bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creativity and epistemologies of the South
Authors: Glăveanu Vlad Petre , Sierra Zayda
Published: November 2015

This article explores the potential for rethinking creativity coming out of a particular type of socio-cultural critique represented by the ‘epistemologies of the South’. Our premise is that current theories of creativity are not only in close dialogue with larger debates around notions of personhood, agency, society, economy and our relation to the environment, but they also have important societal implications. At the same time, the conceptual and methodological narrowness specific for much theorising in this area makes the psychology of creativity largely incapable to answer calls for social transformation coming from different parts of the world, in particular from communities that experience colonialism and oppression. In order to situate our approach, we will first briefly introduce the Colombian case as a complex social, cultural and geographical space where the implications of Western colonial thinking remain obvious to this day. Second, we will discuss what is characteristic for the new epistemological foundations emerging from the global South and consider their impact on creativity theory. In the end, we will reflect on how a new conception of creativity contributes to thinking differently about the world and about our possibilities of acting within it not only scientifically and practically but also ethically.
Comprehension: A dialogic authorial approach
Authors: Matusov Eugene
Published: November 2015

The problem of defining and analyzing the concept of comprehension as a social phenomenon is arguably one of the key issues in psychology and education. At its core, the problem entails asking what sort of social relationship is at the basis of comprehension. Traditionally, agreement among participants is viewed as the basis of social comprehension. I analyze and criticize two major traditional agreement-based approaches to comprehension: fundamentalist and constructivist. My critique of traditional approaches focuses on their arguably wrong assumption about the principal transparency of human consciousnesses. Based on the work of Bakhtin, I develop a dialogic authorial approach to comprehension predicated on the dialogic nature of social relationships—and on the principal opaqueness of human consciousnesses. I use an educational case from my own teaching in which I abstract and analyze the key features of my concept of a dialogic authorial approach to comprehension.
Crisis? What crisis? Cross-cultural psychology’s appropriation of cultural psychology
Authors: Ellis Basia D , Stam Henderikus J
Published: November 2015

Whereas cross-cultural psychology and cultural psychology have been distinguished as separate projects for decades, talk about their possible collaboration is becoming increasingly common. Several scholars have described their differences as essentially non-oppositional and the latest Handbook of Cultural Psychology combines articles from both research traditions. This paper scrutinizes these consolidating efforts first by tracing historically how the two accounts of culture (cultural and cross-cultural) developed, and second, by examining whether their long-standing epistemological premises allow for the kind of collaboration advocated by some scholars. We argue that attempts to combine the disciplines come primarily from cross-cultural psychologists who appear increasingly challenged by cultural and indigenous psychological approaches. Attempts at a merger have been twofold: on the one hand, cross-cultural psychologists who seek to preserve the status of their discipline have expanded its scope to include cultural theorists; on the other hand, cross-cultural scholars persuaded by cultural theories are creating a new blend of ‘experimental cultural psychology’ that seeks to accommodate both programs. These proposals, in our view, exemplify a cross-cultural discipline in crisis, struggling to account for a growing cultural psychology. We conclude that the overlapping interests between cross-cultural and cultural scholars make this a propitious time for cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Educational strategies in data journalism: A comparative study of six European countries
Authors: Splendore Sergio , Di Salvo Philip , Eberwein Tobias , Groenhart Harmen , Kus Michal , Porlezza Colin
Published: November 2015

The article explores training programs in higher education with regard to data journalism from a multi-national perspective. By carrying out a comparative analysis in six European countries (Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom), it covers different models of media systems and journalistic cultures envisaged by Hallin and Mancini. Based on a desk review and in-depth interviews with instructors of data journalism in each country, the article identifies different approaches to the way data journalism is taught. In Europe, such programs are offered by four types of organizations: academic, vocational, professional, and civic. The role played by those organizations can be explained as a result of the peculiarities of national media systems. But there are also commonalities, for example, non-academic institutions (such as the European Journalism Center or the Center for Investigative Journalism) and major international news outlets (such as The Guardian and The New York Times) seem to take over a leading role in all of the analyzed countries. Generally speaking, data journalism education appears to be a very young discipline that frequently neglects fundamental journalistic topics such as ethical issues, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness although they are crucial in a journalistic field as sophisticated tools to reveal hidden aspects of reality.
Robotic Thyroidectomy Versus Nonrobotic Approaches
Authors: Kandil Emad , Hammad AbdulRahman Y. , Walvekar Rohan R. , Hu Tian , Masoodi Hammad , Mohamed Salah Eldin , Deniwar Ahmed , Stack Brendan C.
Published: November 2015

