bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Surface Treated Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles on Some Mechanical Properties of Maxillofacial Silicone Elastomer
Authors: Zayed Sara M. , Alshimy Ahmad M. , Fahmy Amal E.
Published: December 2014

Current materials used for maxillofacial prostheses are far from ideal and there is a need for novel improved materials which mimic as close as possible the natural behavior of facial soft tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding different concentrations of surface treated silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO2) on clinically important mechanical properties of a maxillofacial silicone elastomer. 147 specimens of the silicone elastomer were prepared and divided into seven groups (n=21). One control group was prepared without nanoparticles and six study groups with different concentrations of nanoparticles, from 0.5% to 3% by weight. Specimens were tested for tear strength (ASTM D624), tensile strength (ASTM D412), percent elongation, and shore A hardness. SEM was used to assess the dispersion of nano-SiO2within the elastomer matrix. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Scheffe test (α=0.05). Results revealed significant improvement in all mechanical properties tested, as the concentration of the nanoparticles increased. This was supported by the results of the SEM. Hence, it can be concluded that the incorporation of surface treated SiO2nanoparticles at concentration of 3% enhanced the overall mechanical properties of A-2186 silicone elastomer.
MDM2–p53 Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Meng Xuan , Franklin Derek A. , Dong Jiahong , Zhang Yanping
Published: December 2014

Abnormalities in the TP53 gene and overexpression of MDM2, a transcriptional target and negative regulator of p53, are commonly observed in cancers. The MDM2–p53 feedback loop plays an important role in tumor progression and thus, increased understanding of the pathway has the potential to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has emerged as one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of human cancer; yet, the current treatment for HCC is less effective than those used against other cancers. We review the current studies of the MDM2–p53 pathway in cancer with a focus on HCC and specifically discuss the impact of p53 mutations along with other alterations of the MDM2–p53 feedback loop in HCC. We also discuss the potential diagnostic and prognostic applications of p53 and MDM2 in malignant tumors as well as therapeutic avenues that are being developed to target the MDM2–p53 pathway. Cancer Res; 74(24); 7161–7. ©2014 AACR.
Trafficking of T Cells into Tumors
Authors: Slaney Clare Y. , Kershaw Michael H. , Darcy Phillip K.
Published: December 2014

T cells are a crucial component of the immune response to infection and cancer. In addition to coordinating immunity in lymphoid tissue, T cells play a vital role at the disease site, which relies on their efficient and specific trafficking capabilities. The process of T-cell trafficking is highly dynamic, involving a series of distinct processes, which include rolling, adhesion, extravasation, and chemotaxis. Trafficking of T cells to the tumor microenvironment is critical for the success of cancer immunotherapies such as adoptive cellular transfer. Although this approach has achieved some remarkable responses in patients with advanced melanoma and hematologic malignancy, the success against solid cancers has been more moderate. One of the major challenges for adoptive immunotherapy is to be able to effectively target a higher frequency of T cells to the tumor microenvironment, overcoming hurdles associated with immunosuppression and aberrant vasculature. This review summarizes recent advances in our understanding of T-cell migration in solid cancer and immunotherapy based on the adoptive transfer of natural or genetically engineered tumor-specific T cells and discusses new strategies that may enhance the trafficking of these cells, leading to effective eradication of solid cancer and metastases. Cancer Res; 74(24); 7168–74. ©2014 AACR.
When Will Resistance Be Futile?
Authors: Borden Katherine L.B.
Published: December 2014

Cancer cells rapidly evolve a multitude of defense mechanisms to evade the effects of the oncologist's drug arsenal. Unfortunately, clinical strategies to overcome these lag far behind. This mismatch likely underlies our inability to implement new durable treatment strategies. Here, a new form of multidrug resistance, inducible drug glucuronidation, is discussed. This form was discovered while developing means to target a specific oncogene, the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E), with its inhibitor ribavirin. In two clinical studies, ribavirin treatment led to substantial clinical responses, but all responding patients eventually relapsed. In most cases, this was due to the overexpression of the sonic hedgehog transcription factor Gli1, which elevated the UDP glucuronsyltransferase UGT1A enzymes. UGT1As add glucuronic acid to many drugs. Indeed, these cells are resistant to not only ribavirin, but also Ara-C, and likely other drugs. Inhibition of Gli1 reduced UGT1As, eliminated drug glucuronides, and renewed sensitivity to ribavirin and Ara-C. These studies highlight that cancer cells and their resistant counterparts metabolize drugs differently from each other as well as from normal cells. Likely, these inducible modifications go beyond glucuronidation. Understanding the extent of inducible drug modifications and the pathways that drive expression of the corresponding enzymatic machinery will better position us to finally make resistance futile. Cancer Res; 74(24); 7175–80. ©2014 AACR.
Putative Linkage Signals Identified for Breast Cancer in African American Families
Authors: Ochs-Balcom Heather M. , Sun Xiangqing , Chen Yanwen , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill , Erwin Deborah O. , Jandorf Lina , Sucheston-Campbell Lara , Elston Robert C.
Published: December 2014

Background: Genome-wide association studies have identified polymorphisms associated with breast cancer subtypes and across multiple population subgroups; however, few studies to date have applied linkage analysis to other population groups.

