bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sigmund Exner’s (1887) Einige Beobachtungen über Bewegungsnachbilder (Some Observations on Movement Aftereffects): An Illustrated Translation With Commentary
Authors: Verstraten Frans A. J. , Niehorster Diederick C. , van de Grind Wim A. , Wade Nicholas J.
Published: October 2015

In his original contribution, Exner’s principal concern was a comparison between the properties of different aftereffects, and particularly to determine whether aftereffects of motion were similar to those of color and whether they could be encompassed within a unified physiological framework. Despite the fact that he was unable to answer his main question, there are some excellent—so far unknown—contributions in Exner’s paper. For example, he describes observations that can be related to binocular interaction, not only in motion aftereffects but also in rivalry. To the best of our knowledge, Exner provides the first description of binocular rivalry induced by differently moving patterns in each eye, for motion as well as for their aftereffects. Moreover, apart from several known, but beautifully addressed, phenomena he makes a clear distinction between motion in depth based on stimulus properties and motion in depth based on the interpretation of motion. That is, the experience of movement, as distinct from the perception of movement. The experience, unlike the perception, did not result in a motion aftereffect in depth.
Political accountability and autonomous weapons
Authors: Walsh James Igoe
Published: October 2015

Autonomous weapons would have the capacity to select and attack targets without direct human input. One important objection to the introduction of such weapons is that they will make it more difficult to identify and hold accountable those responsible for undesirable outcomes such as mission failures and civilian casualties. I hypothesize that individuals can modify their attribution of responsibility in predicable ways to accommodate this new technology. The results of a survey experiment are consistent with this; subjects continue to find responsible and hold accountable political and military leaders when autonomous weapons are used, but also attribute responsibility to the designers and programmers of such weapons.
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Using the Undersurface Technique
Authors: Rubenis Imants , Lam Patrick H. , Murrell George A.C.
Published: October 2015

Background:

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has traditionally been performed in the subacromial space from the bursal side of the tendon. The undersurface rotator cuff repair technique involves the arthroscope remaining in the glenohumeral joint, thus viewing the tendon from its undersurface during repair without a bursectomy or acromioplasty.

Purpose:

To compare the clinical and structural outcomes of undersurface rotator cuff repair with bursal-side repair.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted on 2 cohorts of patients who had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with knotless suture anchors configured in a single-row formation using inverted mattress–style sutures from either the bursal side (n = 100) or undersurface (n = 165) of the supraspinatus tendon. Data were collected preoperatively, intraoperatively, and at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 2 years postoperatively. At each time point, patients completed a modified L’Insalata questionnaire to assess patient-ranked pain scores and were clinically examined using standardized tests. Ultrasound examination was performed at 6 months and 2 years to assess the integrity of the repair.

Results:

At 2 years postoperatively, patients in both cohorts had significantly less pain and less difficulty with overhead activities compared with preoperative levels ( P < .001). The type of repair performed (bursal or undersurface) did not affect the ability to perform overhead activities at 2 years. At 2 years, both groups also had similar retear rates (21% for bursal side, 23% for undersurface). The mean operative time for the arthroscopic rotator cuff repair was 32 minutes when performed from the bursal side and 20 minutes when performed from the undersurface ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, whether performed from the subacromial space or glenohumeral joint, resulted in decreased levels of pain and difficulty with overhead activities at 2 years. The major difference between the 2 techniques was operative time, with the undersurface technique being performed significantly faster than the bursal-side repair technique.
Is There a Relationship Between Value-Based Purchasing and Hospital Profitability? An Exploratory Study of Missouri Hospitals
Authors: Turner Jason S. , Broom Kevin D. , Counte Michael A.
Published: October 2015

