bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imagining the humanities – Amid the inhuman
Authors: Barnett Ronald
Published: November 2013

The rationale for retaining the humanities in universities in the 21st century is not self-evident. A case for the humanities can only be fully made against a sense of their loss or their absence. Some say that we are already in a post-human society, but what role might the humanities play in such a society? Presumably, the fate of the humanities is bound up with a sense as to what it is to be human, and that such being–human, such human being, has value. The humanities are rather self–centred, it seems, according human being a special place on this planet. Perhaps some modesty is called for. The humanities go through crises – a crisis of the humanities – every decade or so. Are we currently in the midst of just such a crisis? Or is it a terminal crisis? It may be that a new kind of imaginative and critical humanities awaits.
Action research: Changing history for people living with dementia in New Zealand
Authors: O’Sullivan Grace , Hocking Clare , Spence Deb
Published: November 2013

Action research methods were underpinned by critical hermeneutic philosophy to uncover and interpret the support needs of people living with dementia in New Zealand. This involved 11 people with mild to moderate dementia and their primary caregiver in a collaborative process with the researcher. Data collection and analysis were reciprocally integrated, and the participants engaged in the production of knowledge. Coded data generated categories, the adequacy of which was judged by participants to clarify emerging understandings. The participants concluded that the historically rooted understandings of dementia in New Zealand needed to change. Dynamic involvement by the researcher at political, professional and community levels was informed by Kögler’s (1999) version of critical hermeneutics. The actions evolving from the study contributed to significant changes that are occurring in New Zealand’s health care system with regards to people with dementia. These outcomes highlight the value of engaging with critical hermeneutic philosophy.
Association between a gene variant near ataxia telangiectasia mutated and coronary artery disease in men
Authors: Schiekofer Stephan , Bobak Izabela , Kleber Marcus E , Maerz Winfried , Rudofsky Gottfried , Dugi Klaus A , Schneider Jochen G
Published: November 2013

Objective:

Type 2 diabetes is accompanied by increased mortality from coronary artery disease (CAD), but the mechanisms linking these conditions remain elusive. Hence, treatment of hyperglycaemia alone is not sufficient to avoid CAD in diabetes. Alternative views suggest that metabolic and vascular diseases share unifying cellular defects that could serve as targets for novel therapeutic strategies. Recently, a variant [single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP); rs11212617] near the gene for ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) has been associated with glycaemic response to metformin.

Materials and methods:

We determined rs11212617 in 240 male patients who underwent elective coronary angiography.

Results:

While the variant was not associated with glucose concentrations, the A allele was significantly associated with the presence of CAD (chi-square, p = 0.003), as well as with logarithmically transformed quantitative CAD indices [severe score (SS): 0.5 (0.4–0.6) vs 0.3 (0.2–0.5); extent score (ES): 2.63 (2.4–2.9) vs 1.94 (1.4–2.4), both p < 0.05, respectively]. Multivariate analysis revealed an independent association between the A allele with ES ( β = 0.17, p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that ATM-dependent signalling might play a role in the development of atherosclerotic vascular disease, but larger studies are necessary to substantiate such a hypothesis.
Ganoderma lucidum Spore Induced CA72-4 Elevation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Yan Bing , Meng Xianze , Shi Jun , Qin Zhifeng , Wei Pinkang , Lao Lixing
Published: November 2013

Ganoderma lucidum spore (GLS), an over-the-counter herbal supplement, is widely used by cancer patients in China. Although preclinical studies have shown it to be safe, complete safety data on GLS is still lacking. In this article, we report 5 cases of gastrointestinal cancer that were treated with GLS plus multiple strategies between 2010 and 2011. These patients presented with increased levels of the serum tumor marker CA72-4, one of the most valuable markers for monitoring therapeutic response in patients receiving gastrointestinal cancer treatment, after oral ingestion of GLS twice a day for 1 or 2 months. Interestingly, CA72-4 rapidly returned to normal levels when the patients discontinued the supplement and no change in clinical symptoms accompanied the CA72-4 surge. Taking into consideration that the underlying mechanism of this reaction is obscure, we suggest that additional studies are urgently needed and GLS be used with caution in cancer patients.
Acupuncture for Treatment of Uncontrolled Pain in Cancer Patients
Authors: Garcia M. Kay , Driver Larry , Haddad Robin , Lee Richard , Palmer J. Lynn , Wei Qi , Frenkel Moshe , Cohen Lorenzo
Published: November 2013

