bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antigen-Induced IL-10+ Regulatory T Cells Are Independent of CD25+ Regulatory Cells for Their Growth, Differentiation, and Function
Authors: Nicolson Kirsty S. , O’Neill Emma J. , Sundstedt Anette , Streeter Heather B. , Minaee Sophie , Wraith David C.
Published: April 2014

Recent studies have emphasized the importance of T cells with regulatory/suppressor properties in controlling autoimmune diseases. A number of different types of regulatory T cells have been described with the best characterized being the CD25+ population. In addition, it has been shown that regulatory T cells can be induced by specific Ag administration. In this study, we investigate the relationship between peptide-induced, CD4+ regulatory T cells and naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ cells derived from the Tg4 TCR-transgenic mouse. Peptide-induced cells were FoxP3− and responded to Ag by secreting IL-10, whereas CD25+ cells failed to secrete this cytokine. Both cell types were able to suppress the proliferation of naive lymphocytes in vitro although with distinct activation sensitivities. Depletion of CD25+ cells did not affect the suppressive properties of peptide-induced regulators. Furthermore, peptide-induced regulatory/suppressor T cells could be generated in RAG−/−, TCR-transgenic mice that do not spontaneously generate CD25+ regulatory cells. These results demonstrate that these natural and induced regulatory cells fall into distinct subsets.
CD4 T Cells from Malaria-Nonexposed Individuals Respond to the CD36-Binding Domain ofPlasmodium falciparumErythrocyte Membrane Protein-1 via an MHC Class II-TCR-Independent Pathway
Authors: Ndungu Francis M. , Sanni Latifu , Urban Britta , Stephens Robin , Newbold Christopher I. , Marsh Kevin , Langhorne Jean
Published: April 2014

We have studied the human CD4 T cell response to a functionally conserved domain of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein-1, cysteine interdomain region-1α (CIDR-1α). Responses to CIDR-1α were striking in that both exposed and nonexposed donors responded. The IFN-γ response to CIDR-1α in the nonexposed donors was partially independent of TCR engagement of MHC class II and peptide. Contrastingly, CD4 T cell and IFN-γ responses in malaria-exposed donors were MHC class II restricted, suggesting that the CD4 T cell response to CIDR-1α in malaria semi-immune adults also has a TCR-mediated component, which may represent a memory response. Dendritic cells isolated from human peripheral blood were activated by CIDR-1α to produce IL-12, IL-10, and IL-18. IL-12 was detectable only between 6 and 12 h of culture, whereas the IL-10 continued to increase throughout the 24-h time course. These data strengthen previous observations that P. falciparum interacts directly with human dendritic cells, and suggests that the interaction between CIDR-1α and the host cell may be responsible for regulation of the CD4 T cell and cytokine responses to P. falciparum-infected erythrocytes reported previously.
Expression of Functionally Different Dectin-1 Isoforms by Murine Macrophages
Authors: Heinsbroek Sigrid E. M. , Taylor Philip R. , Rosas Marcela , Willment Janet A. , Williams David L. , Gordon Siamon , Brown Gordon D.
Published: April 2014

Dectin-1 is a specific receptor for β-glucans and a major receptor for fungal particles on macrophages (Mφ). It is a type II membrane receptor that has a C-terminal, NK-like, C-type lectin-like domain separated from the cell membrane by a short stalk region and a cytoplasmic immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation-like motif. We observed functional differences in dectin-1-dependent recognition of fungal particles by Mφ from different mouse strains. RT-PCR analysis revealed that mice have at least two splice forms of dectin-1, generated by differential usage of exon 3, encoding the full-length dectin-1A and a stalkless Mφ dectin-1B. Mφ from BALB/c mice and genetically related mice expressed both isoforms in similar amounts, whereas Mφ from C57BL/6 and related mice mainly expressed the smaller isoform. NIH-3T3 fibroblast and RAW264.7 macrophage cell lines stably expressing either isoform were able to bind and phagocytose zymosan at 37°C. However, binding by the smaller dectin-1B isoform was significantly affected at lower temperatures. These properties were shared by the equivalent human isoforms. The relative ability of each of the isoforms to induce TNF-α production in RAW264.7 Mφ was also found to be different. These results are the first evidence that dectin-1 isoforms are functionally distinct and indicate that differential isoform usage may represent a mechanism of regulating cellular responses to β-glucans.
IL-1β-Specific Up-Regulation of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin Is Controlled by IκB-ζ
Authors: Cowland Jack B. , Muta Tatsushi , Borregaard Niels
Published: April 2014

