bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Environmental Innovations Emerge and Proliferate in Supply Networks: A Complex Adaptive Systems Perspective
Authors: Nair Anand , Yan Tingting , Ro Young K. , Oke Adegoke , Chiles Todd H. , Lee Su‐Yol
Published: December 2015

Through a qualitative study of two firms' supply networks, we develop a theory of the process by which environmental innovations emerge and proliferate in supply networks. To overcome limitations of current supply network innovation theories, which focus on the diffusion of existing innovations, we employ a complex adaptive systems perspective, which addresses how such innovations come into being in the first place and how they spread in a network over time. Our findings suggest a process model, in which temporally connected processes cross from the organizational to the network level, creating and spreading environmental innovations in supply networks. This model and its corresponding theoretical propositions were generated through an abductive research methodology. Our key insight is that development of environmental innovations in supply networks is an emergent phenomenon. Once in the network realm, the process ceases to be under the control of the dominant buying firm. Instead, self‐organization and decentralized coordination prevail.
The Gnetales: Recent insights on their morphology, reproductive biology, chromosome numbers, biogeography, and divergence times
Authors: Ickert‐Bond Stefanie M. , Renner Susanne S.
Published: December 2015

Ephedra, Gnetum, and Welwitschia constitute the gymnosperm order Gnetales of still unclear phylogenetic relationships within seed plants. Here we review progress over the past 10 years in our understanding of their species diversity, morphology, reproductive biology, chromosome numbers, and genome sizes, highlighting the unevenness in the sampling of species even for traits that can be studied in preserved material, such as pollen morphology. We include distribution maps and original illustrations of key features, and specify which species groups or geographic areas are undersampled.
Frequency and Severity of Neutropenia Associated with Food and Drug Administration Approved and Compounded Formulations of Lomustine in Dogs with Cancer
Authors: Burton J.H. , Stanley S.D. , Knych H.K. , Rodriguez C.O. , Skorupski K.A. , Rebhun R.B.
Published: December 2015

Background

Compounded lomustine is used commonly in veterinary patients. However, the potential variability in these formulations is unknown and concern exists that compounded formulations of drugs may differ in potency from Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved products.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The initial objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency and severity of neutropenia in dogs treated with compounded or FDA‐approved formulations of lomustine. Subsequent analyses aimed to determine the potency of lomustine obtained from several compounding pharmacies.

Animals

Thirty‐seven dogs treated with FDA‐approved or compounded lomustine.

Methods

Dogs that received compounded or FDA‐approved lomustine and had pretreatment and nadir CBCs performed were eligible for inclusion. Variables assessed included lomustine dose, neutrophil counts, and severity of neutropenia. Lomustine 5 mg capsules from 5 compounding sources were tested for potency using high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection.

Results

Twenty‐one dogs received FDA‐approved lomustine and 16 dogs were treated with lomustine prescribed from a single compounding pharmacy. All dogs treated with FDA‐approved lomustine were neutropenic after treatment; 15 dogs (71%) developed grade 3 or higher neutropenia. Four dogs (25%) given compounded lomustine became neutropenic, with 2 dogs (12.5%) developing grade 3 neutropenia. The potency of lomustine from 5 compounding pharmacies ranged from 50 to 115% of the labeled concentration, with 1 sample within ±10% of the labeled concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

These data support broader investigation into the potency and consistency of compounded chemotherapy drugs and highlight the potential need for greater oversight of these products.
Daclatasvir plus asunaprevir for HCV genotype 1b infection in patients with or without compensated cirrhosis: a pooled analysis
Authors: Kao Jia‐Horng , Jensen Donald M. , Manns Michael P. , Jacobson Ira , Kumada Hiromitsu , Toyota Joji , Heo Jeong , Yoffe Boris , Sievert William , Bessone Fernando , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Roberts Stuart K. , Lee Youn‐Jae , Bhore Rafia , Mendez Patricia , Hughes Eric , Noviello Stephanie
Published: December 2015

Background & Aims

We compared outcomes by cirrhosis status across studies of the all‐oral combination of daclatasvir (DCV) plus asunaprevir (ASV).

Methods

Outcomes from global and Japanese phase 2 and 3 clinical studies of DCV+ASV in patients with genotype (GT) 1b infection were assessed by cirrhosis status. Sustained virological response (SVR) was assessed in individual phase 3 studies; a pooled analysis was carried out for safety outcomes.

Results

In the Japanese phase 3 study, SVR12 was achieved by 91% of patients with cirrhosis (n = 22) and 84% of patients without cirrhosis (n = 200); in the global phase 3 study, SVR12 was achieved by 84% of patients with cirrhosis (n = 206) and by 85% of patients without cirrhosis (n = 437). The frequency of serious adverse events, adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation and treatment‐emergent grade 3/4 laboratory abnormalities was low (<10%) and similar among patients with (n = 229) or without (n = 689) compensated cirrhosis receiving DCV+ASV. Grade 3/4 reductions in platelets and neutrophils were more common among patients with cirrhosis (1.3 and 2.2%, respectively) compared with those without cirrhosis (both 0.6%). Grade 3/4 liver function test abnormalities were less common among patients with cirrhosis (1.8%) compared with those without cirrhosis (3.5–4.7%). Alanine aminotransferase elevations were not associated with hepatic decompensation.

