bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward a New Theory of Waste: From ‘Matter out of Place’ to Signs of Life
Authors: Reno Joshua Ozias
Published: January 2014

This paper offers a counterpoint to the prevailing account of waste in the human sciences. This account identifies waste, firstly, as the anomalous product of arbitrary social categorizations, or ‘matter out of place’, and, secondly, as a distinctly human way of leaving behind and interpreting traces, or a mirror of culture. Together, these positions reflect a more or less constructivist and anthropocentric approach. Most commonly, waste is placed within a framework that privileges considerations of meaning over materiality and the threat of death over the perpetuity of life processes. For an alternative I turn to bio-semiotics and cross-species scholarship around the question of the animal. Specifically, the paper asks what theories of waste would look like if instead of taking ‘dirt’ as their starting point, they began with trans-species encounters with animal scat. Following bio-semiotics and efforts to deconstruct the animal/human binary, it is suggested that the objectual forms commonly referred to as ‘waste’ are not arbitrarily classified but purposefully expended, and thus symptomatic of life’s spatio-temporal continuation. Waste matter, therefore, is best construed not as anthropocentric but as semi-biotic: a sign of the form of life to which it once belonged. This alternative perspective has implications for how approaches to industrial forms of mass waste can be reconceived.
The influence of the accruals generating process on earnings persistence
Authors: Govendir Brett , Wells Peter
Published: January 2014

In this paper we categorise accruals on the basis of how they are generated, and empirically evaluate whether this categorisation provides additional insights into future earnings and is relevant to the estimation of firm value. Specifically, we categorise accruals on the basis of whether the underlying cash flows lead or lag earnings recognition, and whether the accruals are initiating or reversing (i.e. a four-way categorisation). We demonstrate that these accrual categories are not homogeneous, have differing implications for earnings persistence and are relevant for firm valuation. Significantly, where cash flows lag earnings recognition (e.g. sales made on credit) they have greater implications for future earnings than where cash flows lead earnings (e.g. unearned revenues) and depreciation. Similarly, initiating accruals have greater implications for the persistence of earnings than reversing accruals. Paradoxically, while depreciation exhibits high persistence, it has less of an implication for the persistence of earnings than either lag or initiating earnings categories. These findings enhance our understanding of the properties of accounting income and how it is impounded into share prices.
Improvements in Hip Muscle Performance Result in Increased Use of the Hip Extensors and Abductors During a Landing Task
Authors: Stearns Kristen M. , Powers Christopher M.
Published: January 2014

Background:

Impaired hip muscle performance has been implicated as a contributing factor to the increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in women.

Purpose:

To determine the influence of a hip-focused training program on lower extremity biomechanics during a drop-jump task.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty-one recreationally active women (18-25 years of age) participated in a 4-week training program consisting of hip-focused plyometric and balance perturbation exercises (3 times/wk, 30 min/session). Maximum isometric strength of the hip extensors, hip abductors, and knee extensors was assessed, along with lower extremity biomechanics during a drop-jump task. All assessments were performed within 5 days of initiation and completion of the training program.

Results:

After training, subjects demonstrated significantly greater maximum isometric strength of the hip extensors (2.87 ± 0.7 vs 3.11 ± 0.7 N·m/kg; P < .01) and hip abductors (2.08 ± 0.7 vs 2.23 ± 0.07 N·m/kg; P = .004). No significant difference in knee extensor strength was observed. After training, subjects landed with significantly greater peak knee flexion (94.0° ± 8.5° vs 98.0° ± 10.1°; P < .001) and hip flexion (83.4° ± 7.6° vs 89.9° ± 8.8°; P = .008) and a lower knee/hip extensor moment ratio (1.33 ± 0.6 vs 0.99 ± 0.3; P = .001). In addition, subjects demonstrated significantly lower peak knee abduction angles (6.8° ± 3.3° vs 5.6° ± 3.1°; P = .04) and average knee adductor moments (0.06 ± 0.1 vs −0.02 ± 0.1 N·m/kg; P < .001).

Conclusion:

Changes in lower extremity biomechanics consistent with decreased risk for ACL injury were observed after participation in a hip-focused training program.

