bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial Validation of a Brief Pictorial Measure of Caregiver Aggression
Authors: Cecil Charlotte A. M. , McCrory Eamon J. , Viding Essi , Holden George W. , Barker Edward D.
Published: June 2015

In the present study, we report on the development and initial psychometric properties of the Family Aggression Screening Tool (FAST). The FAST is a brief, self-report tool that makes use of pictorial representations to assess experiences of caregiver aggression, including direct victimization and exposure to intimate partner violence. It is freely available on request and takes under 5 minutes to complete. Psychometric properties of the FAST were investigated in a sample of 168 high-risk youth aged 16 to 24 years. For validation purposes, maltreatment history was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire; levels of current psychiatric symptoms were also assessed. Internal consistency of the FAST was good. Convergent validity was supported by strong and discriminative associations with corresponding Childhood Trauma Questionnaire subscales. The FAST also correlated significantly with multi-informant reports of psychiatric symptomatology. Initial findings provide support for the reliability and validity of the FAST as a brief, pictorial screening tool of caregiver aggression.
Examining the Role of Antisocial Personality Disorder in Intimate Partner Violence Among Substance Use Disorder Treatment Seekers With Clinically Significant Trauma Histories
Authors: Dykstra Rita E. , Schumacher Julie A. , Mota Natalie , Coffey Scott F.
Published: June 2015

This study examined the associations among posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) diagnosis, and intimate partner violence (IPV) in a sample of 145 substance abuse treatment-seeking men and women with positive trauma histories; sex was examined as a moderator. ASPD diagnosis significantly predicted both verbal and physical aggression; sex moderated the association between ASPD diagnosis and physical violence. PTSD symptom severity significantly predicted engaging in verbal, but not physical, aggression. Overall, these results suggest that an ASPD diagnosis may be an important risk factor for engaging in IPV among women seeking treatment for a substance use disorder.
Conflict, Displacement, and IPV
Authors: Wako Etobssie , Elliott Leah , De Jesus Stacy , Zotti Marianne E. , Swahn Monica H. , Beltrami John
Published: June 2015

This study describes the prevalence and correlates of past-year intimate partner violence (IPV) among displaced women. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to assess the relationships between IPV and select variables of interest. Multivariate logistic regression modeling revealed that women who had experienced outsider violence were 11 times as likely (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 11.21; confidence interval, CI [5.25, 23.96]) to have reported IPV than women who had not experienced outsider violence. IPV in conflict-affected settings is a major public health concern that requires effective interventions; our results suggest that women who had experienced outsider violence are at greater risk of IPV.
The Relationship Between School-Wide Implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports and Student Discipline Outcomes
Authors: Childs Karen Elfner , Kincaid Don , George Heather Peshak , Gage Nicholas A.
Published: June 2015

School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) is a systems approach to supporting the social and emotional needs of all children utilized by more than 21,000 schools across the nation. Data from numerous studies and state projects’ evaluation reports point to the impact of SWPBIS on student outcomes (office discipline referrals [ODRs], in-school suspensions [ISSs], out-of-school suspensions [OSSs]) and the possible relationship between implementation fidelity and those student outcomes. With data from 1,122 Florida schools, this study used a longitudinal design to examine the associations between the total score and 10 subscale scores on the Benchmarks of Quality (BoQ), a validated SWPBIS implementation fidelity measure, and school-level behavioral outcomes: ODRs, ISSs, and OSSs. Results of these analyses found a decreasing trend across all three behavioral outcomes, and schools having higher BoQ total scores realized lower ODRs and had corresponding fewer ISSs and OSSs. Of the 10 subscales, the Classroom was negatively and significantly associated with ODRs and OSSs, whereas the BoQ Data Entry Plan was positively and significantly associated with ODRs at initial status and across time after controlling for school-level characteristics (e.g., size, number of years of implementation). The implications of the findings for SWPBIS assessment and intervention in the classroom are discussed.
Cerebrospinal fluid amounts of HLA-G in dimeric form are strongly associated to patients with MRI inactive multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fainardi Enrico , Bortolotti Daria , Bolzani Silvia , Castellazzi Massimiliano , Tamborino Carmine , Roversi Gloria , Baldi Eleonora , Caniatti Maria Luisa , Casetta Ilaria , Gentili Valentina , Granieri Enrico , Rizzo Roberta ,   the ERMES study group, Granieri E , Castellazzi M , Casetta I , Tola MR , Fainardi E , Dallocchio F , Bellini T , Rizzo R , Rotola A , Di Luca D , Seraceni S , Contini C , Sabbioni S , Negrini M , Tognon M , Antonelli T , Groppo E , Gentile M , Baldi E , Caniatti ML , Ceruti S , Manfrinato MR , Trentini A , Bortolotti D , Miotto E , Ferracin M , Mazzoni E , Pietrobon S , Masini I , Rotondo JC , Martini F , Baruzzi A , Roberto D’Alessandro R , Michelucci R , Salvi F , Stecchi S , Scandellari C , Terzano G , Granella F , Nichelli P , Sola P , Ferraro D , Vitetta F , Simone AM , Bedin R , Marcello N , Motti L , Montepietra S , Guidetti D , Immovilli P , Montanari E , Pesci I , Guareschi A , Greco G , Santangelo M , Mauro AM , Malagù S , Rasi F , Spadoni M , Galeotti M , Fiorani L , Neri W , Ravasio A , Pasquinelli M , Gutman S , Monaldini C
Published: June 2015

Background:

The relevance of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G in dimeric form in multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unknown.