Conclusions

The safety and efficacy of DCV+ASV were similar in patients with or without compensated cirrhosis. This all‐oral, interferon‐ and ribavirin‐free combination is an effective and well‐tolerated treatment option for patients with HCV GT1b infection and cirrhosis.

Trial registrations numbers: Clinicaltrials.gov identifiers: NCT01012895; NCT01051414; NCT01581203; NCT01497834.
Petrology, mineralogy, and oxygen isotope compositions of aluminum‐rich chondrules from CV3 chondrites
Authors: Wang Ying , Hsu Weibiao , Li Xianhua , Li Qiuli , Liu Yu , Tang Guoqiang
Published: December 2015

Bulk major element composition, petrography, mineralogy, and oxygen isotope compositions of twenty Al‐rich chondrules (ARCs) from five CV3 chondrites (Northwest Africa [NWA] 989, NWA 2086, NWA 2140, NWA 2697, NWA 3118) and the Ningqiang carbonaceous chondrite were studied and compared with those of ferromagnesian chondrules and refractory inclusions. Most ARCs are marginally Al‐richer than ferromagnesian chondrules with bulk Al2O3 of 10–15 wt%. ARCs are texturally similar to ferromagnesian chondrules, composed primarily of olivine, pyroxene, plagioclase, spinel, Al‐rich glass, and metallic phases. Minerals in ARCs have intermediate compositions. Low‐Ca pyroxene (Fs0.6–8.8Wo0.7–9.3) has much higher Al2O3 and TiO2 contents (up to 12.5 and 2.3 wt%, respectively) than that in ferromagnesian chondrules. High‐Ca pyroxene (Fs0.3–2.0Wo33–54) contains less Al2O3 and TiO2 than that in Ca,Al‐rich inclusions (CAIs). Plagioclase (An77–99Ab1–23) is much more sodic than that in CAIs. Spinel is enriched in moderately volatile element Cr (up to 6.7 wt%) compared to that in CAIs. Al‐rich enstatite coexists with anorthite and spinel in a glass‐free chondrule, implying that the formation of Al‐enstatite was not due to kinetic reasons but is likely due to the high Al2O3/CaO ratio (7.4) of the bulk chondrule. Three ARCs contain relict CAIs. Oxygen isotope compositions of ARCs are also intermediate between those of ferromagnesian chondrules and CAIs. They vary from −39.4‰ to 13.9‰ in δ18O and yield a best fit line (slope = 0.88) close to the carbonaceous chondrite anhydrous mineral (CCAM) line. Chondrules with 5–10 wt% bulk Al2O3 have a slightly more narrow range in δ18O (−32.5 to 5.9‰) along the CCAM line. Except for the ARCs with relict phases, however, most ARCs have oxygen isotope compositions (>−20‰ in δ18O) similar to those of typical ferromagnesian chondrules. ARCs are genetically related to both ferromagnesian chondrules and CAIs, but the relationship between ARCs and ferromagnesian chondrules is closer. Most ARCs were formed during flash heating and rapid cooling processes like normal chondrules, only from chemically evolved precursors. ARCs extremely enriched in Al and those with relict phases could have had a hybrid origin (Krot et al. 2002) which incorporated refractory inclusions as part of the precursors in addition to ferromagnesian materials. The occurrence of melilite in ARCs indicates that melilite‐rich CAIs might be present in the precursor materials of ARCs. The absence of melilite in most ARCs is possibly due to high‐temperature interactions between a chondrule melt and the solar nebula.
Local leukocyte proliferation as a target for cyclophosphamide in the treatment of Henoch‐Schönlein purpura nephritis grade VI
Authors: Kaneko Masahiro , Ikezumi Yohei , Yamada Takeshi , Hasegawa Hiroya , Kaneko Utako , Saitoh Akihiko
Published: December 2015

Henoch‐Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) is one of the most common types of chronic glomerulonephritis in children; however, there have been few reports on the pathogenesis and management of grade VI HSPN. We present the case of a 6‐year‐old boy with grade VI HSPN accompanied by severe nephrotic syndrome and hypocomplementaemia. Immunohistological studies revealed profound glomerular accumulation of CD45‐ and CD68‐positive inflammatory cells. Moreover, some cells expressed the proliferating marker proliferating cell nuclear antigen. His proteinuria and general oedema persisted despite repeated high‐dose steroid therapy; however, these clinical symptoms immediately improved after beginning treatment with cyclophosphamide (CyP). Grade VI HSPN was successfully treated with steroids and immunosuppressants. Among immunosuppressive drugs, CyP was considered the most effective.
Comparative analysis of the tubulin cytoskeleton organization in nodules of Medicago truncatula and Pisum sativum: bacterial release and bacteroid positioning correlate with characteristic microtubule rearrangements
Authors: Kitaeva Anna B. , Demchenko Kirill N. , Tikhonovich Igor A. , Timmers Antonius C. J. , Tsyganov Viktor E.
Published: December 2015

In this study we analyzed and compared the organization of the tubulin cytoskeleton in nodules of Medicago truncatula and Pisum sativum.

We combined antibody labeling and green fluorescent protein tagging with laser confocal microscopy to observe microtubules (MTs) in nodules of both wild‐type (WT) plants and symbiotic plant mutants blocked at different steps of nodule development.

