bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Molecular Switch of Telomere Phages: High Binding Specificity of the PY54 Cro Lytic Repressor to a Single Operator Site
Authors: Hammerl Jens , Roschanski Nicole , Lurz Rudi , Johne Reimar , Lanka Erich , Hertwig Stefan
Published: June 2015

Temperate bacteriophages possess a molecular switch, which regulates the lytic and lysogenic growth. The genomes of the temperate telomere phages N15, PY54 and ɸKO2 harbor a primary immunity region (immB) comprising genes for the prophage repressor, the lytic repressor and a putative antiterminator. The roles of these products are thought to be similar to those of the lambda proteins CI, Cro and Q, respectively. Moreover, the gene order and the location of several operator sites in the prototype telomere phage N15 and in ɸKO2 are also reminiscent of lambda-like phages. By contrast, in silico analyses revealed the presence of only one operator (O\(_{\rm{R}}\)3) in PY54. The purified PY54 Cro protein was used for EMSA studies demonstrating that it exclusively binds to a 16-bp palindromic site (O\(_{\rm{R}}\)3) upstream of the prophage repressor gene. The O\(_{\rm{R}}\)3 operator sequences of PY54 and ɸKO2/N15 only differ by their peripheral base pairs, which are responsible for Cro specificity. PY54 cI and cro transcription is regulated by highly active promoters initiating the synthesis of a homogenious species of leaderless mRNA. The location of the PY54 Cro binding site and of the identified promoters suggests that the lytic repressor suppresses cI transcription but not its own synthesis. The results indicate an unexpected diversity of the growth regulation mechanisms in lambda-related phages.
Interactions between tetrathiafulvalene units in dimeric structures – the influence of cyclic cores
Authors: Jiang Huixin , Mazzanti Virginia , Parker Christian R , Broman Søren Lindbæk , Wallberg Jens Heide , Lušpai Karol , Brincko Adam , Kjaergaard Henrik G , Kadziola Anders , Rapta Peter , Hammerich Ole , Nielsen Mogens Brøndsted
Published: June 2015

A selection of cyclic and acyclic acetylenic scaffolds bearing two tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) units was prepared by different metal-catalyzed coupling reactions. The bridge separating the two TTF units was systematically changed from linearly conjugated ethyne, butadiyne and tetraethynylethene (trans-substituted) units to a cross-conjugated tetraethynylethene unit, placed in either acyclic or cyclic arrangements. The cyclic structures correspond to so-called radiaannulenes having both endo- and exocyclic double bonds. Interactions between two redox-active TTF units in these molecules were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, UV–vis–NIR and EPR absorption spectroscopical methods of the electrochemically generated oxidized species. The electron-accepting properties of the acetylenic cores were also investigated electrochemically.
The OMERACT First-time Participant (“Newbie”) Program: Initial Assessment and Lessons Learned
Authors: Sloan Victor S. , Grosskleg Shawna , Pohl Christoph , Wells George A. , Singh Jasvinder A.
Published: June 2015

Objective.

To describe the experience of a first-time participant (“newbie”) training program at the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology 12 meeting in 2014.

Methods.

We conducted newbie sessions at OMERACT 12, including a 2-hour introductory session on Day 1, followed by 1-h evening followup sessions on days 1–4 of OMERACT 12. Pre- and postmeeting surveys assessed participants’ level of comfort with the principles of the OMERACT Filters 1.0 (truth, discrimination, feasibility), and Filter 2.0 (the essential tools for OMERACT methodology), the different types of OMERACT sessions, and whether participants felt welcome.

Results.

In all, 25 new attendees participated in the introductory session and 10–16 attended followup sessions. Fewer participants reported being somewhat or extremely uncomfortable with the meeting, comparing Day 1 (preintroductory session) to days 1–4 (post): (1) with different OMERACT sessions: 56% (pre) versus 6%, 0%, 8%, and 6% (post days 1–4, respectively); and (2) with principles of the OMERACT filter, 64% (pre) versus 7%, 0%, 8%, and 0% (post), respectively. Most reported feeling welcome (100%) and that they were able to contribute substantively to breakout sessions (87%) on Day 1 evening; results were sustained on days 2–4.

Conclusion.

First-time participant training sessions increased the comfort level of the participants with the OMERACT meeting structure and filter, and increased the ability of the new attendees to feel they could contribute to the OMERACT process.
Relationship between Serum Magnesium Concentration and Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zeng Chao , Wei Jie , Li Hui , Yang Tuo , Zhang Fang-Jie , Pan Ding , Xiao Yong-Bing , Yang Tu-Bao , Lei Guang-Hua
Published: June 2015

Objective.

To establish whether there is a relationship between serum magnesium (Mg) concentration and radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods.

There were 2855 subjects in this cross-sectional study. Serum Mg concentration was measured using the chemiluminescence method. Radiographic OA of the knee was defined as changes consistent with Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade 2 on at least 1 side. Mg concentration was classified into 1 of 4 quartiles: ≤ 0.87, 0.88–0.91, 0.92–0.96, or ≥ 0.97 mmol/l. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to test the association between serum Mg and radiographic knee OA after adjustment for potentially confounding factors. The OR with 95% CI for the association between radiographic knee OA and serum Mg concentration were calculated for each quartile. The quartile with the lowest value was regarded as the reference category.