Purpose. Pain control is an ongoing challenge in the oncology setting. Prior to implementing a large randomized trial at our institution, we investigated the feasibility, safety, and initial efficacy of acupuncture for uncontrolled pain among cancer patients. Hypotheses. Our hypotheses were that the acupuncture treatments provided would be ( a) feasible, ( b) safe, and ( c) a beneficial adjunct to pain management. Study Design. This was a single arm, nonrandomized pragmatic pilot study. Methods. Participants experiencing pain ≥4 on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale received a maximum of 10 treatments on an individualized basis. Recruitment, attrition, compliance, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Pain (Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form), quality of life (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory [MDASI]), and patient satisfaction were assessed at baseline and at the end of treatment. Results. Of 115 patients screened, 52 (45%) were eligible and agreed to participate. Eleven (21%) were lost to follow-up, leaving 41 who completed all study procedures. No AEs were reported. Mean pain severity was 6.0 ± 1.3 at baseline and 3.8 ± 2.0 at follow-up ( P < .0001). Pain interference was 6.2 ± 2.3 at baseline and 4.3 ± 2.8 at follow-up ( P < .0011). On the MDASI, the mean symptom severity was 4.6 ± 1.8 at baseline and 3.2 ± 1.9 at follow-up ( P < .0001), and mean symptom interference was 5.8 ± 2.4 at baseline and 4.1 ± 2.9 at follow-up ( P < .002). Prescribed pain medications decreased across the course of the study. Patient satisfaction was high: 87% reported that their expectations were met “very well” or “extremely well”; 90% said they were likely to participate again; 95% said they were likely to recommend acupuncture to others; and 90% reported they found the service to be “useful” or “very useful.” Conclusions. Acupuncture was feasible, safe, and a helpful treatment adjunct for cancer patients experiencing uncontrolled pain in this study. Randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.
The role of dendritic cells in driving genital tract inflammation and HIV transmission risk: Are there opportunities to intervene?
Authors: Shey Muki S , Garrett Nigel J , McKinnon Lyle R , Passmore Jo-Ann S
Published: November 2013

Effective prevention of new HIV infections will require an understanding of the mechanisms involved in HIV acquisition. HIV transmission across the female genital tract is the major mode of new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa and involves complex processes, including cell activation, inflammation and recruitment of HIV target cells. Activated CD4+ T-cells, dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages have been described as targets for HIV at the genital mucosa. Activation of these cells may occur in the presence of sexually-transmitted infections, disturbances of commensal flora and other inflammatory processes. In this review, we discuss causes and consequences of inflammation in the female genital tract, with a focus on DC. We describe the central role these cells may play in facilitating or preventing HIV transmission across the genital mucosa, and in the initial recognition of HIV and other pathogens, allowing activation of an adaptive immune response to infection. We discuss studies that investigate interventions to limit DC activation, inflammation and HIV transmission. This knowledge is essential in the development of novel strategies for effective HIV control, including microbicides and pre-exposure prophylaxis.
Hemodynamic and hormonal patterns of untreated essential hypertension in men and women
Authors: Ferrario Carlos M. , Jessup Jewell A. , Smith Ronald D.
Published: November 2013

Background:

Knowledge of hemodynamic factors accounting for the development of hypertension should help to tailor therapeutic approaches and improve blood pressure control. Few data exist regarding sex differences of hemodynamic factors contributing to hypertension progression among patients with untreated nondiabetic stage I and II prehypertension (PreHyp) as defined by the Joint National Committee-7 guidelines (JNC-7).

Methods:

We utilized noninvasive impedance cardiography, applanation tonometry and plasma measures of angiotensin II, angiotensin (1–7), serum aldosterone, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and cytokine biomarkers of inflammation to characterize the hemodynamic and hormonal profile of 100 patients with untreated hypertension (39 women).

Results:

Despite there being no differences between women and men in terms of office blood pressure, heart rate and body mass index, men demonstrated lower values of pulse pressure, systemic vascular resistance, brachial artery pulse wave velocity and augmentation index. In each of the three hypertension categories, the increased blood pressure in men was associated with significant augmentations in stroke volume and cardiac output compared with women. Sex-related hemodynamic differences were associated in women with higher plasma levels of leptin, hs-CRP, plasma angiotensin II and serum aldosterone, and no differences in the serum concentrations of cytokinins. In women but not men, hs-CRP correlated with plasma concentrations of transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) and body weight; in addition, plasma TGFβ1 correlated with levels of serum vascular cell adhesion molecule 1.

Conclusion:

The impact of sex differences in the hemodynamic factors accounting for the elevation in arterial pressure in subjects with essential hypertension has been poorly characterized or this information is not available. We suggest that this gap in knowledge may adversely influence choices of drug treatment since our study shows for the first time significant differences in the hemodynamic and hormonal mechanisms accounting for the increased blood pressure in women compared to men.
Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate: a review of the clinical trial evidence
Authors: Cynk Mark
Published: November 2013

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has remained the procedure of choice for the surgical treatment of bladder outflow obstruction for almost five decades, but holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is now emerging as a challenger as the gold standard procedure. This review summarizes the evidence base for HoLEP, with particular reference to randomized, controlled (level 1) evidence.
Teacher Leader Model Standards
Authors: Berg Jill Harrison , Carver Cynthia L. , Mangin Melinda M.
Published: November 2013

Teacher leadership is increasingly recognized as a resource for instructional improvement. Consequently, teacher leader initiatives have expanded rapidly despite limited knowledge about how to prepare and support teacher leaders. In this context, the Teacher Leader Model Standards represent an important development in the field. In this article, we use findings from the content analyses of four preexisting teacher leader preparation programs to identify strengths and gaps in these new standards. Our aim is to invite critical dialogue about the standards to improve their utility for strengthening teacher leadership preparation, policy, and practice.
Transcatheter arterial embolization of anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segment of the lung
Authors: Sugihara Fumie , Murata Satoru , Uchiyama Fumio , Watari Jun , Tanaka Eliko , Muraishi Natsuka , Satoh Etsuko , Kumita Shin-ichiro
Published: November 2013