The 3D MT organization of each histological nodule zone in both M. truncatula and P. sativum is correlated to specific developmental processes. Endoplasmic MTs appear to support infection thread growth, infection droplet formation and bacterial release into the host cytoplasm in nodules of both species. No differences in the organization of the MT cytoskeleton between WT and bacterial release mutants were apparent, suggesting both that the phenotype is not linked to a defect in MT organization and that the growth of hypertrophied infection threads is supported by MTs. Strikingly, bacterial release coincides with a change in the organization of cortical MTs from parallel arrays into an irregular, crisscross arrangement. After release, the organization of endoplasmic MTs is linked to the distribution of symbiosomes.

The 3D MT organization of each nodule histological zone in M. truncatula and P. sativum was analyzed and linked to specific developmental processes.
Left and Right Parasternal Sensing for the S‐ICD in Adult Congenital Heart Disease Patients and Normal Controls
Authors: WILSON DAVID G. , ZEB MEHMOOD , VELDTMAN GRUSCHEN , DIMITROV BORISLAV D. , MORGAN JOHN M.
Published: December 2015

Background

This study investigated the impact of a right
parasternal sensing electrode position on the R‐ and T‐wave amplitudes and the R:T ratio in three subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) vectors in patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) and normal controls.

Methods

Conventional left parasternal sensing electrode position and right parasternal sensing electrode positions were used to collect 10‐second electrograms, recorded through an 80‐electrode body surface mapping technology (Prime ECG™ system, Heartscape Technologies Inc., now Verathon, Columbia, MD, USA). Recordings were made in the supine, prone, left lateral, right lateral, sitting, and standing positions in using both the standard electrode vector position and the right parasternal positions.

Results

Forty patients were recruited and 37 patients were used for analysis. Twenty‐seven (73%) had complex ACHD; 10 patients had normal hearts and acted as controls. A total of 3,708 data points were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the R:T ratio when measured in ACHD patients in the right compared to the left parasternal lead position. In contrast, there were important differences in the magnitude of the R:T ratio when measured in control patients in the right compared to the left parasternal lead position; in the primary vector, the R:T ratio was greater in right than left by 2.99 (P = 0.0002; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.48–4.50) and in the secondary vector, the R:T ratio was smaller in the right than in the left by 0.77 (P = 0.004; 95% CI: −1.58–0.05).

Conclusion

In selected patients, a right parasternal lead position may provide a useful alternative sensing configuration for the S‐ICD.
Interventions designed using quality improvement methods reduce the incidence of serious airway events and airway cardiac arrests during pediatric anesthesia
Authors: Spaeth James P. , Kreeger Renee , Varughese Anna M. , Wittkugel Eric
Published: December 2015

Background

Although serious complications during pediatric anesthesia are less common than they were 20 years ago, serious airway events continue to occur. Based on Quality Improvement (QI) data from our institution, a QI project was designed to reduce the incidence of serious airway events and airway cardiac arrests.

Methods

A quality improvement team consisting of members of the Department of Anesthesia was formed and QI data from previous years were analyzed. The QI team developed a Smart Aim, Key Driver Diagram, and specific Interventions that focused on the accessibility of emergency drugs, the use of nondepolarizing muscle relaxants for endotracheal intubation in children 2 years and younger, and the presence of anesthesia providers until emergence from anesthesia in high‐risk patients.

Results

The percentage of cases where muscle relaxants were utilized in children 2 years and younger for endotracheal intubation and where atropine and succinylcholine were readily available increased at both our base and outpatient facilities. Over the 2.5‐year study period, the incidence of serious airway events and airway cardiac arrests was reduced by 44% and 59%, respectively compared to the previous 2‐year period.

Conclusion

We utilized QI methodology to design and implement a project which led to greater standardization of clinical practice within a large pediatric anesthesia group. Based on an understanding of system issues impacting our clinical practice, we designed and tested interventions that led to a significant reduction in the incidence of serious airway events and airway cardiac arrests.
The Sensory Content of Perceptual Experience
Authors: Berger Jacob
Published: December 2015

According to a traditional view, perceptual experiences are composites of distinct (but related) sensory and cognitive components. This dual‐component theory has many benefits; in particular, it purports to offer a way forward in the debate over what kinds of properties perceptual experiences represent. On this kind of view, the issue reduces to the questions of what the sensory and cognitive components respectively represent. Here, I focus on the former topic. I propose a theory of the contents of the sensory aspects of perceptual experience that provides clear criteria for identifying what kinds of properties they represent.
Kind Properties and the Metaphysics of Perception: Towards Impure Relationalism
Authors: Cavedon‐Taylor Dan
Published: December 2015

A central debate in contemporary philosophy of perception is between those who hold that perception is a detection relation of sensory awareness (naïve realists) and those who hold that it is representational state akin to belief (representationalists). Another key debate is between those who claim that we can perceive natural or artifactual kind properties, e.g. ‘being a tomato’, ‘being a doorknob’, etc. and those who hold we cannot. The current consensus is that these debates are entirely unrelated. I argue that this consensus is wrong: the perception of natural or artifactal kinds favours representationalism. Naïve realists who wish to accommodate such perception should embrace a disunified metaphysics of perception, one that combines relational and representational events; call such a view ‘impure relationalism.’
SSRmarker development from peanut gynophore transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Zhong Ruichun , Zhou Meili , Zhao Chuanzhi , Hou Lei , Li Changsheng , Wang Xingjun , Tang Ronghua , Xia Han
Published: December 2015