Methods: We performed the first genome-wide breast cancer linkage analysis in 106 African American families (comprising 179 affected and 79 unaffected members) not known to be segregating BRCA mutations to search for novel breast cancer loci. We performed regression-based model-free multipoint linkage analyses of the sibling pairs using SIBPAL, and two-level Haseman–Elston linkage analyses of affected relative pairs using RELPAL.

Results: We identified −log10 P values that exceed 4 on chromosomes 3q and 12q, as well as a region near BRCA1 on chromosome 17 (−log10 P values in the range of 3.0–3.2) using both sibling-based and relative-based methods; the latter observation may suggest that undetected BRCA1 mutations or other mutations nearby such as HOXB13 may be segregating in our sample.

Conclusions: In summary, these results suggest novel putative regions harboring risk alleles in African Americans that deserve further study.

Impact: We hope that our study will spur further family-based investigation into specific mechanisms for breast cancer disparities. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 24(2); 442–7. ©2014 AACR.
Molecular Pathways: Cbl Proteins in Tumorigenesis and Antitumor Immunity—Opportunities for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Liyasova Mariya S. , Ma Ke , Lipkowitz Stanley
Published: December 2014

The Cbl proteins are a family of ubiquitin ligases (E3s) that regulate signaling through many tyrosine kinase–dependent pathways. A predominant function is to negatively regulate receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling by ubiquitination of active RTKs, targeting them for trafficking to the lysosome for degradation. Also, Cbl-mediated ubiquitination can regulate signaling protein function by altered cellular localization of proteins without degradation. In addition to their role as E3s, Cbl proteins play a positive role in signaling by acting as adaptor proteins that can recruit signaling molecules to the active RTKs. Cbl-b, a second family member, negatively regulates the costimulatory pathway of CD8 T cells and also negatively regulates natural killer cell function. The different functions of Cbl proteins and their roles both in the development of cancer and the regulation of immune responses provide multiple therapeutic opportunities. Mutations in Cbl that inactivate the negative E3 function while maintaining the positive adaptor function have been described in approximately 5% of myeloid neoplasms. An improved understanding of how the signaling pathways [e.g., Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3), PI3K, and signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)] are dysregulated by these mutations in Cbl has helped to identify potential targets for therapy of myeloid neoplasms. Conversely, the loss of Cbl-b leads to increased adaptive and innate antitumor immunity, suggesting that inhibiting Cbl-b may be a means to increase antitumor immunity across a wide variety of tumors. Thus, targeting the pathways regulated by Cbl proteins may provide attractive opportunities for treating cancer. Clin Cancer Res; 21(8); 1789–94. ©2014 AACR.
Optimizing the Sequence of Anti-EGFR–Targeted Therapy in EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer
Authors: Meador Catherine B. , Jin Hailing , de Stanchina Elisa , Nebhan Caroline A. , Pirazzoli Valentina , Wang Lu , Lu Pengcheng , Vuong Huy , Hutchinson Katherine E. , Jia Peilin , Chen Xi , Eisenberg Rosana , Ladanyi Marc , Politi Katerina , Zhao Zhongming , Lovly Christine M. , Cross Darren A.E. , Pao William
Published: December 2014

Metastatic EGFR-mutant lung cancers are sensitive to the first- and second-generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) gefitinib, erlotinib, and afatinib, but resistance develops. Acquired resistance to gefitinib or erlotinib occurs most commonly (>50%) via the emergence of a second-site EGFR mutation, T790M. Two strategies to overcome T790M-mediated resistance are dual inhibition of EGFR with afatinib plus the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab (A+C), or mutant-specific EGFR inhibition with AZD9291. A+C and AZD9291 are now also being tested as first-line therapies, but whether these therapies will extend progression-free survival or induce more aggressive forms of resistance in this setting remains unknown. We modeled resistance to multiple generations of anti-EGFR therapies preclinically to understand the effects of sequential treatment with anti-EGFR agents on drug resistance and determine the optimal order of treatment. Using a panel of erlotinib/afatinib-resistant cells, including a novel patient-derived cell line (VP-2), we found that AZD9291 was more potent than A+C at inhibiting cell growth and EGFR signaling in this setting. Four of four xenograft-derived A+C-resistant cell lines displayed in vitro and in vivo sensitivity to AZD9291, but four of four AZD9291-resistant cell lines demonstrated cross-resistance to A+C. Addition of cetuximab to AZD9291 did not confer additive benefit in any preclinical disease setting. This work, emphasizing a mechanistic understanding of the effects of therapies on tumor evolution, provides a framework for future clinical trials testing different treatment sequences. This paradigm is applicable to other tumor types in which multiple generations of inhibitors are now available. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(2); 542–52. ©2014 AACR.
Cell-free Tumor Microparticle Vaccines Stimulate Dendritic Cells via cGAS/STING Signaling
Authors: Zhang Huafeng , Tang Ke , Zhang Yi , Ma Ruihua , Ma Jingwei , Li Yong , Luo Shunqun , Liang Xiaoyu , Ji Tiantian , Gu Zhichao , Lu Jinzhi , He Wei , Cao Xuetao , Wan Yonghong , Huang Bo
Published: December 2014

