bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An update on the genetic architecture of hyperuricemia and gout
Authors: Merriman Tony R
Published: April 2015

Genome-wide association studies that scan the genome for common genetic variants associated with phenotype have greatly advanced medical knowledge. Hyperuricemia is no exception, with 28 loci identified. However, genetic control of pathways determining gout in the presence of hyperuricemia is still poorly understood. Two important pathways determining hyperuricemia have been confirmed (renal and gut excretion of uric acid with glycolysis now firmly implicated). Major urate loci are SLC2A9 and ABCG2. Recent studies show that SLC2A9 is involved in renal and gut excretion of uric acid and is implicated in antioxidant defense. Although etiological variants at SLC2A9 are yet to be identified, it is clear that considerable genetic complexity exists at the SLC2A9 locus, with multiple statistically independent genetic variants and local epistatic interactions. The positions of implicated genetic variants within or near chromatin regions involved in transcriptional control suggest that this mechanism (rather than structural changes in SLC2A9) is important in regulating the activity of SLC2A9. ABCG2 is involved primarily in extra-renal uric acid under-excretion with the etiological variant influencing expression. At the other 26 loci, probable causal genes can be identified at three (PDZK1, SLC22A11, and INHBB) with strong candidates at a further 10 loci. Confirmation of the causal gene will require a combination of re-sequencing, trans-ancestral mapping, and correlation of genetic association data with expression data. As expected, the urate loci associate with gout, although inconsistent effect sizes for gout require investigation. Finally, there has been no genome-wide association study using clinically ascertained cases to investigate the causes of gout in the presence of hyperuricemia. In such a study, use of asymptomatic hyperurcemic controls would be expected to increase the ability to detect genetic associations with gout.
Patients lacking classical poor prognostic markers might also benefit from a step-down glucocorticoid bridging scheme in early rheumatoid arthritis: week 16 results from the randomized multicenter CareRA trial
Authors: Verschueren Patrick , De Cock Diederik , Corluy Luk , Joos Rik , Langenaken Christine , Taelman Veerle , Raeman Frank , Ravelingien Isabelle , Vandevyvere Klaas , Lenaerts Jan , Geens Elke , Geusens Piet , Vanhoof Johan , Durnez Anne , Remans Jan , Vander Cruyssen Bert , Van Essche Els , Sileghem An , De Brabanter Griet , Joly Johan , Van der Elst Kristien , Meyfroidt Sabrina , Westhovens Rene ,   on behalf of the CareRA study group
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Considering a lack of efficacy data in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (eRA) presenting without classical markers of poor prognosis, we compared methotrexate (MTX) with or without step-down glucocorticoids in the CareRA trial.

Methods

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug–naïve patients with eRA were stratified into a low-risk group based on prognostic markers that included non-erosiveness, anti–citrullinated protein antibodies and rheumatoid factor negativity and low disease activity (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints based on C-reactive protein (DAS28(CRP)) ≤3.2). Patients were randomized to 15 mg of MTX weekly (MTX with tight step-up (MTX-TSU)) or 15 mg of MTX weekly with prednisone bridging, starting at 30 mg and tapered to 5 mg daily from week 6 (COmbinatie therapie bij Reumatoïde Artritis (COBRA Slim)). A TSU approach was applied. Outcomes assessed were DAS28(CRP)-determined remission, cumulative disease activity, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores and adverse events (AEs) after 16 treatment weeks.

Results

We analyzed 43 COBRA Slim and 47 MTX-TSU patients and found that 65.1% in the COBRA Slim group and 46.8% in the MTX-TSU group reached remission (P = 0.081). Mean ± standard deviation area under the curve values of DAS28(CRP) were 13.84 ± 4.58 and 11.18 ± 4.25 for the MTX-TSU and COBRA Slim patients, respectively (P = 0.006). More COBRA Slim patients had an HAQ score of 0 (51.2% versus 23.4%, P = 0.006) at week 16. Therapy-related AEs between groups did not differ.

Conclusion

In patients with low-risk eRA, MTX with step-down glucocorticoid bridging seems more efficacious than MTX step-up monotherapy, with a comparable number of AEs observed over the first 16 treatment weeks.

Trial registration

EU Clinical Trials Register Identifier: EudraCT number 2008-007225-39. Registered 5 November 2008.
Multiple conformational states in retrospective virtual screening – homology models vs. crystal structures: beta-2 adrenergic receptor case study
Authors: Mordalski Stefan , Witek Jagna , Smusz Sabina , Rataj Krzysztof , Bojarski Andrzej J
Published: April 2015

Background

Distinguishing active from inactive compounds is one of the crucial problems of molecular docking, especially in the context of virtual screening experiments. The randomization of poses and the natural flexibility of the protein make this discrimination even harder. Some of the recent approaches to post-docking analysis use an ensemble of receptor models to mimic this naturally occurring conformational diversity. However, the optimal number of receptor conformations is yet to be determined.

In this study, we compare the results of a retrospective screening of beta-2 adrenergic receptor ligands performed on both the ensemble of receptor conformations extracted from ten available crystal structures and an equal number of homology models. Additional analysis was also performed for homology models with up to 20 receptor conformations considered.

Results

The docking results were encoded into the Structural Interaction Fingerprints and were automatically analyzed by support vector machine. The use of homology models in such virtual screening application was proved to be superior in comparison to crystal structures. Additionally, increasing the number of receptor conformational states led to enhanced effectiveness of active vs. inactive compounds discrimination.

