bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotions while awaiting lung transplantation: A comprehensive qualitative analysis
Authors: Brügger Aurelia , Aubert John-David , Piot-Ziegler Chantal
Published: December 2014

Patients awaiting lung transplantation are at risk of negative emotional and physical experiences. How do they talk about emotions? Semi-structured interviews were performed (15 patients). Categorical analysis focusing on emotion-related descriptions was organized into positive–negative–neutral descriptions: for primary and secondary emotions, evaluation processes, coping strategies, personal characteristics, emotion descriptions associated with physical states, (and) contexts were listed. Patients develop different strategies to maintain positive identity and attitude, while preserving significant others from extra emotional load. Results are discussed within various theoretical and research backgrounds, in emphasizing their importance in the definition of emotional support starting from the patient’s perspective.
Race, Social Identity, and Perceptions of Police Bias
Authors: Oliveira Alessandro , Murphy Kristina
Published: December 2014

Research consistently finds that people from ethnic or racial minority backgrounds tend to view police more negatively than those from nonminority backgrounds. Some studies, however, have questioned such findings by showing that race-based effects disappear once other factors are considered. For example, Weitzer showed that racial minorities from middle-class neighborhoods tend to view police just as favorably as nonminorities. Using survey data collected from 1,204 Australian citizens, the present study examines how social identity processes impact people’s views of police. We find that social identity is a more important predictor of attitudes toward police than race/ethnicity. These findings have implications for policing research and for police practice.
The Indication for Distal Movements of Upper Buccal Segments
Authors: Morse P. H. , Webb W. G.
Published: December 2014

This paper will consider the indications for distal movement of upper buccal segments, demonstrate the construction and fitting of an upper removable appliance to carry out this procedure and present typical case histories.
The Place of Fixed Bridgework in Cleft Palate Patients
Authors: Kantorowicz G. F.
Published: December 2014

The place of fixed bridgework in the treatment of the cleft-palate patient is reviewed. It is emphasized that treatment planning for bridgework, in consultation with the orthodontist, must take place at an early stage, preferably before orthodontic treatment in the permanent dentition has been commenced.
Useful Clinical Technique for Upper Canine Retraction and Retention
Authors: Golledge Percy
Published: December 2014

Two appliances are described. The first is a lingual arch carrying a Nance bulb and auxiliary springs for retraction of upper canines or premolars. The second is a retention appliance constructed at the chairside from Coe “Dental Guards”.
Extra-oral Traction and Functional Appliances—A Cephalometric Comparison
Authors: Weinberger T. W.
Published: December 2014

The importance of correcting Angle's Class II molar relationships during orthodontic treatment is discussed and two methods of achieving this correction are described. The literature is reviewed and an investigation designed to compare the modes of action of extra-oral traction and functional appliances is described. The base line for cephalometric measurement is taken as S-N with a perpendicular axis constructed at S in order to minimize errors due to growth occurring during the investigation period. Results suggest that neither appliance has significant effects on the horizontal growth of the dental bases, but that the clinical effect of molar relationship correction is substantially due to dento-alveolar changes.
The Size of the Human Tongue Shadow in Different Mandibular Postures
Authors: Vig P. S. , Cohen A. M.
Published: December 2014

A previous objection to the cephalometric assessment of individual variations in tongue size was the difficulty of obtaining a standardized position of the tongue and the effect this may have on its apparent size.

Five different positions of the mandible were recorded on cephalometric radiographs in sixteen individuals. The tongue postures adopted were produced spontaneously for each posed position of the mandible. Measurement of the tongue area revealed a high degree of intra-individual consistency when comparing the tongue area with the mandible at rest to the area found when the teeth were edge to edge or in occlusion.

When the mouth was wide open or the mandible was maximally protruded, the tongue area measurement was significantly different (smaller).

The level of reliability of the tongue measurements has been established. It is suggested that further studies of orofacial morphology and posture could usefully incorporate tongue dimensions, provided that recordings were made while the mandible is contained by an envelope of movement limited by occlusion, rest position and incisors edge to edge.
Loss of PRDM11 promotes MYC-driven lymphomagenesis
Authors: Fog Cathrine Kolster , Asmar Fazila , Côme Christophe , Jensen Klaus Thorleif , Johansen Jens Vilstrup , Kheir Tony Bou , Jacobsen Linda , Friis Carsten , Louw Alison , Rosgaard Louise , Øbro Nina Friesgaard , Marquart Hanne Vibeke , Anthonsen Kristian , Braat Arie Koen , van Lohuizen Maarten , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth , Grønbæk Kirsten , Lund Anders Henrik
Published: December 2014

Key Points

Loss of Prdm11 accelerates MYC-driven lymphomagenesis. PRDM11 regulates transcription of target genes, including FOS and JUN.
Transformed follicular non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Casulo Carla , Burack W. Richard , Friedberg Jonathan W.
Published: December 2014

