson K. , Goplen J. , Altendorf K. , Fernandez A. , Phippen W. , Sedbrook J. , Marks M. , Wolf K. , Wyse D. , Johnson G.
Published: January 2016

Diversification of agroecological systems to enhance agrobiodiversity is likely to be critical to advancing environmental, economic, and social sustainability of agriculture. Temperate-zone agroecological systems that are currently organized for production of summer-annual crops can be diversified by integration of fallow-season and perennial crops. Integration of such crops can improve sustainability of these agroecological systems, with minimal interference with current agricultural production. Importantly, these crops can provide feedstocks for a wide range of new bio-products that are forming a new agricultural bioeconomy, potentially providing greatly increased economic incentives for diversification. However, while there are many fallow-season and perennial crops that might be used in such a “bioeconomic” strategy for diversification, most are not yet well adapted and highly-marketable. Efforts are underway to enhance adaptation and marketability of many such crops. Critically, these efforts require a strategic approach that addresses the inherent complexity of these projects. We outline a suitable approach, which we term “sustainable commercialization”: a coordinated innovation process that integrates a new crop into the agriculture of a region, while intentionally addressing economic, environmental and social sustainability challenges via multi-stakeholder governance. This approach centers on a concerted effort to coordinate and govern innovation in three critical areas: germplasm development, multifunctional agroecosystem design and management, and development of end uses, supply chains, and markets. To exemplify the approach, we describe an ongoing effort to commercialize a new fallow-season crop, field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.).
The effect of mathematical writing activities on 3th grade students' problem solving and posing skills
Matematiksel yazma etkinliklerinin 3. Sınıf öğrencilerinin problem çözme ve kurma becerilerine etkisi
Authors: Pilten Gülhiz , Pilten Pusat
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mathematical writing activities on 3 rd grade students' mathematical problem solving and posing skills. Therefore this study was done by using quasi-experimental model with pretest-posttest control group. Research was conducted in 2014- 2015 Education Year Spring Semester. The study group of the research consists of totally 66 3rd grade students At the experimental group, the activities of 3rd grade mathematics curriculum and 3 rd grade mathematic text book are applied. In addition to these activities, mathematical writing activities put into application to the experimental group. However to the control group only the activities of 3rd grade mathematics curriculum and 3rd grade mathematic text book are applied.  All groups' applications lasted for 8 weeks. As a result of this study, it was seen that, at the end of the experimental processes, there is a meaningful statistical difference between experiment group and control group, among problem solving and problem posing skills of students in experiment’s group favour. This result is supporting the relevant literature.

 

Özet

Bu araştırmanın amacı, matematiksel yazma etkinliklerinin, ilkokul 3. sınıf öğrencilerinin matematiksel problem çözme ve kurma becerileri üzerindeki etkilerini belirlemektir. Bu yönüyle çalışmada, ön test-son test kontrol gruplu deneme modeli kullanılmıştır. Çalışma 2014-2015 bahar yarıyılında gerçekleştirilmiş olup çalışma grubunu toplam 66 3. sınıf öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Deney grubunda deneysel işlem sürecinde ilköğretim matematik öğretim programında ve ders kitabında ön görülen etkinliklere ek olarak matematiksel yazma etkinlikleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Kontrol grubunda ise 3. sınıf matematik programı ve ders kitabında yer verilen etkinliklere bağlı kalınmıştır. Uygulamalar 8 hafta sürmüştür. Araştırma sonuçları, deneysel işlem süreci sonunda deney ve kontrol grubunda yer alan öğrencilerin problem çözme ve kurma becerileri bakımından karşılaştırıldığında, deney grubu lehine istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde bir farklılık olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu sonuç ilgili literatürü destekler niteliktedir.
Moment.jpg
Authors: Terry David P.
Published: January 2016

