bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Framework for Inclusive Educational Delivery Systems
Authors: McCart Amy B. , Sailor Wayne S. , Bezdek Jamie M. , Satter Allyson L.
Published: December 2014

This article introduces a theoretical framework for an inclusive educational delivery system to increase academic, behavioral, and social outcomes for all students with a variety and range of abilities. The framework is a fully braided delivery system that brings together evidence-based practices for individual school systems and structures, district and state education policy, and family and community engagement. We describe (a) systemic and structural challenges to inclusive education, (b) the framework and its evidence-based features, and (c) a technical assistance resource that builds educational agency capacity to independently implement and sustain inclusive educational delivery systems in their communities.
Reframing Teacher Education: Preparing Teachers for Inclusive Education
Authors: Kurth Jennifer , Foley Jean Ann
Published: December 2014

Inclusive education is increasingly common in K-12 schools, yet teacher preparation for inclusive education has been lagging. In the present study, interviews of teacher candidates, mentor teachers, university faculty, and fieldwork supervisors were completed to determine experiences of, and preparation for, inclusive education. Results indicate that teacher candidates received very mixed, and often contradictory, messages about inclusive education in their coursework and fieldwork experiences. Recommendations for building capacity for inclusive fieldwork and inclusive teacher preparation are proposed. Further, the need for teacher educators to reframe teacher preparation, from the traditional model of preparing teachers for largely segregated roles to providing the skills and techniques necessary for working and succeeding in inclusive settings, is discussed.
Necrotic Bowel Induces Takotsubo-Like Myocardial Injury
Authors: Koci Florian , Eltibi Rami , Hadley Michelle , Kumar Deepti
Published: December 2014

Although chest pain in association with ST-segment electrocardiographic deviation is often indicative of cardiac ischemia, it has also been associated with noncardiac conditions. The case of a 63-year-old woman that we report here is extraordinary because her presentation of “acute abdomen” did not appear severe enough to warrant urgent surgical intervention, whereas the chest pain and electrocardiographic changes (supported by rising troponin levels) created strong clinical suspicion of acute coronary syndrome. Was the evidence of cardiac ischemia a primary event, or was it a sequela of an acute surgical condition? Noncardiac surgical cases associated with evidence of myocardial injury can be extremely challenging from a diagnostic and management perspective. We believe that the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis is crucial to a well-considered approach.
Synthesis and antimicrobial assessment of new substituted 10H-phenothiazines, their sulfone derivatives, and ribofuranosides
Authors: Gautam Naveen , Garg Ankita , Lal Thandi , Gautam Dinesh Chand , Joshi Jyoti
Published: December 2014

A series of new 10H-phenothiazines, their sulfones, and ribofuranosides were synthesized and their in vitro antimicrobial assessment was carried out against a representative panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains and selected fungi species. The 10H-phenothiazines were prepared using Smiles rearrangement. The sulfone derivatives were synthesized by oxidation of 10H-phenothiazines using 30% hydrogen peroxide in glacial acetic acid. The ribofuranosides were prepared by treatment of the phenothiazines with β-d-ribofuranosyl-1-acetate-2,3,5-tribenzoate.
Synthesis of novel glycosyl 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Li Quxiang , Cheng Fengchang , Shi Dahua , Cao Zhiling
Published: December 2014

A convenient and practical protocol was developed to synthesize glycosyl 1,3,4-oxadiazoles from d-glucosamine with good to excellent yields. The key step involved p-TsCl/pyridine-mediated cyclization under mild conditions. Subsequent removal of the acetyl groups in the last step, conducted using the system of NaOMe/MeOH, gave the desired N-acetyl-d-glucosamine 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives.
Necessity and possibility modals in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras)
Authors: Xavier André Nogueira , Wilcox Sherman
Published: December 2014

This article reports the results of a study of necessity and possibility modals in Brazilian Sign Language (Libras). The data discussed here mainly come from an interview carried out with a fluent deaf Libras signer. Our analysis suggests that the Libras modals we elicited have a lexical source with a more concrete meaning (Bybee 1994 et al.) and, in some cases, can have their origin traced back to a gesture, as has been demonstrated for ASL (Wilcox & Shaffer 2006). It also suggests, based on synchronic polysemy, that modals in Libras have developed through the same grammaticization processes observed for spoken languages. The results, coming from a language in the signed modality, contribute to our understanding of the truly typologically universal paths of grammaticization and the semantic domain of modality.
Challenges and Social Learning at the Climate Science-Policy Interface
Authors: Hundebøl Nils Randlev , Nielsen Kristian H.
Published: December 2014