Tumor antigens and innate signals are vital considerations in developing new therapeutic or prophylactic antitumor vaccines. The role or requirement of intact tumor cells in the development of an effective tumor vaccine remains incompletely understood. This study reveals the mechanism by which tumor cell–derived microparticles (T-MP) can act as a cell-free tumor vaccine. Vaccinations with T-MPs give rise to prophylactic effects against the challenge of various tumor cell types, while T-MP–loaded dendritic cells (DC) also exhibit therapeutic effects in various tumor models. Such antitumor effects of T-MPs are perhaps attributable to their ability to generate immune signaling and to represent tumor antigens. Mechanically, T-MPs effectively transfer DNA fragments to DCs, leading to type I IFN production through the cGAS/STING-mediated DNA-sensing pathway. In turn, type I IFN promotes DC maturation and presentation of tumor antigens to T cells for antitumor immunity. These findings highlight a novel tumor cell-free vaccine strategy with potential clinical applications. Cancer Immunol Res; 3(2); 196–205. ©2014 AACR.
Management of Hidradenitis Suppurativa with Biological Therapy: Report of Four Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Bahillo Monné Constanza , Honorato Guerra Silvia , Schoendorff Ortega Cristina , Gargallo Quintero Ana Belen
Published: December 2014

Several studies report the usefulness of different biological therapies in the management of a difficult-to-treat pathology such as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). However, there are little data on this, which shows the great difficulty in the management of this disease. We will report herein our experience of the treatment of four complex cases of HS. We will also review previous cases published in the literature in order to further assess the results obtained with different biological drugs in terms of efficacy and safety. We conclude that, in the near future, biological therapy could become an essential tool in the management of cases of HS who have not previously responded to classical treatment.
Complete Recovery of a Wide Local Reaction by the Use of Dexrazoxane 72 Hours after Epirubicin Extravasation: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Aigner Birgit , Bauernhofer Thomas , Petru Edgar , Niederkorn Anna , Arzberger Edith Johanna , Richtig Erika
Published: December 2014

Background: Accidental extravasation of anthracyclines might result in devastating side effects and complications, including necrosis of tissue, with impairment of neighboring structures - most of them requiring surgery. Following recent approach guidelines, intravenous administration of dexrazoxane within 6 h after the event is recommended. Case Report: We report on a 63-year-old female patient with breast cancer treated with epirubicin combination therapy. She experienced extravasation on the distal right arm at the end of the very first cycle, being initially treated with dimethylsulfoxide 99% topically. Clinical symptoms became worse. Despite the interval between the event and referral, dexrazoxane was given once daily for 3 days. She recovered completely without any sequelae. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a successful treatment and complete recovery by the use of dexrazoxane even 3 days after extensive epirubicin extravasation. Additionally, a review of the literature is given.
Dermoscopy, Reflectance Confocal Microscopy and Immunohistochemical Analysis in Melanocytic Lesions with Meyerson's Phenomenon
Authors: Oliveira André , Arzberger Edith , Massone Cesare , Fink-Puches Regina , Zalaudek Iris , Hofmann-Wellenhof Rainer
Published: December 2014

Background: Meyerson's phenomenon is characterized by a symmetrical halo of erythema and scale around central, mostly melanocytic lesions. Objective: Our aim was to describe the dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) features of melanocytic tumors less frequently associated with Meyerson's phenomenon, with histopathology and immunohistochemistry correlation. Methods: Clinical, dermoscopic and RCM images of 4 histopathologically confirmed melanocytic tumors associated with Meyerson's phenomenon (3 dysplastic compound nevi and 1 melanoma) were retrospectively collected, with additional immunohistochemical analysis. Results: RCM showed in vivo features of both melanocytic and spongiotic nature of the lesion associated with Meyerson's phenomenon, even in cases with absent halo. Our study also supported the involvement of immune-mediated CD4+ T lymphocyte mechanisms and Langerhans cells. Conclusion: Our case series supports the potential of RCM in the evaluation of tumoral and inflammatory skin diseases. RCM features of rare Meyerson's melanoma were also described for the first time.
Genetic, Molecular and Clinical Determinants for the Involvement of Aldosterone and Its Receptors in Major Depression
Authors: Murck Harald , Büttner Matthias , Kircher Tilo , Konrad Carsten
Published: December 2014

Major depression (MDE) has metabolic and neuroendocrine correlates, which point to a biological overlap between MDE and cardiovascular diseases. Whereas the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis has long been recognized for its involvement in depression, the focus was mostly on cortisol/corticosterone, whereas aldosterone appears to be the ‘forgotten' stress hormone. Part of the reason for this is that the receptors for aldosterone, the mineralocorticoid receptors (MR), were thought to be occupied by glucocorticoids in most parts of the brain. However, recently it turned out that aldosterone acts selectively in relevant mood-regulating brain areas, without competing with cortisol/corticosterone. These areas include the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), the amygdala and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. These regions are intimately involved in the close relationship between emotional and vegetative symptoms. Genetic analysis supports the role of aldosterone and of MR-related pathways in the pathophysiology of depression. Functional markers for these pathways in animal models as well as in humans are available and allow an indirect assessment of NTS function. They include heart rate variability, baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, blood pressure, salt taste sensitivity and slow-wave sleep. MR activation in the periphery is related to electrolyte regulation. MR overactivity is a risk factor for diabetes mellitus and a trigger of inflammatory processes. These markers can be used not only to assist the development of new treatment compounds, but also for a personalized approach to treat patients with depression and related disorders by individual dose titration with an active medication, which targets this system.
Impact of Aldosterone on Osteoinductive Signaling and Vascular Calcification
Authors: Lang Florian , Ritz Eberhard , Alesutan Ioana , Voelkl Jakob
Published: December 2014