Conclusions

For virtual screening purposes, the use of homology models was found to be most beneficial, even in the presence of crystallographic data regarding the conformational space of the receptor. The results also showed that increasing the number of receptors considered improves the effectiveness of identifying active compounds by machine learning methods.
Non-targeted metabolomics and lipidomics LC–MS data from maternal plasma of 180 healthy pregnant women
Authors: Luan Hemi , Meng Nan , Liu Ping , Fu Jin , Chen Xiaomin , Rao Weiqiao , Jiang Hui , Xu Xun , Cai Zongwei , Wang Jun
Published: April 2015

Background

Metabolomics has the potential to be a powerful and sensitive approach for investigating the low molecular weight metabolite profiles present in maternal fluids and their role in pregnancy.

Findings

In this Data Note, LC–MS metabolome, lipidome and carnitine profiling data were collected from 180 healthy pregnant women, representing six time points spanning all three trimesters, and providing sufficient coverage to model the progression of normal pregnancy.

Conclusions

As a relatively large scale, real-world dataset with robust numbers of quality control samples, the dataare expected to prove useful for algorithm optimization and development, with the potential to augment studies into abnormal pregnancy. All data and ISA-TAB format enriched metadata are available for download in the MetaboLights and GigaScience databases.
Controllable and switchable drug delivery of ibuprofen from temperature responsive composite nanofibers
Authors: Tran Toan , Hernandez Mariana , Patel Dhruvil , Burns Elena , Peterman Vanessa , Wu Ji
Published: April 2015

Composited electrospun nanofibers made of temperature-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAM) and biodegradable poly (ε-caprolactone) (PCL) can be utilized for ‘on-demand’ and controlled drug release of ibuprofen without burst effect for potential pharmaceutical applications. Three types of nanofibers, PCL, pNIPAM and pNIPAM/PCL composite NFs containing ibuprofen were fabricated using electrospinning techniques. Ibuprofen release rates from PCL NFs are not affected by the temperature in the range of 22–34°C (less than 10%). In contrast, the ibuprofen release rates from pNIPAM NFs are very sensitive to the change in temperature, which is five times higher at 22°C compared to 34°C. However, there is a serious burst effect at 22°C. Compared to other two types of NFs, pNIPAM/PCL composite NFs prepared demonstrated a variable and controlled release at both room and higher temperature, due to the extra protection from the hydrophobic poly (ε-caprolactone). The rate at 22°C is 75% faster compared to that at 34°C. This kind of composite design can provide a novel approach to suppress the burst effect in drug delivery systems for potential pharmaceutical applications.
The Effects of High-Fat Diet Exposure In Utero on the Obesogenic and Diabetogenic Traits Through Epigenetic Changes in Adiponectin and Leptin Gene Expression for Multiple Generations in Female Mice
Authors: Masuyama Hisashi , Mitsui Takashi , Nobumoto Etsuko , Hiramatsu Yuji
Published: April 2015

Recent studies demonstrate that epigenetic changes under malnutrition in utero might play important roles in transgenerational links with metabolic diseases. We have previously shown that exposure to a high-fat diet (HFD) in utero may cause a metabolic syndrome-like phenomenon through epigenetic modifications of Adiponectin and Leptin genes. Because an association of obesity between mother and offspring endured in multiple generations, we examined whether HFD exposure in utero might affect the metabolic status of female offspring through multigenerational epigenetic changes of Adiponectin and Leptin genes and whether a normal diet in utero for multiple generations might abolish such epigenetic changes after exposure to a HFD in utero using ICR mice. We observed that the effect of maternal HFD on offspring over multiple generations in metabolic syndrome-like phenomenon such as weight and fat mass gain, glucose intolerance, hypertriglyceridemia, abnormal adiponectin and leptin levels, and hypertension, were accumulated with expression and epigenetic changes in Adiponectin and Leptin genes. A normal diet in utero in the subsequent generations after HFD exposure in utero diminished, and a normal diet in utero for 3 generations completely abolished, the effect of HFD in utero on weight and fat mass gain, insulin resistance, serum triglyceride, adiponectin, and leptin levels, with epigenetic changes of Adiponectin and Leptin genes. Exposure to a HFD in utero might affect glucose and lipid metabolism of female offspring through epigenetic modifications to Adiponectin and Leptin genes for multiple generations. Obesogenic and diabetogenic traits were abolished after a maternal normal diet for 3 generations.
Controlled feeding trials with ungulates: a new application of in vivo dental molding to assess the abrasive factors of microwear
Authors: Hoffman Jonathan M. , Fraser Danielle , Clementz Mark T.
Published: April 2015

