bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-Chain Fatty Acid Analogues Suppress Breast Tumorigenesis and Progression
Authors: Gluschnaider Udi , Hertz Rachel , Ohayon Sarit , Smeir Elia , Smets Martha , Pikarsky Eli , Bar-Tana Jacob
Published: October 2014

Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are associated with increased breast cancer incidence and mortality, whereas carbohydrate-restricted ketogenic diets ameliorate T2D and suppress breast cancer. These observations suggest an inherent efficacy of nonesterified long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) in suppressing T2D and breast tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated novel antidiabetic MEDICA analogues consisting of methyl-substituted LCFA that are neither β-oxidized nor esterified to generate lipids, prompting interest in their potential efficacy as antitumor agents in the context of breast cancer. In the MMTV-PyMT oncomouse model of breast cancer, in which we confirmed that tumor growth could be suppressed by a carbohydrate-restricted ketogenic diet, MEDICA treatment suppressed tumor growth, and lung metastasis, promoting a differentiated phenotype while suppressing mesenchymal markers. In human breast cancer cells, MEDICA treatment attenuated signaling through the STAT3 and c-Src transduction pathways. Mechanistic investigations suggested that MEDICA suppressed c-Src–transforming activity by elevating reactive oxygen species production, resulting in c-Src oxidation and oligomerization. Our findings suggest that MEDICA analogues may offer therapeutic potential in breast cancer and overcome the poor compliance of patients to dietary carbohydrate restriction. Cancer Res; 74(23); 6991–7002. ©2014 AACR.
Densely Ionizing Radiation Acts via the Microenvironment to Promote Aggressive Trp53-Null Mammary Carcinomas
Authors: Illa-Bochaca Irineu , Ouyang Haoxu , Tang Jonathan , Sebastiano Christopher , Mao Jian-Hua , Costes Sylvain V. , Demaria Sandra , Barcellos-Hoff Mary Helen
Published: October 2014

Densely ionizing radiation, which is present in the space radiation environment and used in radiation oncology, has potentially greater carcinogenic effect compared with sparsely ionizing radiation that is prevalent on earth. Here, we used a radiation chimera in which mice were exposed to densely ionizing 350 MeV/amu Si-particles, γ-radiation, or sham-irradiated and transplanted 3 days later with syngeneic Trp53-null mammary fragments. Trp53-null tumors arising in mice irradiated with Si-particles had a shorter median time to appearance and grew faster once detected compared with those in sham-irradiated or γ-irradiated mice. Tumors were further classified by markers keratin 8/18 (K18, KRT18), keratin 14 (K14, KRT14) and estrogen receptor (ER, ESR1), and expression profiling. Most tumors arising in sham-irradiated hosts were comprised of both K18- and K14-positive cells (K14/18) while those tumors arising in irradiated hosts were mostly K18. Keratin staining was significantly associated with ER status: K14/18 tumors were predominantly ER-positive, whereas K18 tumors were predominantly ER-negative. Genes differentially expressed in K18 tumors compared with K14/18 tumor were associated with ERBB2 and KRAS, metastasis, and loss of E-cadherin. Consistent with this, K18 tumors tended to grow faster and be more metastatic than K14/18 tumors, however, K18 tumors in particle-irradiated mice grew significantly larger and were more metastatic compared with sham-irradiated mice. An expression profile that distinguished K18 tumors arising in particle-irradiated mice compared with sham-irradiated mice was enriched in mammary stem cell, stroma, and Notch signaling genes. These data suggest that carcinogenic effects of densely ionizing radiation are mediated by the microenvironment, which elicits more aggressive tumors compared with similar tumors arising in sham-irradiated hosts. Cancer Res; 74(23); 7137–48. ©2014 AACR.
The Paracrine Hormone for the GUCY2C Tumor Suppressor, Guanylin, Is Universally Lost in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Wilson Chantell , Lin Jieru E. , Li Peng , Snook Adam E. , Gong Jianping , Sato Takahiro , Liu Chengbao , Girondo Melanie A. , Rui Hallgeir , Hyslop Terry , Waldman Scott A.
Published: October 2014

Background: Although colorectal cancer is a disease characterized by sequential accumulation of mutations in epithelial cells, mechanisms leading to genomic vulnerability contributing to tumor initiation remain undefined. GUCY2C has emerged as an intestine-specific tumor suppressor controlling epithelial homeostasis through circuits canonically disrupted in cancer. Surprisingly, the GUCY2C tumor suppressor is universally overexpressed by human colorectal cancer cells. This apparent paradox likely reflects silencing of GUCY2C through loss of its paracrine hormone guanylin. Here, we quantified expression of guanylin mRNA and protein in tumors and normal epithelia from patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods: Guanylin mRNA was quantified in tumors and normal adjacent epithelia from 281 patients by the reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Separately, the guanylin protein was quantified by immunohistochemistry in 54 colorectal tumors and 30 specimens of normal intestinal epithelium.

