bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyponormal Toeplitz operators with polynomial symbols on weighted Bergman spaces
Authors: Hwang In Sung , Lee Jongrak , Park Se Won
Published: September 2014

In this note we consider the hyponormality of Toeplitz operators

T
φ

on weighted Bergman space

A
α
2

(
D
)

with symbol in the class of functions

f
+

g
¯

with polynomials f and g.

MSC:47B20, 47B35.
Evolution of the sensitized Er3+ emission by silicon nanoclusters and luminescence centers in silicon-rich silica
Authors: Xu Lingbo , Li Dongsheng , Jin Lu , Xiang Luelue , Wang Feng , Yang Deren , Que Duanlin
Published: September 2014

The structural and optical properties of erbium-doped silicon-rich silica samples containing different Si concentrations are studied. Intense photoluminescence (PL) from luminescence centers (LCs) and silicon nanoclusters (Si NCs), which evolves with annealing temperatures, is obtained. By modulating the silicon concentrations in samples, the main sensitizers of Er3+ ions can be tuned from Si NCs to LCs. Optimum Er3+ PL, with an enhancement of more than two, is obtained in the samples with a medium Si concentration, where the sensitization from Si NCs and LCs coexists.
Effects of intra-abdominal sepsis on atherosclerosis in mice
Authors: Kaynar Ata Murat , Yende Sachin , Zhu Lin , Frederick Daniel R , Chambers Robin , Burton Christine L , Carter Melinda , Stolz Donna Beer , Agostini Brittani , Gregory Alyssa D , Nagarajan Shanmugam , Shapiro Steven D , Angus Derek C
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Sepsis and other infections are associated with late cardiovascular events. Although persistent inflammation is implicated, a causal relationship has not been established. We tested whether sepsis causes vascular inflammation and accelerates atherosclerosis.

Methods

We performed prospective, randomized animal studies at a university research laboratory involving adult male ApoE-deficient (ApoE−/−) and young C57B/L6 wild-type (WT) mice. In the primary study conducted to determine whether sepsis accelerates atherosclerosis, we fed ApoE−/− mice (N = 46) an atherogenic diet for 4 months and then performed cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), followed by antibiotic therapy and fluid resuscitation or a sham operation. We followed mice for up to an additional 5 months and assessed atheroma in the descending aorta and root of the aorta. We also exposed 32 young WT mice to CLP or sham operation and followed them for 5 days to determine the effects of sepsis on vascular inflammation.

Results

ApoE−/− mice that underwent CLP had reduced activity during the first 14 days (38% reduction compared to sham; P < 0.001) and sustained weight loss compared to the sham-operated mice (-6% versus +9% change in weight after CLP or sham surgery to 5 months; P < 0.001). Despite their weight loss, CLP mice had increased atheroma (46% by 3 months and 41% increase in aortic surface area by 5 months; P = 0.03 and P = 0.004, respectively) with increased macrophage infiltration into atheroma as assessed by immunofluorescence microscopy (0.52 relative fluorescence units (rfu) versus 0.97 rfu; P = 0.04). At 5 months, peritoneal cultures were negative; however, CLP mice had elevated serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-10 (each at P < 0.05). WT mice that underwent CLP had increased expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in the aortic lumen versus sham at 24 hours (P = 0.01) that persisted at 120 hours (P = 0.006). Inflammatory and adhesion genes (tumor necrosis factor α, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1) and the adhesion assay, a functional measure of endothelial activation, were elevated at 72 hours and 120 hours in mice that underwent CLP versus sham-operations (all at P <0.05).

Conclusions

Using a combination of existing murine models for atherosclerosis and sepsis, we found that CLP, a model of intra-abdominal sepsis, accelerates atheroma development. Accelerated atheroma burden was associated with prolonged systemic, endothelial and intimal inflammation and was not explained by ongoing infection. These findings support observations in humans and demonstrate the feasibility of a long-term follow-up murine model of sepsis.
Renal effects of treatment with a TLR4 inhibitor in conscious septic sheep
Authors: Fenhammar Johan , Rundgren Mats , Hultenby Kjell , Forestier Jakob , Taavo Micael , Kenne Ellinor , Weitzberg Eddie , Eriksson Stefan , Ozenci Volkan , Wernerson Annika , Frithiof Robert
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and feared complication of sepsis. The pathogenesis of sepsis-induced AKI is largely unknown, and therapeutic interventions are mainly supportive. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that pharmacological inhibition of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) would improve renal function and reduce renal damage in experimental sepsis, even after AKI had already developed.

Methods

Sheep were surgically instrumented and subjected to a 36-hour intravenous infusion of live Escherichia coli. After 12 hours, they were randomized to treatment with a selective TLR4 inhibitor (TAK-242) or vehicle.

Results

The E. coli caused normotensive sepsis characterized by fever, increased cardiac index, hyperlactemia, oliguria, and decreased creatinine clearance. TAK-242 significantly improved creatinine clearance and urine output. The increase in N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidas, a marker of tubular damage, was attenuated. Furthermore, TAK-242 reduced the renal neutrophil accumulation and glomerular endothelial swelling caused by sepsis. These effects were independent of changes in renal artery blood flow and renal microvascular perfusion in both cortex and medulla. TAK-242 had no effect per se on the measured parameters.

