bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tumor Suppressor NF2 Blocks Cellular Migration by Inhibiting Ectodomain Cleavage of CD44
Authors: Hartmann Monika , Parra Liseth M. , Ruschel Anne , Böhme Sandra , Li Yong , Morrison Helen , Herrlich Andreas , Herrlich Peter
Published: February 2015

Ectodomain cleavage (shedding) of transmembrane proteins by metalloproteases (MMP) generates numerous essential signaling molecules, but its regulation is not totally understood. CD44, a cleaved transmembrane glycoprotein, exerts both antiproliferative or tumor-promoting functions, but whether proteolysis is required for this is not certain. CD44-mediated contact inhibition and cellular proliferation are regulated by counteracting CD44 C-terminal interacting proteins, the tumor suppressor protein merlin (NF2) and ERM proteins (ezrin, radixin, moesin). We show here that activation or overexpression of constitutively active merlin or downregulation of ERMs inhibited 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced [as well as serum, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)] CD44 cleavage by the metalloprotease ADAM10, whereas overexpressed ERM proteins promoted cleavage. Merlin- and ERM-modulated Ras or Rac activity was not required for this function. However, latrunculin (an actin-disrupting toxin) or an ezrin mutant which is unable to link CD44 to actin, inhibited CD44 cleavage, identifying a cytoskeletal C-terminal link as essential for induced CD44 cleavage. Cellular migration, an important tumor property, depended on CD44 and its cleavage and was inhibited by merlin. These data reveal a novel function of merlin and suggest that CD44 cleavage products play a tumor-promoting role. Neuregulin, an EGF ligand released by ADAM17 from its pro-form NRG1, is predominantly involved in regulating cellular differentiation. In contrast to CD44, release of neuregulin from its pro-form was not regulated by merlin or ERM proteins. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton however, also inhibited NRG1 cleavage. This current study presents one of the first examples of substrate-selective cleavage regulation.

Implications: Investigating transmembrane protein cleavage and their regulatory pathways have provided new molecular insight into their important role in cancer formation and possible treatment. Mol Cancer Res; 13(5); 879–90. ©2015 AACR.
Persistent Pityriasis Rosea: An Unusual Form of Pityriasis Rosea with Persistent Active HHV-6 and HHV-7 Infection
Authors: Drago Francesco , Broccolo Francesco , Ciccarese Giulia , Rebora Alfredo , Parodi Aurora
Published: February 2015

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute, self-limiting exanthematous disease, associated with the reactivation of the human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and/or human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) that usually lasts 6-8 weeks. We studied, from a clinical and virological point of view, 12 patients in whom the features of PR lasted longer than 12 weeks, defining this form of the disease as persistent PR (PPR). As in typical PR, in most of the PPR patients the disease begins with a herald patch, but compared to typical PR, systemic symptoms and oral lesions are more common. Moreover, in PPR we found a persistent reactivation of HHV-6 and/or HHV-7 with higher viral loads than in typical PR, accounting for the unusual persistence of the illness, the more frequent and severer systemic symptoms and the oral lesions. In conclusion, we describe an unusual persistent form of PR, whose prevalence has probably been underestimated so far and which should be added to the other variants of PR.
A New Horizon for Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Dovč Klemen , Bratina Nataša , Battelino Tadej
Published: February 2015

Regular self-monitoring of blood glucose is crucial for proper insulin dosing and gives a reliable foundation for reasonable glycaemic control. According to recent data, recommended values for glycated haemoglobin A1c as set by the professional associations remain out of the reach for a large proportion of the paediatric population. In the last decades, the treatment of type 1 diabetes has changed significantly as new devices gain a role in routine clinical care. Real-time glucose levels can be monitored with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which provides a broad spectrum of information on glucose trends on a moment-to-moment basis. This information can be useful for patients' decision making and clinicians' understanding of patients' conduct. However, several barriers, including the current price, impede a broader use of CGM in most regions of the world. This review summarizes data from randomized, controlled trials that included a paediatric population, and it provides some evidence-based visions for the possible broader utilization of CGM, also for incorporation into insulin delivery devices that enable a closed-loop insulin delivery.
Endocrine Implications of Neurofibromatosis 1 in Childhood
Authors: Bizzarri Carla , Bottaro Giorgia
Published: February 2015