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a siderophore-binding protein that exerts a bacteriostatic effect by sequestering iron. Strong induction of NGAL synthesis has been observed in inflamed epithelium of the lungs and colon. Expression of NGAL is up-regulated in the lung epithelial cell line A549 by IL-1β, but not by TNF-α, despite an induction of NF-κB binding to the NGAL promoter by both cytokines. In this study, we present evidence that the IL-1β specificity is caused by a requirement of the NGAL promoter for the NF-κB-binding cofactor IκB-ζ for transcriptional activation. Up-regulation of NGAL expression in A549 cells following IL-1β stimulation was dependent on de novo protein synthesis and was greatly diminished by a small interfering against IκB-ζ mRNA. Cotransfection of A549 cells with a plasmid expressing IκB-ζ made TNF-α capable of inducing NGAL transcription, indicating that IκB-ζ induction is the only factor discriminating between IL-1β and TNF-α in their ability to induce NGAL expression. Coexpression of the cofactor Bcl-3, which is closely related to IκB-ζ, did not enable TNF-α to induce NGAL transcription. A functional NF-κB site of the NGAL promoter was required for IκB-ζ to exert its effect. The human β defensin 2 gene also required IκB-ζ for its IL-1β-specific induction in A549 cells. Our findings indicate that a common regulatory mechanism has evolved to control expression of a subset of antimicrobial proteins expressed in epithelial cells.
Mast Cell-Mediated Remodeling and Fibrinolytic Activity Protect against Fatal Glomerulonephritis
Authors: Kanamaru Yutaka , Scandiuzzi Lisa , Essig Marie , Brochetta Cristiana , Guérin-Marchand Claudine , Tomino Yasuhiko , Monteiro Renato C. , Peuchmaur Michel , Blank Ulrich
Published: April 2014

Mast cells are detrimental in several inflammatory diseases; however, their physiological roles are also increasingly recognized. Recent data suggest that mast cells may also be involved in renal diseases. We therefore used congenitally mast cell-deficient W/Wv mice and normal +/+ littermates to assess their role in anti-glomerular basement membrane-induced glomerulonephritis. Following administration of anti-glomerular basement membrane Abs, W/Wv mice exhibited increased mortality as compared with +/+ mice owing to rapid deterioration of renal function. Reconstitution of the mast cell population in W/Wv mice restored protection. This was independent of activating FcγR, as protection was also obtained using mast cells deficient in FcRγ. Comparative histological analysis of kidneys showed that deterioration of renal function was caused by the presence of thick layers of subendothelial glomerular deposits in W/Wv mice, while +/+ mice or mast cell-reconstituted W/Wv mice showed significantly less. Deposits appeared during the early phase of disease and persisted thereafter, and were accompanied by enhanced macrophage recruitment. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed increased amounts of fibrin and type I collagen in W/Wv mice, which were also unable to maintain high tissue plasminogen activator and urinary-type plasminogen activator activity in urine in the heterologous phase of disease. Our results indicate that mast cells by their ability to mediate remodeling and repair functions are protective in immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis.
Quality and Safety of Minimally Invasive Surgery: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: McCrory Bernadette , LaGrange Chad A. , Hallbeck M.S.
Published: April 2014

Adverse events because of medical errors are a leading cause of death in the United States (US) exceeding the mortality rates of motor vehicle accidents, breast cancer, and AIDS. Improvements can and should be made to reduce the rates of preventable surgical errors because they account for nearly half of all adverse events within hospitals. Although minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has proven patient benefits such as reduced postoperative pain and hospital stay, its operative environment imposes substantial physical and cognitive strain on the surgeon increasing the risk of error. To mitigate errors and protect patients, a multidisciplinary approach is needed to improve MIS. Clinical human factors, and biomedical engineering principles and methodologies can be used to develop and assess laparoscopic surgery instrumentation, practices, and procedures. First, the foundational understanding and the imperative to transform health care into a high-quality and safe system is discussed. Next, a generalized perspective is presented on the impact of the design and redesign of surgical technologies and processes on human performance. Finally, the future of this field and the research needed to further improve the quality and safety of MIS is discussed.
A Multistep Screening Method to Identify Genes Using Evolutionary Transcriptome of Plants
Authors: Kim Chang-Kug , Lim Hye-Min , Na Jong-Kuk , Choi Ji-Weon , Sohn Seong-Han , Park Soo-Chul , Kim Young-Hwan , Kim Yong-Kab , Kim Dool-Yi
Published: April 2014

We introduced a multistep screening method to identify the genes in plants using microarrays and ribonucleic acid (RNA)-seq transcriptome data. Our method describes the process for identifying genes using the salt-tolerance response pathways of the potato ( Solanum tuberosum) plant. Gene expression was analyzed using microarrays and RNA-seq experiments that examined three potato lines (high, intermediate, and low salt tolerance) under conditions of salt stress. We screened the orthologous genes and pathway genes involved in salinity-related biosynthetic pathways, and identified nine potato genes that were candidates for salinity-tolerance pathways. The nine genes were selected to characterize their phylogenetic reconstruction with homologous genes of Arabidopsis thaliana, and a Circos diagram was generated to understand the relationships among the selected genes. The involvement of the selected genes in salt-tolerance pathways was verified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. One candidate potato gene was selected for physiological validation by generating dehydration-responsive element-binding 1 ( DREB1)-overexpressing transgenic potato plants. The DREB1 overexpression lines exhibited increased salt tolerance and plant growth when compared to that of the control. Although the nine genes identified by our multistep screening method require further characterization and validation, this study demonstrates the power of our screening strategy after the initial identification of genes using microarrays and RNA-seq experiments.
Medical Treatment of Essential Tremor
Authors: Rajput Ali H. , Rajput Alex
Published: April 2014