Objective:

To investigate the contribution of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) HLA-G dimers in MS pathogenesis.

Methods:

CSF amounts of 78-kDa HLA-G dimers were measured by western blot analysis in 80 MS relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS) patients and in 81 inflammatory and 70 non-inflammatory controls.

Results:

CSF amounts of 78kDa HLA-G dimers were more frequent in RRMS than in inflammatory ( p<0.01) and non-inflammatory controls ( p<0.001) and in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) inactive than in MRI active RRMS ( p<0.00001).

Conclusion:

Our findings suggest that HLA-G dimers may be implicated in termination of inflammatory response occurring in MS.
A comparison study of cognitive deficits in radiologically and clinically isolated syndromes
Authors: Labiano-Fontcuberta Andrés , Martínez-Ginés Mª Luisa , Aladro Yolanda , Ayuso Lucía , Mitchell Alex J , Puertas-Martín Verónica , Cerezo Marta , Higueras Yolanda , Benito-León Julián
Published: June 2015

Up until now, no information has existed regarding a comparison of the pattern and frequency of cognitive deficits between radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS) and clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients. Within this objective, Rao’s Brief Repeatable Battery and Stroop test were administered to 28 RIS patients, 25 CIS patients, and 22 healthy controls.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of cognitive deficits in RIS was similar to that of CIS. Cognitive deficits seem to be present in RIS patients regardless of the presence of risk factors for a future symptomatic demyelinating event.
Student teachers’ understanding and application of assessment for learning during a physical education teacher education course
Authors: Lorente-Catalán Eloisa , Kirk David
Published: June 2015

There is widespread consensus on the need for assessment for learning (AfL) in both university courses and school programmes. Given the prevalence of traditional practices in school physical education where assessment is basic or non-existent, we might ask whether AfL is present in physical education teacher education (PETE) courses. Where it is, we may wonder whether the student teachers’ concept of AfL is consistent with the concept advocated for and developed in the literature and in policy. This paper draws on a qualitative study that was conducted on a core unit within a PETE course delivered by a university in England. Despite the fact that the students lacked a voice in framing their understanding and uses of AfL, we found that most students appeared to have grasped the concept, not just as a theoretical framework but also in terms of applying different strategies during their practice in schools. They reported that they found this knowledge relevant and useful, they recognised the need to learn more about it, and they also had the intention to incorporate this knowledge into their future professional practice. Given these findings, we conclude this paper with a brief discussion of why traditional approaches to assessment in school physical education appear to persist.
The decline of medical confidentiality medical information management: The illusion of patient choice
Authors: Whiteman Ingrid Ann
Published: June 2015

It is reasonable to consider and trust that information taken from us about our medical health and history will be protected by rules on confidentiality and consent. Apart from very rare cases, perhaps of major public interest or for public health reasons, this information will not be shared with others without our consent. However, both a number of reforms in National Health Service patient data management policy (now enshrined in legislation) and developments in the general law on privacy challenge this traditional view of our control and choice over our medical information, as this article will show. In doing so, it analyses the question as to whether in spite of the rhetoric do any of us now really have choice over the access to and use of our medical data? In reality, our choices are limited and in any relationship of trust and shared decision making this ought to be transparent.
Bisphenol A Interaction With Brain Development and Functions
Authors: Negri-Cesi P.
Published: June 2015

Brain development is an organized, but constantly adaptive, process in which genetic and epigenetic signals allow neurons to differentiate, to migrate, and to develop correct connections. Gender specific prenatal sex hormone milieu participates in the dimorphic development of many neuronal networks. Environmental cues may interfere with these developmental programs, producing adverse outcomes. Bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogenic/antiandrogenic endocrine disruptor widely diffused in the environment, produces adverse effects at levels below the acceptable daily intake. This review analyzes the recent literature on the consequences of perinatal exposure to BPA environmental doses on the development of a dimorphic brain. The BPA interference with the development and function of the neuroendocrine hypothalamus and of the nuclei controlling energy balance, and with the hippocampal memory processing is also discussed. The detrimental action of BPA appears complex, involving different hormonal and epigenetic pathways activated, often in a dimorphic way, within clearcut susceptibility windows. To date, discrepancies in experimental approaches and in related outcomes make unfeasible to translate the available information into clear dose–response models for human risk assessment. Evaluation of BPA brain levels in relation to the appearance of adverse effects in future basic studies will certainly give better definition of the warning threshold for human health.
The changing landscape of hepatitis C virus therapy: focus on interferon-free treatment
Authors: Lam Brian P. , Jeffers Thomas , Younoszai Zahra , Fazel Yousef , Younossi Zobair M.
Published: June 2015