Conclusions

These results show that treatment with a TLR4 inhibitor is able to reverse a manifest impairment in renal function caused by sepsis. In addition, the results provide evidence that the mechanism underlying the effect of TAK-242 on renal function does not involve improved macro-circulation or micro-circulation, enhanced renal oxygen delivery, or attenuation of tubular necrosis. TLR4-mediated inflammation resulting in glomerular endothelial swelling may be an important part of the pathogenesis underlying Gram-negative septic acute kidney injury.
The multitude of molecular analyses in cancer: the opening of Pandora’s box
Authors: Russnes Hege G , Lønning Per E , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Lingjærde Ole C
Published: September 2014

The availability of large amounts of molecular data of unprecedented depth and width has instigated new paths of interdisciplinary activity in cancer research. Translation of such information to allow its optimal use in cancer therapy will require molecular biologists to embrace statistical and computational concepts and models.

Progress in science has been and should be driven by our innate curiosity. This is the human quality that led Pandora to open the forbidden box, and like her, we do not know the nature or consequences of the output resulting from our actions. Throughout history, ground-breaking scientific achievements have been closely linked to advances in technology. The microscope and the telescope are examples of inventions that profoundly increased the amount of observable features that further led to paradigmatic shifts in our understanding of life and the Universe. In cell biology, the microscope revealed details of different types of tissue and their cellular composition; it revealed cells, their structures and their ability to divide, develop and die. Further, the molecular compositions of individual cell types were revealed gradually by generations of scientists. For each level of insight gained, new mathematical and statistical descriptive and analytical tools were needed (Figure 1a). The integration of knowledge of ever-increasing depth and width in order to develop useful therapies that can prevent and cure diseases such as cancer will continue to require the joint effort of scientists in biology, medicine, statistics, mathematics and computation.

Here, we discuss some major challenges that lie ahead of us and why we believe that a deeper integration of biology and medicine with mathematics and statistics is required to gain the most from the diverse and extensive body of data now being generated. We also argue that to take full advantage of current technological opportunities, we must explore biomarkers using clinical studies that are optimally designed for this purpose. The need for a tight interdisciplinary collaboration has never been stronger.
Gender Gaps in Achievement and Participation in Multiple Introductory Biology Classrooms
Authors: Eddy Sarah L. , Brownell Sara E. , Wenderoth Mary Pat
Published: September 2014

Although gender gaps have been a major concern in male-dominated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines such as physics and engineering, the numerical dominance of female students in biology has supported the assumption that gender disparities do not exist at the undergraduate level in life sciences. Using data from 23 large introductory biology classes for majors, we examine two measures of gender disparity in biology: academic achievement and participation in whole-class discussions. We found that females consistently underperform on exams compared with males with similar overall college grade point averages. In addition, although females on average represent 60% of the students in these courses, their voices make up less than 40% of those heard responding to instructor-posed questions to the class, one of the most common ways of engaging students in large lectures. Based on these data, we propose that, despite numerical dominance of females, gender disparities remain an issue in introductory biology classrooms. For student retention and achievement in biology to be truly merit based, we need to develop strategies to equalize the opportunities for students of different genders to practice the skills they need to excel.
Promoting Inquiry-Based Teaching in Laboratory Courses: Are We Meeting the Grade?
Authors: Beck Christopher , Butler Amy , Burke da Silva Karen
Published: September 2014

Over the past decade, repeated calls have been made to incorporate more active teaching and learning in undergraduate biology courses. The emphasis on inquiry-based teaching is especially important in laboratory courses, as these are the courses in which students are applying the process of science. To determine the current state of research on inquiry-based teaching in undergraduate biology laboratory courses, we reviewed the recent published literature on inquiry-based exercises. The majority of studies in our data set were in the subdisciplines of biochemistry, cell biology, developmental biology, genetics, and molecular biology. In addition, most exercises were guided inquiry, rather than open ended or research based. Almost 75% of the studies included assessment data, with two-thirds of these studies including multiple types of assessment data. However, few exercises were assessed in multiple courses or at multiple institutions. Furthermore, assessments were rarely based on published instruments. Although the results of the studies in our data set show a positive effect of inquiry-based teaching in biology laboratory courses on student learning gains, research that uses the same instrument across a range of courses and institutions is needed to determine whether these results can be generalized.
An Evaluation of Two Hands-On Lab Styles for Plant Biodiversity in Undergraduate Biology
Authors: Basey John M. , Maines Anastasia P. , Francis Clinton D. , Melbourne Brett
Published: September 2014

We compared learning cycle and expository formats for teaching about plant biodiversity in an inquiry-oriented university biology lab class (n = 465). Both formats had preparatory lab activities, a hands-on lab, and a postlab with reflection and argumentation. Learning was assessed with a lab report, a practical quiz in lab, and a multiple-choice exam in the concurrent lecture. Attitudes toward biology and treatments were also assessed. We used linear mixed-effect models to determine impacts of lab style on lower-order cognition (LO) and higher-order cognition (HO) based on Bloom's taxonomy. Relative to the expository treatment, the learning cycle treatment had a positive effect on HO and a negative effect on LO included in lab reports; a positive effect on transfer of LO from the lab report to the quiz; negative impacts on LO quiz performance and on attitudes toward the lab; and a higher degree of perceived difficulty. The learning cycle treatment had no influence on transfer of HO from lab report to quiz or exam; quiz performance on HO questions; exam performance on LO and HO questions; and attitudes toward biology as a science. The importance of LO as a foundation for HO relative to these lab styles is addressed.
Identification of Threshold Concepts for Biochemistry
Authors: Loertscher Jennifer , Green David , Lewis Jennifer E. , Lin Sara , Minderhout Vicky
Published: September 2014

