bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How much do nanoparticle fillers improve the modulus and strength of polymer foams?
Authors: Lobos Juan , Velankar Sachin
Published: September 2014

Nanofiller reinforcing agents can significantly improve the strength and modulus of polymer foams. But these improvements are often accompanied by changes in foam density (or equivalently the expansion ratio or void volume). The efficacy of nanofillers as reinforcing agents can only be judged once the density differences are accounted for. We review the literature and show that representing the data on Ashby charts of modulus against foam density is an effective way of evaluating whether nanofillers have a significant reinforcing effect or not. The literature suggests that strength and improvements due to nanofiller – after accounting for foam density changes – are typically modest for thermoplastic foams. However, major improvements are possible for reactively generated foams, especially flexible polyurethane foams.
‘Not Smiling but Frowning’: Sociology and the ‘Problem of Happiness’
Authors: Cieslik Mark
Published: September 2014

Mainstream British sociology has curiously neglected happiness studies despite growing interest in wellbeing in recent years. Sociologists often view happiness as a problematic, subjective phenomenon, linked to problems of modernity such as consumerism, alienation and anomie. This construction of ‘happiness as a problem’ has a long history from Marx and Durkheim to contemporary writers such as Ahmed and Furedi. Using qualitative interview data, I illustrate how lay accounts of happiness suggest it is experienced in far more ‘social’ ways than these traditional subjective constructions. We should therefore be wary of using crude representations of happiness as vehicles for our traditional depictions of modernity. Such ‘thin’ accounts of happiness have inhibited a serious sociological engagement with the things that really matter to ordinary people, such as our efforts to balance suffering and flourishing in our daily lives.
The rise of the internet city in China: Production and consumption of internet information
Authors: Zhen Feng , Wang Bo , Wei Zongcai
Published: September 2014

From the perspective of internet information production (IIP) and internet information consumption (IIC), we interpreted the spatial patterns of the internet industry in China based on top commercial websites. The findings demonstrated more obvious industrial clustering compared with that in Western countries, highlighting the rise of internet cities in China. The differences amongst diverse website themes generate disparities between IIP and IIC, suggesting future developmental trends of these internet cities. The specialised division of internet cities remains somewhat consistent with the local context. The government plays a key role in the early stage of China’s internet industry, enabling cities involved in internet industry at the initial stage gains first-mover advantages, leading to the uneven patterns of spatial patterns since then. Though the role of government in the development of internet industry should still be emphasised, the success of internet cities finally depends on whether their specialisation meets the market demand.
In response to: ‘“So wide and varied”: The origins and character of British information science’
Authors: White Martin , Oppenheim Charles
Published: September 2014

This letter provides some additional perspectives on the development of British information science. The authors have been personally involved in the discipline since the early 1970s and have had the privilege of knowing many of the pioneers in information science research and exploitation. The opportunity is taken add some personal perspectives to the paper and add further references to the bibliography.
Assessment of Tracheostomy and Laryngectomy Knowledge among Nonotolaryngology Physicians
Authors: Robinson Aaron D. , Squires Lane D. , Kuhn Maggie , Brodie Hilary
Published: September 2014

Objectives:

(1) Assess the current fund of knowledge about alternate airways (tracheostomy and laryngectomy) among practicing physicians, residents, and senior medical students at University of California, Davis. (2) Identify knowledge deficits regarding alternate airways. (3) Assess the need for improved medical education about care of alternate airways.

Methods:

A cross‐sectional survey study at an academic medical center. An anonymous 10‐question, multiple‐choice survey was administered to senior medical students as well as resident and attending physicians at the University of California, Davis in the departments of Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Otolaryngology, Pediatrics, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. Scores from the physicians in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery were compared with nonotolaryngology physician and medical student scores. These data were analyzed using analysis of variance.

Results:

Otolaryngology physicians scored an average of 98%, while nonotolaryngology physicians scored 58% and medical students scored 64% (P <. 05). Physicians’ self‐assessed comfort level with alternate airways was underestimated, when compared with their quiz score. Medical students who had participated in an otolaryngology rotation performed better than those who did not have a rotation (75% vs 40%).

Conclusions:

Individuals with alternate airways (tracheotomies or laryngectomies) are common, and their care demands a fundamental understanding of and comfort with their unique provision. Our preliminary findings identify significant knowledge gaps among nonotolaryngologists concerning the critical topic of alternate airways. These deficits underscore the importance of improving familiarity with alternate airways among nonotolaryngologists who are likely to encounter such individuals.
Reconstruction of sternal cleft with autologous cartilage graft in an adult
Authors: Kuru Pinar , Ermerak Nezih Onur , Bostanci Korkut , Yuksel Mustafa
Published: September 2014