Results: Guanylin mRNA in colorectum varied more than a 100-fold across the population. Guanylin mRNA was reduced 100- to 1,000-fold in >85% of tumors compared with matched normal adjacent mucosa (P < 0.001). Loss of guanylin mRNA was greatest in tumors from patients <50 years old (P < 0.005) and with the highest expression in normal adjacent mucosa (Spearman correlation coefficient = 0.61; P < 0.001). In a separate validation cohort, guanylin protein was detected in all 30 normal colorectal mucosa specimens, but in none of 54 colorectal tumors.

Conclusions: Colorectal cancer may initiate as a disease of paracrine hormone insufficiency through loss of guanylin expression, silencing the GUCY2C tumor suppressor and disrupting homeostatic mechanisms regulating colorectal epithelia cells.

Impact: Intestinal tumorigenesis may be prevented by oral GUCY2C hormone replacement therapy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2328–37. ©2014 AACR.
Serum Lipid Profile and Risk of Prostate Cancer Recurrence: Results from the SEARCH Database
Authors: Allott Emma H. , Howard Lauren E. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Kane Christopher J. , Aronson William J. , Terris Martha K. , Amling Christopher L. , Freedland Stephen J.
Published: October 2014

Background: Evidence for an association between total cholesterol, low- and high-density lipoproteins (LDL and HDL, respectively), triglycerides, and prostate cancer is conflicting. Given that prostate cancer and dyslipidemia affect large proportions of Western society, understanding these associations has public health importance.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 843 radical prostatectomy (RP) patients who never used statins before surgery within the Shared Equal Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to investigate the association between cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides and biochemical recurrence risk. In secondary analysis, we explored these associations in patients with dyslipidemia, defined using National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines.

Results: Elevated serum triglycerides were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence [HRper 10 mg/dl, 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.05] but associations between total cholesterol, LDL and HDL, and recurrence risk were null. However, among men with dyslipidemia, each 10 mg/dl increase in cholesterol and HDL was associated with 9% increased recurrence risk (HR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.01–1.17) and 39% reduced recurrence risk (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.41–0.91), respectively.

Conclusions: Elevated serum triglycerides were associated with increased risk of prostate cancer recurrence. Cholesterol, LDL, or HDL were not associated with recurrence risk among all men. However, among men with dyslipidemia, elevated cholesterol and HDL levels were associated with increased and decreased risk of recurrence, respectively.

Impact: These findings, coupled with evidence that statin use is associated with reduced recurrence risk, suggest that lipid levels should be explored as a modifiable risk factor for prostate cancer recurrence. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(11); 2349–56. ©2014 AACR.
DAPK3 Suppresses Acini Morphogenesis and Is Required for Mouse Development
Authors: Kocher Brandon A. , White Lynn S. , Piwnica-Worms David
Published: October 2014

Death-associated protein kinase (DAPK3) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in various signaling pathways important to tissue homeostasis and mammalian biology. Considered to be a putative tumor suppressor, the molecular mechanism by which DAPK3 exerts its suppressive function is not fully understood and the field lacks an appropriate mouse model. To address these gaps, an in vitro three-dimensional tumorigenesis model was used and a constitutive DAPK3-knockout mouse was generated. In the 3D morphogenesis model, loss of DAPK3 through lentiviral-mediated knockdown enlarged acinar size by accelerated acini proliferation and apoptosis while maintaining acini polarity. Depletion of DAPK3 enhanced growth factor–dependent mTOR activation and, furthermore, enlarged DAPK3 acini structures were uniquely sensitive to low doses of rapamycin. Simultaneous knockdown of RAPTOR, a key mTORC1 component, reversed the augmented acinar size in DAPK3-depleted structures indicating an epistatic interaction. Using a validated gene trap strategy to generate a constitutive DAPK3-knockout mouse, it was demonstrated that DAPK3 is vital for early mouse development. The Dapk3 promoter exhibits spatiotemporal activity in developing mice and is actively expressed in normal breast epithelia of adult mice. Importantly, reduction of DAPK3 expression correlates with the development of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and more aggressive breast cancer as observed in the Oncomine database of clinical breast cancer specimens.

Implications: Novel cellular and mouse modeling studies of DAPK3 shed light on its tumor-suppressive mechanisms and provide direct evidence that DAPK3 has relevance in early development. Mol Cancer Res; 13(2); 358–67. ©2014 AACR.
Prediction of Persistent Storage Symptoms after Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Patients with Benign Prostatic Enlargement
Authors: Choi Hoon , Kim Jae Heon , Shim Ji Sung , Park Jae Young , Kang Seok Ho , Moon Du Geon , Cheon Jun , Lee Jeong Gu , Kim Je Jong , Bae Jae-Hyun
Published: October 2014