Threshold concepts (TCs) are concepts that, when mastered, represent a transformed understanding of a discipline without which the learner cannot progress. We have undertaken a process involving more than 75 faculty members and 50 undergraduate students to identify a working list of TCs for biochemistry. The process of identifying TCs for biochemistry was modeled on extensive work related to TCs across a range of disciplines and included faculty workshops and student interviews. Using an iterative process, we prioritized five concepts on which to focus future development of instructional materials. Broadly defined, the concepts are steady state, biochemical pathway dynamics and regulation, the physical basis of interactions, thermodynamics of macromolecular structure formation, and free energy. The working list presented here is not intended to be exhaustive, but rather is meant to identify a subset of TCs for biochemistry for which instructional and assessment tools for undergraduate biochemistry will be developed.
Editorial: A PHD in macrophage survival
Authors: Taylor Cormac T , Scholz Carsten C
Published: September 2014

Discussion of how PHD3 regulates macrophage survival.
The Colonial Office and the Retreat from Aden: Great Britain in South Arabia, 1957-1967
Authors: Harrington Craig A.
Published: September 2014

British geostrategic considerations underwent an ad hoc metamorphosis during the decade following Great Britain’s retreat from formal territorial empire (1957-67). This essay investigates the shifting roles envisioned by British policymakers for vestigial colonial holdings in the Arabian Peninsula, specifically the Colony of Aden and Protectorate of Aden. Throughout the decade in question, policies regarding the burgeoning Cold War, the decline of formal empire, and Britain’s role in the world as an independent power and key partner of the United States became differentiated from initial postwar positions. Aden played a vital role in this decision making while providing a rough proxy of larger geopolitical trends.
Prospects for a New US Strategic Orientation in the Middle East
Authors: Bahgat Gawdat , Sharp Robert
Published: September 2014

For decades the United States has forged close relations with a number of key allies in the Arab world, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia. These close ties were based largely on perceived national interest, not mutual values. The fundamental changes in the Arab world since early 2011 (the so-called Arab Spring) have drastically altered the regional strategic landscape. This essay examines the US response to the political upheaval in the Arab world. It argues that the United States should distance itself from the changes in the Arab world and give the newly established regimes the space they need to sort out their futures. Meanwhile, Washington should further strengthen relations with the non-Arab Middle Eastern “peripheries,” specifically, Israel and Turkey. Also, the nuclear deal signed between Iran and major global powers in November 2013 provides a significant opportunity to open a new chapter in relations between Tehran and Washington.
Roles for Hedgehog signaling in adult organ homeostasis and repair
Authors: Petrova Ralitsa , Joyner Alexandra L.
Published: September 2014

The hedgehog (HH) pathway is well known for its mitogenic and morphogenic functions during development, and HH signaling continues in discrete populations of cells within many adult mammalian tissues. Growing evidence indicates that HH regulates diverse quiescent stem cell populations, but the exact roles that HH signaling plays in adult organ homeostasis and regeneration remain poorly understood. Here, we review recently identified functions of HH in modulating the behavior of tissue-specific adult stem and progenitor cells during homeostasis, regeneration and disease. We conclude that HH signaling is a key factor in the regulation of adult tissue homeostasis and repair, acting via multiple different routes to regulate distinct cellular outcomes, including maintenance of plasticity, in a context-dependent manner.
Simplet/Fam53b is required for Wnt signal transduction by regulating β-catenin nuclear localization
Authors: Kizil Caghan , Küchler Beate , Yan Jia-Jiun , Özhan Günes , Moro Enrico , Argenton Francesco , Brand Michael , Weidinger Gilbert , Antos Christopher L.
Published: September 2014

Canonical β-catenin-dependent Wnt signal transduction is important for several biological phenomena, such as cell fate determination, cell proliferation, stem cell maintenance and anterior-posterior axis formation. The hallmark of canonical Wnt signaling is the translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus where it activates gene transcription. However, the mechanisms regulating β-catenin nuclear localization are poorly understood. We show that Simplet/Fam53B (Smp) is required for Wnt signaling by positively regulating β-catenin nuclear localization. In the zebrafish embryo, the loss of smp blocks the activity of two β-catenin-dependent reporters and the expression of Wnt target genes, and prevents nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. Conversely, overexpression of smp increases β-catenin nuclear localization and transcriptional activity in vitro and in vivo. Expression of mutant Smp proteins lacking either the nuclear localization signal or the β-catenin interaction domain reveal that the translocation of Smp into the nucleus is essential for β-catenin nuclear localization and Wnt signaling in vivo. We also provide evidence that mammalian Smp is involved in regulating β-catenin nuclear localization: the protein colocalizes with β-catenin-dependent gene expression in mouse intestinal crypts; siRNA knockdown of Smp reduces β-catenin nuclear localization and transcriptional activity; human SMP mediates β-catenin transcriptional activity in a dose-dependent manner; and the human SMP protein interacts with human β-catenin primarily in the nucleus. Thus, our findings identify the evolutionary conserved SMP protein as a regulator of β-catenin-dependent Wnt signal transduction.
Synemin acts as a regulator of signalling molecules in skeletal muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Zhenlin Li , Parlakian Ara , Coletti Dario , Alonso-Martinez Sonia , Hourdé Christophe , Joanne Pierre , Gao-Li Jacqueline , Blanc Jocelyne , Ferry Arnaud , Paulin Denise , Xue Zhigang , Agbulut Onnik
Published: September 2014