Recent US legislation is attempting to transition inpatient Medicare payments to a value-based purchasing (VBP) program. The VBP program is a pay-for-performance (P4P) system that incentivizes hospitals to improve patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and adherence to clinical protocols while simultaneously holding down costs. Our study evaluates (1) the impact of financial performance on the VBP adjustments and (2) whether there is a correlation between the VBP adjustment and the financial performance of Missouri hospitals that opted into the program. While upward and downward adjustments to the inpatient base rate may be related to hospital financial performance, prior financial performance may also be related to the adjustments. Financial health may allow facilities to invest and position the hospital for favorable future P4P adjustments. The results of our analysis indicate the VBP adjustment to the inpatient base rate is very small (±0.18%), clustered around zero, and is not correlated with financial performance. We also find that financial performance and improvement in the years prior to the adjustment are not related to the VBP adjustment or its respective components. This suggests that CMS is avoiding penalizing less profitable facilities, but the adjustment is also so small and tightly clustered around zero that it is failing to provide an adequate incentive to hospitals. The costs of improving patient satisfaction, clinical process adherence, health care outcomes, and efficiency above that of peers coupled with the growing number of metrics being used to calculate the VBP adjustments call into question the financial incentives of the hospital VBP program.
Effect of pass increasing on interpass stress evolution in nuclear rotor pipes
Authors: Tan L. , Zhang J.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate the evolution of residual stress during designing a 89-pass narrow gap welding of nuclear rotor pipes. A two-dimensional finite element model is employed to calculate the residual stress in welding process and heat treatment process, and then the evolution of residual stress during the welding process was discussed in detail. The investigated results show that the overall trend of hoop stress on the inner surface decreases gradually before pass 30, while the trend remains unchanged after pass 30. The through wall axial residual stress at the weld centreline demonstrates a distribution of bending type before pass 38, while this bending type distribution turns into a clearly self-equilibrating type after pass 38.
Composite biomaterial scaffolds for cardiac tissue engineering
Authors: Shapira A. , Feiner R. , Dvir T.
Published: October 2015

Coronary heart diseases result from the blockage of one of the coronary arteries, which nourishes the heart muscle. This process leads to ischaemia of a segment of the heart and death of the contractile tissue. As cardiac tissue is unable to regenerate itself, heart function is impaired. Tissue engineering (TE) is a field of science that integrates knowledge from biology, materials sciences, engineering and medicine to develop artificial, functional tissue constructs to replace defected tissues. In cardiac TE, contracting cells are seeded within supporting biomaterial scaffolds that provide them with the essential microenvironment for functional tissue assembly. Various strategies and methods for fabricating these scaffolds have been proposed and tested in the last decade, some of which combine multiple elements that altogether contribute to the formation of an improved functional tissue. This review summarises the unique properties of various composite biomaterial scaffolds and highlights their advantages over other pristine scaffolds for engineering functional three-dimensional cardiac patches.
Transplantation of human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells highly expressing TGFβ receptors in a rabbit model of disc degeneration
Authors: Ahn Jongchan , Park Eun-mi , Kim Byeong Ju , Kim Jin-Soo , Choi Bogyu , Lee Soo-Hong , Han Inbo
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely considered to hold promise for the treatment of intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. However, variation in the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs is a major problem and the derivation of MSCs for use in IVD regeneration has not been optimized. Additionally, no data are available on the efficacy of Wharton’s Jelly-derived MSC (WJ-MSC) transplantation in an animal model of IVD degeneration.

Methods

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid (XHA) scaffold loaded with human WJ-MSCs, according to their expression levels of transforming growth factor-β receptor I/activin-like kinase receptor 5 (TβRI/ALK5) and TβRII, for IVD regeneration in a rabbit model. We compared the degree of IVD regeneration between rabbits transplanted with a XHA scaffold loaded with WJ-MSCs highly and lowly expressing TβRI/ALK5 and TβRII (MSC-highTR and MSC-lowTR, respectively) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological analysis.

Results

At 12 weeks after transplantation, T2-weighted MRI analysis showed significant restoration of the disc water content in rabbits treated with a MSC-highTR-loaded XHA scaffold in comparison to rabbits treated with the scaffold alone or a MSC-lowTR-loaded XHA scaffold. In addition, morphological and histological analyses revealed that IVD regeneration was highest in rabbits transplanted with a MSC-highTR-loaded XHA scaffold.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results suggest that a MSC-highTR-loaded XHA scaffold supports IVD regeneration more effectively than a MSC-lowTR-loaded XHA scaffold. This study supports the potential clinical use of MSC-highTR-loaded XHA scaffolds to halt IVD degeneration or to enhance IVD regeneration.
Role of Fenugreek in the prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus in prediabetes
Authors: Gaddam Arpana , Galla Chandrakala , Thummisetti Sreenivas , Marikanty Ravi Kumar , Palanisamy Uma D. , Rao Paturi V.
Published: October 2015

Background

It is hypothesized that dietary supplementation with Fenugreek modulates glucose homeostasis and potentially prevents diabetes mellitus in people with prediabetes. The objective of present study is to determine whether Fenugreek can prevent the outcome of T2DM in non diabetic people with prediabetes.