When understood as material artifacts, digital photographs are able to do more than represent other times and other places. Their materiality creates performative possibilities of accident and agency that can be particularly useful during times of mourning. This poetic essay responds to a photograph of the author's mother that he took with his cellphone shortly after her death.
Changes in Efficiency and Safety Culture After Integration of an I-PASS–Supported Handoff Process
Authors: Sheth Shreya , McCarthy Elisa , Kipps Alaina K. , Wood Matthew , Roth Stephen J. , Sharek Paul J. , Shin Andrew Y.
Published: January 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Recent publications have shown improved outcomes associated with resident-to-resident handoff processes. However, the implementation of similar handoff processes for patients moving between units and teams with expansive responsibilities presents unique challenges. We sought to determine the impact of a multidisciplinary standardized handoff process on efficiency, safety culture, and satisfaction.

METHODS:

A prospective improvement initiative to standardize handoffs during patient transitions from the cardiovascular ICU to the acute care unit was implemented in a university-affiliated children’s hospital.

RESULTS:

Time between verbal handoff and patient transfer decreased from baseline (397 ± 167 minutes) to the postintervention period (24 ± 21 minutes) (P < .01). Percentage positive scores for the handoff/transitions domain of a national culture of safety survey improved (39.8% vs 15.2% and 38.8% vs 19.6%; P = .005 and 0.03, respectively). Provider satisfaction improved related to the information conveyed (34% to 41%; P = .03), time to transfer (5% to 34%; P < .01), and overall experience (3% to 24%; P < .01). Family satisfaction improved for several questions, including: "satisfaction with the information conveyed” (42% to 70%; P = .02), “opportunities to ask questions” (46% to 74%; P < .01), and “Acute Care team's knowledgeabout my child’s issues” (50% to 73%; P = .04). No differences in rates of readmission, rapid response team calls, or mortality were observed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Implementation of a multidisciplinary I-PASS–supported handoff process for patients transferring from the cardiovascular ICU to the acute care unit resulted in improved transfer efficiency, safety culture scores, and satisfaction of providers and families.
Investigating the Application of Automated Writing Evaluation to Chinese Undergraduate English Majors: A Case Study of WriteToLearn
Authors: Liu Sha , Kunnan Antony John
Published: January 2016

This study investigated the application of WriteToLearn on Chinese undergraduate English majors’ essays in terms of its scoring ability and the accuracy of its error feedback. Participants were 163 second-year English majors from a university located in Sichuan province who wrote 326 essays from two writing prompts. Each paper was marked by four human raters as well as WriteToLearn. Many-facet Rasch measurement (MFRM) was conducted to calibrate WriteToLearn’s rating performance in scoring the whole set of essays against those of four trained human raters. The accuracy of WriteToLearn’s feedback on 60 randomly selected essays was compared with the feedback provided by human raters. The two main findings related to scoring were that WriteToLearn was more consistent but highly stringent relative to the four trained human raters in scoring essays and that it failed to score 7 essays. In terms of error feedback, WriteToLearn had an overall precision and recall of 49% and 18.7% respectively. These figures did not meet the minimum threshold of 90% precision for it to be a reliable error detecting tool set by Burstein, Chodorow, and Leacock (2003). Furthermore, it had difficulty in identifying the errors made by Chinese undergraduate English majors in the use of articles, prepositions, word choice and expression.
FATORES QUE INFLUENCIAM NA ESCOLHA DO IFRN: UM ESTUDO DE CASO NO CAMPUS CEARÁ-MIRIM
Authors: Rodrigues Silmara Bezerra , Tacconi Marli De Fátima Ferraz da Silva
Published: January 2016

