bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kidd, Terry T & Chen, Irene ed (2011) Ubiquitous learningIAP (Charlotte, NC & Eurospan, London) isbn 978‐1‐61735‐436‐6 337 pp £41.95 (boards £77.95) http://www.infoagepub.com/products/Ubiquitous‐Learning
Authors: Martin Marie
Published: February 2013

This book is a stimulating read. It aims to alert educators, particularly in higher education, to the potential of ubiquitous learning and offers a range of practical suggestions and strategies for teaching in this emerging environment If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I recommend that you arrange to borrow a copy for a while.

Marie Martin
Ovens, Peter et al (2012) Developing inquiry for learningRoutledge (New York & London) isbn 978‐0‐415‐59877‐4 226 pp £24.99 http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415598774/
Authors: Smyth Robyn
Published: February 2013

The authors provide some useful ideas and a bridge from face‐to‐face into blended learning contexts which teachers interested in an inquiry pedagogy may find useful. There are various scaffolds and exemplars as well as exploration of appropriate digital tools which can be used for critical inquiry. If the content of this book is likely to be relevant to you, I advise that you will probably find only parts of it of interest or use.

Robyn Smyth
Thouësny, Sylvie & Bradley, Linda ed (2011) Second language teaching and learning with technology (Research‐publishing.net, Dublin) isbn 978‐1‐908416‐00‐1 217 pp Free of charge http://research‐publishing.net/publication/978‐1‐908416‐00‐1.pdf
Authors: Laborda Jesús García
Published: February 2013

This ten‐chapter volume aims to approach a number of current issues “from well‐established web‐based learning environments to mobile learning, through current web 2.0 applications such as blogs, which foster intercultural contexts and/or diverse means of computer‐mediated interaction”. In this sense, this valuable book aims to enable readers to gain a deep understanding of the field and to provide research procedures and processes to facilitate the learning of foreign languages through the use of information technology. If the content of this book is likely to be important to you, I recommend you buy a copy.

Jesús García Laborda
Evaluation of Histone 3 Lysine 27 Trimethylation (H3K27me3) and Enhancer of Zest 2 (EZH2) in Pediatric Glial and Glioneuronal Tumors Shows Decreased H3K27me3 in H3F3A K27M Mutant Glioblastomas
Authors: Venneti Sriram , Garimella Mihir T. , Sullivan Lisa M. , Martinez Daniel , Huse Jason T. , Heguy Adriana , Santi Mariarita , Thompson Craig B. , Judkins Alexander R.
Published: February 2013

H3F3A mutations are seen in ∼30% of pediatric glioblastoma (GBMs) and involve either the lysine residue at position 27 (K27M) or glycine at position 34 (G34R/V). Sixteen genes encode histone H3, each variant differing in only a few amino acids. Therefore, how mutations in a single H3 gene contribute to carcinogenesis is unknown. H3F3A K27M mutations are predicted to alter methylation of H3K27. H3K27me3 is a repressive mark critical to stem cell maintenance and is mediated by EZH2, a member of the polycomb‐group (PcG) family. We evaluated H3K27me3 and EZH2 expression using immunohistochemistry in 76 pediatric brain tumors. H3K27me3 was lowered/absent in tumor cells but preserved in endothelial cells and infiltrating lymphocytes in six out of 20 GBMs. H3K27me3 showed strong immunoreactivity in all other tumor subtypes. Sequencing of GBMs showed H3F3A K27M mutations in all six cases with lowered/absent H3K27me3. EZH2 expression was high in GBMs, but absent/focal in other tumors. However, no significant differences in EZH2 expression were observed between H3F3A K27M mutant and wild type GBMs, suggesting that EZH2 mediated trimethylation of H3K27 is inhibited in GBM harboring K27M mutations. Our results indicate that H3F3A K27M mutant GBMs show decreased H3K27me3 that may be of both diagnostic and biological relevance.
Peer support for parents of children with chronic disabling conditions: a systematic review of quantitative and qualitative studies
Authors: Shilling Val , Morris Christopher , Thompson‐Coon Jo , Ukoumunne Obioha , Rogers Morwenna , Logan Stuart
Published: February 2013

AIM

To review the qualitative and quantitative evidence of the benefits of peer support for parents of children with disabling conditions in the context of health, well‐being, impact on family, and economic and service implications.

Method

We comprehensively searched multiple databases. Eligible studies evaluated parent‐to‐parent support and reported on the psychological health and experience of giving or receiving support. There were no limits on the child's condition, study design, language, date, or setting. We sought to aggregate quantitative data; findings of qualitative studies were combined using thematic analysis. Qualitative and quantitative data were brought together in a narrative synthesis.

Results

Seventeen papers were included: nine qualitative studies, seven quantitative studies, and one mixed‐methods evaluation. Four themes were identified from qualitative studies: (1) shared social identity, (2) learning from the experiences of others, (3) personal growth, and (4) supporting others. Some quantitative studies reported a positive effect of peer support on psychological health and other outcomes; however, this was not consistently confirmed. It was not possible to aggregate data across studies. No costing data were identified.