Microwear, the quantification of microscopic scratches and pits on the occlusal surfaces of tooth enamel, is a commonly used as a paleodietary proxy. For ungulates (hoofed mammals), scratch-dominant microwear distinguishes modern grazers from browsers, presumably as a result of abrasion from grass phytoliths (biogenic silica). However, it is also likely that exogenous grit (i.e., soil, dust) is a contributing factor to these scratch-dominant patterns, which may reflect soil ingestion that varies with feeding height and/or environmental conditions (e.g., dust production in open and/or arid habitats). This study assesses the contribution of exogenous grit to tooth wear by measuring the effects of fine- and medium-grained silica sand on tooth enamel using a novel live animal tooth molding technique. This study therefore constitutes the first controlled feeding experiment using ungulates and the first in vivo experiments using abrasives of different sizes. Four sheep were fed three diet treatments: 1) a mixture of Garrison and Brome hay (control), 2) hay treated with fine-grained silica sand (180–250 µm), and 3) hay treated with medium-grained silica sand (250–425 µm). We found a significant increase in pit features that was correlated with an increase in grain size of grit, corroborating earlier chewing simulation experiments that produced pits through grit-induced abrasion (i.e., the ‘grit effect’). Our results support an interpretation of large silica grains fracturing to create smaller, more abundant angular particles capable of abrasion, with jaw movement defining feature shape (i.e., scratch or pit).
The Effects of Noncovalent Interactions on Surface Structures Formed by Diketopyrrolopyrrole Pigment and Its Alkyl-Derivatives on HOPG Substrate
Authors: Honda Akinori , Tamaki Yoshinori , Miyamura Kazuo
Published: April 2015

Two-dimensional self-assembled structures formed by diketopyrrolopyrrole Pigment Red 254 (3,6-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,5-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione) and its alkyl-derivatives at the liquid-HOPG interface were investigated by scanning tunneling microscope (STM). Pigment Red 254 is found to form two different surface structures (crystal-like structure and solvated crystal-like structure). Furthermore, in order to investigate the effect of hydrogen bonding, alkyl-derivatized Pigment Red 254 (PR-2Cn, n: alkyl chain length) were synthesized, and their self-assembled structures were analyzed. We found that surface structures of PR-2Cn varied depending on the intermolecular and molecule–substrate van der Waals interactions arising from the n-alkyl chains introduced instead of hydrogen bonding. Shorter alkyl chains of PR-2C10 resulted in the formation of multi domains. On the other hand, PR-2C12, PR-2C14, and PR-2C16 molecules that have longer alkyl chains formed stable single domain structures.
Preparation and Characterization of Heterobimetallic Complex, Sr[Bi(DTPA)]·9H2O, Derived La-Doped Sr2Bi2O5
Authors: Obukuro Yuki , Sakai Go , Okuyama Yuji , Matsunaga Naoki , Matsushima Shigenori , Obata Kenji , Asato Eiji
Published: April 2015

Single-phase Sr2Bi2O5 was formed by calcination of the heterobimetallic complex, Sr[Bi(DTPA)]·9H2O, at 700 °C for 6 h in air. La-doping by 5 and 10 mol % into Sr2Bi2O5 was also examined. There were no traces of impurity phase in the 5 mol % La-doped Sr2Bi2O5 powder, on the other hand, impurity phases such as Sr3Bi4O9 and SrCO3 were identified for the 10 mol % La-doped sample. UV–vis spectroscopy revealed that the absorption edge of La-doped Sr2Bi2O5 exhibits red shift as compared to the pure Sr2Bi2O5 and the shift increases with the increase of La3+ doping. It was confirmed that the photocatalytic activity of Sr2Bi2O5 for the oxidation of isopropanol is improved with La doping under visible-light irradiation (λ ≥ 420 nm).
Dynamics of TEMPOL Radicals in TPP 1D Nanochannels and Different Molecular Orientation from Other TEMPO Derivatives
Authors: Kobayashi Hirokazu , Aoki Kento , Asaji Tetsuo
Published: April 2015

The molecular orientation and dynamics of 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-1-piperidinyloxyl (TEMPOL) radicals in one-dimensional (1D) nanochannels of the crystal of tris(o-phenylenedioxy)cyclotriphosphazene (TPP) were examined using electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements. TEMPOL radicals in the TPP nanochannels performed rotational diffusion motion not around the principal y axis of the g-tensor, as observed in most cases of TEMPO derivatives, but approximately around the principal z axis with much larger activation energy.
Metal-catalyzed Stereoselective and Protecting-group-free Synthesis of 1,2-cis-Glycosides Using 4,6-Dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl Glycosides as Glycosyl Donors
Authors: Tanaka Tomonari , Kikuta Naoya , Kimura Yoshiharu , Shoda Shin-ichiro
Published: April 2015

4,6-Dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl glycosides, glycosyl donors prepared in one step from free saccharides without protection of the hydroxy groups, were stereoselectively and equivalently converted to the corresponding 1,2-cis-glycosides by using a catalytic amount of metal catalyst. This reaction was successfully applied not only to monosaccharides, but also to di- and oligosaccharides.
Concordant dysregulation of miR-5p and miR-3p arms of the same precursor microRNA may be a mechanism in inducing cell proliferation and tumorigenesis: a lung cancer study
Authors: Mitra Ramkrishna , Lin Chen-Ching , Eischen Christine M. , Bandyopadhyay Sanghamitra , Zhao Zhongming
Published: April 2015