Essential tremor (ET) is the most common pathological tremor characterized by upper limb action—postural tremor (PT)/kinetic tremor (KT). There are no specific neuropathological or biochemical abnormalities in ET. The disability is consequent to amplitude of KT, which may remain mild without handicap or may become disabling. The most effective drugs for sustained tremor control are propranolol and primidone. Symptomatic drug treatment must be individualized depending on the circumstances that provoke the tremor-related disability. Broad guidelines for treatment are discussed in this review. Patients may be treated intermittently only on stressful occasions with propranolol, clonazepam, or primidone monotherapy, or an alcoholic drink. Those with persistently disabling tremor need continued treatment.
Lack of Association between Polymorphisms of Hepatic Lipase with Lipid Profile in Young Jordanian Adults
Authors: Khabour Omar F. , Alomari Mahmoud A. , Alzoubi Karem H. , Gharaibeh Mohammad Y. , Alhashimi Farah H.
Published: April 2014

The human hepatic lipase ( LIPC) gene encodes hepatic lipase, an enzyme involved in lipoprotein metabolism and regulation. Therefore, variants in LIPC gene may influence plasma lipoprotein levels. In this study, the association of LIPC C-514T and G-250A polymorphisms with plasma lipid profiles in 348 young Jordanians was investigated. Genotyping of C-514T and G-250A was performed by polymerase chain reaction and subsequent digestion with DraI and NiaIII restriction enzymes, respectively, while Roche analyzer was used to determine plasma total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-and high-density lipoprotein. The G-250 and C-514 alleles were most abundant in Jordanians with 79 and 80% frequencies, respectively. Additionally, no difference was found in the lipid–lipoprotein profile between the different genotype groups of C-514T or G-250A polymorphisms, even when males and females were examined separately ( P ≫ 0.05). In young Jordanian adults, the examined LIPC polymorphisms seem to play a limited role in determining the lipid profile.
Approximate Fixed Point Sequences of Nonlinear Semigroups in Metric Spaces
Authors: Khamsi M. A.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we investigate the common approximate fixed point sequences of nonexpansive semigroups of nonlinear mappings {T1}t≥0, i.e., a family such that T0(x) = x, Ts+t = Ts(Tt(x)), where the domain is a metric space (M; d). In particular, we prove that under suitable conditions the common approximate fixed point sequences set is the same as the common approximate fixed point sequences set of two mappings from the family. Then we use the Ishikawa iteration to construct a common approximate fixed point sequence of nonexpansive semigroups of nonlinear mappings.
A Remember-Know Analysis of the Semantic Serial Position Function
Authors: Kelley Matthew R. , Neath Ian , Surprenant Aimée M.
Published: April 2014

Did the serial position functions observed in certain semantic memory tasks (e.g., remembering the order of books or films) arise because they really tapped episodic memory? To address this issue, participants were asked to make "remember-know" judgments as they reconstructed the release order of the 7 Harry Potter books and 2 sets of movies. For both classes of stimuli, the "remember" and "know" serial position functions were indistinguishable, and all showed the characteristic U-shape with marked primacy and recency effects. These results are inconsistent with a multiple memory systems view, which predicts recency effects only for "remember" responses and no recency effects for "know" responses. However, the data were consistent with a general memory principle account: the relative distinctiveness principle. According to this view, performance on both episodic and semantic memory tasks arises from the same type of processing: Items that are more separated from their close neighbors in psychological space at the time of recall will be better remembered.
Correction of False Memory for Associated Word Lists by Collaborating Groups
Authors: Weigold Arne , Russell Elizabeth J. , Natera Sara N.
Published: April 2014

Collaborative inhibition is often observed for both correct and false memories. However, research examining the mechanisms by which collaborative inhibition occurs, such as retrieval disruption, reality monitoring, or group filtering, is lacking. In addition, the creation of the nominal groups (i.e., groups artificially developed by combining individuals’ recall) necessary for examining collaborative inhibition do not use statistical best practices. Using the Deese-Roediger- McDermott paradigm, we examined percentages of correct and false memories in individuals, collaborative interactive groups, and correctly created nominal groups, as well as the processes that the collaborative interactive groups used to determine which memories to report. Results showed evidence of the collaborative inhibition effect. In addition, analyses of the collaborative interactive groups’ discussions found that these groups wrote down almost all presented words but less than half of nonpresented critical words, after discussing them, with nonpresented critical words being stated to the group with lower confidence and rejected by other group members more often. Overall, our findings indicated support for the group filtering hypothesis.
The Phenomenology of Lucid Dreaming: An Online Survey
Authors: Stumbrys Tadas , Erlacher Daniel , Johnson Miriam , Schredl Michael
Published: April 2014

In lucid dreams the dreamer is aware that he or she is dreaming. Although such dreams are not that uncommon, many aspects of lucid dream phenomenology are still unclear. An online survey was conducted to gather data about lucid dream origination, duration, active or passive participation in the dream, planned actions for lucid dreams, and other phenomenological aspects. Among the 684 respondents who filled out the questionnaire, there were 571 lucid dreamers (83.5%). According to their reports, lucid dreams most often originate spontaneously in adolescence. The average lucid dream duration is about 14 minutes. Lucid dreamers are likely to be active in their lucid dreams and plan to accomplish different actions (e.g., flying, talking with dream characters, or having sex), yet they are not always able to remember or successfully execute their intentions (most often because of awakening or hindrances in the dream environment). The frequency of lucid dream experience was the strongest predictor of lucid dream phenomenology, but some differences were also observed in relation to age, gender, or whether the person is a natural or self-trained lucid dreamer. The findings are discussed in light of lucid dream research, and suggestions for future studies are provided.
Explaining the Gender Difference in Nightmare Frequency
Authors: Schredl Michael
Published: April 2014