In 1882, von Recklinghausen described a group of patients with multiple tumors arising from the ‘endoneurium' of peripheral nerves, and called them ‘neurofibromas'. The term von Recklinghausen disease was used up to the end of the 20th century, when the gene of neurofibromatosis (NF1) was cloned on chromosome 17q11.2. The gene product is a cytoplasmic protein termed neurofibromin, regulating proliferation and maturation of both glial and neuronal progenitors during embryogenesis. Loss of neurofibromin function determines the hyperactivation of the proto-oncogene RAS, leading to an increased risk of tumor formation, predominantly affecting the skin, bone and the nervous system. NF1 is clinically and genetically distinct from neurofibromatosis type 2, characterized by bilateral vestibular schwannomas and other nervous system tumors. An increased incidence of central precocious puberty, diencephalic syndrome, GH deficiency and GH hypersecretion has been described in NF1 children. These conditions are commonly complications of optic pathway gliomas (OPG) involving the hypothalamic and sellar region. Nevertheless, these endocrine disorders have been observed also in children without evidence of OPG at magnetic resonance imaging. Clinical and laboratory follow-up is crucial in all children with NF1, particularly in those with an OPG, aiming at the early identification of signs suggestive of secondary endocrine alterations.
Recombinant Human Soluble Thrombomodulin Treatment for Acute Exacerbation of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Isshiki Takuma , Sakamoto Susumu , Kinoshita Arisa , Sugino Keishi , Kurosaki Atsuko , Homma Sakae
Published: February 2015

Background: Acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (AE-IPF) can be fatal, and abnormalities in the coagulation system of patients with AE-IPF have been reported. Recombinant human soluble thrombomodulin (rhTM) forms a complex with thrombin to inactivate coagulation. It also inhibits high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB-1), which results in the suppression of inflammation. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rhTM for the treatment of AE-IPF. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 41 patients with AE-IPF who were admitted to our institution during the period 2006-2013. The clinical features and outcomes of 16 patients treated with rhTM (rhTM group) were compared with those of 25 patients treated with conventional therapy (control group). Patients were treated with corticosteroid (CS) pulse therapy for 3 days, followed by maintenance treatment with a tapered dose of CS. Patients in the rhTM group also received rhTM (0.06 mg/kg/day) for 6 days as an initial treatment, in combination with CS. Results: Except for D-dimer level, there were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the 2 groups. When compared with the control group, the rhTM group had a significantly higher survival rate at 3 months (40 vs. 69%, p = 0.048). A univariate Cox proportional hazards regression model showed that the predictive factors for survival were lactate dehydrogenase level and rhTM treatment. Regarding adverse events, 1 patient in the rhTM group developed mild bleeding events. Conclusion: rhTM as an add-on to conventional treatment may improve survival in patients with AE-IPF.
Coexistence of Angioedema Alone with Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Authors: Rogala Barbara , Bozek Andrzej , Glück Joanna , Rymarczyk Barbara , Jarzab Jerzy , Maurer Marcus
Published: February 2015

Background: Most patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) exhibit recurrent angioedema. As of yet, the pathogenesis of angioedema in CSU is largely unclear, especially when angioedema occurs in patients who do not develop wheals. Over the past years, we and others have repeatedly observed that patients with recurrent angioedema alone exhibit impaired glucose tolerance. Aim: To assess blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance in these patients and to compare the results to those of CSU patients who do not develop angioedema. Methods: A total of 29 patients with angioedema alone (15 women, mean age 43.2 ± 12.8 years) and 33 CSU patients (17 women, mean age 41.9 ± 17 years) were investigated and compared for clinical features and laboratory values, including fasting and random blood glucose levels, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c%). All patients were subjected to oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT). Results: Fasting plasma glucose levels, random blood glucose levels and OGTT glucose levels were significantly higher in patients with angioedema alone as compared to CSU patients. Glucose tolerance was impaired in 17 of 29 patients with angioedema alone (58.6%) and only in 2 of 33 CSU patients (6.1%). Patients were found to have an increased risk of high glucose (OR 1.74) and HbA1c (OR 1.83) blood levels and of developing a high BMI (OR 1.97). Conclusion: Recurrent angioedema in patients who do not develop wheals appears to be associated with impaired glucose tolerance and elevated blood glucose levels. We recommend blood glucose measurements in patients with recurrent angioedema alone.
Smoking-Related Glomerulopathy: Expanding the Morphologic Spectrum
Authors: Salvatore Steven P. , Troxell Megan L. , Hecox Douglas , Sperling Kevin R. , Seshan Surya V.
Published: February 2015

Background: Chronic smoking and hypertension may lead to smoking-related nodular glomerulopathy (SRNG), a well-recognized entity that clinically and pathologically mimics nodular diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, like DN, diffuse mesangial sclerosis may occur in this setting without nodules. Methods: The clinicopathologic features of 10 non-diabetic patients with a long smoking history diagnosed from 2003-2012 showing diffuse mesangial glomerulosclerosis (6) or SRNG (4) were analyzed. Results: Nine of 10 patients were men, aged 58-80 with a 20-58 pack-year smoking history. None of the patients manifested diabetes, but all of them had hypertension. Numerous other cardiovascular comorbidities were present. At biopsy, the mean creatinine was 1.9 mg/dl (range 1.4-3) and the mean proteinuria was 3.9 g/24 h. The renal pathologic findings were similar in all patients except mesangial nodules in SRNG. Global glomerulosclerosis was seen in 6-72% of glomeruli (mean 31%), glomerulomegaly in all cases, and a range of interstitial fibrosis in 10-70% (mean 43%). Moderate (40%) and severe (50%) arteriosclerosis and arteriolar hyalinosis (80%) were also observed. Glomerular hilar or mesangial neovascularization was prominent. Endothelial swelling, subendothelial widening, and new basement membrane formation suggesting chronic healing thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) was noted in 80%. No immune complexes were localized. Conclusions: Kidney biopsies from patients with proteinuria and chronic renal insufficiency in the setting of prolonged smoking and hypertension show either diffuse or nodular mesangial glomerulosclerosis. Chronic glomerular mesangial and endothelial injury associated with smoking leads to a chronic TMA appearance in the appropriate setting, even in the absence of mesangial nodule formation.
Moderate and Severe Preoperative Chronic Kidney Disease Worsen Clinical Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation
Authors: Gargiulo Giuseppe , Capodanno Davide , Sannino Anna , Perrino Cinzia , Capranzano Piera , Stabile Eugenio , Trimarco Bruno , Tamburino Corrado , Esposito Giovanni
Published: February 2015