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) affects over 185 million individuals worldwide, approximately 3% of the world’s population. CHC can lead to quality of life impairment, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver failure and liver-related death. While CHC has been associated with increases in HCC, liver-related mortality and all-cause mortality, being cured of CHC is associated with improvement in these outcomes. Older interferon-based regimens were complex and toxic and required 6–12 months of therapy, with cure rates averaging around 40–45% for HCV genotype 1. Newer interferon-free regimens are now available in the US, Europe, Japan and in other countries. These regimens have short durations, minimal side effects, low pill burden and efficacy approaching 90–100%. We may eventually see single-tablet regimens lasting no more than 4–6 weeks. This review will summarize the data regarding these interferon-free regimens, including Gilead’s Harvoni (sofosbuvir/ledipasvir), AbbVie’s Viekira Pak (paritaprevir/ritonavir/ombitasvir with dasabuvir), and Janssen’s Olysio (simeprevir) with sofosbuvir. Some practical considerations as we move into an interferon-free era will also be discussed, such as patient adherence and drug–drug interactions.
Knowing If You Are Trusted
Authors: Brion Sebastien , Lount Robert B. , Doyle Sarah P.
Published: June 2015

In this study, we examine how accurately assessing how much one is trusted by others (i.e., meta-accuracy) affects trust development. We disentangle meta-accuracy, overestimation, and underestimation and investigate to what extent accurate, overly positive, or overly negative perceptions of trust contribute to trust development. Using longitudinal data of teams and two distinct analytical approaches to model accuracy, we find that meta-accuracy contributes to increases in downstream trust. We discuss the findings implications for trust development and detail some important avenues for future work.
Medical treatment update on pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Enderby Cher Y. , Burger Charles
Published: June 2015

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a chronic, progressive disease of the pulmonary vasculature resulting in poor outcomes if left untreated. The management of group 1 pulmonary arterial hypertension has included the use of prostanoids, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, and endothelin receptor antagonists targeting the prostacyclin, endothelin-1, and nitric oxide pathways. Three new medications have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration over the past couple of years. Macitentan is the newest endothelin receptor antagonist, riociguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator, and treprostinil diolamine is the first oral prostanoid. This review will focus on the key trials leading to their approval, special considerations for each medication, and their potential place in therapy. The use of combination therapy as initial therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension will also be discussed.
Beyond robotic wastelands of time: Abandoned pedagogical agents and new pedalled pedagogies
Authors: Savin-Baden Maggi , Tombs Gemma , Bhakta Roy
Published: June 2015

Chatbots, known as pedagogical agents in educational settings, have a long history of use, beginning with Alan Turing's work. Since then online chatbots have become embedded into the fabric of technology. Yet understandings of these technologies are inchoate and often untheorised. Integration of chatbots into educational settings over the past five years suggests an increase in interest in the ways in which chatbots might be adopted and adapted for teaching and learning. This article draws on historical literature and theories that to date have largely been ignored in order to (re)contextualise two studies that used responsive evaluation to examine the use of pedagogical agents in education. Findings suggest that emotional interactions with pedagogical agents are intrinsic to a user's sense of trust, and that truthfulness, personalisation and emotional engagement are vital when using pedagogical agents to enhance online learning. Such findings need to be considered in the light of ways in which notions of learning are being redefined in the academy and the extent to which new literacies and new technologies are being pedalled as pedagogies in ways that undermine what higher education is, is for, and what learning means.
Effects of current on nanoparticle reinforced magnesium alloy welding joints
Authors: Xie X. , Shen J. , Gong F. , Li Y.
Published: June 2015

Effects of welding current on macromorphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties of nano-SiC particles strengthening activating flux tungsten inert gas welded AZ31 magnesium alloy joints were investigated by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer observations and microhardness and tensile tests. The results showed that SiC particles mainly dwelled in the centre and bottom zone of welding pool. Moreover, with the welding current increasing, the mechanical properties of the welding joints were improved by the increased SiC particles in welding pool, the depth/width ratios of weld pool and the refined α-Mg grain size. However, the α-Mg grains coarsened and the mechanical properties of joints decreased due to excessive heat input in welding process when welding current over 115 A.
Enhanced uplink scheduling algorithm for efficient resource management in IEEE 802.16
Authors: Oad Aneel , Subramaniam Shamala K , Zukarnain Zuriati Ahmad
Published: June 2015