Clinical Relevance:

The study results suggest that ACL injury prevention programs targeting hip muscle performance may be important in mitigating biomechanical risk factors associated with ACL injury in women.
Monetary Incentives, Motivation, and Job Effort in the Public Sector
Authors: Belle Nicola , Cantarelli Paola
Published: January 2014

What effects do financial incentives have on the effort made by public managers? How do different types of work motivation (i.e., intrinsic, extrinsic, and public service motivation) moderate this effect? We addressed these questions using experimental data from a sample of executives working for the Italian central government and found that monetary rewards had no significant effect on the intended effort of the study participants. Furthermore, the relationship between financial incentives and intended effort, which was insignificant overall, was negatively moderated by the intrinsic motivation of the participants, positively moderated by extrinsic motivation, and unaffected by public service motivation.
A Look Back at the Defense of Marriage Act
Authors: Pelts Michael D.
Published: January 2014

The social work profession has made a commitment to serve people who are marginalized and address issues at the direct practice level and the policy level. Beyond the Defense of Marriage Act, marriage inequality in the United States negatively impacts millions of individuals and families. A review of the history of same-sex marriage (SSM) and the current state of SSM suggests that actions at the state level continue to have far-reaching negative impacts. Issues of marriage equality and families headed by same-sex couples will require the advocacy and support of social work for decades to come.
Semi-empirical power dissipation modelling of mechanical hybrid powertrain components
Authors: van Berkel Koos , Maessen Mark , Hofman Theo , Vroemen Bas , Steinbuch Maarten
Published: January 2014

Accurate modelling is of key importance for the model-based design of controlled systems. The overall system complexity can be limited by using simple component models that represent only the main characteristics, where smooth characteristics are preferred to avoid unnecessary irregularities in the design optimization and in the controlled signals. This paper presents the design of such control-oriented models to describe the power dissipation in a mechanical hybrid powertrain. The two key powertrain components are the continuously variable transmission for mechanical power transmission and a flywheel system for kinetic energy storage. The power dissipation in these components is modelled by parametric functions, which are suitable for describing smooth characteristics in a relatively simple format with only a few coefficients. The functions are selected on the basis of the physical understanding of the systems, whereas the coefficients are identified from dedicated test rig experiments. The results show that the power dissipations are modelled very accurately for both the continuously variable transmission and the flywheel system, with a modelling error of less than 75 W for 80% of the operating conditions in a wide operating range between −25 kW and 38 kW. The continuously variable transmission model is also validated under dynamic driving conditions, showing an overall error for the transmission efficiency of less than 1%.
Joint optimization of battery mass and flight trajectory for high-altitude solar-powered aircraft
Authors: Gao Xian-Zhong , Hou Zhong-Xi , Guo Zheng , Chen Xiao-Qing , Chen Xiao-Qian
Published: January 2014

The design parameters of high-altitude solar-powered aircraft are highly correlative with its flight trajectory. However, it is not an easy work to jointly optimize them in the concept design stage. This paper considers the joint optimization problem of battery mass and flight trajectory for high-altitude solar-powered aircraft. The system model including the aircraft dynamic model, aerodynamic parameters, and thrust model is presented. Then the problem to be optimized is formulated and a new optimization method, which uses the particle swarm optimization and Gauss pseudo-spectral method, is proposed. The Gauss pseudo-spectral method is employed to generate the minimal power consumed by following the flight trajectory in the given configuration of high-altitude solar-powered aircraft, while the particle swarm optimization is used to calculate the optimal battery mass of aircraft. The simulation result shows that the proposed joint optimization method can reduce the battery mass of high-altitude solar-powered aircraft from 16 kg to 13.6 kg, which is equivalent to enhancing its energy density by 19.7%. It can be also seen that the proposed optimization method connects each parameter in a logically clear way and hence provide a perspective for understanding the optimization problem.
Conditions for a neoliberal turn: The cases of Hungary and Slovenia
Authors: Stanojević Miroslav
Published: January 2014

Even before the end of the one-party system, both Hungary and Slovenia experienced systematic internal market reforms. After the abrupt political transition there has been a complete shift to a market economy. In Hungary, this had clear features of a neoliberal transformation; but in Slovenia an alternative path was taken, involving neo-corporatism with its Keynesian welfare correlates. Yet during the last decade, a new wave of radical neoliberal change has occurred in both countries. In this article, I compare the transformations in both countries, in order to identify the conditions underlying the neoliberal turn in each.
Autonomous Student Experiences in Outdoor and Adventure Education
Authors: Daniel Brad , Bobilya Andrew J. , Kalisch Kenneth R. , McAvoy Leo H.
Published: January 2014

This article explores the current state of knowledge regarding the use of autonomous student experiences (ASE) in outdoor and adventure education (OAE) programs. ASE are defined as components (e.g., solo, final expedition) in which participants have a greater measure of choice and control over the planning, execution, and outcomes of their learning. The article discusses the importance of ASE in experiential education and reviews major findings and supporting evidence in the relevant literature. Outward Bound and the National Outdoor Leadership School are highlighted as OAE programs that incorporate evidence-based research into their course designs. The article concludes with an examination of existing gaps in the knowledge and a discussion of topics for future ASE research.
The Competent Actor
Authors: Pernkopf-Konhäusner Katharina
Published: January 2014