The Model Evaluation Consortium for Climate Assessment (MECCA) from 1990–95 was an international consortium involving industry partners as well as research institutions in the dual attempt to advance basic science and to impact public and industrial policy-making. Led by the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), MECCA sponsored many numerical experiments on a CRAY-YMP supercomputer dedicated to climate modeling and produced information material with particular emphasis on assessing uncertainties involved in climate modeling for a range of potential users of climate predictions. As it turned out, it was difficult to align the goals of the climate modeling community with those of the climate impacts assessment community. Modelers primarily wanted to advance state-of-the-art General Circulation Models (GCMs). Impact analysts were interested in model evaluation in order to improve confidence levels in impacts predictions. An unconventional organizational scheme in climate science, MECCA also was a “social experiment” in bringing together diverse communities and overcoming mutual skepticism. Climate scientists were skeptical about the policy-making ambitions of MECCA and about industry’s motivation for getting involved in climate science, while industry doubted whether the scientists really made efforts to direct their work toward policy-relevant research questions. MECCA taught some scientists key lessons about the interactions between science and politics, but MECCA as such provided no effective answers to some of the basic skepticisms in the climate regime and consequently failed to reduce uncertainty on climate change issues.
The Use of Gene Therapy for Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Liu Zhao , Donahue J Kevin ,   Department of
                        Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland,
                        Ohio,   Department of
                        Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio;
                        Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical
                        School. Worcester, Massachusetts, 01605, US. E:
                        donahuelab@gmail.com
Published: December 2014

Atrial fibrillation is the most common clinically significant cardiac
arrhythmia, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure and morbidity and
mortality. Current therapies, including rate control and rhythm control by
antiarrhythmic drugs or ablation therapy, are moderately effective but far
from optimal. Gene therapy has the potential to become an attractive
alternative to currently available therapies for atrial fibrillation.
Various gene transfer vectors have been developed for cardiovascular disease
with viral vectors being most widely used due to their high efficiency.
Several gene delivery methods have been employed on different therapeutic
targets. With increasing understanding of arrhythmia mechanisms, novel
therapeutic targets have been discovered. This review will evaluate
state-of-art gene therapy strategies and approaches including sinus rhythm
restoration and ventricular rate control that could eventually prevent or
eliminate atrial fibrillation in patients.
Upgrading the RIM Model for Improved Support of Integrated Weed Management Extension Efforts in Cropping Systems
Authors: Lacoste Myrtille , Powles Stephen
Published: December 2014

RIM, or “Ryegrass Integrated Management,” is a user-friendly weed management software that integrates long-term economics. As a model-based decision support system, RIM enables users to easily build 10-year cropping scenarios and evaluate the impacts of management choices on annual rigid ryegrass populations and long-term profitability. Best used in a workshop format to enable learning through interactions, RIM can provide insights for the sustainable management of ryegrass through “what-if” scenarios in regions facing herbicide resistance issues. The upgrade of RIM is presented, with changes justified from an end-user perspective. The implementation of the model in a new, intuitive software format is presented, as well as the revision, update, and documentation of over 40 management options. Enterprises, establishment systems, and control options were redefined to represent current practices, with the notable inclusion of customizable herbicide options and techniques for weed seed control at harvest. Several examples of how RIM can be used with farmers to demonstrate the benefits of adopting recommended practices for managing or delaying the onset of herbicide resistance are presented. Originally designed for the dryland broadacre systems of the Australian southern grainbelt, RIM's underlying modeling was restructured to facilitate future updates and adaptation to other weed species and cropping regions.
Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Management in GlyTol®LibertyLink®Cotton
Authors: Reed Jacob D. , Keeling J. Wayne , Dotray Peter A.
Published: December 2014

Field trials were conducted in Lubbock, TX in 2010 and 2011 to evaluate tank-mix combinations of glyphosate and glufosinate in GlyTol®LibertyLink®cotton for control of Palmer amaranth. Herbicide treatments included glyphosate and glufosinate applied at various tank-mix rate combinations (1X:1X, 1X:0.75X, 1X:0.5X, 1X:0.25X and 1X:0X of glyphosate plus glufosinate), proportional tank-mix rate combinations (1X:0X, 0.75X:0.25X, 0.5X:0.5X, 0.25X:0.75X, and 0X:1X of glyphosate plus glufosinate, where X is 0.84 kg ae ha−1of glyphosate or 0.58 kg ai ha−1of glufosinate ammonium), and in sequential (1X followed by 1X) applications of both herbicides in an overall weed management system. Greenhouse studies were conducted to quantify antagonistic or synergistic effects. Treatments included a nontreated control; glyphosate at 0.84, 0.63, 0.42, and 0.21 kg ha−1; glufosinate at 0.58, 0.44, 0.29, and 0.15 kg ha−1; and all tank-mix combinations of each herbicide rate. Dry weights were converted to percent growth values for each rate of the two herbicides alone, and these values were used to calculate expected responses of tank-mix combinations with the use of Colby's method. Expected values were compared to observed percent growth values using an augmented mixed-model method. Results of field studies indicated that tank mixes of glyphosate and glufosinate were less effective at controlling Palmer amaranth than glyphosate applied alone. The addition of any rate of glufosinate to a 1X rate of glyphosate reduced Palmer amaranth control compared to glyphosate alone. Greenhouse studies confirmed antagonism seen in the field. These results indicate that sequential applications of these two herbicides are a better option for Palmer amaranth weed management.
Vinasse and Biochar Effects on Germination and Growth of Palmer Amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri), Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia), and Southern Crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris)
Authors: Soni Neeta , Leon Ramon G. , Erickson John E. , Ferrell Jason A. , Silveira Maria L. , Giurcanu Mihai C.
Published: December 2014