Sternal cleft is a rare chest wall deformity associated with various malformations. Primary closure is the gold standard in the newborn period. Alternative techniques are possible for older patients. A 23-year-old woman with a partial sternal cleft and no additional deformity, underwent reconstruction using costal cartilage grafts. Postoperative physical and functional were excellent.
Finding and Keeping a Job
Authors: Cherney Adrian , Fitzgerald Robin
Published: September 2014

Finding stable employment has been identified as one of the best predictors of post-release success among prisoners. However, offenders face a number of challenges in securing employment when released from prison. This article examines processes that shape the abilities and motivations of parolees to secure gainful employment by examining interview data collected from parolees in Queensland, Australia ( n = 50). We explore the role of social networks and commercial employment providers in helping parolees find work, the perceived value of institutional work and training, and the meanings, challenges, and impact of managing the disclosure of one’s criminal past to employers. Findings highlight that the role and influence of employment on a parolee’s reintegration is conditional on his or her supportive social networks, ability to manage stigma, and personal changes in identity, which elevate the importance of work in a parolee’s life. Our findings also show how employment provides opportunities for offenders to self-construct and articulate new identities.
Feature extraction for rolling bearing fault diagnosis by electrostatic monitoring sensors
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zuo Hongfu , Bai Fang
Published: September 2014

There are mainly two problems with the current feature extraction methods used in the electrostatic monitoring of rolling bearings, which affect their abilities to identify early faults: (1) since noises are mixed in the electrostatic signals, it is difficult to extract weak early fault features; (2) traditional time and frequency domain features have limited ability to provide a quantitative indicator of degradation state. With regard to these two problems, a new feature extraction method for rolling bearing fault diagnosis by electrostatic monitoring sensors is proposed in this paper. First, the spectrum interpolation is adopted to suppress the power-frequency interference in the electrostatic signal. Then the resultant signal is used to construct Hankel matrix, the number of useful components is automatically selected based on the difference spectrum of singular values, after that the signal is reconstructed to remove background noises and random pulses. Finally, the permutation entropy of the denoised signal is calculated and smoothed using the exponential weighted moving average method, which is used to be a quantitative indicator of bearing performance state. The simulation and experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively remove noises and significantly bring forward the time when early faults are detected.
Drug interactions between voriconazole, darunavir/ritonavir and tenofovir/emtricitabine in an HIV-infected patient treated for Aspergillus candidus lung abscess
Authors: Becker A , Sifaoui F , Gagneux M , Desprez S , Vignoli P , Huguet D , Froidure M , Leduc D , Legout L
Published: September 2014

We report an unusual case of pulmonary aspergillosis in a patient with AIDS and we demonstrated the drug-drug interactions between voriconazole, darunavir/ritonavir and tenofovir/emtricitabine. The combination darunavir-ritonavir-voriconazole should be avoided.
Dialogically based approaches to “with” and “about” the other: Thoughts on Carl Rogers’ dilemma
Authors: Bell Nancy J.
Published: September 2014

Over 50 years ago, Carl Rogers wrote of his personal struggles with two conflicting self-voices, one striving to be empathically “with” another person, and the other seeking abstract, theoretical insights “about” the person. In more recent times, these two voices have come to represent seemingly entrenched, opposing camps within the domain of interpretive inquiry, an impasse which some suggest can only be resolved within a dialogical framework. However, there are important differences between dialogical perspectives in their potential for serving as such a framework. In this article, I take up the question of why a relational dialogism is required to organize and coordinate “with and about the other” and associated dualities. During the course of this discussion, I address meanings that reinforce the division and how these might be re-envisioned and then offer examples of interpretive research that is based in a relational dialogism with an emphasis on theoretical innovation.
An alternative classification to mixture modeling for longitudinal counts or binary measures
Authors: Subtil Fabien , Boussari Olayidé , Bastard Mathieu , Etard Jean-François , Ecochard René , Génolini Christophe
Published: September 2014

Classifying patients according to longitudinal measures, or trajectory classification, has become frequent in clinical research. The k-means algorithm is increasingly used for this task in case of continuous variables with standard deviations that do not depend on the mean. One feature of count and binary data modeled by Poisson or logistic regression is that the variance depends on the mean; hence, the within-group variability changes from one group to another depending on the mean trajectory level. Mixture modeling could be used here for classification though its main purpose is to model the data. The results obtained may change according to the main objective. This article presents an extension of the k-means algorithm that takes into account the features of count and binary data by using the deviance as distance metric. This approach is justified by its analogy with the classification likelihood. Two applications are presented with binary and count data to show the differences between the classifications obtained with the usual Euclidean distance versus the deviance distance.
Is the Sexual Murderer a Unique Type of Offender? A Typology of Violent Sexual Offenders Using Crime Scene Behaviors
Authors: Healey Jay , Beauregard Eric , Beech Anthony , Vettor Shannon
Published: September 2014