Methods

A 3-year randomized, controlled, parallel study for efficacy of Fenugreek (n = 66) and matched controls (n = 74) was conducted in men and women aged 30–70 years with criteria of prediabetes. Fenugreek powder, 5 g twice a day before meals, was given to study subjects and progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was monitored at baseline and every 3 months for the 3-year study.

Results

By the end of intervention period, cumulative incidence rate of diabetes reduced significantly in Fenugreek group when compared to controls. The Fenugreek group also saw a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial plasma glucose (PPPG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLc) whereas serum insulin increased significantly. It was observed that controls had 4.2 times higher chance of developing diabetes compared to subjects in the Fenugreek group. The outcome of diabetes in Fenugreek group was positively associated with serum insulin and negatively associated with insulin resistance (HOMA IR).

Conclusions

Dietary supplementation of 10 g Fenugreek/day in prediabetes subjects was associated with lower conversion to diabetes with no adverse effects and beneficial possibly due to its decreased insulin resistance.
γδ T cells protect against LPS-induced lung injury
Authors: Wehrmann Fabian , Lavelle James C , Collins Colm B , Tinega Alex N , Thurman Joshua M , Burnham Ellen L , Simonian Philip L
Published: October 2015

γδ T lymphocytes are a unique T cell population with important anti-inflammatory capabilities. Their role in acute lung injury, however, is poorly understood but may provide significant insight into lung-protective mechanisms occurring after injury. In a murine model of lung injury, wild-type C57BL/6 and TCRδ−/− mice were exposed to Escherichia coli LPS, followed by analysis of γδ T cell and macrophage subsets. In the absence of γδ T cells, TCRδ−/− mice developed increased inflammation and alveolar-capillary leak compared with wild-type C57BL/6 mice after LPS exposure that correlated with expansion of distinct macrophage populations. Classically activated M1 macrophages were increased in the lung of TCRδ−/− mice at d 1, 4, and 7 after LPS exposure that peaked at d 4 and persisted at d 7 compared with wild-type animals. In response to LPS, Vγ1 and Vγ7 γδ T cells were expanded in the lung and expressed IL-4. Coculture experiments showed decreased expression of TNF-α by resident alveolar macrophages in the presence of γδ T cells that was reversed in the presence of an anti-IL-4-blocking antibody. Treatment of mice with rIL4 resulted in reduced numbers of M1 macrophages, inflammation, and alveolar-capillary leak. Therefore, one mechanism by which Vγ1 and Vγ7 γδ T cells protect against LPS-induced lung injury is through IL-4 expression, which decreases TNF-α production by resident alveolar macrophages, thus reducing accumulation of M1 macrophages, inflammation, and alveolar-capillary leak.
Characterization of lung infection–induced TCRγδ T cell phenotypes by CyTOF mass cytometry
Authors: Wanke-Jellinek Lorenz , Keegan Joshua W , Dolan James W , Lederer James A
Published: October 2015

T cell receptor γδ cells are known to be the primary effector T cells involved in the response to bacterial infections, yet their phenotypic characteristics are not as well established as other T cell subsets. In this study, we used cytometry by time-of-flight mass cytometry to better characterize the phenotypic response of T cell receptor γδ cells to Streptococcus pneumoniae lung infection. Mice were infected, and cells from lung washouts, spleen, and lymph nodes were stained to detect cell-surface, intracellular, and signaling markers. We observed that infection caused a significant increase in T cell receptor γδ cells, which expressed high interferon-γ and interleukin-17A levels. Profiling T cell receptor γδ cells by cytometry by time-of-flight revealed that activated γδ T cells uniquely coexpressed cell-surface Gr-1, cluster of differentiation 14, and cluster of differentiation 274 (programmed death-ligand 1). Further classification of Gr-1 expression patterns on T cell receptor γδ cells demonstrated that Gr-1+ T cell receptor γδ cells were the primary source of interferon-γ, whereas Gr-1− cells mostly expressed interleukin-17A. Gr-1+ T cell receptor γδ cells also showed higher ζ-chain–associated protein kinase 70, p38, and 4eBP1 signaling in response to infection as compared with Gr-1− T cell receptor γδ cells. Taken together, Gr-1 expression patterns on γδ T cells in the lung provide a robust marker to differentiate interferon-γ– and interleukin-17A–producing subsets involved in the early immune response to bacterial pneumonia.
Real-time in vivo imaging reveals the ability of neutrophils to remove Cryptococcus neoformans directly from the brain vasculature
Authors: Zhang Mingshun , Sun Donglei , Liu Gongguan , Wu Hui , Zhou Hong , Shi Meiqing
Published: October 2015