Results.

Significant association between serum Mg concentration and radiographic knee OA was observed in the model after adjustment for age, sex, and body mass index, as well as in the multivariable model. The multivariable-adjusted OR (95% CI) for radiographic knee OA in the second, third, and fourth serum Mg concentration quartiles were 0.90 (95% CI 0.71–1.13), 0.92 (95% CI 0.73–1.16), and 0.72 (95% CI 0.57–0.92), respectively, compared with the lowest (first) quartile. A clear trend (p for trend was 0.01) was observed. The relative odds of radiographic knee OA was decreased by 0.72 times in the fourth serum Mg quartile compared with the lowest quartile.

Conclusion.

Serum Mg concentration may have an inverse relationship with radiographic OA of the knee.
Can the Cancer-related Fatigue Case-definition Criteria Be Applied to Chronic Medical Illness? A Comparison between Breast Cancer and Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Kwakkenbos Linda , Minton Ollie , Stone Patrick C. , Alexander Susanna , Baron Murray , Hudson Marie , Thombs Brett D. ,   and the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group
Published: June 2015

Objective.

Fatigue is a crucial determinant of quality of life across rheumatic diseases, but the lack of agreed-upon standards for identifying clinically significant fatigue hinders research and clinical management. Case definition criteria for cancer-related fatigue were proposed for inclusion in the International Classification of Diseases. The objective was to evaluate whether the cancer-related fatigue case definition performed equivalently in women with breast cancer and systemic sclerosis (SSc) and could be used to identify patients with chronic illness-related fatigue.

Methods.

The cancer-related fatigue interview (case definition criteria met if ≥ 5 of 9 fatigue-related symptoms present with functional impairment) was completed by 291 women with SSc and 278 women successfully treated for breast cancer. Differential item functioning was assessed with the multiple indicator multiple cause model.

Results.

Items 3 (concentration) and 10 (short-term memory) were endorsed significantly less often by women with SSc compared with cancer, controlling for responses on other items. Omitting these 2 items from the case definition and requiring 4 out of the 7 remaining symptoms resulted in a similar overall prevalence of cancer-related fatigue in the cancer sample compared with the original criteria (37.4% vs 37.8%, respectively), with 97.5% of patients diagnosed identically with both definitions. Prevalence of chronic illness-related fatigue was 36.1% in SSc using 4 of 7 symptoms.

Conclusion.

The cancer-related fatigue criteria can be used equivalently to identify patients with chronic illness-related fatigue when 2 cognitive fatigue symptoms are omitted. Harmonized definitions and measurement of clinically significant fatigue will advance research and clinical management of fatigue in rheumatic diseases and other conditions.
Evaluation of the Satisfaction with Appearance Scale and Its Short Form in Systemic Sclerosis: Analysis from the UCLA Scleroderma Quality of Life Study
Authors: Mills Sarah D. , Fox Rina S. , Merz Erin L. , Clements Philip J. , Kafaja Suzanne , Malcarne Vanessa L. , Furst Daniel E. , Khanna Dinesh
Published: June 2015

Objective.

Changes in appearance are common in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and can significantly affect well-being. The Satisfaction with Appearance Scale (SWAP) measures body image dissatisfaction in persons with visible disfigurement; the Brief-Satisfaction with Appearance Scale (Brief-SWAP) is its short form. The present study evaluated the reliability and validity of SWAP and Brief-SWAP scores in SSc.

Methods.

A sample of 207 patients with SSc participating in the University of California, Los Angeles Scleroderma Quality of Life Study completed the SWAP. Brief-SWAP scores were derived from the SWAP. The structural validity of both measures was investigated using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency reliability of total and subscale scores was assessed with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. Convergent and divergent validity was evaluated using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index, and the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 questionnaire.

Results.

SWAP and Brief-SWAP total scores were highly correlated (r = 0.97). The 4-factor structure of the SWAP fit well descriptively; the 2-factor structure of the Brief-SWAP fit well descriptively and statistically. Internal consistencies for total and subscale scores were good, and results supported convergent and divergent validity.

Conclusion.

Both versions are suitable for use in patients with SSc. The Brief-SWAP is most efficient; the full SWAP yields additional subscales that may be informative in understanding body image issues in patients with SSc.
Treatment Patterns of Multimorbid Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results from an International Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Radner Helga , Yoshida Kazuki , Hmamouchi Ihsane , Dougados Maxime , Smolen Josef S. , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: June 2015

Objective.

To describe the treatment profile of multimorbid patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in contrast to patients with RA only.

Methods.

COMORA (Comorbidities in Rheumatoid Arthritis) is a cross-sectional, international study assessing morbidities, outcomes, and treatment of patients with RA. Patients were grouped according to their multimorbidity profile assessed by a counted multimorbidity index (cMMI). Treatment for RA was categorized as use of biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARD), in particular tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), synthetic DMARD (sDMARD) use only, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use, and corticosteroid use. Logistic regression models were performed to determine the OR of bDMARD, TNFi, sDMARD, NSAID, or corticosteroid use based on a patient’s cMMI and global region after adjusting for age, disease activity, disease duration, educational level, and previous DMARD therapy.