Background. Robotic surgery has been recently used as a novel tool for remote access thyroid surgery. We performed a meta-analysis of the current literature to examine the safety and oncological efficacy of robotic surgery compared to endoscopic and conventional approaches for different thyroid procedures. Methods. A systematic search of the online data bases was done using the following (MeSH) terms “robotic surgery,” “robotic thyroidectomy,” “robot-assisted thyroidectomy,” and “robot-assisted thyroid surgery.” Outcomes measured included total operative time, length of hospital stay, postoperative thyroglobulin levels, and postoperative complications. Statistical differences were analyzed between groups through the standard means and/or relative risk by using STATA analytical software. Results. In this study, 144 articles were identified; of which 18 of them met our inclusion criteria, totaling 4878 patients. Robotic approach was associated with longer total operative time (mean difference of 43.5 minutes) when compared to the conventional cervical approach (95% CI = 20.9-66.2; P < .001). Robotic approach was also found to have a similar risk of total postoperative complications when compared to the conventional and endoscopic approaches. Conclusion. Robotic thyroid surgery is as safe, feasible and provides similar periperative complications and oncological outcomes when compared to both, conventional cervical and endoscopic approaches. However, robotic thyroid surgery is associated with longer operative time when compared to the conventional open approach.
Based on the peace journalism model: Analysis of Al-Jazeera’s coverage of Bahrain’s uprising and Syria’s chemical attack
Authors: Abdul-Nabi Zainab
Published: November 2015

The Al-Jazeera network, founded in 1996 and financed directly by Qatar’s royal family, is attributed with a significant catalytic role in the ‘Arab Spring’ uprisings that swept the Middle East from 2011. However, the Qatar-based network has been criticized for facilitating and supporting the Tunisian, Egyptian, Syrian and Libyan revolutions, while not giving the same attention to the uprisings in Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, close allies to Doha and members (Bahrain and Saudi Arabia) of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Using peace journalism as a source of evaluative criteria, this study examines to what extent Al-Jazeera’s online coverage (Al-Jazeera Arabic (AJA) and Al-Jazeera English (AJE)) reproduced and supported key framings of GCC foreign policy in coverage of two stories: Bahrain’s uprising during the first two weeks of the military Saudi intervention and the Syria conflict in the week that followed the Al-Ghouta Chemical Weapons (CW) attack in Damascus. Al-Jazeera’s online coverage was dominated by the war journalism frames in both countries, but AJA’s coverage of Bahrain’s uprising was more propagandistic than that of AJE. However, AJA and AJE generally agreed on Syria, as both of them were dominated by pro-GCC framing.
Young people not in education, employment or training (NEET): Recent policy initiatives in England and their effects
Authors: Maguire Sue
Published: November 2015

While policy-makers in Britain can justifiably lay claim to creating the term NEET to define young people who do not engage in formal learning, training or employment, the high number who fall into, and remain in, this category continues to challenge them. This, in part, is attributable to the extended use of the term NEET to capture all young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who fail to make sustained transitions, as opposed to the 16–18 year old cohort the term was initially designed to measure. This article will provide a discussion about the continued relevance of the term NEET to articulate, define and quantify youth disengagement in England. It will also explore a recent government-led policy intervention that has been introduced to tackle the issue. A particular focus will be the growing profile and involvement of the private sector in designing and leading NEET programmes. Within this, there will be a discussion about who should be taking the lead and whether a relinquishing of responsibility by government for the ownership of NEET programmes and their delivery is appropriate, given the current restrictions on the public purse. Of importance here is what this trend means for young people themselves with regard to the provision of positive and sustained opportunities on a scale that meets the needs of an increasingly diverse and persistent population.
Singing better songs? A life history study of higher education teacher educators working in the English further education sector
Authors: Kadi-Hanifi Karima , Keenan John
Published: November 2015

There has been a growth in the last 10 years of higher education provision in the English further education sector. This article examines the thoughts and feelings of three higher-education-level teachers working in the further education sector. Using Ivor Goodson’s life history approach, it identifies a high degree of compliance with the system by the teachers. In order to justify the conflict between organisational and teacher concerns, key strategies were formed. These included celebrating further education as a place which gives people a second chance, a students-first focus and the significance of the human connection made at work. There were also similarities between the underlying motivations of teachers to teach at a higher level than many of their colleagues, which included family, class, control and the significance of dominant others in their lives.
Boredom, excitement and other security affects
Authors: Anderson Ben
Published: November 2015

Expanding from Barnett’s critique of the emphasis in critical security work on ‘subjectivity through subjectification’, this response explores some of the ways in which geographers and others might attend to the diversity of security affects. Fear and anxiety do not exhaust the affective expressions of security, and affect is not simply another medium for the successful implementation of programmes of rule. Rather, affects are imbricated in the ordinary work of securing and publics are formed in and through encounters with the devices, techniques, objects and people that make up ‘security’. Securing and encounters with security are themselves enveloped, pressured and otherwise conditioned by collective affects.
Secrecy, publicity and the milieu of security
Authors: Walters William
Published: November 2015

