bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gesturing about number sense
Authors: Lee Joanne , Kotsopoulos Donna , Tumber Anupreet , Makosz Samantha
Published: March 2014

Gestures such as finger counting, pointing, and touching have been found to facilitate mathematical development in preschool and school-aged children. However, little is known about the types of mathematically related gestures used by parent–toddler dyads to facilitate early mathematics learning during the first 3 years of life. A total of 24 children (12 boys and 12 girls) between 18 and 25 months of age and their parents participated in a recorded 30-minute play session at home. After the play session, each child completed a task to ascertain his or her counting ability from one to five. Parents initiated significantly more instances of mathematically related gestures than did the children. In contrast, children responded with more gestures to mathematically related talk than did their parents. The most frequent types of gestures produced are collecting/grouping of items in an array, counting objects while enumerating, tapping/touching, holding up, and pointing at an item. A total of 13 children demonstrated some understanding of the five counting principles except the cardinality principle proposed by Gelman and Gallistel. Our findings suggest that parents use specific types of mathematically related gestures during play with their toddlers.
Correlates Among Nocturnal Agitation, Sleep, and Urinary Incontinence in Dementia
Authors: Rose Karen , Specht Janet , Forch Windy
Published: March 2014

Family caregivers of elders with dementia often face the challenging behaviors of nighttime agitation, sleep disturbances, and urinary incontinence. To date, no study has examined the interrelationships of these behaviors in community-dwelling persons. This single group, descriptive study employs wireless body sensors to objectively collect data on nighttime agitation, sleep, and urinary incontinence in patients with dementia in their homes over a 5- to 7-day period. The aims are to (1) examine the feasibility and acceptability of the use of body sensors in community-dwelling persons with dementia; (2) describe patterns of nocturnal agitation, sleep continuity and duration, and nighttime urinary incontinence; and (3) examine the relationships among nocturnal agitation, sleep continuity and duration, and nighttime urinary incontinence. Data collection is in early stages and is still in progress. Challenges and advantages from preliminary data collection are reported.
Exploring Intergenerational Discontinuity in Problem Behavior
Authors: Dong Beidi , Krohn Marvin D.
Published: March 2014

Using data from the Rochester Youth Development Study, a series of regression models are estimated on offspring problem behavior with a focus on the interaction between parental history of delinquency and the parent–child relationship. Good parenting practices significantly interact with the particular shape of parental propensity of offending over time, functioning as protective factors to protect against problematic behaviors among those who are most at risk. The moderation effects vary slightly by the age of our subjects. Accordingly, it is important to distinguish the effect of not only the level of parental delinquency at one point in time but also the shape of the delinquency trajectory on outcomes for their children. Good parenting holds the hope of breaking the vicious cycle of intergenerational transmission of delinquency.
Mixed Methods Research With Internally Displaced Colombian Gay and Bisexual Men and Transwomen
Authors: Zea Maria Cecilia , Aguilar-Pardo Marcela , Betancourt Fabian , Reisen Carol A. , Gonzales Felisa
Published: March 2014

We discuss the use of mixed methods research to further understanding of displaced Colombian gay and bisexual men and transwomen, a marginalized population at risk. Within the framework of communicative action, which calls for social change through egalitarian dialog, we describe how our multinational, interdisciplinary research team explored the subjective, objective, and social worlds of participants through life history interviews and surveys. We also describe the unique Colombian context, conscious efforts to establish egalitarian relationships among research team members, and efforts to disseminate and reflect on findings. Through discussion of our research process and results, we aim to demonstrate how mixed methods research can be utilized to facilitate noncoercive discourse and contribute to social change.
Using Mixed Methods to Build Research Capacity Within the Spinal Cord Injured Population of New Zealand
Authors: Sullivan Martin , Derrett Sarah , Paul Charlotte , Beaver Carolyn , Stace Hilary
Published: March 2014

In 2007, a 4-year longitudinal study of all people admitted to the two New Zealand spinal units commenced. It aims to (a) explore interrelationship(s) of body, self, and society for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and (b) investigate how entitlement to rehabilitation and compensation through New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation affects socioeconomic and health outcomes. Working within the emancipatory-transformative research paradigm, an underlying aim was to build research capacity among people with SCI by recruiting them onto the research team (in addition to the principal investigator who has a SCI). The primary focus of this article is not on the findings of the study but on building research capacity in the SCI population of New Zealand, which emerged from our commitment to the study being ethical and emancipatory. This will involve a consideration of what constitutes ethical disability research, the research paradigm chosen, assembling the research team, and the flexibility provided by the use of mixed methods to achieve these ends.
Identifying the self-management behaviours performed by prostate cancer survivors: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Paterson Catherine , Jones Martyn , Rattray Janice , Lauder William
Published: March 2014

Purpose

Prostate cancer survivors are keen to engage as active partners in the management of their condition but have voiced a number of unmet support needs that make effective self-management problematic. Identifying self-management behaviours and evaluating how self-management changes over time may provide valuable insights into how men can be better supported to self-manage. Our systematic review aimed to identify the self-management behaviours for prostate cancer survivors and to evaluate whether these change over time.