Peanut is one of the most important oil crops in the world. To accelerate the marker‐assisted selection programmes of peanut, a transcriptome library of peanut gynophores at three different growth stages was constructed and sequenced using Illumina HiSeq™2000. Totally, 72 527 unigenes were assembled and mined forEST SSRs. A total of 5058SSRs were obtained by using theSSRfinding programme, which represented an average density of oneSSRper 5.65 kb. Four thousand four hundred and forty‐two unigenes that contained one or moreSSRs were identified. The most abundantSSRs in peanut are trinucleotides (55.1%)SSRs and followed by dinucleotides (33.2%).AG/CT(25.8%) repeats were the most abundant and followed byAAG/CTT(19.9%). Primers for 200SSRs were designed forPCRamplification and for analysis of polymorphism in 22 peanut cultivars. Polymorphism could be detected by 17SSRs among these cultivars. The newly developedSSRmarkers from peanut gynophore transcriptome sequencing will be an additional source of markers to the peanut community.
Cytokine profile in two siblings with neonatal lupus erythematosus
Authors: Shimozawa Hironori , Kono Yumi , Matano Miyuki , Suzuki Yume , Koike Yasunori , Yada Yukari , Yamagata Takanori , Takahashi Naoto
Published: December 2015

We studied the cytokine profile of two siblings with neonatal lupus erythematosus (NLE) born to a mother positive for serum anti‐Ro and ‐La antibodies, who did not receive any medication during the two pregnancies. The first sibling was found to have complete atrioventricular block in utero and became severely ill after birth. He fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis on day 2. The second sibling did not have any fetal symptoms. He was generally stable after birth, but with typical skin rash. Laboratory data suggested that they both had hypercytokinemia during the neonatal period, requiring corticosteroid treatment. Interleukin (IL)‐6, interferon‐γ, IL‐8 and monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 were elevated in both cases, while IL‐12, IL‐13 and IL‐17 were elevated only in the second sibling. Comparison of the cytokine profiles suggests the potential roles of different cytokines in the onset and clinical manifestations of NLE.
Healthcare Use in the Heartland: How Health Care Selection Varies Between Rural, Retirement‐Age Migrants and Long‐Term Residents
Authors: Sanders Scott R. , Erickson Lance D. , Call Vaughn R. A. , Rugh Jacob S. , McKnight Mathew L.
Published: December 2015

One increasingly important problem affecting rural health care selection is the tendency of older residents to bypass local health care providers. This research investigates how the effects of community characteristics and attachment on health care bypass behavior vary between rural retirement‐age migrants and retirement‐age long‐term residents. Non‐health‐related behaviors, such as purchasing goods and services outside one's community during a health care trip, that is, “outshopping,” could influence bypass if individuals combine trips for their medical care with other consumer needs. Basing our work on the outshopping theory, we argue that bypass behavior is one facet of consumer consumption patterns for both rural retirement‐age migrants and long‐term residents. In addition, dissatisfaction with local health care and services like shopping can “push” rural residents to bypass local health care and travel greater distances for primary health care. We further contend that strong community attachment has an opposite “pull” effect that can help to negate the push of outshopping and reduce the likelihood of bypass. Our results reveal retirement‐age migrants are significantly more likely to bypass local primary health care providers than retirement‐age long‐term residents. Furthermore, our analysis bridges the rural health care and retirement community development literature to suggest that outshopping theory can now be applied to rural primary health care bypass behavior.
Successful treatment of refractory seizures with phenobarbital, propofol, and medetomidine following congenital portosystemic shunt ligation in a dog
Authors: Heidenreich Dorothee C. , Giordano Paola , Kirby Barbara M.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To report a case of refractory seizures following congenital portosystemic shunt (CPSS) ligation that regained normal neurologic and hepatic function with novel treatment. Medical care included constant rate infusions (CRI) of propofol and medetomidine in conjunction with phenobarbital and supportive intensive care.

Case Summary

A 2‐year‐old neutered male Bichon Frise was diagnosed with a single extrahepatic CPSS based on typical clinical signs, laboratory data, abdominal ultrasound, and computed tomographic angiography. Following initiation of standard medical treatment, a complete surgical ligation of the CPSS was performed. Recovery was uneventful until postligation neurologic dysfunction developed 54 hours after surgery. Seizures were controlled with phenobarbital (6 mg/kg IM q 12 h) and propofol CRI (0.3–0.6 mg/kg/min). Attempts to wean the dog from the propofol CRI resulted in recurrence of seizure activity until the addition of medetomidine CRI (0.016 μg/kg/min) 76 hours after initiation of drug‐induced coma allowed gradual discontinuation of the propofol CRI. The dog regained full neurologic and hepatic function and had no further seizure activity apart from a small number of seizure episodes 5 and 22 months later. Adjustments in antiepileptic treatment resulted in no further neurologic dysfunction at 27‐month follow‐up.