Histologic transformation of follicular lymphoma to an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a critical biologic event with profound implications on the natural history of this otherwise indolent disease. Recent insights into the genetic and epigenetic basis of transformation have been described, with the recognition of pivotal events governing the initiation and persistence of tumor evolution. Outcomes of patients with transformed lymphoma have historically been poor; however, several studies in the rituximab era suggest that survival may be more favorable than previously recognized. This review highlights our current understanding of transformed follicular lymphoma biology and pathogenesis, current treatment, and future directions.
Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma and mediastinal gray zone lymphoma: do they require a unique therapeutic approach?
Authors: Dunleavy Kieron , Wilson Wyndham H.
Published: December 2014

Primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBL) is a subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) that is putatively derived from a thymic B cell. Accounting for up to 10% of cases of DLBCL, this subtype predominantly affects women in the third and fourth decades of life. Its clinical and molecular characteristics are distinct from other subtypes of DLBCL and, in fact, closely resemble those of nodular sclerosing Hodgkin lymphoma (NSHL). Recently, mediastinal lymphomas with features intermediate between PMBL and NSHL, called mediastinal gray-zone lymphomas, have been described. The optimal management of PMBL is controversial, and most standard approaches include a combination of immunochemotherapy and mediastinal radiation. Recently, the recognition that mediastinal radiation is associated with significant long-term toxicities has led to the development of novel approaches for PMBL that have shown excellent efficacy and challenge the need for routine mediastinal radiation.
Oronasal maskversushelmet in acute hypercapnic respiratory failure
Authors: Pisani Lara , Mega Chiara , Vaschetto Rosanna , Bellone Andrea , Scala Raffaele , Cosentini Roberto , Musti Muriel , Del Forno Manuela , Grassi Mario , Fasano Luca , Navalesi Paolo , Nava Stefano
Published: December 2014

The choice of the interface for noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is a key factor in NIV success. We hypothesised that a new helmet specifically design to improve performance in hypercapnic patients would be clinically equivalent to a standard oronasal mask.

In a multicentre, short-term, physiological, randomised trial in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients facing an acute hypercapnic respiratory failure episode, we compared the changes in arterial blood gases (ABGs) and tolerance score obtained using the helmet or mask, and, as secondary end-points, dyspnoea, vital signs, early NIV discontinuation and rate of intubation. 80 patients were randomly assigned to receive NIV either with the helmet (n=39) or mask (n=41), using an intensive care unit ventilator.

Compared with baseline, in the first 6 h, NIV improved ABGs, dyspnoea and respiratory rate (p<0.05) in both groups. Changes in ABGs and discomfort were similar with the two groups, while dyspnoea decreased more (p<0.005) using the mask. The rate of intubation and the need for interface change during the whole period of NIV were very low and not different between groups.

The new helmet may be a valid alternative to a mask in improving ABGs and achieving a good tolerance during an episode of acute hypercapnic respiratory failure.
HFE gene variants and iron-induced oxygen radical generation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Sangiuolo Federica , Puxeddu Ermanno , Pezzuto Gabriella , Cavalli Francesco , Longo Giuliana , Comandini Alessia , Di Pierro Donato , Pallante Marco , Sergiacomi Gianluigi , Simonetti Giovanni , Zompatori Maurizio , Orlandi Augusto , Magrini Andrea , Amicosante Massimo , Mariani Francesca , Losi Monica , Fraboni Daniela , Bisetti Alberto , Saltini Cesare
Published: December 2014

In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), lung accumulation of excessive extracellular iron and macrophage haemosiderin may suggest disordered iron homeostasis leading to recurring microscopic injury and fibrosing damage.

The current study population comprised 89 consistent IPF patients and 107 controls. 54 patients and 11 controls underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Haemosiderin was assessed by Perls' stain, BAL fluid malondialdehyde (MDA) by high-performance liquid chromatography, BAL cell iron-dependent oxygen radical generation by fluorimetry and the frequency of hereditary haemochromatosis HFE gene variants by reverse dot blot hybridisation.

Macrophage haemosiderin, BAL fluid MDA and BAL cell unstimulated iron-dependent oxygen radical generation were all significantly increased above controls (p<0.05). The frequency of C282Y, S65C and H63D HFE allelic variants was markedly higher in IPF compared with controls (40.4%versus22.4%, OR 2.35, p=0.008) and was associated with higher iron-dependent oxygen radical generation (HFE variant 107.4±56.0, HFE wild type (wt) 59.4±36.4 and controls 16.7±11.8 fluorescence units per 105BAL cells; p=0.028 HFE variantversusHFE wt, p=0.006 HFE wtversuscontrols).

The data suggest iron dysregulation associated with HFE allelic variants may play an important role in increasing susceptibility to environmental exposures, leading to recurring injury and fibrosis in IPF.
Safety and pharmacokinetics of nintedanib and pirfenidone in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Ogura Takashi , Taniguchi Hiroyuki , Azuma Arata , Inoue Yoshikazu , Kondoh Yasuhiro , Hasegawa Yoshinori , Bando Masashi , Abe Shinji , Mochizuki Yoshiro , Chida Kingo , Klüglich Matthias , Fujimoto Tsuyoshi , Okazaki Kotaro , Tadayasu Yusuke , Sakamoto Wataru , Sugiyama Yukihiko
Published: December 2014

A randomised, double-blind, phase II, dose escalation trial was conducted to assess the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor nintedanib, alone and when added to ongoing pirfenidone therapy, in Japanese patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

50 Japanese patients were randomised to receive nintedanib or placebo in one of three cohorts (nintedanib 50 mg twice daily or 100 mg twice daily for 14 days, or 150 mg twice daily for 28 days). Patients receiving pirfenidone at inclusion were stratified to every nintedanib dose group and placebo.