Vinasse and biochar are by-products of biofuel production that can be used as sources of nutrients to crops or soil amendments to improve soil quality. Despite the recent interest in biochar and vinasse effects on soil properties, little is known about their effect on weed communities. We hypothesized that the addition of biochar and vinasse to the soil could affect weed seed germination and growth, and that different weed species would show different responses to these soil amendments. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the effects of vinasse and biochar on the germination and growth of Palmer amaranth, sicklepod, and southern crabgrass. The study was conducted under laboratory and growth chamber conditions. Treatments consisted of four levels of vinasse (0, 10, 20, and 40 L m−2) and biochar (0, 0.5, 2.5, and 12.5 kg m−2) applied to a sandy loam soil. Biochar at 0.5 and 2.5 kg m−2increased germination of Palmer amaranth but had no effect on sicklepod and southern crabgrass. Vinasse reduced germination of all species. However, sicklepod germination was less affected by vinasse at 10 and 20 L m−2than the other two species. Vinasse at 40 L m−2decreased Palmer amaranth, southern crabgrass and sicklepod germination 57, 26 and 87%, respectively. Biochar had no consistent effect on the vegetative growth of the species studied. Vinasse at 10 L m−2stimulated growth of sicklepod and southern crabgrass compared to the nontreated control. Our results suggested that vinasse used as a soil amendment could affect weed community structure by decreasing germination of susceptible species, but plants and weed species that can get established in vinasse amended soils might show higher growth rates.
Making connections in aquatic ecosystems with acoustic telemetry monitoring
Authors: Donaldson Michael R , Hinch Scott G , Suski Cory D , Fisk Aaron T , Heupel Michelle R , Cooke Steven J
Published: December 2014

Autonomous acoustic telemetry monitoring systems have been deployed in aquatic ecosystems around the globe – from under ice sheets in the Arctic to coral reefs in Australia – to track animals. With tens of thousands of tagged aquatic animals from a range of taxa, vast amounts of data have been generated. As data accumulate, it is useful to reflect on how this information has advanced our understanding of aquatic animals and improved management and conservation. Here we identify knowledge gaps and discuss opportunities to advance aquatic animal science and management using acoustic telemetry monitoring. Current technological and analytical shortfalls still need to be addressed to fully realize the potential of acoustic monitoring. Future interdisciplinary research that relies on transmitter‐borne sensors and emphasizes hypothesis testing will amplify the benefits of this technology.
Continuous Nitrogen Application Differentially Affects Growth, Yield, and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Leymus chinensis in Two Saline–Sodic Soils of Northeastern China
Authors: Huang Lihua , Liang Zhengwei , Suarez Donald L. , Wang Zhichun , Ma Hongyuan , Wang Mingming , Yang Haoyu , Liu Miao
Published: December 2014

Leymus chinensis (Trin.) Tzvel. (Poaceae) is a dominant plant in the western Songnen Plain of northeastern China. Soil salinization, N deficiency, and current management practices have resulted in grassland degradation in the region. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of N application on L. chinensis. A 3‐yr field experiment was conducted in two nearby fields at the Daàn Sodic Land Experiment Station (DASLES) from 2009 to 2011. Both fields were classified as moderate saline–sodic grassland (MSSL) and severe saline–sodic grassland (SSSL), respectively. Nitrogen application rates were 0 (no fertilizer as control), 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, and 210 kg N ha−1. Nitrogen application improved herbage yield from 2.0 t ha−1 without N to more than 10.7 t ha−1 with 180 kg ha−1 N in MSSL, and from 1.0 t ha−1 without N to 4.9 t ha−1 with 180 kg ha−1 N in SSSL, herbage yields increased 5.4 and 4.9 times in MSSL and SSSL, respectively. Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) was generally higher in MSSL than that in SSSL, the highest values of average NUE were the treatments with 120 kg N ha−1 in MSSL and 150 kg N ha−1 in SSSL based on the results of regression analysis. Our overall results support N applications of 90 to 120 kg N ha−1 in MSSL and 120 to 150 kg N ha−1 in SSSL. Nitrogen application can improve L. chinensis yield, and prevent grassland degradation in the region.
Radiocarbon Dating, Mineralogy, and Isotopic Composition of Hackberry Endocarps from the Neolithic Site of Aşikli Höyük, Central Turkey
Authors: Quade Jay , Li Shanying , Stiner Mary C. , Clark Amy E. , Mentzer Susan M. , Özbaşaran Mihriban
Published: December 2014