Synemin, a type IV intermediate filament (IF) protein, forms a bridge between IFs and cellular membrane. An A-kinase anchoring protein, it also provides temporal and spatial targeting of protein kinase A (PKA). However, little is known about its functional roles in either process. To better understand its functions in muscle tissue, we generated synemin-deficient (Synm−/−) mice. Synm−/− mice displayed normal development and fertility but had mild degeneration/regeneration of myofibres and defects in sarcolemma membranes. Following mechanical overload, Synm−/− mice muscles showed a higher hypertrophic capacity with increased maximal force and fatigue resistance than control mice. At the molecular level, increased remodelling capacity was accompanied by decreased myostatin and atrogin expression and increased follistatin expression. Further, the activity of muscle mass control molecules (PKA-RIIa, p70S6K, CREB) was increased in mutant mice. Finally, analysis of muscle satellite cell behavior suggested that the absence of synemin could affect the balance between self-renewal and differentiation of these cells. Taken together, our results show that synemin is necessary to maintain membrane integrity and regulates signalling molecules during muscle hypertrophy.
A small heat shock protein is essential for thermotolerance and intracellular survival of Leishmania donovani
Authors: Hombach Antje , Ommen Gabi , MacDonald Andrea , Clos Joachim
Published: September 2014

Leishmania parasites must survive and proliferate in two vastly different environs – the guts of poikilothermic sandflies and the antigen-presenting cells of homeothermic mammals. The change of temperature during transmission from sandflies to mammals is both a key trigger for the progression of their life cycle and for elevated synthesis of heat shock proteins which have been implicated in survival at higher temperatures. While the main heat shock protein families have been studied for their function in the Leishmania life cycle, nothing is known about the roles played by small heat shock proteins. Here, we present first evidence for the pivotal role played by the Leishmania donovani 23-kD heat shock protein which is expressed preferentially in the mammalian stage where it assumes a perinuclear localisation. Loss of HSP23 causes increased sensitivity to chemical stressors, but renders L. donovani incapable of surviving at 37°C. Consequently, HSP23 null mutants are non-infectious to primary macrophages in vitro. All phenotypic effect can be abrogated by the introduction of a functional HSP23 transgene into the null mutant, confirming the specificity of the mutant phenotype. Thus, HSP23 expression is a prerequisite for L. donovani survival at mammalian host temperatures and a crucial virulence factor.
Predicting Customer Value Using Clumpiness: From RFM to RFMC
Authors: Zhang Yao , Bradlow Eric T. , Small Dylan S.
Published: September 2014

In recent years, customer lifetime value (CLV) has gained increasing importance in both academia and practice. Although many advanced techniques have been proposed, the recency/frequency/monetary value (RFM) segmentation framework, and its related probability models, remain a CLV mainstay. In this article, we demonstrate the deficiency in RFM as a basis for summarizing customer history (data compression), and extend the framework to include clumpiness (C) by a metric-based approach. Our main empirical finding is that C adds to the predictive power, above and beyond RFM and firm marketing action, of both the churn, incidence, and monetary value parts of CLV. Hence, we recommend a significant implementation change: from RFM to RFMC.

This work is also motivated by noting that although statistical models based on RFM summaries can fit well in aggregate, their use can lead to significant micro-level (e.g., ranking of customers) prediction errors unless C is captured. A set of detailed empirical studies using data from a large North American retailer, in addition to six companies that vary in their business model: two traditional (e.g., CDNow.com) and four Internet (e.g., Hulu.com), demonstrate that the “clumpiness phenomena” is widely prevalent, and that companies with “bingeable content” have both high potential and high risk segments, previously unseen, but now uncovered because of the new framework: RFM to RFMC.
Preventable mortality in geriatric hip fracture inpatients
Authors: Tarrant S. M. , Hardy B. M. , Byth P. L. , Brown T. L. , Attia J. , Balogh Z. J.
Published: September 2014

There is a high rate of mortality in elderly patients who sustain a fracture of the hip. We aimed to determine the rate of preventable mortality and errors during the management of these patients. A 12 month prospective study was performed on patients aged > 65 years who had sustained a fracture of the hip. This was conducted at a Level 1 Trauma Centre with no orthogeriatric service. A multidisciplinary review of the medical records by four specialists was performed to analyse errors of management and elements of preventable mortality. During 2011, there were 437 patients aged > 65 years admitted with a fracture of the hip (85 years (66 to 99)) and 20 died while in hospital (86.3 years (67 to 96)). A total of 152 errors were identified in the 80 individual reviews of the 20 deaths. A total of 99 errors (65%) were thought to have at least a moderate effect on death; 45 reviews considering death (57%) were thought to have potentially been preventable. Agreement between the panel of reviewers on the preventability of death was fair. A larger-scale assessment of preventable mortality in elderly patients who sustain a fracture of the hip is required. Multidisciplinary review panels could be considered as part of the quality assurance process in the management of these patients.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1178–84.
Anconeus pedicle olecranon flip osteotomy
Authors: Habib M. , Tanwar Y. S. , Jaiswal A. , Singh S. P. , Sinha S. , lal H.
Published: September 2014