Conclusion

Qualitative studies strongly suggest that parents perceive benefit from peer support programmes, an effect seen across different types of support and conditions. However, quantitative studies provide inconsistent evidence of positive effects. Further research should explore whether this dissonance is substantive or an artefact of how outcomes have been measured.
Electrical resistivity tomography to detect the effects of tillage in a soil with a variable rock fragment content
Authors: Rossi R. , Amato M. , Pollice A. , Bitella G. , Gomes J. J. , Bochicchio R. , Baronti S.
Published: February 2013

Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is a promising non‐destructive tool to characterize agricultural soils where management effects are superimposed on natural variability. The aim of our study was to test whether ERT was capable of detecting stones and tillage effects in a soil with a variable rock fragment content. Field experiments were conducted by performing a set of three two‐dimensional (2D) resistivity tomographies across two management systems (tillage/no tillage) replicated twice on each transect, using dipole‐dipole configuration and 0.25‐m inter‐electrode spacing. Soil texture, bulk density and water content were measured destructively. Greater average electrical resistivity (ER) was found in tilled plots, with maximum values of up to 1700 Ohm m. However, when the spatial correlation structure was considered in a mixed‐effects model, no significant difference in ER was found between tilled and untilled plots. Empirical semivariograms showed less spatial continuity and more noise in tilled plots. Resistivity was strongly correlated with rock fragment content (r = 0.68), with greater average values in ploughed plots, which may possibly be linked to kinetic sieving after ploughing. ERT was able to identify the position of gravel lenses and was also sensitive to the presence of clay (r = −0.45): a linear trend in resistivity across the field (r = 0.80) was consistent with a decreasing clay content (r = −0.68). Resistivity was correlated with rock fragments, clay and an interaction variable (water × rock fragments). There was a poor fit for the tilled plot where resistivity peaks could be linked to the presence of voids, but their detection would have required a resolution greater than that which we adopted.
Leukocyte counts in cerebrospinal fluid and blood following firategrast treatment in subjects with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Grove R. A. , Shackelford S. , Sopper S. , Pirruccello S. , Horrigan J. , Havrdova E. , Gold M. , Graff O.
Published: February 2013

Background and purpose

Firategrast is an orally bioavailable alpha4 beta1/alpha4 beta7 integrin antagonist designed to reduce trafficking of lymphocytes into the central nervous system (CNS). This could decrease multiple sclerosis (MS) activity, but may compromise CNS immune surveillance. We aimed to quantitate the effect of firategrast treatment on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocyte count and the extent/speed of recovery after its discontinuation.

Methods

Forty‐six subjects with relapsing forms of MS were treated for up to 24 weeks with open‐label firategrast, 900 (females) or 1200 (males) mg twice daily. CSF and blood cell counts, and lymphocyte composition were determined using flow cytometry.

Results

Median (n, range) CSF lymphocyte counts (cells/µl) at weeks 0, 24, 28 and 36 were: 5.3 (44, 0.3–70.2), 3.3 (31, 0.0–99.0), 3.0 (32, 0.0–58.2) and 3.5 (29, 0.0–274.8). CD4+, CD8+ T‐ and CD19+ B‐lymphocyte counts followed a similar pattern. Minimal changes were observed for CD3−CD16+CD56+ natural killer cells. Median CD4 : CD8 ratios were: 2.9 (41, 1.1–10.9), 2.2 (29, 0.6–5.9), 3.8 (28, 1.6–9.0) and 3.8 (21, 2.1–9.4). Blood lymphocyte counts were elevated at weeks 4 and 24, consistent with the mechanism of firategrast, and returned to baseline when firategrast was discontinued. There were minimal changes in CD4 : CD8 ratios.

Conclusions

Firategrast treatment was associated with modest decreases in median CSF total, CD4, CD8 and CD19 lymphocyte counts. The generally small magnitude of decreases suggests that sufficient numbers of lymphocytes can access the subarachnoid space, preserving CNS immune surveillance.
Using flow guilds of freshwater fish in an adaptive management framework to simplify environmental flow delivery for semi‐arid riverine systems
Authors: Baumgartner Lee J , Conallin John , Wooden Ian , Campbell Bruce , Gee Rebecca , Robinson Wayne A , Mallen‐Cooper Martin
Published: February 2013

Freshwater rivers have been substantially altered by development and flow regulation. Altered hydrological regimes have affected a range of biota, but impacts are often most obvious on freshwater fish. Flow largely influences the range of physical habitat available to fish at various life history stages. Biological rhythms are therefore often linked to flow and optimized so that opportunities for spawning, growth and dispersal are synchronized. Assuming that flow therefore becomes the main factor which structures freshwater fish communities, the use of species specific biological information should be able to inform adaptive flow delivery strategies from the river reach to catchment scale. A test of this assertion was performed as a case study of native fish within the Edward‐Wakool River system (New South Wales, Australia). Fish within the system were assigned to one of four groups based on biological similarity. Aspects of reproductive and movement ecology were then reviewed to generate optimal flow release strategies for each group. Life expectancy and hydrological constraints were then investigated and used to develop a possible 10‐year flow delivery program that could generate ecological outcomes within a strategic adaptive management framework that considered potential impacts on third parties. The approach could be used to develop flow characteristics to benefit biota in any watercourse provided enough data are available to link potential outcomes with flow delivery.
A systematic review of reviews of systematic reviews of acupuncture
Authors: Gilbey Andrew , Ernst Edzard , Tani Kawtar
Published: February 2013

Background

Acupuncture is one of the more popular forms of complementary and alternative medicine. Whilst the therapy has been the subject of many published trials, systematic reviews and reviews of reviews, the conclusions of these publications often have been inconsistent.