Vascular calcification is frequently found already in early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and is associated with high cardiovascular risk. The process of vascular calcification is not considered a passive phenomenon but involves, at least in part, phenotypical transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Following exposure to excessive extracellular phosphate concentrations, VSMCs undergo a reprogramming into osteo-/chondroblast-like cells. Such ‘vascular osteoinduction' is characterized by expression of osteogenic transcription factors and triggered by increased phosphate concentrations. A key role in this process is assigned to cellular phosphate transporters, most notably the type III sodium-dependent phosphate transporter Pit1. Pit1 expression is stimulated by mineralocorticoid receptor activation. Therefore, aldosterone participates in the phenotypical transformation of VSMCs. In preclinical models, aldosterone antagonism reduces vascular osteoinduction. Patients with CKD suffer from hyperphosphatemia predisposing to vascular osteogenic transformation, potentially further fostered by concomitant hyperaldosteronism. Clearly, additional research is required to define the role of aldosterone in the regulation of osteogenic signaling and the consecutive vascular calcification in CKD, but more generally also other diseases associated with excessive vascular calcification and even in individuals without overt disease.
Clinical Implications from a Single-Center Study of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma in Transplant Recipients
Authors: Lim Sun Min , Jung Minkyu , Shin Sang Joon , Baek Se Jin , Hur Hyuk , Min Byung Soh , Baik Seung Hyuk , Kim Nam Kyu , Ahn Joong-Bae
Published: December 2014

Background: With the increasing burden of organ transplant recipients and improvements in allograft outcome, the incidence of neoplasms rising from these patients is an important issue. Objective: In this study, we investigated transplant recipients with colorectal cancer to determine its incidence, clinicopathological characteristics, and prognosis. Methods: The database of Severance Hospital was queried for all cases of colorectal adenocarcinoma among transplant recipients from August 2005 to January 2013. Results: A total of 29 patients were diagnosed with colorectal adenocarcinoma after transplantation, and the median age at diagnosis was 58.6 years. As for primary tumor stage, 17 (58.6%) patients had stage ≥3, and distant metastasis was found in 10 (34.4%) patients. The mean time from transplantation to tumor detection was 13.7 years. The median disease-free survival was 11.0 months and the median overall survival (OS) was 18.1 months. In multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for OS, surgical resection was a positive prognostic factor (HR 1.357, p = 0.010) and the presence of distant metastasis at diagnosis was a negative prognostic factor (HR 1.047, p = 0.006). Conclusion: The behavior of colorectal cancer in posttransplant patients is more aggressive and refractory to treatment. A separate guideline for the colorectal screening program for the posttransplant patients needs to be established. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Use of Lipoprotein Particle Measures for Assessing Coronary Heart Disease Risk Post-American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Guidelines
Authors: Steffen Brian T. , Guan Weihua , Remaley Alan T. , Paramsothy Pathmaja , Heckbert Susan R. , McClelland Robyn L. , Greenland Philip , Michos Erin D. , Tsai Michael Y.
Published: December 2014

Objective—

The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association have issued guidelines indicating that the contribution of apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB) to cardiovascular risk assessment remains uncertain. The present analysis evaluates whether lipoprotein particle measures convey risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) in 4679 Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) participants.

Approach and Results—

Cox regression analysis was performed to determine associations between lipids or lipoproteins and primary CHD events. After adjustment for nonlipid variables, lipoprotein particle levels in fourth quartiles were found to convey significantly greater risk of incident CHD when compared to first quartile levels (hazard ratio [HR]; 95% confidence interval [CI]): ApoB (HR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.25–2.69), ApoB/ApoA-I (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.32–2.76), total low-density lipoprotein-particles (LDL-P; HR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.21–2.58), and the LDL-P/HDL-P (high-density lipoprotein-P) ratio (HR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.54–3.37). Associations between lipoprotein particle measures and CHD were attenuated after adjustment for standard lipid panel variables. Using the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology risk calculator as a baseline model for CHD risk assessment, significant net reclassification improvement scores were found for ApoB/ApoA-I (0.18;
P
=0.007) and LDL-P/high-density lipoprotein-P (0.15;
P
<0.001).
C
-statistics revealed no significant increase in CHD event discrimination for any lipoprotein measure.