In order to achieve satisfactory reduction of complex distal humeral fractures, adequate exposure of the fracture fragments and the joint surface is required. Several surgical exposures have been described for distal humeral fractures. We report our experience using the anconeus pedicle olecranon flip osteotomy approach. This involves detachment of the triceps along with a sliver of olecranon, which retains the anconeus pedicle. We report the use of this approach in ten patients (six male, four female) with a mean age of 38.4 years (28 to 51). The mean follow-up was 15 months (12 to 18) with no loss to follow-up. Elbow function was graded using the Mayo Score. The results were excellent in four patients, good in five and fair in one patient. The mean time to both fracture and osteotomy union was 10.6 weeks (8 to 12) and 7.1 weeks (6 to 8), respectively. We found this approach gave reliably good exposure for these difficult fractures enabling anatomical reduction and bicondylar plating without complications.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1252–7.
Evertor muscle activity as a predictor of the mid-term outcome following treatment of the idiopathic and non-idiopathic clubfoot
Authors: Gelfer Y. , Dunkley M. , Jackson D. , Armstrong J. , Rafter C. , Parnell E. , Eastwood D. M.
Published: September 2014

Previous studies have identified clinical and demographic risk factors for recurrence in the treatment of idiopathic clubfoot (congenital talipes equinovarus). Evertor muscle activity is not usually considered amongst them. This study aimed to evaluate whether recurrence could be predicted by demographic, clinical and gait parameters. From a series of 103 children with clubfeet, 67 had completed a follow-up of two years: 41 male and 26 female, 38 with idiopathic and 29 with non-idiopathic deformities. The mean age was 3.2 years (2.1 to 6.3). Primary correction was obtained in all 38 children (100%) with an idiopathic deformity, and in 26 of 29 patients (90%) with a non-idiopathic deformity. Overall, 60 children (90%) complied with the abduction brace regime. At a mean follow-up of 31.4 months (24 to 62), recurrence was noted in six children (15.8%) in the idiopathic and 14 children (48.3%) in the non-idiopathic group. Significant correlation was found between poor evertor activity and recurrence in both groups. No statistically significant relationship was found between the rate of recurrence and the severity of the initial deformity, the age at the time of treatment, the number of casts required or the compliance with the brace.

After correction of idiopathic and non-idiopathic clubfoot using the Ponseti method, only poor evertor muscle activity was statistically associated with recurrence. The identification of risk factors for recurrent deformity allows clinicians to anticipate problems and advocate early additional treatment to improve muscle balance around the ankle.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1264–8.
Peri-operative mortality after hemiarthroplasty for fracture of the hip
Authors: Middleton R. G. , Uzoigwe C. E. , Young P. S. , Smith R. , Gosal H. S. , Holt G.
Published: September 2014

We aimed to determine whether cemented hemiarthroplasty is associated with a higher post-operative mortality and rate of re-operation when compared with uncemented hemiarthroplasty. Data on 19 669 patients, who were treated with a hemiarthroplasty following a fracture of the hip in a nine-year period from 2002 to 2011, were extracted from NHS Scotland’s acute admission database (Scottish Morbidity Record, SMR01). We investigated the rate of mortality at day 0, 1, 7, 30, 120 and one-year post-operatively using 12 case-mix variables to determine the independent effect of the method of fixation. At day 0, those with a cemented hemiarthroplasty had a higher rate of mortality (p < 0.001) compared with those with an uncemented hemiarthroplasty, equivalent to one extra death per 424 procedures. By day one this had become one extra death per 338 procedures. Increasing age and the five-year co-morbidity score were noted as independent risk factors. By day seven, the cumulative rate of mortality was less for cemented hemiarthroplasty though this did not reach significance until day 120. The rate of re-operation was significantly higher for uncemented hemiarthroplasty. Despite adjusting for 12 confounding variables, these only accounted for 15% of the observed variability.

The debate about the choice of the method of fixation for a hemiarthroplasty with respect to the rate of mortality or the risk of re-operation may be largely superfluous. Our results suggest that uncemented hemiarthroplasties may have a role to play in elderly patients with significant co-morbid disease.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1185–91.
Exam Corner – September 2014
Authors: Khanduja V.
Published: September 2014

The FRCS (Tr & Orth) examination has three components: MCQs, Vivas and Clinical Examination. The Vivas are further divided into four sections comprising Basic Science, Adult Pathology, Hands and Children’s Orthopaedics and Trauma. The Clinical Examination section is divided into Upper and Lower limb cases. The aim of this section in the Journal is to focus specifically on the trainees preparing for the exam and to cater to all the sections of the exam. The vision is to complete the cycle of all relevant exam topics (as per the syllabus) in four years.
Soy Flour Adhesive Strength Compared with That of Purified Soy Proteins*
Authors: Lorenz Linda , Birkeland Michael , Daurio Chera , Frihart Charles R.
Published: September 2014