Traditional institutional analysis and the conceptualization of a competent actor—an ordinary individual at times culturally disembedded and capable of proactively engaging with institutional complexity—have not made the best bedfellows so far. This is about to change. Limitations in the institutional logics perspective regarding its microfoundations are now beginning to be addressed and attention has shifted to the theorizing of actorhood. Recent work on institutional biography and reflexivity stresses the importance of agency in bringing the actor back into the debate around institutional logics or institutional orders in a broader sense. This commentary speaks to the growing research interest in actor’s “on the ground” dealing with multiple logics. The notion of the competent actor and its potential to be further developed from an institutional logics perspective together with French pragmatist sociology are discussed.
Thrombophilic Mutations and Polymorphisms, Alone or in Combination, and Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion
Authors: Lino Fabio L. , Traina Évelyn , Barreto José Augusto , Moron Antonio Fernandes , Mattar Rosiane
Published: January 2014

Generally, recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSAs) have no identifiable cause; yet, vascular alterations during pregnancy may be associated with pregnancy loss. Therefore, we evaluated the association between thrombophilic mutations and RSAs. This case–control study was conducted in 112 patients who had RSAs and 98 health control women. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood, and polymorphism genotyping was conducted using polymerase chain reaction. The following 6 genetic variants were analyzed: factor V Leiden, prothrombin mutation, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T and A1298C, plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (4G>5G), and factor XIII G103T (V34L). No correlations were found in any of the investigated polymorphisms. Moreover, 35.0% of cases and 25.5% of controls had at least 2 mutations in combination, and 4.8% of cases and 5.1% of controls had 3, but these combinations were not associated with additional risk. In conclusion, we found no association between the polymorphisms studied and the occurrence of RSAs.
Control to avoid vibrations in systems with compliant elements
Authors: Formalskii A , Gannel L
Published: January 2014

A mechanical system containing compliant element is investigated. Such an element can be, for example, a compliant platform where the operated object (plant) is installed or an elastic gear that connects a motor with this movable object. The control parameter (force or torque) is bounded in magnitude. Only the first (lowest) resonance frequency is taken into account. Thus the system under consideration has two degrees of freedom and one control input. A double zero eigenvalue and two complex eigenvalues are in the linear mathematical model of this system. Control laws to steer the plant from the given initial state to the given final state in finite time are designed. These controls are divided into intervals on which it varies linearly depending on time or is constant. The time intervals where the control varies are equal to the period of the natural vibrations of the system. If there is no damping, this makes it possible to completely avoid vibrations on the time intervals where the control is constant including the time when the control signal becomes zero (identically). Another way to avoid the vibrations is to put the total time of the transient process equal to a multiple of the doubled period of the natural vibrations.
Parametric modeling and FPGA based real time active vibration control of a piezoelectric laminate cantilever beam at resonance
Authors: Parameswaran Arun P , Gangadharan KV
Published: January 2014

The operational efficiency and life of mechanical systems/structures depends to a large extent on their vibration control. Continuously occurring vibrations on the systems can cause fatigue and the effects of these vibrations are particularly severe if they occur at a frequency matching with that of the concerned system’s natural frequency – a stage called resonance. This paper focuses on achieving active vibration control of a smart cantilever beam at its first resonant frequency as it is at this stage that maximum damage to the system performance is expected. The smart system is modelled in the parametric domain using finite element modeling techniques and the obtained model is validated through experimental means. The active vibration control is achieved by employing two control algorithms namely – output feedback and error based control through general purpose operating system (LabVIEW on Windows 7) as well as in real time operating system (LabVIEW FPGA coupled with compact reconfigurable input output modules) and the performances are compared thereby justifying the importance of the deterministic and reliable real time control over the usual PC based control in experimental studies.
An efficient reliability method for probabilistic H-infinity robust control of uncertain linear dynamic systems
Authors: Guo Shu-Xiang
Published: January 2014

Achieving balance between robustness and performance is always a fundamental challenge we are faced with in control design of systems in the presence of uncertainties. H∞ robust control theory has been extensively used to deal with the problems of robust stabilization and disturbance attenuation of uncertain systems. However, in traditional H∞ robust control, the most frequently used method for dealing with uncertainties is adopting the assumption of norm-bounded perturbations of arbitrary structure about a nominal plant and the design techniques are based on the deterministic worst-case scenarios that may never occur in a particular control system and thus often led to over-conservative results. In this paper we focus on developing a reliability method for probabilistic H∞ robust control of linear uncertain systems by describing the uncertain parameters as random variables. A new efficient reliability method for robust control of dynamic systems with probabilistic parametric uncertainties is presented systematically. Robust control design is carried out by solving a reliability-based optimization problem where the disturbance attenuation and control cost are minimized under the condition that reliability requirement is satisfied. One of the advantages of the presented reliability method is that it can be used directly for robust control design of parametric uncertain systems. Another advantage of the presented method is that it makes it possible to consider the factors such as system performance, control cost, and reliability simultaneously in an integrated framework and provides an essential basis for the coordination and tradeoffs between these important factors in control design of uncertain systems. Compared to traditional H∞ robust control, the presented method is less-conservative and more reasonable for dealing with probabilistic uncertainties. The presented formulations are within the framework of linear matrix inequality and thus can be carried out conveniently. Two numerical examples are investigated to demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the presented method.
Designing and evaluating the acceptability of Realshare: An online support community for teenagers and young adults with cancer
Authors: Griffiths Catrin , Panteli Niki , Brunton Deirdre , Marder Ben , Williamson Heidi
Published: January 2014