New or Unique Information Provided

This report highlights the potential benefit of medetomidine CRI for treatment of postattenuation refractory seizures, which to date have proven impossible to predict and difficult to treat with high mortality rates and persistent neurological deficits in surviving animals. Neuroprotective, drug‐sparing, and anti‐hypertensive features of medetomidine might improve outcome in postligation refractory seizures. Further investigation and clinical application of medetomidine CRI may improve outcome in this complication of CPSS attenuation.
TECHNIQUE, DIFFICULTY, AND ACCURACY OF COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY‐GUIDED TRANSLAMINAR AND TRANSFORAMINAL LUMBOSACRAL EPIDURAL AND INTRAARTICULAR LUMBAR FACET JOINT INJECTIONS IN DOGS
Authors: Liotta Annalisa , Sandersen Charlotte , Couvreur Thierry , Bolen Géraldine
Published: December 2015

In human medicine, spinal pain and radiculopathy are commonly managed by computed tomography (CT)‐guided facet joint injections and by transforaminal or translaminar epidural injections. In dogs, CT‐guided lumbosacral epidural or lumbar facet joint injections have not been described. The aim of this experimental, ex vivo, feasibility study was to develop techniques and to assess their difficulty and accuracy. Two canine cadavers were used to establish the techniques and eight cadavers to assess difficulty and accuracy. Contrast medium was injected and a CT scan was performed after each injection. Accuracy was assessed according to epidural or joint space contrast opacification. Difficulty was classified as easy, moderately difficult, or difficult, based on the number of CT scans needed to guide insertion of the needle. A total of six translaminar and five transforaminal epidural and 53 joint injections were performed. Translaminar injections had a high success rate (100%), were highly accurate (75%), and easy to perform (100%). Transforaminal injections had an moderately high success rate (75%), were accurate (75%), and moderately difficult to perform (100%). Success rate of facet joint injections was 62% and was higher for larger facet joints, such as L7‐S1. Accuracy of facet joint injections ranged from accurate (37–62%) to highly accurate (25%) depending on the volume injected. In 77% of cases, injections were moderately difficult to perform. Possible complications of epidural and facet joint injections were subarachnoid and vertebral venous plexus puncture and periarticular spread, respectively. Further studies are suggested to evaluate in vivo feasibility and safety of these techniques.
An undergraduate experiment demonstrating the physics of metamaterials with acoustic waves and soda cans
Authors: Wilkinson James T. , Whitehouse Christopher B. , Oulton Rupert F. , Gennaro Sylvain D.
Published: December 2015

We describe a novel undergraduate research project that highlights the physics of metamaterials with acoustic waves and soda cans. We confirm the Helmholtz resonance nature of a single can by measuring its amplitude and phase response to a sound wave. Arranging multiple cans in arrays smaller than the wavelength, we then design an antenna that redirects sound into a preferred direction. The antenna can be thought of as a new resonator, composed of artificially engineered meta-atoms, similar to a metamaterial. These experiments are illustrative, tactile, and open ended so as to enable students to explore the physics of matter/wave interaction.
A frequency-domain derivation of shot-noise
Authors: Rice Frank
Published: December 2015

A formula for shot-noise is derived in the frequency-domain. The derivation is complete and reasonably rigorous while being appropriate for undergraduate students; it models a sequence of random pulses using Fourier sine and cosine series, and requires some basic statistical concepts. The text here may serve as a pedagogic introduction to the spectral analysis of random processes and may prove useful to introduce students to the logic behind stochastic problems. The concepts of noise power spectral density and equivalent noise bandwidth are introduced.
Oersted Medal Lecture, January 6, 2015: AAPT, TPT, and Me
Authors: Mamola Karl C.
Published: December 2015

AAPT established The Physics Teacher more than 50 years ago as a magazine for high school teachers. Over the decades, the publication has evolved in a number of important ways, and I was privileged to play a part in that evolution. I will describe some of the important preparation I received for that role and share some of the insights I gained during my 13 years as editor. I'll outline the history of The Physics Teacher, leading to its eventually becoming a peer-reviewed journal serving a very broad audience. I will also discuss TPT's role in the physics teaching community and the important positive influence it has had on the evolution of AAPT. I'll conclude with some observations and conclusions drawn from my more than 40 years of teaching experience.
Professor Usain Bolt Welcomes You to the Schoolyard: Physics for Champions
Authors: Vourlias Kostas , Seroglou Fanny
Published: December 2015

Could Usain Bolt achieve what teachers often fail to do? Could this famous Olympic winner challenge and motivate students to study mechanics and introduce them to the principles of physics in a fun way, outside of the classroom? In order to answer these questions, we “invited” for one semester the world record holder to visit our Greek high school in Thessaloniki as a guest teacher. For 13 weeks, 27 fifteen-year-olds run (or at least try to run) side by side with this great athlete, intending to learn his secrets. Within 9.58 s or 100 m, students have the chance to study a “phenomenon” of their daily lives and be introduced to a variety of concepts of physics in a pleasant and effective way. Students use simple athletic and innovative biomechanical equipment for their experiments, but mostly their own bodies, as experimental tools in order to study and to “feel” physics. Students have the chance to compare their athletic abilities to Bolt's and confront some of their ideas concerning concepts of physics.
A channel involved in pain perception
Authors: Vinson Valda
Published: December 2015

Structural studies give insight into how a human sodium channel involved in pain perception can be selectively inhibited.
BMP2 decides cancer cell fate
Authors: Prabakaran Sudhakaran
Published: December 2015