A recent meta-analysis showed a robust gender difference in nightmare frequency of medium effect size in adolescents and young adults: Women tend to report nightmares more frequently than men. The present study, carried out in an unselected student sample, indicates that 2 factors mediate the gender difference in nightmare frequency: neuroticism and overall dream recall frequency. The effect of neuroticism on the gender difference and the finding that the gender difference in nightmare frequency emerges at an age of about 10 years suggest that genderspecific socialization processes may play an important role in explaining the gender differences in nightmare frequency in adolescents and young to middle-aged adults. This idea is supported by the previous finding that nightmare frequency is related to sex role orientation. However, longitudinal studies are necessary to validate these hypotheses.
Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses of Probability Discounting of Different Outcomes Across Different Methods of Measurement
Authors: Terrell Heather K. , Derenne Adam , Weatherly Jeffrey N.
Published: April 2014

The present studies used exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to explore the degree to which probability discounting processes are similar to delay discounting processes. To determine whether these processes are similar, 2 questions were addressed: the degree to which probability discounting outcomes can be categorized into multiple domains (as demonstrated for delay discounting) and whether the inverse magnitude effect would be observed for nonmonetary outcomes. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted using data from the fill-in-the-blank method (Study 1), followed by a confirmatory factor analysis using data from a multiple-choice method (Study 2) as a replication. These studies provide support for the idea that outcomes can be subdivided into multiple domains. Generally, the discounting rates were steeper for tangible outcomes than nontangible outcomes, and a magnitude effect was observed that was consistent with, rather than the inverse of, that observed for delay discounting tasks. Complexities related to the relationship between probability discounting processes and delay discounting processing are discussed.
Vínculos entre partidos y votantes. Ideología e integración europea en perspectiva comparada
Authors: Otero Felipe Patricia
Published: April 2014

Los problemas sobre la representación política siguen protagonizandobuena parte de los debates académicos, tanto desde un punto de vistateórico como también desde una orientación empírica; es decir, cuándoexiste y cómo evaluarla. Este trabajo adopta esta segunda aproximaciónpartiendo del concepto de congruencia y presenta un análisis comparadode los vínculos entre partidos y votantes europeos en términos ideológicosy en torno a la integración europea. Para ello se aplican dos indicadores, laproximidad y el centrismo, a una amplia muestra de partidos políticosutilizando la encuesta EES 2009. En la segunda parte del texto se explorael impacto de varios elementos partidistas en la congruencia. Losresultados del análisis revelan que los partidos ubicados en la derecha ymás euro-optimistas tienden a mostrar una mejor conexión con suselectorados. Asimismo, características como el tamaño del partido, suedad y pertenecer a ciertas familias partidistas son también relevantes enla explicación de los vínculos entre partidos y sus votantes.
El discurso implícito: aportaciones para un análisis sociológico
Authors: Ruiz Ruiz Jorge
Published: April 2014

En este artículo se aborda la diversidad de tipos o dimensiones deldiscurso implícito. En concreto, se plantea una caracterizacióntipológica del mismo basada en las intenciones del productor deldiscurso, distinguiéndose cuatro dimensiones básicas: el discursoinsinuado, el discurso ocultado, el discurso «fallido» y el discursosubyacente. Después de ofrecer ejemplos de cada uno de ellos, sesostiene la utilidad de la tipología propuesta para el análisissociológico del discurso implícito, esto es, para su detección y suinterpretación.
Factores que inhiben la movilización social: el caso del área petroquímica de Tarragona
Authors: Espluga Trenc Josep , Farré i Coma Jordi , Gonzalo Iglesias Juan Luis , Prades López Ana
Published: April 2014

Los estudios sobre percepción social del riesgo se han solido centrar en elestudio de conflictos sociales motivados por tecnologías y eventospotencialmente peligrosos. En este artículo, en cambio, se intentacomprender por qué en determinados casos la población expuesta a unriesgo evidente no protesta ni se moviliza activamente en su contra. A partirde un estudio de caso en el área petroquímica de Tarragona, con datos deuna serie de grupos de discusión (8) y de una encuesta por cuestionario(N=400), se analizan las percepciones y prácticas de la población en relaciónal riesgo. Los resultados han permitido descartar motivos de ignorancia delos riesgos y ponderar la importancia de los beneficios relacionados con laexposición al riesgo, así como comprender el papel fundamental de laconfianza y de la dependencia en un contexto social e institucionalcaracterizado por una fuerte asimetría en las relaciones de poder.
La universidad y su implicación con la empleabilidad de sus graduados
Authors: Caballero Fernández Gloria , López Miguens Maria Jesús , Lampón Caride Jesús F.
Published: April 2014

