bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Music in 19th-Century Venezuela
Authors: Palacios Mariantonia
Published: November 2013

Beginning as a Spanish colony to become an independent republic – the 19th century was a pivotal point for Venezuela. Socially, politically, and economically speaking, the changes were numerous, and so were the cultural and artistic manifestations that flourished in those circumstances. One of them will be tackled in this study: music. This paper is a review of one of the richest information sources: the publications of the times. Venezuelan 19th century hemerography contains hundreds of music news on composers and their environment, works, performers, musical institutions, events, concerts, critical reviews, and others of the sort. They are the witness of the events of an epoch. By analyzing them, a partial reconstruction of the Venezuelan music history can be made possible.
Quality Evaluation of Venezuelan Higher Education
Authors: Pineda Lilian
Published: November 2013

Since 1999, there have been changes in Venezuelan higher education, such as the establishment of new forms of university access, attempts to reform Universities Act, enacting a new Organic Education Law, among others. Consequently, one wonders what the real situation of Venezuelan higher education subsystem is and whether it has been building a new model of higher education in the last decade. In the present study, we attempt to answer these questions, in light of specific policies and plans established by the State regarding the education sector, quality management strategies, administrative‑governance organization basic forms, and the methodological framework for assessing quality.
Translational and cultural exchange between two cultures pushed to global periphery
Authors: Tahir Gürçağlar Şehnaz , Pokorn Nike
Published: November 2013

Modes of contact among languages and cultures of smaller dissemination are worthy of study not only because they reveal the hegemonic weight of intermediary languages and cultures but also because they show how these cultures may choose to remain indifferent to each other for historical and political reasons. Slovene and Turkish are two prime examples which have had virtually no direct literary and cultural contacts. The papers included in this special issue illustrate the forms and nature of mediated contacts between these two cultures and explore the role translation and translators have had in creating reciprocal images of the two cultures. They also shed new light on concepts such as transfer, non-translation, metonymics of translation and contact zones.
Patterns of patronage: An Istrian family of dragomans as patrons of arts
Authors: Gürçağlar Aykut
Published: November 2013

This paper explores the portraits of a number of Tarsia family members who served as dragomans to the Venetian Republic in the late 17th century. The portraits are currently kept in the Koper Museum in Slovenia. In this study I consider dragomans as cultural intermediaries; just like commercial brokers and religious converts, dragomans historically occupied the contact zones where different cultures met and clashed. Dragomans can be considered “trans-imperial” subjects because they straddled political, linguistic and cultural boundaries between empires, in this case the Ottoman Empire and Venice. This professional group also pioneered the introduction of new customs and manners in the field of culture and arts. This study explores dragomans as clients and patrons of artists, an aspect with emerged as a part and parcel of their role as influential cultural intermediaries in the early modern Mediterranean. Portraits of Tarsia family members are among the earliest known to have been commissioned by dragomans. The patronage extended by such families of dragomans as the Tarsias demonstrates their social standing. These portraits exemplify the active role of dragomans as powerful cultural agents and serve as documentary evidence of the manners, dress codes, and professional symbols of dragomans.
Understanding Militant Teacher Union Members' Activities in Secondary Schools
Authors: Mahlangu Vimbi P.
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the activities of teacher unions in some Gauteng secondary schools in South Africa. The methods used in collecting data were questionnaires, interviews and a literature study of appropriate educational and labour law journals, books and newspapers. An interpretive paradigm was used in analysing the data. In this article, the behaviour of militant teacher union members is highlighted.
A Tragic Educational Experience: Academic Injustice in Higher Education Institutions in Yemen
Authors: Muthanna Abdulghani
Published: November 2013

This article outlines the tragic educational experience of one Yemeni scholar who has been oppressed by the education policy that Yemeni university administrators are accustomed to implementing while employing candidates. The institutions of higher education in Yemen, with the absence of justice, have experienced major ordeals in improving the education process. In other words, the process of nepotism and the use of power have always impeded the development of the teaching—learning process in Yemen. Moreover, education policy makers are not advocating for the right decisions, particularly in terms of employing worthy candidates/graduates. The application of such negative attitudes/factors has resulted in the educational process in Yemen exponentially worsening, leading to a much worse status of the whole society since it goes against the view that education is internationally considered to be very effective in reconstructing societies and building nations. Unless Yemeni education decision makers carefully consider revoking the devastating process of nepotism and the use of power, and immediately start to reform education policy, the education process will get worse.
The Effect of a Primary School Teachers' Trade Union on the Formation and Realisation of Policy in Greece: The Case of Teacher Evaluation Policy
Authors: Stamelos Georgios , Bartzakli Marianna
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this article is to analyse and interpret the effect of the primary school teachers' trade union in Greece insofar as the formation and realisation of education policy is concerned, and, more precisely, insofar as it concerns the issue of teacher evaluation. The research material used comes from the filing and analysis of the contents of the Teachers' Forum, a periodical publication of the trade union, and from a field study on the role of school advisors within the context of teacher evaluation. What emerges as most telling from the findings is the impression that ‘evaluation’ is perceived by the Teachers' Union of Greece as a concept that arouses reactions and resistance in its implementation. Consequently, an interesting line of research enquiry would be how local education administrators and teachers could be encouraged to create a climate of trust and mutual commitment.
A ‘Global Eye’ for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: A Critical Policy Analysis of the OECD's AHELO Study
Authors: Shahjahan Riyad A. , Torres Lisette E.
Published: November 2013