Objectives

To systematically review reviews of reviews of acupuncture in an attempt to better understand existing contradictions in the literature.

Methods

The databases MEDLINE, Scopus and EbscoHost were searched using the keywords (systematic review) AND (acupuncture OR acupressure) for the period January 1991 to December 2011. The methodological quality of included reviews was assessed using a nine‐item measure developed by the authors.

Results

Eighteen reviews of reviews met the inclusion criteria; two reviews did not assess the methodological quality of the included reviews and only two rigorously assessed the quality of the primary studies included in the reviews. Quality of the reviews of reviews ranged from poor to excellent. Conclusions were positive for nausea and vomiting and some types of pain, but negative for smoking cessation.

Conclusions

Only two reviews of reviews allowed definitive conclusions to be drawn; that is, there is insufficient evidence to make positive recommendations. Further reviews, or reviews of reviews, are unlikely to break this impasse, owing to the combination of new and existing reviews or primary studies upon which they can draw. We therefore recommend that high‐quality RCTs should be conducted in the areas where most promise has already been shown.
Self‐Regulation in Second Language Learning: An Investigation of the Kanji‐Learning Task
Authors: Rose Heath , Harbon Lesley
Published: February 2013

This study investigates how students of the Japanese language regulate the learning of kanji (Japanese written characters). Skill in reading kanji has an important effect on learners' progress in interpretive reading. Data collected over one year were drawn from interviews with 12 students. The study highlighted an inability for many students to control emotions, manage commitments, and control boredom and procrastination when studying kanji. Moreover, advanced learners were more prone to a loss of self‐regulation due to frustration caused by a lack of progress in learning, or due to self‐criticism over an inability to reach goals. This study raises an understanding of struggles faced by language learners and offers pedagogical implications for instructors to lessen the burden of kanji learning on students.
Towards resilient recreational fisheries on a global scale through improved understanding of fish and fisher behaviour
Authors: Arlinghaus R. , Cooke S. J. , Potts W.
Published: February 2013

Despite recreational fisheries serving as a prime example of a coupled social–ecological system, much of the research on such fisheries has been monothematic in orientation and focused either on fisheries ecology or human dimensions. An attempt was made to break down some of the barriers to more interdisciplinary research on recreational fisheries at the 6th World Recreational Fishing Conference. The overall conclusion was that future research and management efforts should increasingly focus on the feedbacks between the interacting human and ecological components of recreational fisheries. Doing so promises to improve understanding of how recreational fisheries respond to social–ecological change. In this context, the behaviour of both fishes and humans provides an important, yet often overlooked, integrator of the ecological and social components of recreational fisheries. A better understanding of the behavioural dynamics of recreational fishers as well as exploited fishes will help predict how recreational fisheries change, evolve, adapt and reorganise through time to maintain resilience and achieve sustainability on a global scale.
Growing a Radical Ruralism: Back‐to‐the‐Land as Practice and Ideal
Authors: Wilbur Andrew
Published: February 2013

Back‐to‐the‐land migration can be summarised as the intended adoption of a primarily agrarian lifestyle by individuals from non‐agrarian backgrounds. Back‐to‐the‐land has historically served as both an ideal and a set of practices, a set of push‐and‐pull factors that influence rural in‐migration and a range of activities that work in service of this ambition. The radical shift in lifestyle that characterises this kind of migration is often tethered to a political radicalism, but one that is not easily identifiable in visible social movements or organised political action. Rather, it manifests itself in practices of self‐sufficiency, alternative economic structures and experiments in social organisation. This review looks at the historical roots of back‐to‐the‐land as a radical movement, asking what relevance it has for contemporary political issues such as human and non‐human welfare, environmental sustainability and non‐capitalist economic relations. A strong focus on the material dimensions of back‐to‐the‐land is maintained, highlighting the specific potential of rural spaces to host and catalyse radical ambitions. Furthermore, a case is presented for interrogating the relationship between alternative agro‐food networks (AAFNs) and back‐to‐the‐land migrants, since these structures often provide an explicit articulation of their participants’ values and strategies.
Canine visceral leishmaniasis as a systemic fibrotic disease
Authors: Silva Lucelia C. , Castro Rodrigo S. , Figueiredo Maria M. , Michalick Marilene S. M. , Tafuri Washington L. , Tafuri Wagner L.
Published: February 2013