Results.

Out of 3920 patients, 32.7% received bDMARD; 59.9% sDMARD only, 51.1% used concomitant NSAID, and 54.8% used corticosteroid. Regional differences were observed with the most frequent use of bDMARD in the United States (46.5%) and lowest in North Africa (9%). After adjusting for confounders in logistic regression, the OR for bDMARD use was reduced for each additional morbidity (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.83–0.96). Similar results were found for TNFi (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.99), whereas the OR for use of sDMARD was increased (1.13, 95% CI 1.05–1.22). No significant change of OR was found for NSAID or corticosteroid use.

Conclusion.

In this study, the odds of bDMARD use decreases 11% for each additional chronic morbid condition after adjustment for regional differences, disease activity, and other covariates.
Anakinra in Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Single-center Experience
Authors: Pardeo Manuela , Pires Marafon Denise , Insalaco Antonella , Bracaglia Claudia , Nicolai Rebecca , Messia Virginia , De Benedetti Fabrizio
Published: June 2015

Objective.

To assess anakinra as a therapy for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) in a single-center series.

Methods.

We reviewed 25 patients with sJIA treated with anakinra for at least 6 months. The primary outcome was the number of patients who achieved clinically inactive disease at 6 months, according to preliminary criteria for inactive disease and clinical remission of JIA.

Results.

Among 25 patients evaluated, 14 (56%) met the criteria for inactive disease at 6 months and were classified as responders. For each individual patient, we compared the dose administered with the ideal dose of anakinra and we found that there was no relation with response. We also compared demographic characteristics and clinical and laboratory features at baseline in responders and non-responders: no differences were observed in relation with the number of active joints before starting anakinra or concomitant glucocorticoids treatment. The only variable significantly associated with response was the time from disease onset to receiving anakinra, with earlier treatment being associated with a better outcome.

Conclusion.

Anakinra is associated with rapid attainment of inactive disease in a significant portion of patients. We found that only the earlier treatment is associated with better outcome. However, formal studies on early treatment and on the pathophysiology and response to treatments, including anakinra, of early- and late-onset sJIA are needed to optimize the management of this challenging disease.
Penser et parler. La transformation de la grammaire philosophique de Fichte à Humboldt
Authors: Thouard Denis
Published: June 2015

Les thèses de 1795 indiquent précisément comment Humboldt comprend alors le rôle du langage dans le « travail de l’esprit » accédant à la conscience de soi. Ainsi, les coordonnées d’une réflexion adéquate sur le langage en général sont posées dès ces premières pages humboldtiennes. Sans reprendre le style de la spéculation fichtéenne, Humboldt retient cependant l’idée d’une indispensable réflexion générale sur le langage comme orientation de toute étude spécifique. Il fait porter sa réflexion sur le motif d’une libération par le langage, condition et amplification de la conscience de soi. En explicitant la fonction d’autoposition de la conscience de soi dans le langage, Humboldt place celui-ci au centre de la subjectivité. La fonction du verbe représentant l’acte synthétique de la conscience de soi demeurera le point crucial de son analyse des langues. Par son appropriation de Kant et de Fichte, Humboldt préparait le fondement de son analyse du langage ultérieure dans son aspect universel. Il la complètera par la dimension de la diversité sans jamais renier l’orientation philosophique.
Le questionnaire sur la famille : contribution anthropologique et pastorale
Authors: Defois Gérard
Published: June 2015

Le synode sur la famille convoqué par le Pape François peut achopper sur deux illusions : celle de croire que le langage théologique traditionnel peut redresser la conscience commune du sacrement de mariage, celle de parler comme si notre discours faisait autorité par lui-même dans la culture contemporaine. Comme souvent, la manière dont nous abordons la question conditionne les réponses que nous apportons. Le débat d’aujourd’hui reflète les impacts d’une culture où les valeurs sont réinterprétées de façon « narcissique ». Comme tel le discours magistériel, fondé dans la vérité doctrinale que nous savons, est sommé de faire ses preuves en termes de désir et de bonheur. Ce qui ne peut être que le lieu d’un débat, tant d’éthique que de culture, non pour s’aligner sur les attentes, mais pour s’identifier dans ses transcendances.
Growth performance of common catfish (Ameiurus melas Raf.) fingerlings fed mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) diet
Authors: Roncarati A. , Gasco L. , Parisi G. , Terova G.
Published: June 2015