Adverse events were reported in nine out of 17 patients receiving nintedanib alone and 10 out of 21 patients receiving nintedanib added to pirfenidone. All adverse events were mild or moderate in intensity. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most common adverse event. Maximum plasma concentration and area under the curve at steady state for nintedanib and its metabolites tended to be lower when nintedanib was added to pirfenidone. Nintedanib had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of pirfenidone.

In conclusion, further study is needed to evaluate the safety and tolerability profile of nintedanib when added to pirfenidone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. There was a trend toward lower exposure of nintedanib when it was added to pirfenidone.
The effect of dye-sensitized solar cell based on the composite layer by anodic TiO2 nanotubes
Authors: Yang Jun Hyuk , Kim Kyung Hwan , Bark Chung Wung , Choi Hyung Wook
Published: December 2014

TiO2 nanotube arrays are very attractive for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) owing to their superior charge percolation and slower charge recombination. Highly ordered, vertically aligned TiO2 nanotube arrays have been fabricated by a three-step anodization process. Although the use of a one-dimensional structure provides an enhanced photoelectrical performance, the smaller surface area reduces the adsorption of dye on the TiO2 surface. To overcome this problem, we investigated the effect of DSSCs constructed with a multilayer photoelectrode made of TiO2 nanoparticles and TiO2 nanotube arrays. We fabricated the novel multilayer photoelectrode via a layer-by-layer assembly process and thoroughly investigated the effect of various structures on the sample efficiency. The DSSC with a four-layer photoelectrode exhibited a maximum conversion efficiency of 7.22% because of effective electron transport and enhanced adsorption of dye on the TiO2 surface.
Electrodeposition of porous graphene networks on nickel foams as supercapacitor electrodes with high capacitance and remarkable cyclic stability
Authors: Yang Shaolin , Deng Bingchen , Ge Ruijing , Zhang Li , Wang Hong , Zhang Zihan , Zhu Wei , Wang Guanzhong
Published: December 2014

We describe a facile, low-cost, and green method to fabricate porous graphene networks/nickel foam (PG/NF) electrodes by electrochemical deposition of graphene sheets on nickel foams (NFs) for the application of supercapacitor electrodes. The electrodeposition process was accomplished by electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO) in its aqueous suspension. The resultant binder-free PG/NF electrodes exhibited excellent double-layer capacitive performance with a high rate capability and a high specific capacitance of 183.2 mF cm-2 at the current density of 1 mA cm-2. Moreover, the specific capacitance maintains nearly 100% over 10,000 charge-discharge cycles, demonstrating a remarkable cyclic stability of these porous supercapacitor electrodes.

PACS

82.47.Uv (Electrochemical capacitors); 82.45.Fk (Electrodes electrochemistry); 81.05.Rm (Fabrication of porous materials)
Breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 3 inhibits transforming growth factor β/Smad signaling and associates with favorable breast cancer disease outcomes
Authors: Guo Jimin , Canaff Lucie , Rajadurai Charles Vincent , Fils-Aimé Nadège , Tian Jun , Dai Meiou , Korah Juliana , Villatoro Manuel , Park Morag , Ali Suhad , Lebrun Jean-Jacques
Published: December 2014

Introduction

This study helps to define the implications of breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance 3 (BCAR3) in breast cancer and extends the current understanding of its molecular mechanism of action. BCAR3 has been shown to promote cell proliferation, migration and attachment to extracellular matrix components. However, in a cohort of metastatic breast cancer patients who received tamoxifen treatment, high BCAR3 mRNA levels were associated with favorable progression-free survival outcome. These results suggest that, besides its established roles, BCAR3 may have additional mechanisms of action that regulate breast cancer aggressive phenotype. In this study, we investigated whether BCAR3 is a novel antagonist of the canonical transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathway, which induces potent migration and invasion responses in breast cancer cells.

Methods

We surveyed functional genomics databases for correlations between BCAR3 expression and disease outcomes of breast cancer patients. We also studied how BCAR3 could regulate the TGFβ/Smad signaling axis using Western blot analysis, coimmunoprecipitation and luciferase assays. In addition, we examined whether BCAR3 could modulate TGFβ-induced cell migration and invasion by using an automated imaging system and a confocal microscopy imaging–based matrix degradation assay, respectively.