The empirical literature on sexual homicide has posited the sexual murderer as a unique type of offender who is qualitatively different from other types of offenders. However, recent research has suggested that sexual homicide is a dynamic crime and that sexual assaults can escalate to homicide when specific situational factors are present. This study simultaneously explored the utility of the sexual murderer as a unique type of offender hypothesis and sexual homicide as a differential outcome of sexual assaults hypothesis. This study is based on a sample of 342 males who were convicted of committing a violent sexual offense, which resulted in either physical injury or death of the victim. A series of latent class analyses were performed using crime scene indicators in an attempt to identify discrete groups of sexual offenders. In addition, the effects of modus operandi, situational factors, and offender characteristics on each group were investigated. Results suggest that both hypotheses are supported. A group of offenders was identified who almost exclusively killed their victims and demonstrated a lethal intent by the choice of their offending behavior. Moreover, three other groups of sex offenders were identified with a diverse lethality level, suggesting that these cases could end up as homicide when certain situational factors were present.
Using advanced mobile devices in nursing practice – the views of nurses and nursing students
Authors: Johansson Pauline , Petersson Göran , Saveman Britt-Inger , Nilsson Gunilla
Published: September 2014

Advanced mobile devices allow registered nurses and nursing students to keep up-to-date with expanding health-related knowledge but are rarely used in nursing in Sweden. This study aims at describing registered nurses’ and nursing students’ views regarding the use of advanced mobile devices in nursing practice. A cross-sectional study was completed in 2012; a total of 398 participants replied to a questionnaire, and descriptive statistics were applied. Results showed that the majority of the participants regarded an advanced mobile device to be useful, giving access to necessary information and also being useful in making notes, planning their work and saving time. Furthermore, the advanced mobile device was regarded to improve patient safety and the quality of care and to increase confidence. In order to continuously improve the safety and quality of health care, advanced mobile devices adjusted for nursing practice should be further developed, implemented and evaluated in research.
Impact simulation of three-dimensional woven kevlar-epoxy composites
Authors: Mishra Rajesh , Behera Bijoya Kumar , Militky Jiri
Published: September 2014

The focus of this work is to find the impact loading properties of three types of three-dimensional woven kevlar fabric structures before and after impregnation with epoxy resin. The analysis has been done at different impact times and different magnitude of forces. Total deformation, equivalent strain and equivalent stress created on these fabrics have been noted. First a model of three-dimensional woven fabric composite is generated using SolidWorks 2011. The model is constructed in such a way that it can be readily integrated into commercial finite element programs like ANSYS. Then impact resistance of this model is simulated and studied with impacts at different initial velocities. By incorporating the interface of fabric and matrix, the impact resistance is predicted. The simulated results are validated with experimental data. A compatible resin/matrix system has to be selected along with the fabric in order to develop sufficient resistance to impact. The three-dimensional woven kevlar-epoxy composites prove to be effectively resistant to impact due to interface of fiber and matrix system.
Unilateral Eye Blinking Arising From the Ictal Ipsilateral Occipital Area
Authors: Falsaperla Raffaele , Perciavalle Valentina , Pavone Piero , Praticò Andrea Domenico , Elia Maurizio , Ruggieri Martino , Caraballo Roberto , Striano Pasquale
Published: September 2014

We report on an 18-month-old boy with unilateral left eye blinking as a single ictal manifestation without facial twitching. The clinical onset of this phenomenon was first recorded (as an occasional event) at age 3 months, and it was overlooked. By age 6 months, the child’s blinking increased to almost daily occurrence in clusters: during blinking the infant showed intact awareness and occasional jerks in the upper limbs and right leg. A video-electroencephalography (video-EEG) documented clinical correlation with a focal pattern arising from the left occipital region, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed severe brain damage, consisting in poroencephalic hollows and increased spaces in the convexities involving a large area of the left cerebral hemisphere. The boy was prescribed sodium valproate (30 mg/kg/d), resulting in drastic reduction of his clinical seizures. Follow-up to his current age documented good general status, with persistent partial right hemilateral seizures. The blinking progressively disappeared, and is no longer recorded. The pathogenic hypotheses of the unilateral ictal blinking include involvement of the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere and/or the cerebellar pathways. Review of previous reports of unilateral eye blinking, arising from the ictal ipsilateral brain, revealed that different damaged regions may give rise to blinking ictal phenomena, likely via the trigeminal fibres innervating the subdural intracranial structures and the pial vessels in the ipsilateral affected brain. The eye blinking in the present child represents a further example of an ictal phenomenon, which is predictive of the damaged brain region.
Experimental investigation of flow-boiling characteristics in a single micro-channel with inlet cavitation structure
Authors: Yuan Junfei , Zeng Miao , Guo Chaohong , Cao Hongzhang , Tang Dawei
Published: September 2014