This article provides an overview and critical policy analysis of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) international Assessment of Higher Education Learning Outcomes (AHELO) project which is currently under way. It briefly describes the purpose, components and participants of the AHELO project. Informed by a critical policy analysis framework, it provides a critical analysis of AHELO texts. Based on the review of AHELO texts, it argues that the OECD is constructing a global policy space for teaching and learning grounded in neo-liberal values.
Substitution for lost one-hour means of the geomagnetic elements for the first half of the 20-th century at the Hurbanovo Geomagnetic Observatory by means of neural networks
Authors: Valach Fridrich , Váczyová Magdaléna , Dolinský Peter , Vajkai Melinda
Published: November 2013

The existence of long-acting observatories by itself does not guarantee that their historical magnetograms are available or complete. In the archive of the Hurbanovo Geomagnetic Observatory (acronym HRB; geographical coordinates 47.86 ◦ N, 18.19 ◦ E), records of the geomagnetic field made on photo paper covering the period between the two World Wars were found for which the values of the baselines are unknown. We studied if a feed-forward neural network with one hidden layer can be used to supplement one-hour means of the geomagnetic elements D, H and Z of observatory HRB, using for this purpose the geomagnetic data of observatories Potsdam, Seddin and Niemegk (all of them being referenced to Niemegk). We focused our interest on the first half of the 20-th century. The neural-network model for element D proved to be applicable to substitute for the lost data of the magnetic declination at observatory HRB; however, the usability of the model for both elements H and Z turned out to be limited to a few years close to beginning or end of data gaps. Further we supplemented the time series of annual means of geomagnetic elements D, H and Z at observatory HRB with the model data.
New approach to cancer therapy based on a molecularly defined cancer classification
Authors: Cortés Javier , Calvo Emiliano , Vivancos Ana , Perez‐Garcia Jose , Recio Juan Angel , Seoane Joan
Published: November 2013

Translational and clinical cancer research, as well as clinical trials and treatment of cancer, are essentially structured based on the organ in which tumors originate. However, the recent explosion of knowledge about the molecular characteristics of tumors is opening a new way to tackle cancer. This article proposes a different approach to the classification of cancer with important implications for treatment and for basic, translational, and clinical research. The authors postulate that cancers from diverse organs of origin with similar molecular traits should be managed together. The common molecular features observed in different tumors determine clinical actions in a better way than organ‐based classification. Thus, comparisons between tumors residing in different locations but with shared molecular characteristics will improve the therapeutic approach and the understanding of the biology of cancer. CA Cancer J Clin 2014;64:70–74. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Recent Research Progress on Non-aqueous Lithium-Air Batteries from Argonne National Laboratory
Authors: Lu Jun , Amine Khalil
Published: November 2013

Rechargeable non-aqueous Li-air battery technology offers potential advantages over other existing battery systems in terms of specific energy and energy density, which could enable the driving range of an electric vehicle to be comparable to that of gasoline vehicles. Development of efficient cathode catalysts and stable electrolytes for the Li-air battery has been intensively investigated for the past several years, and a number of review articles covering different topics are already available. This review mainly focuses on the research activities on rechargeable non-aqueous Li-air batteries at Argonne National Laboratory, with the emphasis on the gains in understanding of electrolyte decomposition, the structure and magnetic properties of lithium peroxide (Li2O2), development of an air-breathing cathode, and the effect of oxygen crossover on the lithium anode. Insights from this research have led to the improvement of the electrochemical performance of Li-air batteries. Promising paths for future work on rechargeable Li-air batteries are also discussed.
Gold Nanoparticles on Mesoporous SiO2-Coated Magnetic Fe3O4 Spheres: A Magnetically Separatable Catalyst with Good Thermal Stability
Authors: Liu Huan , Lin Chao , Ma Zhen , Yu Hongbo , Zhou Shenghu
Published: November 2013

Fe3O4 spheres with an average size of 273 nm were prepared in the presence of CTAB by a solvothermal method. The spheres were modified by a thin layer of SiO2, and then coated by mesoporous SiO2 (m-SiO2) films, by using TEOS as a precursor and CTAB as a soft template. The resulting m-SiO2/Fe3O4 spheres, with an average particle size of 320 nm, a high surface area (656 m2/g), and ordered nanopores (average pore size 2.5 nm), were loaded with gold nanoparticles (average size 3.3 nm). The presence of m-SiO2 coating could stabilize gold nanoparticles against sintering at 500 °C. The material showed better performance than a conventional Au/SiO2 catalyst in catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol with NaBH4. It can be separated from the reaction mixture by a magnet and be recycled without obvious loss of catalytic activity. Relevant characterization by XRD, TEM, N2 adsorption-desorption, and magnetic measurements were conducted.
The Formation of 2,2,4-Trimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-Benzodiazepine from 1,2-Diaminobenzene in the Presence of Acetone
Authors: Odame Felix , Kleyi Phumelele , Hosten Eric , Betz Richard , Lobb Kevin , Tshentu Zenixole
Published: November 2013