A precursor microRNA (miRNA) has two arms: miR-5p and miR-3p (miR-5p/-3p). Depending on the tissue or cell types, both arms can become functional. However, little is known about their coregulatory mechanisms during the tumorigenic process. Here, by using the large-scale miRNA expression profiles of five cancer types, we revealed that several of miR-5p/-3p arms were concordantly dysregulated in each cancer. To explore possible coregulatory mechanisms of concordantly dysregulated miR-5p/-3p pairs, we developed a robust computational framework and applied it to lung cancer data. The framework deciphers miR-5p/-3p coregulated protein interaction networks critical to lung cancer development. As a novel part in the method, we uniquely applied the second-order partial correlation to minimize false-positive regulations. Using 279 matched miRNA and mRNA expression profiles extracted from tumor and normal lung tissue samples, we identified 17 aberrantly expressed miR-5p/-3p pairs that potentially modulate the gene expression of 35 protein complexes. Functional analyses revealed that these complexes are associated with cancer-related biological processes, suggesting the oncogenic potential of the reported miR-5p/-3p pairs. Specifically, we revealed that the reduced expression of miR-145-5p/-3p pair potentially contributes to elevated expression of genes in the “FOXM1 transcription factor network” pathway, which may consequently lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Subsequently, the regulation of miR-145-5p/-3p in the FOXM1signaling pathway was validated by a cohort of 104 matched miRNA and protein (reverse-phase protein array) expression profiles in lung cancer. In summary, our computational framework provides a novel tool to study miR-5p/-3p coregulatory mechanisms in cancer and other diseases.
Chance-Constrained Programming Models and Approximations for General Stochastic Bottleneck Spanning Tree Problems
Authors: Shen Siqian , Kurt Murat , Wang Jue
Published: April 2015

We consider a balance-constrained stochastic bottleneck spanning tree problem (BCSBSTP) where edge weights are independently distributed but may follow arbitrary continuous distributions. The goal is to minimize a threshold variable that may be exceeded by the maximum edge weight at certain risk, subject to the minimum edge weight being no less than a fixed threshold with a probability guarantee. We characterize these two requirements as chance constraints, which are typically used for bounding the risk of undesirable random outcomes. Given independently distributed edge weights, we reformulate BCSBSTP as a mixed-integer nonlinear program, approximated by two mixed-integer linear programs based on special ordered set of type one (SOS1) and special ordered set of type two (SOS2) variables. By relaxing the probabilistic guarantee on the minimum edge weight in BCSBSTP, we also consider a stochastic bottleneck spanning tree problem (SBSTP), of which optimal tree solutions are approximated via a bisection algorithm in pseudopolynomial time. We demonstrate computational results of our models and algorithms by testing randomly generated instances with edge weights following a diverse set of independent distributions.
Medical students' perceptions of the situational judgement test: a mixed methods study
Authors: Sharma Neel
Published: April 2015

The situational judgement test is a UK-based assessment tool for determining job allocation for exiting medical students which has been shown to be reliable and valid. This study assessed medical students' perceptions of the situational judgement test, having undergone the assessment, and reviewed the findings.
The profile of an emergency medical services leader: a multi-national qualitative study
Authors: Leggio William
Published: April 2015

This article discusses the profile of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) leader that emerged from a larger study on how EMS leadership is learned from a multinational qualitative study of EMS providers working in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. EMS is a team-oriented profession designed to respond to emergencies and disasters. Within EMS are leaders responsible for ensuring response capabilities, which has been plagued with criticisms and shortcomings. Different leadership styles have been applied to EMS but no one style is ideal for every situation or circumstance encountered by EMS leaders. The findings discovered that EMS leaders are found throughout an EMS system and need to understand the importance of their actions, have integrity and take responsibility. Among other characteristics and qualities, EMS leaders needed to be communicators who solve problems and lead by example, are fair and able to separate personal from professional.
Non-surgical cosmetic chin enhancement: treating the underdog of the face
Authors: Dolan Marie
Published: April 2015

Whereas the restoration and rejuvenation of the mid-face remains sought after in aesthetic practice, there is one area that has received much less recognition—the chin. However, statistics show that augmentation of this once neglected part of the facial structure is becoming more popular. In this comment piece, Marie Dolan highlights the value of paying the chin more love and attention
Cellulite: the challenge of choosing the right technology for treatment
Authors: Friedman Trudy
Published: April 2015

Cellulite is a common presentation for many women and the removal of ‘orange peel’ skin is much sought after, especially in the run up to Spring and Summer. However, with several devices and topical preparations available to patients and aesthetics practitioners alike, it can be hard to know what will achieve the best outcomes. Trudy Friedman outlines some of the key treatments for cellulite removal
Removal of a facial fibroepithelial polyp in private medical aesthetic practice
Authors: Collier Helena
Published: April 2015

The removal of a benign skin lesion is considered to be a cosmetic procedure of low clinical priority. Therefore, this procedure is rarely available via the routine referral pathway of the NHS. Funding to perform such procedures is also rare. Although no definitive guidelines for this procedure exist, most health boards have a treatment policy whereby a restricted access criterion has been stringently agreed. This case study is a critical incident review exploring all aspects of communication and care delivered to a 49-year-old female patient who sought private care for the removal of an unsightly facial fibroepithelial polyp.
Defending your clinic's brand: how to deal with customers who are dissatisfied
Authors: Ratcliffe Jason
Published: April 2015

When a client feels disappointed with a service you have provided, they could respond in many ways, from making a formal complaint to taking their custom elsewhere. However, some individuals, who could be described as ‘toxic’, could be prepared to go to extreme lengths to damage your reputation. In this month's column, Jason Ratcliffe reflects on the best ways to manage unhappy clients
‘Patients should never lose sight of what they looked like before their treatment’
Authors: Zadah Kate
Published: April 2015