A participatory action approach was used to design and evaluate the acceptability of the Realshare online community. Pre and post-intervention focus groups were conducted and participants were asked to test out Realshare during two intervention periods: when a facilitator was present and when one was not. Focus group data and forum messages were thematically analysed. The themes identified related to participants’ website design requirements, how they used the community and the evaluation of Realshare after having used it. Amendments were made to Realshare throughout the project. Realshare is available to young oncology patients in the South West of England.
Examining the criterion-related validity of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory
Authors: McMorris Carly A , Perry Adrienne
Published: January 2014

The Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory is a questionnaire designed to aid in the diagnosis of pervasive developmental disorders or autism spectrum disorders. The Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory assesses adaptive and maladaptive behaviors associated with pervasive developmental disorders and provides an age-standardized Autism Composite score. In previous research, the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory has demonstrated moderate to strong reliability and validity. This study aimed to replicate and extend previous research by investigating the criterion-related validity of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory. Data from 40 children were analyzed in relation to other measures. The Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory adaptive scores were moderately correlated with cognitive and adaptive behavior scores as expected. However, no significant correlations were found between the maladaptive and Autism Composite scores of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Results lead to concerns regarding the validity of some scores of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Behavior Inventory.
Crisis and critique in Jürgen Habermas’s social theory
Authors: Cordero Rodrigo
Published: January 2014

At a time when ideas of crisis and critique are at the forefront of public discourse, this article seeks to understand moments of crisis vis-à-vis critique as a key feature of critical social theory. It addresses Jürgen Habermas’s strong claim that this relationship accounts for a ‘model of analysis’ concerned with grasping the ‘diremptions’ of social life. To elaborate this reading, the article pays attention to the main problems Habermas identifies in conventional ways of understanding the concepts of ‘crisis’ and ‘critique’ in social theory. The aim is to examine the mode in which he reconsiders each of these terms and then reasserts the dialectical link between them. I reconstruct this relationship by taking as cases two of his most substantive works of social theorizing: The Theory of Communicative Action, and Between Facts and Norms. Based on this interpretation, I suggest that though Habermas contributes to resituating the practice of critique as a communicative translation of objective crisis, he does not adequately account for another key movement: when critique actually initiates, enacts and furthers the moment of crisis.
My whole world’s in my palm! The second-level divide of teenagers’ mobile use and skill
Authors: Park Yong Jin
Published: January 2014

Mobile communication emerged as a dominant channel for networked teenagers. While some theorists celebrate possibilities for autonomy, others are concerned that the increased reliance on mobile-based communication leads to disparities in digital skill and status replication. We examined how mobile-mediated behavior among teens interacted with the characteristics of socio-demographics and mobile access to predict (1) levels of diverse use and skill and (2) consequences of skill/use differences ( n = 552). Findings revealed that skill/use disparities were manifested based on race, and such variations were associated with status of parents in interaction with mobile phone ownership. Instrumental use and content/creation-based skill had significant impacts on public involvement among teens. Our data have implications for understanding how social backgrounds incubate mobile-based disparities in light of enabling teens’ life chances.
Data-driven emission model structures for diesel engine management system development
Authors: Grahn Markus , Johansson Krister , McKelvey Tomas
Published: January 2014

This article discusses some specific data-driven model structures suitable for prediction of NOx and soot emissions from a diesel engine. The model structures can be described as local linear regression models where the regression parameters are defined by two-dimensional lookup tables. It is highlighted that this structure can be interpreted as a B-spline function. Using the model structure, models are derived from measured engine data. The smoothness of the derived models is controlled by using an additional regularization term, and the globally optimal model parameters can be found by solving a linear least squares problem. Experimental data from a five-cylinder Volvo passenger car diesel engine is used to derive NOx and soot models, using a leave-one-out cross-validation strategy to determine the optimal degree of regularization. The model for NOx emissions predicts the NOx mass flow with an average relative error of 5.1% and the model for soot emissions predicts the soot mass flow with an average relative error of 29% for the measurement data used in this study. The behavior of the models for different engine management system settings regarding boost pressure, amount of exhaust gas recirculation, and injection timing has been studied. The models react to the different engine management system settings in an expected way, making them suitable for optimization of engine management system settings. Finally, the model performance dependence on the selected model complexity and on the number of measurement data points used to derive the models has been studied.
Prediction and evaluation of working conditions on high-speed craft using suspension seat modelling
Authors: Olausson Katrin , Garme Karl
Published: January 2014