This research article investigates the effect that hydrodynamic cavitation has on flow-boiling characteristics in a single micro-channel. Flow and heat transfer characteristics have been investigated over a range of effective heat fluxes (71–330 W/cm2) and vapor quality (0.25–0.92) over a broad range of mass flow rates. The images of flow condition have been photographed. A fully developed cavitation flow, including inception, growth, and collapse of bubble, can be presented in the micro-channel. The intensity of bubble and length of the two-phase region increase with increase in the mass flow rates, and bubble flow pattern dominates the fully developed cavitation flow. Heat transfer coefficient has also been calculated at experimental conditions, and the coefficients decrease with increase in the vapor quality, but increase with increase in the heat fluxes.
Early trends in invasive pneumococcal disease in children following the introduction of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine: results from eight years of active surveillance in a Mexican hospital
Authors: Chacon-Cruz Enrigue , Rivas-Landeros R.M. , Volker-Soberanes M.L.
Published: September 2014

Background:

In May 2012, universal vaccination with the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) was introduced for all children in the Tijuana region of Mexico, with a coverage of 80%.

Method:

Between October 2005 and September 2013 active surveillance was undertaken for all invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPDs) in children admitted to the Tijuana General Hospital.

Results:

Following PCV-13 implementation, there was a 75% reduction in overall IPD, and no cases of serotype 19A, pneumococcal meningitis, and pneumococcal-associated deaths.

Conclusions:

These results are the first to show the effectiveness of PCV-13 in Mexico.
Regression to causality: Regression-style presentation influences causal attribution
Authors: Bordacconi Mats Joe , Larsen Martin Vinæs
Published: September 2014

Humans are fundamentally primed for making causal attributions based on correlations. This implies that researchers must be careful to present their results in a manner that inhibits unwarranted causal attribution. In this paper, we present the results of an experiment that suggests regression models – one of the primary vehicles for analyzing statistical results in political science – encourage causal interpretation. Specifically, we demonstrate that presenting observational results in a regression model, rather than as a simple comparison of means, makes causal interpretation of the results more likely. Our experiment drew on a sample of 235 university students from three different social science degree programs (political science, sociology and economics), all of whom had received substantial training in statistics. The subjects were asked to compare and evaluate the validity of equivalent results presented as either regression models or as a t-test of two sample means. Our experiment shows that the subjects who were presented with results as estimates from a regression model were more inclined to interpret these results causally. Our experiment implies that scholars using regression models should note carefully both their models’ identifying assumptions and which causal attributions can safely be concluded from their analysis.
Respiratory virus is a real pathogen in immunocompetent community-acquired pneumonia: comparing to influenza like illness and volunteer controls
Authors: Zhan Yangqing , Yang Zifeng , Chen Rongchang , Wang Yutao , Guan Wenda , Zhao Suishan
Published: September 2014

Background

Viral pathogens were more commonly reported than previously estimated in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients. However, the real role of virus was still controversial.

Methods

Consecutive adult patients with CAP between April and December, 2009 were prospectively enrolled. A four-fold or greater increase of IgG-titres against respiratory viruses in pair sera was tested by means of hemagglutination inhibition assay or indirect immunofluorescence. Swab samples were tested by cell culture and/or nucleic amplification tests. Viral etiology was considered definitive if at least one of the above tests was positive.

Results

Viral etiology was established in fifty-two (34.9%) of 149 CAP patients, twenty-two (81.5%) of 27 influenza like illness patients, and none of 75 volunteer controls. Forty-seven CAP patients were infected by a single virus (24 influenza A virus, 5 influenza B, 10 parainfluenza virus type 3 [PIV-3], 2 PIV-1, 2 adenovirus, 2 human rhinovirus and 2 coronavirus OC43), five cases by two or three viruses co-infection. Fever ≥ 39°C (66.7%), fatigue (64.6%), and purulent sputum (52.1%) was the most common symptoms in viral pneumonia patients. On multivariate analysis, myalgia was included in the model for pneumonia associated with influenza infection. In the CURB-65 model only influenza infection was found independently associated with severe disease (CURB-65 score ≥ 3) out of variables, including age(years), sex, current smoking status, sick contact with febrile patients, numbers of comorbidity, presence of influenza infection, presence of PIV infection, with P = 0.021, OR 7.86 (95% CI 1.37-45.04).

Conclusion

Respiratory virus was not a bystander, but pathogenic in pneumonia and was a common cause of CAP.
Optimization of an organic photovoltaic device via modulation of thickness of photoactive and optical spacer layers
Authors: Li Qi , Yoon Won Jung , Ju Heongkyu
Published: September 2014

We examine the modulation effects of thicknesses of both a photoactive layer (a bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM)) and an optical spacer of a transparent metal oxide, for power conversion efficiency optimization of organic photovoltaic devices. The redistribution of the optical intensity at the photoactive layer via the thickness modulation of both layers is taken into account, to produce three-dimensional (3D) plots as a function of both layer thicknesses of 0 to 400 nm range (5 nm step), for the device efficiency optimization. The modulation pattern of absorption is produced in the 3D plot as scanning the thicknesses of both layers as a result of modulation of interference between incoming and reflected light, which can be secured by changing the effective optical path length between two electrodes of a photovoltaic device. It is also seen that the case of inserting the spacer of the higher refractive index demands finer adjustment of the spacer layer thickness to achieve the optimum device efficiency.