Although proteins are naturally good adhesives, often the most economical source has a significant carbohydrate component. Our prior studies have shown that commercial soy protein isolates (CSPI) give very good dry and wet bond strength for wood bonding, but the strengths are much lower for soy flour, especially under wet conditions. One large difference between these soy products is the percentages of carbohydrates, which generally provide poor bond strength under wet conditions. A variety of commercial isolates, concentrates, and flours were examined for their adhesive properties using a small-scale bond test that emphasizes cohesive bond strength. In studying how much the carbohydrates weaken the bond strength, we learned that the carbohydrate interference is only part of the difference between commercial soy flour and purified soy proteins (isolate and concentrate). An even larger factor is the denaturation of the isolate in the CSPI. Thus, it is important to realize that the CSPI performance may not be a good predictor of properties that can be expected from soy flours.
Crescimento urbano espontâneo e riscos naturais na cidade da Praia (Cabo Verde)
Authors: Monteiro Sílvia , Veiga Élsio , Fernandes Éder , Fernandes Hermelindo , Rodrigues Jair , Cunha Lúcio
Published: September 2014

O arquipélago de Cabo Verde encontra-se sujeito a uma grande diversidade de riscos naturais, os quais se devem, fundamentalmente, à posição geográfica do país, que lhe confere condições de acentuada aridez climática com forte irregularidade nas precipitações. Não só os riscos de seca são intrínsecos a esta posição climática mas também outros, como a desertificação, a erosão acelerada dos solos, as cheias e inundações, os movimentos em massa nas vertentes e as tempestades, com um impacte muito nefasto nas vidas das populações. A par desta elevada perigosidade intrínseca, verifica-se um acréscimo significativo das vulnerabilidades particularmente nas áreas urbanas em expansão, o que impulsiona um incremento do risco no território cabo-verdiano.A população das principais cidades, principalmente da capital (Praia), tem sofrido um crescimento muito acelerado nos últimos anos, albergando atualmente cerca de 27% da população nacional. Este crescimento tem sido fomentado tanto pelos fluxos migratórios internos (êxodo rural e migração das restantes ilhas) como externos, provenientes dos países vizinhos da África Ocidental. O ritmo acelerado do crescimento populacional na capital não tem sido acompanhado por políticas e/ou programas habitacionais capazes de dar uma resposta eficaz à procura de habitação. Consequência disso é a proliferação de bairros espontâneos nos subúrbios da capital, bairros em que as construções surgem da noite para o dia, sem obedecer a qualquer tipo de planeamento e sem dotação de infraestruturas básicas. Estes bairros ilegais de ocupação espontânea localizam-se, na sua maioria, em áreas de risco muito elevado (principalmente nos leitos de cheia das ribeiras e em vertentes de elevado declive), sendo ocupados fundamentalmente por uma população de muito baixo rendimento. Neste trabalho, pretendemos apresentar alguns casos concretos, como os dos bairros de Santa Rosa, Jamaica e Achada Grande Frente.
Património e desenvolvimento em ambiente rural: lugares, rotas e redes
Authors: Carvalho Paulo
Published: September 2014

As tendências evolutivas do património, tendo como matriz de leitura os principais documentos orientadores e normativos nacionais e internacionais, designadamente a valorização dos contextos rurais e vernaculares e as novasformas e escalas de relação territorial, são acompanhadas de instrumentos para a diversificação, revitalização e requalificação rural, que por sua vez estão na base de importantes iniciativas de salvaguarda e valorização do património rural (ou em contexto rural) com crescente vinculação ao lazer e ao turismo, entre diversos exemplos com lugares, rotas e redes.
Monitorização dos impactos turísticos: uma proposta de modelo aplicável a territórios em mudança
Authors: Brito Mónica Belchior Morais de
Published: September 2014

O turismo é um fenómeno que faz circular anualmente milhões de pessoas pelo planeta, movidas por um vasto conjunto de motivações que, porque cada vez mais sofisticadas, informadas, experientes e exigentes, procuram uma experiência turística de elevada qualidade, dependendo a competitividade dos destinos da sua capacidade de adequação, adaptação e de mudança, processos que nem sempre obedecem a um modelo de desenvolvimento turístico sustentável. Neste contexto, propõe-se a construção de um Observatório para a Sustentabilidade Turística (OST) norteado pelo objetivo de monitorizar e prospectivar o desenvolvimento turístico num determinado território, numa perspetiva de sustentabilidade, de forma a minimizar os impactes negativos e a maximizar as suas potenciais mais-valias.
Padrões termohigrométricos no espaço urbano e peri-urbano da Figueira da Foz (Portugal). A influência determinante dos tipos de tempo
Authors: Marques David , Ganho Nuno , Cordeiro A. M. Rochette
Published: September 2014

Neste artigo, discute-se a influência determinante de diferentes tipos de tempo na estrutura térmica vertical da baixa troposfera, bem como as suas implicações na magnitude e no padrão dos contrastes termohigrométricos espaciais, numa cidade de média dimensão, localizada na faixa costeira ocidental da Península Ibérica (Figueira da Foz, Portugal).
O “Ciclone” de fevereiro de 1941: análise histórico-geográfica dos seus efeitos no município de Coimbra
Authors: Nunes Adélia , Pinho João , Ganho Nuno
Published: September 2014

Os fortes ventos que assolaram o território português no dia 15 de Fevereiro de 1941 poderão ser considerados os mais violentos desde que há recolha de registos meteorológicos (finais do século XIX), causando um elevado número de vítimas humanas e avultados danos materiais. Com o presente trabalho pretende-se fazer uma análise às condições meteorológicas responsáveis pelos fortes ventos, cujas rajadas máximas atingiram no Porto 130km/h, em Coimbra 133km/h e em Lisboa 127km/h. Com recurso a jornais da época e a outras fontes estatístico-documentais, apresenta-se uma síntese dos principais efeitos deste temporal a nível nacional e aprofundam-se as suas consequências no município de Coimbra. Por último, problematiza-se a exposição e a vulnerabilidade à época e os potenciais efeitos da manifestação deste tipo de risco na atualidade.
Leerstellen transmedial
Authors: Dablé Nadine
Published: September 2014