Conclusions—

Lipoprotein particle measures ApoB/ApoA-I and LDL-P/high-density lipoprotein-P marginally improved net reclassification improvement scores, but null findings for corresponding
c
-statistic are not supportive of lipoprotein testing. The attenuated associations of lipoprotein particle measures with CHD after the adjustment for lipids indicate that their measurement does not detect risk that is unaccounted for by the standard lipid panel. However, the possibility that lipoprotein measures may identify CHD risk in a subpopulation of individuals with normal cholesterol, but elevated lipoprotein particle numbers cannot be ruled out.
Can we Conquer Child Abuse if we don’t Outlaw Physical Chastisement of Children?
Authors: Freeman Michael , Saunders Bernadette J.
Published: December 2014

Initially, this paper was delivered as a keynote address at the 17thispcan International Congress held in Hong Kong in 2008. It addresses the question: Can we conquer child abuse if we don’t first outlaw physical punishment of children? It is argued that children’s low status in society and children’s less than optimal development are inextricably linked to corporal punishment in childhood, as is the physical abuse of children that all too frequently begins as disciplinary violence, often euphemistically described as “smacking”, but tragically escalates, resulting in injuries and even death. Attention is drawn to increasing evidence from research around the world that reveals the futility and avoidable negative consequences of physical chastisement, and the paper ends on an optimistic note foreseeing the end of the corporal punishment of children in Asia and elsewhere – a world in which children’s rights are respected and children’s childhoods are freed from the pain and fear of disciplinary violence.
Professional self-efficacy and role perception of school librarians and their impact on the development of students' information literacy
Authors: Ash-Argyle Ruth , Shoham Snunith
Published: December 2014

The current study evaluated the degree to which school librarians are involved in two different dimensions of their work that directly relate to developing information literacy (IL): (1) providing students with basic and advanced reference work services (RWS); and (2) assisting students at different stages of their research process assignments, as defined by the Big6 model. In addition, to examine factors that may affect the degree of involvement in these two dimensions, the professional self-efficacy of the librarians and their perceptions of their role within the school community were assessed. Data was collected from 71 Israeli school librarians through online questionnaires and analysed quantitatively. This analysis reveals that school librarians provide primarily basic RWS, which require a low degree of professional and technological skills and little collaboration with school teachers. Similarly, school librarians are mainly involved with two specific stages of the students’ research processes, namely, the seeking and evaluation of information, which again reflect a low degree of IL training. The degree of involvement of librarians in these dimensions of their work is significantly and positively correlated with (a) the perception of the librarians of their own self-learning ability and professional updating level; and (b) their perceptions of their role as co-teachers or leaders within the school community. These findings should increase the awareness of the IL community to the work of school librarians, to their role in shaping information-related processes in young students, and to possible means of achieving these goals.
The value of collaboration:
Authors: Purcell Sarah , Barrell Rachel
Published: December 2014

This paper will focus on the increasing staff-student-librarian collaboration, and integration of information literacy (IL) teaching, within a Primary Initial Teacher Education undergraduate course. These developments arose from an action research project which started during the academic year 2010-11. The aim of the research was to evaluate the impact of the IL teaching upon students’ confidence in their abilities to find, select and use information. Results of the first research cycle (2010-11) indicated that overall, the teaching had a positive and desirable impact upon students' confidence. However, staff and student feedback suggested that mutual expectations, and the consistency and timing of support, were important factors in the development of students' IL skills. During the analysis of our initial findings, we will focus our discussion around two identified themes which relate to these issues – role and collaboration – and share our experiences from the second and third cycles of the research, which led to a transformation of IL teaching for our students in 2013-14. This paper charts our four-year journey, sharing the ideas and opportunities realised through the project and through increased collaboration as a teaching team and with our students. This paper is based on a presentation given at LILAC 2014.
Practices of ambiguity: Becoming “information literate” in two Norwegian schools
Authors: Søvik Margrethe B.
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this study is to examine the establishment of information literacy (IL) practices among secondary school pupils aged 14 to16 (grades 9-10) in two Norwegian schools. In Norway, a new curriculum introduced in 2006 emphasised digital skills, aiming to develop IL relating to digital texts in particular. Despite the fact that an ambitious national curriculum has been in place for quite some time, not much is known about how this works in practice in the subject group of this study. The main purpose of this article is to identify the kind of IL practices that have been established and how the pupils experience and reproduce these practices.

It seems that the pupils become information literate but not to the extent the curriculum anticipates. The study used mixed methods in order to reveal general trends and to explore certain issues in more depth. The material consists of data from a questionnaire and interviews. The study has a sociocultural perspective as its theoretical point of departure, resting on an understanding of how IL practices in school are formed through interaction and/or the lack of interaction between pupils and their teachers. Without interaction guiding the pupils, their IL practices are at the risk of becoming practices of ambiguity. The implications of this study is that one must go beyond national curricula and examine the way IL or digital literacy is actually performed in schools in order to understand how these practices are shaped.
Male secondary sexual characters resolve taxonomic uncertainty: five new species and a review of the formerly monotypic rove beetle genus Mimosticus Sharp (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Staphylininae)
Authors: BRUNKE ADAM , SOLODOVNIKOV ALEXEY
Published: December 2014