Although neutrophils are typically the first immune cells attracted to an infection site, little is known about how neutrophils dynamically interact with invading pathogens in vivo. Here, with the use of intravital microscopy, we demonstrate that neutrophils migrate to the arrested Cryptococcus neoformans, a leading agent to cause meningoencephalitis, in the brain microvasculature. Following interactions with C. neoformans, neutrophils were seen to internalize the organism and then circulate back into the bloodstream, resulting in a direct removal of the organism from the endothelial surface before its transmigration into the brain parenchyma. C. neoformans infection led to enhanced expression of adhesion molecules macrophage 1 antigen on neutrophils and ICAM-1 on brain endothelial cells. Depletion of neutrophils enhanced the brain fungal burden. Complement C3 was critically involved in the recognition of C. neoformans by neutrophils and subsequent clearance of the organism from the brain. Together, our finding of the direct removal of C. neoformans by neutrophils from its arrested site may represent a novel mechanism of host defense in the brain, in addition to the known, direct killing of microorganisms at the infection sites. These data are the first to characterize directly the dynamic interactions of leukocytes with a microbe in the brain of a living animal.
Site Effects and Building Damage Characterization in Concepción after the Mw 8.8 Maule Earthquake
Authors: Montalva Gonzalo A. , Chávez-Garcia Francisco J. , Tassara Andrés , Jara Weisser Darío M.
Published: October 2015

The influence of site effects on seismic demand was studied in Concepción to explain the observed damages suffered by engineered structures during the 2010 Mw 8.8 Maule, Chile, earthquake. Shallow shear-wave velocity ( V S), site period, and gravity measurements were used to assess site effects. The three-dimensional (3-D) basin shape was inverted from gravity values. Predominant period shows a good correlation with bedrock depth, suggesting that V S of soil is relatively uniform throughout the city. This was confirmed by direct V S measurements at 17 sites throughout the city. The irregular distribution of damage suggests that V S30 is not a good proxy for damage distribution in Concepción. In contrast, we observe dependence with basin thickness, site period, and estimated PGV for buildings with high vulnerability. Most low-vulnerability structures showed no damage regardless of site conditions and intensity measures. Our results indicate that site effects contributed to structural damage in vulnerable structures and these effects were primarily controlled by basin depth.
Loss of arylformamidase with reduced thymidine kinase expression leads to impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Hugill Alison J. , Stewart Michelle E. , Yon Marianne A. , Probert Fay , Cox I. Jane , Hough Tertius A. , Scudamore Cheryl L. , Bentley Liz , Wall Gary , Wells Sara E. , Cox Roger D.
Published: October 2015

Tryptophan metabolites have been linked in observational studies with type 2 diabetes, cognitive disorders, inflammation and immune system regulation. A rate-limiting enzyme in tryptophan conversion is arylformamidase (Afmid), and a double knockout of this gene and thymidine kinase (Tk) has been reported to cause renal failure and abnormal immune system regulation. In order to further investigate possible links between abnormal tryptophan catabolism and diabetes and to examine the effect of single Afmid knockout, we have carried out metabolic phenotyping of an exon 2 Afmid gene knockout. These mice exhibit impaired glucose tolerance, although their insulin sensitivity is unchanged in comparison to wild-type animals. This phenotype results from a defect in glucose stimulated insulin secretion and these mice show reduced islet mass with age. No evidence of a renal phenotype was found, suggesting that this published phenotype resulted from loss of Tk expression in the double knockout. However, despite specifically removing only exon 2 of Afmid in our experiments we also observed some reduction of Tk expression, possibly due to a regulatory element in this region. In summary, our findings support a link between abnormal tryptophan metabolism and diabetes and highlight beta cell function for further mechanistic analysis.
The zebrafish Kupffer's vesicle as a model system for the molecular mechanisms by which the lack of Polycystin-2 leads to stimulation of CFTR
Authors: Roxo-Rosa Mónica , Jacinto Raquel , Sampaio Pedro , Lopes Susana Santos
Published: October 2015