In an attempt to synthesize a 2-substituted benzimidazole from the reaction of o-phenylenediamine and isophthalic acid in the presence of acetone and ethanol under microwave irradiation, a salt of the isophthalate ion and 2,2,4-trimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-1,5-benzodiazepin-5-ium ion was obtained. The condensation of two moles of acetone with the amine groups resulted in the formation of the benzodiazepine which crystallized as an iminium cation forming a salt with the isophthalate anion. The formation of benzodiazepine was also confirmed by performing the reaction of o-phenylenediamine with excess acetone in ethanol under conventional heating conditions. The compounds were characterized by NMR, FTIR, HRMS and microanalysis as well as X-ray crystallography. The reaction mechanism leading to the formation of benzodiazepine is also discussed.
The regulation and biosynthesis of antimycins
Authors: Seipke Ryan F , Hutchings Matthew I
Published: November 2013

Antimycins (>40 members) were discovered nearly 65 years ago but the discovery of the gene cluster encoding antimycin biosynthesis in 2011 has facilitated rapid progress in understanding the unusual biosynthetic pathway. Antimycin A is widely used as a piscicide in the catfish farming industry and also has potent killing activity against insects, nematodes and fungi. The mode of action of antimycins is to inhibit cytochrome c reductase in the electron transport chain and halt respiration. However, more recently, antimycin A has attracted attention as a potent and selective inhibitor of the mitochondrial anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Remarkably, this inhibition is independent of the main mode of action of antimycins such that an artificial derivative named 2-methoxyantimycin A inhibits Bcl-xL but does not inhibit respiration. The Bcl-2/Bcl-xL family of proteins are over-produced in cancer cells that are resistant to apoptosis-inducing chemotherapy agents, so antimycins have great potential as anticancer drugs used in combination with existing chemotherapeutics. Here we review what is known about antimycins, the regulation of the ant gene cluster and the unusual biosynthetic pathway.
Cambrian Stratigraphy and Trilobite Faunas of southeastern Newfoundland
Authors: Hutchinson R D
Published: November 2013

Cambrian rocks of southeastern Newfoundland occur in scattered outcrops, mainly on Avalon and Burin Peninsulas, and comprise a miogeosynclinal sequence of dominantly shaly rocks, with minor limestone, siltstone, and sandstone. The rocks are commonly
metamorphosed, poorly exposed and sparsely fossiliferous, and correlation of the various local sequences has hitherto proved difficult owing to lack of faunal control. This report provides detailed stratigraphic sections and systematic descriptions of many genera and species, including seventeen new
trilobite species. The faunal sequence is similar to that of western Europe. Three Lower Cambrian zones are recognized with varying degrees of certainty; in ascending order they are named: Coleoloides, Calla via, and Prololenus. Four Middle Cambrian zones are characterized by species of Paradoxides.
Upper Cambrian zones of Agnoslus pisiformis, Olenus, and Parabolina occur, and unfossiliferous beds overlying the Parabolina zone may correlate with the Leptoplastus zone of Europe. The youngest Cambrian beds contain Peltura scarabaeoides and are assigned to the Pellura zone. The Cambrian is
overlain by Lower Ordovician shales with Shumardia and Diclyonema flabelliforme.
L’hébergement des données de santé à caractère personnel
Authors: Richard Christophe , Guigue Laurent
Published: November 2013

Les données de santé à caractère personnel (DSCP) sont généralement considérées comme des données sensibles dont la collecte ou le traitement informatique sont encadrés par plusieurs textes règlementaires et dans de nombreux cas, interdits sans autorisation spéciale. En France, le cadre législatif de tout traitement informatique de données est encadré depuis 1978 par la loi dite Informatique et libertés et celui concernant spécifiquement l’activité d’hébergement de données de santé à caractère personnel est fixé par l’article L. 1111-8 du code de la santé publique inséré par la loi n° 2002-303 du 4 mars 2002, dite loi « Kouchner ». Ces dispositions ont pour objectif d’organiser et de délimiter le dépôt, la conservation et la restitution des données de santé à caractère personnel, dans des conditions de nature à garantir leur confidentialité et leur sécurité. Il en résulte que toute entité qui conserve des données de santé de personnes pour lesquelles elle n’intervient pas dans la prise en charge médicale est soumise à l’obligation d’être hébergeur agréé. Cet agrément est délivré par le ministre de la santé sur la base de recommandations formulées par l’ASIP Santé et la CNIL par un dossier de demande d’agrément et le cas échéant un audit de la CNIL. Parmi ces obligations, le législateur a imposé la présence d’un médecin, dans toute structure agréée pour l’hébergement de données de santé à caractère personnel : le médecin dit de l’hébergeur. L’existence de plus de 53 décisions d’agrément rendues en date du 10 septembre 2013 par le ministre en charge de la santé, induit l’existence d’une trentaine de médecins en charge de l’activité d’hébergement dans les entités agréées. La majorité d’entre eux se sont regroupés au sein d‘une association avec pour objectif d’engager une réflexion collégiale sur les thématiques identifiées par les Membres et d’être force de proposition auprès des acteurs et institutions compétentes.
Resonant excitation of coastal Kelvin waves in the two-layer rotating shallow water model
Authors: Zeitlin V.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Resonant excitation of coastal Kelvin waves by free inertia–gravity waves impinging on the coast is studied in the framework of the simplest baroclinic model: two-layer rotating shallow water with an idealized straight coast. It is shown that, with respect to the previous results obtained with the one-layer model, new resonances leading to a possible excitation of Kelvin waves appear. The most interesting ones, described in the paper, are resonances of a baroclinic inertia–gravity wave with either another wave of this kind, or with a coastal current, leading to generation of a barotropic Kelvin wave. A forced Hopf equation results in any case for the evolution of the Kelvin wave amplitude.
The Averaged Null Energy Condition and the Madelung Constant for Cold Dark Matter and Energy
Authors: Winterberg Friedwardt
Published: November 2013