The hitherto poorly known Neotropical rove beetle genus Mimosticus is reviewed. Five new species are described from the Andes, Mimosticus aeneipennis sp. n., Mimosticus latens sp. n., Mimosticus pseudosharpi sp. n., Mimosticus sharpi sp. n. and Mimosticus tenuiformis sp. n. The widely distributed type species of the genus, Mimosticus viridipennis Sharp, 1884, is redescribed. Aedeagal characters traditionally used to delimit species in Staphylinidae exhibited only subtle inter-specific differences in Mimosticus but were corroborated by distinct differences in male secondary sexual characters. A modern description and morphological diagnosis of the genus are provided, distribution and bionomic data are summarized, and the placement of Mimosticus in the Staphylinini subtribe Amblyopinina is justified in the context of recent, character-based phylogenetic hypotheses.
Two new species of feather mites (Acarina: Psoroptidia) from the Great Barbet, Psilopogon virens (Piciformes: Megalaimidae)
Authors: CONSTANTINESCU IOANA CRISTINA , CHIŞAMERA GABRIEL , MUKHIM D. KHLUR B. , ADAM COSTICĂ
Published: December 2014

The paper describes two new species of feather mites collected on Psilopogon virens (Boddaert) (Piciformes: Megalaimidae) in India (Meghalaya): Megalaimobius massarae sp. nov. (Analgoidea: Pteronyssidae) and Picalgoides arbenzi sp. nov. (Psoroptoidea: Psoroptoididae). Males of M. massarae sp. nov. differ from the other three species of the genus by the shape of the transventral sclerite which is much deeper concave. The female of the new species has the external copulatory tub with an acute apex (this structure has a truncated apex in females of other species). Males of Picalgoides arbenzi sp. nov. differ from the closest species P. capitonis Černý, 1974 mainly by the shape of adanal apodemes which are fused into a large arch encircling the anal field. Females of the new species have the hysteronotal shield with acute posterior angles and setae d2 situated on the lateral margins of this shield (in females of P. capitonis the hysteronotal shield has the posterior angles rounded and setae d2 situated at a short distance from the lateral margins of this shield).
Laubieriopsis petersenae n. sp. and L. cf. cabiochi (Amoureux, 1982) (Polychaeta: Fauveliopsidae) from dredge disposal sites off Honolulu, Hawaii
Authors: MAGALHÃES WAGNER F. , BAILEY-BROCK JULIE H. , RIZZO ALEXANDRA E.
Published: December 2014

Fauveliopsid polychaetes have been collected at dredge disposal sites off Honolulu from 397–507 m depth. We report and describe the first Pacific record of Laubieriopsis cf. cabiochi (Amoureux, 1982), originally described from the North       Atlantic. A new species, Laubieriopsis petersenae, n. sp. is described as being the species in the genus with the lowest number of body segments (15). Other distinctive features are the presence of bidentate aciculars on thoracic chaetigers, and unpaired genital papilla present on the right side of chaetiger 6/7. The new species is most similar to the L. brevis complex from the Atlantic and L. hartmanae and L. brevis japonica from the Pacific Ocean, but differs on the combination of the characters cited above. We provide an emended diagnosis for this genus to include the ultrastructure of the acicular with rows of spines, and a key to all described species.
Predicting Critical Transitions in ENSO models. Part II: Spatially Dependent Models
Authors: Mukhin Dmitry , Kondrashov Dmitri , Loskutov Evgeny , Gavrilov Andrey , Feigin Alexander , Ghil Michael
Published: December 2014

The present paper is the second part of a two-part study on empirical modeling and prediction of climate variability. This paper deals with spatially distributed data, as opposed to the univariate data of Part I. The choice of a basis for effective data compression becomes of the essence. In many applications, it is the set of spatial empirical orthogonal functions that provides the uncorrelated time series of principal components (PCs) used in the learning set. In this paper, the basis of the learning set is obtained instead by applying multichannel singular-spectrum analysis to climatic time series and using the leading spatiotemporal PCs to construct a reduced stochastic model. The effectiveness of this approach is illustrated by predicting the behavior of the Jin–Neelin–Ghil (JNG) hybrid seasonally forced coupled ocean–atmosphere model of El Niño–Southern Oscillation. The JNG model produces spatially distributed and weakly nonstationary time series to which the model reduction and prediction methodology is applied. Critical transitions in the hybrid periodically forced coupled model are successfully predicted on time scales that are substantially longer than the duration of the learning sample.
The authorial problem in the Ḵẖāliq Bārī of ‘Ḵẖusrau’
Authors: Hakala Walter N.
Published: December 2014

The Ḵẖāliq Bārī is the most famous South Asian example of the niṣāb genre of multilingual versified vocabularies, comprising synonymous or near-synonymous terms and phrases drawn from Arabic, Persian and early Hindawī. Its persistent popularity in the South Asian Islamicate educational system is the result primarily of its association with the celebrated fourteenth-century Persian poet Amīr ‘Ḵẖusrau’ Dihlawī. This article examines the debates surrounding the authorship of this text, examining both early attributions and more recent nationalist interpretations of the work in light of internal and manuscript evidence. The chaotic structural organisation and mnemonic technologies deployed throughout the Ḵẖāliq Bārī, as well as the multilingual character of the text itself, would suggest that the effort to identify of a single author or original text is misplaced.
Diabetes as a Risk Factor for Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
Authors: Peer A. , Khamaisi M.
Published: December 2014