Securitization has a complex and generative relationship to publicness. A fuller understanding of this relationship requires a better understanding of how secrecy mediates the relationship between security and publicness. This commentary highlights recent sociological work on secrecy and suggests that Simmel’s reflections on the charms of secrecy and the drama of revelation offer some promising guidelines for theorizing secrecy’s place in the milieu of security.
Creating positive friction in the Anthropo(s)cenes
Authors: Randalls Samuel
Published: November 2015

In responding to Castree’s argument that geographers can and should encourage the production of a wider set of knowledges within the Anthropo(s)cene communities, I suggest such a process needs to: first, recognize the multiplicity of the Anthropo(s)cene scientifically, politically and ethically; and second, actively participate in the politics of the Anthropo(s)cene by providing positive friction. This concurs with much of Castree’s article and emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the intertwined science–politics of the Anthropo(s)cenes, the importance of asking awkward historical questions and the value of foregrounding debates about the future lives we wish to lead and planet we wish to inhabit.
IAPAC Guidelines for Optimizing the HIV Care Continuum for Adults and Adolescents
Authors:   International Advisory Panel on HIV Care Continuum Optimization
Published: November 2015

Background:

An estimated 50% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) globally are unaware of their status. Among those who know their HIV status, many do not receive antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a timely manner, fail to remain engaged in care, or do not achieve sustained viral suppression. Barriers across the HIV care continuum prevent PLHIV from achieving the therapeutic and preventive effects of ART.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted, and 6132 articles, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies with or without comparators, cross-sectional studies, and descriptive documents, met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 1047 articles were used to generate 36 recommendations to optimize the HIV care continuum for adults and adolescents.

Recommendations:

Recommendations are provided for interventions to optimize the HIV care environment; increase HIV testing and linkage to care, treatment coverage, retention in care, and viral suppression; and monitor the HIV care continuum.
India’s Diversity and Globalization: Unifying Forces and Innovation
Authors: Kaul Vijay Kumar
Published: November 2015

India is a multilinguial, multireligious, and multi-caste country and has been a dominant player in the world system and part of the global economy for ages. Its civilizational past has been shaped and has evolved through a number of events, crises, people, and communities. It has not been an isolated country at any point of time, as there has been a continuous exchange of ideas, products, and people with other countries and civilizations. It therefore becomes essential to understand India in a global context to examine its problems and to seek solutions. There are two types of studies focusing on changes in society, its interlinkages with others, and global system: civilization studies and world-systems analysis. The scholars in the civilization studies have focused on identifying the existence of different civilizations in different geographical areas in the ancient period. Some have devoted more attention to the interrelations and mutual influences among civilizations in terms of culture and ideology, and their rise and decline through several stages. World-systems analysts, on the other hand, have developed a perspective to examine issues of capitalism, development, and world inequalities. The world economy is a system of interconnected national economies that bring together national financial power and states that struggle to move up the hierarchy of states in terms of power and wealth.

Both these groups of studies have given insight to understand the existence and growth of countries in present forms. It therefore becomes imperative to look at the key findings of these studies to have better understanding of India’s socioeconomic and environmental problems. This article proposes that a good governance system can direct India’s diversity and socioeconomic challenges to develop an innovative society. Further, it attempts to examine the following questions: How has India evolved as a civilizational entity over a period of the last 2000 years? How has globalization influenced its evolution during the last few centuries? What are the unifying factors of India in terms of culture, constitutions, and social processes? What are the present and new challenges that have emerged during last 60–70 years? How is India, despite its diversity, meeting and solving such challenges? In view of growing trend of globalization, are the unifying forces still relevant or not?
Emerging Nations: Perspectives on Past Success and Future Challenges*
Authors: Banerjee Sudipto
Published: November 2015

The emerging economies experienced unprecedented growth between 2001 and 2011. They not only survived the 2008–2009 great recession, but provided the fuel for the global economic engine to get back on the road to recovery. But since then their economies have faltered and the enthusiasm surrounding them has waned. This article discusses some of the reasons that were behind the decade long rise of these economies and the subsequent fall. It also sheds some light on the troubling signs that are now surfacing in these emerging economies and finally suggests some of the key areas where these governments should focus to return to their earlier success.
The effect of donor characteristics on survival after unrelated donor transplantation for hematologic malignancy
Authors: Kollman Craig , Spellman Stephen R. , Zhang Mei-Jie , Hassebroek Anna , Anasetti Claudio , Antin Joseph H. , Champlin Richard E. , Confer Dennis L. , DiPersio John F. , Fernandez-Viña Marcelo , Hartzman Robert J. , Horowitz Mary M. , Hurley Carolyn K. , Karanes Chatchada , Maiers Martin , Mueller Carlheinz R. , Perales Miguel-Angel , Setterholm Michelle , Woolfrey Ann E. , Yu Neng , Eapen Mary
Published: November 2015