To explain the relative abundance of the dark energy and non-baryonic cold dark matter (74% and 22% respectively), making up 96% of the material content of the universe, it is proposed that space is filled with an equal amount of positive and negative mass particles, satisfying the average null energy condition, and with it the smallness of the cosmological constant. This assumption can explain the relative abundance of the dark energy and cold dark matter by the Madelung constant for the gravitationally-interacting positive and negative mass particles.
Gently does it for submicron crystals
Authors: Zeldin Oliver B , Brunger Axel T
Published: November 2013

A protein structure has been refined with electron diffraction data obtained by using a very weak electron beam to collect large numbers of diffraction patterns from a few sub-micron-sized three-dimensional crystals.
Graphene as an Electron Shuttle for Silver Deoxidation: Removing a Key Barrier to Plasmonics and Metamaterials for SERS in the Visible
Authors: Losurdo Maria , Bergmair Iris , Dastmalchi Babak , Kim Tong‐Ho , Giangregroio Maria M. , Jiao Wenyuan , Bianco Giuseppe V. , Brown April S. , Hingerl Kurt , Bruno Giovanni
Published: November 2013

The role of graphene in enabling deoxidation of silver nanostructures, thereby contributing to enhance plasmonic properties and to improve the temporal stability of graphene/silver hybrids for both general plasmonic and meta‐materials applications, as well as for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates, is demonstrated. The chemical mechanism occurring at the graphene–silver oxide interface is based on the reduction of silver oxide triggered by graphene that acts as a shuttle of electrons and as a kind of catalyst in the deoxidation. A mechanism is formulated, combining elements of electron transfer, role of defects in graphene, and electrochemical potentials of graphene, silver, and oxygen. Therefore, the formulated model represents a step forward from the simple view of graphene as barrier to oxygen diffusion proposed so far in literature. Single layer graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition is transferred onto silver thin films, a periodic silver fishnet structure fabricated by nanoimprint lithography, and onto silver nanoparticle ensembles supporting a localized surface plasmon resonance in the visible range. Through the study of these nanostructured graphene/Ag hybrids, the effectiveness of graphene in preventing and reducing oxidation of silver plasmonic structures, keeping silver in a metallic state over months at air exposure, is demonstrated. The enhanced and stable plasmonic properties of the silver‐fishnet/graphene hybrids are evaluated through their SERS response for detecting benzyl mercaptane.
Increased Risk of Complications Following Total Joint Arthroplasty in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ravi Bheeshma , Croxford Ruth , Hollands Simon , Paterson J. Michael , Bogoch Earl , Kreder Hans , Hawker Gillian A.
Published: November 2013

Objective

Most of the evidence regarding complications following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are based on patients with osteoarthritis (OA); less is known about outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using a validated algorithm for identifying patients with RA, we undertook this study to compare the rates of complications among THA and TKA recipients between those with RA and those without RA.

Methods

In patients who underwent a first primary elective THA or TKA between 2002 and 2009, those with RA were identified using a validated algorithm: a hospitalization with a diagnosis code for RA or 3 physician billing claims with a diagnosis code for RA, with at least 1 claim by a specialist (rheumatologist, orthopedic surgeon, or internist) in a 2‐year period. Recipients with diagnostic codes suggesting an inflammatory arthritis, but not meeting RA criteria, were classified as having inflammatory arthritis. All remaining patients were deemed to have OA. Cox proportional hazards models, censored on death, were used to determine the relationship between the type of arthritis and the occurrence of specific complications, adjusting for potential confounders (age, sex, comorbidity, and provider volume).

Results

We identified 43,997 eligible THA recipients (3% with RA) and 71,793 eligible TKA recipients (4% with RA). Total joint arthroplasty recipients with RA had higher age and sex–standardized rates of dislocation following THA (2.45%, compared with 1.21% for recipients with OA) and higher age and sex–standardized rates of infection following TKA (1.26%, compared with 0.84% for recipients with OA). Controlling for potential confounders, recipients with RA remained at increased risk of dislocation within 2 years of THA (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.91, P = 0.001) and remained at increased risk of infection within 2 years of TKA (adjusted HR 1.47, P = 0.03) relative to recipients with OA.