El objetivo de este trabajo es desarrollar una escala que permita medir elcompromiso de los centros de la universidad española con la empleabilidadde sus graduados a través de cuatro dimensiones: empleabilidad básica, deprotocolo empresarial, de matching y de feedback. Todas ellas han sidomedidas a través de actuaciones complementarias a la formación oficial. Enbase a esta escala, y a través de un análisis de conglomerados, seidentifican tres perfiles de centros de la universidad española de acuerdo asu implicación con la empleabilidad. Para ello hemos realizado una encuestaa 230 centros de enseñanza superior (CES) en España. Nuestros resultadosnos llevan a pensar que a la universidad española le queda un largo caminopor recorrer, dado que solo un tercio de los centros analizados estáncomprometidos con las cuatro dimensiones propuestas. Concluimos conunas posibles actuaciones de mejora, como pueden ser el requisitoimprescindible de un nivel mínimo de un idioma extranjero para finalizar latitulación, la utilización de metodologías de aprendizaje interactivo o lacolaboración con empresarios.
Media Clips: Mosquitoes; Pythagorean Baseball
Authors: Donovan John , Foley Gregory D. , Butts Thomas R.
Published: April 2014

Students analyze items from the media to answer mathematical questions related to the article. This month's clips examine why raindrops do not crush mosquitoes and feature an application of the Pythagorean theorem to baseball. The mathematics involved includes dimensional analysis, ratio and proportion, and the Pythagorean theorem.
Principles to Actions: Mathematics Programs as the Core for Student Learning
Authors: Brahier Daniel , Leinwand Steve , Huinker DeAnn
Published: April 2014

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) launched the “standards-based” education movement in North America in 1989 with the release of Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics, an unprecedented action to promote systemic improvement in mathematics education. Now, twenty-five years later, the widespread adoption of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSSM) by forty-five states provides an opportunity to reenergize and focus our commitment to significant improvement in mathematics education (CCSSI 2010).
Technology Tips: High-Leverage iPad Apps for the Mathematics Classroom
Authors: Perry Ayanna D. , Thrasher Emily P. , Lee Hollylynne S.
Published: April 2014

The use of iPads® in the classroom is growing. In the 2013–14 school year, 57 percent of schools planned to invest in iPads (Netop 2013). This investment can benefit mathematics classrooms only if teachers know which apps they can use to help students develop deeper mathematical understanding. Although learning about and developing facility with various apps is valuable for mathematics teachers, the process can be difficult, overwhelming, and time-consuming. To get started, we recommend one app, Dropbox, that can be used to share materials within the classroom setting, and then we suggest three free, easy-to-use mathematics apps: Sketchpad Explorer, Data Analysis, and MathGraph (see the table on p. 711).
Delving Deeper: Twists on the Tower of Hanoi
Authors: Metz James
Published: April 2014

A t a party that I attended, the hosts gave their guests the Tower of Hanoi puzzle with alternating dark and light discs and a challenge to move the 7 discs to a new post. (I disqualified myself because I knew how to solve the challenge.) However, the hosts' son and daughter-in-law misunderstood the directions and moved the dark discs to one side post and the light discs to the other side post. I immediately wondered, “How many moves did they take, assuming that they made the most efficient moves? How can their interpretation of the problem be generalized to n discs?”
What do managers do? Managing shopping centres
Authors: Cruz Sofia Alexandra
Published: April 2014

Scientists have spent a lot of time looking at professional managerial activities.However, so far not much is known about its nature in specific organisational contexts. This articleoffers an analysis of the activity of managing shopping centres. The author uses semi-directedinterviews of managers to argue that their work is configured in a process and as a product ofinteraction with the mall’s organisational culture. The latter is said to mobilise managers byinstilling a spirit of adherence in action, which they in turn spread to the other organisationalactors in such a way as to achieve the desired commercial and financial results.
New elements for an analysis of the dynamics of the secondary classroom
Authors: Ferreira Nuno
Published: April 2014

The relevance of the impact of new ICTs on society and everyday life of social actors has allowed sociological analysis to extend its grasp far beyond the obvious features of the network society. Since the incidence of these phenomena intersect with ways of communicating and accessing information, it becomes increasingly reasonable to consider a series of changes and reconfigurations within teaching contexts and, essentially, the pedagogical relationship. The analysis of the secondary classroom must take into account these emerging realities and combine them with existing models. This article proposes widening the sociological debate around school changes, contributing with new analytical features concerning classroom ethongraphy.
Vocational education in public policies: agenda-setting analyse between 1986 and 2009
Authors: Duarte Alexandra
Published: April 2014

The government programs are important sources of information for the analysis of public policies. Based on this assumption we present a set of results of thematic content analysis of these documents, in order to understand the process of agenda-setting behind the introduction of professional courses in public schools. Through this analysis it is possible to have an approach to the agenda-setting process and the formulation of the policy, identifying the issues that led to the decision and the problems it intended to respond.
Review: Class Inequality in Austerity Britain Power, Difference and Suffering [Will Atkinson, Steven Roberts e Mike Savage (orgs.), 2012, London, Palgrave Macmilan]
Authors: Carvalho Tiago
Published: April 2014