Methods

Using the PRISMA statement we performed a systematic review of studies that identified the self-management behaviours of prostate cancer survivors. Databases searched included: DARE, CDSR, Medline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and ASSIA. Studies were classified by levels of evidence and quality assessment.

Results

111 publications were retrieved from the search and 5 publications were included. Men performed a variety of self-management behaviours for psychological and physical problems. Only one study assessed changes in self-management behaviours over time and was limited to men treated by radiotherapy.

Conclusion

Despite the recent political drive for cancer survivors to self-manage, this review has demonstrated the evidence base is under-developed and a wide range of research is needed to address the unmet supportive care needs of prostate cancer survivors. Practically, this review has identified that Dodd’s Self-Care Log was found to have the strongest psychometric properties for additional research in this area.
Reliability optimization through robust redundancy allocation models with choice of component type under fuzziness
Authors: Soltani Roya , Sadjadi Seyed J
Published: March 2014

Due to the inherent uncertainty associated with various factors in the designing stage, considering uncertainty is important in system designs. In this article, a redundancy allocation problem with active strategy and choice of component type is studied where the system engineer faces with insufficient knowledge about exact values of some characteristics of components such as reliability and cost. The impreciseness is considered in terms of fuzzy numbers with triangular and trapezoidal membership functions. To achieve a robust design under different realizations of uncertain parameters, robust models are developed, which is the first attempt in the area of redundancy allocation problems under fuzziness. In worst case, extreme values of uncertain parameters are considered. In the realistic case, the uncertain parameters are dealt with the help of the credibilistic approach of fuzzy programming and the expected value of fuzzy numbers. In other words, the robust model makes a trade-off between the expected value of system reliability as a performance measure, the deviation of system reliability, and the constraint violation where the penultimate one assures the optimality robustness and the last one preserves the feasibility robustness. The proposed models can help system/product designers and managers who are risk-averse to easily deal with the inherent uncertainty in the designing stage. At the end, numerical examples are presented and the results are analyzed.
Assessment of fracture reliability analysis of crack growth in spring clip type Vossloh SKL14
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Saeed , Ahadi Sodayf , Keshavarzian Hassan
Published: March 2014

Spring clips type Vossloh SKL14 (fastening system of track) are vulnerable to fatigue damage in lifetime due to excitations caused by traffic loads. This article has tried to develop a method for reliability analysis of spring clips type SKL14, based on fracture mechanics approach. First of all, a linear dynamic analysis of track has been done for dynamic response calculations under various traffic loads. The displacement time histories are applied on finite element method of type Vossloh SKL14 to achieve cyclic stresses. The equivalent stress range is described by lognormal distribution. Then, fracture reliability analysis has been done for crack propagation assessment in spring clip based on Paris’s law. This fatigue crack growth is dominated by a Mode I mechanism. A linear limit state function based on fracture mechanics is derived in terms of random variables. First-order reliability method has been employed for reliability estimation. At the end, the influence of various random variables on overall probability of failure has been studied through sensitivity analysis.
Dabigatran etexilate for secondary stroke prevention: the first year experience from a multicenter short-term registry
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Krogias Christos , Sands Kara A. , Sharma Vijay K. , Katsanos Aristeidis H. , Vadikolias Konstantinos , Papageorgiou Sokratis G. , Heliopoulos Ioannis , Shiue Harn , Mitsoglou Athina , Liantinioti Chrissoula , Athanasiadis Dimitrios , Giannopoulos Sotirios , Piperidou Charitomeni , Voumvourakis Konstantinos , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: March 2014

Background:

There are growing concerns for the side effects of dabigatran etexilate (dabigatran), including higher incidence of dyspepsia and gastrointestinal bleeding. We conducted a multicenter early implementation study to prospectively evaluate the safety, efficacy and adherence to dabigatran for secondary stroke prevention.

Methods:

Consecutive atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with ischemic stroke (IS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) received dabigatran for secondary stroke prevention during their hospital stay according to American Heart Association recommendations at five tertiary care stroke centers. The study population was prospectively followed and outcomes were documented. The primary and secondary safety outcomes were major hemorrhage and all other bleeding events respectively defined according to RE-LY trial methodology.

Results:

A total of 78 AF patients (mean age 71 ± 9years; 54% men; 81% IS, 19% TIA; median CHADS2 (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, age >75 years, prior stroke or TIA); range 2–5) score 4 were treated with dabigatran [(110mg bid (74%); 150mg bid (26%)]. During a mean follow-up period of 7 ± 5 months (range 1–18) we documented no cases of IS, TIA, intracranial hemorrhage, systemic embolism or myocardial infarction in AF patients treated with dabigatran. There were two (2.6%) major bleeding events (lower gastrointestinal bleeding) and two (2.6%) minor bleedings [hematuria ( n = 1) and rectal bleeding ( n = 1)]. Dabigatran was discontinued in 26% of the study population with high cost being the most common reason for discontinuation (50%).