Conclusion

Patients with RA are at higher risk of dislocation following THA and are at higher risk of infection following TKA relative to those with OA. Further research is warranted to elucidate explanations for these findings, including the roles of medication profile, implant choice, postoperative antibiotic protocol, and method of rehabilitation following joint replacement.
Engineering the MEP pathway enhanced ajmalicine biosynthesis
Authors: Chang Kai , Qiu Fei , Chen Min , Zeng Lingjiang , Liu Xiaoqiang , Yang Chunxian , Lan Xiaozhong , Wang Qiang , Liao Zhihua
Published: November 2013

The 2‐C‐methyl‐D‐erythritol‐4‐phosphate (MEP) pathway genes encoding DXR and MECS from Taxus species and STR from Catharanthus roseus were used to genetically modify the ajmalicine biosynthetic pathway in hairy root cultures of C. roseus. As expected, the STR‐overexpressed root cultures showed twofold higher accumulation of ajmalicine than the control. It was important to discover that overexpression of the single DXR or MECS gene from the MEP pathway also remarkably enhanced ajmalicine biosynthesis in transgenic hairy root cultures, and this suggested that engineering the MEP pathway by overexpression of DXR or MECS promoted the metabolic flux into ajmalicine biosynthesis. The transgenic hairy root cultures with co‐overexpression of DXR and STR or MECS and STR had higher levels of ajmalicine than those with overexpression of a single gene alone such as DXR, MECS, and STR. It could be concluded that transgenic hairy root cultures harboring both DXR/MECS and STR possessed an increased flux in the terpenoid indole alkaloid biosynthetic pathway that enhanced ajmalicine yield, which was more efficient than cultures harboring only one of the three genes.
Does speculum lubricant affect liquid‐based Papanicolaou test adequacy?
Authors: Lin Stephanie N. , Taylor Jolyn , Alperstein Susan , Hoda Rana , Holcomb Kevin
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of data on the effect of vaginal lubricants on specimen adequacy in the era of liquid‐based Papanicolaou (Pap) tests. Current manufacturer recommendations advise against the use of lubricants, especially those that contain carbomers or carbopol polymers. There is, however, no conclusive evidence to support this recommendation. Moreover, the data that does exist is conflicting.

METHODS

Retrospective review was performed of all liquid‐based Pap tests collected between January 2010 and March 2012 by the Gynecologic Oncology division at a single hospital. Specimen adequacy was compared for vaginal and cervical specimens that were collected with and without a lubricant. Results were also compared for specimens collected with lubricants that did or did not contain carbomers.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in specimen adequacy for cervical or vaginal Pap test specimens collected with a water‐soluble lubricant not containing carbomers, compared to those collected without a lubricant. There was, however, a significantly higher rate of insufficient specimens when a water‐soluble lubricant containing carbomers was used. This difference was most pronounced for vaginal Pap tests (26.9% versus 1.2%, OR = 30.3, 95% CI = 16.6‐55.1, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lubricants containing carbomers should be avoided when collecting liquid‐based Pap tests because they can significantly decrease specimen adequacy. Lubricants that do not contain these substances do not significantly affect specimen adequacy. If there is an unusual increase in unsatisfactory Pap tests, the cytology laboratory should notify clinicians and work with them to determine the cause. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2014;122:221–226. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Highly Selective Fluorescence Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide by Using an Anthracene‐Functionalized Cyclam–CuII Complex
Authors: Santos‐Figueroa Luis E. , de la Torre Cristina , El Sayed Sameh , Sancenón Félix , Martínez‐Máñez Ramón , Costero Ana M. , Gil Salvador , Parra Margarita
Published: November 2013

An anthracene‐functionalised cyclam–copper(II) complex for the detection of HS– in aqueous environments has been prepared. This probe displays poor fluorescence but can selectively and sensitively detect HS– anions in water over other anions, biothiols and common oxidants such as H2O2 through remarkably enhanced emission. This turn‐on response in the presence of the HS– anion is ascribed to a demetallation reaction that inhibits emission quenching observed in the initial complex as a result of the presence of the paramagnetic Cu2+ centre. Moreover, real‐time fluorescence imaging measurements confirm that probe [Cu(1)]2+ can be easily used to detect intracellular HS– at micromolar concentrations with a remarkable enhancement in the FI/FI0 ratio.
P2X4 receptors control the fate and survival of activated microglia
Authors: Vázquez‐Villoldo Nuria , Domercq María , Martín Abraham , Llop Jordi , Gómez‐Vallejo Vanessa , Matute Carlos
Published: November 2013

Microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, responds to brain disarrangements by becoming activated to contend with brain damage. Here we show that the expression of P2X4 receptors is upregulated in inflammatory foci and in activated microglia in the spinal cord of rats with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as well as in the optic nerve of multiple sclerosis patients. To study the role of P2X4 receptors in microgliosis, we activated microglia with LPS in vitro and in vivo. We observed that P2X4 receptor activity in vitro was increased in LPS‐activated microglia as assessed by patch‐clamp recordings. In addition, P2X4 receptor blockade significantly reduced microglial membrane ruffling, TNFα secretion and morphological changes, as well as LPS‐induced microglial cell death. Accordingly, neuroinflammation provoked by LPS injection in vivo induced a rapid microglial loss in the spinal cord that was totally prevented or potentiated by P2X4 receptor blockade or facilitation, respectively. Within the brain, microglia in the hippocampal dentate gyrus showed particular vulnerability to LPS‐induced neuroinflammation. Thus, microglia processes in this region retracted as early as 2 h after injection of LPS and died around 24 h later, two features which were prevented by blocking P2X4 receptors. Together, these data suggest that P2X4 receptors contribute to controlling the fate of activated microglia and its survival.GLIA 2014;62:171–184
Pediatric hospitalist preoperative evaluation of children with neuromuscular scoliosis
Authors: Rappaport David I. , Cerra Samantha , Hossain Jobayer , Sharif Iman , Pressel David M.
Published: November 2013

WHAT'S NEW

This is the first study of a pediatric hospitalist preoperative clinic. Pediatric hospitalists frequently make significant recommendations for patients with neuromuscular scoliosis prior to spinal surgery, especially those with medical complexity. Certain clinical criteria are statistically significantly associated with a hospitalist making a preoperative recommendation.