Carbonate is abundant in many Neolithic tells and is a potentially useful archive for dating and climate reconstruction. In this paper, we focus on the mineralogy, radiocarbon dating, and stable isotope systematics of carbonate in hackberry endocarps. Hackberry fruits and seeds are edible in fresh and stored forms, and they were consumed in large quantities in many Neolithic sites in the Near East, including the site of our study, Aşıkli Höyük in central Anatolia, an Aceramic Neolithic tell occupied from about 9.4 to > 10.3 BP (7.4 to > 8.3 BCE). Detailed 14C age control provided by archaeological charcoal permits a test of the fidelity in 14C dating of hackberry endocarps. Modern endocarps and leaves yield fraction modern 14C values of 1.050–1.066, consistent with levels present in the atmosphere when sampled in 2009. On the other hand, archaeological endocarps yield consistently younger ages than associated charcoal by ca. 130 14C years (ca. 220 calendar years) for samples about 10,000 years old. We speculate this is caused by the slight addition of calcite or recrystallization to calcite in the endocarp, as detected by scanning electron microscopy. Subtle addition or replacement of calcite by primary aragonite is not widely recognized in the 14C community, even though similar effects are reported from other natural carbonates such as shell carbonate. This small (but consistent) level of contamination supports the usefulness of endocarps in dating where other materials like charcoal are lacking. Before dating, however, hackberries should be carefully screened for mineralogical preservation and context. We examined the carbon and oxygen isotopic systematics of the fossil endocarps to try to establish potential source areas for harvesting. Most of the hackberries are enriched in 18O compared to local water sources, indicating that they were drawing on highly evaporated soil water, rather than the local (perched and regional) water table sampled in our study. Isotopic evidence therefore suggests that most but not all of the hackberries were harvested from nearby mesas well above the local streams and seeps fed by the water table.
The Use of Passive Samplers to Reveal Industrial and Agricultural Pollution Trends in Swiss Rivers
Authors: Schopfer Adrien , Estoppey Nicolas , Omlin Julien , Udrisard Robin , Esseiva Pierre , De Alencastro Luiz Felippe
Published: December 2014

This study shows the efficiency of passive sampling to reveal industrial and agricultural pollution trends. Two practical applications for nonpolar and polar contaminants are presented. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) samplers were deployed for one year in the Venoge River (VD) to monitor
indicator PCBs (iPCBs, IUPAC nos. 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180). The results showed that the impact of PCB emissions into the river is higher in summer than in other seasons due to the low flow rate of the river during this period. Polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) were
deployed for 4 months in the Sion-Riddes canal (VS) to investigate herbicides (terbuthylazine, diuron and linuron). Desisopropylatrazine-d5 (DIA-d5) was tested as a performance reference compound (PRC) to estimate aqueous concentration. The results showed an increase of water contamination
due to the studied agricultural area. The maximal contamination was observed in April and corresponds to the period of herbicide application on the crops.
Genotype × Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis for Grain Yield of Mid-hill Rice Genotypes
Authors: Upreti Hari K. , Bista Sudarshan , Sah Surya N. , Dhakal Ramesh
Published: December 2014

Genotype x Environment interaction limits the effectiveness of selection when selection is based only on mean yield. This G × E interaction was studied for grain yield in 7 genotypes  of mid-hill rice in five different environments across the Nepal. Significant difference was observed among genotype (G), environment (E) and interaction (G × E) but could not identify the stable high yielding genotypes for diverse environments. Therefore, stability parameters were calculated and analyzed. On the basis of stability parameters, two genotypes, NR 10414, NR 10492 and NR 10515 were found to be most stable over different environments. NR 10353 was identified as suitable genotypes with high grain yield for favorable environment.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 8, 2007, pp. 14-17DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v8i0.11565
Participatory Black Scurf Disease Management on Potato in Nepal
Authors: Sharma Buddhi P. , KC Ram B.
Published: December 2014

A farmer's participatory field experiment was accomplished during three consecutive years  (2003-2005) for the sustainable management of black scurf disease of potato at Mainapokhar, Bardiya, Nepal. A heavily infested field with Rhizoctonia solani was selected prior to experimentation. Experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. The efficacy of two concentrations (2% and 3%) of boric acid and 0.15% of Thiophanate Methyl were tested for disease control through seed treatment. An antagonistic fungus Trichoderma harzianum was used as seed and soil treatment. As per treatment plan some plots were sterilized with formaldehyde 1% prior to planting. The plots having healthy seed (pre-basic seed) planted in sterilized plots showed minimum disease(6.8%) followed by 3% boric acid treated seed planted in sterilized plots (10.8%) and 2%  boric acid without soil sterilization (13.1%) and seed and soil treated plot with T. harzianum (17.1%). Farmers did not accept treatments connected with soil sterilization by Formalin. After analyzing the overall results of three years experiment farmers choose seed treatment with 2% boric acid prior to planting and identified application of Trichoderma harzianum for black scurf management as second option.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 8, 2007, pp. 56-62DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v8i0.11581
Use of Rice Straw and Black Gram Straw in Fodder Based Goat's Diets in the Hills of Nepal
Authors: Upreti Chet R. , Kuwar Bahadur S. , Panday Shambhu. B.
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible use of crop residue such as rice straw and black gram straw (Kushauro) in hill goats’ diet. Twenty male and female goats of age 6- 9 months were divided into 4 dietary groups. Animal of first diet groups (D1) were fed with fodder leaves (Khanyu) only, second diet group (D2) with 20% rice straw + fodder tree foliage, third diet group (D3) with 20% rice straw + fodder tree foliage + concentrate @ 1% of body weight, and fourth diet group (D4) fodder tree foliage + 15% rice straw + 5% black gram straw + concentrate @ 1% of body weight meet to the daily requirement. These rations were fed to animals of individual diet group for 150 days. Daily feed intake, daily weight change was recorded. Body weight was taken at the beginning of the experiment, at the end of experiment and 15 days interval. The result showed that there was significant difference (P <0.05) between different dietary groups for average daily gain (ADG). The highest ADG was observed in D3 (19.6±4.33), followed by D2 (12.67±1.38 g/d) and D4 (11.73±1.78 g/d). The lowest ADG was found in D1 (10.8±1.87 g/d). The result indicated that 20% rice straw can be used in goat diet with supplementary diet of concentrate @ 1% of body weight, and foliage of Khanyu as a basal diet. Feeding only fodder tree foliage is not suitable to get higher ADG in stall-feeding management.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 8, 2007, pp. 82-87DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v8i0.11595
Measuring Returns from Improved Rice, Maize and Wheat Research in Nepal
Authors: Thakur Naresh S. , Paudel Min N. , Gauchan Devendra , Shrestha Bhawana
Published: December 2014