Results

Relatively low levels of BCAR3 expression in primary breast tumors correlate with poor distant metastasis-free survival and relapse-free survival outcomes. We also found a strong correlation between the loss of heterozygosity at BCAR3 gene alleles and lymph node invasion in human breast cancer, further suggesting a role for BCAR3 in preventing disease progression. In addition, we found BCAR3 to inhibit Smad activation, Smad-mediated gene transcription, Smad-dependent cell migration and matrix digestion in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, we found BCAR3 to be downregulated by TGFβ through proteasome degradation, thus defining a novel positive feedback loop mechanism downstream of the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway.

Conclusion

BCAR3 is considered to be associated with aggressive breast cancer phenotypes. However, our results indicate that BCAR3 acts as a putative suppressor of breast cancer progression by inhibiting the prometastatic TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway in invasive breast tumors. These data provide new insights into BCAR3’s molecular mechanism of action and highlight BCAR3 as a novel TGFβ/Smad antagonist in breast cancer.
Hair-based rapid analyses for multiple drugs in forensics and doping: application of dynamic multiple reaction monitoring with LC-MS/MS
Authors: Shah Iltaf , Petroczi Andrea , Uvacsek Martina , Ránky Márta , Naughton Declan P
Published: December 2014

Background

Considerable efforts are being extended to develop more effective methods to detect drugs in forensic science for applications such as preventing doping in sport. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive and accurate method for analytes of forensic and toxicological nature in human hair at sub-pg levels.

Results

The hair test covers a range of different classes of drugs and metabolites of forensic and toxicological nature including selected anabolic steroids, cocaine, amphetamines, cannabinoids, opiates, bronchodilators, phencyclidine and ketamine. For extraction purposes, the hair samples were decontaminated using dichloromethane, ground and treated with 1 M sodium hydroxide and neutralised with hydrochloric acid and phosphate buffer and the homogenate was later extracted with hexane using liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). Following extraction from hair samples, drug-screening employed liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometric (LC-MS/MS) analysis using dynamic multiple reaction monitoring (DYN-MRM) method using proprietary software. The screening method (for > 200 drugs/metabolites) was calibrated with a tailored drug mixture and was validated for 20 selected drugs for this study. Using standard additions to hair sample extracts, validation was in line with FDA guidance. A Zorbax Eclipse plus C18 (2.1 mm internal diameter × 100 mm length × 1.8 μm particle size) column was used for analysis. Total instrument run time was 8 minutes with no noted matrix interferences. The LOD of compounds ranged between 0.05-0.5 pg/mg of hair. 233 human hair samples were screened using this new method and samples were confirmed positive for 20 different drugs, mainly steroids and drugs of abuse.

Conclusions

This is the first report of the application of this proprietary system to investigate the presence of drugs in human hair samples. The method is selective, sensitive and robust for the screening and confirmation of multiple drugs in a single analysis and has potential as a very useful tool for the analysis of large array of controlled substances and drugs of abuse.
Using the analytic signal amplitude to determine the location and depth of thin dikes from magnetic data
Authors: Cooper Gordon R. J.
Published: December 2014

A semiautomatic method to determine the location and depth of thin dykes is introduced. The ratio of analytic signal amplitudes of orders 0 and 1 of the magnetic anomaly from a thin dike was used to give the distance [Formula: see text] to the dike. Local minima of [Formula: see text] gave the depth to the dike, and the position of these minima gave its horizontal location. Because in the method we used just the magnetic field and its first-order derivatives, it was less sensitive to noise than were higher order derivative-based methods. Once the position of the dike has been determined, then its dip and susceptibility-thickness product can be calculated from the analytic signal amplitude, providing that the magnetization vector is known.
Youth mental health after civil war: The importance of daily
stressors
Authors: Newnham Elizabeth A. , Pearson Rebecca M. , Stein Alan , Betancourt Theresa S.
Published: December 2014

Background

Recent evidence suggests that post-conflict stressors in addition to war
trauma play an important role in the development of psychopathology.

Aims

To investigate whether daily stressors mediate the association between
war exposure and symptoms of posttraumatic stress and depression among
war-affected youth.

Method

Standardised assessments were conducted with 363 Sierra Leonean youth
(26.7% female, mean age 20.9, s.d. = 3.38) 6 years post-war.

Results

The extent of war exposures was significantly associated with
post-traumatic stress symptoms (P<0.05) and a
significant proportion was explained by indirect pathways through daily
stressors (0.089, 95% CI 0.04–0.138, P<0.001). In
contrast, there was little evidence for an association from war exposure
to depression scores (P = 0.127); rather any association
was explained via indirect pathways through daily stressors (0.103, 95%
CI 0.048–0.158, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Among war-affected youth, the association between war exposure and
psychological distress was largely mediated by daily stressors, which
have potential for modification with evidence-based intervention.
Brain functional changes across the different phases of bipolar disorder
Authors: Pomarol-Clotet Edith , Alonso-Lana Silvia , Moro Noemi , Sarró Salvador , Bonnin Mar C. , Goikolea José M. , Fernández-Corcuera Paloma , Amann Benedikt L. , Romaguera Anna , Vieta Eduard , Blanch Josep , McKenna Peter J. , Salvador Raymond
Published: December 2014

Background

Little is known about how functional imaging changes in bipolar disorder relate to different phases of the illness.