OBJECTIVE

To assess (1) how frequently pediatric hospitalists make recommendations when evaluating preoperative neuromuscular scoliosis patients in anticipation of spinal fusion surgery and (2) evaluate if any clinical characteristics are associated with a higher likelihood of hospitalists doing so.

METHODS

We performed a case series study using retrospective chart review of 214 patients scheduled for spinal fusion surgery for neuromuscular scoliosis from November 2009 through September 2012.

RESULTS

We analyzed data for 214 patients aged 1 to 20 years (median, 13 years), of whom 155 (72%) received at least 1 specific preoperative recommendation, whereas 59 patients (28%) were cleared for surgery without specific recommendations. Underlying diagnosis (P = 0.024), nonambulatory status (odds ratio [OR]: 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.09‐3.74), and increased number of preoperative medications (OR: 1.19, 95% CI: 1.06‐1.34) were statistically significantly associated with an increased rate of receiving preoperative recommendations from the hospitalist. Comorbidities such as seizure disorder (OR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.29‐5.57) and gastrointestinal conditions (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.74‐6.45) were also statistically significantly associated with specific presurgical recommendations being made by the pediatric hospitalist.

CONCLUSION

A pediatric hospitalist preoperative program for children with neuromuscular scoliosis in anticipation of spinal fusion surgery is associated with a high rate of recommendations being made, especially in children with certain clinical characteristics. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2013;8:684–688. © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine
Influence of landscape composition on northern bobwhite population response to field border establishment
Authors: Bowling Shannon A. , Moorman Christopher E. , Deperno Christopher S. , Gardner Beth
Published: November 2013

Since the 1960s, habitat loss resulting from cleaner farming, increased urbanization, and maturation of early successional cover has caused range‐wide decline of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus). Although field borders increase bobwhite habitat and increase local populations, understanding how the surrounding landscape influences bobwhite response to this management practice is critical to efficient implementation. We determined the relative influence of landscape composition and field border implementation on bobwhite densities and occupancy dynamics around crop fields in North Carolina and South Carolina, USA. We used 10‐minute distance point counts to estimate density, occupancy, colonization, and extinction rates of male bobwhite around 154 agriculture fields, half of which had a fallow field border. We estimated percent of cropland, forest, pasture, early successional, and urban cover within 1‐km radius buffers (314 ha) surrounding all point count locations. We examined the influence of 6 predictor variables (landscape composition metrics and field border presence) on bobwhite density and occupancy dynamics. Bobwhite density increased with the presence of field borders. Conversely, bobwhite density decreased as the percentage of urban, pasture, and forest lands increased. The presence of a field border did not influence occupancy, colonization, or extinction rates. However, as the percentage of cropland increased within the landscape, bobwhite occupancy increased and as the percentage of pasture increased, bobwhite colonization decreased. As the percentage of forest and urban increased and cropland decreased, bobwhite extinction rate increased. Our results indicated that local establishment of field borders does not increase bobwhite occupancy rates, but field borders can increase densities in suitable landscapes where bobwhite are present. Habitat restoration for bobwhite will most effectively increase population densities if focused in landscapes dominated by suitable cover types, where bobwhite occurrence is high. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Condensed Mode Cooling for Ethylene Polymerization: The Influence of the Heat of Sorption
Authors: Alizadeh Arash , McKenna Timothy F. L.
Published: November 2013

The relative importance of the higher solubility of n‐hexane (with respect to ethylene) and its associated heat of sorption on the thermal behavior of the growing polymer particles during gas phase ethylene polymerization on supported catalysts are investigated. It is found that if a polymerizing particle begins to heat‐up, the partial desorption of a condensable solute in a gaseous state helps to attenuate the temperature rise in the polymer particles, decreasing the risk of local hot spots.
Genome‐wide analysis of DNA copy number alterations and loss of heterozygosity in intracranial germ cell tumors
Authors: Terashima Keita , Yu Alexander , Chow Wing‐Yuk T. , Hsu Wei‐chun J. , Chen Peikai , Wong Stephen , Hung Yeung Sam , Suzuki Tomonari , Nishikawa Ryo , Matsutani Masao , Nakamura Hideo , Ng Ho‐Keung , Allen Jeffrey C. , Aldape Kenneth D. , Su Jack M. , Adesina Adekunle M. , Leung Hon‐chiu E. , Man Tsz‐Kwong , Lau Ching C.
Published: November 2013

Backgrounds

Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare and heterogeneous with very little is known about their pathogenesis and underlying genetic abnormalities.