Key Points

Donor age and donor-recipient HLA match predict survival after hematopoietic cell transplantation.
President's Page
Authors: Bradford John H.
Published: November 2015

Times have certainly changed since I agreed to run for SEG president. Eighteen months ago, we were looking at $100 per barrel of oil, and as I look at the ticker at the time of this writing, it is running at just under $45 per barrel. This is up from a six-year low of less than $40 per barrel in August. The sudden drop in prices and the unexpected volatility in the market over the past year have the industry reeling, and many of our corporate and individual members are suffering. According to an August article in The Houston Chronicle, more than 146,000 energy-industry jobs have been cut in the past year worldwide. Many who have lost their jobs or taken pay cuts are SEG members.
Rock-physics analysis of clay-rich source rocks on the Norwegian Shelf
Authors: Avseth Per , Carcione José M.
Published: November 2015

Rock-physics trends and properties of clay-rich source rocks are investigated in selected wells in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea. Properties can vary significantly because of burial compaction, composition, diagenesis, organic richness, and maturation. The many competing effects can be difficult to disentangle in traditional rock-physics crossplots. However, nearly all the source-rock data in the study are bounded nicely by linear trends that are based on rock-physics models, in acoustic-impedance (AI) versus shear-impedance (SI) crossplots. These reference models serve as a nice screening tool for organic richness and/or maturation level (i.e., hydrocarbon generation and expulsion), regardless of burial depth. The use of rock-physics templates for the early mature to mature stage of clay-rich source rocks is demonstrated by combining a simple basin-modeling approach with a rock-physics model using Backus average in which the organic-rich shale is represented by a transverse isotropic mixture of clays, kerogen, and hydrocarbons. The resulting templates are bounded nicely by reference trends and explain some of the observed trends in the data. However, the local presence of carbonaceous material and diagenesis within the source rock, which have not been accounted for in the rock-physics modeling, might explain why some of the data points have higher impedances and lower VP/VSthan the template models. Finally, source rocks with hydrocarbon saturation can cause AVO signatures similar to hydrocarbon-filled sands and therefore represent false positives in exploration.
Seismic reservoir and source-rock analysis using inverse rock-physics modeling: A Norwegian Sea demonstration
Authors: Bredesen Kenneth , Jensen Erling Hugo , Johansen Tor Arne , Avseth Per
Published: November 2015

Identifying type of rocks and fluids from seismic-amplitude anomalies can be challenging because of seismic nonuniqueness and rock-physics ambiguities. Lithology and fluid predictions based on seismic properties therefore are often associated with uncertainties. On the Norwegian Shelf, clay-rich source rocks and hydrocarbon-filled sandstones often show similar AVO responses. A seismic screening method based on rock physics enables one to better discriminate between these different facies. This technique is demonstrated on seismic AVO data (i.e., acoustic impedance [AI] and VP/VS) from the Norwegian Sea. Rock-physics models for organic-rich shales and gas sandstones are calibrated using nearby well data. Then these models are used for predictions of rock parameters away from well locations. From these predictions, the likelihood of presence of organic-rich shales versus gas sandstones can be evaluated, based on a rock-physics approach. However, there are many uncertainties in the accuracy of the calibrated models and the seismic image of the target area. Hence, predictions should be evaluated along with other geologic and geophysical information before firm conclusions about these anomalies are made.
Delineation of gas-charged geobodies at Solar gas discovery offshore West Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Othman Adel Ali Ali , Fathy Mohamed , Maher Ali
Published: November 2015

Gas accumulation has been proved at the Solar Channel offshore West Nile Delta, Egypt. It is produced as an important exploration target. It was important to carry out a detailed study in searching for gas play within the Solar Channel. The spectral-decomposition technique is applied to the imaging and mapping of bed thickness, geologic discontinuities, and channel delineation at Solar discovery. From the study, two distinctively different channels (the gas-bearing “Red Channel” and water-bearing “Yellow Channel”) are delineated in the area, proved by the drilled well. Rock-physics analysis (P-impedance versus S-impedance crossplot) of well-log data revealed that it could separate gas-bearing sands from water-bearing sands and shale. Poststack inversion of seismic data has been carried out to invert for P-impedance volume. Therefore, a lithofacies cube has been generated after applying P-impedance cutoffs to discriminate among gas-bearing sand, water-bearing sand, and shale. In the end, a gas-charged geobody is extracted at the Solar Channel.
IPTC 2015 Doha: Delivering a strong, balanced geosciences and engineering technical program
Authors: Cole Lance
Published: November 2015