Aims

To compare cognitive task activation in participants with bipolar disorder examined in different phases of illness.

Method

Participants with bipolar disorder in mania (n= 38), depression (n= 38) and euthymia (n= 38), as well as healthy controls (n= 38), underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging during performance of the n-back working memory task. Activations and de-activations were compared between the bipolar subgroups and the controls, and among the bipolar subgroups. All participants were also entered into a linear mixed-effects model.

Results

Compared with the controls, the mania and depression subgroups, but not the euthymia subgroup, showed reduced activation in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the parietal cortex and other areas. Compared with the euthymia subgroup, the mania and depression subgroups showed hypoactivation in the parietal cortex. All three bipolar subgroups showed failure of de-activation in the ventromedial frontal cortex. Linear mixed-effects modelling revealed a further cluster of reduced activation in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in the patients; this was significantly more marked in the mania than in the euthymia subgroup.

Conclusions

Bipolar disorder is characterised by mood state-dependent hypoactivation in the parietal cortex. Reduced dorsolateral prefrontal activation is a further feature of mania and depression, which may improve partially in euthymia. Failure of de-activation in the medial frontal cortex shows trait-like characteristics.
On the Seismic Response of the Faculty of Architecture and Engineering Building at Tohoku University
Authors: Wang Ying , Villalobos Enrique , Pujol Santiago , Al-Washali Hamood , Suzuki Kazuki , Maeda Masaki , Takahashi Susumu , Ichinose Toshikatsu
Published: December 2014

The Faculty of Architecture and Engineering Building at Tohoku University survived two strong ground motions. This is not surprising because the structure was stiff and strong. What is surprising is that the first ground motion did not cause severe structural damage but the second one caused so much structural damage that the building had to be evacuated and demolished. The damage occurred despite two key facts: (1) the intensities of the mentioned ground motions are understood to have been similar and (2) the building was strengthened after the first motion (and before the second) following stringent standards.
Weak Convergence Rates of Population Versus Single-Chain Stochastic Approximation MCMC Algorithms
Authors: Song Qifan , Wu Mingqi , Liang Faming
Published: December 2014

In this paper we establish the theory of weak convergence (toward a normal distribution) for both single-chain and population stochastic approximation Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms (SAMCMC algorithms). Based on the theory, we give an explicit ratio of convergence rates for the population SAMCMC algorithm and the single-chain SAMCMC algorithm. Our results provide a theoretic guarantee that the population SAMCMC algorithms are asymptotically more efficient than the single-chain SAMCMC algorithms when the gain factor sequence decreases slower than O(1 / t), where t indexes the number of iterations. This is of interest for practical applications.
Cyclic AMP in oocytes controls meiotic prophase I and primordial folliculogenesis in the perinatal mouse ovary
Authors: Wang Yijing , Teng Zhen , Li Ge , Mu Xinyi , Wang Zhengpin , Feng Lizhao , Niu Wanbao , Huang Kun , Xiang Xi , Wang Chao , Zhang Hua , Xia Guoliang
Published: December 2014

In mammalian ovaries, a fixed population of primordial follicles forms during the perinatal stage and the oocytes contained within are arrested at the dictyate stage of meiotic prophase I. In the current study, we provide evidence that the level of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in oocytes regulates oocyte meiotic prophase I and primordial folliculogenesis in the perinatal mouse ovary. Our results show that the early meiotic development of oocytes is closely correlated with increased levels of intra-oocyte cAMP. Inhibiting cAMP synthesis in fetal ovaries delayed oocyte meiotic progression and inhibited the disassembly and degradation of synaptonemal complex protein 1. In addition, inhibiting cAMP synthesis in in vitro cultured fetal ovaries prevented primordial follicle formation. Finally, using an in situ oocyte chromosome analysis approach, we found that the dictyate arrest of oocytes is essential for primordial follicle formation under physiological conditions. Taken together, these results suggest a role for cAMP in early meiotic development and primordial follicle formation in the mouse ovary.
UPF2, a nonsense-mediated mRNA decay factor, is required for prepubertal Sertoli cell development and male fertility by ensuring fidelity of the transcriptome
Authors: Bao Jianqiang , Tang Chong , Yuan Shuiqiao , Porse Bo T. , Yan Wei
Published: December 2014

Nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) represents a highly conserved RNA surveillance mechanism through which mRNA transcripts bearing premature termination codons (PTCs) are selectively degraded to maintain transcriptomic fidelity in the cell. Numerous in vitro studies have demonstrated the importance of the NMD pathway; however, evidence supporting its physiological necessity has only just started to emerge. Here, we report that ablation of Upf2, which encodes a core NMD factor, in murine embryonic Sertoli cells (SCs) leads to severe testicular atrophy and male sterility owing to rapid depletion of both SCs and germ cells during prepubertal testicular development. RNA-Seq and bioinformatic analyses revealed impaired transcriptomic homeostasis in SC-specific Upf2 knockout testes, characterized by an accumulation of PTC-containing transcripts and the transcriptome-wide dysregulation of genes encoding splicing factors and key proteins essential for SC fate control. Our data demonstrate an essential role of UPF2-mediated NMD in prepubertal SC development and male fertility.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Titanium Dioxide Microspheres with Exposed {001} Facets
Authors: Luo Zhi-Hui , Zhou Xiao-Song , Jin Bei , Luo Jin , Xu Xu-Yao , Chen Liu-Yong
Published: December 2014