Background—

There is a conflicting evidence on safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients with preoperative chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis on the impact of CKD on outcomes after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

Methods and Results—

Nine studies including 4992 patients were analyzed. Overall preoperative CKD (stages 3–5) significantly increased early (odds ratio [OR], 1.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.94 and OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.04–2.67) and 1-year (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.23–2.25 and OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.06–1.63) all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, respectively. Moderate CKD (stage 3) alone also increased early and 1-year all-cause mortality (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.10–1.85 and OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.13–1.74). CKD stages 4 to 5 and 3 compared with stages 1 to 2 increased early stroke (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.53–4.65 and OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.09–2.52), acute kidney injury (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.17–3.72 and OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.09–1.60) and need for dialysis (OR, 5.92; 95% CI, 2.46–14.27 and OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.65–3.70), in the absence of significant differences in contrast medium administration (mean difference, −26.07; 95% CI, −53.00 to 0.85 and mean difference, −0.42; 95% CI, −16.10 to 15.26). Bleeding (life-threatening or major) was nonsignificantly increased in CKD 3 to 5 compared with CKD 1 to 2, but significantly increased in most severe patients (CKD 4–5 versus CKD 1–2: OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.13–2.44; CKD 4–5 versus CKD 3: OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.27–2.24).

Conclusions—

Both moderate and severe preoperative CKD significantly worsen transcatheter aortic valve implantation prognosis. Future studies on risk evaluation, prevention, and postoperative management are needed.
Civilization, Climate, and Malthus: The Rough Course of Global History
Authors: Harper Kyle
Published: February 2015

John Brooke’s Climate Change and the Course of Global History is a significant contribution to deep history and an impressive elucidation of the intersection between environmental studies and historical sociology. Brooke’s primary argument is that climate change is a “joker,” a wild card incompatible with theories of deep history that are based on Malthusian theory. However, because of his limited presentation of Malthusianism and his ambiguous treatment of “endogenous” and “exogenous” causal factors, he misses an opportunity to integrate social-science models of long-range historical development with the powerful forces of environmental change.
Moraic Affixes and Morphological Colors in Dinka
Authors: Trommer Jochen
Published: February 2015

Dinka has two patterns of vowel-lengthening morphology: lengthening by one mora and imposition of a bimoraic template. Flack (2007) claims that these data provide conclusive evidence for morphemespecific indexed markedness constraints. In this article, I reanalyze the Dinka data in Colored Containment Theory ( van Oostendorp 2006 ), effectively showing that the Dinka data are consistent with a more restrictive approach to the morphology-phonology interface: a markedness constraint may not refer to specific morphemes; rather, it may refer only to morphological colors (i.e., whether two phonological objects are part of the same morpheme or not).
Female Perpetrators: Ordinary or Extra-ordinary Women?
Authors: Smeulers Alette
Published: February 2015

Only a very small percentage of the perpetrators convicted by international criminal courts and tribunals are women. This raises the question as to whether women are less evil than men. Within the literature it is generally assumed that the genocide in Rwanda was unprecedented in relation to the role played by women, and that it is the first and only period of mass violence in which many women were involved. This explorative study however, shows that women have played a much larger role than we have generally assumed so far and that women can be just as evil as men – although it indeed seems true that generally far less women than men are involved in mass atrocities. There is a clear gender bias in the portrayal of female perpetrators as sadists, abnormal or lacking agency, but it can be questioned whether female perpetrators are less ordinary than male perpetrators.
The United Kingdom and Diplomatic Assurances: A Minimalist Approach towards the Anti-Torture Norm
Authors: Grozdanova Rumyana
Published: February 2015

In recent years, domestic counter-terrorism measures have reshaped the relationship between individual terrorist suspects and the state. Regional and international human rights frameworks regulating government behaviour during or after an emergency appear not to be a priority when set against national security concerns. The increasing reliance on diplomatic assurances and memoranda of understanding as means to fulfil the obligations stemming from the anti-torture norm is an illustration of this state approach. These agreements are not enforceable in law however they do form part of long established diplomatic practice. What distinguishes the pre and post 9/11 terrain however is not the use of these agreements per se. Rather, it is the growing use of these agreements as part of extradition or deportation proceedings or as part of irregular transfers such as extraordinary renditions in order to reduce state obligations under the human rights framework. The heavy reliance on these agreements by the United Kingdom, particularly after 9/11, illustrates aptly the changing approach towards national security.
Between Theories of Trade and Development: The Future of the World Trading System
Authors: Trebilcock Michael
Published: February 2015