We propose that canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is a systemic fibrotic disease, as evidenced by the wide distribution of fibrosis that we have found in the dogs suffering from chronic condition. The inflammatory cells apparently direct fibrosis formation. Twenty‐four cases (symptomatic dogs) were identified from a total of one hundred and five cases that had been naturally infected with Leishmania chagasi and had been documented during an epidemiological survey of CVL carried out by the metropolitan area of the municipality of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. The histological criterion was intralobular liver fibrosis, as has been described previously in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis. In addition to the findings in the liver, here we describe and quantify conspicuous and systemic deposition of collagen in other organs, including spleen, cervical lymph nodes, lung and kidney of all the infected symptomatic dogs. Thus we report that there is a systematic fibrotic picture in these animals, where inflammatory cells appear to direct fibrosis in all organs that have been studied. Therefore we propose that CVL is a systemic fibrotic disease.
Study of generic quality of life in patients operated on for post‐prostatectomy incontinence
Authors: Holm Henriette Veiby , Fosså Sophie D , Hedlund Hans , Dahl Alv A
Published: February 2013

Background

The relationship between urological and psychosocial variables, and generic quality of life in patients operated on for post‐prostatectomy incontinence has hardly been studied, and our aim was to investigate this relationship.

Methods

Patients who had an artificial urinary sphincter AMS800 (n = 100) implanted between January 2002 and June 2010 were invited to complete a mailed questionnaire covering demographic data including work ability, urinary and sexual function, anxiety/depression, and generic quality of life. Poor quality of life was defined as a score <40 on either the physical or the mental Short Form 12 summary scales.

Results

Of 85 compliant patients, 30 (35%) reported poor generic quality of life and 55 (65%) reported better quality of life at a median follow‐up time of 26 months (range 6–104 months). The poor quality of life group showed significantly more overall urinary and sexual problems, and more men had undergone surgical revisions compared with the better quality of life group. Levels of anxiety and depression were significantly higher, and work ability was lower in the poor quality of life group. In multivariate logistic regression models, increased level of depression and impaired work ability, inability to reach orgasm, and not recommending the operation remained significantly associated with poor quality of life.

Conclusion

Poor generic quality of life after surgery for post‐prostatectomy incontinence is more strongly associated with reduced work ability and depression rather than urinary and sexual problems.
Rates of open versus laparoscopic and partial versus radical nephrectomy for T1a renal cell carcinoma: A population‐based evaluation
Authors: Bianchi Marco , Becker Andreas , Abdollah Firas , Trinh Quoc‐Dien , Hansen Jens , Tian Zhe , Shariat Shahrokh F , Perrotte Paul , Karakiewicz Pierre I , Sun Maxine
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To examine the trends of open and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and radical nephrectomy according to sociodemographic and tumor characteristics.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Medicare‐linked database, 6024 patients diagnosed with T1a renal cell carcinoma were abstracted. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used for prediction of open radical nephrectomy, open partial nephrectomy, laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Covariates comprised of patient age, baseline comorbidity status, sex, race, marital status, socioeconomic status, population density, Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry, tumor size, and year of diagnosis.

Results

Open radical nephrectomy decreased from 89% in 1988 to 66% in 2005 (P < 0.001), whereas open partial nephrectomy increased from 7% to 29% (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, utilization of either laparoscopic radical nephrectomy or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy remained low. Treatment utilization differed according to Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries (P < 0.001). Increasing patient age, female sex, low socioeconomic status and unmarried status (all P ≤ 0.003) were predictors of open radical nephrectomy. The utilization rates of laparoscopic radical nephrectomy or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy varied minimally according to the examined characteristics. Older patients or women were significantly more likely to undergo laparoscopic radical nephrectomy, even after adjustment for all covariates (both P ≤ 0.02).

Conclusions

The rising utilization rates of radical nephrectomy are encouraging. Nevertheless, disparities of treatment type still exist. It is of concern that older and female patients are less likely to undergo nephron‐sparing surgery, and to have a radical nephrectomy by the laparoscopic approach instead.
Gambling in Taiwan: problems, research and policy
Authors: Yen Cheng‐Fang , Wu Harry Yi‐Jui
Published: February 2013

Aims  This study provides a systematic review of existing research that has evaluated unique gambling experiences in Taiwan.

Methods  A comprehensive review of electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Chinese Electronic Periodical Services and the Index to Taiwan Periodical Literature System, was conducted to identify evaluations of gambling experiences in Taiwan. Studies that met inclusion criteria were synthesized and assessed.

Results  Various types of gambling are prevalent in Taiwan, even though the laws of Taiwan forbid illegal gambling. Both traditional and novel types of gambling have brought adverse impacts to Taiwanese people in multiple aspects of everyday life. The strategies and attitudes of the government towards gambling have been forced to change as gambling has flourished.