Procedures

In order to identify candidate genes and pathways which are involved in the pathogenesis of these tumors, we have profiled 62 intracranial GCTs for DNA copy number alterations (CNAs) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) by using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array and quantitative real time PCR (qPCR).

Results

Initially 27 cases of tumor tissues with matched blood samples were fully analyzed by SNP microarray and qPCR. Statistical analysis using the genomic identification of significant targets in cancer (GISTIC) tool identified 10 regions of significant copy number gain and 11 regions of significant copy number loss. While overall pattern of genomic aberration was similar between germinoma and nongerminomatous germ cell tumors (NGGCTs), a few subtype‐specific peak regions were identified. Analysis by SNP array and qPCR was replicated using an independent cohort of 35 cases.

Conclusions

Frequent aberrations of CCND2 (12p13) and RB1 (13q14) suggest that Cyclin/CDK‐RB‐E2F pathway might play a critical role in the pathogenesis of intracranial GCTs. Frequent gain of PRDM14 (8q13) implies that transcriptional regulation of primordial germ cell specification might be an important factor in the development of this tumor. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:593–600. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identification of novel NOTCH1 mutations: Increasing our knowledge of the NOTCH signaling pathway
Authors: Gallo Llorente L. , Luther H. , Schneppenheim R. , Zimmermann M. , Felice M. , Horstmann M.A.
Published: November 2013

Background

Alterations in the NOTCH1 signaling pathway are found in about 60% of pediatric T‐ALL, but its impact on prognosis remains unclear.

Procedure

We extended the previously published CoALL cohort (n = 74) to a larger cohort (n = 127) and additionally included 38 Argentine patients from ALL IC‐BFM to potentially identify novel mutations and decipher a stronger discriminatory effect on the genotype/phenotype relationship with regard to early treatment response and long‐term outcome.

Results

Overall, 101 out of 165 (61.2%) T‐ALL samples revealed at least one NOTCH1 mutation, 28 of whom had combined NOTCH1 and FBXW7 mutations. Eight T‐ALL samples (4.8%) exclusively revealed FBXW7 mutations. Fifty‐six T‐ALL (33.9%) exhibited a wild‐type configuration of either gene. Four novel NOTCH1 mutations were identified localized in the C‐terminal PEST domain, in the rarely affected LNR repeat domain and in the ankyrin domain. Novel LNR mutations may contribute to a better understanding of the structure of the NOTCH1 negative regulatory region (NRR) and the R1946 mutation in the ankyrin domain may represent an unusual loss‐of‐function mutation.

Conclusions

Overall, NOTCH1 pathway mutations did not affect the relapse rate and outcome of the extended T‐ALL cohort uniformly treated according to CoALL protocols, although NOTCH1 mutations were associated with good response to induction therapy (P = 0.009). Individually, HD and PEST domain mutations might exert distinct functional effects on cellular homeostasis under treatment NOTCH1 pathway activity with prognostic implications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:788–796. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unbounded anonymous hierarchical IBE with continual‐key‐leakage tolerance
Authors: Zhang Mingwu , Yang Bo , Wang Chunzhi , Takagi Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2013

Modern cryptographic schemes are constructed under the fundamental assumption that secret keys are perfectly hidden from all possible attackers. In practice, however, keys and internal states may partially be leaked. Recently, cryptographic construction with key‐leakage resilience has been a crucial research topic. In this work, we proposed an anonymous hierarchical identity‐based encryption that can tolerate partial leakage of secret keys. Our results were as follows. First, we provided a tolerance for continual key leakage that can capture both memory leakage and continual leakage. We extended a dual‐system encryption mechanism in orthogonal subgroups to achieve key‐leakage resilience and implicitly employed an update algorithm to guard against continual leakage. Second, the delegation depth is unbounded, which means that no predetermined depth was imposed in the setup algorithm, thus making the scheme very flexible in practice. We employed a secret‐sharing approach to split the master key into multiple shares in key components corresponding to the elements. Third, we analyzed and discussed the performance of allowable leakage‐tolerance bounds and the leakage rate of the proposed scheme and gave an evaluation that attains about 40–70% leakage rate under the Advanced Encryption Standard 112 security level. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sub-250 nm low-threshold deep-ultraviolet AlGaN-based heterostructure laser employing HfO2/SiO2 dielectric mirrors
Authors: Kao Tsung-Ting , Liu Yuh-Shiuan , Mahbub Satter Md. , Li Xiao-Hang , Lochner Zachary , Douglas Yoder P. , Detchprohm Theeradetch , Dupuis Russell D. , Shen Shyh-Chiang , Ryou Jae-Hyun , Fischer Alec M. , Wei Yong , Xie Hongen , Ponce Fernando A.
Published: November 2013