Discussion:

Our pilot data indicate that dabigatran appears to be safe for secondary stroke prevention during the first year of implementation of this therapy. However, high cost may limit the long-term treatment of AF patients with dabigatran, leading to early discontinuation.
Watersport Hands
Authors: Kent Jeremy B. , Statuta Siobhan M. , Greer Kenneth E. , MacKnight John M.
Published: March 2014

Aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma is a newly described condition of the palms and soles characterized by hypopigmented papules and plaques, elicited after submersion in water. Symptoms include a burning pain and a tightening sensation in the palms, as well as hyperhidrosis. Initially thought to be rare, its frequent citation in the literature points to a more common entity. It is more often found in young women and has been linked to a number of medications and illnesses, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cystic fibrosis. It is typically self-limiting, but certain medications such as topical aluminum chloride or salicylic acid ointment have been found to be an effective treatment option. This case details a collegiate-level coxswain who presented to the university athletic training room with a typical presentation of aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma. For an aquatic athlete, aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma can be a distressing condition that can limit training and athletic participation. As such, the sports medicine physician should be knowledgeable about aquagenic syringeal acrokeratoderma to provide effective counseling and treatment options for the athlete.
The cost of photoselective vaporization of the prostate compared to transurethral resection of the prostate: Experience in a large public Australian teaching centre
Authors: McCahy PJ , Cheng K , Paul E , Gleeson J
Published: March 2014

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to compare the cost of photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in the treatment of men with bladder outflow obstruction (BOO).

Patients and methods:

Men underwent PVP or TURP for clinical BOO or urinary retention. We developed a cost framework to calculate the costs of theatre, recovery and ward time in our publically funded institution and calculated a cost for each procedure including the initial stay and any associated admissions over the first 60 days. These costs were statistically analyzed.

Results:

A total of 99 men underwent PVP and 97 had TURP. Groups were well matched for age and operative indication. The American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) grade was higher for the PVP group with more taking anticoagulants (36% versus 3.1%). PVP was 74% more expensive (median AUD$4243 vs AUD$2439, p<0.001) than TURP, even in a sub-set analysis excluding the anticoagulated patients. This was because of longer operating time and unavoidable disposable costs.

Conclusions:

Previous cost studies have all had significant flaws. Using our “bottom up” cost framework suggests that the unavoidable costs of purchasing a laser, single use laser fibers and other paraphernalia will almost always exceed the costs associated with in-patient stay. We caution against establishing a PVP service in a public hospital setting.
Finding That College Students Cluster in Majors Based on Differing Patterns of Spatial Visualization and Language Processing Speeds
Authors: Oldrieve Richard M. , Bertelsen Cynthia
Published: March 2014

For over 30 years, researchers such as Eisenberg and McGinty have investigated the relationship between 3-D visualization skills and choice of college major. Results of the present study support the fact that science and math majors tend to do well on a measure of 3-D visualization. Going beyond these earlier studies, the present study investigated whether a measure of Rapid Automatic Naming of Objects—which is normally used to screen for elementary school students who might struggle with speech, language, literacy, and numeracy—would further differentiate the choice of majors by college students. Far more research needs to be conducted, but results indicated that college students differentially clustered in scatterplot quadrants defined by the two screening assessments. Furthermore, several of these clusters, plus a statistical multiplier, may lead to a new understanding of students with phonological processing differences, learning disabilities, and speech and language impairments.
A Systematic Evidence Review on Suicide in Kosovo
Authors: Fanaj Naim , Melonashi Erika
Published: March 2014

The after-war Kosovo society was characterized by an increasing number of suicides. The aims of the study were the identification, appraisal, selection, and synthesis of studies on suicide in Kosovo. A classical theoretical approach has been used to analyze studies in known databases as well as dissertations and presentations at national conferences. Fifteen studies that met our selection criteria were analyzed. These studies were psychiatric/psychological, forensic, sociological, epidemiological, and legal type. We have not found any study of qualitative, physiological, or anthropological character. None of these studies noticed the focus on specific cultural elements. The investigation of social elements did not provide valuable data. Most of the studies focused on adolescents. Neither research has convinced us for it comprehensible view of suicide phenomenon. Only two studies analyzed predictors of suicide. Identification of the protective/risk factors is difficult because the reviewed studies have many methodological shortcomings. Although the studies analyzed include many valuable data of epidemiological nature, they do not allow us to develop a model for suicide.
A Delphi Study to Operationalize Evidence-Based Predictors in Secondary Transition
Authors: Rowe Dawn A. , Alverson Charlotte Y. , Unruh Deanne K. , Fowler Catherine H. , Kellems Ryan , Test David W.
Published: March 2014