Objective: To identify the prognostic factors causing persistent storage symptoms following transurethral resection of the prostate in patients with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Methods: A total of 116 men with symptomatic BPE requiring surgery were enrolled in the study between January 2011 and December 2012. The patients underwent basic clinical evaluations including transrectal ultrasound, International Prostate Symptom Score and urodynamic study. After 6 months, International Prostate Symptom Score and uroflowmetry were rechecked. The definition of persistent storage symptoms was patients with storage scores >7 points. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis were conducted. Results: The 116 patients were divided into a persistent storage symptom-positive group (n = 33) and a storage symptom-negative group (n = 83). Multivariate analysis showed that the degrees of worse initial storage symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 8.32), small bladder capacity (OR = 4.31), impaired detrusor contractility (OR = 2.96) and age (OR = 1.05) were consistently associated with persistent storage symptoms. Conclusions: This short-term study confirms the positive and consistent correlations between the baseline degree of worse initial storage symptoms, bladder capacity, detrusor contractility and age and the improvement in storage symptoms.
Overexpression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Lung Tissue of Patients with Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax
Authors: Chen Chien-Kuang , Chen Pin-Ru , Huang Hsu-Chih , Lin Yu-Sen , Fang Hsin-Yuan
Published: October 2014

Background: Although blebs and bullae are frequently found in the apexes of lungs of patients with primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP), its pathogens remain unclear. Objectives: To examine the role of proteases [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9] and antiproteases [tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3 and TIMP-4] in the pathogenesis of PSP. Method: Fifty consecutive PSP patients who received standard surgical care were enrolled in the study. Lung tissues from 20 patients with stage I non-small cell lung cancer were used as a control. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and gelatin zymography were used to evaluate the expression of MMP and TIMP in the lung tissue of patients with PSP. Results: Overexpression of MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 was found in the afflicted lung by IHC, zymography and RT-PCR. By IHC, higher expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in PSP patients was identified in alveolar macrophages and type II pneumocytes (88 and 92% of patients in macrophages, and 72 and 70% of patients in type II pneumocytes, respectively). MMP-2, MMP-7 and MMP-9 expression in patients was higher in mesothelial cells (66, 76 and 76%). Overexpression of TIMP-2 was detected in the extracellular matrix around bullae and blebs. Expression levels of TIMP-1, TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 were negligible (<10% of cells) in both PSP patients and controls. Conclusions: MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-7 and TIMP-2 were upregulated in PSP lesions. These results suggest that an imbalance between the expression of proteases and antiproteases may be involved in the pathogeneses of PSP.
Early Effects of Dexamethasone Implant on Macular Morphology and Visual Function in Patients with Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Veritti Daniele , Macor Sara , Lanzetta Paolo
Published: October 2014

Purpose: To evaluate the early effects of the intravitreal erodible dexamethasone implant Ozurdex in patients with macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Methods: Eyes with macular edema due to RVO were prospectively included in the study and received a 700-μg dexamethasone implant. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement, complete ophthalmic evaluation and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were performed at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, and 90 days after treatment. Results: Nineteen eyes of 18 patients were included in the study. Mean central retinal thickness (CRT) decreased rapidly after treatment (p < 0.0001) from 503 μm at baseline to 288 μm after 1 day and 199 μm at the end of the follow-up. BCVA gained on average +6 ETDRS letters after 1 day and +11 letters at day 90 (p = 0.0001). Conclusion: The intravitreal dexamethasone implant showed a fast effect in reducing CRT and improving BCVA in RVO patients.
Thrombosis
Authors: Raskob G.E. , Angchaisuksiri P. , Blanco A.N. , Buller H. , Gallus A. , Hunt B.J. , Hylek E.M. , Kakkar A. , Konstantinides S.V. , McCumber M. , Ozaki Y. , Wendelboe A. , Weitz J.I.
Published: October 2014

Background—

Thrombosis is the common pathology underlying ischemic heart disease, ischemic stroke, and venous thromboembolism (VTE). The Global Burden of Disease Study 2010 (GBD 2010) documented that ischemic heart disease and stroke collectively caused 1 in 4 deaths worldwide. GBD 2010 did not report data for VTE as a cause of death and disability.

Objective—

To review the literature on the global burden of disease caused by VTE.

Approach and Results—

We performed a systematic review of the literature on the global disease burden because of VTE in low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Studies from Western Europe, North America, Australia, and Southern Latin America (Argentina) yielded consistent results with annual incidences ranging from 0.75 to 2.69 per 1000 individuals in the population. The incidence increased to between 2 and 7 per 1000 among those aged ≥70 years. Although the incidence is lower in individuals of Chinese and Korean ethnicity, their disease burden is not low because of population aging. VTE associated with hospitalization was the leading cause of disability-adjusted life-years lost in low- and middle-income countries, and second in high-income countries, responsible for more disability-adjusted life-years lost than nosocomial pneumonia, catheter-related blood stream infections, and adverse drug events.

Conclusions—

VTE causes a major burden of disease across low-, middle-, and high-income countries. More detailed data on the global burden of VTE should be obtained to inform policy and resource allocation in health systems and to evaluate whether improved use of preventive measures will reduce the burden.
Alpha-Catenins Control Cardiomyocyte Proliferation by Regulating Yap Activity
Authors: Li Jifen , Gao Erhe , Vite Alexia , Yi Roslyn , Gomez Ludovic , Goossens Steven , van Roy Frans , Radice Glenn L.
Published: October 2014

Rationale:

Shortly after birth, muscle cells of the mammalian heart lose their ability to divide. Thus, they are unable to effectively replace dying cells in the injured heart. The recent discovery that the transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (Yap) is necessary and sufficient for cardiomyocyte proliferation has gained considerable attention. However, the upstream regulators and signaling pathways that control Yap activity in the heart are poorly understood.