In addition, the series resistance of the photoactive layer of the thickness range of 0 to 70 nm is taken into account to provide the 3D plots as a function of the scanned thicknesses of both layers. Inclusion of the series resistance of the photoactive layer, which is also the function of its thickness, in the simulation, indicates that the series resistance can influence qualitatively the dependence of power conversion efficiency (PCE) on the thicknesses of both layers. We also find that minimization of series resistance, e.g., by device annealing, allows not only the relevant voltage to increase but also the optimum thickness of the photoactive layer to increase, leading to more absorption of light.
Development of the Biological Experimental Design Concept Inventory (BEDCI)
Authors: Deane Thomas , Nomme Kathy , Jeffery Erica , Pollock Carol , Birol Gülnur
Published: September 2014

Interest in student conception of experimentation inspired the development of a fully validated 14-question inventory on experimental design in biology (BEDCI) by following established best practices in concept inventory (CI) design. This CI can be used to diagnose specific examples of non–expert-like thinking in students and to evaluate the success of teaching strategies that target conceptual changes. We used BEDCI to diagnose non–expert-like student thinking in experimental design at the pre- and posttest stage in five courses (total n = 580 students) at a large research university in western Canada. Calculated difficulty and discrimination metrics indicated that BEDCI questions are able to effectively capture learning changes at the undergraduate level. A high correlation (r = 0.84) between responses by students in similar courses and at the same stage of their academic career, also suggests that the test is reliable. Students showed significant positive learning changes by the posttest stage, but some non–expert-like responses were widespread and persistent. BEDCI is a reliable and valid diagnostic tool that can be used in a variety of life sciences disciplines.
Optimizing Learning of Scientific Category Knowledge in the Classroom: The Case of Plant Identification
Authors: Kirchoff Bruce K. , Delaney Peter F. , Horton Meg , Dellinger-Johnston Rebecca
Published: September 2014

Learning to identify organisms is extraordinarily difficult, yet trained field biologists can quickly and easily identify organisms at a glance. They do this without recourse to the use of traditional characters or identification devices. Achieving this type of recognition accuracy is a goal of many courses in plant systematics. Teaching plant identification is difficult because of variability in the plants’ appearance, the difficulty of bringing them into the classroom, and the difficulty of taking students into the field. To solve these problems, we developed and tested a cognitive psychology–based computer program to teach plant identification. The program incorporates presentation of plant images in a homework-based, active-learning format that was developed to stimulate expert-level visual recognition. A controlled experimental test using a within-subject design was performed against traditional study methods in the context of a college course in plant systematics. Use of the program resulted in an 8–25% statistically significant improvement in final exam scores, depending on the type of identification question used (living plants, photographs, written descriptions). The software demonstrates how the use of routines to train perceptual expertise, interleaved examples, spaced repetition, and retrieval practice can be used to train identification of complex and highly variable objects.
Getting Under the Hood: How and for Whom Does Increasing Course Structure Work?
Authors: Eddy Sarah L. , Hogan Kelly A.
Published: September 2014

At the college level, the effectiveness of active-learning interventions is typically measured at the broadest scales: the achievement or retention of all students in a course. Coarse-grained measures like these cannot inform instructors about an intervention's relative effectiveness for the different student populations in their classrooms or about the proximate factors responsible for the observed changes in student achievement. In this study, we disaggregate student data by racial/ethnic groups and first-generation status to identify whether a particular intervention—increased course structure—works better for particular populations of students. We also explore possible factors that may mediate the observed changes in student achievement. We found that a “moderate-structure” intervention increased course performance for all student populations, but worked disproportionately well for black students—halving the black–white achievement gap—and first-generation students—closing the achievement gap with continuing-generation students. We also found that students consistently reported completing the assigned readings more frequently, spending more time studying for class, and feeling an increased sense of community in the moderate-structure course. These changes imply that increased course structure improves student achievement at least partially through increasing student use of distributed learning and creating a more interdependent classroom community.
Attention “Blinks” Differently for Plants and Animals
Authors: Balas Benjamin , Momsen Jennifer L.
Published: September 2014

Plants, to many, are simply not as interesting as animals. Students typically prefer to study animals rather than plants and recall plants more poorly, and plants are underrepresented in the classroom. The observed paucity of interest for plants has been described as plant blindness, a term that is meant to encapsulate both the tendency to neglect plants in the environment and the lack of appreciation for plants’ functional roles. While the term plant blindness suggests a perceptual or attentional component to plant neglect, few studies have examined whether there are real differences in how plants and animals are perceived. Here, we use an established paradigm in visual cognition, the “attentional blink,” to compare the extent to which images of plants and animals capture attentional resources. We find that participants are better able to detect animals than plants in rapid image sequences and that visual attention has a different refractory period when a plant has been detected. These results suggest there are fundamental differences in how the visual system processes plants that may contribute to plant blindness. We discuss how perceptual and physiological constraints on visual processing may suggest useful strategies for characterizing and overcoming zoocentrism.
Greece: The Open Circle
Authors: Kulukundis Elias
Published: September 2014