Durch die intensive Beschäftigung mit unzuverlässigem und komplexem Erzählen haben narratologische Konzepte in den vergangenen Jahren in der Film- und Fernsehwissenschaft an Popularität gewonnen. Nadine Dablé widmet sich einem bisher blind gebliebenen Fleck dieser audiovisuellen Narratologie: den Leerstellen. Dadurch rückt gerade das in den Blick, was fehlt, was unausgesprochen bleibt oder explizit verweigert wird. In einer deutlichen Modernisierung und Erweiterung der literaturwissenschaftlichen Leerstellentheorie beleuchtet die Studie vielfältige Auslassungsphänomene auf ihre transmediale erzählstrategische Verwendung hin.
From Pathology to Public Sphere
Authors: Söderfeldt Ylva
Published: September 2014

In the late 19th century, the so-called »German Method«, which employed spoken language in deaf education, triumphed all over the Western world. At the same time as deaf German schoolchildren were taught to articulate and read lips, an emancipation movement of signing deaf adults emerged across the German Empire. This book tells the story of how deaf people moved from being isolated objects of administration or education, depending on welfare or working in the fields, to becoming an urban middle class collective with claims of self-determination. Main questions addressed in this first comprehensive work on one of the world's oldest movements of disabled people include how deaf organisations emerged, what they fought for, and who was left behind.
Das Ganze im Blick
Authors: Reiffers Moritz
Published: September 2014

Zeiten der »Unübersichtlichkeit« schaffen ein Bedürfnis nach Überblick - ein Bedürfnis danach, das Ganze eines nicht »überschaubaren« Zusammenhangs von oben zu sehen und damit metaphorisch zu verstehen. Gegenstand des Buches ist der bisher von verschiedenen Disziplinen nur in Ausschnitten beschriebene historische Funktionswandel dieser Metapher und ihrer Umsetzungen in verschiedenen Bild- und Schriftmedien. Zwischen den frei schweifenden Überblicken, die uns heute »Google Earth« ermöglicht, und etwa dem berühmten Blick Petrarcas vom Mont Ventoux entwickelten sich vielfältige Formen im Kontext des allgemeinen Wandels der Kultur.
In Figuren erzählen
Authors: Braun Micha
Published: September 2014

Manche Filme schreiben Geschichte - Filme von Peter Greenaway hingegen fordern die Geschichtsschreibung heraus. Micha Brauns Studie untersucht Formen der Geschichtserzählung in ausgewählten Werken Greenaways und stellt sie kenntnisreich in einen kulturhistorischen Kontext. Im Zentrum der Lektüren steht die Figur Tulse Luper, deren Lebens-Geschichte in immer neuen Rekonstruktionen erscheint. Ihre ambivalente Position zwischen Erzähler, Plot und Betrachter stellt Wahrnehmungsmuster von Raum und Zeit, von Bildkomposition und Kontinuität infrage. Wie aber kann eine Aneignung der Vergangenheit im Medium des Films gelingen? Und was bedeutet dies letztlich für unser »Bild« von der Geschichte?
Krankheit und Ehre
Authors: Steuer Noemi
Published: September 2014

In Mali hat sich die Situation von Menschen, die von HIV/AIDS betroffen sind, dank neuer Behandlungsmöglichkeiten grundlegend verändert: Aus der bisher tödlichen Krankheit ist eine chronische geworden - und zudem eine, die unsichtbar bleibt. Trotzdem ist die Diagnose mit hohen sozialen Risiken verbunden, mit der Gefahr der Stigmatisierung und damit des sozialen Ausschlusses. Noemi Steuer hat in Bamako mit HIV-positiven Menschen über mehrere Jahre wiederholt gesprochen und sie begleitet. Sie zeigt, wie die Betroffenen mit dem Geheimnis ihrer Diagnose leben, wie ihr Denken und Handeln von den Bemühungen geprägt sind, den guten Namen und damit die soziale Anerkennung zu bewahren. Im Zentrum stehen dabei unterschiedliche Aktionsfelder sozialer Resilienz. Durch die Verknüpfung von Bourdieus Konzept des symbolischen Kapitals mit Goffmans dramaturgischem Ansatz gelingt es, entscheidende Facetten sozialer Gesundheit aufzuzeigen und vertiefte Einblicke in die lokalen Bedingungen von Ehre und Respekt zu vermitteln.
Die Pornographie der Gesellschaft
Authors: Lewandowski Sven
Published: September 2014

Über Pornographie wird gerade vor dem Hintergrund ihrer popkulturellen Normalisierung heftig gestritten. Zugleich mangelt es aber bislang an einer gesellschaftstheoretischen Durchdringung des Phänomens der zeitgenössischen Hardcore-Pornographie. Anstatt fruchtlose moralische Debatten fortzuspinnen, stellt Sven Lewandowski die Frage nach dem Verhältnis der modernen Gesellschaft zu ›ihrer‹ Pornographie auf neue Weise. Aus soziologischen, psychoanalytischen und systemtheoretischen Perspektiven zeigt er, dass Pornographie von latenten Bedeutungsgehalten lebt und den Wandel des Sexuellen sowohl reflektiert als auch vorantreibt.
Migration als Bildungsherausforderung
Authors: Rose Nadine
Published: September 2014