Studies on returns to research have been established in different countries to  justify research funding and allocation of research priorities. However in  Nepal, there are no scientific studies carried out recently on return to  research investment in major crops and commodities, despite priority given  in agricultural sector. This paper has summarized the research investment  with respect to major cereals viz; rice, maize, and wheat and income  generated by the impact of improved varieties of these crops in Nepal. Internal rate of return for major cereal crops (rice, maize, and wheat) was  estimated using time series data of 1995 to 2005. The findings revealed that there is a negative annual growth rate (-0.59%) of NARC budget during  1998-2004. There was a food deficit during mid nineties, however, in the late  nineties while despite tremendous curtailing of budget for research, a surplus  of food grain was observed. Although the situation of positive food grain  balance is not the result of current year's efforts on research it could be the  impacts of years of efforts that were in a continuous pace in the past for agriculture R&D coupled with the impacts of extension related activities in  the country. Food surplus is mainly contributed by the efforts of massive  release of improved varieties of crops by NARC during late nineties. The  internal rate of return (IRR) of these cereals for a decade (1995-2004) was in the range of 84-105%, which is around Rs 235673 millions of income  generation while investment for their research was Rs 559 millions (0.24% of their revenue). This indicates that there is gross under funding on research for major crops, despite their significant contribution in national economy, food security, and livelihood improvement in Nepal. Finally paper suggests  for increased investment in agricultural research for meeting increasing  needs of food, income, and employment of growing population as well as enhancing and sustaining future agricultural R&D in the country.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 8, 2007, pp. 103-112DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v8i0.11602
Bulb Canker of Garlic Caused by Embellisia allii, Newly Found in Nepal
Authors: Timila Ramesh D. , Manandhar Gyanu , Joshi Sharada
Published: December 2014

N/ANepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 8, 2007, pp. 127-129DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v8i0.11606
Anticancer efficacy of a supramolecular complex of a 2-diethylaminoethyl–dextran–MMA graft copolymer and paclitaxel used as an artificial enzyme
Authors: Onishi Yasuhiko , Eshita Yuki , Ji Rui-Cheng , Onishi Masayasu , Kobayashi Takashi , Mizuno Masaaki , Yoshida Jun , Kubota Naoji
Published: December 2014

The anticancer efficacy of a supramolecular complex that was used as an artificial enzyme against multi-drug-resistant cancer cells was confirmed. A complex of diethylaminoethyl–dextran–methacrylic acid methylester copolymer (DDMC)/paclitaxel (PTX), obtained with PTX as the guest and DDMC as the host, formed a nanoparticle 50–300 nm in size. This complex is considered to be useful as a drug delivery system (DDS) for anticancer compounds since it formed a stable polymeric micelle in water. The resistance of B16F10 melanoma cells to PTX was shown clearly through a maximum survival curve. Conversely, the DDMC/PTX complex showed a superior anticancer efficacy and cell killing rate, as determined through a Michaelis–Menten-type equation, which may promote an allosteric supramolecular reaction to tubulin, in the same manner as an enzymatic reaction. The DDMC/PTX complex showed significantly higher anticancer activity compared to PTX alone in mouse skin in vivo. The median survival times of the saline, PTX, DDMC/PTX4 (particle size 50 nm), and DDMC/PTX5 (particle size 290 nm) groups were 120 h (treatment (T)/control (C), 1.0), 176 h (T/C, 1.46), 328 h (T/C, 2.73), and 280 h (T/C, 2.33), respectively. The supramolecular DDMC/PTX complex showed twice the effectiveness of PTX alone (p< 0.036). Above all, the DDMC/PTX complex is not degraded in cells and acts as an intact supramolecular assembly, which adds a new species to the range of DDS.
Trabecular Bone Score in Female Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Comparison with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Influence of Glucocorticoid Exposure
Authors: Koumakis Eugénie , Avouac Jérôme , Winzenrieth Renaud , Toth Emese , Payet Judith , Kahan André , Allanore Yannick , Cormier Catherine
Published: December 2014

Objective.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures. To date, the etiology of bone loss in SSc is unclear. Trabecular bone score (TBS) provides an indirect measurement of bone microarchitecture, independent of areal bone mineral density (aBMD). The aims were to assess bone involvement in SSc using TBS in comparison with a “high-risk” population with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and controls, and to investigate the determinants of a low TBS.

Methods.

This was a cross-sectional study of 65 women with SSc, 138 age-matched female patients with RA, and 227 age-matched female controls. Spine and hip aBMD were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. TBS was calculated from the anteroposterior image of the spine aBMD.

Results.