Inconvenient truths about Greece’s current economic predicament are not often heard in today’s Greece, especially if they conflict with the picture presented by the Greek government. When they are heard, they are usually put down to adverse propaganda or positions of vested interests from abroad. This lack of meaningful dialogue is the product of an environment of disrespect for objective reporting, a surrender to cultural stereotyping, and a sense of hopelessness among the population, all of which are made more destructive by the overwhelming burden of debt. The roots of Greece’s current ills lie also in the political abuses of its past, for which many of the present leaders have a share of responsibility. This essay presents a detailed picture of today’s Greece with special emphasis on sociopolitical issues that are likely to lead to one of three possible outcomes. A clear consideration of these can enable Greece to choose its destiny—instead of having it being thrust upon the country—and in the process succeed in achieving real reform.
piRNAs: from biogenesis to function
Authors: Weick Eva-Maria , Miska Eric A.
Published: September 2014

Distinguishing self from non-self plays a crucial role in safeguarding the germlines of metazoa from mobile DNA elements. Since their discovery less than a decade ago, Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) have been shown to repress transposable elements in the germline and, hence, have been at the forefront of research aimed at understanding the mechanisms that maintain germline integrity. More recently, roles for piRNAs in gene regulation have emerged. In this Review, we highlight recent advances made in understanding piRNA function, highlighting the divergent nature of piRNA biogenesis in different organisms, and discussing the mechanisms of piRNA action during transcriptional regulation and in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.
Dephosphorylation and inactivation of NPR2 guanylyl cyclase in granulosa cells contributes to the LH-induced decrease in cGMP that causes resumption of meiosis in rat oocytes
Authors: Egbert Jeremy R. , Shuhaibar Leia C. , Edmund Aaron B. , Van Helden Dusty A. , Robinson Jerid W. , Uliasz Tracy F. , Baena Valentina , Geerts Andreas , Wunder Frank , Potter Lincoln R. , Jaffe Laurinda A.
Published: September 2014

In mammals, the meiotic cell cycle of oocytes starts during embryogenesis and then pauses. Much later, in preparation for fertilization, oocytes within preovulatory follicles resume meiosis in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). Before LH stimulation, the arrest is maintained by diffusion of cyclic (c)GMP into the oocyte from the surrounding granulosa cells, where it is produced by the guanylyl cyclase natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2). LH rapidly reduces the production of cGMP, but how this occurs is unknown. Here, using rat follicles, we show that within 10 min, LH signaling causes dephosphorylation and inactivation of NPR2 through a process that requires the activity of phosphoprotein phosphatase (PPP)-family members. The rapid dephosphorylation of NPR2 is accompanied by a rapid phosphorylation of the cGMP phosphodiesterase PDE5, an enzyme whose activity is increased upon phosphorylation. Later, levels of the NPR2 agonist C-type natriuretic peptide decrease in the follicle, and these sequential events contribute to the decrease in cGMP that causes meiosis to resume in the oocyte.
Molecular probes to visualize the location, organization and dynamics of lipids
Authors: Maekawa Masashi , Fairn Gregory D.
Published: September 2014

Cellular lipids play crucial roles in the cell, including in energy storage, the formation of cellular membranes, and in signaling and vesicular trafficking. To understand the functions and characteristics of lipids within cells, various methods to image lipids have been established. In this Commentary, we discuss the four main types of molecular probes that have significantly contributed to our understanding of the cell biology of lipids. In particular, genetically encoded biosensors and antibodies will be discussed, and how they have been used extensively with traditional light and electron microscopy to determine the subcellular localization of lipids and their spatial and temporal regulation. We highlight some of the recent studies that have investigated the distribution of lipids and their ability to cluster using super-resolution and electron microscopy. We also examine methods for analyzing the movement and dynamics of lipids, including single-particle tracking (SPT), fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Although the combination of these lipid probes and the various microscopic techniques is very powerful, we also point out several potential caveats and limitations. Finally, we discuss the need for new probes for a variety of phospholipids and cholesterol.
Angiogenesis revisited – role and therapeutic potential of targeting endothelial metabolism
Authors: Stapor Peter , Wang Xingwu , Goveia Jermaine , Moens Stijn , Carmeliet Peter
Published: September 2014