Conclusions  Various types of gambling have developed in Taiwan in response to social, economic and cultural changes over time. The psychological aspects of gambling, however, need further study to provide fundamental information for developing intervention models for pathological gambling.
Upward and downward social comparisons can decrease prosocial behavior
Authors: Yip Jonathan J. , Kelly Anita E.
Published: February 2013

This experiment addressed whether upward or downward social comparisons can affect people's prosocial behavior toward the comparison targets. Undergraduates (N = 123) completed an inkblot test and then were randomly assigned to conditions in which they were told that their performance was either inferior or superior to their peers. A control group was given no performance feedback. Participants' self‐reported prosocial behaviors were measured 2 days later. Results indicated that both the upward and downward comparison groups engaged in significantly less prosocial behavior than did the control group and that empathy toward their peers mediated this effect. Our findings suggest that upward or downward comparison can make people feel less empathic toward the targets and thus less inclined to help them.
Evaluating the role of regional and local processes in structuring a larval trematode metacommunity of Helisoma trivolvis
Authors: Richgels Katherine L. D. , Hoverman Jason T. , Johnson Pieter T. J.
Published: February 2013

Metacommunity theory has advanced our understanding of how local and regional processes affect the structure of ecological communities. While parasites have largely been omitted from metacommunity research, parasite communities can provide the large sample sizes and discrete boundaries often required for evaluating metacommunity patterns. Here, we used assemblages of flatworm parasites that infect freshwater snails (Helisoma trivolvis) to evaluate three questions: 1) what factors affect individual host infections within ponds? 2) Is the parasite metacommunity structured among ponds? And 3) what is the relative role of local versus regional processes in determining metacommunity structure and species richness among ponds? We examined 10 821 snails from 96 sites in five park complexes in the San Francisco Bay area, California, and found 953 infections from six parasite groups. At the within‐pond level, infection status of host snails correlated positively with individual snail size and pond infection prevalence for all six parasite groups. Using an ordination method to test for metacommunity structure, we found that the parasite metacommunity was organized in a non‐random pattern with species responding individually along an environmental gradient. Based on a model selection approach involving local and regional predictors, parasite species richness and metacommunity structure correlated with both local abiotic (pH and total dissolved nitrogen) and biotic (non‐host mollusk density, and H. trivolvis biomass) factors, with little support for regional predictors. Overall, this trematode metacommunity most closely followed the predictions from the species sorting or mass effects metacommunity paradigm, in which community diversity is filtered by local site characteristics.
Forged Communities and Vulgar Citizens: Autonomy and its Límites in Semineoliberal Bolivia
Authors: Orta Andrew
Published: February 2013

Este artículo examina el impacto de los procesos de descentralización política sobre comunidades indígenas del altiplano boliviano. Enfatizando la creación de nuevos municipios rurales, describo las maneras en que las nuevas concepciones y prácticas de la vida cívica impactan formas locales de producción social, las cuales hace años han entretejido las comunidades indígenas dentro de la nación y más allá de la misma. Examino estas experiencias del nuevo panorama administrativo para entender mejor la textura del espacio cívico y político bajo el neoliberalismo y su situación posterior.
Subsistence Needs, Human Rights, and Imperfect Duties
Authors: Hope Simon
Published: February 2013

I address the usefulness of thinking about a human right to subsistence within conceptions of human rights grounded in ordinary moral reasoning. I argue that that natural rights should be understood as rights in rem, with their dynamism constrained by the requirements of justification and their scope constrained by the distinction between perfect and imperfect duty. I then suggest that many of the most pressing demands which the moral significance of subsistence needs create are plausibly imperfect duties, and so cannot correlate to a natural right to subsistence. This restricts the helpfulness of a human right to subsistence in our reasoning about what we owe to others.
Novel transcriptional regulation of VEGF in inflammatory processes
Authors: Tang Xiaoren , Yang Yu , Yuan Huaiping , You Jian , Burkatovskaya Marina , Amar Salomon
Published: February 2013

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical angiogenic factor affecting endothelial cells, inflammatory cells and neuronal cells. In addition to its well‐defined positive role in wound healing, pathological roles for VEGF have been described in cancer and inflammatory diseases (i.e. atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and osteoarthritis). Recently, we showed that transcription factors LITAF and STAT6B affected the inflammatory response. This study builds upon our previous results in testing the role of mouse LITAF and STAT6B in the regulation of VEGF‐mediated processes. Cells cotransfected with a series of VEGF promoter deletions along with truncated forms of mLITAF and/or mSTAT6B identified a DNA binding site (between −338 and −305 upstream of the transcription site) important in LITAF and/or STAT6B‐mediated transcriptional regulation of VEGF. LITAF and STAT6B corresponding protein sites were identified. In addition, siRNA‐mediated knockdown of mLITAF and/or mSTAT6B leads to significant reduction in VEGF mRNA levels and inhibits LPS‐induced VEGF secretion in mouse RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, VEGF treatment of mouse macrophage or endothelial cells induces LITAF/STAT6B nuclear translocation and cell migration. To translate these observations in vivo, VEGF164‐soaked matrigel were implanted in whole‐body LITAF‐deficient animals (TamLITAF−/−), wild‐type mice silenced for STAT6B, and in respective control animals. Vessel formation was found significantly reduced in TamLITAF−/− as well as in STAT6B‐silenced wild‐type animals compared with control animals. The present data demonstrate that VEGF regulation by LITAF and/or STAT6B is important in angiogenesis signalling pathways and may be a useful target in the treatment of VEGF diseases.
Visualizing the proteome: mapping protein changes in disease states with mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Lanni Eric J. , Rubakhin Stanislav S. , Sweedler Jonathan V.
Published: February 2013