Novel anatase titanium dioxide (TiO2) microspheres with exposed {001} facets were successfully synthesized via a facile and controllable hydrothermal approach using sodium fluoroborate as the reagent. The products were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD results showed that the TiO2 microspheres were anatase phase and had good crystallinity. SEM images showed that the as-prepared TiO2 samples displayed surface of microspheres with exposed {001} facets and a mean diameter of 3.2 µm. Experimental results revealed that the as-prepared TiO2 microspheres might be assembled by nanosheets. The formation process of the TiO2 microspheres was preliminarily investigated.
Extended Affinity-guided DMAP Chemistry with a Finely Tuned Acyl Donor for Intracellular FKBP12 Labeling
Authors: Song Zhining , Takaoka Yousuke , Kioi Yoshiyuki , Komatsu Kazuhiro , Tamura Tomonori , Miki Takayuki , Hamachi Itaru
Published: December 2014

We successfully extended affinity-guided DMAP (AGD) chemistry with a reactivity-tuned acyl donor library that is capable of the selective and efficient labeling of FKBP12 in living cells as well as in test tube. The new AGD chemistry provides great promise for the establishment of selective intracellular protein functionalization or imaging methods.
A Review of Peter Temin's The Roman Market Economy
Authors: Velde François
Published: December 2014

Herein, I review Peter Temin’s book, The Roman Market Economy, and take the occasion to alert economists to the exciting work that is being done and could be done in the economic history of the ancient world. (JEL C80, N01, N13, N73)
News-Driven Business Cycles: Insights and Challenges
Authors: Beaudry Paul , Portier Franck
Published: December 2014

There is a widespread belief that changes in expectations may be an important independent driver of economic fluctuations. The news view of business cycles offers a formalization of this perspective. In this paper we discuss mechanisms by which changes in agents' information, due to the arrival of news, can cause business cycle fluctuations driven by expectational change, and we review the empirical evidence aimed at evaluating their relevance. In particular, we highlight how the literature on news and business cycles offers a coherent way of thinking about aggregate fluctuations, while at the same time we emphasize the many challenges that must be addressed before a proper assessment of the role of news in business cycles can be established. (JEL D83, D84, E13, E32, O33)
Some Approaches to the Construction of Modern Models of Additional Professional Programs of Education Workers
Authors: �����������  , Tabarovskaya Kseniya , ������������  , Rastashanskaya Tatyana , ���������  , Kuznetsova Tatyana , �������  , Krutova Olga , ���������  , Mansurova Svetlana , ��������  , Fedorova Yuliya
Published: December 2014

The article presents the results of applied research carried out at the Moscow Institute of open education, the leader in the system of continuous pedagogical

education of the region.The study is relevant due to the fact that under the new legislation, the additional professional education has no Federal

State standards, no Federal State requirements; and the State accreditation of the programs has been abolished.The article presents data of the internal

integrated monitoring of the quality of existing programs of additional professional education of teachers, internal requirements for such programs, the

procedure and results of internal expertise of newly established programs. The research is intended to become the basis of regional standards of quality

programs of additional professional education of teachers.

The study answers social, professional, and personal demands; it is aimed at creation of competitive programs in the system of additional professional

education in the context of transition to the competence-based education paradigm.
Standard of School Learning Equipment Incontext of Implementation of Federal State Educational Standard
Authors: ��������  , Nazarova Tatyana
Published: December 2014

The article covers the issue of forming of school learning equipment in accordance with the implementation requirements of the Federal State Educational

Standard of a new generation. The specificity of interaction between the Federal State Educational Standard and the learning equipment standard

in the perspective of a new school infrastructure design is demonstrated on the basis of informative, procedural-instrumental and technological

constituents. The necessity of the development and implementation of the learning equipment standard as the main regulation of material and technical

maintenance of major educational programs is based on the results of monitoring of modernmaterial and technical school equipment. The article

provides the objective and essence of standardization, directions and objects of standardization, general structure of the standard, main regulatory

documents and their status, implementation program of the learning equipment standard.
Cryptorchidism and the value of ultrasonography
Authors: Shoukry M , Pojak K , Choudhry MS
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness and accuracy of ultrasonography in investigating cryptorchidism.

Methods

Case notes were reviewed of all children with cryptorchidism who had undergone ultrasonography for their testes between February and October 2010. Preoperative ultrasonography findings for presence or absence and position of testes were noted and compared with the operative findings. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography were calculated.