Worldwide interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is based on the IEEE 802.16 standard. This technology provides broadband wireless last-mile access in a Metropolitan Area Network (MAN). The IEEE 802.16-2004 standard (i.e. Fixed WiMAX) provides specification for the Medium Access Control (MAC) and Physical (PHY) layers for WiMAX. A critical part of the MAC layer specification is scheduling, which resolves contention for bandwidth and determines the transmission order of users. The algorithms are researched under different mixes of traffic and for various characteristics of the IEEE 802.16 MAC layer. In this research the focus is on the WiMAX uplink traffic scheduling. A scheduling algorithm’s task in a multi-class network is also to categorize the users into one of the pre-defined classes. In this research, the algorithms are tailored at enhancing the collective performance of hybrid algorithms in the WiMAX domains which complement the assigned priorities. The spectrum of constraints which have been extracted from the hybrid Earliest Deadline First(EDF) + Weighted Fair Queuing (WFQ) + First in First out (FIFO) EDF+WFQ+FIFO algorithm include the static nature by which priorities are assigned and maintained during the entire duration of a transmission time and the core attributes of absolute dependence on deadline. The second constraint is embedded within the EDF scheduling algorithm and the perseverance of pursuing deadline associated weightages. In this research, the reengineering of the scheduling mechanics governing the EDF algorithms has been pursued. The dominance of the pre-stipulated deadline of the EDF algorithm is indeed acknowledged in the proposed and developed enhanced algorithm. The simulation results indicate that the legacy algorithms are not suitable for the multi-class traffic systems of WiMAX. This is because these algorithms do not explicitly incorporate the WiMAX QoS parameters into their mechanisms and are highly static. Extensive discrete – event simulation experiments have been done for the purpose of performance analysis. The performance metrics used are average throughput, average delay, missed deadline ratio and average queue size utilization ratio. The acquired results have proven that the proposed algorithms have successfully enhanced the static constrained algorithm.
The threshold of a stochastic SIQS epidemic model
Authors: Pang Yanni , Han Yuecai , Li Wenjin
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we discuss the dynamics of a stochastic SIQS epidemic model. When the noise is large, the infective decays exponentially to zero regardless of the magnitude of

R
0

. When the noise is small, sufficient conditions for extinction exponentially and persistence in the mean are established. The results are illustrated by computer simulations.

MSC:34F05, 37H10, 60H10, 92D25, 92D30.
Positive solution of singular fractional differential system with nonlocal boundary conditions
Authors: Wu Jing , Zhang Xinguang , Liu Lishan , Wu Yonghong
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we consider the existence of positive solutions for a singular fractional differential system involving a nonlocal boundary condition which is given by a linear functional on

C
[
0
,
1
]

with a signed measure. By looking for the upper and lower solutions of the system, the sufficient condition of the existence of positive solutions is established; some further cases are discussed. This is proved in the case of strong singularity and with a signed measure.

MSC:34B15, 34B25.
Grain iron and zinc density in pearl millet: combining ability, heterosis and association with grain yield and grain size
Authors: Kanatti Anand , Rai Kedar N , Radhika Kommineni , Govindaraj Mahalingam , Sahrawat Kanwar L , Rao Aluri S
Published: June 2015

Genetics of micronutrients and their relationships with grain yield and other traits have a direct bearing on devising effective strategies for breeding biofortified crop cultivars. A line × tester study of 196 hybrids and their 28 parental lines of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) showed large genetic variability for Fe and Zn densities with predominantly additive gene action and no better-parent heterosis. Hybrids with high levels of Fe and Zn densities, involved both parental lines having significant positive general combining ability (GCA), and there were highly significant and high positive correlations between performance per se of parental lines and their GCAs. There was highly significant and high positive correlation between the Fe and Zn densities, both for performance per se and GCA. Fe and Zn densities had highly significant and negative, albeit weak, correlations with grain yield and highly significant and moderate positive correlation with grain weight in hybrids. These correlations, however, were non-significant in the parental lines. Thus, to breed hybrids with high Fe and Zn densities would require incorporating these micronutrients in both parental lines. Also, simultaneous selection for Fe and Zn densities based on performance per se would be highly effective in selecting for GCA. Breeding for high Fe and Zn densities with large grain size will be highly effective. However, combining high levels of these micronutrients with high grain yield would require growing larger breeding populations and progenies than breeding for grain yield alone, to make effective selection for desirable recombinants.
Wnt5a regulates dental follicle stem/progenitor cells of the periodontium
Authors: Xiang Lusai , Chen Mo , He Ling , Cai Bin , Du Yu , Zhang Xinchun , Zhou Chen , Wang Chenglin , Mao Jeremy J , Ling Junqi
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Dental follicle gives rise to one or several tissues of the periodontium including the periodontal ligament, cementum and/or alveolar bone. Whether Wnt5a is expressed in the postnatal periodontium or regulates dental follicle stem/progenitor cells is unknown.

Methods

Dental follicle stem/progenitor cells were isolated from postnatal day 1 (p1) to p11 from rat mandibular first molars. Immunolocalization mapped Wnt5a expression in the alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and the developing ameloblast and odontoblast layers. Mononucleated and adherent cells were isolated from p7 dental follicle. Wnt5a was overexpressed in dental follicle stem/progenitor cells to study their proliferation, osteogenic differentiation and migration behavior, with subpopulations of native dental follicle stem/progenitor cells as controls, using real-time PCR (Taqman), Lenti-viral transfection, Western blotting and immunofluorescence.