A pre-fattening trial was performed to evaluate the effect of replacement of fishmeal (FM) with insect meal (IM;Tenebrio molitor) on growth performance and survival rate of common catfish (Ameiurus melas). Fingerlings of A.melas (mean body weight 0.248±0.07 g) were randomly distributed over 4 indoor tanks of 2 m3 at a density of 2,000 fish/tank, and kept at a temperature of 23-25 °C in two separated recirculating aquaculture systems. Fish were divided into two groups (two tanks per group): FM and IM. Fish of the FM group were fed with a control diet (51.6% protein and 18.1% lipid), whereas those of the IM group received a diet (50.8% protein and 22.1% lipid) in which 50% of FM was substituted with IM. Chemical parameters (moisture, crude protein, total lipids, ether extract, and ash) and fatty acid profile of the two feeds is reported. The feeding trial lasted 90 days and fish were weighed at the beginning of the trial and then on monthly basis. Growth performance was good in both groups. However, fish of the IM group reached a final mean body weight (4.2±0.6 g) significantly lower (P<0.01) than that of the FM group (5.13±0.7 g). The survival rate of FM group (79%) was higher than that of IM (70%), too. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that the diet with insect meal was able to sustain growth in catfish fingerlings but fish fed with FM performed better than those fed with IM.
Notes from the ‘Insects in a gastronomic context’ workshop in Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Halloran A. , Flore R. , Mercier C.
Published: June 2015

Amidst the growing interest in edible insects, most insect dishes featured on menus or during public events are still primarily focused on fried, freeze dried or pulverised insects. This can be attributed to a limited understanding and knowledge of the complexity and variation in unique sensory profiles of insects, as well as how they can be processed. In order to bridge this knowledge gap, Le Cordon Bleu Dusit Culinary School hosted a free, public workshop on ‘Insects in a gastronomic context’ in Bangkok, Thailand on 19 February 2015. The event took its point of departure in focusing on the growing body of scientific and practical knowledge of the field. Four unique dishes were created for the event and participants were invited to evaluate them. Event participation included that of chefs, practitioners, entrepreneurs and scientists. This paper recounts the events leading up to the workshop, as well as the sensory evaluation of the dishes. After the presentation, 93% of the participants noted that they would like to eat insects again. All participants found the menu and complementary presentations interesting, and requests for future workshops and knowledge sharing were made.
Adhesión de osteoblastos sobre una superficie de Ti de rugosidad controlada
Authors: Burgos-Asperilla Laura , García-Alonso M. Cristina , Escudero M. Lorenza , Alonso Concepción
Published: June 2015

En este trabajo, se ha estudiado la interacción in situ entre células osteoblásticas Saos-2 y una superficie de Ti de rugosidad controlada a lo largo del tiempo. El estudio de la cinética y los mecanismos de proliferación celular de adhesión se ha realizado a través de la microbalanza de cristal de cuarzo (QCM) y espectroscopía de impedancia electroquímica (EIS). La velocidad de adhesión de los osteoblastos sobre la superficie de Ti obtenida a través de medidas con la QCM, sigue una reacción de primer orden, con k=2×10−3 min−1. Los ensayos de impedancia indican que, en ausencia de las células, la resistencia del Ti disminuye con el tiempo (7 días), debido a la presencia de aminoácidos y proteínas del medio de cultivo que se han adsorbido, mientras que en presencia de células, esta disminución es mucho mayor debido a los productos metabólicos generados por las células que aceleran la disolución del Ti.
La interferencia entre el estatus familiar y las características individuales en el nacimiento del primer hijo tras la emigración a España
Authors: Del Rey Poveda Alberto , Cebrián-Villar Mar , Grande Martín Rafael , Antón Pérez José Ignacio , Fernández-Macías Enrique
Published: June 2015

El objetivo del trabajo es analizar los factores que afectan el nacimiento del primer hijo tras la migración. En particular, nos centramos en las condiciones familiares y en las características sociodemográficas de las mujeres migrantes a la llegada a España. La hipótesis general es que el comportamiento reproductivo después de migrar está íntimamente relacionado con la situación a la llegada. A la vez, consideramos que las diferentes situaciones familiares interactúan con las características individuales generando distintos efectos en la probabilidad de tener el primer hijo. En el análisis se han estimado modelos de supervivencia en tiempo discreto a los datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Inmigrantes de 2007.
Los resultados muestran, en primer lugar, la importancia en la fecundidad del estado civil y el número de hijos previos tras la migración, aunque se observan ciertas interferencias entre la situación familiar y las características personales del migrante.
A Low-cost Wireless Water Quality Auto-monitoring System
Authors: Li Jinfeng , Cao Shun
Published: June 2015

The water quality monitoring plays an important role in water contamination surveillance and guides the water resource protection for safe and clean water. A flexible automated real-time water quality monitoring and alarm system based on the wireless sensor network(WSN) is proposed. The WSN is built in accordance with Zigbee communication protocol, which consists of the sensor nodes, route nodes and coordinator node. The sensor nodes based on cheap and efficient sensors (pH electrode, dissolved oxygen electrode, temperature senor) and wireless transreceiver collect the environmental data and transmit to the coordinator node via the route nodes. The data are sent to the remote monitoring center with the help of GPRS. The time synchronous algorithm is adopted to wake up all the nodes in the network to improve the stability and reliability of the communication. The long-time measurement results verify the real time and accuracy in data acquisition and stability and reliability in communication. The system meets the requirements of water quality monitoring, and has great practical value.
Development and Application of Remote Laboratory for Embedded Systems Design
Authors: Parkhomenko Anzhelika Vladimirovna , Gladkova Olga , Ivanov Eugene , Sokolyanskii Aleksandr , Kurson Sergey
Published: June 2015