Severe working conditions on board high-speed craft adversely affect not only the safety, health and performance of the crew but also the performance of the vessel as a technical system. Human factors–based ship design combined with appropriate vibration mitigation techniques and work routines for the crew can improve the working conditions and reduce the risks for performance degradation and adverse health effects. To enable development and use of such means, methods for prediction and evaluation of working conditions are needed for both existing high-speed craft and craft under design. This article presents a 2-degree-of-freedom seat model compatible with both measured and simulated input data. The interaction between seat and human is treated using the concept of apparent mass. The model is validated against experiment data collected on board a 10-m, 50-knot high-speed craft equipped with high-standard suspension seats. Evaluation measures defined in ISO 2631-1 and ISO 2631-5 are used to compare experiment data to modelled data. The seat model slightly overestimates the experiment Sed dose by a mean of 6.5% and underestimates the experiment vibration dose value (8 h) by 4.0%. It is concluded that model data correlate well with experiment data.
Collecting Health Research Data
Authors: van Heerden Alastair C. , Norris Shane A. , Tollman Stephen M. , Richter Linda M.
Published: January 2014

Mobile phone–assisted personal interviewing (MPAPI) is becoming a more widely used technique to collect survey data. Not having a hard copy paper document to return to when cleaning data raises the question of how data error rates compare with traditional paper surveys and at what cost. One hundred health research interviewers trained to use traditional pen-and-paper (PAP) survey methodology were recruited and randomly assigned to either a PAP or an MPAPI group. After receiving training on the survey instrument, each of the 100 interviewers conducted interviews with the same five interviewees, for a total of 500 interviews. Costs associated with the two survey methods were calculated. Very low error rates were achieved in both PAP and MPAPI, with a total of 381 data errors identified in 21,500 survey items. Findings suggest that experienced, well-trained interviewers using a short, well-constructed survey can produce very low error rates, independent of survey mode and that the benefits of MPAPI would be magnified as the size and complexity of the study increases.
Relapsed small cell lung cancer: treatment options and latest developments
Authors: Asai Nobuhiro , Ohkuni Yoshihiro , Kaneko Norihiro , Yamaguchi Etsuro , Kubo Akihito
Published: January 2014

According to recent analyses, there was a modest yet significant improvement in median survival time and 5-year survival rate of limited stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in North America, Europe, Japan and other countries over the last 30 years. The median survival time of limited stage SCLC is 15–20 months and 5-year survival rate is 15% or less. In terms of extensive stage SCLC, a median survival time of 9.4–12.8 months and 2-year survival of 5.2–19.5% are still disappointing. Despite being highly sensitive to first-line chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, most patients with SCLC experience relapse within 2 years and die from systemic metastasis. While several clinical trials of cytotoxic chemotherapies and molecular targeting agents have been investigated in the treatment of relapsed SCLC, none showed a significant clinical activity to be able to exceed topotecan as second-line chemotherapy. There are problematic issues to address for relapsed SCLC, such as standardizing the treatment for third-line chemotherapy. Topotecan alone was the first approved therapy for second-line treatment for relapsed SCLC. Amrubicin is a promising drug and a variety of trials evaluating its efficacy have been carried out. Amrubicin has shown superiority to topotecan in a Japanese population, but was not superior in a study of western patients. There are some controversial issues for relapsed SCLC, such as treatment for older patients, third-line chemotherapy and efficacy of molecular targeting therapy. This article reviews current standard treatment, recent clinical trials and other topics on relapsed SCLC.
Baker’s Cyst
Authors: Frush Todd J. , Noyes Frank R.
Published: January 2014

Context:

Popliteal synovial cysts, also known as Baker’s cysts, are commonly found in association with intra-articular knee disorders, such as osteoarthritis and meniscus tears. Histologically, the cyst walls resemble synovial tissue with fibrosis evident, and there may be chronic nonspecific inflammation present. Osteocartilaginous loose bodies may also be found within the cyst, even if they are not seen in the knee joint. Baker’s cysts can be a source of posterior knee pain that persists despite surgical treatment of the intra-articular lesion, and they are routinely discovered on magnetic resonance imaging scans of the symptomatic knee. Symptoms related to a popliteal cyst origin are infrequent and may be related to size.

Evidence Acquisition:

A PubMed search was conducted with keywords related to the history, diagnosis, and treatment of Baker’s cysts—namely, Baker’s cyst, popliteal cyst, diagnosis, treatment, formation of popliteal cyst, surgical indications, and complications. Bibliographies from these references were also reviewed to identify related and pertinent literature.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Baker’s cysts are commonly found associated with intra-articular knee disorders. Proper diagnosis, examination, and treatment are paramount in alleviating the pain and discomfort associated with Baker’s cysts.