Results

Wnt5a was expressed consistently in p1 to p11 rat peridontium. Native, p7 dental follicle stem/progenitor cells had modest ability to mineralize in the tested 14 days. Even in chemically defined osteogenesis medium, dental follicle stem/progenitor cells only showed modest mineralization. Upon addition of 300 ng/mL Wnt5a protein in osteogenesis medium, dental follicle stem/progenitor cells displayed mineralization that was still unremarkable. Chemically induced or Wnt5a-induced mineralization of dental follicle cells only occurred sparsely. Combination of Wnt5a with 100 ng/mL BMP2 finally prompted dental follicle stem/progenitor cells to produce robust mineralization with elevated expression of Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, collagen 1α1 and osteocalcin. Thus, native dental follicle stem/progenitor cells or some of their fractions may be somewhat modest in mineralization. Strikingly, Wnt5a protein significantly augmented RANKL ligand, suggesting putative regulatory roles of dental follicle stem/progenitor cells for the monocyte/osteoclast lineage and potential involvement in alveolar bone remodeling and/or resorption. P-Jnk1/2 was activated in Wnt5a overexpressed dental follicle cells; conversely, exposure to SP600125, a c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor attenuated Runx2, collagen 1α1 and osteocalcin expression either in the presence or absence of Wnt5a. Wnt5a overexpression in dental follicle stem/progenitor cells significantly reduced their proliferation rates, but robustly augmented their migration capacity.

Conclusions

These findings provide a glimpse of Wnt5a’s putative roles in dental follicle stem/progenitor cells and the periodontium with implications in periodontal disease, tooth eruption, dental implant bone healing and orthodontic tooth movement.
Mesenchymal stem cell-mediated suppression of hypertrophic scarring is p53 dependent in a rabbit ear model
Authors: Liu Yi-Lun , Liu Wei-Hua , Sun Jin , Hou Tuan-Jie , Liu Yue-Ming , Liu Hai-Rong , Luo Yong-Hui , Zhao Ning-Ning , Tang Ying , Deng Feng-Mei
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered to play important roles in wound repair and tissue remodeling. Hypertrophic scar (HTS) is a cutaneous condition characterized by deposits of excessive amount of collagen after an acute skin injury. However, currently there is little knowledge about the direct relationship between MSCs and HTS.

Methods

The hypertrophic scar model was established on rabbit ears. MSCs were isolated from rabbit femur bone marrow and transplanted through ear artery injection. Hypertrophic scar formation was examined using frozen-section analysis, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, Masson’s trichrome staining, and scar elevation index. The role of p53 in the MSCs-mediated anti-scarring effect was examined by gene knockdown using p53 shRNA.

Results

In this study, MSCs engraftment through ear artery injection significantly inhibited the hypertrophic scarring in a rabbit ear hypertrophic scar model, while this anti-scarring function could be abrogated by p53 gene knockdown in MSCs. Additionally, we found that MSCs down-regulated the expression of TGF-β receptor I (TβRI) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) at both mRNA and protein levels in a paracrine manner, and this down-regulation was rescued by p53 gene knockdown. Moreover, our results showed that MSCs with p53 gene knockdown promoted the proliferation of fibroblasts through increasing nitric oxide (NO) production.

Conclusions

These results suggest that MSCs inhibit the formation of HTS in a p53 dependent manner through at least two mechanisms: inhibition of the transformation of HTS fibroblast to myofibroblast; and inhibition of the proliferation of fibroblasts through inhibition of NO production.
Synergistic effect of angiotensin II on vascular endothelial growth factor-A-mediated differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells into endothelial cells
Authors: Ikhapoh Izuagie Attairu , Pelham Christopher J , Agrawal Devendra K
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Increased levels of angiotensin II (Ang II) and activity of Ang II receptor type 1 (AT1R) elicit detrimental effects in cardiovascular disease. However, the role of Ang II receptor type 2 (AT2R) remains poorly defined. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) replenish and repair endothelial cells in the cardiovascular system. Herein, we investigated a novel role of angiotensin signaling in enhancing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A-mediated differentiation of MSCs into endothelial cells (ECs).

Methods

Bone marrow was aspirated from the femurs of Yucatan microswine. MSCs were extracted via ficoll density centrifugation technique and were strongly immunopositive for MSC markers, CD44, CD90, and CD105, but negative for hematopoietic markers, CD14 and CD45. Subsequently, naïve MSCs were differentiated for 10 days in varying concentrations and combinations of VEGF-A, Ang II, and AT1R or AT2R antagonists. Markers specific to ECs were determined by FACS analysis.

Results

AT1R and AT2R expression and cellular localization was demonstrated in MSCs stimulated with VEGF-A and Ang II via quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence, respectively. Differentiation of naïve MSCs in media containing Ang II (2 ng/ml) plus low-dose VEGF-A (2 ng/ml) produced a significantly higher percentage of cells that were positive for expression of EC markers (for example, platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule, vascular endothelial Cadherin and von Willebrand factor) compared to VEGF-A alone. Ang II alone failed to induce EC marker expression. MSCs differentiated with the combination of Ang II and VEGF-A were capable of forming capillary tubes using an in vitro angiogenesis assay. Induction of EC marker expression was greatly attenuated by co-treatment of Ang II/VEGF-A with the AT2R antagonist PD123319, but not the AT1R antagonist telmisartan.