Read the full article ‘MALDI imaging of post‐mortem human spinal cord in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis’ on doi: 10.1111/jnc.12019.
GLAST/EAAT1‐induced Glutamine release via SNAT3 in Bergmann glial cells: evidence of a functional and physical coupling
Authors: Martínez‐Lozada Zila , Guillem Alain M. , Flores‐Méndez Marco , Hernández‐Kelly Luisa C. , Vela Carmelita , Meza Enrique , Zepeda Rossana C. , Caba Mario , Rodríguez Angelina , Ortega Arturo
Published: February 2013

Glutamate, the major excitatory transmitter in the vertebrate brain, is removed from the synaptic cleft by a family of sodium‐dependent glutamate transporters profusely expressed in glial cells. Once internalized, it is metabolized by glutamine synthetase to glutamine and released to the synaptic space through sodium‐dependent neutral amino acid carriers of the N System (SNAT3/slc38a3/SN1, SNAT5/slc38a5/SN2). Glutamine is then taken up by neurons completing the so‐called glutamate/glutamine shuttle. Despite of the fact that this coupling was described decades ago, it is only recently that the biochemical framework of this shuttle has begun to be elucidated. Using the established model of cultured cerebellar Bergmann glia cells, we sought to characterize the functional and physical coupling of glutamate uptake and glutamine release. A time‐dependent Na+‐dependent glutamate/aspartate transporter/EAAT1‐induced System N‐mediated glutamine release could be demonstrated. Furthermore, D‐aspartate, a specific glutamate transporter ligand, was capable of enhancing the co‐immunoprecipitation of Na+‐dependent glutamate/aspartate transporter and Na+‐dependent neutral amino acid transporter 3, whereas glutamine tended to reduce this association. Our results suggest that glial cells surrounding glutamatergic synapses may act as sensors of neuron‐derived glutamate through their contribution to the neurotransmitter turnover.
CT Angiography Evaluation of Unusual Transorbital Penetrating Injury: A Toothbrush
Authors: Atay Musa , Alkan Alpay , Hanimoglu Hakan , Sharifov Rasul , Kilicarslan Rukiye , Aralasmak Ayse
Published: February 2013

Orbital penetrating injuries may cause significant harm to optic nerves and eyeball as well as to the brain and cerebral vasculature. Defining surrounding neurovascular structures by CT angiography (CTA) is important for surgical removal. We present an uncommon case of a 3‐year‐old child with a penetrating orbital injury caused by a toothbrush. To the best of our knowledge, there is no report orbital injury with a toothbrush so far.
Government Expenditure Financing in a Two‐Sector Cash‐In‐Advance Model of Endogenous Growth
Authors: CHANG WEN‐YA , TSAI HSUEH‐FANG , CHEN SHU‐HUA
Published: February 2013

We show that an expansion in the government size could be desirable from the viewpoint of the economy's long‐run growth, wherein factor intensity between the sectors, the mode of public spending financing, and the form of the cash‐in‐advance (CIA) constraint are crucial. We also show that when real balances are required only for consumption purchases, money financing is equivalent to consumption tax financing, but is not equivalent to income tax financing. If both consumption and gross investment are liquidity‐constrained, then the three financing methods are mutually not equivalent. The optimal financing scheme has the following features: (1) when the CIA constraint applies only to consumption purchases, any combination of the money growth rate and the consumption tax rate that satisfies the government budget constraint constitutes an optimal financing mix; (2) when the CIA constraint applies to both consumption and investment purchases, consumption tax financing only is optimal.
Comparing functional diversity in traits and demography of Central European vegetation
Authors: Herben Tomáš , Nováková Zuzana , Klimešová Jitka
Published: February 2013

Question

A major obstacle to understanding non‐random patterns in plant traits (over‐dispersion or under‐dispersion) has been our limited knowledge of trait–demography relationships for large sets of species. Here, we suggest that some of the needed data on demographic processes can be gathered from growth records on plants in botanical gardens. We examine within‐community patterns in demographic responses determined from such growth records, and ask whether they are different from patterns in plant traits.

Location

Czech Republic.

Methods

We assembled data on seed and vegetative reproduction for ca. 1000 Central European species from the Botanical Garden of Charles University in Prague. We used these data as estimates of potential vegetative and seed reproduction of individual species under favourable conditions. We linked these data with co‐occurrence data from the Czech National Phytosociological Database and with data on major species traits. We examined dispersion of both species traits and garden reproduction using randomization tests on the data set as a whole and on the data stratified using EUNIS classification into seven or 32 habitat types.

Results

The patterns found for species traits and for garden reproduction are similar, with strong under‐dispersion for the data set as a whole and diminishing under‐dispersion in subsets of the data. Under‐dispersion was much stronger for traits than for garden reproduction. No over‐dispersion was detected in either trait or garden reproduction data.