Practically speaking, the 2015 International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) is just around the corner, 6–9 December 2015 in Doha, Qatar ( www.iptcnet.org/2015/doha ). The annual IPTC conference, which rotates between the Middle East and Asia Pacific, has evolved into one of the premier technically oriented multidisciplinary conferences in the region. Four professional societies (American Association of Petroleum Geologists [AAPG], European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers [EAGE], Society of Exploration Geophysicists [SEG], and Society of Petroleum Engineers [SPE]) work alongside industry host and cohost organizations to develop the conference. Host and cohost organizations for IPTC 2015 Doha, which is the Ninth IPTC conference, are Qatar Petroleum and Shell. The theme for this year's conference is “Technology and Partnerships for a Sustainable Energy Future.”
Member Services wants to hear from you
Authors: Pressel Diane
Published: November 2015

Why are you a member? This question might surprise you, but a highlight of being manager of Member Services is when I hear from you, one of our members. Here in the Member Services Department, we are passionate about connecting with our members to learn more about them and to hear their individual stories.
Double-Blind Phase III Randomized Trial of the Antiprogestin Agent Mifepristone in the Treatment of Unresectable Meningioma: SWOG S9005
Authors: Ji Yongli , Rankin Cathryn , Grunberg Steven , Sherrod Andy E. , Ahmadi Jamshid , Townsend Jeannette J. , Feun Lynn G. , Fredericks Ruth K. , Russell Christy A. , Kabbinavar Fairooz F. , Stelzer Keith J. , Schott Anne , Verschraegen Claire
Published: November 2015

Purpose

Progesterone receptors are expressed in approximately 70% of meningiomas. Mifepristone is an oral antiprogestational agent reported to have modest activity in a phase II study. This multicenter, prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled phase III trial conducted by SWOG was planned to define the role of mifepristone in the treatment of unresectable meningioma.

Patients and Methods

Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive either mifepristone or placebo for 2 years unless disease progressed. Patients who were stable or responding to protocol therapy after 2 years had the option to continue with the same blinded therapy. Serial follow-up allowed assessment of efficacy and toxicity. Time to treatment failure and overall survival were ascertained for all randomly assigned patients. On progression, patients receiving placebo could cross over and receive active drug.

Results

Among 164 eligible patients, 80 were randomly assigned to mifepristone and 84 to placebo. Twenty-four patients (30%) were able to complete 2 years of mifepristone without disease progression, adverse effects, or other reasons for discontinuation. Twenty-eight patients (33%) in the placebo arm completed the 2-year study. There was no statistical difference between the arms in terms of failure-free or overall survival.

Conclusion

Long-term administration of mifepristone was well tolerated but had no impact on patients with unresectable meningioma.
Female Estrogen-Related Factors and Incidence of Basal Cell Carcinoma in a Nationwide US Cohort
Authors: Cahoon Elizabeth K. , Kitahara Cari M. , Ntowe Estelle , Bowen Emily M. , Doody Michele M. , Alexander Bruce H. , Lee Terrence , Little Mark P. , Linet Martha S. , Freedman D. Michal
Published: November 2015

Purpose

UV radiation exposure is the primary risk factor for basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common human malignancy. Although the photosensitizing properties of estrogens have been recognized for decades, few studies have examined the relationship between reproductive factors or exogenous estrogen use and BCC.

Methods

Using data from the US Radiologic Technologists Study, a large, nationwide, prospective cohort, we assessed the relationship between reproductive factors, exogenous estrogen use, and first primary BCC while accounting for sun exposure, personal sun sensitivity, and lifestyle factors for geographically dispersed women exposed to a wide range of ambient UV radiation.

Results

Elevated risk of BCC was associated with late age at natural menopause (hazard ratio [HR] for ≥ 55 years v 50 to 54 years, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.17) and any use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT; HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.30; P for trend for duration = .001). BCC risk was most increased among women reporting natural menopause who used MHT for 10 or more years versus women who never used MHT (HR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.35 to 2.87). Risk of BCC was not associated with age at menarche, parity, age at first birth, infertility, use of diethylstilbestrol by participant's mother, age at hysterectomy, or use of oral contraceptives.

Conclusion

These analyses confirm a previous finding of increased risk of BCC associated with MHT. Novel findings of increased BCC risk associated with MHT in women experiencing natural menopause and for late age at natural menopause warrant further investigation. Users of MHT may constitute an additional high-risk group in need of more frequent skin cancer screening.
Cerebral Perfusion and Gray Matter Changes Associated With Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Nudelman Kelly N.H. , McDonald Brenna C. , Wang Yang , Smith Dori J. , West John D. , O'Neill Darren P. , Zanville Noah R. , Champion Victoria L. , Schneider Bryan P. , Saykin Andrew J.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

To investigate the longitudinal relationship between chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) symptoms (sx) and brain perfusion changes in patients with breast cancer. Interaction of CIPN-sx perfusion effects with known chemotherapy-associated gray matter density decrease was also assessed to elucidate the relationship between CIPN and previously reported cancer treatment–related brain structural changes.