We describe the case of a 67-year-old woman with an anomalous systemic arterial supply to the basal segment of the lung, which was managed successfully by transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with microcoils. Her chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed diffuse ground-glass opacity in the left lower lobe, no bronchial abnormalities, and blood supply from an anomalous artery originating from the descending thoracic aorta, with drainage to the normal pulmonary vein. We successfully performed TAE under balloon occlusion of the anomalous artery, without complications. TAE is a minimally invasive, safe, and valuable method, and could be used as first-line treatment in such cases.
The Relationship Between Individual Police Officer Work Habits and the Stated Reasons Prosecutors Reject Their Domestic Violence Investigations
Authors: Nelson Eric L.
Published: November 2013

In the United States, 70% of all non-arrest domestic violence (DV) police investigations are rejected by prosecutors. Using DV investigation data, the routine work habits of two groups of police officers were compared across six measures. Cases submitted by routinely lower effort (RLE) officers are rejected 270% more often, sustaining an average of 4.00 criticisms each, compared to 2.21 for routinely greater effort (RGE) officers. RLE officers submit ambiguous investigations (58% v. 0%), and cases with insufficient evidence (74% vs. 36%). The Proficiency Score ( P Score) quantitative monitoring method is presented and validated. This method identifies RLE officers, and also specific areas of deficient individual investigative practice in need of improvement. With improvement, rates of prosecution and conviction for DV crime should increase substantially.
Structure and corrosion properties of cold sprayed coatings: a review
Authors: Koivuluoto H. , Vuoristo P.
Published: November 2013

Coating technology is growing because of its important role in improving, e.g. corrosion resistance, thermal and electrical conductivities, and other properties of material in order to decrease costs and increase service life and safety. Cold spraying is the technique to produce coatings from powder feedstock by spraying solid particles on the substrate, forming the coating. Cold spraying is a relatively new spraying method, which has many advantages over other forms of thermal spraying. The advantages are dense and pure structures, high deposition efficiency, low residual stresses, minimal heat input to substrate, phase and compositional stability, and little need for masking. Furthermore, cold spraying is a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to, e.g. soldering, electroplating, and painting. One potential application field of cold sprayed coatings is corrosion protection due to the possibility to produce fully dense and impermeable coatings. From this aspect, this review is focused on corrosion properties of cold sprayed coatings and structural details behind these coatings.
Primary testicular lymphoma
Authors: Cheah Chan Y. , Wirth Andrew , Seymour John F.
Published: November 2013

Primary testicular lymphoma (PTL) is a rare, clinically aggressive form of extranodal lymphoma. The vast majority of cases are histologically diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, but rarer subtypes are clinically important and must be recognized. In this review, we discuss the incidence, clinical presentation, and prognostic factors of PTL and present a summary of the recent advances in our understanding of its pathophysiology, which may account for the characteristic clinical features. Although outcomes for patients with PTL have historically been poor, significant gains have been made with the successive addition of radiotherapy (RT), full-course anthracycline-based chemotherapy, rituximab and central nervous system–directed prophylaxis. We describe the larger retrospective series and prospective clinical trials and critically examine the role of RT. Although rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone given every 21 days with intrathecal methotrexate and locoregional RT is the current international standard of care, a substantial minority of patients progress, representing an unmet medical need. Finally, we discuss new treatment approaches and recent discoveries that may translate into improved outcomes for patients with PTL.
Using phage display selected antibodies to dissect microbiomes for complete de novo genome sequencing of low abundance microbes
Authors: Close Devin W , Ferrara Fortunato , Dichosa Armand EK , Kumar Sandeep , Daughton Ashlynn R , Daligault Hajnalka E , Reitenga Krista G , Velappan Nileena , Sanchez Timothy C , Iyer Srinivas , Kiss Csaba , Han Cliff S , Bradbury Andrew RM
Published: November 2013

Background

Single cell genomics has revolutionized microbial sequencing, but complete coverage of genomes in complex microbiomes is imperfect due to enormous variation in organismal abundance and amplification bias. Empirical methods that complement rapidly improving bioinformatic tools will improve characterization of microbiomes and facilitate better genome coverage for low abundance microbes.

Methods

We describe a new approach to sequencing individual species from microbiomes that combines antibody phage display against intact bacteria with fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Single chain (scFv) antibodies are selected using phage display against a bacteria or microbial community, resulting in species-specific antibodies that can be used in FACS for relative quantification of an organism in a community, as well as enrichment or depletion prior to genome sequencing.

Results

We selected antibodies against Lactobacillus acidophilus and demonstrate a FACS-based approach for identification and enrichment of the organism from both laboratory-cultured and commercially derived bacterial mixtures. The ability to selectively enrich for L. acidophilus when it is present at a very low abundance (<0.2%) leads to complete (>99.8%) de novo genome coverage whereas the standard single-cell sequencing approach is incomplete (<68%). We show that specific antibodies can be selected against L. acidophilus when the monoculture is used as antigen as well as when a community of 10 closely related species is used demonstrating that in principal antibodies can be generated against individual organisms within microbial communities.