This article traces the role of developing countries in the GATT/WTO trading regime, and the evolving legal framework for their participation. It then maps onto this framework evolving schools of thought amongst development economists on strategies for economic development. It goes on to argue that the paralysis in the current Doha Round of the WTO, primarily reflecting fault-lines between developed and developing countries, and paralleled by the dramatic proliferation of preferential trade agreements and bilateral investment treaties, requires fundamental rethinking of the orientation of the multilateral (WTO) trading system, in particular the need to be more accommodating of plurilateral agreements amongst sub-sets of members that are open to subsequent accession by other members, primarily on a conditional most-favored-nation basis.
Principles of Non-Discrimination after US – Clove Cigarettes, US – Tuna II, US – COOL and EC – Seal Products and their Implications for International Investment Law
Authors: McGrady Benn
Published: February 2015

Recent disputes have clarified principles of non-discrimination under WTO law. US – Clove Cigarettes clarifies that under the Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade, a regulation modifying conditions of competition to the detriment of imported products will not be discriminatory if that detrimental impact stems exclusively from a legitimate regulatory distinction. This test was applied in US – Tuna II and US – COOL, which begin to clarify how to judge whether a regulation is based exclusively on a legitimate regulatory distinction. EC – Seal Products clarifies that in the context of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) 1994, whether a measure is legitimate in regulatory terms is to be adjudged solely under the general exceptions and not provisions governing non-discrimination. Although generalizing about the implications of WTO disputes for investment treaty interpretation is perilous, these disputes raise new questions, particularly for interpretation of investment chapters in trade agreements.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Mayazomus Reddell & Cokendolpher, 1995 (Schizomida: Hubbardiidae), with description of five new species from Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: MONJARAZ-RUEDAS RODRIGO , FRANCKE OSCAR F.
Published: February 2015

The genus Mayazomus currently contains two species from southeastern Mexico. It was originally characterized by a strongly elongated pedipalp trochanter, united in its entire width to the femur; the patella strongly curved; the tibia with a large mesal apophysis opposable to tarsus; the spermathecae with two pairs of thin lobes subequal in length; and the presence of four or more setae on tergite II. In the present contribution, the species of the genus Mayazomus are revised and new diagnostic characters for the genus are proposed, including the correction that the female flagellum bears three rather than two annuli. The two known species are redescribed based on examination of the holotypes, plus newly acquired material representing both sexes (female previously unknown for one). Five new species from the Mexican state of Chiapas are described, based on adult males and females: Mayazomus tzotzil new species, Mayazomus aluxe new species, Mayazomus kaamuul new species, Mayazomus yaax new species, and Mayazomus loobil new species. Dimorphism in male pedipalps is reported for the first time for the genus. A dichotomous key is provided for identification of the seven species in the genus; and a distribution map is included.
New species of Lachesilla Westwood in the pedicularia group (Psocodea: 'Psocoptera’: Lachesillidae) from the Colombian Amazonia
Authors: MANCHOLA OSCAR FERNANDO SAENZ , ALDRETE ALFONSO NERI GARCÍA , OBANDO RANULFO GONZÁLEZ
Published: February 2015

Two species of Lachesilla, in the pedicularia species group, from the Colombian Amazonia, are here described and illustrated. Also, a record of L. asymmetriproctus García Aldrete, for the Colombian Department of Putumayo is provided. An identification key to Lachesilla species in the pedicularia group with a single male clunial apophysis is presented, together with a diagnosis of this assemblage of species. A table is included indicating the distribution of Lachesilla species with one and two male clunial apophyses. The species treated in this paper constitute the first lachesillids known from the Department of Putumayo, Colombia.
A new species of Alsodes (Anura: Alsodidae) from Altos de Cantillana, central Chile
Authors: CHARRIER ANDRÉS , CORREA CLAUDIO , CASTRO CAMILA , MÉNDEZ MARCO A.
Published: February 2015

Based on morphological and molecular evidence (mitochondrial and nuclear sequences) we describe a new species of spiny-chest frog, Alsodes cantillanensis, from central Chile (around 34°S). The type locality, Quebrada Infiernillo, is located in the Coastal Range at approximately 65 km from Santiago (Metropolitan Region), the capital of Chile. The distribution of the new species is included entirely in that of A. nodosus (32–36°S approximately), which was identified as the sister taxon according to molecular phylogenetic analyses. Moreover, both species are sympatric in the type locality. The new species was found in a Nothofagus macrocarpa relict forest potentially threatened by gold mining activities. We identify other threats for its conservation and some biological data needed for understanding the evolution of this species. This discovery reveals the scarce knowledge about biogeography, evolution and ecology of spiny-chest frogs from central Chile.
Long-Term Comparison of Collocated Instantaneous Rain Retrievals from the TRMM Microwave Imager and Precipitation Radar over the Ocean
Authors: Seo Eun-Kyoung , Hristova-Veleva Svetla , Liu Guosheng , Ou Mi-Lim , Ryu Geun-Hyeok
Published: February 2015