In medical aesthetics, establishing and running a successful clinic is not just about delivering high-quality treatments—having business acumen and a nose for the latest trends is key to setting your business apart from the rest. In this practice management series, PR professional Kate Zadah interviews clinic managers from all over the UK to find out about each practice's successes and struggles
Incisional negative pressure wound therapy for high-risk wounds
Authors: Horch Raymund E.
Published: April 2015

With an ageing population and a growing number of people with obesity and/or undergoing advanced cancer therapies, there is an increasing risk of surgical site complications including surgical site infections (SSIs). Postoperative shifting of large mobilised tissue flaps, such as in abdominoplasties, remains a dreaded complication, particularly following massive weight loss. Besides negative implications for the patient, surgical site complications result in an economic burden due to prolonged and repeated wound treatments. Preventative tools to reduce SSIs are needed. In selected patients at high risk of SSI and/or wound breakdown, use of incisional NPWT has been shown to actively manage clean, closed surgical incisions. This article contains a review of scientific and clinical research relevant to incisional NPWT use over surgical incisions, with particular emphasis on the common problem of wound breakdown and SSI following body-contouring surgery in post-bariatric patients. Although there are a growing number of studies describing use of incisional NPWT in a variety of applications, including vascular, cardiac and orthopaedic, a literature search revealed few studies regarding incisional NPWT use post body-contouring surgery. In a clinical study of seroma formation, less seroma and haematoma formation was reported in post-bariatric patients who received incisional NPWT, versus the control, following body-contouring surgery. In another study of widely applied external NPWT wound dressings over the ventral and lateral trunk following post-bariatric abdominal dermolipectomy, results showed a significant reduction in exudate formation, earlier drain removal, and decreased length of hospitalisation, compared with conventional treatment. Additional controlled studies are needed to validate the clinical impact of incisional NPWT following body-contouring surgery, and to determine proper recommendations for its use.
Use of epidermal grafts in wounds: a review of an automated epidermal harvesting system
Authors: Serena Thomas E.
Published: April 2015

Chronic wounds continue to present a significant challenge to health-care providers across the globe. Unlike acute wounds, chronic wounds do not proceed through an orderly process of repair. In recent years, a number of wound healing treatments, such as dermal replacement scaffolds and negative pressure wound therapy, have promoted wound healing by stimulating the formation of granulation tissue. However, until recently there were few modalities designed to promote epithelialisation of a fully granulated wound. Split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) have long been the gold standard for the management of acute wounds, but have not gained favour in the treatment of chronic wounds for several reasons: discomfort associated with the donor site, the creation of a second wound (donor site) in a patient with poor wound-healing potential, and a lack of documented efficacy for the procedure. Epidermal grafting does not have some of the limitations encountered with STSG; however, it has not gained wide acceptance, as previous harvesting techniques were cumbersome and time-consuming. A novel automated epidermal harvesting system, CelluTome Epidermal Harvesting System (KCI, an Acelity company, San Antonio, TX, USA), was commercially introduced in 2013. The system yields up to 128 epidermal micrografts that can be easily harvested at the bedside without anaesthesia and transferred to the recipient site. The harvesting technique and the use of epidermal grafts in wounds are reviewed here.
The first week of the zombie apocalypse: The influences of game temporality
Authors: Carter Marcus
Published: April 2015

DayZ is a zombie-themed survival first-person shooter (FPS) game with persistence similar to games in the massively multiplayer online game genre. Released on the 16 December 2013 by surprise, DayZ adopts an ‘alpha’ release model; though playable, DayZ is unfinished, and will continue to be developed over the coming years. In 24 hours, the game sold over 172,500 copies, and reached over 800,000 sales within three weeks. In this article, I examine the experience of DayZ between 16 December and 23 December 2013. Through examining the experience of the game over such a short time frame, I highlight how patches, paratexts and changing literacy about the game can rapidly change its experience and culture. I argue that this emphasizes the importance of acknowledging a game’s temporality when analysing the relationships between player experiences, cultures and a game’s design.
Métrica e tropos em duas tragédias de Ésquilo: SetecontraTebas e Os Persas
Authors: Muñoz Anne-Iris
Published: April 2015

E: L'approche de la dynamique de la forme peut proposer une modèle de lecture des tragédies d'Eschyle à partir de l'interaction entre les unités métriques et l'organisation des  parties de l'ouvrage. Pour soutenir cette approche est utilisée le confrontation des Sept contre Thèbes et des Perses.
O acento musical secundário dos properispômenos e dos proparoxítonos na Sétima Neméia (um argumento da teoria acentual)
Authors: Steinrueck Martin
Published: April 2015

In this paper, a detaleid analysis of Pindar's Nemean 7 discusses forms and possibilities of musical accent in the ancient greek accentuation. The main focus is contibute to debate about the pressupposed homology between melodic moviment and musical accent.
Video Theory
Authors: Treske Andreas
Published: April 2015

Video is a part of everyday life, comparable to driving a car or taking a shower. It is nearly omnipresent, available on demand and attached to nearby anything, anywhere. Online Video became something vital and independent. With all the video created by the cameras around us, constantly uploading, sharing, linking, and relating, a blue ocean is covering our planet, an ocean of video. What might look as bluish noise and dust from the far outside, might embed beautiful and fascinating living scapes of moving images, objects constantly changing, re-arranging, assembling, evolving, collapsing, but never disappearing, a real cinema. Andreas Treske describes and theorizes these objects formerly named video, their forms, behaviours and properties.
Catalyst-free tandem Knoevenagel-Michael reaction of aldehydes and pyrazolin-5-one: fast and convenient approach to medicinally relevant 4,4′-(arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ol)s
Authors: Elinson Michail N. , Sokolova Olga O. , Nasybullin Ruslan F.
Published: April 2015