In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), cyst inflation and continuous enlargement are associated with marked transepithelial ion and fluid secretion into the cyst lumen via cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). Indeed, the inhibition or degradation of CFTR prevents the fluid accumulation within cysts. The in vivo mechanisms by which the lack of Polycystin-2 leads to CFTR stimulation are an outstanding challenge in ADPKD research and may bring important biomarkers for the disease. However, hampering their study, the available ADPKD in vitro cellular models lack the three-dimensional architecture of renal cysts and the ADPKD mouse models offer limited access for live-imaging experiments in embryonic kidneys. Here, we tested the zebrafish Kupffer's vesicle (KV) as an alternative model-organ. KV is a fluid-filled vesicular organ, lined by epithelial cells that express both CFTR and Polycystin-2 endogenously, being each of them easily knocked-down. Our data on the intracellular distribution of Polycystin-2 support its involvement in the KV fluid-flow induced Ca2+-signalling. Mirroring kidney cysts, the KV lumen inflation is dependent on CFTR activity and, as we clearly show, the knockdown of Polycystin-2 results in larger KV lumens through overstimulation of CFTR. In conclusion, we propose the zebrafish KV as a model organ to study the renal cyst inflation. Favouring its use, KV volume can be easily determined by in vivo imaging offering a live readout for screening compounds and genes that may prevent cyst enlargement through CFTR inhibition.
Osteogenic capillaries orchestrate growth plate-independent ossification of the malleus
Authors: Matsuo Koichi , Kuroda Yukiko , Nango Nobuhito , Shimoda Kouji , Kubota Yoshiaki , Ema Masatsugu , Bakiri Latifa , Wagner Erwin F. , Takeda Yoshihiro , Yashiro Wataru , Momose Atsushi
Published: October 2015

Endochondral ossification is a developmental process by which cartilage is replaced by bone. Terminally differentiated hypertrophic chondrocytes are calcified, vascularized, and removed by chondroclasts before bone matrix is laid down by osteoblasts. In mammals, the malleus is one of three auditory ossicles that transmit vibrations of the tympanic membrane to the inner ear. The malleus is formed from a cartilaginous precursor without growth plate involvement, but little is known about how bones of this type undergo endochondral ossification. Here, we demonstrate that in the processus brevis of the malleus, clusters of osteoblasts surrounding the capillary loop produce bone matrix, causing the volume of the capillary lumen to decrease rapidly in post-weaning mice. Synchrotron X-ray tomographic microscopy revealed a concentric, cylindrical arrangement of osteocyte lacunae along capillaries, indicative of pericapillary bone formation. Moreover, we report that overexpression of Fosl1, which encodes the AP-1 transcription factor Fra-1, in osteoblasts significantly blocked malleal capillary narrowing. These data suggest that osteoblast/endothelial cell interactions control growth plate-free endochondral ossification through ‘osteogenic capillaries’ in a Fra-1/ AP-1-regulated manner.
Maternal BCAS2 protects genomic integrity in mouse early embryonic development
Authors: Xu Qianhua , Wang Fengchao , Xiang Yunlong , Zhang Xiaoxin , Zhao Zhenao , Gao Zheng , Liu Wenbo , Lu Xukun , Liu Yusheng , Yu Xing-jiang , Wang Haibin , Huang Jun , Yi Zhaohong , Gao Shaorong , Li Lei
Published: October 2015

Mammalian early embryos maintain accurate genome integrity for proper development within a programmed timeline despite constant assaults on their DNA by replication, DNA demethylation and genetic defects transmitted from germ cells. However, how genome integrity is safeguarded during mammalian early embryonic development remains unclear. BCAS2 (Breast Carcinoma Amplified Sequence 2), a core component of the PRP19 complex involved in pre-mRNA splicing, plays an important role in the DNA damage response through the RPA complex, a key regulator in the maintenance of genome integrity. Currently, the physiological role of BCAS2 in mammals is unknown. We now report that BCAS2 responds to endogenous and exogenous DNA damage in mouse zygotes. Maternal depletion of BCAS2 compromises the DNA damage response in early embryos, leading to developmental arrest at the two- to four-cell stage accompanied by the accumulation of damaged DNA and micronuclei. Furthermore, BCAS2 mutants that are unable to bind RPA1 fail in DNA repair during the zygotic stage. In addition, phosphorylated RPA2 cannot localize to the DNA damage sites in mouse zygotes with disrupted maternal BCAS2. These data suggest that BCAS2 may function through the RPA complex during DNA repair in zygotes. Altogether, our results reveal that maternal BCAS2 maintains the genome integrity of early embryos and is essential for female mouse fertility.
Regulation of polycystin-1 ciliary trafficking by motifs at its C-terminus and polycystin-2 but not cleavage at GPS site
Authors: Su Xuefeng , Wu Maoqing , Yao Gang , El-Jouni Wassim , Luo Chong , Tabari Azadeh , Zhou Jing
Published: October 2015