Clinically approved therapies that target angiogenesis in tumors and ocular diseases focus on controlling pro-angiogenic growth factors in order to reduce aberrant microvascular growth. Although research on angiogenesis has revealed key mechanisms that regulate tissue vascularization, therapeutic success has been limited owing to insufficient efficacy, refractoriness and tumor resistance. Emerging concepts suggest that, in addition to growth factors, vascular metabolism also regulates angiogenesis and is a viable target for manipulating the microvasculature. Recent studies show that endothelial cells rely on glycolysis for ATP production, and that the key glycolytic regulator 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3) regulates angiogenesis by controlling the balance of tip versus stalk cells. As endothelial cells acquire a tip cell phenotype, they increase glycolytic production of ATP for sprouting. Furthermore, pharmacological blockade of PFKFB3 causes a transient, partial reduction in glycolysis, and reduces pathological angiogenesis with minimal systemic harm. Although further assessment of endothelial cell metabolism is necessary, these results represent a paradigm shift in anti-angiogenic therapy from targeting angiogenic factors to focusing on vascular metabolism, warranting research on the metabolic pathways that govern angiogenesis.
B56-PP2A regulates motor dynamics for mitotic chromosome alignment
Authors: Xu Peng , Virshup David M. , Lee Sang Hyun
Published: September 2014

Proper alignment of duplicated chromosomes at the metaphase plate involves both motor-driven chromosome movement, and the functional and physical end-on connection (K-fiber formation) between the kinetochore and the plus-end of microtubules. The B56 family of Protein Phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunits, through their interaction with the mitotic checkpoint protein BUBR1, are required for proper chromosome alignment, but the underlying mechanism(s) has remained elusive. Here we show that B56-PP2A promotes chromosome alignment primarily by balancing chromosome movement towards the metaphase plate, rather than by directly establishing stable K-fibers. Notably, the poleward movement of chromosomes in cells depleted of the B56 family can be rescued by depletion of HSET/kinesin-14, a major minus end-directed motor protein. Strikingly, K-fiber formation can be restored if chromosome movement to the metaphase plate is rescued in B56-depleted cells. Furthermore, the B56:BUBR1 interaction is required for promoting motor-driven chromosome movement towards the metaphase plate. Thus, we propose that B56-PP2A functions in mitotic chromosome alignment by balancing chromosome movement towards the metaphase plate, which is essential for subsequent establishment of stable and functional kinetochore-microtubule attachment, and mitotic exit.
TRE17/USP6 regulates ubiquitination and trafficking of cargo proteins that enter cells by clathrin-independent endocytosis
Authors: Funakoshi Yuji , Chou Margaret M. , Kanaho Yasunori , Donaldson Julie G.
Published: September 2014

Plasma membrane proteins that enter cells by clathrin-independent endocytosis (CIE) are sorted either to lysosomes for degradation or recycled back to the plasma membrane. Expression of some MARCH E-3 ubiquitin ligases promote trafficking of CIE cargo proteins to lysosomes by ubiquitinating the proteins. Here, we show that co-expression of the ubiquitin-specific protease TRE17/USP6 counteracts the MARCH-dependent targeting of CIE cargo proteins, but not transferrin receptor, to lysosomes, leading to recovery of the stability and cell surface level of the proteins. The uiquitination of CIE cargo proteins by MARCH8 was reversed by TRE17, suggesting that TRE17 leads to deubiquitination of CIE cargo proteins. The effects of TRE17 were dependent on its deubiquitinating activity and expression of TRE17 alone led to a stabilization of surface MHC Class I (MHCI), a CIE cargo, suggesting that deubiquitination of endogenous CIE cargo proteins promotes their stability. This study demonstrates that cycles of ubiquitination and deubiquitination can determine whether CIE cargo proteins are degraded or recycled.
Theoretical Study on the Relationship between the Geometric Change and the s–p Hybridization Formation of LiAln− Clusters (n = 3–13)
Authors: Ishibashi Chiaki , Matsuzawa Hidenori
Published: September 2014

The relationships between the geometric and electronic structures, and photoelectron spectra (PES) of LiAln− (n = 3–13) clusters were investigated. The ground and low-lying states geometries were optimized using B3LYP calculation. The assignment for large PES peaks was performed on the basis of calculated adiabatic detachment energies (ADE) and vertical detachment energies (VDE) values. PES peaks in Figure 2 of the clusters smaller than n = 6 are arose mostly from 3p of Al and those larger than n = 9 are 3s–3p (s–p) of Al. This peak pattern change occurs due to the s–p hybridization with the change in the geometric features. It was suggested that the high coordinated Al atom(s) in the Al framework and Li atom play an important role in forming the s–p hybridization at n ≥ 9.
Stress, rejection, and hormones: Cortisol and progesterone reactivity to laboratory speech and rejection tasks in women and men
Authors: Gaffey Allison E. , Wirth Michelle M.
Published: September 2014