Conclusions

We report the presence of functional AT2R receptor on porcine bone marrow-derived MSCs, where it positively regulates EC differentiation. These findings have significant implications toward therapeutic approaches based on activation of AT2R, which could be a means to stimulate regeneration of damaged endothelium and prevent vascular thrombosis.
Rank exploration of selected European shale plays
Authors: Toelle Brian , Maache Nacera
Published: June 2015

We have performed an exploration-oriented investigation in nine European countries to identify and rank prospective shale gas plays within their borders. This study, conducted as a rank exploration or “pathfinding” effort because the industry’s activity for these types of reservoirs is in its early stages in Europe, was performed in two phases. The first was a high-level, rapid review of data from public sources for nine countries: Sweden, France, Poland, Denmark, Turkey, Germany, Spain, Romania, and Hungary. The objective of this first phase, preliminary filtering, was to review as many potential shale gas plays within these nine countries as possible and identify the top three countries containing the most prospective shale reservoirs. During the study’s second phase, referred to as the “deep dive,” a deeper investigation into details into the most prospective shale plays identified during the first phase was conducted. More than 400 published documents were reviewed to extract geologic information for these nine countries. This literature review identified 65 shale formations within 56 basins and 22 subbasins. Geologic, geochemical, and geomechanical data for these potential shale plays are also collected and analyzed during this preliminary filtering first phase. These data are used for ranking the shale plays identified, and cutoffs are established to determine “go” and “no-go” plays. Within selected basins, 1D thermal maturity modeling was performed and combined with published maturity data. The 11 shale plays are found to be within all of the selection criteria cutoffs established for this study. These 11 shale plays are investigated in more detail during the second phase of the study, the deep dive. This study’s exploration methodology, which proved valuable for rapidly screening potential exploration targets at a high level, is the main focus of this paper.
Gambling problems in bipolar disorder in the UK: Prevalence and
distribution
Authors: Jones Lisa , Metcalf Alice , Gordon-Smith Katherine , Forty Liz , Perry Amy , Lloyd Joanne , Geddes John R. , Goodwin Guy M. , Jones Ian , Craddock Nick , Rogers Robert D.
Published: June 2015

Background

North American studies show bipolar disorder is associated with elevated
rates of problem gambling; however, little is known about rates in the
different presentations of bipolar illness.

Aims

To determine the prevalence and distribution of problem gambling in
people with bipolar disorder in the UK.

Method

The Problem Gambling Severity Index was used to measure gambling problems
in 635 participants with bipolar disorder.

Results

Moderate to severe gambling problems were four times higher in people
with bipolar disorder than in the general population, and were associated
with type 2 disorder (OR = 1.74, P = 0.036), history of
suicidal ideation or attempt (OR = 3.44, P = 0.02) and
rapid cycling (OR = 2.63, P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Approximately 1 in 10 patients with bipolar disorder may be at moderate
to severe risk of problem gambling, possibly associated with suicidal
behaviour and a rapid cycling course. Elevated rates of gambling problems
in type 2 disorder highlight the probable significance of modest but
unstable mood disturbance in the development and maintenance of such
problems.
Walmart: um projeto para a base da pirâmide no Brasil
Authors: Miotto Ana Paula , Barki Edgard
Published: June 2015

O Instituto Walmart Brasil decide se continuará apoiando projetos de desenvolvimento local. Qual deve ser a sinergia entre o negócio da empresa e suas práticas de responsabilidade social?
Atendimento pelo SUS: realidades de um hospital filantrópico
Authors: Bernardes Jaime Gil , Alba George
Published: June 2015

Deixar de ser uma entidade filantrópica é uma decisão difícil para um hospital que sempre atendeu uma população carente e necessitada de serviços gratuitos. Mas pode ser a única forma de sobreviver.
Drosophila's contribution to stem cell research
Authors: Singh Gyanesh
Published: June 2015

The discovery ofDrosophilastem cells with striking similarities to mammalian stem cells has brought new hope for stem cell research. A recent development inDrosophilastem cell research is bringing wider opportunities for contemporary stem cell biologists. In this regard,Drosophilagerm cells are becoming a popular model of stem cell research. In several cases, genes that controlledDrosophilastem cells were later discovered to have functional homologs in mammalian stem cells. Like mammals,Drosophilagermline stem cells (GSCs) are controlled by both intrinsic as well as external signals. Inside theDrosophilatestes, germline and somatic stem cells form a cluster of cells (the hub). Hub cells depend on JAK-STAT signaling, and, in absence of this signal, they do not self-renew. InDrosophila, significant changes occur within the stem cell niche that contributes to a decline in stem cell number over time. In case of agingDrosophila, somatic niche cells show reduced DE-cadherin and unpaired (Upd) proteins. Unpaired proteins are known to directly decrease stem cell number within the niches, and, overexpression ofupdwithin niche cells restored GSCs in older males also . Stem cells in the midgut ofDrosophilaare also very promising. Reduced Notch signaling was found to increase the number of midgut progenitor cells. On the other hand, activation of the Notch pathway decreased proliferation of these cells. Further research in this area should lead to the discovery of additional factors that regulate stem and progenitor cells inDrosophila.
O MÉTODO HISTÓRIA DE VIDA: DESVENDANDO A SUBJETIVIDADE DO INDIVÍDUO NO ESTUDO DAS ORGANIZAÇÕES
Authors: Maccali Nicole , Minghini Luciano , Walger Carolina de Souza , Roglio Karina de Déa
Published: June 2015