Conclusions

The approach presented here demonstrates that phage-selected antibodies against bacteria enable identification, enrichment of rare species, and depletion of abundant organisms making it tractable to virtually any microbe or microbial community. Combining antibody specificity with FACS provides a new approach for characterizing and manipulating microbial communities prior to genome sequencing.
A comparison of microbiology and demographics among patients with healthcare-associated, hospital-acquired, and ventilator-associated pneumonia: a retrospective analysis of 1184 patients from a large, international study
Authors: Quartin Andrew A , Scerpella Ernesto G , Puttagunta Sailaja , Kett Daniel H
Published: November 2013

Background

Acceptance of healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) as an entity and the associated risk of infection by potentially multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter have been debated. We therefore compared patients with HCAP, hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) enrolled in a trial comparing linezolid with vancomycin for treatment of pneumonia.

Methods

The analysis included all patients who received study drug. HCAP was defined as pneumonia occurring < 48 hours into hospitalization and acquired in a long-term care, subacute, or intermediate health care facility; following recent hospitalization; or after chronic dialysis.

Results

Data from 1184 patients (HCAP = 199, HAP = 379, VAP = 606) were analyzed. Compared with HAP and VAP patients, those with HCAP were older, had slightly higher severity scores, and were more likely to have comorbidities. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common gram-negative organism isolated in all pneumonia classes [HCAP, 22/199 (11.1%); HAP, 28/379 (7.4%); VAP, 57/606 (9.4%); p = 0.311]. Acinetobacter spp. were also found with similar frequencies across pneumonia groups. To address potential enrollment bias toward patients with MRSA pneumonia, we grouped patients by presence or absence of MRSA and found little difference in frequencies of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter.

Conclusions

In this population of pneumonia patients, the frequencies of MDR gram-negative pathogens were similar among patients with HCAP, HAP, or VAP. Our data support inclusion of HCAP within nosocomial pneumonia guidelines and the recommendation that empiric antibiotic regimens for HCAP should be similar to those for HAP and VAP.
Circulating microRNA: a novel potential biomarker for early diagnosis of Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture a case control study
Authors: Jin Hengwei , Li Conghui , Ge Huijian , Jiang Yuhua , Li Youxiang
Published: November 2013

Objective

To investigate warning effect of serum miRNA for intracranial aneurysm rupture through microarray hybridization.

Methods

24 were selected from 560 patients in our department and divided into group A, B, C and D. They are aneurysms with daughter aneurysms group, aneurysm without daughter aneurysms group, ruptured aneurysms group and angiography negative group. Then a microarray study was carried out using serum miRNA. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified. Cluster analysis was performed in order to make the results looks more intuitive and potential gene targets were retrieved from miRNA target prediction databases.

Results

Microarray study identified 86 miRNAs with significantly different (p < 0.05) expression levels between three experimental groups and control group. Among them 69 are up-regulated and 17 are down-regulated. All miRNAs in group A are up-regulated, while there are up and down-regulated in group B and C. A total of 8291 predicted target genes are related to these miRNAs. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that several target genes are involved in apoptosis and activation of cells associated with function of vascular wall.

Conclusion

Our gene level approach reveals several different serum miRNAs between normal people and aneurysm patients, as well as among different phases of aneurysm, suggesting that miRNA may participate in the regulation of the occurrence and development of intracranial aneurysm, and also have warning effect for intracranial aneurysm rupture. All differently expressed miRNA in group A are up-regulated, which may suggesting protective function of miRNA for intracranial vascular wall.
Clinical outcomes of locked plating of distal femoral fractures in a retrospective cohort
Authors: Hoffmann Martin F , Jones Clifford B , Sietsema Debra L , Tornetta Paul , Koenig Scott J
Published: November 2013

Purpose

Locked plating (LP) of distal femoral fractures has become very popular. Despite technique suggestions from anecdotal and some early reports, knowledge about risk factors for failure, nonunion (NU), and revision is limited. The purpose of this study was to analyze the complications and clinical outcomes of LP treatment for distal femoral fractures.

Materials and methods

From two trauma centers, 243 consecutive surgically treated distal femoral fractures (AO/OTA 33) were retrospectively identified. Of these, 111 fractures in 106 patients (53.8% female) underwent locked plate fixation. They had an average age of 54 years (range 18 to 95 years): 34.2% were obese, 18.9% were smokers, and 18.9% were diabetic. Open fractures were present in 40.5% with 79.5% Gustilo type III. Fixation constructs for plate length, working length, and screw concentration were delineated. Nonunion and/or infection, and implant failure were used as outcome complication variables. Outcome was based on surgical method and addressed according to Pritchett for reduction, range of motion, and pain.