Conclusions

The major source of the pattern in the data is environmental filtering. Stronger filtering for traits indicates that the linkage between environment and traits is much tighter than that between environment and demography. In ecologically homogeneous communities, reproduction parameters are closer than trait values to a random distribution, indicating that co‐existence of species are not limited by either similarities or differences in their demography. These findings show that trait dispersion need not be directly related to species demography and, more generally, that correct identification of trait–demography relationships is necessary for better understanding patterns of trait dispersion.
Sexual dimorphisms in habitat‐specific morphology and behavior in the green anole lizard
Authors: Dill A. K. , Sanger T. J. , Battles A. C. , Johnson M. A.
Published: February 2013

Species that occur in variable environments often exhibit morphological and behavioral traits that are specific to local habitats. Because the ability to move effectively is closely associated with structural habitat, locomotor traits may be particularly sensitive to fine‐scale habitat differences. Anolis lizards provide an excellent opportunity to study the relationship between locomotion and natural perch use in the field, as laboratory studies have demonstrated that lizards that use broader perches develop longer limbs and have higher sprint speeds. We examined Anolis carolinensis (the green anole) in three habitats in close proximity. Our goals were to determine whether habitat‐specific differences in hindlimb and toe morphologies occurred in a population in which perch size was variable but not manipulated, whether locomotor behaviors were associated with these morphologies, and whether habitat‐specific traits differed between the sexes. We found that while juveniles in the three habitats did not differ in limb or toe morphology, adult females using broader perches had relatively longer limbs than females using narrower perches. Females also differed in toe length across habitats, but not in relation to perch diameter. Males, in contrast, exhibited differing growth patterns (allometry) in these traits, and marginal differences in locomotor behavior. Together, these results suggest that sex‐specific responses in morphology and behavior, consistent with experimental observations of phenotypic plasticity, provide a mechanism for refining local habitat use.
Common Core Science Standards: Implications for Students with Learning Disabilities
Authors: Scruggs Thomas E. , Brigham Frederick J. , Mastropieri Margo A.
Published: February 2013

The Common Core Science Standards represent a new effort to increase science learning for all students. These standards include a focus on English and language arts aspects of science learning, and three dimensions of science standards, including practices of science, crosscutting concepts of science, and disciplinary core ideas in the various subject areas. Many of these issues bring important implications for students with learning disabilities, which we discuss in turn. With appropriate supports and applications, students with learning disabilities can potentially benefit greatly from these new standards. However, the demands of these standards may require a higher level of support than those commonly available for many students with learning disabilities.
Extraterrestrial amino acids identified in metal‐rich CH and CB carbonaceous chondrites from Antarctica
Authors: Burton Aaron S. , Elsila Jamie E. , Hein Jason E. , Glavin Daniel P. , Dworkin Jason P.
Published: February 2013

Carbonaceous chondrites contain numerous indigenous organic compounds and could have been an important source of prebiotic compounds required for the origin of life on Earth or elsewhere. Extraterrestrial amino acids have been reported in five of the eight groups of carbonaceous chondrites and are most abundant in CI, CM, and CR chondrites but are also present in the more thermally altered CV and CO chondrites. We report the abundance, distribution, and enantiomeric and isotopic compositions of simple primary amino acids in six metal‐rich CH and CB carbonaceous chondrites that have not previously been investigated for amino acids: Allan Hills (ALH) 85085 (CH3), Pecora Escarpment (PCA) 91467 (CH3), Patuxent Range (PAT) 91546 (CH3), MacAlpine Hills (MAC) 02675 (CBb), Miller Range (MIL) 05082 (CB), and Miller Range (MIL) 07411 (CB). Amino acid abundances and carbon isotopic values were obtained by using both liquid chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry and fluorescence, and gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometry. The δ13C/12C ratios of multiple amino acids fall outside of the terrestrial range and support their extraterrestrial origin. Extracts of CH chondrites were found to be particularly rich in amino acids (13–16 parts per million, ppm) while CB chondrite extracts had much lower abundances (0.2–2 ppm). The amino acid distributions of the CH and CB chondrites were distinct from the distributions observed in type 2 and 3 CM and CR chondrites and contained elevated levels of β‐, γ‐, and δ‐amino acids compared to the corresponding α‐amino acids, providing evidence that multiple amino acid formation mechanisms were important in CH and CB chondrites.
Reliability of different methods for measuring the inclination of the maxillary canines on panoramic radiographs
Authors: Incerti Parenti S. , Gatto M. R. , Gracco A. , Alessandri Bonetti G.
Published: February 2013

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To test the reliability of 4 different methods of measuring maxillary canine inclination (CI) on panoramic radiographs, and to determine whether examiner experience level influenced these measurements under ideal experimental conditions.

Setting and Sample Population

The sample consisted of 20 high‐quality panoramic radiographs obtained under standardized conditions using the same radiological apparatus.

Material and Methods

Canine inclination (CI) was measured as either the angle formed by the canine long axis and the midline (method A), a line passing through the suborbitary points (method B), the most superior points of condyles (method C) or the mesiobuccal cusp tip of the first molars (method D). Measurements were made at initial observation (T1) and after 3 months (T2) by 5 experienced orthodontists and 5 undergraduate dental students.

Results

Mean T1‐T2 differences for the measurements were close to zero, with no relationship between their magnitude or direction for each method. Intra‐rater reliability was excellent, with the lowest values being observed for method B and the highest for method C. No influence of the examiner experience level was detected.