Catalyst-free tandem Knoevenagel-Michael reaction of aryl aldehydes and two equivalents of 3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one results in fast (5 min) formation of medicinally relevant 4,4′-(arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ol)s in excellent 93%–99% yield.
Leaping to conclusions: archaeology, gender and digital news media
Authors: Shipley Lucy
Published: April 2015

In the autumn of 2013, a discovery was made in the Doganaccia necropolis close to the ancient Etruscan city of Tarquinia. A sepulchre was uncovered, mercifully and unusually unlooted. Inside were the remains of two individuals and a range of grave goods, allowing the tomb to be typologically dated to the late seventh or early sixth century BC. One of the individuals had been cremated, while the other was laid out in a supine position. Both were placed on funeral benches similar to those known from Etruscan tombs across the region (Steingräber 2009). This excavation was as unusual as it was spectacular—the equally vigorous efforts of nineteenth-century enthusiasts (Leighton 2004: 12) and twentieth-century tomb robbers (van Velzen 1999: 180) have left little of the Etruscan burial record undisturbed. Unsurprisingly, there was a great deal of media excitement over the burial, as its excavator, distinguished Etruscan scholar Alessandro Mandolesi, spoke with the press of his impressions of the remains and their relationship to the artefacts found in the tomb. Little of his exact words remain in the public sphere, but the impression he provided to the press was clear in the flurry of media reports that followed his statement. The ensuing media interest and archaeological developments present a number of serious issues for the practice of archaeology in an age in which digital media can magnify the impact of any major discovery. In addition, the interpretation put forward exposed the continued androcentrism inherent in many sub-disciplines of archaeology, which, 30 years on from Conkey and Spector's (1984) transformative publication, remain locked in deeply problematic interpretative patterns. This interpretation of the Tarquinia burial is emblematic of a far wider phenomenon, both within and beyond Italy, which has serious implications for future archaeological practice. This article unpicks both the media storm and interpretative paradigms that characterised this case study, and queries archaeological responsibility and visibility in an age of 24-hour news.
The new MOMU: meeting the family at Denmark's flagship Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography
Authors: Price Neil
Published: April 2015

I visited the new Moesgaard Museum in January 2015 on a grey and rainy day, and five hours later I left empowered with an unexpected feeling of optimism at human potential, reacquainted with what Larkin (1974: 19) called “the million-petalled flower of being here”, and not least, conscious again of the privilege of being an archaeologist, lucky enough to spend my professional life doing something so marvellous. Is the museum really that good? Yes.
Words and Patterns That Comprise Resistance Training Exercise Names
Authors: Nuzzo James L.
Published: April 2015

Nuzzo, JL. Words and patterns that comprise resistance training exercise names. J Strength Cond Res 31(3): 826–830, 2017—Limited research exists on the language associated with resistance training. The purpose of this study was to identify the ways in which resistance training exercises are named. Names of 57 exercises were obtained from the National Strength and Conditioning Association's Exercise Technique Manual for Resistance Training. The analysis consisted of categorizing into themes all the words of the exercise names and then identifying naming patterns. Names of the 57 exercises were comprised 188 total words. Seven percent of the words described body position (e.g., “seated”), 1.1% described body position direction (e.g., “over”), 19.1% described a body part (e.g., “shoulder”), 1.1% were body part adjectives (“stiff”), 30.3% described action (e.g., “row”), 5.9% described action direction (e.g., “lateral”), 23.4% described equipment (e.g., “barbell”), 8% described equipment position (e.g., “incline”), and 4.3% were considered miscellaneous (e.g., “power”). Of the 57 exercise names, 22.8% contained a body position word, 3.5% contained a body position direction word, 54.4% contained a body part word, 3.5% contained a body part adjective word, 94.7% contained an action word, 19.3% contained an action direction word, 61.4% contained an equipment word, 26.3% contained an equipment position word, and 12.3% contained a miscellaneous word. These types of words were used inconsistently. Additionally, 35 different naming patterns were discovered among the 57 exercise names. Overall, the findings reveal that current strategies for naming exercises are inconsistent. The strength and conditioning field can use this information to move toward standardizing the way in which resistance training exercises are named.
Characterization of the Transcriptome of Nascent Hair Cells and Identification of Direct Targets of the Atoh1 Transcription Factor
Authors: Cai Tiantian , Jen Hsin-I , Kang Hyojin , Klisch Tiemo J. , Zoghbi Huda Y. , Groves Andrew K.
Published: April 2015