Although there are many activities (e.g., transition services), derived from correlational research, that occur while students are in school that increase the likelihood of positive post-school outcomes, many teachers continue to provide services shown to have little to no effect on outcomes of students with disabilities. The purpose of this study was to operationally define the predictors of post-school success for educators to understand what is necessary to develop, implement, and evaluate secondary transition programs based on predictor research. Results conclude experts in the field reached consensus on an operational definition and set of essential program characteristics for each predictor of post-school success to aid practitioners in implementing these practices.
The enhancer and promoter landscape of human regulatory and conventional T-cell subpopulations
Authors: Schmidl Christian , Hansmann Leo , Lassmann Timo , Balwierz Piotr J. , Kawaji Hideya , Itoh Masayoshi , Kawai Jun , Nagao-Sato Sayaka , Suzuki Harukazu , Andreesen Reinhard , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Forrest Alistair R. R. , Carninci Piero , Hoffmann Petra , Edinger Matthias , Rehli Michael
Published: March 2014

Key Points

Transcription and enhancer profiling reveal cell type–specific regulome architectures and transcription factor networks in conventional and regulatory T cells.
Inequalities for the Casorati curvatures of slant submanifolds in quaternionic space forms
Authors: Slesar Vladimir , Şahin Bayram , Vîlcu Gabriel-Eduard
Published: March 2014

In this paper we prove two sharp inequalities that relate the normalized scalar curvature with the Casorati curvature for a slant submanifold in a quaternionic space form. Moreover, we show that in both cases, the equality at all points characterizes the invariantly quasi-umbilical submanifolds.
ACaenorhabditis elegansdevelopmental decision requires insulin signaling-mediated neuron-intestine communication
Authors: Hung Wesley L. , Wang Ying , Chitturi Jyothsna , Zhen Mei
Published: March 2014

Adverse environmental conditions trigger C. elegans larvae to activate an alternative developmental program, termed dauer diapause, which renders them stress resistant. High-level insulin signaling prevents constitutive dauer formation. However, it is not fully understood how animals assess conditions to choose the optimal developmental program. Here, we show that insulin-like peptide (ILP)-mediated neuron-intestine communication plays a role in this developmental decision. Consistent with, and extending, previous findings, we show that the simultaneous removal of INS-4, INS-6 and DAF-28 leads to fully penetrant constitutive dauer formation, whereas the removal of INS-1 and INS-18 significantly inhibits constitutive dauer formation. These ligands are processed by the proprotein convertases PC1/KPC-1 and/or PC2/EGL-3. The agonistic and antagonistic ligands are expressed by, and function in, neurons to prevent or promote dauer formation. By contrast, the insulin receptor DAF-2 and its effector, the FOXO transcription factor DAF-16, function solely in the intestine to regulate the decision to enter diapause. These results suggest that the nervous system normally establishes an agonistic ILP-dominant paradigm to inhibit intestinal DAF-16 activation and allow reproductive development. Under adverse conditions, a switch in the agonistic-antagonistic ILP balance activates intestinal DAF-16, which commits animals to diapause.
The Effects of Global Shocks on Small Commodity-Exporting Economies: Lessons from Canada
Authors: Charnavoki Valery , Dolado Juan J.
Published: March 2014

We propose a structural dynamic factor model of a small commodity-exporting economy, using Canada as a representative case study. Combining large panel datasets of the global and domestic economies, sign restrictions are used to identify relevant demand and supply shocks that explain volatility in real commodity prices. We quantify their dynamic effects on a wide variety of Canadian macro variables. We are able to reproduce all the main stylized features at business-cycle frequencies documented in the literature on this type of economies. These include a Dutch disease effect which has proven hard to find in empirical studies. (JEL E32, F14, F32, F43, F44, Q02, Q33)
Highly conserved RNA pseudoknots at the gag-pol junction of HIV-1 suggest a novel mechanism of −1 ribosomal frameshifting
Authors: Huang Xiaolan , Yang Yang , Wang Guan , Cheng Qiang , Du Zhihua
Published: March 2014

−1 programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) is utilized by many viruses to synthesize their enzymatic (Pol) and structural (Gag) proteins at a defined ratio. For efficient −1 PRF, two cis-acting elements are required: a heptanucleotide frameshift site and a downstream stimulator such as a pseudoknot. We have analyzed the gag-pol junction sequences from 4254 HIV-1 strains. Approximately ninety-five percent of the sequences can form four pseudoknots PK1–PK4 (∼97% contain PK1, PK3, and PK4), covering ∼72 nt including the frameshift site. Some pseudoknots are mutually excluded due to sequence overlap. PK1 and PK3 arrange tandemly. Their stems form a quasi-continuous helix of ∼22 bp. We propose a novel mechanism for possible roles of these pseudoknots. Multiple alternative structures may exist at the gag-pol junction. In most strains, the PK1–PK3 tandem pseudoknots may dominate the structurally heterogeneous pool of RNA due to their greater overall stability. The tandem pseudoknots may function as a breaking system to slow down the ribosome. The ribosome unwinds PK1 and stem 1 of PK3 before it can reach the frameshift site. Then, PK4 can form rapidly because the intact stem 2 of PK3 makes up a large part of the stem 1 of PK4. The newly formed PK4 jams the entrance of the mRNA tunnel. The process then proceeds as in a typical case of −1 PRF. This mechanism incorporates several exquisite new features while still being consistent with the current paradigm of pseudoknot-dependent −1 PRF.
ECOCAM, UN SISTEMA COMPUTACIONAL ADAPTABLE AL CONTEXTO PARA PROMOVER ESTRATEGIAS DE CÁLCULO MENTAL: CARACTERÍSTICAS DE SU DISEÑO Y RESULTADOS PRELIMINARES
Authors: Leger Paul , Gálvez Grecia , Inostroza Milton , Cubillos Lino , Luci Gina , Tanter Éric , Cosmelli Diego , Soto - Andrade Jorge
Published: March 2014