Results

A total of 50 testes in 42 boys were examined by ultrasonography preoperatively during the study period. The median age was 6 years. All had single B-mode greyscale ultrasonography using greyscale and Doppler imaging. Of the 50 testes, 42 were visualised intracanalicularly or in the superficial inguinal pouch, 2 were intra-abdominal and 6 could not be detected. However, on examination under anaesthesia, 37 out of the 50 testes were palpable in the groin and 13 were impalpable. Two out of the remaining thirteen were found to be atrophic on diagnostic laparoscopy. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in determining the presence of testes was 85% and 25% respectively.

Conclusions

Ultrasonography has low sensitivity and specificity in determining the presence of testes and localisation of their position. When performing an examination under anaesthesia and using a laparoscopic technique, ultrasonography is not recommended in cases of cryptorchidism.
Non-centralised service for palliative stenting of malignant gastric outlet obstruction
Authors: Trotter JM , Balamurugan R , Dear KL , Naylor GM , Everitt NJ , Ravi K
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) is a common, debilitating and frequently pre-terminal symptom of intra-abdominal malignancies. Traditional ‘gold standard’ treatment has been palliative surgical gastro-enterostomy. Over the past two decades, use of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMSs) to relieve malignant GOO has become first-line treatment. We present the results from a single district general hospital in the UK in which malignant GOO was treated with SEMSs over a six-year period.

Methods

All patients who underwent palliative stenting for malignant gastro-duodenal tumours in our centre for six years up to January 2013 were assessed retrospectively. Outcomes were assessed with regard to: technical and clinical success; return to oral nutrition; prevalence of complications and re-intervention; and overall survival.

Results

Thirty-two stents were implanted in 29 patients. Technical success was 100%. Clinical success and return to oral nutrition were both 91%. The prevalence of complications was 16%. The prevalence of re-intervention was 13%. Mean survival was 91 (range, 5–392) days. Median wait from decision to implant a stent to stent implantation was 1 (range, 0–14) day. Overall, 25 covered and nine uncovered stents were implanted.

Conclusion

Stent implantation for GOO in this patient group is an established and preferable alternative to surgical intervention. Much of the treatment for malignancies of the upper gastrointestinal tract has now been centralised. Our data showed comparable results with published data for these procedures, with a high prevalence of success and low prevalence of major complications. It is of considerable benefit to these patients not to have to travel to a regional centre for stent implantation.
The epidemiology of reoperations for orthopaedic trauma
Authors: Barksfield RC , Coomber R , Woolf K , Prinja A , Wordsworth D , Lopez D , Burtt S
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) has issued guidance regarding the use of reoperation rates in the revalidation of UK-based orthopaedic surgeons. Currently, little has been published concerning acceptable rates of reoperation following primary surgical management of orthopaedic trauma, particularly with reference to revalidation.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of patients undergoing clearly defined reoperations following primary surgical management of trauma between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2011. A full case note review was undertaken to establish the demographics, clinical course and context of reoperation. A review of the imaging was performed to establish whether the procedure performed was in line with accepted trauma practice and whether the technical execution was acceptable.

Results

A total of 3,688 patients underwent primary procedures within the time period studied while 70 (1.90%, 99% CI: 1.39–2.55) required an unplanned reoperation. Thirty-nine (56%) of these patients were male. The mean age of patients was 56 years (range: 18–98 years) and there was a median time to reoperation of 50 days (IQR: 13–154 days). Potentially avoidable reoperations occurred in 41 patients (58.6%, 99% CI: 43.2–72.6). This was largely due to technical errors (40 patients, 57.1%, 99% CI: 41.8–71.3), representing 1.11% (99% CI: 0.73–1.64) of the total trauma workload. Within RCS guidelines, 28-day reoperation rates for hip, wrist and ankle fractures were 1.4% (99% CI: 0.5–3.3), 3.5% (99% CI: 0.8%–12.1) and 1.86% (99% CI: 0.4–6.6) respectively.

Conclusions

We present novel work that has established baseline reoperation rates for index procedures required for revalidation of orthopaedic surgeons.
Interferon gamma release assay in the diagnosis of tuberculous mastitis
Authors: Robbins HL , Hetzel M , Mungall S , Cawthorn SJ
Published: December 2014

Tuberculous mastitis is rare, especially in Western countries. We describe a case where the interferon gamma release assay blood test led to diagnosis and successful treatment of the disease.
A review of cervical spine injury associated with maxillofacial trauma at a UK tertiary referral centre
Authors: Mukherjee S , Abhinav K , Revington PJ
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and patterns of cervical spine injury (CSI) associated with maxillofacial fractures at a UK trauma centre.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 714 maxillofacial fracture patients presenting to a single trauma centre between 2006 and 2012.

Results

Of the 714 maxillofacial fracture patients, 2.2% had associated CSI including a fracture, cord contusion or disc herniation. In comparison, 1.0% of patients without maxillofacial trauma sustained a CSI (odds ratio: 2.2, p=0.01). The majority (88%) of CSI cases of were caused by a road traffic accident (RTA) with the remainder due to falls. While 8.8% of RTA related maxillofacial trauma patients sustained a CSI, only 2.0% of fall related patients did (p=0.03, not significant). Most (70%) of the CSIs occurred at C1/C2 or C6/C7 levels. Overall, 455, 220 and 39 patients suffered non-mandibular, isolated mandibular and mixed mandibular/non-mandibular fractures respectively. Their respective incidences of CSI were 1.5%, 1.8% and 12.8% (p=0.005, significant). Twelve patients with concomitant CSI had their maxillofacial fractures treated within twenty-four hours and all were treated within four days.