TBS was significantly lower in SSc compared to controls (p < 0.0001) and did not differ from RA (p = 0.128), despite lower cumulative and daily glucocorticoid (GC) dose (p < 0.0001). Further, patients with SSc receiving GC ≥ 5 mg/day had a significantly lower TBS than those receiving GC < 5 mg/day (p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that a low TBS was independently associated with daily GC dose (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.7–19.2) and a T score ≤ −2.5 SD (OR 5.0, 95% CI 1.5–7.0) in SSc. No association between GC and TBS was found in RA.

Conclusion.

Our results support the development of a combined approach using both TBS and aBMD for the assessment of bone microarchitecture in inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Our study showed that SSc-related bone involvement is characterized by an impairment in bone quality in addition to reduced bone quantity, and highlights that TBS can identify the negative effect of GC on bone microarchitecture.
Using Active Engagement to Teach Leadership
Authors: Shanty Joyce A. , Gropelli Theresa
Published: December 2014

The current health care climate requires nurses to demonstrate leadership competencies. Incorporating leadership strategies into nursing continuing education is accomplished through methods such as role-play and clinical simulation activities. Simulation helps nurses to care for multiple patients, effectively delegate, consider quality and safety issues, and communicate effectively with health care team members.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(12):533–534.
Dorsal Multiple Plating Without Routine Transarticular Screws for Fixation of Lisfranc Injury
Authors: Stern Richard E. , Assal Mathieu
Published: December 2014

Following a Lisfranc joint injury, stable fixation of the tarsometatarsal joints is crucial to avoid deformity and posttraumatic osteoarthritis, but the ideal method of fixation remains controversial. Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation of all involved joints with cast immobilization resulted in loss of position, and was replaced by open reduction with improved fixation using transarticular screws. However, it seems intuitive that transarticular screws will result in further damage to already traumatized joints, and this has led to plate-spanning techniques. The objective of this study was to describe the method of dorsal multiple plating without the routine use of transarticular screws, and to report on the ability of plate fixation to maintain alignment comparable to that of transarticular screw fixation in 15 patients. [
Orthopedics.
2014; 37(12):815–819.]
Acromial Stress Fractures: Correlation With Acromioclavicular Osteoarthritis and Acromiohumeral Distance
Authors: Dubrow Samuel , Streit Jonathan J. , Muh Stephanie , Shishani Yousef , Gobezie Reuben
Published: December 2014

Fractures around the acromion are a known complication of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The literature provides limited data on the risk factors associated with this complication as well as the ultimate outcomes after nonoperative treatment. The goal of this study was to report clinical outcomes in patients with acromial fractures after nonoperatively treated reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The authors performed a retrospective review of 125 patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty that included several acromial stress fractures in the postoperative period. They prospectively compared radiographic data, including acromiohumeral distance, the presence of acromioclavicular joint arthritis, clinical measures of motion, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, in 2 groups based on the presence or absence of fracture in the postoperative period. Fourteen patients (11.2%) had an acromial fracture after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty at an average of 5.1 months postoperatively. Patients who had fractures had worse postoperative forward elevation before fracture (116.6 vs 143.5;
P
=.02) and greater pain relief after reverse shoulder replacement, before fracture (
P
=.04). No significant difference was found between groups when the degree of arm lengthening was compared (27.6 vs 26.2 mm), and no difference was found in the prevalence of degenerative acromioclavicular joint changes identified preoperatively (66.4% vs 77.3%). After conservative management, most patients who had an acromial fracture returned to a functional level that was comparable to that achieved before fracture. [
Orthopedics.
2014; 37(12):e1074–e1079.]
Foreign Body Reaction After PLC Reconstruction Caused by a Broken PLLA Screw
Authors: Kim Tae-Kwon , Jeong Tae-Wan , Lee Dae-Hee
Published: December 2014

Foreign body reactions may occur in patients who receive bioabsorbable implants during orthopedic surgery for fractures and ligament repair. The authors describe a 34-year-old man who presented with a palpable tender mass on the lateral aspect of the left knee of 1 month’s duration. He underwent posterior cruciate ligament and posterolateral corner reconstruction 3 years earlier. Physical examination showed a 1×1-cm soft, nontender mass without localized warmth on the lateral epicondyle of the distal femur. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a broken screw fragment surrounded by a cyst-like mass. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon excised the screw fragment and the fibrotic mass, enclosing it in the subcutaneous tissue at the lateral epicondyle, the site at which a poly-L-lactic acid bioabsorbable screw had been inserted to fix the graft for posterolateral corner reconstruction. Histologic evaluation showed a foreign body reaction to the degraded screw particles. To the authors’ knowledge, this report is the first description of a patient presenting with a delayed foreign body reaction to a broken poly-L-lactic acid bioabsorbable screw at the lateral femoral epicondyle after posterolateral corner reconstruction. Because delayed foreign body reactions can occur at any site of poly-L-lactic acid bioabsorbable screw insertion, care should be taken to avoid screw protrusion during ligament reconstruction because it can lead to screw breakage and delayed foreign body reaction. [
Orthopedics.
2014; 37(12):e1129–e1132.]
Software-Based Evaluation of Toric IOL Orientation in a Multicenter Clinical Study
Authors: Kasthurirangan Sanjeev , Feuchter Lucas , Smith Pamela , Nixon Donald
Published: December 2014

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the rotational stability of a new one-piece hydrophobic acrylic toric intraocular lens (IOL) using a custom-developed software for analysis of slit-lamp photographs.