This paper devoted to Embedded Systems’ Hardware-Software CoDesign and an overview of approach based on using ready platforms. Comparable analysis of well-known platforms from different vendors is given. Application of remote laboratories of the embedded system rapid prototyping was offered. Remote lab architecture, set of experiments and use case scenario are described. Proposed approach improves the current state of the art in the area of embedded systems design allowing to accelerate stages of hardware-software integration and testing.
Routing Algorithm Based on Communication Quality in Wireless Senor Network
Authors: Song Feng An , Hong Wang , Xiao-yu Ge
Published: June 2015

The graph routing is a kind of routing mechanism proposed in the wireless senor network. At present, there is less research on the graph routing algorithm. In this paper, a routing algorithm of wireless senor network based on Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) and path stability is presented. The hierarchical algorithm based on RSSI of the communication link was adopted and guaranteed the least hop and communication reliability. The paper takes advantage of the hierarchical algorithm based on RSSI to ensure minimum number of hops and communication availability. A communication link quality mechanism based on path stability and RSSI that is used for communication nodes among layers is proposed. The routing among layers is selected based on the communication quality mechanism. The source routing is realized and used to the unicast downstream data transmission in Wireless senor network. The paper realized the source routing based on path stability.
An Experiment Scheduler and Federated Authentication Solution for Remote Laboratory Access
Authors: Wang Ning , Chen Xuemin , Song Gangbing , Parsaei Hamid
Published: June 2015

This paper addresses the needs of authentication and authorization when the target engineering experiment objects are exported from the remote experiment provide server to an end user experiment scheduler web server (SWS). A solution is discussed based on using a novel unified framework for engineering experiment objects and integrating the MD5 encryption and decryption algorithm based security management engine for a federated authentication and authorization uniform resource locator (URL). The established remote engineering laboratory at Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) demonstrates the efficiency of proposed SWS and authentication method.
Safety in Interactive Hybrid Online Labs
Authors: Henke Karsten , Vietzke Tobias , Wuttke Heinz-Dietrich , Ostendorff Steffen
Published: June 2015

Based on the complex grid infrastructure of the Ilmenau Interactive Hybrid Online Lab various possibilities of occurrence of malfunctions as well as mechanisms to avoid them will be discussed. This will be demonstrated by different examples. One implementation challenge is to protect the physical systems in the lab against wrong control algorithms or malicious trying to sabotage or to destroy the system - without defining too many design constraints. Therefore, a high level of safety must be guaranteed for such an autonomous working system. Therefore the first step is the verification of sensor and actuator constellations to guarantee safety in online labs. Based upon this an efficient possibility for a validation of the student’s design will be shown as subsequent step.
Integration of Remote and Virtual Laboratories in the Educational Process
Authors: Wuttke Heinz-Dietrich , Hamann Marcus , Henke Karsten
Published: June 2015

This paper describes a new holistic approach to integrate remote and virtual laboratories in the educational process. Aim of the integration is to test students’ knowledge not only on lower levels as usual multiple choice tests and the like are doing, but also on higher-order thinking skills. Based on these tests the students should get a detailed feedback about their strengths, weaknesses or mis-conceptions. Therefore Learning Analytics methods are applied to a database, storing learning activities of the students during their online work- phase in the educational process. The paper discusses the actual approach as well as the architecture of a prototype implementation.
From Logos to Eros and Back Again
Authors: Lauzon Al
Published: June 2015

This chapter begins by highlighting both the centrality of learner experience and the challenges it presents to adult educators. This provides an overall context for situating the main focus of this chapter—tacit knowledge and its relationship to informal learning. This chapter then provides an articulation of the foundation of tacit knowledge, an unbounded and undisciplined knowledge characterized as a product of Eros rather than Logos, a knowledge that is both participatory and intimate. It is then argued that this form of knowledge requires an emergent way of knowing the world called vision-logic, followed by an exploration of how temporally and spatially bound knowledge is developed out of interacting knowledges. The chapter concludes by examining the relationship between knowledge grounded in Eros with knowledge grounded in Logos, arguing that these two forms of knowledge are complementary.
Informal and Self-Directed Learning in the Age of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
Authors: Lin Lin , Cranton Patricia
Published: June 2015

One of the consequences of the new digital age is the development of opportunities for individuals to learn in a variety of new ways. Among these opportunities are Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) where short, free, non-credit courses are available to anyone who wants to learn. In this chapter, the authors examine the phenomenon of MOOCs in light of informal learning and self-directed leaning conceptual frameworks. They illustrate this phenomenon with the case of Jasta, who took a MOOC course in statistics along with 950 other learners. The authors then go on to discuss the issues, controversies, and problems of MOOCs for informal and self-directed learning. They propose a series of questions that need to be addressed as we come to understand the role of MOOCs in educational systems.
Valuing and Evaluating Informal Learning in Workplace Communities of Practice
Authors: Marsick Victoria J. , Fernández-de-Álava Miren , Watkins Karen E.
Published: June 2015