Conclusion

The four methods used in this study to measure CI showed excellent intra‐rater and inter‐rater reliability, irrespective of examiner experience level. Method B was the least reliable and method C the most reliable, if compared with the others.
Evaluation of septa frequency in the maxillary sinuses with edentulous and dentulous areas through computed tomography
Authors: Palma V.C. , Rosa A. , Semenoff T.A.D.V. , de Musis C.R. , Bueno M.R. , Porto A.N. , Semenoff Segundo A.
Published: February 2013

Objective

To analyse the number of septa in the maxillary sinuses using computed tomography (CT) in correlation with gender, age and the presence of teeth in the region.

Materials and methods

The sample consisted of 300 CT scans obtained from a private radiology clinic between 2009 and 2011. The CT scans included in the study should have the appropriate image of the maxillary sinus and contain information regarding age, gender and the date of the examinations. Patients with a history of pathologies in the region, patients who underwent floor of mouth surgery and patients less than 20 years of age were excluded from the sample. The authors considered osseous septa to be septa with a height above 4 mm in relation to the base of the sinus floor. The sample was divided into three groups: (i) presence of all teeth, (ii) partially edentulous – a minimum of two teeth present between the second premolar and second molar – and (iii) totally edentulous. The data were divided and stratified by age and gender.

Results

The frequency of septa in the maxillary sinus was 37.80% (n = 183). No significant difference was observed among the five age groups (P > 0.05); additionally, there was no significant difference in septa frequency (P > 0.05) – analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey's. Univariate and multivariate ANOVA showed a significant interaction between tooth loss and age (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Statistical analyses demonstrated no difference in the number of septa in relation to age, gender or the number of teeth in the posterior maxilla.
Novel Cartilage‐derived Biomimetic Scaffold for Human Nucleus Pulposus Regeneration: a Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Symptomatic Degenerative Disc Diseases
Authors: Yang Qiang , Zhao Yan‐hong , Xia Qun , Xu Bao‐shan , Ma Xin‐long , Liu Yue , Hu Yong‐cheng , Li Hong‐fa , Miao Jun , Wang Tao , Ma Jian‐xiong , Sun Xiao‐lei
Published: February 2013

Because current therapies have not always been successful and effective, the possibility of regenerating the nucleus pulposus (NP) through a tissue‐engineered construct offers a novel therapeutic possibility for symptomatic degenerative disc diseases (DDDs). However, more research is necessary to identify the optimal scaffold, cell type and mixture of signal factors needed for NP regeneration. Numerous possible scaffolds for NP regeneration have been investigated; they have many shortcomings in common. Various biological scaffolds derived from decellularized tissue and organs have been successfully used in tissue engineering and received approval for use in humans. Regretfully, harvesting of human NP is difficult and only small amounts can be obtained. The macromolecules of cartilage, which include collagen and proteoglycan aggrecan, are similar to those of the extracellular matrix of immature NP. Recent studies have shown that adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSC) can be induced to develop NP‐like phenotypes when stimulated by appropriate signals. We thus reasonably postulated that an ideal NP scaffold for tissue engineering could be fabricated from decellularized cartilage matrix (DCM). Furthermore, a combination of ADSCs and DCM‐derived biomimetic scaffolds would be advantageous in NP tissue engineering and, in the long run, could become an effective treatment option for symptomatic DDD.
Effects on Clinical Outcomes of Grafts and Spacers Used in Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: a Critical Review
Authors: Heida Kenneth , Ebraheim Molly , Siddiqui Saaid , Liu Jiayong
Published: February 2013

Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is a relatively new and popular spinal fusion technique that has proven very useful since its introduction. To date, fusion rates for different combinations of modalities and materials have not been thoroughly compared and assessed. In this review of published reports, 29 papers met criteria for assessing fusion rates for three different interbody spacers and four different combinations of bone grafts and extenders. The spacers included Capstone, polyether ether ketones and Telamon cages, and the grafting materials reviewed were locally harvested bone, iliac crest bone with local, local bone plus recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 and a mixture of local and allograft bone. Of these, it was found that only the Capstone cage and locally harvested bone achieved statistically significant higher fusion rates (96.46% ± 2.89% and 97.07% ± 1.94% respectively) than the other modalities and materials studied. Oswestry Disability Index scores and visual pain scales were also examined as indicators of overall improvement after using each spacer and graft; the Telamon cage and local bone mixed with rhBMP‐2 stood out as conferring statistically significant greater improvements according to these two scales. Our findings are that Capstone and locally harvested bone alone are relatively superior in terms of fusion rates.
Chronic cough management: Dealing with a sensation of mucus in the throat
Authors: Ogawa Haruhiko , Fujimura Masaki , Takeuchi Yasuo , Makimura Koichi
Published: February 2013

Among the various types of laryngeal paresthesia, the results of the study with use of a newly developed cough‐related laryngeal sensation questionnaire suggested that a sensation of mucus in the throat (SMIT) can predict the presence of fungal colonization in chronic cough patients. Next to ‘cough’ or ‘sputum’, SMIT may become the third key clinical manifestation leading to successful prediction of the efficacy of antifungal therapy in chronic cough patients.