Hair cells are sensory receptors for the auditory and vestibular system in vertebrates. The transcription factorAtoh1is both necessary and sufficient for the differentiation of hair cells, and is strongly upregulated during hair-cell regeneration in nonmammalian vertebrates. To identify genes involved in hair cell development and function, we performed RNA-seq profiling of purified Atoh1-expressing hair cells from the neonatal mouse cochlea. We identified >600 enriched transcripts in cochlear hair cells, of which 90% have not been previously shown to be expressed in hair cells. We identified 233 of these hair cell genes as candidates to be directly regulated by Atoh1 based on the presence of Atoh1 binding sites in their regulatory regions and by analyzing Atoh1 ChIP-seq datasets from the cerebellum and small intestine. We confirmed 10 of these genes as being direct Atoh1 targets in the cochlea by ChIP-PCR. The identification of candidate Atoh1 target genes is a first step in identifying gene regulatory networks for hair-cell development and may inform future studies on the potential role of Atoh1 in mammalian hair cell regeneration.
Neuronal LRP1 Regulates Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Signaling in the Brain
Authors: Liu Chia-Chen , Hu Jin , Tsai Chih-Wei , Yue Mei , Melrose Heather L. , Kanekiyo Takahisa , Bu Guojun
Published: April 2015

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder characterized by profound memory loss and progressive dementia. Accumulating evidence suggests that Type 2 diabetes mellitus, a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and glucose intolerance, significantly increases the risk for developing AD. Whereas amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition and neurofibrillary tangles are major histological hallmarks of AD, impairment of cerebral glucose metabolism precedes these pathological changes during the early stage of AD and likely triggers or exacerbates AD pathology. However, the mechanisms linking disturbed insulin signaling/glucose metabolism and AD pathogenesis remain unclear. The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1), a major apolipoprotein E receptor, plays critical roles in lipoprotein metabolism, synaptic maintenance, and clearance of Aβ in the brain. Here, we demonstrate that LRP1 interacts with the insulin receptor β in the brain and regulates insulin signaling and glucose uptake. LRP1 deficiency in neurons leads to impaired insulin signaling as well as reduced levels of glucose transporters GLUT3 and GLUT4. Consequently, glucose uptake is reduced. By using anin vivomicrodialysis technique sampling brain glucose concentration in freely moving mice, we further show that LRP1 deficiency in conditional knock-out mice resulted in glucose intolerance in the brain. We also found that hyperglycemia suppresses LRP1 expression, which further exacerbates insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and AD pathology. As loss of LRP1 expression is seen in AD brains, our study provides novel insights into insulin resistance in AD. Our work also establishes new targets that can be explored for AD prevention or therapy.
“Pestered with Inhabitants”
Authors: Powell Miles A.
Published: April 2015

This paper contends that Aldo Leopold’s pursuit of unpeopled wilderness had a disturbing corollary—a disdain for human population growth that culminated in a critique of providing food and medical aid to developing nations. Although Leopold never fully shared these ideas with the public, he explored them in multiple unpublished manuscripts, and he submitted a first draft of one of these essays to a press. Leopold also exchanged these views with the most popular environmental Malthusian of his day, William Vogt, whose exposition of nearly identical arguments won him national fame. By revealing connections between wilderness thought and callous proposed social policy, this paper identifies a new dimension of what environmental historian William Cronon called the “Trouble with Wilderness.” This manuscript further calls into question whether the concept of wilderness is inherently exclusionary and misanthropic.
Main nursing diagnoses in hospitalized elderly people who underwent urological surgery
Authors: Lima Walisson Guimarães , Nunes Simony Fabíola Lopes , Alvarez Angela Maria , Valcarenghi Rafaela Vivian , Bezerra Maria Luiza Rêgo
Published: April 2015

Objective: to identify the main nursing diagnoses in the elderly during postoperative period of urologic surgeries. Methods:Cross-sectional and quantitative study conducted in a urological unit. Data collection was conducted through physicalexaminations and consultation to medical records. One hundred senior citizens who were hospitalized at the institutionparticipated in the study. Results: The most frequent urological surgical procedures were: transurethral resection of theprostate (27 %) and open prostatectomy (16 %). Among the nursing diagnoses identified, impaired skin integrity (100%), risk of infection (100 %), Risk for deficient fluid volume (84 %) acute pain (68 %) and deficient knowledge (61 %) hada higher number of occurrences. Conclusion: the findings allowed, through nursing diagnoses, nursing interventions inthe postoperative period of urological surgeries, providing the implementation of effective and immediate actions to solveproblems.
The Growth of Tin Oxide Aerogels: Theoretical Modeling and Experimental Characterizations
Authors: da Cunha Carlo Requião , da Silva Fábio Dias , Morales Renzo
Published: April 2015

Tin oxide aerogels were synthesized using the epoxide-assisted technique and characterized with X-ray diffraction, diffusive reflectance spectroscopy, particle-induced X-ray emission and scanning electron microscopy. Our results indicate that the material is electrically semi-insulating as the result of oxygen vacancies that appear as fixed charges at the bottom of the conduction band. A modification of the technique with the addition of hydrogen peroxide is proposed to reduce the levels of defects and enhance the optical transparency of the material.
Fabrication and Characterization of Nanostructured Thermoelectric Materials and Devices
Authors: Geist Brian L. , Zaynetdinov Madrakhim , Myers Kirby , Zhang K. , Chen X. , Ramalingom Pillai A.D. , Baumgart Helmut , Robinson Hans D. , Kochergin Vladimir
Published: April 2015