Objective:

To investigate the role of α-catenins in the heart using cardiac-specific αE- and αT-catenin double knockout mice.

Methods and Results:

We used 2 cardiac-specific Cre transgenes to delete both
αE-catenin
(
Ctnna1
) and
αT-catenin
(
Ctnna3
) genes either in the perinatal or in the adult heart. Perinatal depletion of α-catenins increased cardiomyocyte number in the postnatal heart. Increased nuclear Yap and the cell cycle regulator cyclin D1 accompanied cardiomyocyte proliferation in the α-catenin double knockout hearts. Fetal genes were increased in the α-catenin double knockout hearts indicating a less mature cardiac gene expression profile. Knockdown of α-catenins in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes also resulted in increased proliferation, which could be blocked by knockdown of Yap. Finally, inactivation of α-catenins in the adult heart using an inducible Cre led to increased nuclear Yap and cardiomyocyte proliferation and improved contractility after myocardial infarction.

Conclusions:

These studies demonstrate that α-catenins are critical regulators of Yap, a transcriptional coactivator essential for cardiomyocyte proliferation. Furthermore, we provide proof of concept that inhibiting α-catenins might be a useful strategy to promote myocardial regeneration after injury.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 Protects Against Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Neointima Formation
Authors: Huang Ling , Zhang Shu‐Min , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xiao‐Jing , Zhu Li‐Hua , Chen Ke , Gao Lu , Zhang Yan , Kong Xiang‐Jie , Tian Song , Zhang Xiao‐Dong , Li Hongliang
Published: October 2014

Background

Interferon regulatory factor 7 (
IRF
7), a member of the interferon regulatory factor family, plays important roles in innate immunity and immune cell differentiation. However, the role of
IRF
7 in neointima formation is currently unknown.

Methods and Results

Significant decreases in
IRF
7 expression were observed in vascular smooth muscle cells (
VSMC
s) following carotid artery injury in vivo and platelet‐derived growth factor‐
BB
(
PDGF
‐
BB
) stimulation in vitro. Compared with non‐transgenic (
NTG
) controls,
SMC
‐specific
IRF
7 transgenic (
IRF
7‐
TG
) mice displayed reduced neointima formation and
VSMC
proliferation in response to carotid injury, whereas a global knockout of
IRF
7 (
IRF
7‐
KO
) resulted in the opposite effect. Notably, a novel
IRF
7‐
KO
rat strain was successfully generated and used to further confirm the effects of
IRF
7 deletion on the acceleration of intimal hyperplasia based on a balloon injury‐induced vascular lesion model. Mechanistically,
IRF
7's inhibition of carotid thickening and the expression of
VSMC
proliferation markers was dependent on the interaction of
IRF
7 with activating transcription factor 3 (
ATF
3) and its downstream target, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (
PCNA
). The evidence that
IRF
7/
ATF
3‐double‐
TG
(
DTG
) and
IRF
7/
ATF
3‐double‐
KO
(
DKO
) mice abolished the regulatory effects exhibited by the
IRF
7‐
TG
and
IRF
7‐
KO
mice, respectively, validated the underlying molecular events of
IRF
7‐
ATF
3 interaction.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrated that
IRF
7 modulated
VSMC
proliferation and neointima formation by interacting with
ATF
3, thereby inhibiting the
ATF
3‐mediated induction of
PCNA
transcription. The results of this study indicate that
IRF
7 is a novel modulator of neointima formation and
VSMC
proliferation and may represent a promising target for vascular disease therapy.
A Horizon-Tracking Method for Shipboard Video Stabilization and Rectification
Authors: Schwendeman Michael , Thomson Jim
Published: October 2014

An algorithm is presented for the stabilization and rectification of digital video from floating platforms. The method relies on a horizon-tracking technique that was tested under a variety of lighting and sea-state conditions for 48 h of video data over 12 days during a research cruise in the North Pacific Ocean. In this dataset, the horizon was correctly labeled in 92% of the frames in which it was present. The idealized camera model assumes pure pitch-and-roll motion, a flat sea surface, and an unobstructed horizon line. Pitch and roll are defined along the camera look direction rather than in traditional ship coordinates, such that the method can be used for any heading relative to the ship. The uncertainty in pitch and roll is estimated from the uncertainties of the horizon-finding method. These errors are found to be of the order 0.6° in roll and 0.3° in pitch. Errors in rectification are shown to be dominated by the uncertainty in camera height, which may change with the heave motion of a floating platform. The propagation of these errors is demonstrated for the breaking-wave distribution Λ(c). A toolbox for implementation of this method in MATLAB is shared via the MATLAB File Exchange.
Increasing Documentation and Referral for Youth at Risk for Violence Through the Primary Health Care Setting
Authors: Sigel Eric , Harpin Scott B. , Tung Gregory
Published: October 2014