Version-7 (V7) rain rates retrieved by the TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) and Precipitation Radar (PR) are spatially and temporally collocated over the ocean and compared at TMI footprint scale for the summer months of 16 years, within the TRMM coverage belt from 38°S to 38°N latitude. This study puts special emphasis on examining how the estimates from the two instruments compare with each other for different rain types and for different geographical locations. It is found that, although the two rain-rate estimates agree with each other extremely well (only 2.6% difference) when averaged globally and over all rain types, large discrepancies (~60%) are observed if comparisons are conducted for rain pixels of only convective type or for regions where convective rain types dominate. For the stratiform rain type, the TMI and PR retrievals compare well with a difference of ~13% globally. In particular, the partial beam filling seems to be less important to the underestimation of TMI rain against PR rain than the spatial variability of rain. These findings point to the existing need for better understanding of the remote-sensing physics of convective rain. Such an improved understanding is critically important to decreasing the uncertainty in oceanic rainfall estimation from space in the coming GPM era of global long-term observations that will lead to the creation of a climate record of trends in precipitation.
Causes of Strengthening and Weakening of ENSO Amplitude under Global Warming in Four CMIP5 Models
Authors: Chen Lin , Li Tim , Yu Yongqiang
Published: February 2015

The mechanisms for El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) amplitude change under global warming are investigated through quantitative assessment of air–sea feedback processes in present-day and future climate simulations of four models participating in phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5). Two models (MPI-ESM-MR and MRI-CGCM3) project strengthened ENSO amplitude, whereas the other two models (CCSM4 and FGOALS-g2) project weakened ENSO amplitude. A mixed layer heat budget diagnosis shows that the major cause of the projected ENSO amplitude difference between the two groups is attributed to the changes of the thermocline and zonal advective feedbacks. A weaker (stronger) equatorial thermocline response to a unit anomalous zonal wind stress forcing in the Niño-4 region is found in CCSM4 and FGOALS-g2 (MPI-ESM-MR and MRI-CGCM3). The cause of the different response arises from the change in the meridional scale of ENSO. A narrower (wider) meridional width of sea surface temperature (SST) and zonal wind stress anomalies causes a strengthening (weakening) of the equatorial thermocline response and thus stronger Bjerknes and zonal advective feedbacks, as the subsurface temperature and zonal current anomalies depend on the thermocline response; consequently, the ENSO amplitude increases (decreases). The change of ENSO meridional width is caused by the change in mean meridional overturning circulation in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which depends on change of mean wind stress and SST warming patterns under global warming.
Micromechanical stick-slip model for characterizing damping responses of single-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Tai-Yuan , Liu Shou-Chi , Tsai Jia-Lin
Published: February 2015

A micromechanical stick-slip model was developed to characterize the damping response of single-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites. Depending on the strength of the interfacial bonding and the extent of applied loading, the single-walled carbon nanotube embedded in the matrix may either completely stick to the matrix or partially slide relative to the matrix. The slippage in the interface, together with the contact friction, may lead to the energy dissipation of single-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites. The effects of the aspect ratio of single-walled carbon nanotube, interfacial bonding strength, volume fraction of single-walled carbon nanotube, and interfacial friction on the damping behavior of single-walled carbon nanotube nanocomposites were accounted for in the micromechanical stick-slip model. In order to validate the analytical model, the energy dissipation was also evaluated using the finite element method. A cylindrical finite element method, with an embedded single-walled carbon nanotube, was developed where the stick-slip behavior of the interface between the single-walled carbon nanotube and surrounding matrix was characterized using a contact element. It was found that the energy dissipation obtained from the finite element analysis agrees with that derived from the micromechanical stick-slip model. Moreover, the energy dissipation may significantly increase, when the single-walled carbon nanotube slippage takes place. The increment of the energy dissipation could be attributed to the interfacial contact friction between the single-walled carbon nanotube and the surround matrix as well as the viscoelastic properties of the matrix materials.
‘Be Angry But Do Not Sin’ (Ephesians 4:26a): Sin and the Emotions in the New Testament with Special Reference to Anger
Authors: Barton Stephen C.
Published: February 2015

A presupposition of this essay is that a Christian understanding of sin should give attention to the emotions (or passions). Taking anger as a case in point, an account is offered of the paraenēsis in Eph. 4:26 where anger and sin are juxtaposed. The main argument is that the teaching about anger has to be situated in relation to the moral-theological vision of Ephesians as a whole, central to which is the coming together as one of Jews and Gentiles in the Church. Anger is a sin, if it undermines the eschatological oneness of the Body of Christ.
Carer experience of Community Treatment Orders: implications for rights based/recovery-oriented mental health legislation
Authors: Vine Ruth , Komiti Angela
Published: February 2015

Objective:

Our aim was to determine the views and experiences of carers of people with severe mental illness in regard to Community Treatment Orders (CTOs).