A Gestão Pública tem como principal dever proporcionar os meios de garantir que seus serviços sejam prestados com qualidade, atingindo seus resultados. Ao reconhecer esta visão é importante criar estratégias para identificar necessidades de novos projetos e definir direcionamentos dos serviços públicos. Os estudos em marketing, e comportamento do consumidor auxiliam na identificação do público-alvo e conhece as causas que o fazem a escolha por um serviço prestado. Como um dos principais pilares dos serviços públicos é a educação, o Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Rio Grande no Norte - IFRN tem atuado como agente de transformação ao expandir suas unidades pelo estado, tendo o município de Ceará-Mirim um dos beneficiados. O objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar os fatores que influenciam ao ingresso dos alunos do IFRN - Ceará-Mirim, sendo estes pessoais, psicológicos e sociais. A metodologia foi do tipo descritiva e quantitativa, utilizada a Análise Fatorial Exploratória como técnica estatística. A coleta de dados foi obtida por meio de um questionário aplicado aos alunos do ensino técnico integrado ingressos em 2014 e 2015. Como resultados, os fatores que tiveram evidência para o ingresso dos alunos foram infraestrutura; marca; percepção sobre o prestígio da instituição; ascensão pessoal; a relação com a esportividade e a influência familiar. Conclui-se que os fatores psicológicos e pessoais foram os mais evidentes na escolha dos alunos, e os fatores sociais não foram relevantes para a escolha da instituição.
Elasto-plastic model for sand including time effect
Authors: Cazacliu B. , Ibraim E.
Published: January 2016

Time effects on granular soils have been observed in the laboratory and by in-situ tests, but these cannot be reproduced by classical elasto-plastic models. To address these concerns, existing specific modelling approaches were based on the theory of viscoplasticity formulated by Perzyna or on a viscous evanescent relationship. This work explores an alternative elasto-plastic modelling framework formulated in a multiaxial structure space. The proposed elasto-plastic model is associated with a thixotropic-type framework through the use of a structure parameter, the evolution of which illustrates the competition between two effects: the time-dependent tendency of the granular system to reach its stable configuration – restructuration – and its destructuration under external perturbations. The structure parameter is linked to the existence of a stress-dependent target structure towards which the current granular material structure evolves. The timescale is explicitly introduced by postulating a rate for this structure evolution. The modelling of the material behaviour has shown good similarities with the response of granular soils observed in monotonic loading, as well as during creep and variable strain rate loading experiments.
State-of-the-art review of cathodic protection for reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Byrne Aimee , Holmes Niall , Norton Brian
Published: January 2016

Cathodic protection (CP) limits the corrosion of a metal surface by making it the cathode of an electrochemical cell. This can be achieved either by using a more active sacrificial anode to create a driving current, or by using inert anodes and impressing a current onto the cathode surface using an external direct current (DC) source. Impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) is preferred where widespread protection is required, particularly in reinforced concrete structures. ICCP needs a constant DC power supply that is usually provided through a grid connection or independent generators. This paper presents the currently available CP systems for reinforced concrete, particularly ICCP, and the possibility of using self-sufficient and renewable energy systems. The potential for overcoming the mismatch (due to intermittent current) in energy provision from renewable sources with energy needs for CP (constant current) is discussed by exploring methods of storing energy and examining the level of protection provided by intermittent current. Areas that require further research to optimise the design of such systems are highlighted.
Activity Based Teaching Learning: An Experience
Authors: Patil Ujwala , V. Siddamal Saroja
Published: January 2016

The paper presents activity based teaching learning for undergraduate students. This also gives the analysis of the effectiveness of these activities. The objective of proposed pedagogical practice is to enhance the course learning, beyond the traditional mode. In the traditional mode of teaching the course was not able to make a positive impact on learning. This is because of monotonous lecturing and absence of activities.Activity Based Teaching Learning (ABTL) is an effort to overcome the limitations of traditional mode of course delivery. Progressive pedagogical models are used for the enhancement of course learning. To meet the objective different activities are designed and practiced along with class room teaching. The frame work includes teaching through games in Digital Communication course for 6th semester Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) students and worksheets in Basic Electronics for Ist year students. In the proposed approach, the active learning provides more opportunities to learn beyond the classroom teaching.Effectiveness of these activities is assessed through academic performance.