Objective. Evaluate the use of a previsit violence risk screen to determine whether screening during routine care increases health care practitioner’s (HCP’s) documentation of violence risk. Methods. Once consented, adolescents filled out the Violence Injury, Protection and Risk Screen Tool (VIPRS). For usual care screen results were not viewed by the HCP. For the intervention screen results were imbedded in the electronic medical record and viewed by the HCP. The primary outcome—documented reference to violence risk—was determined by chart review. Results. Three hundred and fifty-six youth participated. Age was 14.5 years (SD 0.3); 65% female, 45% Hispanic, 38% black. Odds of violence related documentation was 47.4 ( P < .001) in the intervention compared with usual care. Those who were positive on the VIPRS had a 10 times greater odds of receiving a violence intervention compared with controls. Conclusions. Previsit screening for violence risk significantly increases HCP’s documentation of violent behavior and referral for intervention.
Academic–Practitioner Relationships
Authors: Bartunek Jean M.
Published: October 2014

At the time the Journal of Applied Behavioral Science ( JABS) began publishing 50 years ago, much social science scholarship took the form of basic research, with relatively little attention to practice. Thanks to the impetus of Kurt Lewin and the National Training Laboratories, the focus of JABS was much more on relationships between theory and practice than was most other scholarship; the expectation was that JABS would focus on scholarly knowledge that would also inform practice. Over the course of the past half century, however, there has taken place some separation of academic scholarship and practice with regard to organization development. During this same time period there have been several developments in other areas of management inquiry in which academic–practitioner links have been fostered. In this article, I will explore the patterns that have occurred, indicate some questions they raise for JABS going forward, and suggest some possible implications for publishing practice in JABS. These implications include both communication issues with regard to publishing and substantive issues regarding what “counts” as organization development.
JABS at 50
Authors: Mirvis Philip H.
Published: October 2014

A sampling of fifty years of articles published in the Journal of Applied Behavioral Sciences highlights the integration of theory and practice from JABS’ founding years to the mid-1980s, then a steady shift toward scholarship on “change knowing” and away from “change doing”. This review anchors JABS in the development of the applied behavioral sciences and organization development (OD) and reports on the author’s personal experiences as a budding practical scholar. JABS turn away from application is traced to the normalization of scientific progress in this arena and routinization of practice as change management. The paper then takes up the long-debated question “Is OD dead?” and considers how “something more”—concepts extending beyond conventional behavioral science—has led to revolutionary advances in the practice of change these past two decades. It then highlights how ideas from the arts, spirituality, and chaos-and-complexity sciences have added new dimensions to scholarly practice for the field (and for me) and today beckon sharper theorizing. JABS has of late stretched into these subjects but could do more so. The paper concludes with a call for more artsy, spiritual, and/or off-the-wall publications in JABS’ next fifty years.
Do Truth Commissions Promote Trust in the Judiciary in African States?
Authors: Ishiyama John , Laoye Oluwagbemiso
Published: October 2014

This paper examines the effects of truth and reconciliation commissions and peace committees on popular perceptions of the judicial systems of Africa. Using data from the Afrobarometer, and conducting mixed effects quantitative analysis, we test whether or not the use of truth and reconciliation commissions (TRCs) and peace committees led to greater popular trust in the courts. We find both cross-nationally, sub-nationally, and over time, the use of TRCs has not led to greater trust in courts (as is often claimed by its advocates), but find some support for the notion that they detract from trust in the judiciary. We suggest this is because such institutions have been established to compete with existing judicial practices, rather than complement and enhance them.
Creating digital authors
Authors: Zoch Melody , Langston-DeMott Brooke , Adams-Budde Melissa
Published: October 2014

Elementary students find themselves engaged and learning at a digital writing camp. The authors find that such elementary students usually have limited access to technology at home and school, and posit that teachers should do all they can to give them more access to and experience in digital composing. Students were motivated and learned to use technology through experimentation and collaboration, the authors said, adding that technology had a positive effect on the students’ writing process and final products.
One thousand words, plus a few more, is just right
Authors: Goldberg Gail Lynn
Published: October 2014

The advent of the Common Core State Standards has already begun to affect curriculum and instruction by embracing writing not only in English language arts but in science and technical subjects as well.
Two languages are better than one
Authors: Brion Corinne
Published: October 2014

A program of helping students learn French by integrating students' native tongue into their school instruction, along with French -- the country’s national language -- promises to improve education outcomes in one of the world’s poorest nations.
Highlighted & Underlined
Authors: Richardson Joan
Published: October 2014

Interesting news and views about and from the world of education. U.S. schools reach racial tipping point; Facebook says Harry Potter series is most influential; report: America should address its teacher accountability system.
Three Accelerated Developmental Education Programs
Authors: Jaggars Shanna Smith , Hodara Michelle , Cho Sung-Woo , Xu Di
Published: October 2014