Method:

Questionnaires were posted using the mailing lists of two well-established carer support organisations in Victoria. The questionnaires included information about the person with a mental illness, the carer and their experience of care (ECI) and knowledge of recovery (RKI).

Results:

In total, 278 questionnaires were sent and 63 returned, of which 62 provided valid data. Those who responded were predominantly female (90%) and older (mean age 63 years), and were the carer of a person with a severe and recurrent mental illness. Some 60% had experience of caring for a person on a CTO. Most felt the CTO had been of benefit, and in 89% the person relapsed and needed further treatment when the CTO was stopped.

Conclusion:

Mental health legislation is shifting to bring a greater focus on rights, individual choice and autonomy in line with recovery-oriented care. This study describes the impact of severe mental illness and decisions in relation to CTOs on carers.
Reliability and Validity of 6 Measures of Pain, Function, and Disability for Ankle Arthroplasty and Arthrodesis
Authors: Pinsker Ellie , Inrig Taucha , Daniels Timothy R. , Warmington Kelly , Beaton Dorcas E.
Published: February 2015

Background:

Patient-reported outcome measures are increasingly used evaluating clinical care. Many measures used to assess operative hindfoot interventions vary in content, and some have not been psychometrically validated in this population. The purpose of this study was to compare measurement properties of 6 lower-extremity patient-reported outcome measures, and to evaluate their reliability and validity in light of patients’ preferences.

Methods:

Cross-sectional survey of 42 preoperative and 100 postoperative patients completed 6 lower-extremity outcome measures on 2 occasions: Foot Function Index (FFI), Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), patient-reported items of the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Questionnaire (AOFAS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), as well as measures of preference, and symptoms.

Results:

Internal consistency was good to excellent for all scales and subscales (α = .84-.97; ICC [2,1] = .81-.96). Correlations between scales ranged from .50 (WOMACStiffness and FFIActivity Limitations) to .92 (LEFS and SMFAOverall, WOMACPain and AOSOverall, FFIOverall and AOFASOverall). Higher correlations occurred within instruments ( r = .97 AOSPain and AOSOverall) and between similar subscales from different instruments ( r = .91 WOMACPain and AOSPain). Construct validity showed moderate to high correlations to global ratings of Pain, Stiffness, and difficulty performing Daily Activities. The highest correlations ( r > .75) occurred between Pain and AOSOverall ( r = .84), stiffness and WOMACStiffness ( r = .81), and Daily Activities and AOSDisability ( r = .87). Patients rated instruments by preference. FFI, WOMAC, LEFS, and SMFA rated favorably for length. FFI, WOMAC, LEFS, and AOFAS rated high for understandability. FFI was rated by postoperative patients as most likely to capture change due to surgery. SMFA rated the best overall.

Conclusions:

Direct comparison of instruments revealed similarity between scales in construct validity and reliability. Patient preferences supported the use of these scales. Foot-specific instruments offered no clear advantage over lower-extremity instruments.

Level of Evidence:

Level II, prospective comparative study.
The Association of Grip Strength With Severity and Duration of Parkinson’s
Authors: Roberts Helen C. , Syddall Holly E. , Butchart Joe W. , Stack Emma L. , Cooper Cyrus , Sayer Avan A.
Published: February 2015

Background. Weakness is reported in Parkinson’s but always unadjusted for recognized factors that influence muscle strength such as participants’ age, gender, and body size. This may obscure the true association of Parkinson’s with muscle strength. Objective. To evaluate the relationship between grip strength, Parkinson’s severity, and duration adjusting for these factors. Methods. Age, gender, height, weight, grip strength, Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Score (UPDRS) motor score, Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage, disease duration, number of comorbidities and medications, Barthel score, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) score were recorded. Results. Fifty-seven of 79 (72%) people with Parkinson’s resident in one town were recruited. Age, gender, height, and Parkinson’s severity were the most significant determinants of grip strength. Each unit increase in UPDRS motor score and H&Y stage was associated with lower grip strength in univariate linear regression analyses adjusted for gender: −0.3 kg strength (95% confidence interval = −0.51, −0.09), P = .006 for each additional UPDRS point, and −3.87 kg strength (95% confidence interval = −6.54, −1.21), P = .005 for each additional H&Y stage. Disease duration was not associated with grip strength. In multivariate regression, Parkinson’s severity remained strongly associated with grip strength (UPDRS score P = .09; H&Y stage P = .04). Conclusions. This is the first demonstration that increasing severity of Parkinson’s was associated with weaker grip after adjustment for known influences on muscle strength. Participants’ age, gender, and body size also had a significant impact on strength. Adjustment of reported values for all these factors is essential to allow accurate reporting of grip strength values in intervention trials and comparison between different groups.
Promoting Shared Leadership
Authors: Grille Amelie , Schulte Eva-Maria , Kauffeld Simone
Published: February 2015