Results

Eighty-three (74.8%) of the fractures healed after the index procedure. Twenty (18.0%) of the patients developed a NU. Four of 20 (20%) resulted in a recalcitrant NU. Length of comminution did not correlate to NU (p = 0.180). Closed injuries had a higher tendency to heal after the index procedure than open injuries (p = 0.057). Closed and minimally open (Gustilo/Anderson types I and II) fractures healed at a significantly higher rate after the index procedure compared to type III open fractures (80.0% versus 61.3%,p = 0.041). Eleven fractures (9.9%) developed hardware failure. Fewer nonunions were found in the submuscular group (10.7%) compared to open reduction (32.0%) (p = 0.023). Fractures above total knee arthroplasties had a significantly greater rate of failed hardware (p = 0.040) and worse clinical outcome according to Pritchett (p = 0.040). Loss of fixation was related to pain (F = 3.19,p = 0.046) and a tendency to worse outcome (F = 2.43,p = 0.071). No relationship was found between nonunion and working length.

Conclusion

Despite modern fixation techniques, distal femoral fractures often result in persistent disability and worse clinical outcomes. Soft tissue management seems to be important. Submuscular plate insertion reduced the nonunion rate. Preexisting total knee arthroplasty increased the risk of hardware failure. Further studies determining factors that improve outcome are warranted.
Subcutaneous emphysema and ultrasound sonography
Authors: Kubodera Toshi , Adachi Yushi U , Hatano Toshiyuki , Ejima Tadashi , Numaguchi Atsushi , Matsuda Naoyuki
Published: November 2013

Subcutaneous emphysema is not a rare complication in intensive care unit patients. Recently, ultrasound guidance for central venous puncture is becoming popular; however, the information on imaging for subcutaneous emphysema is limited. We encountered a patient complicated with severe pneumomediastinum and subsequent subcutaneous emphysema. The catheter replacement was attempted, and we examined the visuality of cervical vessels using ultrasound sonography before the intervention. Internal jugular vein itself was observed despite of subcutaneously migrated air bubble; however, the range of ultrasound image was limited, and the relationship between the vessel and the adjacent tissue was unclear.
Vitamin D Signaling Regulates Proliferation, Differentiation, and Myotube Size in C2C12 Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Girgis Christian M. , Clifton-Bligh Roderick J. , Mokbel Nancy , Cheng Kim , Gunton Jenny E.
Published: November 2013

Vitamin D deficiency is linked to a range of muscle disorders including myalgia, muscle weakness, and falls. Humans with severe vitamin D deficiency and mice with transgenic vitamin D receptor (VDR) ablation have muscle fiber atrophy. However, molecular mechanisms by which vitamin D influences muscle function and fiber size remain unclear. A central question is whether VDR is expressed in skeletal muscle and is able to regulate transcription at this site. To address this, we examined key molecular and morphologic changes in C2C12 cells treated with 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D). As well as stimulating VDR expression, 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D dose-dependently increased expression of the classic vitamin D target cytochrome P450, family 24, subfamily A, polypeptide 1 (CYP24A1), demonstrating the presence of an autoregulatory vitamin D-endocrine system in these cells. Luciferase reporter studies demonstrated that cytochrome P450, family 27, subfamily B, polypeptide 1 (CYP27B1) was functional in these cells. Both 25OHD and 1,25(OH)2D altered C2C12 proliferation and differentiation. These effects were related to the increased expression of genes involved in G0/G1 arrest (retinoblastoma protein [Rb], 1.3-fold; ATM, 1.5-fold, both P < .05), downregulation of mRNAs involved in G1/S transition, including myc and cyclin-D1 (0.7- and 0.8-fold, both P < .05) and reduced phosphorylation of Rb protein (0.3-fold, P < .005). After serum depletion, 1,25(OH)2D (100nM) suppressed myotube formation with decreased mRNAs for key myogenic regulatory factors (myogenin, 0.5-fold; myf5, 0.4-fold, P < .005) but led to a 1.8-fold increase in cross-sectional size of individual myotubes associated with markedly decreased myostatin expression (0.2-fold, P < .005). These data show that vitamin D signaling alters gene expression in C2C12 cells, with effects on proliferation, differentiation, and myotube size.
Testosterone Replacement Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Castrated Male Rats
Authors: Nikolaenko L. , Jia Y. , Wang C. , Diaz-Arjonilla M. , Yee J. K. , French S. W. , Liu P. Y. , Laurel S. , Chong C. , Lee K. , Lue Y. , Lee W. N. P. , Swerdloff R. S.
Published: November 2013

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is common in developed countries and is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. T deficiency is a risk factor for developing these metabolic deficiencies, but its role in hepatic steatosis has not been well studied. We investigated the effects of T on the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Adult male rats were randomly placed into four groups and treated for 15 weeks: intact rats on regular chow diet (RCD), intact rats on liquid HFD (I+HFD), castrated rats on HFD (C+HFD), and castrated rats with T replacement on HFD (C+HFD+T). Fat contributed 71% energy to the HFD but only 16% of energy to the RCD. Serum T level was undetectable in castrated rats, and T replacement led to 2-fold higher mean serum T levels than in intact rats. C+HFD rats gained less weight but had higher percentage body fat than C+HFD+T. Severe micro- and macrovesicular fat accumulated in hepatocytes with multiple inflammatory foci in the livers of C+HFD. I+HFD and C+HFD+T hepatocytes demonstrated only mild to moderate microvesicular steatosis. T replacement attenuated HFD-induced hepatocyte apoptosis in castrated rats. Serum glucose and insulin levels were not increased with HFD in any group. Immunoblots showed that insulin-regulated proteins were not changed in any group. This study demonstrates that T deficiency may contribute to the severity of hepatic steatosis and T may play a protective role in hepatic steatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development without insulin resistance.
Literary Praxis Beyond the Melodramas of Commitment: Edward Upward, Soviet Aesthetics, and Leftist Self-Fashioning
Authors: Salton-Cox Glyn
Published: November 2013