As agendas de pesquisa em processo decisório sugerem investigações com foco nos aspectos subjetivos da tomada de decisão, como os valores e a experiência de vida do gestor. Sugerem, também, a adoção de novos métodos para explorar esse fenômeno, considerando que os métodos mais utilizados apresentam limitações no entendimento das subjetividades do indivíduo. Com base nessas agendas, no presente artigo, propõe-se a utilização do método história de vida como possibilidade metodológica para a investigação das influências dos
aspectos subjetivos no processo de decisão. Como forma de evidenciar as possibilidades do método, apresentase um caso ilustrativo. Neste sentido, a principal contribuição deste artigo é evidenciar a possibilidade de utilização do método história de vida no estudo dos aspectos subjetivos do processo de tomada de decisão do indivíduo.
INCUBADORA TECNOLÓGICA DE CAXIAS DO SUL: INOVAÇÃO TECNOLÓGICA SOB A PERSPECTIVA DA HÉLICE TRÍPLICE
Authors: Tisott Priscila Bresolin , Nespolo Daniele , Dias Deise Taiana de Ávila , Olea Pelayo Munhoz , Milan Gabriel Sperandio
Published: June 2015

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar como o conceito da Hélice Tríplice está aplicado nas atividades da Sociedade Incubadora Tecnológica de Caxias do Sul. Para atingir este objetivo, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas em profundidade com a ITEC, a Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Câmara da Indústria, Comércio e Serviços de Caxias do Sul, Prefeitura de Caxias do Sul e Comlink Equipamentos Eletrônicos, uma das empresas que obteve êxito na incubação.
A análise do conteúdo dos resultados mostrou que a atuação dos agentes se dá, principalmente, por meio de recursos financeiros. Já os principais benefícios obtidos pela Universidade com base nessa relação são o retorno do investimento realizado sob a forma de patentes formalizadas, conquista de novos alunos e reconhecimento como uma Universidade tecnológica, mpreendedora e inovadora. Os benefícios percebidos pelo setor industrial são a capacitação das empresas e empreendedores, enquanto o Poder Público Municipal percebe como benefícios a redução na mortalidade das empresas e a geração de retorno financeiro sob a forma de impostos. As conclusões mostram que o conceito da Hélice Tríplice, desenvolvido por Etzkowitz (2009), constitui uma forma de atuação cooperativa e participativa na Incubadora Tecnológica, ainda que mais segmentos da sociedade pudessem ser atendidos.
ENSINO ORIENTADO PELO RESPEITO ÀS INTELIGÊNCIAS MÚLTIPLAS: AS CONTRIBUIÇÕES DE HOWARD GARDNER PARA O EXERCÍCIO DA DOCÊNCIA
Authors: Pavan Kelly Roman
Published: June 2015

A obra de Howard Gardner intitulada Inteligências múltiplas – A teoria na prática foi publicada no Brasil há quase vinte anos. Embora não se trate de obra recente, vale a pena revisitá-la com um olhar crítico e destacar suas importantes contribuições para o exercício da docência.
Cabazitaxel and Prednisone Regimen for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Waddell J. Aubrey , Solimando Dominic A.
Published: June 2015

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Simvastatin: Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Gada Dennis J.
Published: June 2015

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@ku.edu .
El estudio geohistórico de las divisiones territoriales subestatales en Europa y América Latina. Actualidad y renovación
Authors: García Álvarez Jacobo
Published: June 2015

En los últimos veinte años, el proceso de formación de las divisiones territoriales subestatales de algunos países de Europa y América Latina ha sido objeto de estudios geohistóricos profundos y novedosos. En el marco de las transformaciones político-territoriales recientes y, en estrecha relación con ellas, del renacer de la geografía política y de la geografía regional, el conocimiento del mapa administrativo contemporáneo no sólo ha recobrado actualidad y una atención abandonada durante muchas décadas, sino que también ha experimentado una renovación teórica y metodológica significativa. En este artículo se revisan algunos de esos logros y planteamientos: en primer lugar, el entendimiento de las divisiones político-administrativas como procesos y construcciones sociales, así como poderosos agentes de organización y de cambio socio-espacial; a continuación, el notable interés dedicado a las identidades, imaginarios y narrativas territoriales; por último, las conexiones entre la historia de los procesos contemporáneos de regionalización política y la historia del pensamiento geográfico.
Algunas consideraciones geográficas sobre los principios ambientales de la Ley 6/1994, reguladora de la actividad urbanística valenciana
Authors: Giménez Ferrer José Manuel
Published: June 2015

La legislación urbanística valenciana es, a todas luces, un marco operativo infrautilizado en cuanto a sus ingentes potencialidades como herramienta de ordenación sostenible del suelo municipal. Su posición jerárquica, como eslabón pionero, sobre el que descansan gran parte de los efectos negativos que la ocupación antrópica del territorio lleva consigo, le otorga una trascendental virtuosidad a la hora de subsanar desmanes pretéritos y evitar futuros impactos perjudiciales. La potestad de elevar al grado de vinculantes los estudios territoriales inherentes a la ejecución del planeamiento, constituye una herramienta de ordenación del territorio de tan magna potencialidad, como enorme es su desuso y sin parangón su desconocimiento.
Consideraciones sobre la valoración social del agua
Authors: Hérin Robert
Published: June 2015