Methods

Patients with breast cancer treated with (n = 24) or without (n = 23) chemotherapy underwent clinical examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging at the following three time points: before treatment (baseline), 1 month after treatment completion, and 1 year after the 1-month assessment. CIPN-sx were evaluated with the self-reported Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy/Gynecologic Oncology Group–Neurotoxicity four-item sensory-specific scale. Perfusion and gray matter density were assessed using voxel-based pulsed arterial spin labeling and morphometric analyses and tested for association with CIPN-sx in the patients who received chemotherapy.

Results

Patients who received chemotherapy reported significantly increased CIPN-sx from baseline to 1 month, with partial recovery by 1 year (P < .001). CIPN-sx increase from baseline to 1 month was significantly greater for patients who received chemotherapy compared with those who did not (P = .001). At 1 month, neuroimaging showed that for the group that received chemotherapy, CIPN-sx were positively associated with cerebral perfusion in the right superior frontal gyrus and cingulate gyrus, regions associated with pain processing (P < .001). Longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging analysis in the group receiving chemotherapy indicated that CIPN-sx and associated perfusion changes from baseline to 1 month were also positively correlated with gray matter density change (P < .005).

Conclusion

Peripheral neuropathy symptoms after systemic chemotherapy for breast cancer are associated with changes in cerebral perfusion and gray matter. The specific mechanisms warrant further investigation given the potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
Acute Toxicity and Quality of Life After Dose-Intensified Salvage Radiation Therapy for Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer After Prostatectomy: First Results of the Randomized Trial SAKK 09/10
Authors: Ghadjar Pirus , Hayoz Stefanie , Bernhard Jürg , Zwahlen Daniel R. , Hölscher Tobias , Gut Philipp , Guckenberger Matthias , Hildebrandt Guido , Müller Arndt-Christian , Plasswilm Ludwig , Papachristofilou Alexandros , Stalder Lukas , Biaggi-Rudolf Christine , Sumila Marcin , Kranzbühler Helmut , Najafi Yousef , Ost Piet , Azinwi Ngwa C. , Reuter Christiane , Bodis Stephan , Kaouthar Khanfir , Wust Peter , Thalmann George N. , Aebersold Daniel M.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

Patients with biochemical failure (BF) after radical prostatectomy may benefit from dose-intensified salvage radiation therapy (SRT) of the prostate bed. We performed a randomized phase III trial assessing dose intensification.

Patients and Methods

Patients with BF but without evidence of macroscopic disease were randomly assigned to either 64 or 70 Gy. Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy or intensity-modulated radiation therapy/rotational techniques were used. The primary end point was freedom from BF. Secondary end points were acute toxicity according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (version 4.0) and quality of life (QoL) according to the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaires C30 and PR25.

Results

Three hundred fifty patients were enrolled between February 2011 and April 2014. Three patients withdrew informed consent, and three patients were not eligible, resulting in 344 patients age 48 to 75 years in the safety population. Thirty patients (8.7%) had grade 2 and two patients (0.6%) had grade 3 genitourinary (GU) baseline symptoms. Acute grade 2 and 3 GU toxicity was observed in 22 patients (13.0%) and one patient (0.6%), respectively, with 64 Gy and in 29 patients (16.6%) and three patients (1.7%), respectively, with 70 Gy (P = .2). Baseline grade 2 GI toxicity was observed in one patient (0.6%). Acute grade 2 and 3 GI toxicity was observed in 27 patients (16.0%) and one patient (0.6%), respectively, with 64 Gy, and in 27 patients (15.4%) and four patients (2.3%), respectively, with 70 Gy (P = .8). Changes in early QoL were minor. Patients receiving 70 Gy reported a more pronounced and clinically relevant worsening in urinary symptoms (mean difference in change score between arms, 3.6; P = .02).

Conclusion

Dose-intensified SRT was associated with low rates of acute grade 2 and 3 GU and GI toxicity. The impact of dose-intensified SRT on QoL was minor, except for a significantly greater worsening in urinary symptoms.
Can the Classical Logician Avoid the Revenge Paradoxes?
Authors: Bacon Andrew
Published: November 2015

Most work on the semantic paradoxes within classical logic has centered around what this essay calls “linguistic” accounts of the paradoxes: they attribute to sentences or utterances of sentences some property that is supposed to explain their paradoxical or nonparadoxical status. “No proposition” views are paradigm examples of linguistic theories, although practically all accounts of the paradoxes subscribe to some kind of linguistic theory. This essay shows that linguistic accounts of the paradoxes endorsing classical logic are subject to a particularly acute form of the revenge paradox: that there is no exhaustive classification of sentences into “good” and “bad” such that the T-schema holds when restricted to the “good” sentences unless it is also possible to prove some “bad” sentences. The foundations for an alternative classical nonlinguistic approach is outlined that is not subject to the same kinds of problems. Although revenge paradoxes of different strengths can be formulated, they are found to be indeterminate at higher orders and not inconsistent.
Strigolactone biosynthesis and signaling in plant development
Authors: Lopez-Obando Mauricio , Ligerot Yasmine , Bonhomme Sandrine , Boyer François-Didier , Rameau Catherine
Published: November 2015