Basado en nuestro trabajo previo sobre estrategias cognitivas para el cálculo mental, presentamos el diseño de un sistema computacional adaptable al contexto, denominado ECOCAM, que apunta a promover estrategias de cálculo mental en alumnos de educación básica. Realizamos un primer testeo de nuestra propuesta a través de la implementación concreta de ECOCAM para promover una estrategia de sumas, a saber la de “trasvasije”, mediante un experimento piloto y estudio de casos, con niñas y niños en varios niveles de educación básica. Discutimos los resultados y las implicaciones para un desarrollo futuro e implementación de ECOCAM.
Sequential Resource Allocation for Nonprofit Operations
Authors: Lien Robert W. , Iravani Seyed M. R. , Smilowitz Karen R.
Published: March 2014

This paper studies a sequential resource allocation problem motivated by distribution operations of a nonprofit organization. The alternate objectives that arise in nonprofit (as opposed to commercial) operations lead to new variations on traditional problems in operations research and inventory management. Specifically, we consider the problem of distributing a scarce resource to meet customers' demands that are observed sequentially. An allocation policy that seeks to maximize profit may lead to inequitable distributions among customers. Our work in a nonprofit setting solves the sequential resource allocation problem with an objective function aimed at equitable and effective service. We define service in terms of fill rate (the ratio of the allocated amount to observed demand) and develop an objective function to maximize the expected minimum fill rate among customers, which balances equity in fill rates with effectiveness in the use of resources (low waste). Through a dynamic programming framework, we characterize the structure of the optimal allocation policy for a given sequence of customers when demand follows continuous probability distributions. We use that optimal structure to develop a heuristic allocation policy for instances with discrete demand distribution. In addition, we identify customer demand properties to consider when sequencing customer visits to optimize the fill rate objective. For both inventory allocation and customer sequencing decisions, the proposed heuristic methods yield near-optimal solutions.
Assortment Optimization Under Variants of the Nested Logit Model
Authors: Davis James M. , Gallego Guillermo , Topaloglu Huseyin
Published: March 2014

We study a class of assortment optimization problems where customers choose among the offered products according to the nested logit model. There is a fixed revenue associated with each product. The objective is to find an assortment of products to offer so as to maximize the expected revenue per customer. We show that the problem is polynomially solvable when the nest dissimilarity parameters of the choice model are less than one and the customers always make a purchase within the selected nest. Relaxing either of these assumptions renders the problem NP-hard. To deal with the NP-hard cases, we develop parsimonious collections of candidate assortments with worst-case performance guarantees. We also formulate a convex program whose optimal objective value is an upper bound on the optimal expected revenue. Thus, we can compare the expected revenue provided by an assortment with the upper bound on the optimal expected revenue to get a feel for the optimality gap of the assortment. By using this approach, our computational experiments test the performance of the parsimonious collections of candidate assortments that we develop.
Down-regulation of Heat Shock Protein HSP90ab1 in Radiation-damaged Lung Cells other than Mast Cells
Authors: Haase Michael G. , Geyer Peter , Fitze Guido , Baretton Gustavo B.
Published: March 2014

Ionizing radiation (IR) leads to fibrosing alveolitis (FA) after a lag period of several weeks to months. In a rat model, FA starts at 8 weeks after IR. Before that, at 5.5 weeks after IR, the transcription factors Sp1 (stimulating protein 1) and AP-1 (activator protein 1) are inactivated. To find genes/proteins that were down-regulated at that time, differentially expressed genes were identified in a subtractive cDNA library and verified by quantitative RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction), western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IH). The mRNA of the molecular chaperone HSP90AB1 (heat shock protein 90 kDa alpha, class B member 1) was down-regulated 5.5 weeks after IR. Later, when FA manifested, HSP90ab1 protein was down-regulated by more than 90% in lung cells with the exception of mast cells. In most mast cells of the normal lung, both HSP90ab1 and HSP70, another major HSP, show a very low level of expression. HSP70 was massively up-regulated in all mast cells three months after irradiation whereas HSP90AB1 was up-regulated only in a portion of mast cells. The strong changes in the expression of central molecular chaperones may contribute to the well-known disturbance of cellular functions in radiation-damaged lung tissue.
Marginal Zone Macrophage Receptor MARCO Is Trapped in Conduits Formed by Follicular Dendritic Cells in the Spleen
Authors: Kellermayer Zoltán , Fisi Viktória , Mihalj Martina , Berta Gergely , Kóbor József , Balogh Péter
Published: March 2014