This essay examines the English Communist novelist, Edward Upward (1903–2009) in a hitherto unexplored comparative frame. Until recently, Upward's authorship was largely dismissed as formally uninspired and dogmatically “Stalinist,” the work, as Samuel Hynes put it, of “a gifted man who traded his gift for the security of a cause.” Recuperative readings of the last few years have instead stressed Upward as an eccentric modernist rather than a doctrinaire adherent of socialist realism. Drawing extensively on unpublished archival sources, I argue that these recent recuperative accounts, while correct in debunking the myth of Upward's slavishness to Moscow, erase the crucial comparative frame through which his work must be understood. Reading Upward's writing of the 1930s alongside Georg Lukács, Walter Benjamin, and socialist realists such as Fyodor Gladkov and Alexander Fadeev, I show how Upward's work was centrally shaped by Soviet aesthetics, a reception which led him to an innovative conception of literary commitment, surprisingly resistant to the powerful critiques later offered by Theodor Adorno and Raymond Williams. This conception of commitment emerges through a process of literary praxis in which aesthetic-ideological formations are rigorously critiqued and tested against three mutually constitutive concerns: Upward's personal transformation as a Marxist, the specific demands of the revolutionary movement in England, and the work of narrative itself. Rather than exhibiting the mechanistic understanding of cultural production for which English thirties leftists are typically condemned, Upward develops a mode of commitment that sees praxis as inherent to the cultural field. Reading Upward's work in terms of cultural praxis thus adumbrates new lines of inquiry in the cultural and intellectual history of English Marxism, as his leftist self-fashioning involves sophisticated modes of theoretical engagement more usually associated with later formations such as the second-generation New Left.
The Sourcing Hub and Upstream Supplier Networks
Authors: Agrawal Anupam , Van Wassenhove Luk N. , De Meyer Arnoud
Published: November 2013

In this paper, we explore how firms can better manage their sourcing by developing relationships not only with their suppliers but also with their suppliers' suppliers. We detail an empirical case study explaining how the firm developed relationships with its suppliers and raw material suppliers via a collaborative center, the sourcing hub. We then analytically model the scenarios encountered in our empirical work and examine two facets of upstream sourcing under uncertain demand scenarios: (a) firms can supply raw material directly to their suppliers, and this may be beneficial for the firm and its suppliers; and (b) firms can bring their suppliers together at the sourcing hub, and the resulting cooperation between suppliers is beneficial for the suppliers and the raw material suppliers. Overall, our work explores the market and economic conditions under which active management of upstream sourcing can add value to supply chains.
Pharmacogenomic Testing and Personalized Treatment of Depression
Authors: Perlis Roy H
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND

There is wide variation in antidepressant efficacy and tolerability during the treatment of major depressive disorder, a brain disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality risk. The ability to rapidly identify optimal treatment, thereby shortening the time to symptomatic remission, could reduce these risks and associated costs.

CONTENT

Up to 42% of variance in antidepressant response is associated with common genetic variation, and there are over 10 psychotropic medications for which the US Food and Drug Administration–approved labeling reflects a genetic test. Most published studies have examined functional variations in genes of the cytochrome p450 system, relevant to metabolism of many antidepressants. However, there are few data supporting the clinical usefulness of specific pharmacogenetic tests. Randomized trials and cost-effectiveness studies are emerging, but larger-scale studies are needed. Specific challenges in translating genetic association results to clinical practice include need for replication to address risk of type I error, overestimation of effect sizes, absence of data from generalizable cohorts, and absence of comparative data that would suggest one specific intervention over another. Several opportunities to accelerate development and validation of new tools for stratification remain, including integration of these tests with clinical data or other biomarkers and application of electronic health records for test development and investigation.

Although common genetic variation, particularly in genes of the cytochrome p450 system, has been associated with antidepressant response, evidence that this variation may be successfully applied to guide treatment selection is just emerging. Larger-scale studies facilitated by informatics tools will clarify the usefulness of such tests.
Design of freeform optics
Authors: Fang Fengzhou , Cheng Ying , Zhang Xiaodong
Published: November 2013

Freeform optics has certain characteristics such as complex surfaces and more degrees to be controlled, so that it is capable of achieving optical mapping relationship, which cannot be achieved by the conventional optical surfaces. There is no applicable method for designing all freeform optics in the optical field until now. The selection of design methods should be based on specific applications. The paper introduces the main optical freeform design methods and their typical applications.
Holographic wavefront sensor for fast defocus measurement
Authors: Zepp Andreas , Gładysz Szymon , Stein Karin
Published: November 2013