BMP2 promotes growth of ovarian cancer stem cells selectively.
Development of a therapeutic monoclonal antibody that targets secreted fatty acid–binding protein aP2 to treat type 2 diabetes
Authors: Burak M. Furkan , Inouye Karen E. , White Ariel , Lee Alexandra , Tuncman Gurol , Calay Ediz S. , Sekiya Motohiro , Tirosh Amir , Eguchi Kosei , Birrane Gabriel , Lightwood Daniel , Howells Louise , Odede Geofrey , Hailu Hanna , West Shauna , Garlish Rachel , Neale Helen , Doyle Carl , Moore Adrian , Hotamisligil Gökhan S.
Published: December 2015

A monoclonal antibody to fatty acid–binding protein aP2 has antidiabetic effects on glucose output and utilization.
Resisting the antitumor immune response
Authors: Behjati Sam
Published: December 2015

Loss of
PTEN
protects tumors from immune attack.
Genetic Analysis Reveals the Essential Role of Nitrogen Phosphotransferase System Components in Sinorhizobium fredii CCBAU 45436 Symbioses with Soybean and Pigeonpea Plants
Authors: Li Yue Zhen , Wang Dan , Feng Xue Ying , Jiao Jian , Chen Wen Xin , Tian Chang Fu
Published: December 2015

The nitrogen phosphotransferase system (PTS
Ntr
) consists of EI
Ntr
, NPr, and EIIA
Ntr
. The active phosphate moiety derived from phosphoenolpyruvate is transferred through EI
Ntr
and NPr to EIIA
Ntr
.
Sinorhizobium fredii
can establish a nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with the legume crops soybean (as determinate nodules) and pigeonpea (as indeterminate nodules). In this study,
S. fredii
strains with mutations in
ptsP
and
ptsO
(encoding EI
Ntr
and NPr, respectively) formed ineffective nodules on soybeans, while a strain with a
ptsN
mutation (encoding EIIA
Ntr
) was not defective in symbiosis with soybeans. Notable reductions in the numbers of bacteroids within each symbiosome and of poly-β-hydroxybutyrate granules in bacteroids were observed in nodules infected by the
ptsP
or
ptsO
mutant strains but not in those infected with the
ptsN
mutant strain. However, these defects of the
ptsP
and
ptsO
mutant strains were recovered in
ptsP ptsN
and
ptsO ptsN
double-mutant strains, implying a negative role of unphosphorylated EIIA
Ntr
in symbiosis. Moreover, the symbiotic defect of the
ptsP
mutant was also recovered by expressing EI
Ntr
with or without the GAF domain, indicating that the putative glutamine-sensing domain GAF is dispensable in symbiotic interactions. The critical role of PTS
Ntr
in symbiosis was also observed when related PTS
Ntr
mutant strains of
S. fredii
were inoculated on pigeonpea plants. Furthermore, nodule occupancy and carbon utilization tests suggested that multiple outputs could be derived from components of PTS
Ntr
in addition to the negative role of unphosphorylated EIIA
Ntr
.
Coexistence of Microaerophilic, Nitrate-Reducing, and Phototrophic Fe(II) Oxidizers and Fe(III) Reducers in Coastal Marine Sediment
Authors: Laufer Katja , Nordhoff Mark , Røy Hans , Schmidt Caroline , Behrens Sebastian , Jørgensen Bo Barker , Kappler Andreas
Published: December 2015

Iron is abundant in sediments, where it can be biogeochemically cycled between its divalent and trivalent redox states. The neutrophilic microbiological Fe cycle involves Fe(III)-reducing and three different physiological groups of Fe(II)-oxidizing microorganisms, i.e., microaerophilic, anoxygenic phototrophic, and nitrate-reducing Fe(II) oxidizers. However, it is unknown whether all three groups coexist in one habitat and how they are spatially distributed in relation to gradients of O
2
, light, nitrate, and Fe(II). We examined two coastal marine sediments in Aarhus Bay, Denmark, by cultivation and most probable number (MPN) studies for Fe(II) oxidizers and Fe(III) reducers and by quantitative-PCR (qPCR) assays for microaerophilic Fe(II) oxidizers. Our results demonstrate the coexistence of all three metabolic types of Fe(II) oxidizers and Fe(III) reducers. In qPCR, microaerophilic Fe(II) oxidizers (
Zetaproteobacteria
) were present with up to 3.2 × 10
6
cells g dry sediment
−1
. In MPNs, nitrate-reducing Fe(II) oxidizers, anoxygenic phototrophic Fe(II) oxidizers, and Fe(III) reducers reached cell numbers of up to 3.5 × 10
4
, 3.1 × 10
2
, and 4.4 × 10
4
g dry sediment
−1
, respectively. O
2
and light penetrated only a few millimeters, but the depth distribution of the different iron metabolizers did not correlate with the profile of O
2
, Fe(II), or light. Instead, abundances were homogeneous within the upper 3 cm of the sediment, probably due to wave-induced sediment reworking and bioturbation. In microaerophilic Fe(II)-oxidizing enrichment cultures, strains belonging to the
Zetaproteobacteria
were identified. Photoferrotrophic enrichments contained strains related to
Chlorobium
and
Rhodobacter
; the nitrate-reducing Fe(II) enrichments contained strains related to
Hoeflea
and
Denitromonas
. This study shows the coexistence of all three types of Fe(II) oxidizers in two near-shore marine environments and the potential for competition and interrelationships between them.
Long-Term Relationships: the Complicated Interplay between the Host and the Developmental Stages of Toxoplasma gondii during Acute and Chronic Infections
Authors: Pittman Kelly J. , Knoll Laura J.
Published: December 2015