Stress and social rejection have important impacts on health. Among the mechanisms implicated are hormonal systems such as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which produces cortisol in humans. Current research employs speech stressors and social rejection stressors to understand hormonal responses in a laboratory setting. However, it is not clear whether social rejection stressors elicit hormonal reactivity. In addition to cortisol, progesterone has been highlighted as a potential stress- and affiliation-related hormone in humans. In the present study, 131 participants (70 men and 61 women) were randomly assigned to be exposed to one of four conditions: standardized speech stressor; speech control; social rejection task; or a control (inclusion) version of the social rejection task. Saliva samples were collected throughout the study to measure cortisol and progesterone. As hypothesized, we found the expected increase in cortisol in the speech stressor, and we also found that the social rejection task did not increase cortisol, underscoring the divergence between unpleasant experiences and HPA axis activity. However, we did not find evidence for progesterone increase either during the speech- or social rejection tasks. Compared with past studies on progesterone and stress in humans, the present findings present a mixed picture. Future work is needed to delineate the contexts and types of manipulations which lead to progesterone increases in humans.
Case Report: Testicular failure possibly associated with chronic use of methylphenidate
Authors: Ramasamy Ranjith , Dadhich Pranav , Dhingra Ashna , Lipshultz Larry
Published: September 2014

Methylphenidate is a commonly prescribed treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, little is known about its adverse effects on the male reproductive system. We report a 20-year-old male patient whose chief complaint was of delayed puberty. He spoke in a high-pitched voice and complained of lack of body hair, impaired libido, inadequate erectile function, chronic fatigue, and low energy. He had been treated with methylphenidate as an infant and had continued treatment for 17 years. On examination, the patient was lean and visibly lacked facial or body hair. He further explained that he had never been able to grow underarm or facial hair and that he was often mistakenly considered a young teenager rather than a 20-year-old. The patient’s genitalia were categorized as Tanner Stage 2. Laboratory studies confirmed low serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone levels. The patient was given exogenous testosterone supplementation with pellets and human chorionic gonadotropin to maintain testicular size. After 4 months his symptoms improved and he demonstrated signs of puberty. Our goal is to further elucidate the possible impact of methylphenidate on the male reproductive system.
Total hip replacement through a posterior approach using a 22 mm diameter femoral head
Authors: Kumar V. , Sharma S. , James J. , Hodgkinson J. P. , Hemmady M. V.
Published: September 2014

Despite a lack of long-term follow-up, there is an increasing trend towards using femoral heads of large diameter in total hip replacement (THR), partly because of the perceived advantage of lower rates of dislocation. However, increasing the size of the femoral head is not the only way to reduce the rate of dislocation; optimal alignment of the components and repair of the posterior capsule could achieve a similar effect.

In this prospective study of 512 cemented unilateral THRs (Male:Female 230:282) performed between 2004 and 2011, we aimed to determine the rate of dislocation in patients who received a 22 mm head on a 9/10 Morse taper through a posterior approach with capsular repair and using the transverse acetabular ligament (TAL) as a guide for the alignment of the acetabular component. The mean age of the patients at operation was 67 years (35 to 89). The mean follow-up was 2.8 years (0.5 to 6.6). Pre- and post-operative assessment included Oxford hip, Short Form-12 and modified University of California Los Angeles and Merle D’Aubigne scores. The angles of inclination and anteversion of the acetabular components were measured using radiological software. There were four dislocations (0.78%), all of which were anterior.

In conclusion, THR with a 22 mm diameter head performed through a posterior approach with capsular repair and using the TAL as a guide for the alignment of the acetabular component was associated with a low rate of dislocation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1202–6.
The use of a long stem cemented femoral component in revision total hip replacement
Authors: te Stroet M. A. J. , Bronsema E. , Rijnen W. H. C. , Gardeniers J. W. M. , Schreurs B. W.
Published: September 2014

In this retrospective study, we investigated the results of revision total hip replacement (THR) using a cemented long-stemmed Exeter femoral component, with a minimum length of 205 mm in patients with extensive femoral bone defects. The study included 37 consecutive patients with a mean age of 76 years (39 to 93) and a mean follow-up of nine years (5 to 16). A total of 26 patients (70%) had a pre-operative Endo-Klinik score of 3 or 4. Impaction bone grafting was used in 24 patients (65%). At the time of evaluation, 22 patients (59%) were still alive and were evaluated clinically and radiologically. A total of 14 patients died during follow-up and their data were included until the time of their death. One reconstruction failed after five years and five months owing to recurrent dislocation: the hip was converted to an excision arthroplasty. Intra-operative fractures or fissures were encountered in nine patients (24%), but none occurred during impaction of the bone graft. Post-operative peri-prosthetic fractures occurred in two patients (5%); both were treated with plate fixation. At nine years, survival with the endpoint of all-cause re-revision was 96.3% (95% CI 76.4 to 99.5); including re-operations for any reason, it was 80.7% (95% CI 56.3 to 92.3%). There were no re-revisions for aseptic loosening.

The survival of long stem cemented femoral components following revision THR is satisfactory in a fragile population with extensive femoral defects.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014; 96-B:1207–13.