Wie lassen sich Subjektivierungsprozesse von »Migrationsanderen« rekonstruktiv erschließen und mit Begriffen der Butler'schen Subjekttheorie fassen? Am Beispiel biographischer Erzählungen vermittelt Nadine Rose Einsichten in Subjektbildungsprozesse von männlichen Jugendlichen aus Einwandererfamilien. Dabei werden implizite und explizite Anrufungen als »Andere« nicht nur als individuelle Herausforderungen gezeigt, sondern auch als Bildungsherausforderung für die Mehrheitsgesellschaft markiert. Die migrationspädagogische und bildungstheoretische Perspektive der Studie bietet dabei Einblicke in schulische und alltägliche Praxen der resignifizierenden Positionierung und Differenzierung.
Stimme im Raum und Bühne im Kopf
Authors: Däumer Matthias
Published: September 2014

Die Feststellung, dass die höfischen Romane ihrem Publikum vorgelesen wurden, zählt zu den Binsenweisheiten der Mediävistik. Doch wie hat man sich solch eine Lesung vorzustellen? Matthias Däumer liest die viel beachteten mittelalterlichen Artusromane erstmals als Partituren performativer Praxis, die als Grundlage für von Rezitatoren umgesetzte »Aufführungen« dienten. Durch die Kombination theaterwissenschaftlicher und germanistischer Arbeitstechniken zeigt er eine methodische - aber nicht zuletzt auch ideologische - Alternative zu der aus dem 19. Jahrhundert ererbten Schriftverehrung auf, welche die Kulturwissenschaft unserer Zeit dringend benötigt.
Mutations in tetratricopeptide repeat domain 7A (TTC7A) are associated with combined immunodeficiency with dendriform lung ossification but no intestinal atresia
Authors: Ngan Bo , Merico Daniele , Marcus Nufar , Kim Vy H.D. , Upton Julia , Bates Andrea , Herbrick Joanne , Nalpathamkalam Thomas , Thiruvahindrapuram Bhooma , Cox Peter , Roifman Chaim M.
Published: September 2014

Introduction: Genetic aberrations associated with combined immunodeficiency have been increasingly identified in the past two decades. Yet, there are still 30% of these patients with unidentified genetic cause.

Methods: We employed whole genome sequencing to identify the genetic defect leading to combined immunodeficiency. Thymus, gut, and lung tissues were studied using hematoxylin and eosin staining as well as immunohistochemistry.

Results: We identified 2 deleterious mutations in the TTC7A gene. Surprisingly, the patient did not have intestinal atresia but suffered repeated infections as well fatal pneumonitis. Dendriform lung ossification developed, which was unique to this case. The patient had typical presentation of combined immunodeficiency including profound lymphopenia, markedly reduced in-vitro response to mitogens, as well as low TRECS. Serum immunoglobulins were also markedly reduced.

Conclusion: Mutations in the TTC7A gene can cause combined immunodeficiency with no intestinal atresia and predispose to lung ossification.

Statement of novelty: TTC7A mutations can cause profound immunodeficiency without multiple intestinal atresia. We report here for the first time that this defect is associated with dendriform lung ossification.
Structural myocardial alterations in diabetes and hypertension: the role of galectin-3
Authors: Seferovic Jelena P. , Lalic Nebojsa M. , Floridi Federico , Tesic Milorad , Seferovic Petar M. , Giga Vojislav , Lalic Katarina , Jotic Aleksandra , Jovicic Snezana , Colak Emina , Salerno Gerardo , Cardelli Patrizia , Di Somma Salvatore
Published: September 2014

Galectin-3 is a protein widely distributed in the heart, brain and blood vessels, and has a regulatory role in inflammation, immunology and cancer. Many studies demonstrated that the increased level of galectin-3 is associated with progressive fibrosis and stiffening of the myocardium. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of galectin-3 in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and/or arterial hypertension (HT).

Study population included 189 patients, with no coronary artery disease, divided into three groups: group 1 (T2D), group 2 (T2D+HT), and group 3 (HT). All subjects underwent routine laboratory tests, as well as specific biomarkers assessment [galectin-3, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), N- terminal fragment B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)]. Cardiological evaluation included physical examination, transthoracic tissue Doppler echocardiography and stress echocardiography.

The results of this study demonstrated significantly increased levels of galectin-3, blood glucose, and HbA1c in group 2. Also, echocardiographicaly, left ventricular (LV) diameters and IVS thickness were increased in this group of patients. Furthermore, in the same cohort a positive correlation between galectin-3 and NT-pro BNP, and galectin-3 and LV mass were demonstrated. In addition, a negative correlation between galectin-3 and LV end-diastolic diameter was revealed.

This study revealed that levels of galectin-3 were higher in patients with both T2D and HT, and correlated with LV mass, indicating the potential role of this biomarker for early detection of myocardial structural and functional alterations.
Addendum: Hybrid bounds for twisted L-functions
Authors: Blomer Valentin , Harcos Gergely
Published: September 2014

We extend our hybrid bounds for twisted automorphic L-functions

L
(
s
,
f
⊗
χ
)

$L(s, f \otimes \chi )$

on the critical line [J. reine angew. Math. 621 (2008), 53–79] to cusp forms f with arbitrary nebentypus, and correct an error in the proof.