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Review: Portugal, uma Sociedade de Classes. Polarização Social e Vulnerabilidade [Renato Miguel do Carmo (org.), 2012, Lisbon, Edições 70]
Authors: Mineiro João
Published: April 2014

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Somatic Dysfunction and Use of Osteopathic Manual Treatment Techniques During Ambulatory Medical Care Visits: A CONCORD-PBRN Study
Authors: Licciardone John C. , Kearns Cathleen M. , King Hollis H. , Seffinger Michael A. , Crow W. Thomas , Zajac Peter , Devine William H. , Abu-Sbaih Reem Y. , Miller Stephen J. , Berkowitz Murray R. , Dyer Robin , Heath Deborah M. , Treffer Kevin D. , Nevins Natalie A. , Aryal Subhash
Published: April 2014

Context: Osteopathic manual treatment (OMT) of somatic dysfunction is a unique approach to medical care that may be studied within a practice-based research network.

Objective: To measure patient characteristics and osteopathic physician practice patterns within the Consortium for Collaborative Osteopathic Research Development–Practice-Based Research Network (CONCORD-PBRN).

Design: Cross-sectional card study.

Setting: Eleven member clinics within the CONCORD-PBRN coordinated by The Osteopathic Research Center.

Patients: A total of 668 patients seen between January and March 2013.

Main Study Measures: Patient age and sex; primary diagnoses; somatic dysfunction as manifested by tenderness, asymmetry, restricted motion, or tissue texture changes; and use of 14 OMT techniques. Results were stratified by anatomical region and adjusted for clustering within member clinics. Clustering was measured by the intracluster correlation coefficient.

Results: Patient ages ranged from 7 days to 87 years (adjusted mean age, 49.2 years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 43.3-55.1 years). There were 450 females (67.4%) and 508 patient visits (76.0%) involved a primary diagnosis of disease of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue. Structural examination was performed during 657 patient visits (98.4%), and 649 visits (97.2%) involved OMT. Restricted motion and tenderness were the most and least common palpatory findings, respectively. Cranial (1070 [14.5%]), myofascial release (1009 [13.7%]), muscle energy (1001 [13.6%]), and counterstrain (980 [13.3%]) techniques were most commonly used, accounting for more than one-half of the OMT provided. Pediatric patients were more likely than adults to receive OMT within the head (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 9.53; 95% CI, 1.28-71.14). Geriatric patients were more likely than adults to receive a structural examination (adjusted OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.09-3.07) and OMT (adjusted OR, 1.62; 1.02-2.59) within the lower extremity. Females were more likely than males to receive a structural examination (adjusted OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.44-4.16) and OMT (adjusted OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.26-3.52) within the sacrum and OMT within the pelvis (adjusted OR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.12-2.88). Intracluster correlation coefficients for the 4 most commonly used OMT techniques ranged from 0.34 to 0.72.

Conclusion: This study provides proof of concept of the feasibility of studying osteopathic medical practice on a national level by developing and growing the CONCORD-PBRN.
Association of Low Back Pain, Somatic Dysfunction, and Lumbar Bone Mineral Density: Reproducibility of Findings
Authors: Snider Karen T. , Johnson Jane C. , Degenhardt Brian F. , Snider Eric J. , Burton Douglas C.
Published: April 2014

Context: Somatic dysfunction as diagnosed by palpation should be associated with an objective measure. Bone mineral density (BMD) has been shown to be elevated in lumbar vertebrae with somatic dysfunction and in the lumbar region of individuals with chronic low back pain (LBP).

Objective: To investigate the association of lumbar somatic dysfunction and BMD T-score variability in participants with chronic LBP and without LBP (non-LBP) and to determine the reproducibility of previously published results.

Methods: Two examiners, blinded to symptom history, evaluated participants for tissue texture abnormalities, rotational asymmetry, anterior motion restriction, and tenderness at vertebral levels L1 to L4. Participants also underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of vertebral levels L1 to L4 for the assessment of BMD T scores. Generalized linear models were used to compare the chronic LBP and non-LBP groups on the presence and severity of somatic dysfunction and to test whether group and the presence and severity of somatic dysfunction were related to BMD T scores.

Results: Forty-three chronic LBP (54%) and 36 non-LBP participants (46%) completed the study. Although the presence of somatic dysfunction in the 2 groups was not significantly different, the presence of tenderness was significantly more common in the chronic LBP group (P<.001), as was the severity for tissue texture abnormalities (P=.03), motion restriction (P=.04), and tenderness (P<.001). Of the 316 vertebrae assessed, 31 (10%, all in the chronic LBP group) had moderate/severe tenderness. The vertebral somatic dysfunction burden score, the total somatic dysfunction burden score, the vertebral somatic dysfunction severity score, and the total somatic dysfunction severity score were higher in the chronic LBP group (all P<.001). The vertebral BMD T score was significantly higher for vertebrae demonstrating moderate/severe rotational asymmetry compared with those demonstrating mild or no rotational asymmetry (P=.01) and for vertebrae demonstrating moderate/severe tenderness compared with those demonstrating no tenderness (P=.04).