Informal and incidental learning are pervasive, organic, and managed by learners themselves. Communities of Practice (CoPs) rely on this intrinsically motivated learning for their vibrancy. Yet organizations have increasingly sought to set up, support, and leverage CoPs to meet performance goals. This chapter describes a model of CoPs in Catalan Public Administration and examines research in two departments to portray the tensions that may emerge when informal learning is mandated and credentialed. Specifically, the purpose of the chapter is to examine how CoPs can be designed to support organic learning and how such learning can be evaluated. The authors discuss implications for future research around underlying processes and principles that might address tensions in organization-based CoPs, evaluation of learning transfer in open-ended learning contexts using a theory of change approach, and insight into links between informal learning and dimensions of a learning organization.
Enhancing Self-Reflective Practice and Conscious Service in the Helping Professions
Authors: Bishop Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

This chapter highlights the results and the implications of research that was conducted with a group of mental health practitioners involved in an eight-week educational program designed to help establish and enhance self-reflective practice. The study elicited a number of emerging themes related to the benefits of self-reflective practice in the helping professions. The research project took place within the context of a professional setting; however, emphasis and value was placed upon the informal learning experiences of the participants. While there were a number of findings and recommendations obtained through this research project, the main focus for this chapter centers on the role of informal learning as an element of the research project design and ultimately as an integral component of self-reflective practice. The highlighted results include two elements of the findings related to curriculum design and effective facilitative strategies that might be helpful to adult educators involved in post-secondary education as well as continuing education and professional development activities with an emphasis on maximizing the benefits of informal learning.
The Importance of IL-6 in the Development of LAT-Mediated Autoimmunity
Authors: O’Brien Sarah A. , Zhu Minghua , Zhang Weiguo
Published: June 2015

Linker for activation of T cells (LAT) is a transmembrane adaptor protein that is highly tyrosine phosphorylated upon engagement of the TCR. Phosphorylated LAT binds Grb2, Gads, and phospholipase C (PLC)γ1 to mediate T cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production. T cells from mice harboring a mutation at the PLCγ1 binding site of LAT (Y136F) have impaired calcium flux and Erk activation. Interestingly, these T cells are highly activated, resulting in the development of a lymphoproliferative syndrome in these mice. CD4+ T cells in LATY136F mice are Th2 skewed, producing large amounts of IL-4. In this study, we showed that the LATY136F T cells could also overproduce IL-6 due to activated NF-κB, AKT, and p38 pathways. By crossing LATY136F mice with IL-6–deficient mice, we demonstrated that IL-6 is required for uncontrolled T cell expansion during the early stage of disease development. Reduced CD4+ T cell expansion was not due to a further block in thymocyte development or an increase in the number of regulatory T cells, but was caused by reduction in cell survival. In aged IL-6−/− LATY136F mice, CD4+ T cells began to hyperproliferate and induced splenomegaly; however, isotype switching and autoantibody production were diminished. Our data indicated that the LAT–PLCγ1 interaction is important for controlling IL-6 production by T cells and demonstrated a critical role of IL-6 in the development of this lymphoproliferative syndrome.
Differential Features of AIRE-Induced and AIRE-Independent Promiscuous Gene Expression in Thymic Epithelial Cells
Authors: St-Pierre Charles , Trofimov Assya , Brochu Sylvie , Lemieux Sébastien , Perreault Claude
Published: June 2015

Establishment of self-tolerance in the thymus depends on promiscuous expression of tissue-restricted Ags (TRA) by thymic epithelial cells (TEC). This promiscuous gene expression (pGE) is regulated in part by the autoimmune regulator (AIRE). To evaluate the commonalities and discrepancies between AIRE-dependent and -independent pGE, we analyzed the transcriptome of the three main TEC subsets in wild-type and Aire knockout mice. We found that the impact of AIRE-dependent pGE is not limited to generation of TRA. AIRE decreases, via non–cell autonomous mechanisms, the expression of genes coding for positive regulators of cell proliferation, and it thereby reduces the number of cortical TEC. In mature medullary TEC, AIRE-driven pGE upregulates non-TRA coding genes that enhance cell–cell interactions (e.g., claudins, integrins, and selectins) and are probably of prime relevance to tolerance induction. We also found that AIRE-dependent and -independent TRA present several distinctive features. In particular, relative to AIRE-induced TRA, AIRE-independent TRA are more numerous and show greater splicing complexity. Furthermore, we report that AIRE-dependent versus -independent TRA project nonredundant representations of peripheral tissues in the thymus.
Cutting Edge: Roles for Batf3-Dependent APCs in the Rejection of Minor Histocompatibility Antigen–Mismatched Grafts
Authors: Atif Shaikh M. , Nelsen Michelle K. , Gibbings Sophie L. , Desch A. Nicole , Kedl Ross M. , Gill Ronald G. , Marrack Philippa , Murphy Kenneth M. , Grazia Todd J. , Henson Peter M. , Jakubzick Claudia V.
Published: June 2015

In transplantation, a major obstacle for graft acceptance in MHC-matched individuals is the mismatch of minor histocompatibility Ags. Minor histocompatibility Ags are peptides derived from polymorphic proteins that can be presented by APCs on MHC molecules. The APC subtype uniquely responsible for the rejection of minor Ag–mismatched grafts has not yet been identified. In this study, we examined graft rejection in three mouse models: 1) mismatch of male-specific minor Ags, 2) mismatch of minor Ags distinct from male-specific minor Ags, and 3) skin transplant. This study demonstrates that in the absence of pathogen-associated molecular patterns, Batf3-dependent dendritic cells elicit the rejection of cells and grafts expressing mismatched minor Ags. The implication of our findings in clinical transplantation may be significant, as minor Ag reactivity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple allograft tissues.
A Revenue-Based Approach to Saving Social Security
Authors: Anderson Theresa
Published: June 2015