The marginal zone (MZ) region of the spleen plays an important role in leukocyte traffic and the removal of blood-borne pathogens by resident macrophages. Macrophage receptor with a collagenous structure (MARCO), expressed by MZ macrophages, recognizes several microbial ligands and is also involved in the retention of MZ B cells. Here, we report that MARCO is also associated with follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) in the spleen. In its FDC-associated form MARCO is arranged in 0.3–0.5-μm diameter granular-fibrillar structures with an appearance similar to the white pulp conduit system formed by fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs), but with different compartment preference. The follicular display of MARCO resists irradiation and requires the presence of both MZ macrophages and differentiated FDCs. The follicular delivery of MARCO is independent from the shuffling of marginal zone B cells, and it persists after clodronate liposome-mediated depletion of MZ macrophages. Our findings thus indicate that MARCO is distributed to both MZ and follicles within the spleen into conduit-like structures, where FDC-bound MARCO may mediate communication between the stromal microenvironments of MZ and follicles.
Validating Antibodies to the Cannabinoid CB2 Receptor
Authors: Marchalant Yannick , Brownjohn Philip W. , Bonnet Amandine , Kleffmann Torsten , Ashton John C.
Published: March 2014

Antibody-based methods for the detection and quantification of membrane integral proteins, in particular, the G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), have been plagued with issues of primary antibody specificity. In this report, we investigate one of the most commonly utilized commercial antibodies for the cannabinoid CB2 receptor, a GPCR, using immunoblotting in combination with mass spectrometry. In this way, we were able to develop powerful negative and novel positive controls. By doing this, we are able to demonstrate that it is possible for an antibody to be sensitive for a protein of interest—in this case CB2—but still cross-react with other proteins and therefore lack specificity. Specifically, we were able to use western blotting combined with mass spectrometry to unequivocally identify CB2 protein in over-expressing cell lines. This shows that a common practice of validating antibodies with positive controls only is insufficient to ensure antibody reliability. In addition, our work is the first to develop a label-free method of protein detection using mass spectrometry that, with further refinement, could provide unequivocal identification of CB2 receptor protein in native tissues.
Human Eosinophil Leukocytes Express Protein Disulfide Isomerase in Secretory Granules and Vesicles
Authors: Dias Felipe F. , Amaral Kátia B. , Carmo Lívia A. S. , Shamri Revital , Dvorak Ann M. , Weller Peter F. , Melo Rossana C. N.
Published: March 2014

Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) has fundamental roles in the oxidative folding of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells. The study of this molecule has been attracting considerable attention due to its association with other cell functions and human diseases. In leukocytes, such as neutrophils, PDI is involved with cell adhesion, signaling and inflammation. However, the expression of PDI in other leukocytes, such as eosinophils, important cells in inflammatory, allergic and immunomodulatory responses, remains to be defined. Here we used different approaches to investigate PDI expression within human eosinophils. Western blotting and flow cytometry demonstrated high PDI expression in both unstimulated and CCL11/eotaxin-1-stimulated eosinophils, with similar levels in both conditions. By using an immunogold electron microscopy technique that combines better epitope preservation and secondary Fab-fragments of antibodies linked to 1.4-nm gold particles for optimal access to microdomains, we identified different intracellular sites for PDI. In addition to predictable strong PDI labeling at the nuclear envelope, other unanticipated sites, such as secretory granules, lipid bodies and vesicles, including large transport vesicles (eosinophil sombrero vesicles), were also labeled. Thus, we provide the first identification of PDI in human eosinophils, suggesting that this molecule may have additional/specific functions in these leukocytes.
Representación legislativa de las mujeres en las provincias argentinas, 1989-2011
Authors: Granara Aixa
Published: March 2014

El artículo se propone estudiar la representación de las mujeres en las legislaturas provinciales de Argentina entre 1989-2011. Siguiendo las hipótesis institucionalistas formuladas por la literatura de género, se estudia primero la evolución del acceso de mujeres a las legislaturas subnacionales en función de las reglas electorales y la sanción de las leyes de cupos femeninos. Luego, se investiga el impacto de los cambios en la proporción de legisladoras sobre la organización y composición de las Comisiones Legislativas en seis provincias. Los resultados muestran que si bien mejoraron los niveles de representación femenina en las provincias argentinas, la participación parlamentaria de legisladoras y legisladores continúa sesgada según el género.
Marketing Doctrine: A Principles-Based Approach to Guiding Marketing Decision Making in Firms
Authors: Challagalla Goutam , Murtha Brian R. , Jaworski Bernard
Published: March 2014

The authors introduce and examine a new marketing concept that a small set of leading firms has begun to adopt: marketing doctrine. Marketing doctrine refers to a firm's unique principles, distilled from its experiences, which provide firm-wide guidance on market-facing choices. As such, marketing doctrine provides a firm-wide common approach to decision making. Importantly, marketing doctrine helps a firm address the classic consistency–flexibility conundrum by providing high-level guidance to all decision makers in the firm (thus ensuring consistency) but not specifying execution details (thus allowing for local flexibility). Across three samples, the authors explore the concept using a discovery-oriented, theories-in-use approach with 35 executives from several industries. This article makes four contributions. First, it offers a parsimonious definition of the marketing doctrine construct and contrasts it with related constructs. Second, it offers insight into how firms can develop marketing doctrine. Third, it develops a conceptual model that identifies the antecedents and consequences of marketing doctrine use. Finally, the authors explore the moderating effects of three unpredictable environments (competitive intensity, market turbulence, and structural flux) on the marketing doctrine use–performance relationship.
The Limits of Attraction
Authors: Frederick Shane , Lee Leonard , Baskin Ernest
Published: March 2014