To support the long-term success of underprepared students, many community colleges are experimenting with accelerated developmental education models, which allow students to complete remediation and enroll in college-level math and English within a shorter time frame. This study examines three developmental acceleration programs, including two in English and one in math. Overall, students on accelerated pathways were more likely than a set of matched peers to successfully complete the relevant college-level course within 3 years. However, to help maintain strong student performance within subsequent college-level courses, accelerated pathways may need to incorporate rigorous content, systematic faculty development, and targeted student supports.
The Role of Faculty, Counselors, and Support Programs on Latino/a Community College Students’ Success and Intent to Persist
Authors: Tovar Esau
Published: October 2014

This study examines how interactions with institutional agents (faculty and academic counselors) and select student support programs influence success (i.e., grade point average) and intentions to persist to degree completion for Latino/a community college students. Using social capital theory and college impact models, the study controls for the effects of select pre-college student characteristics, transition-to-college experiences, and academic and social factors. Findings indicate that interactions (quantity and type) with institutional agents exercise a small, but significant effect on Latino/a students’ success. Similarly, participation in an academically rigorous program and a counseling-intensive support program influences students’ success and intent to persist. Implications for practice are addressed.
Simulating Secularization
Authors: May Matthew
Published: October 2014

Instructing students in sociological theory is a foundational part of the discipline, but it can also be a challenge. Readers of Teaching Sociology can find a number of activities designed to improve students’ understanding of sociological theory in their general theory courses, but there are fewer activities designed to improve student learning in more substantive coursework like the sociology of religion. The purpose of this note is to describe and evaluate an activity designed to illustrate one such theory: Peter Berger’s theory of secularization. Evidence of student learning is based on multiple forms of assessment including a pretest-posttest design, students’ exam responses, and students’ open-ended reflections about their experience during the simulation. Implications for the sociology of religion and the broader discipline are discussed.
Can Human Subject Pool Participation Benefit Sociology Students?
Authors: Chin Lynn Gencianeo , Gibbs Stayte Patricia
Published: October 2014

Instructors at non–research institutions are less able to expose their students to research firsthand. Utilizing human subject pools (HSPs) in class may be a solution. Given that HSPs tend to be used in introduction to psychology classes at research institutions, we examine a community college HSP to answer three questions: (1) Do community college students positively assess the educational value of HSP experience? (2) Can sociology students perceive HSP experience to be as educationally effective as psychology students? (3) Can online students perceive HSP experience to be as educationally effective as in-person students? Results indicate that not only did community college students hold positive evaluations of their HSP experience, but sociology and online students also felt they benefited as much as psychology or in-person students. HSPs were also considered particularly effective by students taking research methods. HSP participation may be a viable teaching tool for sociology instructors at non–research schools.
Preschool Social Exclusion, Aggression, and Cooperation
Authors: Stenseng Frode , Belsky Jay , Skalicka Vera , Wichstrøm Lars
Published: October 2014

The need-to-belong theory stipulates that social exclusion fosters aggression, whereas the social-reconnection hypothesis suggests that social exclusion promotes motivation to behave cooperatively. To date, empirical investigations of these contrasting views have focused on the immediate effects of social exclusion, yielding mixed results. Here we examine longer term effects of preschool social exclusion on children’s functioning 2 years later. Social exclusion was reported by teachers, aggression and cooperation by parents. Cross-lagged analyses showed that greater social exclusion at age 4 predicted more aggression and less cooperation at age 6, providing support for the need-to-belong rather than social-reconnection hypothesis. Secondary analyses showed that social exclusion predicted more aggression only among children scoring above mean on aggression at age 4, indicating that aggressive behavior is amplified by social exclusion among children already behaving aggressively. No gender differences were found. Implications and limitations are discussed in a developmental context.
Evaluation of Nutrition Support Pharmacist Interventions
Authors: Giancarelli Amanda , Davanos Evangelia
Published: October 2014

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the number and types of interventions performed by our nutrition support service (NSS) pharmacists that were not directly related to the nutrition formula prescription. Methods: This was an institutional review board–approved retrospective study of all adult pharmacy NSS consultations from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2011. All interventions assessed were categorized as the following: fluids and electrolytes, glucose management, alternate therapy, diagnostics, general laboratory result monitoring, vitamin and trace element monitoring, discontinuing medication, adding medication, dose adjustment, and other. The primary endpoint was to determine the total number of interventions and their acceptance rates. The secondary endpoint was to determine which categories had the most accepted and most denied interventions. Results: There were 132 adult consults evaluated with a total of 383 interventions performed. The overall acceptance rate was 84%, and the top 3 accepted intervention categories were general laboratory result monitoring (96%), fluids and electrolytes (96%), and other (100%). The top 3 denied intervention categories were dose adjustment (60%), diagnostics (50%), and adding medication (22%). Conclusions: The interventions performed by the pharmacists demonstrate the unique perspective, knowledge, and importance of a pharmacist on nutrition support teams.
Negotiating Moral Value
Authors: Koch Lene , Svendsen Mette N.
Published: October 2014