We present results of modeling and experimental characterization of thermoelectric (TE) materials built on new fabrication principles, involving the coating of three-dimensionally structured quantum well super-lattice substrates with PbTe/PbSe. A new system for wafer-scale electrochemical deposition of such structures was specifically developed and will be described in this paper. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to measure film thickness and electron diffraction spectroscopy (EDS) was used to determine film material concentration. By adjusting deposition parameters, we were able to build stoichiometric PbSe, PbTe and stacked PbSe/PbTe super-lattice films on planar and pre-structured surfaces. The films were thermoelectrically modelled using COMSOL and then characterized using an infrared Seebeck effect measurement system which measured surface heating of the film while measuring the voltage associated with the temperature gradient. We report advances in the design and fabrication of TE materials which improve cost-effectiveness and TE efficiency.
Indium Tin Oxide Conductive Nanowires Formed by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Yamamoto Naoki , Morisawa Kirihiko
Published: April 2015

Indium tin oxide (ITO) nanowires (NWs) were grown on glass substrates by using ITO sputtering sources (targets) with SnO2 contents in the range of approximately 5.0 to 30.0 wt%. NW growth became apparent at temperatures above 125 °C, and the In, Sn and O contents of the resulting ITO NWs were similar to those of the ITO source. NWs grown from ITO sources containing 5.0 to 12.0 wt% SnO2 had circular or elliptical cross-sections, while those obtained from sources with 12.0 to 30.0 wt% SnO2 exhibited square cross-sections. ITO NWs approximately 2 μm in length were obtained as single crystals with a cubic crystal structure. The resistivity of an ITO NW was measured using four nanoprobes in conjunction with a field emission scanning electron microscope and was found to range from 0.13 to 0.6 μΩ-m, values that were approximately one order of magnitude lower than those of transparent ITO films.
Flame Spray Pyrolysis of Electrode Materials for Energy Applications
Authors: Dahl Paul I. , Thomassen Magnus S. , Colmenares Luis C. , Barnett Alejandro O. , Lomas Scott , Vullum Per E. , Hanetho Sidsel M. , Mokkelbost Tommy
Published: April 2015

Flame spray pyrolysis (FSP) was applied to produce nanopowders of Ti1-xMxO2 and Sn1-xMxO2, where x = 0.05 and M = Nb/Sb, for use as catalyst support materials in PEM fuel cells/ electrolysers. FSP powders in the SnO2-IrO2 system were produced for the same applications. Homogenous particle size distribution (5-20 nm) was demonstrated by TEM, supported by BET and XRD analysis. Whereas two polymorphs were indicated for the Ti-based oxides, the Sb/Nb-doped SnO2 powders were single phase. FSP powders of Mn3O4 intended for supercapacitors were produced and the influence of the precursor/solvent mixtures on the physical and electrochemical properties evaluated.
Wasteland America
Authors: Hoover Jesse
Published: April 2015

One of the more perplexing exegetical difficulties faced by adherents of American-style premillennialism has to do with the question of what role the United States will play in the coming apocalypse. Despite the nearness of the eschaton and the critical role that the United States is often said to play in foreshadowing it, the Mediterranean-based apocalypse scenario that lies at the heart of most premillennialist exegesis seems to leave little room for a strong U.S. presence at the end. In this article, I shall first survey various premillennialist attempts to account for this quandry before turning to my main argument: that premillennialism's very failure to find the U.S. within the pages of prophecy invests the nation with chameleon-like agency, freeing it from the fatalism often implied in apocalyptic speculation – and creating the possibility of a new political theology conceptualized within in the shadow of the end.
What is a Superhero?
Authors: MacKendrick Kenneth
Published: April 2015

The essay argues that Marvel's Civil War is an interesting narrative concerning the superhero metacode at work. After a brief overview of the crossover event, its allegorical qualities will be discussed followed by a supplemental reading focusing on how superheroes, as agents of pretend play, come to be socialized, coded, and distributed across shared social networks.
Custo da produção de silagens em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária sob plantio direto
Authors: Costa Nídia Raquel , Andreotti Marcelo , Bergamaschine Antônio Fernando , Lopes Keny Samejima Mascarenhas , Lima Ana Eliza da Silva
Published: April 2015

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o custo operacional total (COT) da produção de silagens em sistemas produtivos de Integração Lavoura-Pecuária (ILP), a produtividade de massa seca (PMS) e a quantidade de proteína bruta (PB) e nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT), por área, em cada modalidade de cultivo sob condições irrigadas, no Cerrado, durante dois anos agrícolas (2010/2011 e 2011/2012). O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições, sendo os tratamentos constituídos de três modalidades de cultivo das culturas do milho e do sorgo para silagem (solteiro; em consórcio com a Brachiaria brizantha cv. Xaraés e com Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia). Constatou-se que a silagem de sorgo apresentou custo de produção inferior ao da silagem de milho. Os maiores COTs foram obtidos no consórcio de milho com capim Xaraés (R$ 2.046,93 e de R$ 2.385,40) e, os menores, nos cultivos de sorgo solteiro (R$ 1.815,93 e de R$ 1.941,62), para os dois anos agrícolas. Os tratamentos com cultivos exclusivos (de sorgo e de milho) proporcionaram maiores valores de PMS no primeiro ano; porém, no segundo ano, os maiores valores foram proporcionados pelos cultivos consorciados de ambas as espécies com Panicum maximum cv. Tanzânia. Os valores de PB e NDT por área variaram entre os tratamentos nos dois anos agrícolas e seguiram o padrão da PMS, sendo os maiores valores proporcionados também pelos consórcios de sorgo e milho com o capim Tanzânia.