Strigolactones (SLs), first identified for their role in parasitic and symbiotic interactions in the rhizosphere, constitute the most recently discovered group of plant hormones. They are best known for their role in shoot branching but, more recently, roles for SLs in other aspects of plant development have emerged. In the last five years, insights into the SL biosynthetic pathway have also been revealed and several key components of the SL signaling pathway have been identified. Here, and in the accompanying poster, we summarize our current understanding of the SL pathway and discuss how this pathway regulates plant development.
Progress and renewal in gustation: new insights into taste bud development
Authors: Barlow Linda A.
Published: November 2015

The sense of taste, or gustation, is mediated by taste buds, which are housed in specialized taste papillae found in a stereotyped pattern on the surface of the tongue. Each bud, regardless of its location, is a collection of ∼100 cells that belong to at least five different functional classes, which transduce sweet, bitter, salt, sour and umami (the taste of glutamate) signals. Taste receptor cells harbor functional similarities to neurons but, like epithelial cells, are rapidly and continuously renewed throughout adult life. Here, I review recent advances in our understanding of how the pattern of taste buds is established in embryos and discuss the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing taste cell turnover. I also highlight how these findings aid our understanding of how and why many cancer therapies result in taste dysfunction.
NOTCH activation interferes with cell fate specification in the gastrulating mouse embryo
Authors: Souilhol Céline , Perea-Gomez Aitana , Camus Anne , Beck-Cormier Sarah , Vandormael-Pournin Sandrine , Escande Marie , Collignon Jérôme , Cohen-Tannoudji Michel
Published: November 2015

NOTCH signalling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway involved in intercellular communication essential for cell fate choices during development. Although dispensable for early aspects of mouse development, canonical RBPJ-dependent NOTCH signalling has been shown to influence lineage commitment during embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation. NOTCH activation in ESCs promotes the acquisition of a neural fate, whereas its suppression favours their differentiation into cardiomyocytes. This suggests that NOTCH signalling is implicated in the acquisition of distinct embryonic fates at early stages of mammalian development. In order to investigate in vivo such a role for NOTCH signalling in shaping cell fate specification, we use genetic approaches to constitutively activate the NOTCH pathway in the mouse embryo. Early embryonic development, including the establishment of anterior-posterior polarity, is not perturbed by forced NOTCH activation. By contrast, widespread NOTCH activity in the epiblast triggers dramatic gastrulation defects. These are fully rescued in a RBPJ-deficient background. Epiblast-specific NOTCH activation induces acquisition of neurectoderm identity and disrupts the formation of specific mesodermal precursors including the derivatives of the anterior primitive streak, the mouse organiser. In addition, we show that forced NOTCH activation results in misregulation of NODAL signalling, a major determinant of early embryonic patterning. Our study reveals a previously unidentified role for canonical NOTCH signalling during mammalian gastrulation. It also exemplifies how in vivo studies can shed light on the mechanisms underlying cell fate specification during in vitro directed differentiation.
Asymmetric cell convergence-driven fin bud initiation and pre-pattern requires Tbx5a control of a mesenchymal Fgf signal
Authors: Mao Qiyan , Stinnett Haley K. , Ho Robert K.
Published: November 2015

Tbx5 plays a pivotal role in vertebrate forelimb initiation and loss-of-function experiments result in deformed or absent forelimbs in all taxa studied to date. Combining single-cell fate mapping and 3D cell tracking in the zebrafish, we describe a Tbx5a-dependent cell convergence pattern that is both asymmetric and topological within the fin-field lateral plate mesoderm during early fin bud initiation. We further demonstrate that a mesodermal Fgf24 convergence cue controlled by Tbx5a underlies this asymmetric convergent motility. Partial reduction in Tbx5a or Fgf24 levels disrupts the normal fin-field cell motility gradient and results in anteriorly biased perturbations of fin-field cell convergence and truncations in the pectoral fin skeleton, resembling aspects of the forelimb skeletal defects that define Holt-Oram Syndrome patients. This study provides a quantitative reference model for fin-field cell motility during vertebrate fin bud initiation and suggests that a pre-pattern of AP fate specification is already present in the fin-field before or during migration as perturbations to these early cell movements result in the alteration of specific fates.
The cytolinker plectin regulates nuclear mechanotransduction in keratinocytes
Authors: Almeida Filipe V. , Walko Gernot , McMillan James R. , McGrath John A. , Wiche Gerhard , Barber Asa H. , Connelly John T.
Published: November 2015