In 2004, twelve capuchin monkeys were moved from the labs of the Danish psychiatric hospital of Sankt Hans to a small private-owned zoo in another part of Denmark in order to be rehabilitated. These monkeys were the last nonhuman primates to be used as research animals in Danish biomedical laboratories. The normal procedure would be to kill research animals after the termination of an experiment; in this case, however, a decision was reached to close down the lab. The moral landscape had changed, and it was no longer considered acceptable to use nonhuman primates in Danish biomedicine. From being considered a biological resource serving as a model of man, the monkeys had become moral subjects with a claim to a life suiting their natural needs. Simultaneously, the monkeys became instrumental in creating moral legitimacy for the actors involved in their rescue. What we see is an instance of pathfinding in a changing moral landscape where actors negotiate nonhuman primate nature as they create new moral positions for themselves.
Practice, Plurality, Performativity, and Plumbing
Authors: Musiani Francesca
Published: October 2014

Recent scholarship provides the opportunity for an assessment of the underexplored but promising marriage between science and technology studies (STS) and Internet governance (IG) research. This article seeks to provide such an assessment by reviewing and discussing, in particular, three volumes: Laura DeNardis’s The Global War for Internet Governance (2014, Yale University Press), The Power of Networks: Organizing the Global Politics of the Internet by Mikkel Flyverbom (2011, Edward Elgar Publishing), and Governance, Regulations and Powers on the Internet edited by Eric Brousseau, Meryem Marzouki, and Cécile Méadel (2012, Cambridge University Press). Approaching IG through an STS lens, these authors bring to the fore a number of related issues that political and legal sciences have addressed only incompletely so far, but are crucial to understand today’s governance of the Internet as a complex sociotechnical system of systems. In their research, STS scholars of IG highlight the day-to-day, mundane practices that constitute IG; the plurality and “networkedness” of hybrid devices and arrangements that populate, shape, and define IG processes; the performative function of these arrangements vis-à-vis the virtual, yet very material, worlds they seek to regulate; the invisibility, pervasiveness, and agency of infrastructure.
Working for a better world
Authors: Forstater Mathew
Published: October 2014

Taking the work of Amartya Sen as a point of departure, a case is made that there may be no single policy with as many potential benefits as a guaranteed job at a living wage–benefits package for every person ready and willing to work. The case is outlined in 4 arguments. Along the way, numerous social and economic costs of unemployment and underemployment and benefits of full employment are catalogued. Reference is also made to how the right to employment is supported by a variety of arguments for social justice, an area in which Sen has made important contributions.
Navigating the Complexities of Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Authors: Thiem Alrik
Published: October 2014

Background:

In recent years, the method of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) has been enjoying increasing levels of popularity in evaluation and directly neighboring fields. Its holistic approach to causal data analysis resonates with researchers whose theories posit complex conjunctions of conditions and events. However, due to QCA’s relative immaturity, some of its technicalities and objectives have not yet been well understood.

Objectives:

In this article, I seek to raise awareness of six pitfalls of employing QCA with regard to the following three central aspects: case numbers, necessity relations, and model ambiguities. Most importantly, I argue that case numbers are irrelevant to the methodological choice of QCA or any of its variants, that necessity is not as simple a concept as it has been suggested by many methodologists, and that doubt must be cast on the determinacy of virtually all results presented in past QCA research.

Method:

By means of empirical examples from published articles, I explain the background of these pitfalls and introduce appropriate procedures, partly with reference to current software, that help avoid them.

Conclusion:

QCA carries great potential for scholars in evaluation and directly neighboring areas interested in the analysis of complex dependencies in configurational data. If users beware of the pitfalls introduced in this article, and if they avoid mechanistic adherence to doubtful “standards of good practice” at this stage of development, then research with QCA will gain in quality, as a result of which a more solid foundation for cumulative knowledge generation and well-informed policy decisions will also be created.
Museums, Zoos, and Gardens
Authors: Weinstein Meryle , Whitesell Emilyn Ruble , Schwartz Amy Ellen
Published: October 2014

Background:

Informal science education institutions (ISEIs) are critical partners in public science education, as they support the science efforts of school systems by providing authentic opportunities for scientific inquiry. This study reports findings from an evaluation of urban advantage (UA), a collaboration between the New York City Department of Education and eight ISEIs designed to improve science education in New York City (NYC) middle schools. Now in its 10th year, the program harnesses the resources and expertise of NYC’s ISEIs to (a) enhance the science content knowledge of middle school science teachers, (b) develop teachers’ skills at using inquiry-based approaches in their classrooms, and (c) improve the science achievement of middle school students.

Objectives:

We examine whether the UA program has led to increased student achievement on the eighth-grade New York State standardized science exam for students in participating schools; in supplemental analyses, we examine the effects on longer term (ninth-grade) outcomes.

Research Design:

We use a difference-in-differences framework with school fixed effects to estimate the impact of attending a UA school in eighth grade on science achievement.

Measures:

Our key outcome is performance on New York State’s eighth-grade intermediate-level science assessment; longer term outcomes include enrollment at specialized science, technology, engineering, and math high schools as well as taking and passing the high school (Regents) science exams.