Social Security is a politically popular, broad-based social program that pays benefits to workers and/or their dependents upon disability, retirement, or death. Currently, Social Security expenditures exceed revenues. Without intervention, Social Security will have to reduce benefits to 77 percent of the scheduled amount in 2033 and by more in later years. This paper proposes a two-pronged revenue-based approach that would rebalance the Social Security trust fund for at least the next 75 years while improving program equity. The first proposed change is to remove the cap on taxable earnings. The second is to introduce a 7.7-percent “retirement security surtax” on investment income that aligns with the Affordable Care Act’s Net Investment Income Tax. While analysts have previously considered the effect of removing the Social Security tax cap, the expansion of the tax base to investment income is a new solution that has not previously appeared in the literature. The combination of these two approaches should produce a stronger, more equitable system that improves retirement security for all covered workers.
One Discount Rate Fits All? The Regressive Effects of DOE’s Energy Efficiency Rule
Authors: Miller Sofie E.
Published: June 2015

This paper examines the Department of Energy’s (DOE) reliance on low discount rates to estimate the benefits of its energy efficiency standards and uses existing literature on implicit consumer discount rates to calculate a range of benefits for DOE’s furnace fan rule. While DOE calculates large net benefits from its energy efficiency rule, using discount rates that better represent average consumer time preferences shows that this standard results in net costs. Furthermore, given the variation in consumer discount rates by income, this standard is effectively a transfer payment from low- and median-income households to high-income households.
Training the industrial and organisational psychologist as counsellor: Are we doing enough?
Authors: Barkhuizen Hanri , Jorgensen Lené I. , Brink Lizelle
Published: June 2015

Orientation: Industrial and organisational (I-O) psychologists are responsible for workplacecounselling. Workplace counselling requires specific skills and training for the I-O psychologist.Research purpose: The main aim of the study was to explore the role of training the I-Opsychologist as workplace counsellor.Motivation for the study: Studies show that the I-O psychologist does not feel adequatelyprepared for their role as workplace counsellor. It is important to explore which skills andtraining are needed to equip the I-O psychologist as counsellor.Research approach, design and method: A qualitative research design with convenience andsnowball sampling was used to identify I-O psychologists (n = 22) from different businesssectors in Gauteng and North-West. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gatherdata and content analysis was utilised to extract themes and sub-themes from the results.Main findings: The findings showed that the participants know about the process of counselling, but they did not feel adequately prepared for their role as workplace counsellors. From the findings, recommendations for the training of future I-O psychologists are made.Practical implications: This study adds to the knowledge about ensuring that the I-Opsychologist is equipped during their training for the workplace to address the counselling needs of employees in the workplace in South Africa.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes towards ensuring that the I-O psychologistis sufficiently prepared for their role as workplace counsellor by making knowledge available regarding the skills required by I-O psychologists to be applied in practice.Keywords: Industrial-organisational (I-O) psychologist; Counsellor; Skills and competencies; Qualitative research; Training
Effects of Radiation Therapy on Breast Epithelial Cells in BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Chiang Huai-Chin , Elledge Richard , Larson Paula , Jatoi Ismail , Li Rong , Hu Yanfen
Published: June 2015

Women carrying BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have significantly elevated risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers. BRCA1-associated breast cancer likely originates from progenitors of the luminal epithelial lineage. Recent studies indicate that radiation therapy (RT) for BRCA1 cancer patients is associated with lower incidence of developing subsequent ipsilateral breast cancer. In the current study, we analyzed tumor-free breast tissue procured via prophylactic bilateral mastectomy from three BRCA1 and one BRCA2 mutation carriers, who had been previously treated with RT for unilateral breast cancers. Freshly isolated breast cells from the irradiated and nonirradiated breast tissue of the same individuals were subjected to flow cytometry, using established cell-surface markers. Two out of the three BRCA1 carriers and one BRCA2 carrier exhibited significantly diminished luminal cell population in the irradiated breast versus the nonirradiated side. There was also RT-associated reduction in the colony-forming ability of the breast epithelial cells. Our finding suggests that prior RT could result in the depletion of the luminal epithelial compartment and thus reduced incidence of BRCA1/2-associated breast cancer.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Probiotic Supplementation in Schizophrenia Patients: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Tomasik Jakub , Yolken Robert H. , Bahn Sabine , Dickerson Faith B.
Published: June 2015