Conclusions

The presence of maxillofacial trauma mandates exclusion and prompt management of cervical spine injury, particularly in RTA and trauma cases involving combined facial fracture patterns. This approach will facilitate management of maxillofacial fractures within an optimum time period.
Rifaximin: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: December 2014

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@ku.edu .
Instrumental gesture as choreographic practice: Performative approaches to understanding corporeal expressivity in music
Authors: Newland Imogene
Published: December 2014

Existing qualitative approaches within the field of music perception and embodied music cognition provide scientific models for the evaluation of physical gestures and their expressive impact in performance. This article examines the ways in which qualitative research methodologies and outcomes may be used as stimuli for new choreographic research, drawing upon the original performance ‘Woman=Music=Desire’. Beginning with an illustrated account of expressive features of piano performance by music researchers such as François Delalande and Mark Thompson, recent departures in choreographic and related artistic practice that indicate a growing interest in the expressive function of musical corporeity are discussed. Through exploring such work, the intersubjective and kinesthetic relationship occurring between musician and spectator is explored via an examination of gestural empathy. Thus, through re-appropriating instrumental gestures within practice-led research that interrogates the close relationship between corporeity and expressivity, the musician’s body emerges as a dancing body with the creative potential for a new and exciting departure in choreographic practice. A trailer to the performance ‘Woman=Music=Desire’ may be found at http://www.imogene-newland.co.uk/perf_women_md.php.
Beyond #Talking and #Texting: African Immigrant Youth’s Social–Civic Literacies and Negotiations of Citizenship Across Participatory New Media Technologies
Authors: Watson Vaughn W. M. , Knight Michelle G. , Jaffee Ashley Taylor
Published: December 2014

Researchers increasingly call for examination of the potential of participatory new media technologies to reframe practices of citizenship teaching and learning and civic action. We draw upon a qualitative, interpretive case study of nineteen second- and 1.5-generation African immigrant youths to examine multiple, shifting conceptualizations of citizenship and negotiations of civic identities across diverse local/global, on/offline participatory new media technologies. We point to ‘social–civic’ literacies as emerging and complicating spaces of political literacy, civic identity constructions, and formal/informal citizenship teaching and learning opportunities. We draw implications for productive debate across shifting notions of citizenship, democratic education and participatory new media technologies in English and Social Studies classrooms.
Deleuze and becoming-citizen: Exploring newcomer films in a Franco-Canadian secondary school
Authors: Bangou Francis , Fleming Douglas
Published: December 2014

Citizenship and citizenship education have been traditionally bounded to either a geographically bound nation-state or a historically shared culture. In this article we argue that it is no longer enough to explore the complexity of what we term becoming-citizen in today’s information-based society where multiple national and cultural connections and affiliations are a mouse click away. We make the case for the importance of understanding how developing literacies affect how citizenship is transformed in pedagogical settings, particularly in terms of how Information and Communication technologies (ICT), the curriculum and teaching intersect and affect each other as complex systems. To do this, we use Deleuze and Guattari’s concept of agencement and Multiple Literacies Theory (MLT) to map how citizenship emerges in a group of young newcomer students’ texts (broadly defined) as filmed with pocket size digital video cameras. The research reported here comprises part of a three-year research project on the interrelationships between citizenship, technology and pop culture in a French secondary inner-city Ottawa schools. We begin with an outline of the concepts of agencement and MLT. We then briefly summarize the current literature on citizenship education before proceeding to an account of how our research has been guided by rhizoanalysis. We then proceed to three vignettes associated with the curriculum used in the particular school under study and two video clips shot by two newcomer students. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of our study in terms of theory and practice.
Crossing boundaries: An exploration of how three Social Studies teachers understand and teach patriotism in Singapore
Authors: Chua Shuyi , Sim Jasmine B.-Y.
Published: December 2014

In 1965 Singapore became independent after a two-year merger with Malaysia and over 100 years of British colonization. Since then, the government has been inculcating patriotism in its citizens through educational policies such as the introduction of Social Studies at secondary school. This process of education for patriotism is interesting in the case of Singapore in two respects: how teachers understand the link between patriotism and loyalty to the government; and whether teachers dare to cross boundaries to engage students in discussions that may challenge pro-government views. This study explores the perceptions and practices of three Social Studies teachers to address two issues. First, how do Social Studies teachers understand ‘patriotism’? Second, how do they teach it within or beyond boundaries? The findings show that teachers did not think that patriotism meant loyalty to the government; instead it meant loyalty to one another as Singapore citizens. Though the translation of teachers’ understandings of patriotism into the classroom differed from teacher to teacher, in terms of helping students think critically, there were elements of crossing the boundaries set by the ruling party.