Results:

We find that attending a UA school increases student performance on the eighth-grade science exam by approximately 0.05 SD, and there is some evidence of small effects on Regents taking and passing rates.
Biomechanics of the Rhombic Transposition Flap
Authors: Topp Shelby G. , Lovald Scott , Khraishi Tariq , Gaball Curtis W.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To develop a computational model of cutaneous wound closures comparing variations of the rhombic transposition flap.

Study Design

A nonlinear hyperelastic finite element model of human skin was developed and used to assess flap biomechanics in simulated rhombic flap wound closures as flap geometric parameters were varied.

Setting

In silico.

Methods

The simulation incorporated variables of transposition angle, flap width, and tissue undermining. A 2‐dimensional second‐order Yeoh hyperelastic model was fit to published experimental skin data. Resultant stress and strain fields as well as local surface changes were evaluated.

Results

For the rhombus defect, closure stress and strain were minimized for the transposition flap with a distal flap angle of 30° by recruiting skin from opposing sides of the defect. Alteration of defect dimensions showed that peak stress and principal strain were minimized with a square defect. Likelihood of a standing cutaneous deformity was driven by the magnitude of angle closure at the flap base. Manipulation of the transposition angle reoriented the primary skin strain vector. Asymmetric undermining decoupled wound closure tension from strain, with direct effects on boundary deformation.

Conclusions

The model demonstrates that flap width determines the degree of secondary tissue movement and impact on surrounding tissues. Transposition angle determines the orientation of maximal strain. Local flap design requires consideration of multiple factors apart from idealized biomechanics, including adjacent “immobile” structures, scar location, local skin thickness, and orientation of relaxed skin tension lines. Finite element models can be used to analyze local flap closures to optimize outcomes.
The Effect of Early and Late Tracheotomy on Outcomes in Patients: A Systematic Review and Cumulative Meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Xiao , Wang Hong‐Chao , Xing Ya‐Wei , He Yan‐Ling , Zhang Ze‐Feng , Wang Tao
Published: October 2014

Objective

To compare the effect of early tracheotomy (ET) and late tracheotomy (LT) on ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) incidence and short‐term mortality in critically ill patients who received mechanical ventilation.

Data Sources

We searched databases of PubMed, Embase, and others for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared ET (≤8 days after admission to the intensive care unit, initiation of translaryngeal intubation, or initiation of mechanical ventilation) with LT (≥6 days) in critically ill patients.

Review Methods

The overall odds ratio (OR) was estimated by traditional meta‐analysis. In addition, cumulative meta‐analysis was conducted by adding 1 study at a time in the order of year of publication.

Results

A total of 11 RCTs involving 1436 patients (708 in the ET group and 728 in the LT group) were included in this analysis. Early tracheotomy could significantly reduce the short‐term mortality (OR = 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.58, 0.95]) but did not reduce the VAP incidence (OR = 0.70; 95% CI [0.47, 1.04]). The cumulative meta‐analysis showed that evidence of the benefit of ET on VAP incidence was unstable over time. In contrast, the difference in short‐term mortality was stable from the first appearance during the cumulative meta‐analysis.

Conclusion

Early tracheotomy could improve short‐term mortality but did not alter VAP incidence. Many factors may be responsible for the unstable results during cumulative meta‐analysis, and further study is still needed to explore the optimal timing of tracheotomy.
Current Trends in Perioperative Antibiotic Use: A Survey of Otolaryngologists
Authors: Valdez Tulio A. , Marvin Kastley , Bennett Nicholas J. , Lerer Trudy , Nolder Abby R. , Buchinsky Farrel J.
Published: October 2014

This study describes the patterns of perioperative antimicrobial use by otolaryngologists during common otolaryngologic surgical procedures. Through the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Infectious Diseases Committee, a survey was developed to assess the current practice patterns regarding the use of perioperative antibiotics in otolaryngology. A total of 6903 surveys were sent out; 458 were fully or partially completed, and a total of 442 responses were included in the final analysis. Most physicians reported routinely prescribing antibiotics either preoperatively or postoperatively for 12 of the 17 procedures included in the questionnaire despite providers agreeing that there is not enough evidence to support their use. The most common procedure for which antibiotics were prescribed was laryngectomy (91.1%). Antibiotic use is a common practice during the perioperative period for otolaryngologic procedures; however, there is a discrepancy between utilization and evidence of benefit.
Political and government connections on corporate boards in Australia: Good for business?
Authors: Gray Stephen , Harymawan Iman , Nowland John
Published: October 2014

While prior studies document the benefits of political connections in emerging markets, their value in developed markets is less certain. In this study, we examine the types of firms that have directors with political and government connections on their boards and the value of these connections to shareholders in Australia, a developed market with low levels of corruption and lobbying, and public funding of election campaigns. We find that directors with political and government connections hold 2.1% of listed company directorships (in 7.7% of listed companies) in Australia. After controlling for director and firm characteristics, we find the market reaction to the appointment of directors with political and government connections is significantly lower than other directors. This is particularly the case for former politicians whose political parties are not in power and who have less political experience. In summary, we find no evidence that political and government connections on corporate boards are particularly abundant or valuable to shareholders in Australia.