Conclusion:

A capsular opening to the semimembranosus–medial head gastrocnemius bursa is a commonly found normal anatomic variant. It is thought that this can lead to the formation of a popliteal cyst in the presence of chronic knee effusions as a result of intra-articular pathology. Management of symptomatic popliteal cysts is conservative. The intra-articular pathology should be first addressed by arthroscopy. If surgical excision later becomes necessary, a limited posteromedial approach is often employed. Other treatments, such as arthroscopic debridement and closure of the valvular mechanism, are not well studied and cannot yet be recommended.
Systemic Administration of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor for Osteochondral Defect Repair in a Rat Experimental Model
Authors: Okano Tadashi , Mera Hisashi , Itokazu Maki , Okabe Takahiro , Koike Tatsuya , Nakamura Hiroaki , Wakitani Shigeyuki
Published: January 2014

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) on osteochondral defect repair in the rat knee.

Design:

Twenty-six 12-week-old male Lewis rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. From day 0 to day 4, the G-CSF group received glycosylated G-CSF, and the control group received phosphate-buffered saline. A 1.5-mm diameter and 1.0-mm deep osteochondral defect was introduced in the patellar groove of the bilateral femur in all rats on day 4. The peripheral blood nucleated cells were counted for 14 days from the first day of injection, the appearance of the cartilage repair was observed histologically and macroscopically for 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after surgery.

Results:

The number of peripheral blood leukocytes increased 3 days and returned to normal levels 7 days after the first injection. Compared with the control group, the G-CSF group had more fibrous and/or bony tissue at earlier points in time. The tissue repair rate, which is defined as the percentage of repaired osteochondral defects, was significantly higher in the G-CSF group 4 weeks after surgery. However, there were no significant differences in the cartilage repair rate and the modified Wakitani score between the 2 groups at each time point.

Conclusions:

The defect filling was significantly better in the G-CSF group in the early phases. Our findings suggest that G-CSF may promote the repair of osteochondral defects by mediating an increase in the number of peripheral blood nucleated cells.
Accelerated evolution of the mitochondrial genome in an alloplasmic line of durum wheat
Authors: Noyszewski Andrzej K , Ghavami Farhad , Alnemer Loai M , Soltani Ali , Gu Yong Q , Huo Naxin , Meinhardt Steven , Kianian Penny MA , Kianian Shahryar F
Published: January 2014

Background

Wheat is an excellent plant species for nuclear mitochondrial interaction studies due to availability of large collection of alloplasmic lines. These lines exhibit different vegetative and physiological properties than their parents. To investigate the level of sequence changes introduced into the mitochondrial genome under the alloplasmic condition, three mitochondrial genomes of the Triticum-Aegilops species were sequenced: 1) durum alloplasmic line with the Ae. longissima cytoplasm that carries the T. turgidum nucleus designated as (lo) durum, 2) the cytoplasmic donor line, and 3) the nuclear donor line.

Results

The mitochondrial genome of the T. turgidum was 451,678 bp in length with high structural and nucleotide identity to the previously characterized T. aestivum genome. The assembled mitochondrial genome of the (lo) durum and the Ae. longissima were 431,959 bp and 399,005 bp in size, respectively. The high sequence coverage for all three genomes allowed analysis of heteroplasmy within each genome. The mitochondrial genome structure in the alloplasmic line was genetically distant from both maternal and paternal genomes. The alloplasmic durum and the Ae. longissima carry the same versions of atp6, nad6, rps19-p, cob and cox2 exon 2 which are different from the T. turgidum parent. Evidence of paternal leakage was also observed by analyzing nad9 and orf359 among all three lines. Nucleotide search identified a number of open reading frames, of which 27 were specific to the (lo) durum line.

Conclusions

Several heteroplasmic regions were observed within genes and intergenic regions of the mitochondrial genomes of all three lines. The number of rearrangements and nucleotide changes in the mitochondrial genome of the alloplasmic line that have occurred in less than half a century was significant considering the high sequence conservation between the T. turgidum and the T. aestivum that diverged from each other 10,000 years ago. We showed that the changes in genes were not limited to paternal leakage but were sufficiently significant to suggest that other mechanisms, such as recombination and mutation, were responsible. The newly formed ORFs, differences in gene sequences and copy numbers, heteroplasmy, and substoichiometric changes show the potential of the alloplasmic condition to accelerate evolution towards forming new mitochondrial genomes.
2D immunoblots show differential response of mouse IgG and IgM antibodies to antigens of mammary carcinoma 4 T1 cells
Authors: Díaz-Zaragoza Mariana , Hernández Ricardo , Ostoa-Saloma Pedro
Published: January 2014

Background

Immunosuppression in breast cancer has been reported in women and in the highly metastatic mouse mammary tumor model 4 T1. The immunosuppressive environment complicates the use of the humoral response against the tumor as an immunodiagnostic tool. IgM has not been used in immunodiagnostic in part because its antitumor responses, both innate and adaptive, have not been studied in function of time in breast cancer.