METHODS:

In a prospective, multicenter study, 174 eyes were implanted with the TECNIS Toric IOL (Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Santa Ana, CA). A custom-developed software was used to analyze high-resolution slit-lamp photographs of 156 eyes taken at day 1 (baseline) and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. The software uses iris and sclera landmarks to align the baseline image and later images for comparison. Validation of software was performed through repeated analyses of protractor images rotated from 0.1° to 10.0° and randomly selected photographs of 20 eyes.

RESULTS:

Software validation showed precision (repeatability plus reproducibility variation) of 0.02° using protractor images and 2.22° using slit-lamp photographs. Good quality slit-lamp images and clear landmarks were necessary for precise measurements. At 6 months, 94.2% of eyes had 5° or less change in IOL orientation versus baseline; only 2 eyes (1.4%) had axis shift greater than 30°. Most eyes were within 5° or less of rotation between 1 and 3 months (92.9%) and 3 and 6 months (94.1%). Mean absolute axis change (± standard deviation) from 1 day to 6 months was 2.70° ± 5.51°.

CONCLUSIONS:

The new custom software was precise and quick in analyzing slit-lamp photographs to determine postoperative toric IOL rotation.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2014;30(12):820–826.]
Antibacterial Efficacy of Accelerated Photoactivated Chromophore for Keratitis–Corneal Collagen Cross-linking (PACK-CXL)
Authors: Richoz Olivier , Kling Sabine , Hoogewoud Florence , Hammer Arthur , Tabibian David , Francois Patrice , Schrenzel Jacques , Hafezi Farhad
Published: December 2014

PURPOSE:

To investigate whether optimized photoactivated chromophore for keratitis–corneal collagen cross-linking (PACK-CXL) treatment settings allow accelerating treatment while maintaining antibacterial efficacy.

METHODS:

Staphylococcus aureus
and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains were irradiated with ultraviolet-A light of equal fluence but different intensity settings (18 mW/cm
2
for 5 minutes and 36 mW/cm
2
for 2.5 minutes). The killing rate was determined by comparing the number of colony-forming units between cross-linked specimens and non-irradiated controls. The potential additional effect of 0.001% benzalkonium chloride was also investigated.

RESULTS:

The killing rates for
Staphylococcus aureus
were 92.5% ± 5.5% (5 minutes at 18 mW/cm
2
) and 94.4% ± 2.9% (2.5 minutes at 36 mW/cm
2
). For
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, the killing rates were 93.2% ± 8.3% (5 minutes at 18 mW/cm
2
) and 92.9% ± 5.0% (2.5 minutes at 36 mW/cm
2
). The presence of benzalkonium chloride in the riboflavin solution did not increase the killing rate significantly.

CONCLUSIONS:

The antibacterial efficacy of PACK-CXL follows the Bunsen–Roscoe law of reciprocity and can be maintained even when the irradiation intensity is considerably increased. These optimized settings may allow a shortened treatment time in the future for PACK-CXL and thus help facilitate the transition from the operating room to the slit lamp for treatment.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2014;30(12):850–854.]
Interface Blood as a New Indication for Flap Lift After LASIK Using the WaveLight FS200 Femtosecond Laser
Authors: Au John , Krueger Ronald R.
Published: December 2014

PURPOSE:

To report a new indication for flap lift of interface blood using the WaveLight FS200 femtosecond laser (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX).

METHODS:

The unique evacuation canal of the FS200 femtosecond laser allows blood from injured limbal vasculature to accumulate. In rare instances, blood extends from the canal into the flap interface, requiring a flap lift. All flap lifts were performed using the microscope in the laser suite on the FS200 femtosecond laser to remove postoperative flap interface blood in 3 eyes of 3 patients.

RESULTS:

All interface blood was removed and no patients experienced re-bleeding. Postoperatively, patients achieved an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20.

CONCLUSIONS:

When intracanal blood is noted, planned incomplete dissection of the flap to the canal edge may prevent the progression of blood in the interface.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2014;30(12):858–860.]
De la relation pharmaciens-usagers. Reconfigurations et négociations dans une pharmacie suisse
Authors: Mbarga Josiane , Foley Rose-Anna , Decollogny Anne
Published: December 2014

À partir d’entretiens et d’observations réalisés dans une pharmacie de garde de Suisse romande, cette étude explore les relations que les pharmaciens d’officine entretiennent avec les usagers. Dans un contexte de démocratisation des savoirs relatifs à la santé, l’enquête effectuée montre que cette relation se reconfigure, selon la nature du problème de santé, au profit d’une plus grande autonomie des usagers. En effet, dans certaines situations, les usagers peuvent exprimer le désir de se passer de la compétence du pharmacien. Mais, dans d’autres circonstances, bien que s’efforçant de s’adapter aux demandes des usagers, les professionnels peuvent réaffirmer leur autorité d’expert si le problème soulevé ou les médicaments désirés nécessitent plus de vigilance. La relation pharmacien-usager oscille donc dans une négociation constante selon la marge de manœuvre dont, dans une situation donnée, les uns et les autres disposent.
Organ donation and transplantation: A gender perspective and awareness survey in Qatar
Authors: Verjee Mohamud A. , Haddad Pascale , Laws Sa'ad , Abu-Raddad Laith Jamal
Published: December 2014

Organ transplantation in the Middle East and North Africa has evolved to serve two major needs. The first is to sustain life where severe disease or disorders would mean death without organ replacement as in congenital heart disease. The second need is to provide cost-effective treatment and a quality of life without constant tertiary care and maintenance treatment. Renal transplantation caused by chronic kidney disease and failure is one such example. Qatar in the Middle East and North Africa is one of six countries comprising the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the Arabian Gulf Region, which has developed an active transplant program. It has one main challenge as other global nations, namely a disparity between organ availability and need, or supply and demand. A survey of university students' and employees' awareness of organ transplantation and donation was completed in 2013 at Education City, Doha, Qatar. Three hundred out of four hundred surveys were returned, or 75% of the total distributed. A literature review was carried out and comparisons made to the subsequent findings. Participants comprised 89% students and 11% employees.