We report a sub-250-nm, optically pumped, deep-ultraviolet laser using an AlxGa1−xN-based multi-quantum-well structure grown on a bulk Al-polar c-plane AlN substrate. TE-polarization-dominant lasing action was observed at room temperature with a threshold pumping power density of 250 kW/cm2. After employing high-reflectivity SiO2/HfO2 dielectric mirrors on both facets, the threshold pumping power density was further reduced to 180 kW/cm2. The internal loss and threshold modal gain can be calculated as 2 cm−1 and 10.9 cm−1, respectively.
Thick-shelled, grazer-protected diatoms decouple ocean carbon and silicon cycles in the iron-limited Antarctic Circumpolar Current
Authors: Assmy Philipp , Smetacek Victor , Montresor Marina , Klaas Christine , Henjes Joachim , Strass Volker H. , Arrieta Jesús M. , Bathmann Ulrich , Berg Gry M. , Breitbarth Eike , Cisewski Boris , Friedrichs Lars , Fuchs Nike , Herndl Gerhard J. , Jansen Sandra , Krägefsky Sören , Latasa Mikel , Peeken Ilka , Röttgers Rüdiger , Scharek Renate , Schüller Susanne E. , Steigenberger Sebastian , Webb Adrian , Wolf-Gladrow Dieter
Published: November 2013

Significance

Silica-shelled diatoms dominate marine phytoplankton blooms and play a key role in ocean ecology and the global carbon cycle. We show how differences in ecological traits of dominant Southern Ocean diatom species, observed during the in situ European Iron Fertilization Experiment (EIFEX), can influence ocean carbon and silicon cycles. We argue that the ecology of thick-shelled diatom species, selected for by heavy copepod grazing, sequesters silicon relative to other nutrients in the deep Southern Ocean and underlying sediments to the detriment of diatom growth elsewhere. This evolutionary arms race provides a framework to link ecology with biogeochemistry of the ocean.
Analysis of DNA methylation reveals a partial reprogramming of the Müller glia genome during retina regeneration
Authors: Powell Curtis , Grant Ana R. , Cornblath Eli , Goldman Daniel
Published: November 2013

Significance

Retinal injury in zebrafish stimulates Müller glia (MG) to undergo a reprogramming event that transitions their identity from quiescent supportive cells to multipotent progenitors capable of repairing the damaged retina. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this reprogramming event may provide insights for stimulating retina regeneration in mammals. Here we report an epigenetic analysis of zebrafish MG, monitoring changes in their genomic methylation levels as they reprogram and generate progenitors. Although we find a changing DNA methylation landscape, our data also suggest that a basal methylation program may facilitate this transition. Interestingly, certain aspects of this basal methylation program are shared with mammals, suggesting they too may acquire progenitor properties under appropriate circumstances.
Genetic interplay betweenHLA-CandMIR148Ain HIV control and Crohn disease
Authors: Kulkarni Smita , Qi Ying , O’hUigin Colm , Pereyra Florencia , Ramsuran Veron , McLaren Paul , Fellay Jacques , Nelson George , Chen Haoyan , Liao Wilson , Bass Sara , Apps Richard , Gao Xiaojiang , Yuki Yuko , Lied Alexandra , Ganesan Anuradha , Hunt Peter W. , Deeks Steven G. , Wolinsky Steven , Walker Bruce D. , Carrington Mary
Published: November 2013

Significance

In the human population differentHLA-Callotypes are present that have different expression levels at the cell surface. Individuals with higher expressedHLA-Callotypes demonstrate better HIV control but increased risk of Crohn disease. A microRNA, miR-148a, regulates expression of some HLA-C allotypes. We report here that this microRNA also varies in expression level between people.MIR148Avariation showed significant and opposing effects on HIV viral control vs. risk of Crohn disease, specifically in subjects withHLA-Calleles that are regulated by miR-148a. These results are independent of confounding effects by otherHLAloci because only HLA-C is regulated by miR-148a. Our data represent an example of gene interactions that affect immune response and thereby the risk of human disease.
Nuclear import of APOBEC3F-labeled HIV-1 preintegration complexes
Authors: Burdick Ryan C. , Hu Wei-Shau , Pathak Vinay K.
Published: November 2013

Significance

We observed that fluorescent protein-tagged host restriction factors APOBEC3F (A3F) and APOBEC3G (A3G) remain associated with HIV-1 preintegration complexes (PICs) in the nuclei of infected cells. Using A3F labeling as a tool to visualize PICs, we determined that (
i
) reverse transcription is not required for nuclear import of PICs, indicating that a viral core uncoating event associated with reverse transcription, and the central DNA flap that forms during reverse transcription, are not required for nuclear import; (
ii
) viral core stability mutations dramatically reduce association of PICs with the nuclear envelope as well as diminish their nuclear import; and (
iii
) most nuclear PICs remain close to the nuclear envelope and are not distributed throughout the nuclei.
Free-energy landscape of protein oligomerization from atomistic simulations
Authors: Barducci Alessandro , Bonomi Massimiliano , Prakash Meher K. , Parrinello Michele
Published: November 2013

Significance

Oligomeric proteins, comprising two or more associating polypeptide chains, represent a large fraction of cellular proteins. In particular, many proteins self-associate into homooligomers to gain functional advantages. Our understanding of the oligomerization at the molecular level is currently limited because intermediates that occur in the process are short-lived in most occasions, precluding a direct experimental characterization. Using molecular dynamics simulations, enhanced by a sampling method developed in our group, we obtained an atomistic description of the assembly of an evolutionary-optimized trimeric protein. Our results are in excellent agreement with available experimental data and extend the current view of oligomerization by showing the importance of the apparently contradictory requirements of monomer preorganization and conformational flexibility.