We show a new approach to analyzing the mouse humoral immune response, and compare the evolution with time of IgG and IgM responses against the antigens of 4 T1 cells.

Methods

The study is based on 2-dimensional immunoblotting detection of antigens from 4 T1 cells by the IgG and IgM antibodies in the serum of female mice injected with 4 T1 cells.

Results

There was a high variability in the intra-and inter-mouse response. Variability in the IgM response was manifested as a pattern of spots that could become a multibinomial variable of 0 and 1, which could represent a signature of the immune response. Different numbers of spots was found in the IgG and IgM responses from week 1 to 5. On average, the IgM had more but the IgG response decrease with the time. The natural IgM at t = 0 responds stronger than w1; the adaptive response of both IgM and IgG were elicited where, with the former being stronger better than the latter. Antigens that are recognized by some female mice in the first week are also recognized by other female mice at time 0. Contamination of the natural IgM makes difficult use the adaptive IgM as a tool for immunodiagnostic.

Conclusions

IgM and IgG response varied with the time and individuals. Spot variation in 2D pattern for the natural IgM could be expressed as a binomial signature, which opens up the way to correlate a particular pattern with resistance or susceptibility. This uncovers a battery of IgMs for each individual to confront cancer or infections. The possibility to differentiate between adaptive IgM antibodies from the natural IgM will allow investigation of the adaptive IgM for early immunodiagnosis.
Environmental and capacity requirements are critical for implementing and sustaining a drug prevention program: a multiple case study of “Clubs against drugs”
Authors: Norrgård Elin , Wikström Ewa , Pickering Chris , Gripenberg Johanna , Spak Fredrik
Published: January 2014

Background

“Clubs against drugs” (CAD) is a comprehensive program with a systems approach to prevention with the intention of preventing drug use in nightclub environment. In 2001 CAD was developed and implemented in Stockholm and was disseminated to 20 other municipalities in Sweden up until 2010. This study investigates the factors related to the implementation and compares Stockholm to the rest of the municipalities.

Methods

A sequential exploratory method was used which consisted of three steps including a questionnaire and two rounds of interviews. Questionnaires included all communities and the interviews included twelve respondents from three example municipalities in the first phase and four respondents from Stockholm in the second phase. The interviews were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

In Stockholm the program was described as having been implemented and sustained over time. The implementation in the example municipalities was perceived as difficult with many obstacles and achieving sustainability was also described as difficult. Two of three municipalities were not active at the time of this study, illustrating that the program only lasted a few years. Factors identified as being related to implementation outcomes were need assessments, participation, support, collaboration and local enthusiasts.

Conclusions

The capacity to implement and sustain CAD differed substantially between Stockholm and the other municipalities. If the prerequisites and capacity are not sufficient the implementation is not likely to be successful, even when the activities are promoted on a national level like CAD. The needs of the interventions and the capacity to implement the program should be examined before adopting the program. This was not done, probably because the drive to spread the activity was not sufficiently questioned.
First detection of Leishmania infantum (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in Culicoides spp. (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: Slama Darine , Haouas Najoua , Remadi Latifa , Mezhoud Habib , Babba Hamouda , Chaker Emna
Published: January 2014

Background

Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) species are known to be the vectors of Bluetongue virus and African Horses Sickness virus (AHSV) in different areas of the world. Nevertheless, other researchers have hypothesized that these arthropods could be involved in the transmission of other pathogens such as Schmallenberg virus, Plasmodium and Leishmania parasites. Identification of the Culicoides’ potential vector competence is crucial in understanding the worldwide Culicoides/Leishmania life cycle.

Findings

Blood fed and parous females of biting midges Culicoides spp. were collected between 2009 and 2010 in Central Tunisia. DNA was extracted from individual blood fed Culicoides and used as a template in a genus-specific PCR. Leishmania DNA was detected in 14 Culicoides imicola specimens and one Culicoides circumscriptus. In a second step, parasite identification was performed based on a single copy Topo-isomerase II gene specific amplification and sequencing. Leishmania infantum was identified in two infected Culicoides spp.

Conclusion

This is the first report of Leishmania DNA detection from naturally infected wild caught Culicoides spp. Our finding supports the assumption that Culicoides spp. are a potential vector for L. infantum.
Deregulation of the phosphatase, PP2A is a common event in breast cancer, predicting sensitivity to FTY720
Authors: Baldacchino Shawn , Saliba Christian , Petroni Vanessa , Fenech Anthony G , Borg Nigel , Grech Godfrey
Published: January 2014

Background

The most commonly used biomarkers to predict the response of breast cancer patients to therapy are the oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PgR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Patients positive for these biomarkers are eligible for specific therapies such as endocrine treatment in the event of ER and PgR positivity, and the monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab, in the case of HER2-positive patients. Patients who are negative for these three biomarkers, the so-called triple negatives, however, derive little benefit from such therapies and are associated with a worse prognosis. Deregulation of the protein serine/threonine phosphatase type 2A (PP2A) and its regulatory subunits is a common event in breast cancer, providing a possible target for therapy.