Conclusion: Study results suggest that somatic dysfunction was more significant in chronic LBP participants. Although the correlation between the presence of somatic dysfunction and segmental BMD T scores was not reproduced, BMD T scores were higher for vertebrae demonstrating moderate/severe rotational asymmetry and tenderness.
Management of Ionizing Radiation Injuries and Illnesses, Part 2: Nontherapeutic Radiologic/Nuclear Incidents
Authors: Christensen Doran M. , Parillo Steven J. , Glassman Erik S. , Sugarman Stephen L.
Published: April 2014

In the second of 5 articles on the management of injuries and illnesses caused by ionizing radiation, the authors discuss nontherapeutic radiologic/nuclear incidents: use of a radiologic exposure device, use of a radiologic dispersal device, nuclear power plant safety failure, and detonation of an improvised nuclear device. The present article focuses on how such incidents—whether involving deliberate or accidental methods of radiation exposure—produce casualties and how physicians need to understand the pathologic process of injuries caused by these incidents. To identify the diagnoses associated with nontherapeutic exposure in time to improve morbidity and mortality, physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion when faced with a specific constellation of symptoms. In some scenarios, the sheer number of uninjured, unaffected persons who might present to health care institutions or professionals may be overwhelming. Public health and safety issues may seriously disrupt the ability to respond to and recover from a radiologic and nuclear incident, especially a nuclear detonation.
Outcome Study of Cobalt Based Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Patients with Inoperable Stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Yingjie , Lan Fengming , Kang Xiaoli , Shao Yinjian , Li Hongqi , Li Ping , Wu Weizhang , Wang Jidong , Chang Dongshu , Wang Yong , Xia Tingyi
Published: April 2014

Aim of this paper is to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of specialized Body Cobalt based system (BCBS) treatment in the senior patients group (.65 years) with Stage III non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). A total of 49 patients (41 males and 8 females) with Stage III NSCLC according to UICC TNM classification (6th edition) were treated using OUR-QGD™ BCBS which was designed and manufactured in China. Post treatment evaluation with follow-up information was collected from April 2001 to December 2006 in our department. Median age of enrolled patients was 71 years old (65-85). Among those patients, 36 patients were pathologically identified with squamous cell carcinoma, and the other 13 patients were confirmed as adenocarcinoma. All patients were immobilized by vacuum based immobilization mold and then performed slow CT scan without any respiration gating devices. The daily radiation prescription dose was defined at 50% isodose line covering primary lesions and metastatic lymph nodes with doses from 2.5 to 6 Gy in 5 fractions per week according to the tumor stage and internally approved treatment protocols by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Median daily dose and total delivery dose of 50% isodose line were 4 Gy and 41 Gy, respectively. In this study group, total of 3 patients received neoadjuvant cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Tumor response evaluated 12 weeks after radiation has demonstrated 13 complete responses (26.5%), 21 partial responses (42.9%). The overall survival (OS) rate of 1-year, 2-year and 3-year was 63.3%, 40.8% and 20.4%, respectively. The median and mean survival time was 22 and 24 months. All 49 patients tolerated the treatment well and have completed the planned therapy regiment. Body Cobalt based system treatment of those over 65 years old patients with Stage III NSCLC had reasonable and superior curative effect as well as local control, and at the same time without severe radiation side effects.
Tumor Directed, Scalp Sparing Intensity Modulated Whole Brain Radiotherapy for Brain Metastases
Authors: Kao Johnny , Darakchiev Boramir , Conboy Linda , Ogurek Sara , Sharma Neha , Ren Xuemin , Pettit Jeffrey
Published: April 2014

Despite significant technical advances in radiation delivery, conventional whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) has not materially changed in the past 50 years. We hypothesized that IMRT can selectively spare uninvolved brain and scalp with the goal of reducing acute and late toxicity. MRI/CT simulation image registration was performed. We performed IMRT planning to simultaneously treat the brain tumor(s) on MRI + 5 mm margin to 37.5 Gy in 15 fractions while limiting the uninvolved brain + 2 mm margin to 30 Gy in 15 fractions and the mean scalp dose to #18 Gy. Three field IMRT plans were compared to conventional WBRT plans. Symptomatic patients were started on conventional WBRT for 2 to 3 fractions while IMRT planning was performed. Seventeen consecutive patients with brain metastases with RPA class I and II disease with no leptomeningeal spread were treated with IMRT WBRT. Compared to conventional WBRT, IMRT reduced the mean scalp dose (26.2 Gy vs. 16.4 Gy, p < 0.001) and the mean PTV30 dose (38.4 Gy vs. 32.0 Gy, p < 0.001) while achieving similar mean PTV37.5 doses (38.3 Gy vs. 38.0 Gy, p = 0.26). Using Olsen hair loss score criteria, 4 of 15 assessable patients preserved at least 50% of hair coverage at 1 to 3 months after treatment while 6 patients preserved between 25 and 50% hair coverage. At a median follow-up of 6.8 months (range: 5 to 15 months), the median overall survival was 5.4 months. Four patients relapsed within the brain, one within the PTV37.5 and three outside the PTV37.5. Tumor directed, scalp sparing IMRT is feasible, achieves rational dose distributions and preserves partial hair coverage in the majority of patients. Further studies are warranted to determine whether the increased utilization of resources needed for IMRT are appropriate in this setting.
Pi2 pulsation simultaneously observed in the E and F region ionosphere with the SuperDARN Hokkaido radar
Authors: Teramoto M. , Nishitani N. , Pilipenko V. , Ogawa T. , Shiokawa K. , Nagatsuma T. , Yoshikawa A. , Baishev D. , Murata K. T.
Published: April 2014