The transmission of mechanical forces to the nucleus is important for intracellular positioning, mitosis and cell motility, yet the contribution of specific components of the cytoskeleton to nuclear mechanotransduction remains unclear. In this study, we examine how crosstalk between the cytolinker plectin and F-actin controls keratin network organisation and the 3D nuclear morphology of keratinocytes. Using micro-patterned surfaces to precisely manipulate cell shape, we find that cell adhesion and spreading regulate the size and shape of the nucleus. Disruption of the keratin cytoskeleton through loss of plectin facilitated greater nuclear deformation, which depended on acto-myosin contractility. Nuclear morphology did not depend on direct linkage of the keratin cytoskeleton with the nuclear membrane, rather loss of plectin reduced keratin filament density around the nucleus. We further demonstrate that keratinocytes have abnormal nuclear morphologies in the epidermis of plectin-deficient, epidermolysis bullosa simplex patients. Taken together, our data demonstrate that plectin is an essential regulator of nuclear morphology in vitro and in vivo and protects the nucleus from mechanical deformation.
Complete kinetic mechanism for recycling of the bacterial ribosome
Authors: Borg Anneli , Pavlov Michael , Ehrenberg Måns
Published: November 2015

How EF-G and RRF act together to split a post-termination ribosomal complex into its subunits has remained obscure. Here, using stopped-flow experiments with Rayleigh light scattering detection and quench-flow experiments with radio-detection of GTP hydrolysis, we have clarified the kinetic mechanism of ribosome recycling and obtained precise estimates of its kinetic parameters. Ribosome splitting requires that EF-G binds to an already RRF-containing ribosome. EF-G binding to RRF-free ribosomes induces futile rounds of GTP hydrolysis and inhibits ribosome splitting, implying that while RRF is purely an activator of recycling, EF-G acts as both activator and competitive inhibitor of RRF in recycling of the post-termination ribosome. The ribosome splitting rate and the number of GTPs consumed per splitting event depend strongly on the free concentrations of EF-G and RRF. The maximal recycling rate, here estimated as 25 sec−1, is approached at very high concentrations of EF-G and RRF with RRF in high excess over EF-G. The present in vitro results, suggesting an in vivo ribosome recycling rate of ∼5 sec−1, are discussed in the perspective of rapidly growing bacterial cells.
Fascial Manipulation® for chronic aspecific low back pain: a single blinded randomized controlled trial
Authors: Branchini Mirco , Lopopolo Francesca , Andreoli Ernesto , Loreti Ivano , Marchand Aurélie M , Stecco Antonio
Published: November 2015

Background: The therapeutic approach to chronic aspecific low back pain (CALBP) has to consider the multifactorial aetiology of the disorder. International guidelines do not agree on unequivocal treatment indications. Recommendations for fascial therapy are few and of low level evidence but several studies indicate strong correlations between fascial thickness and low back pain. This study aims at comparing the effectiveness of Fascial Manipulation® associated with a physiotherapy program following guidelines for CALBP compared to a physiotherapy program alone.

Methods: 24 subjects were randomized into two groups, both received eight treatments over 4 weeks. Outcomes were measured at baseline, at the end of therapy and at a 1 month and a 3 months follow-up. Pain was measured with the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the brief pain inventory (BPI), function with the Rolland-Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), state of well-being with the short-form 36 health-survey (SF-36). The mean clinical important difference (MCID) was also measured.

Results: Patients receiving Fascial Manipulation® showed statistically and clinically significant improvements at the end of care for all outcomes, in the short (RMDQ, VAS, BPI) and medium term for VAS and BPI compared to manual therapy. The MCID show significant improvements in the means and percentage of subjects in groups in all outcomes post-treatment, in the short and medium term.

Conclusion: Fascial tissues were implicated in the aetiology of CALBP and treatment led to decreased symptomatic, improved functional and perceived well-being outcomes that were of greater amplitude compared to manual therapy alone.
Smoothing Time Series of Indicators of Audit Services Market
Authors: Гутцайт  , Guttsayt E.
Published: November 2015

The article discusses various aspects of smoothing of the time series of audit statistics. It Builds and analyzesa

few smoothed time series of indicators of audit services market up to and including 2014 – mostly average fees for audit

in comparable prices.
Tasks and Functions of Audit of Materials and Supplies Inventories in Agricultural Organizations
Authors: Фазульянова  , Fazulyanova Zulfiya
Published: November 2015

The article is devoted to tasks and functions of audit of materials and supplies inventories in agriculture which

include both a set of general tasks and functions of audit and special tasks and functions of audit of materials and

supplies inventories, as well as specifics of agricultural organizations.
Legal Entities’ Reconstruction
Authors: Миславская  , Mislavskaya N.
Published: November 2015

The article presents a step-by-stepreorganization instruction for legal entities, which have made a decision

to change its legal structure, and tells about main legal nuances and specifics of forming figures in transfer act, final

financial statement of reorganized entity, as well as in inductive accounting report of resulting entity.