Toxoplasma gondiirepresents one of the most common parasitic infections in the world. The asexual cycle can occur within any warm-blooded animal, but the sexual cycle is restricted to the feline intestinal epithelium.T. gondiiis acquired through consumption of tissue cysts in undercooked meat as well as food and water contaminated with oocysts. Once ingested, it differentiates into a rapidly replicating asexual form and disseminates throughout the body during acute infection. After stimulation of the host immune response,T. gondiidifferentiates into a slow-growing, asexual cyst form that is the hallmark of chronic infection. One-third of the human population is chronically infected withT. gondiicysts, which can reactivate and are especially dangerous to individuals with reduced immune surveillance. Serious complications can also occur in healthy individuals if infected with certainT. gondiistrains or if infection is acquired congenitally. No drugs are available to clear the cyst form during the chronic stages of infection. This therapeutic gap is due in part to an incomplete understanding of both host and pathogen responses during the progression ofT. gondiiinfection. While many individual aspects ofT. gondiiinfection are well understood, viewing the interconnections between host and parasite during acute and chronic infection may lead to better approaches for future treatment. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of what is known and unknown about the complex relationship between the host and parasite during the progression ofT. gondiiinfection, with the ultimate goal of bridging these events.
Isolated rupture of teres major in a goalkeeper
Authors: Maciel Rafael Almeida , Zogaib Rodrigo Kallas , Pochini Alberto De Castro , Ejnisman Benno
Published: December 2015

A complete rupture of the teres major is an extremely rare injury and rarely described in the literature. We report the first case of an isolated rupture of the teres major in a professional football goalkeeper. The diagnosis requires a high degree of suspicion and complementation by image examinations. Conservative treatment has a high success rate with early return to sport.
The finding of an undiagnosed long segment tracheal stenosis in a cyanotic child undergoing an arterial switch operation and VSD closure
Authors: Barker Ian Richard , McLaren Clare , Stockton Emma
Published: December 2015

This report details the case of a 2-month-old baby boy with known cyanotic congenital heart disease (double outlet right ventricle with subpulmonary ventricular septal defect, VSD) in whom tracheal stenosis was undetected, being found later on failed intubation while undergoing anaesthesia for an arterial switch operation and VSD closure. As a result, the cardiac surgery was postponed. Such an association between congenital heart disease and tracheal stenosis has been reported but remains exceptionally rare. The baby subsequently underwent a slide tracheoplasty the next day and had major cardiac surgery a few days later. He was discharged approximately 3 weeks later after spending 8 days on the cardiac intensive care unit.
Oh rats! Fever, rash and arthritis in a young woman
Authors: Brown Carina M , Tsai Gary , Sanchez-Flores Xavi
Published: December 2015

A 17-year-old girl presented with worsening right-sided hip and low back pain for 2 days. She had also experienced intermittent fevers and a recurring maculopapular rash over the past 2 weeks. Social history revealed the presence of three domestic rats living in the girl's home. Blood cultures returned positive forStreptobacillus moniliformis, the causative agent of rat-bite fever. Rat-bite fever often goes undiagnosed, as the clinical presentation is non-specific. Untreated, the infection can result in death due to sepsis or endocarditis. The bacterium is generally susceptible to penicillin antibiotics with full clinical recovery when treated in a timely and appropriate manner. After 4 weeks of intravenous antibiotics, our patient fully recovered without long-term sequelae.
Injuries at the Whistler Sliding Center: a 4-year retrospective study
Authors: Stuart C A , Richards D , Cripton P A
Published: December 2015

Background

The Whistler Sliding Centre (WSC) in British Columbia, Canada, has played host to many events including the 2010 Winter Olympics. This study was performed to better understand sliding sport incident (crash, coming off sled, etc) and injury prevalence and provide novel insights into the effect of slider experience and track-specific influences on injury risk and severity.

Methods

Track documentation and medical records over 4 years (2007 track inception to 2011) were used to form 3 databases, including over 43 200 runs (all sliding disciplines). Statistics were generated relating incident and injury to start location, crash location and slider experience as well as to understand injury characteristics.

Results

Overall injury rate was found to be 0.5%, with more severe injury occurring in <0.1% of the total number of runs. More frequent and severe injuries were observed at lower track locations. Of 2605 different sliders, 73.6% performed 1–29 runs down the track. Increased slider experience was generally found to reduce the frequency of injury. Lacerations, abrasions and contusions represented 52% of all injuries. A fatality represented the most severe injury on the track and was the result of track ejection.

Conclusions

By investigating the influence of start location, incident location and slider experience on incident and injury frequency and severity, a better understanding has been achieved of the inherent risks involved in sliding sports. Incident monitoring, with particular focus on track ejection, should be an emphasis of sliding tracks.
Investigation of the relationship between patient empowerment and glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Fitzgerald Maire , O'Tuathaigh Colm , Moran Joe
Published: December 2015

Objective

To determine whether there is an association between patient empowerment and diabetes management in terms of the primary outcomes of metabolic control as measured by glycaemic control (glycated haemoglobin, HbA1c), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides.

Design

Retrospective cross-sectional analysis conducted in 2012.

Setting

Data from Diabetes Federation of Ireland from participants enrolled in the Community Orientated Diabetes Education (CODE) Programme.