We investigated Pi2 pulsations in the nightside ionosphere that began at 14:15 UT (2315 LT) on 11 July 2010, and they were observed with high‐temporal (8 s) resolution by beam 4 of the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) Hokkaido radar. These pulsations were simultaneously observed in both the ground/sea scatter echoes reflected from the F region height and in ionospheric echoes from field‐aligned irregularities in the sporadic Es region. They had the same period of 110 s and approximately no phase lag. From the radar observations and the International Geomagnetic Reference Field model, the amplitude of the eastward (EEW) component of the electric field of the Pi2 pulsations in the ionosphere was estimated ~8.0 mV/m in the F region and ~2.0 mV/m in the E region. Corresponding Pi2 pulsations appeared dominantly in the horizontal northward magnetic field component (H) at nearby ground stations, Moshiri (MSR), St. Paratunka (PTK), and Stecolny (STC), with amplitudes ranging from 6 nT (MSR) to 10 nT (STC). At the dominant frequency of 8.8 mHz, the coherences between H and EEW were high (>0.9), the cross phases of EEW relative to H were −56° and −45°, and the amplitude ratios were 2.7 × 105 m/s and 8.4 × 105 m/s, in the E and F regions, respectively. Based on a comparison of these results with theoretical predictions, we suggest that the concept of a pure cavity mode is not sufficient to explain the combined observations for midlatitude Pi2 waves and that the contribution of an Alfvén waves must be taken in account.
Sensitivity of sediment geochemical proxies to coring location and corer type in a large lake: Implications for paleolimnological reconstruction
Authors: Lu Yue Han , Meyers Philip A. , Robbins John A. , Eadie Brian J. , Hawley Nathan , Ji Kang Hyeun
Published: April 2014

We compared a suite of geochemical proxies in sediment cores collected in 1982, 1988, 1991, and 2003 from sites near the depocenter of Lake Erie to evaluate the reliability of paleoenvironmental reconstructions derived from lacustrine sediments. Our proxies included the concentrations and carbon isotopic compositions of organic and inorganic carbon (TOC, CaCO3, δ13Corg, and δ13CCaCO3), augmented by organic C to total N ratios (Corg:Ntot), δ15N, and carbonate δ18O values (δ18OCaCO3). The three coring sites were clustered within 12 km; two types of corers—a Box corer and a Benthos gravity corer—were used for the 1991 sampling campaign. The variance of most proxies was accounted for not only by temporal environmental changes but also by coring locations and corer type, indicating that sediment spatial heterogeneity and differences in sediment recovery due to the use of different corers also played a part in determining the geochemical compositions of these cores. The TOC, δ13Corg, and δ13CCaCO3 values showed decadal temporal patterns that were consistent between the multiple sampling campaigns. In contrast, the δ15N, Corg:Ntot, CaCO3, and δ18OCaCO3 exhibited across‐core differences in their temporal variations, making it difficult to extract consistent environment information from different cores. Our findings suggest that in addition to temporal environmental changes, high‐resolution paleolimnological reconstruction is sensitive to many factors that could include spatial sediment heterogeneity, discontinuous sedimentation processes, bioturbation, sediment dating uncertainty, and artifacts associated with analytical and coring procedures. Therefore, multiple‐core sampling and analysis are important in reliably reconstructing environmental changes, particularly for large, heterogeneous lacustrine basins.
Thermogenic methane injection via bubble transport into the upper Arctic Ocean from the hydrate‐charged Vestnesa Ridge, Svalbard
Authors: Smith Andrew J. , Mienert Jürgen , Bünz Stefan , Greinert Jens
Published: April 2014

We use new gas‐hydrate geochemistry analyses, echosounder data, and three‐dimensional P‐Cable seismic data to study a gas‐hydrate and free‐gas system in 1200 m water depth at the Vestnesa Ridge offshore NW Svalbard. Geochemical measurements of gas from hydrates collected at the ridge revealed a thermogenic source. The presence of thermogenic gas and temperatures of ∼3.3°C result in a shallow top of the hydrate stability zone (THSZ) at ∼340 m below sea level (mbsl). Therefore, hydrate‐skinned gas bubbles, which inhibit gas‐dissolution processes, are thermodynamically stable to this shallow water depth. This was confirmed by hydroacoustic observations of flares in 2010 and 2012 reaching water depths between 210 and 480 mbsl. At the seafloor, bubbles are released from acoustically transparent zones in the seismic data, which we interpret as regions where free gas is migrating through the hydrate stability zone (HSZ). These intrusions result in vertical variations in the base of the HSZ (BHSZ) of up to ∼150 m, possibly making the shallow hydrate reservoir more susceptible to warming. Such Arctic gas‐hydrate and free‐gas systems are important because of their potential role in climate change and in fueling marine life, but remain largely understudied due to limited data coverage in seasonally ice‐covered Arctic environments.