Failure of localizing membrane proteins to the primary cilium causes a group of diseases collectively named ciliopathies. Polycystin-1 (PC1) is a large ciliary membrane protein defective in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Here we have developed a large set of PC1 expression constructs and identified multiple sequences including a coiled-coil (CC) motif in the C-terminal tail of PC1 regulating full-length PC1 trafficking to the primary cilium. Ciliary trafficking of wild-type and mutant PC1 depends on the dose of PC2 and the formation of a PC1-PC2 complex. Modulation of the ciliary trafficking module VxP-Arf4-Asap1 does not affect the ciliary localization of full-length PC1. PC1 also promotes PC2 ciliary trafficking. Both PC2 AxA and channel-dead mutants, though not C-tail-less PC2, still promote PC1 ciliary trafficking, whereas GPS cleavage is not required for this process. We propose a mutually dependent model for the ciliary trafficking of PC1 and PC2 and that PC1 ciliary trafficking is regulated by multiple cis-acting elements. As all pathogenic PC1 mutations tested here are defective in ciliary trafficking, ciliary trafficking may serve as a functional read-out for ADPKD.
NRIP is a novel Z-disc protein to activate calmodulin signaling for skeletal muscle contraction and regeneration
Authors: Chen Hsing-Hsiung , Chen Wen-Pin , Yan Wan-Lun , Huang Yuan-Chun , Chang Szu-Wei , Fu Wen-Mei , Su Ming-Jai , Yu I-Shing , Tsai Tzung-Chieh , Yan Yu-Ting , Tsao Yeou-Ping , Chen Show-Li
Published: October 2015

Nuclear receptor interaction protein (NRIP, also known as DCAF6 and IQWD1) is a calcium-dependent calmodulin binding protein (Ca2+/CaM). In this study, we found that NRIP is a novel Z-disc protein in skeletal muscle. NRIP knockout mice (NRIP KO) were generated and found to have reduced muscle strength, susceptibility to fatigue and impaired adaptive exercise performance. The mechanisms of NRIP-regulated muscle contraction depend on NRIP being downstream of calcium signaling, where it stimulates phosphorylation of both calcineurin-nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (CaN-NFATc1) and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) through interaction with CaM, resulting in the induction of slow myosin gene expression and mitochondrial activity, and balancing of Ca2+ homeostasis of the internally stored Ca2+ of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. Moreover, NRIP KO mice have delayed regenerative capacity. The amount of NRIP can be enhanced after muscle injury and is responsible for muscle regeneration, coupled with the increased expression of myogenin, desmin and embryonic myosin heavy chain for myogenesis, as well as myotube formation. In conclusion, NRIP is a novel Z-disc protein important for skeletal muscle strength and regenerative capacity.
Highly Efficient Helix-sense-selective Polymerization of an Achiral Phenylacetylene Having a Bulky Group
Authors: Qu Yanqing , Zang Yu , Zhang Mingyu , Aoki Toshiki , Teraguchi Masahiro , Kaneko Takashi , Ma Liqun , Jia Hongge
Published: October 2015

A novel achiral phenylacetylene having a bulky t-butyl group was synthesized and polymerized by a chiral catalytic system containing [Rh(nbd)Cl]2 (nbd: norbornadiene) and chiral amines to yield a one-handed helical polymer having a much higher g value than polymers with no bulky groups. Highly efficient helix-sense-selective polymerization has been achieved using a bulky monomer and a less bulky chiral cocatalyst.
Delinking Land Rights from Land Use: Certification and Migration in Mexico
Authors: de Janvry Alain , Emerick Kyle , Gonzalez-Navarro Marco , Sadoulet Elisabeth
Published: October 2015