Consumer research has documented dozens of instances in which the introduction of an “irrelevant” third option affects preferences between the remaining two. In nearly all such cases, the unattractive dominated option enhances the attractiveness of the option it most resembles—a phenomenon known as the “attraction effect.” In the studies presented here, however, the authors contend that this phenomenon may be restricted to stylized product representations in which every product dimension is represented by a number (e.g., a toaster oven that has a durability rating of 7.2 and ease of cleaning rating of 5.5). Such effects do not typically occur when consumers experience the product (e.g., taste a drink) or when even one of the product attributes is represented perceptually (e.g., differently priced hotel rooms whose quality is depicted with a photo). The authors posit that perceptual representations of attributes do not support the sorts of comparisons that drive the attraction effect with highly stylized examples, and they question the practical significance of the effect.
Buttock necrosis after hypogastric artery embolization for postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Julve Robin , Meler Eva , Murillo Elena , Serra Bernat
Published: March 2014

Background: Uterine or hypogastric artery embolization is a useful alternative to hysterectomy in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.

Case: Puerpera requiring a bilateral hypogastric artery embolization for postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean section in a term twin pregnancy. Unexpected unilateral buttock necrosis appeared 5 days later. Treatment consisted of debridement, the use of vacuum-assisted closure therapy and skin grafting.

Conclusion: Buttock necrosis is a rare complication after hypogastric artery embolization in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage.
Interfacial Phenomena in Fe/Stainless Steel–TiC Systems and the Effect of Mo
Authors: Kiviö Miia , Holappa Lauri , Yoshikawa Takeshi , Tanaka Toshihiro
Published: March 2014

Titanium carbide is used as reinforcement particles in composites due to its hardness, wear resistance and stability. This work is a part of the study in which titanium carbides are formed in stainless steel castings in the mold to improve the wear resistance of a certain surface of the casting. Such local reinforcement is a very potential method but it is a quite demanding task requiring profound knowledge of interfacial phenomena in the system, wettability, stability, dissolution and precipitation of new phases in production of these materials. Good wetting between different constituents in the material is a key factor to attain maximal positive effects. Mo is used with TiC or Ti(C,N) reinforcement in composites to improve wettability. In this work the effect of Mo on the phenomena in Fe/stainless steel–TiC systems was examined by wetting experiments between the substrate and the alloy. Wetting was not significantly improved by adding Mo to the systems. Core-rim type carbides as well as more homogenous carbide particles were observed. Overall the carbide particles are very complex regarding to their chemistry, size and shape which aspects have to be taken into account in the development of these materials and manufacturing processes.
Single-source-precursor Synthesis and High-temperature Behavior of SiC Ceramics Containing Boron
Authors: Gui Miaomiao , Fang Yunhui , Yu Zhaoju
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a hyperbranched polyborocarbosilane (HPBCS) was prepared by a one-pot synthesis with Cl2Si(CH3)CH2Cl, Cl3SiCH2Cl and BCl3 as the starting materials. The obtained HPBCS was characterized by GPC, FT-IR and NMR, and was confirmed to have hyperbranched structures. The thermal property of the resulting HPBCS was investigated by TGA. The ceramic yield of the HPBCS is about 84% and that of the counterpart hyperbranched hydridopolycarbosilane is only 45%, indicating that the introduction of boron into the preceramic polymer significantly improved the ceramic yield. With the polymer-derived ceramic route, the final ceramics were annealed at 1800 °C in argon atmosphere for 2 h in order to characterize the microstructure and to evaluate the high-temperature behavior. The final ceramic microstructure was studied by XRD and SEM, indicating that the introduction of boron dramatically inhibits SiC crystallization. The boron-containing SiC ceramic shows excellent high-temperature behavior against decomposition and crystallization at 1800 °C.
Systems Genomics of Metabolic Phenotypes in Wild-TypeDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Reed Laura K , Lee Kevin , Zhang Zhi , Rashid Lubna , Poe Amy , Hsieh Benjamin , Deighton Nigel , Glassbrook Norm , Bodmer Rolf , Gibson Greg
Published: March 2014