Methods

The data portal, cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics was used to investigate the incidence of conditions that are associated with low phosphatase activity. Four (4) adherent human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-436, Hs578T and BT-20 were cultured to assess their viability when exposed to various dosages of rapamycin or FTY720. In addition, RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesised to amplify the coding sequence of PPP2CA. Amplification was followed by high-resolution melting to identify variations.

Results and conclusion

The sequence of PPP2CA was found to be conserved across a diverse panel of solid tumour and haematological cell lines, suggesting that low expression of PPP2CA and differential binding of inhibitory PPP2CA regulators are the main mechanisms of PP2A deregulation. Interestingly, the cBioPortal for Cancer Genomics shows that PP2A is deregulated in 59.6% of basal breast tumours. Viability assays performed to determine the sensitivity of a panel of breast cancer cell lines to FTY720, a PP2A activator, indicated that cell lines associated with ER loss are sensitive to lower doses of FTY720. The subset of patients with suppressed PP2A activity is potentially eligible for treatment using therapies which target the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, such as phosphatase activators.
The role of Hath6, a novel shear stress-responsive transcription factor, in endothelial differentiation and function modulation
Authors: Fang Fang , Wasserman Scott M. , Torres-Vazquez Jesus , Weinstein Brant , Cao Feng , Li Zongjin , Wilson Kitchener D. , Yue Wen , Wu Joseph C. , Xie Xiaoyan , Pei Xuetao
Published: January 2014

The key regulators of endothelial differentiation induced by shear stress (SS) are mostly unclear. Human atonal homolog 6 (Hath6) was identified as an endothelial-selective and SS-responsive transcription factor. In this study, we sought to elucidate the role of Hath6 in the endothelial specification of embryonic stem cells. In a stepwise human embryonic stem cell-endothelial cell (hESC-EC) induction system, Hath6 was upregulated synchronously with endothelial determination. Subsequently, gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies of Hath6 were performed using the hESC-EC induction model and endothelial cell lines. The overexpression of Hath6, which mimics SS treatment, resulted in an increased CD45−CD31+KDR+ population, a higher tubular-structure-formation capacity, and increased endothelial-specific gene expression. In contrast, the knockdown of the Hath6 gene markedly decreased endothelial differentiation. Hath6 also facilitates the maturation of ECs in terms of endothelial gene expression, tubular structure formation, and cell migration. We further demonstrated that eNOS is a direct target of Hath6 through a reporter system assay and western blot analysis and that the inhibition of eNOS diminishes hESC-EC differentiation. These results suggest that eNOS plays a key role in linking Hath6 to the endothelial phenotype. Further in situ hybridization studies in zebrafish and mouse embryos indicated that homologues of Hath6 are involved in vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. This study provides the first confirmation of the positive impact of Hath6 on human embryonic endothelial differentiation and function. Moreover, we present a potential signaling pathway through which SS stimulates endothelial differentiation.
HDAC1 activates FoxO and is both sufficient and required for skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Beharry Adam W. , Sandesara Pooja B. , Roberts Brandon M. , Ferreira Leonardo F. , Senf Sarah M. , Judge Andrew R.
Published: January 2014

The Forkhead boxO (FoxO) transcription factors are activated and necessary for the muscle atrophy during several pathophysiological conditions, including muscle disuse and cancer cachexia. Yet, the mechanisms which lead to FoxO activation are not well defined. Recent data from our lab and others indicate that the activity of FoxO is repressed under basal conditions via reversible lysine acetylation, which becomes compromised during catabolic conditions. The purpose of the current study was therefore to determine the extent to which histone deacetylase (HDAC) proteins contribute to FoxO activation and induction of the muscle atrophy program. Through the use of various pharmacological inhibitors to block HDAC activity we demonstrate that class I HDACs are key regulators of FoxO and the muscle atrophy program during both nutrient deprivation and skeletal muscle disuse. Furthermore, we demonstrate through the use of WT and d.n. HDAC1 expression plasmids that HDAC1 is sufficient to activate FoxO and induce muscle fiber atrophy, in vivo, and is necessary for the muscle fiber atrophy associated with muscle disuse. The ability of HDAC1 to cause muscle atrophy required its deacetylase activity and was linked to its induction of several atrophy genes, including atrogin-1, which required FoxO3a deacetylation. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of class I HDACs during muscle disuse via treatment with MS-275 significantly attenuated both disuse muscle fiber atrophy and contractile dysfunction. Together these data solidify the importance of class I HDACs in the muscle atrophy program and indicate that class I HDAC inhibitors are feasible countermeasures to impede muscle atrophy and weakness.