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a severe devastating complication for which the exact pathogenesis is not completely understood. Multiple systemic and local factors may contribute to the development of MRONJ. A growing body of evidence supports diabetes mellitus (DM) as an important risk factor for this complication; however, the exact mechanism by which DM may promote MRONJ has yet to be determined. The current review elucidates the role of DM in the pathogenesis of MRONJ and the mechanisms by which DM may increase the risk for MRONJ. Factors related to DM pathogenesis and treatment may contribute to poor bone quality through multiple damaged pathways, including microvascular ischemia, endothelial cell dysfunction, reduced remodeling of bone, and increased apoptosis of osteoblasts and osteocytes. In addition, DM induces changes in immune cell function and promotes inflammation. This increases the risk for chronic infection in the settings of cancer and its treatment, as well as antiresorptive medication exposure, thus raising the risk of developing MRONJ. A genetic predisposition for MRONJ, coupled with CYP 450 gene alterations, has been suggested to affect the degradation of medications for DM such as thiazolidinediones and may further increase the risk for MRONJ.
The coherence of creation in the word: The rhetoric of lines 1–34 of Chaucer’s General Prologue
Authors: Klassen Norm
Published: December 2014

Geoffrey Chaucer’s introduction of the pilgrimage motif in lines 1–34 of the General Prologue to The Canterbury Tales combines the pursuit of the beatific vision with an evident interest in life in this world. Participation in God as coherence in Christ, who addresses and sustains the created order, informs the rhetorical structure and intensifying themes and playfulness of these lines. Resonant with the first sentence, the second performatively displays an obediential quality and emergent self and sociality, as Chaucer responds to the demands that the Incarnation places on the Christian poet.
Pornography Stumps Analytic Philosophers of Art
Authors: Jarvie Ian
Published: December 2014

A book in which analytic philosophers examine the portrayal of sex in art and the possible artistic value of pornography proves a disappointment. Although a transcendental objection to pornographic art is rebutted, the papers employ barren philosophical methods that divert energy away from significant problems and into scholastic quibbles.
A novel multi-sensors fusion framework based on Kalman Filter and neural network for AFS application
Authors: Liu Junfeng , Cheng KWE , Zeng Jun
Published: December 2014

An adaptive front light system (AFS) is put forward by the Society of Automotive Engineers and Economic Commission for Europe as a means of enhancing vehicular lighting. Traditionally, AFS can be divided into three parts: (1) a leveling subsystem to make lighting parallel to the road surface; (2) a swiveling subsystem to change light distribution along with the angle of the steering wheel; (3) a dimming subsystem to reduce or intensify the lighting. In this paper, a new hybrid multi-sensor fusion framework combining Kalman Filter with neural network is proposed to adjust two stepper motors controlling the vehicles headlights pitch and yaw. Kalman Filter as the frontend is used to deal with redundant sensor signals that are collected from sensors in the different places. Fuzzy Neutral Network as the backend is used to generate adjustment of leveling and swiveling angle through the integration of different type signals. An adaptive parameter adjustment is accomplished by the proposed fusion framework with the varying filter coefficients. The simulation and experiment of leveling angle are conducted using the predefined experimental data. The evaluation results of leveling angle prove that the proposed algorithm can effectively filter out high-frequency perturbations and provide reliable outputs for stepper motor. The same results can be obtained for a swiveling subsystem. Consequently, the hybrid fusion framework is a feasible approach for AFS design to accomplish data processing and nonlinear mapping.
A postmodernist’s progress: Thoughts on spirituality across the David Foster Wallace canon
Authors: Brick Martin
Published: December 2014

David Foster Wallace is known more for his postmodern styling, his examination of addiction, his humorous journalism, and his 2008 suicide, than for his exploration of Christianity. However, Christian themes and characters become more prominent in his later works, and critical attention to his work has long noted an “ethical” element in his writing. This article will explore both Wallace’s published works and materials available in his archive to argue, first, that we have strong reason to believe that Wallace’s spirituality was a genuine personal interest, not a pandering effort to embrace a Middle-American persona, nor a post-addiction safety blanket. Second, his interest in spirituality in general, and Christianity specifically, did not simply emerge in the last decade of his life, but rather developed out of a more psychologically charged investigation of the self, solipsism, and the individual’s drive to find fulfillment.
From Plymouth Rock to Palo Alto: The New England literary tradition and its American critics
Authors: Wilson James Matthew
Published: December 2014

Although the relationship of Hart Crane and Yvor Winters has been much discussed, there has been no sustained critical attempt to consider Winters’s analysis of Crane’s suicidal enchantment as a point of entry into his larger diagnosis of American culture. This article examines how Winters's critical achievement and poetry, plus that of Robert Frost, help American literature to exorcise the ghost of Hart Crane. They also free the American intellectual and literary tradition from what may appear an incoherent, triumphalist mythology, and offer in its place a brilliant, suave, but sober understanding of ourselves, of the world, and of our place within it: one that does not reject the symbolic power of reality or the American continent, but which does seek to comprehend it by means of chastened perceptions and a solider reason. The achievement of Winters and Frost should serve as foundational for a mature literary culture in America.
Environmental Chemical Exposure May Contribute to Uterine Cancer Development
Authors: Dunnick J. K. , Sanders J. M. , Kissling G. E. , Johnson C. L. , Boyle M. H. , Elmore S. A.
Published: December 2014

Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a widely used flame retardant, caused uterine tumors in rats. In this study, TBBPA was administered to male and female Wistar Han rats and B6C3F1/N mice by oral gavage in corn oil for 2 years at doses up to 1,000 mg/kg. TBBPA induced uterine epithelial tumors including adenomas, adenocarcinomas, and malignant mixed Müllerian tumors (MMMTs). In addition, endometrial epithelial atypical hyperplasia occurred in TBBPA-treated rats. Also found to be related to TBBPA treatment, but at lower incidence and at a lower statistical significance, were testicular tumors in rats, and hepatic tumors, hemangiosarcomas (all organs), and intestinal tumors in male mice. It is hypothesized that the TBBPA uterine tumor carcinogenic mechanisms involve altered estrogen levels and/or oxidative damage. TBBPA treatment may affect hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase-17β (HSD17β) and/or sulfotransferases, enzymes involved in estrogen homeostasis. Metabolism of TBBPA may also result in the formation of free radicals. The finding of TBBPA-mediated uterine cancer in rats is of concern because TBBPA exposure is widespread and endometrial tumors are a common malignancy in women. Further work is needed to understand TBBPA cancer mechanisms.
Do Immediate Cytology and Specialist Radiologists Improve the Adequacy of Ultrasound‐Guided Fine‐Needle Aspiration Cytology?
Authors: Sharma Sunil Dutt , Kumar Gaurav , Horsburgh Avril , Huq Mahmuda , Alkilani Raed , Chawda Sanjiv , Kaddour Hesham
Published: December 2014

Objective

To assess whether a dedicated “1‐stop” neck lump clinic has improved the percentage of adequate fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples and reduced the need for repeat FNAC.

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

District General Hospital in the United Kingdom.

Subjects and Methods

Patients attending for ultrasound‐guided FNAC over a 6‐month period from August 2012 to February 2013. Patients were placed in 4 groups: group 1, FNAC performed by any of the subspecialist radiologists with cytology support (n = 100); group 2, FNAC performed by general radiologists without cytology support (n = 112); group 3, FNAC performed by a particular subspecialist radiologist with cytology support (n = 61); and group 4, FNAC performed by the same subspecialist radiologist without cytology support (n = 125).

Results

There was a significantly higher rate of adequacy of FNAC in the presence of a subspecialist radiologist with immediate cytology (group 1) versus a general radiologist without cytology support (group 2; 87/100 vs 63/112, P =. 0001), a significantly higher rate of adequacy of FNAC in the presence of cytology support with the same radiologist (group 3 vs group 4, 55/61 vs 97/125, P =. 04), and a significantly higher rate of adequacy of FNAC in the presence of a subspecialist radiologist versus a general radiologist without cytology support (group 4 vs group 2, 97/125 vs 63/112, P =. 0005).

Conclusion

Immediate cytology and the presence of a subspecialist radiologist increase the adequacy of FNAC. The adequacy rate of non–cytology‐supported FNAC or nonsubspecialist FNAC is below the adequate rate expected from the literature or as recommended in national guidelines.
Severe Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Al‐Khatib Talal , Althubaiti Abdulrahman M. , Althubaiti Alaa , Mosli Hala H. , Alwasiah Reem O. , Badawood Lojain M.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To assess the role of preoperative serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D as predictor of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Subjects and Methods

All consecutively performed total and completion thyroidectomies from February 2007 to December 2013 were reviewed through a hospital database and patient charts. The relationship between postthyroidectomy laboratory hypocalcemia (serum calcium ≤2 mmol/L), clinical hypocalcemia, and preoperative serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D level was evaluated.

Results

Two hundred thirteen patients were analyzed. The incidence of postoperative laboratory and clinical hypocalcemia was 19.7% and 17.8%, respectively. The incidence of laboratory and clinical hypocalcemia among severely deficient (<25 nmol/L), deficient (<50 nmol/L), insufficient (<75 nmol/L), and sufficient (≥75 nmol/L) serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels was 54% versus 33.9%, 10% versus 18%, 2.9% versus 11.6%, and 3.1% versus 0%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed preoperative severe vitamin D deficiency as a significant independent predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia (odds ratio [OR], 7.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3‐22.9; P =. 001). Parathyroid hormone level was also found to be an independent predictor of postoperative hypocalcemia (OR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5‐0.8; P =. 002).

Conclusion

Postoperative clinical and laboratory hypocalcemia is significantly associated with low levels of serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D. Our findings identify severe vitamin D deficiency (<25 nmol/L) as an independent predictor of postoperative laboratory hypocalcemia. Early identification and management of patients at risk may reduce morbidity and costs.
Laudatio for Ágnes Heller
Authors: Niethammer Lutz
Published: December 2014

This was the address given on the occasion of the award of the Goethe Institute’s Goethe Medal to the Hungarian philosopher Ágnes Heller in 2010. Other recipients of the Medal have included Bruno Bettelheim, György Ligeti, Ernst Gombrich, Karl Popper, and Lars Gustafsson.