Las características del clima mediterráneo y el intenso aprovechamiento de los recursos hídricos en este ámbito, son los causantes de la excepcional importancia que se atribuye al agua en la cultura y la configuración de los paisajes. En este artículo se realiza un análisis de la evolución que ha seguido, sobre todo en los últimos siglos, el agro mediterráneo, desde las huertas tradicionales y los paisajes de secano a las nuevas formas de aprovechamiento agrícola, desde una perspectiva social.
El turismo de interior en el desarrollo socioeconómico de las comarcas forestales de la Comunidad Valenciana
Authors: Montiel Molina Cristina
Published: June 2015

El objetivo de este artículo es demostrar la interacción que debe existir entre la política de desarrollo del turismo y la recuperación de los espacios forestales. Si las actividades agrícolas, ganaderas y forestales contribuyen al mantenimiento de los ecosistemas naturales, que son la base de la demanda turística en las comarcas interiores, la planificación del turismo rural no puede realizarse al margen de dichas actividades tradicionales, a las que se debe garantizar su viabilidad y permanencia para asegurar el éxito de la oferta turística. En este planteamiento convergen los principios de multifuncionalidad y sostenibilidad de la gestión forestal y del turismo. Desde estas premisas, se realiza una propuesta de ordenación de los espacios forestales orientada a su utilización con fines recreativos y turísticos e integrada en las políticas de desarrollo rural. En segundo lugar, se definen posibles vías de instrumentación de las políticas de revalorización paisajística y de uso público de los montes valencianos.
Propuestas de actuación para el desarrollo turístico sostenible de una comarca rural de media montaña
Authors: Porcal Gonzalo María Cruz
Published: June 2015

La promoción del turismo como estrategia de desarrollo rural sostenible reviste un particular interés en las áreas de montaña que, ciertamente, poseen mayores limitaciones ecológicas y menores ventajas de situación que otros espacios rurales pero que, usualmente, cuentan con unos valiosos paisajes naturales y culturales, cada vez más apreciados por la población urbana. Este es el caso de la Montaña Alavesa, una comarca rural desfavorecida del País Vasco aquejada por problemas tales como el envejecimiento, la despoblación, una fuerte dependencia agraria y una escasa diversificación económica, y una baja dotación de servicios. Con el afán de averiguar hasta qué punto la actividad turística puede erigirse en un instrumento de revitalización económica y social para esta zona en el presente trabajo se sintetizan los principales caracteres que definen la oferta y la demanda turística existente en la actualidad en ella; esto supone realizar una valoración de sus recursos, servicios y equipamientos —que, obviamente, determinan la capacidad de atracción recreativa del territorio— así como de los flujos de visitantes generados por los mismos. A partir de ello se plantean, a continuación, unas propuestas de actuación: se definen los recursos y actividades en torno a los cuales podría articularse la promoción turística y se sugieren unas estrategias inspiradas en el principio de sostenibilidad.
Evolución del vapor de agua en la interfase atmósfera-mar del sureste español
Authors: Quereda Sala José , Montón Chiva Enrique , Escrig Barberá José , Ruescas Orient Ana Belén , Mollá Cantavella Belén
Published: June 2015

Uno de los mayores retos actuales de la climatología mediterránea es la detección de alguna señal de alerta ante el aumento térmico y disminución de las precipitaciones previstas en la mayor parte de los modelos teóricos de Cambio Climático. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo concierne a un proceso básico escasamente tratado hasta ahora y que bien podría constituir un verdadero talón de Aquiles en la hipótesis sobre el Cambio Climático. Si la elevación regional de las temperaturas es un proceso real, la evaporación en las aguas superficiales del Mediterráneo ha de haber aumentado simultáneamente. ¿Dónde está ese vapor? Una cuestión ciertamente no menor por cuanto ese vapor es el principal gas de efecto invernadero y cuya retroacción sería la responsable de la mayor parte de los aumentos térmicos, tanto de los actuales como de los futuros previstos por los modelos teóricos.
La gestión pública del turismo en Cataluña. Organización y política turística de la Administración Autonómica
Authors: López Palomeque Francisco
Published: June 2015

En este artículo se analizan las características de la organización de la administración turística, en el marco general de la administración autonómica, y los rasgos básicos de la política turística, que constituyen manifestaciones destacadas de la gestión pública del turismo en Cataluña. Se analizan los fundamentos de la intervención pública en turismo, los objetivos, los programas, las realizaciones y, finalmente, se valoran los resultados. En este balance se verifican la hipótesis iniciales. Por una parte, que en los últimos veinte años la evolución de la política turística regional muestra una adaptación al cambio de escenario, motivado por los nuevos factores externos e internos. Y, por otra parte, que el balance de las realizaciones gubernamentales relacionadas con el turismo está sujeto a determinadas limitaciones debido al carácter complejo y transversal del turismo.