Of the participants, 90.6% were aware that donated organs were potentially life saving, and 72.7% knew about brain death. While most figures seemed comparable to other regional results, two significantly new findings emerged. More females (62.3%) than males (47.1%) believed that Islam supported organ donation, and 72.4% believed that there was no conflict between their faith and organ donation. Awareness campaigns and use of social media were thought to be the most effective way of disseminating organ donation knowledge.
Prácticas emocionales y procesos subjetivadores en la sociedad digital: el caso de los suicidios online.
Authors: Belli Simone , De Eugenio Guillermo
Published: December 2014

En este texto se presentarán nuevos paradigmas de construcción de la relación entre emoción e identidad en comunidades digitales. Para ello, ofrecemos un análisis de los procesos sociales ligados a algunas experiencias de las personas que habitan estos espacios digitales. La problemática que aborda esta investigación se articula en torno a las estrategias y tácticas de negociación mediante las que los usuarios dan forma a su identidad. Para dar cuenta adecuadamente de la complejidad de estos procesos trataremos de visibilizar el papel central que juegan las emociones dentro de estas prácticas digitales y presentaremos el impacto de estas prácticas digitales, centrándonos en los efectos que se producen en las relaciones sociales en términos de inclusión o exclusión a través del análisis del caso del suicidio digital. La investigación se ha realizado a través un trabajo de etnografía digital tomando nota de las experiencias digitales de los usuarios.
A Newly Developed Mouse Monoclonal SOX10 Antibody Is a Highly Sensitive and Specific Marker for Malignant Melanoma, Including Spindle Cell and Desmoplastic Melanomas
Authors: Tacha David , Qi Weimin , Ra Seong , Bremer Ryan , Yu Charlie , Chu Joseph , Hoang Laura , Robbins Bruce
Published: December 2014

Context

Recent immunohistochemical studies have demonstrated Sry-related HMG-Box gene 10 (SOX10) expression in malignant melanomas, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, a subset of breast carcinomas, and gliomas. SOX10 has shown important clinical utility in its ability to detect desmoplastic and spindle cell melanomas. To date, most publications have employed a research use–only goat polyclonal SOX10 antibody for immunohistochemical staining.

Objective

To describe the development of a new mouse monoclonal SOX10 antibody (BC34) and evaluate its immunohistochemical staining profile in a wide range of normal and neoplastic tissues, with an emphasis on melanoma.

Design

SOX10 antibody was optimized for staining using a polymer detection system and visualization with diaminobenzidine.

Results

In normal tissues, SOX10 was expressed in skin melanocytes and eccrine cells, breast myoepithelial and lobular epithelial cells, salivary gland myoepithelial cells, peripheral nerve Schwann cells, and central nervous system glial cells. SOX10 was expressed in 238 of 257 melanomas (92.6%), including 50 of 51 of both spindle cell and desmoplastic melanomas (98%). SOX10 was expressed in 100% of nevi (20 of 20) and schwannomas (28 of 28). In other neoplasms, SOX10 was expressed in 18 of 109 invasive ductal breast carcinomas (16.5%). All other carcinomas were negative for SOX10. SOX10 was identified in 25 of 52 central nervous system neoplasms, primarily in astrocytomas (22 of 41; 53.7%), and in 4 of 99 various sarcomas examined (4.0%).

Conclusions

The newly developed mouse monoclonal SOX10 antibody BC34 is highly sensitive and specific for malignant melanoma, including desmoplastic and spindle cell variants, and appears highly suitable for clinical use.
A Compensatory Control Account of Meritocracy
Authors: Goode Chris , Keefer Lucas A. , Molina Ludwin E.
Published: December 2014

Why are people motivated to support social systems that claim to distribute resources based on hard work and effort, even when those systems seem unfair? Recent research on compensatory control shows that lowered perceptions of personal control motivate a greater endorsement of external systems (e.g., God, government) that compensate for a lack of personal control. The present studies demonstrate that U.S. citizens’ faith in a popular economic ideology, namely the belief that hard work guarantees success (i.e., meritocracy), similarly increases under conditions of decreased personal control. We found that a threat to personal control increased participants’ endorsement of meritocracy (Studies 1 and 2). Additionally, lowered perceptions of control led to increased feelings of anxiety regarding the future, but the subsequent endorsement of (Study 2) or exposure to (Study 3) meritocracy attenuated this effect. While the compensatory use of meritocracy may be a phenomenon unique to the United States of America, these studies provide important insight into the appeal and persistence of ideologies in general.