Systems biology is an approach to dissection of complex traits that explicitly recognizes the impact of genetic, physiological, and environmental interactions in the generation of phenotypic variation. We describe comprehensive transcriptional and metabolic profiling in Drosophila melanogaster across four diets, finding little overlap in modular architecture. Genotype and genotype-by-diet interactions are a major component of transcriptional variation (24 and 5.3% of the total variation, respectively) while there were no main effects of diet (<1%). Genotype was also a major contributor to metabolomic variation (16%), but in contrast to the transcriptome, diet had a large effect (9%) and the interaction effect was minor (2%) for the metabolome. Yet specific principal components of these molecular phenotypes measured in larvae are strongly correlated with particular metabolic syndrome-like phenotypes such as pupal weight, larval sugar content and triglyceride content, development time, and cardiac arrhythmia in adults. The second principal component of the metabolomic profile is especially informative across these traits with glycine identified as a key loading variable. To further relate this physiological variability to genotypic polymorphism, we performed evolve-and-resequence experiments, finding rapid and replicated changes in gene frequency across hundreds of loci that are specific to each diet. Adaptation to diet is thus highly polygenic. However, loci differentially transcribed across diet or previously identified by RNAi knockdown or expression QTL analysis were not the loci responding to dietary selection. Therefore, loci that respond to the selective pressures of diet cannot be readily predicted a priori from functional analyses.
The role of interferon induced with helicase C domain 1 (IFIH1) in the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Bouças Ana Paula , Oliveira Fernanda dos Santos de , Canani Luis Henrique , Crispim Daisy
Published: March 2014

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic, progressive, autoimmune disease characterized by metabolic decompensation frequently leading to dehydration and ketoacidosis. Viral pathogens seem to play a major role in triggering the autoimmune destruction that leads to the development of T1DM. Among several viral strains investigated so far, enteroviruses have been consistently associated with T1DM in humans. One of the mediators of viral damage is the double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) generated during replication and transcription of viral RNA and DNA. The IFIH1 gene encodes a cytoplasmic receptor of the pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) family that recognizes dsRNA, playing a role in the innate immune response triggered by viral infection. Binding of dsRNA to this PRR triggers the release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interferons (IFNs), which exhibit potent antiviral activity, protecting uninfected cells and inducing apoptosis of infected cells. The IFIH1 gene appears to play a major role in the development of some autoimmune diseases, and it is, therefore, a candidate gene for T1DM. Within this context, the objective of the present review was to address the role of IFIH1 in the development of T1DM.
Equilíbrio estático em pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 2 com ou sem polineuropatia diabética
Authors: Palma Felipe H. , Antigual Diego U. , Martínez Sergio F. , Monrroy Manuel A. , Gajardo Rubén E.
Published: March 2014

OBJETIVOS: Comparar o equilíbrio estático em pacientes com diabetes melito tipo 2 (DM2) com ou sem polineuropatia diabética (PND) e correlacionar os escores da escala de Exame da Neuropatia Diabética (EDN) com a média da relação do centro de pressão (CoP). SUJEITOS E MÉTODOS: Vinte pacientes, com idades entre 40 e 54 anos, que apresentavam DM2 e classificados, de acordo com a escala EDN, em grupos com (n = 10) e sem (n = 10) PDN foram comparados. O equilíbrio estático foi avaliado segundo a média da relação do CoP em um Wii Balance Board® na condição com os olhos abertos e os olhos fechados. Depois da verificação da normalidade (Shapiro-Wilk), o equilíbrio entre os dois grupos foi comparado por meio dos testes t de Student e U de Mann-Whitney, como aplicável. O escore na EDN foi correlacionado com a média da relação do CoP no grupo com PND, considerando um nível de significância de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Diferenças significativas (p = 0,049) foram observadas nas condições de olhos fechados, com uma maior média da relação do CoP no grupo com PND (0,548 cm vs. 0,442 cm). O grupo com PND mostrou uma tendência (p = 0,059) para maior média da relação do CoP na condição com os olhos abertos (0,351 cm vs. 0,239 cm). Foi observada uma forte correlação (r = 0,751) entre o escore EDN e a média da relação do CoP na condição com os olhos fechados (p = 0,012). CONCLUSÕES: Os pacientes com PND demonstraram pior equilíbrio estático do que os pacientes sem PND na condição com os olhos fechados. Além disso, quanto maior o escore no EDN, mais forte o deslocamento do CoP, o que pode estar associado com maior risco de quedas.
The unusual association of Graves' disease, chronic spontaneous urticaria, and premature ovarian failure: report of a case and HLA haplotype characterization
Authors: Ruggeri Rosaria Maddalena , Vita Giuseppe , D'Angelo Anna Grazia , Quattrocchi Paolina , Certo Rosaria , Benvenga Salvatore , Cannavò Salvatore , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: March 2014

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), defined as the occurrence of spontaneous wheals for more than six weeks, has been associated with autoimmune diseases. Herein, we report the unusual association of CSU, Graves' disease, and premature ovarian failure. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) studies were performed. A 36-year-old woman presented symptoms and signs of hyperthyroidism for three months. In the same period, the patient complained of widespread urticarial wheals, intensely itchy, and poorly responsive to therapy with antihistaminic agents. Hyperthyroidism was confirmed biochemically, and treatment with methimazole was started. As hyperthyroidism improved, a marked improvement in her urticaria was also observed. However, the patient continued to complain of amenorrhea. Endocrine evaluation, at the age 38, was consistent with premature ovarian failure. This is the first report of coexistence of GD, CSU, and POF. The genetic background of such unusual association is a specific combination of HLA.