Atmospheric effects significantly influence the propagation of light. Conventional adaptive optics systems, based on Shack-Hartmann sensors (SHS), work well for vertical-path propagation. However, for more challenging scenarios like horizontal-path imaging or free-space laser communications through extended-volume turbulence and strong scintillation, the bandwidth of SHS is insufficient. A promising alternative is the holographic wavefront sensor (HWFS). Our paper deals with some dependencies and limitations of the HWFS. First, we show that the sensitivity of the HWFS is highly dependent on the detector size. The smaller the detector, the more sensitive is the sensor. This has consequences in the photon-starved regime, which would naturally occur when the sensor is operated at the intended MHz speed. Second, we show that uncorrected (or residual) tip/tilt has a large impact on the accuracy of the measurement. We present experimental results of measuring an important and also easily correctable aberration, defocus, with the HWFS.
Speckle effects in target-in-the-loop laser beam projection systems
Authors: Vorontsov Mikhail A.
Published: November 2013

In target-in-the-loop laser beam projection scenarios typical of remote sensing, directed energy, and adaptive optics applications, a transmitted laser beam propagates through an optically inhomogeneous medium toward a target, scatters off the target’s rough surface, and returns back to the transceiver plane. Coherent beam scattering off the randomly rough surface results in strong speckle modulation in the transceiver plane. This speckle modulation has been a long-standing challenge that limits performance of remote sensing, active imaging, and adaptive optics techniques. Using physics-based models of laser beam scattering off a randomly rough surface, we show that received speckle-field spatial and temporal characteristics can be used to evaluate the intensity distribution of the beam projected onto the target. We derive analytical expressions that directly couple the measured target-return wave statistical characteristics, or ‘speckle metrics’, with characteristics of the laser beam intensity distribution on the target surface. We also show how measured speckle metrics can be utilized for evaluation of laser beam quality at the target surface and for adaptive compensation of atmospheric turbulence-induced phase aberrations.
Silicon photonic devices for mid-infrared applications
Authors: Shankar Raji , Lončar Marko
Published: November 2013

The mid-infrared (IR) wavelength region (2–20 µm) is of great interest for a number of applications, including trace gas sensing, thermal imaging, and free-space communications. Recently, there has been significant progress in developing a mid-IR photonics platform in Si, which is highly transparent in the mid-IR, due to the ease of fabrication and CMOS compatibility provided by the Si platform. Here, we discuss our group’s recent contributions to the field of silicon-based mid-IR photonics, including photonic crystal cavities in a Si membrane platform and grating-coupled high-quality factor ring resonators in a silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) platform. Since experimental characterization of microphotonic devices is especially challenging at the mid-IR, we also review our mid-IR characterization techniques in some detail. Additionally, pre- and post-processing techniques for improving device performance, such as resist reflow, Piranha clean/HF dip cycling, and annealing are discussed.
Sámi Media Professionals and the Role of Language and Identity / Sámi Medienprofis und die Rolle von Sprache und Identität / Les professionnels des média sâmes et le rôle de la langue et de l’identité
Authors: Markelin Lia , Husband Charles , Moring Tom
Published: November 2013

In ihrer Medienlandschaft erweist sich die samische Gemeinschaft als höchst lebendig und entwickelt sich rasant. Sie ist jedoch auch zwischen ihren vielen verschiedenen Sprachgruppen hin und her gerissen sowie zwischen der Notwendigkeit, diese Sprachen kontinuierlich weiter zu entwickeln, um sowohl ihrer Tradition als auch den Veränderungen der Welt gerecht zu werden. Angesichts der globalen Vernetzung der einheimischen Medienlandschaft ist die Medienarbeit, vor allem bei spezifischen Sami- Inhalten, äußerst behutsam und sich dessen bewusst, dass allmählich eine transnationale indigene Medienlandschaft entsteht.

Dieser Artikel basiert auf Interviews mit samischen Medienprofis, die für samischsprachige Medien in Norwegen und Schweden arbeiten. Er stellt ihre Sicht der Rolle einheimischer Medien dar und zeigt, wie diese mit den Herausforderungen bezüglich Gemeinschaft, Sprachen, Medien und eigener Identität in einer zunehmend globalisierten Welt zurechtkommen. Aus theoretischer Perspektive untersucht der Artikel ethische Fragen hinsichtlich Identität und Sprache aus dem Blickwinkel der ethno- linguistischen Vitalitätstheorie, bei Unterscheidung objektiver von subjektiven Faktoren. Im Zentrum der Analyse stehen die aktuellen Veränderungen der Medien und sprachlichen Landschaften in Sämiland oder Säpmi.
Transnational Media and the Use of English: The Case of Cinema and Motion Picture Titling Practices in Germany /
Authors: Hilgendorf Suzanne K.
Published: November 2013