Shared leadership is considered a promising concept that meets the increased complexity of working life. Researchers and practitioners therefore need to know which factors might advance the development of shared leadership. Contributing to the yet limited amount of empirical research on shared leadership antecedents, this study investigates the impact of variables from different types of antecedents suggested in literature (i.e., intrinsic and extrinsic facilitators and vertical leadership). It relies on data from 328 team members nested in 67 work teams and their respective team leaders. Multilevel analyses confirmed that each team member’s perceptions of psychological empowerment as an intrinsic factor, and perceptions of being fairly rewarded as extrinsic factor, were associated with shared leadership. At the team level, the team leader’s behavior had differential effects on shared leadership within the team: Team members seem to adopt leadership behavior demonstrated by their team leader only as long as they perceive this team leader to be prototypical of the team. Results provide conclusions for practitioners and indicate starting points for future empirical research.
Constructing Epochs: The Argumentative Structures of Sociological Epochalisms
Authors: Osrecki Fran
Published: February 2015

This article examines the history and argumentative micro-structures of the much criticized genre of sociological epochalism. It is shown that sociological epochalisms have their historical roots in changed concepts of temporality in early modernity, particularly in the notion that the present marks an unprecedented epoch in human history. The interest in defining the characteristic features of the present is, however, shared by large parts of sociology, making epochalism a genre with contested boundaries. Thus it is proposed that sociological epochalisms can be outlined by analyzing their specific argumentative micro-structures. As the most evident one, ‘retrospective realism’ is presented – a narrative device that describes the present as a backdrop of the past by reifying well-established sociological ideal types. Against largely critical approaches to the genre, the article closes by presenting three functions it can fulfill: mass media attention for the social sciences, intra-disciplinary communication and the alleviation of paradigmatic dogmatisms.
Interactive Exposure With a Blood Glucose Monitor With a Novel Glucose Color Range Indicator Is Associated With Improved Glucose Range Interpretation and Awareness in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Grady Mike , Warren Graham , Levy Brian L. , Katz Laurence B.
Published: February 2015

Aims:

The ability of patients to achieve glycemic control depends in part on their ability to interpret and act on blood glucose (BG) results. This clinical study was conducted to determine if a simple on-meter color range indicator (CRI) could improve the ability of patients to categorize BG values into low, in-range, and high glycemic ranges.

Methods:

The clinical study was conducted in 59 subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Subjects classified 50 general, 15 before- and 15 after-meal BG values as low, in-range, or high based on their current knowledge. Subjects then interactively experienced the on-meter CRI, which showed whether alternate BG values were low, in-range, or high. After CRI interaction, subjects repeated the original scoring assessment followed by a survey exploring their awareness of glucose ranges.

Results:

Following interaction with the CRI, subjects improved their ability to categorize general, before-meal and after-meal BG results by 23.4% ± 3.0% (SEM), 14.2% ± 2.4%, and 16.1% ± 2.9%, respectively (all P < .001), into low, in-range, and high glycemic ranges. Improvement was not accompanied by an increase in time spent categorizing results. There was no correlation between subject HbA1c, test frequency, or duration of diabetes and ability to correctly classify results. Subjects agreed the CRI feature helped them easily interpret glucose values and improved their awareness of glucose ranges.

Conclusion:

A short interactive session with a meter including a CRI feature improved the ability of T2DM subjects to interpret and categorize BG values into recommended ranges.
Stability of precipitates under electropulsing in 316L stainless steel
Authors: Lu W. J. , Zhang X. F. , Qin R. S.
Published: February 2015

Precipitation takes place when the austenite stainless steel is heated to a high temperature. This is found significantly different when the electropulsing is implemented during the heat treatment. Considerable less number density and much smaller particle size of precipitates are formed in the sample treated with electropulsing. Electropulsing helps to dissolve precipitates. The effect is not due to Ohm heat. Instead, it is attributed to the electric current induced change of thermodynamic sequences of the phases and the electric current accelerated mass diffusion.
Metal phthalocyanine: fullerene composite nanotubes via templating method for enhanced properties
Authors: Ahmad Makinudin Abdullah Haaziq , Fakir Muhamad Saipul , Supangat Azzuliani
Published: February 2015

The use of templating method to synthesize the vanadyl 2,9,16,23-tetraphenoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine (VOPcPhO):[6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) composite nanotubes is presented here. VOPcPhO is a p-type material and PC71BM is an n-type material which acts as an electron donor and electron acceptor, respectively. Both materials have been studied due to their potential applications as solar energy converter and organic electronics. High-resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images have shown the replication of the porous template diameter of approximately 200 nm with a superior incorporation of both VOPcPhO and PC71BM. VOPcPhO:PC71BM composite nanotubes showed the significant properties improvement if compared over their bulk heterojunction counterpart. UV-vis spectra of composite nanotubes show a shift to a longer wavelength at the absorption peaks. Significant quenching has been attained by the photoluminescence spectra of VOPcPhO:PC71BM composite nanotubes which supports the redshift of UV-vis absorption spectra. Presumably, the photo-induced charge transfer and charge carrier dissociation can be enhanced from the VOPcPhO:PC71BM composite nanotubes rather than the bulk heterojunction.
Vanadia supported on nickel manganese oxide nanocatalysts for the catalytic oxidation of aromatic alcohols
Authors: Adil Syed F , Alabbad Saad , Kuniyil Mufsir , Khan Mujeeb , Alwarthan Abdulrahman , Mohri Nils , Tremel Wolfgang , Tahir Muhammad Nawaz , Siddiqui Mohammed Rafiq Hussain
Published: February 2015