Participants

569 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Exposures

Patient empowerment levels, as measured by the Diabetes Empowerment Scale-Short Form. Additional information collected included patients’ gender, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status and number of years with diabetes.

Outcome measures

HbA1c, HDL, LDL, TC and triglycerides values.

Results

Partial correlation analyses failed to show any statistically significant relationship between patient empowerment and glycaemic control or other diabetes management variables (HbA1c, p=0.32; HDL, p=0.95; LDL, p=0.77; TC, p=0.49; triglycerides, p=0.77). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that patient empowerment score was not a significant predictor of level of glycaemic control. Time since diagnosis of diabetes was associated with increased HbA1c levels. Age and gender were significant predictors of HDL and LDL levels, while gender and age were associated with changes in TC and triglycerides levels, respectively.

Conclusions

No significant association was found between patient empowerment levels and other measures of diabetes control in this study. Further research into the short-term and long-term outcomes of the empowerment model, at different levels of disease management, and across different settings, is required to evaluate its value in the management of patients with diabetes.
Higher incidence of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis-related surgery: a nationwide, population-based, case–control study in Taiwan
Authors: Lu Ming-Chi , Liu Keng-Chang , Lai Ning-Sheng , Koo Malcolm
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To investigate the risk of incident rheumatoid arthritis in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis-related surgery using a nationwide health claims database.

Design

A nationwide, population-based, case–control study.

Setting

Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database.

Participants

A total of 1147 patients (aged 20–100 years) with rheumatoid arthritis and 5735 controls who were frequency-matched for sex, 10-year age interval and year of catastrophic illness certificate application date (index year) were identified.

Main outcome measure

All participants were retrospectively traced, up to 14 years prior to their index year, for diagnosis of osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis-related surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to quantify the association between rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Results

The risks of rheumatoid arthritis were significantly higher in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis (adjusted OR=5.24, p<0.001) and osteoarthritis-related surgery (adjusted OR=2.27, p<0.001).

Conclusions

This large nationwide, population-based, case–control study showed a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis in Taiwanese patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis. Our findings were consistent with the hypothesis that osteoarthritis might be a triggering factor of rheumatoid arthritis in environment-sensitised and genetically susceptible individuals.
Lung cancer treatment rates and the role of the lung cancer nurse specialist: a qualitative study
Authors: Tod Angela Mary , Redman Judy , McDonnell Ann , Borthwick Diana , White John
Published: December 2015

Objectives

This qualitative study examines how the Lung Cancer Nurse Specialist (LCNS) role operates and why they may be able to increase access to treatment.

Setting

4 Hospital NHS Foundation Trusts in England.

Design

A multiple case study design using semistructured interviews, observation and Framework Analysis techniques.

Participants

Four LCNSs, comprised the ‘cases’. Twenty four clinicians who worked with the LCNS participated in individual interviews. Six LCNSs took part in a group interview and 60 lung cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) members and co-ordinators were observed in the MDT meeting.

Results

The LCNS is crucial within the MDT and can act as a catalyst to patient access to treatment. The study identified the clinical activity (assessment, managing symptoms, psychological support and information provision) and role characteristics that can facilitate treatment access. These characteristics are the LCNS's presence across the patient pathway, acting as the ‘hub’ of the MDT, maintaining a holistic patient focus and working to an advanced level of practice. The findings indicate how factors may have a cumulative impact on treatment access.

Conclusions

If UK patient with lung cancer survival rates are to improve in line with comparable countries, we need to employ every advantage. This study demonstrates how the LCNS role may open doors to positive patient outcomes, including treatment. Further research is required to explore patients’ experiences, decision-making and attitudes to treatment.
Is there a relationship between surgical case volume and mortality in congenital heart disease services? A rapid evidence review
Authors: Preston L , Turner J , Booth A , O'Keeffe C , Campbell F , Jesurasa A , Cooper K , Goyder E
Published: December 2015

Objective

To identify and synthesise the evidence on the relationship between surgical volume and patient outcomes for adults and children with congenital heart disease.

Design

Evidence synthesis of interventional and observational studies.

Data sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (2009–2014) and citation searching, reference lists and recommendations from stakeholders (2003–2014) were used to identify evidence.

Study selection

Quantitative observational and interventional studies with information on volume of surgical procedures and patient outcomes were included.

Results

31 of the 34 papers identified (91.2%) included only paediatric patients. 25 (73.5%) investigated the relationship between volume and mortality, 7 (20.6%) mortality and other outcomes and 2 (5.9%) non-mortality outcomes only. 88.2% were from the US, 97% were multicentre studies and all were retrospective observational studies. 20 studies (58.8%) included all congenital heart disease conditions and 14 (41.2%) single conditions or procedures. No UK studies were identified. Most studies showed a relationship between volume and outcome but this relationship was not consistent. The relationship was stronger for single complex conditions or procedures. We found limited evidence about the impact of volume on non-mortality outcomes. A mixed picture emerged revealing a range of factors, in addition to volume, that influence outcome including condition severity, individual centre and surgeon effects and clinical advances over time.

Conclusions

The heterogeneity of findings from observational studies suggests that, while a relationship between volume and outcome exists, this is unlikely to be a simple, independent and directly causal relationship. The effect of volume on outcome relative to the effect of other, as yet undetermined, health system factors remains a complex and unresolved research question.