Dieser Beitrag untersucht die Beziehung zwischen transnationalen Medien und der Verbreitung des Englischen am Beispiel des traditionellen Mediums Kino in Deutschland, dem größten Land Europas, das zu Kachru’s (1990) „Expanding Circle“ der englischen Sprache gehört. Die Diskussion erstreckt sich auf die weltweite Geschichte des Kinos seit dem frühen 20. Jahrhundert einschließlich der Faktoren, die zum Aufstieg Hollywoods zur international dominierenden Macht beigetragen haben, auch in Deutschland. Hieran anschließend richtet sie sich auf den Sprachgebrauch, wo bei Einführung des Tonfilms die US-Studios bei aller Dominanz Hollywoods rasch auf den Bedarf reagierten, die Filme sprachlich an örtliche Gegebenheiten anzupassen. Diese langjährige Politik der Synchronisierung und Untertitelung von Filmen setzt sich bis heute fort. Dennoch findet bei all dem, wie die Praxis der Filmbetitelung in Deutschland erkennen lässt, auch die englische Sprache Anwendung. Die detaillierte Analyse der Betitelung der in Deutschland beliebtesten Filme über einen Zeitraum von 20 Jahren zeigt ein Kontinuum des Sprachgebrauchs zwischen den beiden Polen Deutsch und Englisch, indem die beiden Sprachen entweder alternativ verwendet werden, oder in kreativen und innovativen Kombinationen, bei denen der sonstige Gegensatz zwischen ihnen verschwimmt.
Investigating and Understanding the Bending Fatigue Response and Fracture Behavior of Two High Strength Steels
Authors: Manigandan K. , Srivatsan T. S. , Quick T.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, the results of a recent study aimed at understanding the bending fatigue response of two carbon steels is presented and discussed. The two carbon steels chosen are the ones preferred and used for a spectrum of industrial applications. Bend test specimens of the two carbon steels were prepared and conformed to specifications used in several earlier studies. The machined test specimens were deformed in bending fatigue over a range of maximum load, at a positive load ratio of 0.1, and the number of cycles to failure was recorded. The specific influence of chemical composition on bending fatigue life of the carbon steels is presented. The fracture surfaces of the deformed and failed specimens were examined in a scanning electron microscope to establish the macroscopic mode of fracture and to concurrently characterize the intrinsic features and establish the microscopic mechanisms governing fracture. The influence of nature of loading and maximum load on bending fatigue life is discussed in light of chemical composition and intrinsic microstructural features of the chosen carbon steel.
Calcium-Permeable AMPA Receptors in the Nucleus Accumbens Regulate Depression-Like Behaviors in the Chronic Neuropathic Pain State
Authors: Goffer Yossef , Xu Duo , Eberle Sarah E. , D'amour James , Lee Michelle , Tukey David , Froemke Robert C. , Ziff Edward B. , Wang Jing
Published: November 2013

Depression is a salient emotional feature of chronic pain. Depression alters the pain threshold and impairs functional recovery. To date, however, there has been limited understanding of synaptic or circuit mechanisms that regulate depression in the pain state. Here, we demonstrate that depression-like behaviors are induced in a rat model of chronic neuropathic pain. Using this model, we show that chronic pain selectively increases the level of GluA1 subunits of AMPA-type glutamate receptors at the synapses of the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key component of the brain reward system. We find, in addition, that this increase in GluA1 levels leads to the formation of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors (CPARs). Surprisingly, pharmacologic blockade of these CPARs in the NAc increases depression-like behaviors associated with pain. Consistent with these findings, an AMPA receptor potentiator delivered into the NAc decreases pain-induced depression. These results show that transmission through CPARs in the NAc represents a novel molecular mechanism modulating the depressive symptoms of pain, and thus CPARs may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of pain-induced depression. More generally, these findings highlight the role of central glutamate signaling in pain states and define the brain reward system as an important region for the regulation of depressive symptoms of pain.
Propagating Neocortical Gamma Bursts Are Coordinated by Traveling Alpha Waves
Authors: Bahramisharif Ali , van Gerven Marcel A. J. , Aarnoutse Erik J. , Mercier Manuel R. , Schwartz Theodore H. , Foxe John J. , Ramsey Nick F. , Jensen Ole
Published: November 2013

Neocortical neuronal activity is characterized by complex spatiotemporal dynamics. Although slow oscillations have been shown to travel over space in terms of consistent phase advances, it is unknown how this phenomenon relates to neuronal activity in other frequency bands. We here present electrocorticographic data from three male and one female human subject and demonstrate that gamma power is phase locked to traveling alpha waves. Given that alpha activity has been proposed to coordinate neuronal processing reflected in the gamma band, we suggest that alpha waves are involved in coordinating neuronal processing in both space and time.
Motoneuron Intrinsic Properties, but Not Their Receptive Fields, Recover in Chronic Spinal Injury
Authors: Johnson Michael D. , Kajtaz Elma , Cain Charlette M. , Heckman C.J.
Published: November 2013

Proper movement execution relies on precise input processing by spinal motoneurons (MNs). Spinal MNs are activated by limb joint rotations. Typically, their movement-related receptive fields (MRRFs) are sharply focused and joint-specific. After acute spinal transection MRRFs become wide, but their manifestation is not apparent, as intrinsic excitability, primarily resulting from the loss of persistent inward currents (PICs), dramatically decreases. PICs undergo a remarkable recovery with time after injury. Here we investigate whether MRRFs undergo a recovery that parallels that of the PIC. Using the chronic spinal cat in acute terminal decerebrate preparations, we found that MRRFs remain expanded 1 month after spinal transaction, whereas PICs recovered to >80% of their preinjury amplitudes. These recovered PICs substantially amplified the expanded inputs underlying the MRRFs. As a result, we show that single joint rotations lead to the activation of muscles across the entire limb. These results provide a potential mechanism for the propagation of spasms throughout the limb.