Vanadia nanoparticles supported on nickel manganese mixed oxides were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The catalytic properties of these materials were investigated for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol using molecular oxygen as oxidant. It was observed that the calcination temperature and the size of particles play an important role in the catalytic process. The catalyst was evaluated for its oxidation property against aliphatic and aromatic alcohols, which was found to display selectivity towards aromatic alcohols. The samples were characterized by employing scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Magnetic and electric properties of stoichiometric BiMnO3 thin films
Authors: Lee Bo Wha , Yoo Pil Sun , Nam Vu Binh , Toreh Kirstie Raquel Natalia , Jung Chang Uk
Published: February 2015

It has been suggested that BiMnO3 is a material exhibiting both ferromagnetism and ferroelectricity. Stoichiometry is rather easily achieved in a polycrystalline sample, and ferromagnetic properties have been well documented for bulk samples. Stoichiometry in thin films has been difficult to obtain, and many physical properties have exhibit wide distributions mainly due to the stoichiometry problem. Thin film studies on BiMnO3 have not shown clear evidence of ferroelectricity, while other physical properties measured for the BiMnO3 films showed wide spectra, which has been attributed to cation and/or oxygen vacancies. We fabricated BiMnO3 thin films with good stoichiometry and with ferromagnetic properties comparable to those reported for stoichiometric BiMnO3: Tc ~ 105 K and M
sat ~ 3.6 μB/Mn. The charge-electric field (Q-E) curve measured at 5 K was fairly linear and free from hysteresis and showed no ferroelectric order. This finding is consistent with the centrosymmetric crystal structure recently suggested by theoretical calculations and structural studies on ceramic samples of stoichiometric BiMnO3.
Single-crystalline chromium silicide nanowires and their physical properties
Authors: Hsu Han-Fu , Tsai Ping-Chen , Lu Kuo-Chang
Published: February 2015

In this work, chromium disilicide nanowires were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes on Si (100) substrates with hydrous chromium chloride (CrCl3 · 6H2O) as precursors. Processing parameters, including the temperature of Si (100) substrates and precursors, the gas flow rate, the heating time, and the different flow gas of reactions were varied and studied; additionally, the physical properties of the chromium disilicide nanowires were measured. It was found that single-crystal CrSi2 nanowires with a unique morphology were grown at 700°C, while single-crystal Cr5Si3 nanowires were grown at 750°C in reducing gas atmosphere. The crystal structure and growth direction were identified, and the growth mechanism was proposed as well. This study with magnetism, photoluminescence, and field emission measurements demonstrates that CrSi2 nanowires are attractive choices for future applications in magnetic storage, photovoltaic, and field emitters.
Picking unconformities
Authors: Herron Donald A.
Published: February 2015

We have something special for you this month. Donald A. Herron gives his take on interpreting unconformities. We thought it would be fun if you could try to pick the line yourself. Before you proceed, fire up your browser and go to pickthis.io/brazil. Once you have made your interpretation, you can see everyone else's picks, including Herron's.
α-catenin phosphorylation promotes intercellular adhesion through a dual-kinase mechanism
Authors: Escobar D.J. , Desai R. , Ishiyama N. , Folmsbee S.S. , Novak M.N. , Flozak A.S. , Daugherty R.L. , Mo R. , Nanavati D. , Sarpal R. , Leckband D. , Ikura M. , Tepass U. , Gottardi C.J.
Published: February 2015

The cadherin-catenin adhesion complex is a key contributor to epithelial tissue stability and dynamic cell movements during development and tissue renewal. How this complex is regulated to accomplish these functions is not fully understood. We identified several phosphorylation sites in mammalian αE-catenin and Drosophila α-Catenin within a flexible linker located between the middle (M)-region and the carboxyl-terminal actin-binding domain. We show that this phospho-linker (P-linker) is the main phosphorylated region of α-catenin in cells and is sequentially modified at Casein Kinase 2 and 1 consensus sites. In Drosophila, the P-linker is required for normal α-catenin function during development and collective cell migration, although no obvious defects were found in cadherin-catenin complex assembly or adherens junction formation. In mammalian cells, non-phosphorylatable forms of α-catenin showed defects in intercellular adhesion using a mechanical dispersion assay. Epithelial sheets expressing phospho-mimic forms of α-catenin showed faster and more coordinated migrations after scratch wounding. These findings suggest that phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of the α-catenin P-linker are required for normal cadherin-catenin complex function in Drosophila and mammalian cells.