Although peripheral immune system abnormalities have been linked to schizophrenia pathophysiology, standard antipsychotic drugs show limited immunological effects. Thus, more effective treatment approaches are required. Probiotics are microorganisms that modulate the immune response of the host and, therefore, may be beneficial to schizophrenia patients. The aim of this study was to examine the possible immunomodulatory effects of probiotic supplementation in chronic schizophrenia patients. The concentrations of 47 immune–related serum proteins were measured using multiplexed immunoassays in samples collected from patients before and after 14 weeks of adjuvant treatment with probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain GG and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strain Bb12; n = 31) or placebo ( n = 27). Probiotic add–on treatment significantly reduced levels of von Willebrand factor (vWF) and increased levels of monocyte chemotactic protein–1 (MCP–1), brain–derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), RANTES, and macrophage inflammatory protein–1 beta (MIP–1) beta with borderline significance (P ≤ 0.08). In silico pathway analysis revealed that probiotic–induced alterations are related to regulation of immune and intestinal epithelial cells through the IL–17 family of cytokines. We hypothesize that supplementation of probiotics to schizophrenia patients may improve control of gastrointestinal leakage.
Serum Neopterin Levels among Hepatitis C-Positive Living-Donor Renal Transplant Recipients
Authors: Justa Shivali , Minz Ranjana W. , Anand Shashi , Minz Mukut
Published: June 2015

Background

The role of neopterin as a marker of cell-mediated immunity for immunological monitoring after transplantation is of great potential interest. Neopterin levels among hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive recipients of living-donor renal transplantation (LDRT) have not been previously described.

Methods

Twenty-two HCV-positive (group I) and 10 HCV-negative (group II) recipients of LDRT were serially monitored for serum neopterin levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Group I patients were monitored thrice, ie, before transplantation, day 10, and 6 months post transplantation, while group II patients were monitored twice (day 10 and 6 months post transplantation). Peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4+CD25+, CD16+56) and Thl/Th2 cytokines were monitored concomitantly by flow cytometry.

Results

Ten days post transplantation, there was a significant increase in neopterin and neopterin/creatnine levels among group I patients. There was a positive correlation between activated T-lymphocyte (CD4+CD25+) and neopterin early post transplantation (day 10). Th2 cytokines IL-10 and IL-5 showed a positive correlation with neopterin levels on day 10 and 6 months post transplantation, respectively. Neopterin levels did not show association with either HCV viral load or allograft rejection among our study cohort.

Conclusion

Increased monocyte/macrophage activation with elevated serum neopterin was detected among group I patients on day 10 post transplantation, but it could not predict rejection. It appears that IL-10 either from a regulatory or nonregulatory source helps in the maintenance of stable graft early post transplantation. Further, it would be of interest to assess the role of neopterin in chronic allograft nephropathy and long-term graft outcome.
Effect of Habitual Khat Chewing on Glycemic Control, Body Mass Index, and Age at Diagnosis of Diabetes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Yemen
Authors: Al-Sharafi Butheinah A. , Gunaid Abdallah A.
Published: June 2015

Khat chewing is common in Yemen. We conducted this study to see if it affected diabetes control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We studied 1540 patients with type 2 DM attending an endocrinology clinic in Sana'a, Yemen, of which 997 were khat chewers (KC) and 543 were non-khat chewers (NKC). The patients answered a questionnaire regarding khat chewing. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and body mass index (BMI) were measured. KC had a higher mean HbA1c of 9.8 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 9.6–10) than the NKC, with a mean of 9.1 (95% CI 8.9–9.4) (adjusted odds ratios (AOR) 1.74, P < 0.001) after multivariate regression analysis. KC also had a lower mean BMI, 26.9 (95% CI 26.6–27.2), than the NKC, mean BMI 27.6 (95% CI 27.1–28) ( P < 0.01). The mean age at diagnosis of DM among the KC group was 43.3 (10.1) and among the NKC group was 45.9 (11.8) (AOR 1.4 P < 0.008) after multivariate regression analysis. KC patients had a higher mean HbA1c, a lower BMI, and a younger age at diagnosis of type 2 DM when compared with NKC.
Flux-saturated porous media equations and applications
Authors: Calvo Juan , Campos Juan , Caselles Vicent , Sánchez Óscar , Soler Juan
Published: June 2015

The aim of this paper is to review the main recent results about the dynamics of nonlinear partial differential equations describing flux-saturated transport mechanisms, eventually in combination with porous media flow and/or reactions terms. The result is a system characterized by the presence of wave fronts which move defining an interface. This can be used to model different process in applications in a variety of areas as Developmental Biology or Astrophysics. The concept of solution and its properties (well-posedness in a Bounded Variation scenario, Rankine–Hugoniot and geometric conditions for jumps, regularity results, finite speed of propagation, …), qualitative study of these fronts (traveling waves in particular) and application in morphogenesis cover the panorama of this review.
Inverse eigenvalue problem for a simple star graph
Authors: Rundell William , Sacks Paul
Published: June 2015

A Schrödinger operator and associated spectra may be defined for a graph by identifying edges with intervals of

\mathbb R

, on which coefficient functions are defined, imposing appropriate matching conditions at the internal vertices and boundary conditions at the external vertices. Following earlier work of Pivovarchik [14], we consider an inverse eigenvalue problem for a graph consisting of three equal length edges meeting at a single point, where the spectral data is the Dirichlet eigenvalues of the graph together with the Dirichlet spectra of the three individual edges. We derive, discuss and demonstrate a constructive solution method, obtain an alternative uniqueness proof, and discuss several kinds of generalizations.