In many developing countries property rights over rural land are maintained through continuous personal use instead of by land titles. We show that removing the link between land use and land rights through the issuance of ownership certificates can result in large-scale adjustments to labor and land allocations. Using the rollout of the Mexican land certification program from 1993 to 2006, we find that households obtaining certificates were subsequently 28 percent more likely to have a migrant member. We also show that even though land certification induced migration, it had little effect on cultivated area due to consolidation of farm units. (JEL O13, O17, P14, Q15, Q18, Q24, Q28)
Technical Change, Wage Inequality, and Taxes
Authors: Ales Laurence , Kurnaz Musab , Sleet Christopher
Published: October 2015

This paper considers the normative implications of technical change for tax policy design. A task-to-talent assignment model of the labor market is embedded into an optimal tax problem. Technical change modifies equilibrium wage growth across talents and the substitutability of talents across tasks. The overall optimal policy response is to reduce marginal income taxes on low to middle incomes, while raising those on middle to high incomes. The reform favors those in the middle of the income distribution, reducing their average taxes while lowering transfers to those at the bottom. (JEL D31, H21, H23, H24, J31, O33)
Averting Catastrophes: The Strange Economics of Scylla and Charybdis
Authors: Martin Ian W. R. , Pindyck Robert S.
Published: October 2015

Faced with numerous potential catastrophes—nuclear and bioterrorism, mega-viruses, climate change, and others—which should society attempt to avert? A policy to avert one catastrophe considered in isolation might be evaluated in cost-benefit terms. But because society faces multiple catastrophes, simple cost-benefit analysis fails: even if the benefit of averting each one exceeds the cost, we should not necessarily avert them all. We explore the policy interdependence of catastrophic events, and develop a rule for determining which catastrophes should be averted and which should not. (JEL D61, Q51, Q54)
A conserved charged single α-helix with a putative steric role in paraspeckle formation
Authors: Dobson László , Nyitray László , Gáspári Zoltán
Published: October 2015

Paraspeckles are subnuclear particles involved in the regulation of mRNA expression. They are formed by the association of DBHS family proteins and the NEAT1 long noncoding RNA. Here, we show that a recently identified structural motif, the charged single α-helix, is largely conserved in the DBHS family. Based on the available structural data and a previously suggested multimerization scheme of DBHS proteins, we built a structural model of a (PSPC1/NONO)n multimer that might have relevance in paraspeckle formation. Our model contains an extended coiled-coil region that is followed by and partially overlaps with the predicted charged single α-helix. We suggest that the charged single α-helix can act as an elastic ruler governing the exact positioning of the dimeric core structures relative to each other during paraspeckle assembly along the NEAT1 noncoding RNA.
Case Report: A case report of dry tap during ventriculostomy
Authors: Munakomi Sunil , Bhattarai Binod
Published: October 2015

Pneumocephalus following ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion is an exceptionally rare occurrence. We report such an event after attempting ventricular puncture (ventriculostomy) for VP shunt insertion and then discuss the management of the same. Dry tap can lead to multiple attempts for ventriculostomy with the associated added risks of complications, as well as complicating the subsequent management. In addition, there is an increased risk of tension pneumocephalus, seizure and shunt failure due to a blockage by air bubbles. Our patient presented with features of raised intracranial pressure two months following craniotomy and evacuation of traumatic subdural hematoma. External ventricular puncture revealed egress of CSF under pressure. Upon attempting VP shunting for post-traumatic hydrocephalus, we experienced dry tap during ventricular puncture that complicated further management. We placed the proximal shunt in the presumed location of the foramen of Monro of ipsilateral frontal horn of lateral ventricle and did not remove the external ventricular drain. Post-operative CT scan revealed pneumoventriculi as the cause for the dry tap during ventricular puncture. Patient was managed with 100% oxygen. He showed gradual improvement and was later discharged. This case shows that variations in the procedure, including head down positioning, adequate cruciate dural incision prior to cortex puncture, and avoiding excessive egress of CSF can help to prevent such complications.
Range‐wide multilocus phylogenetic analyses of Pedicularis sect. Cyathophora (Orobanchaceae): Implications for species delimitation and speciation
Authors: Wang Hong-Juan , Li Wei-Tao , Liu Ya-Nan , Yang Fu-Sheng , Wang Xiao-Quan
Published: October 2015

Accurate species delimitation is crucial to the fields of systematics, biogeography, and conservation biology; however, inferring phylogenetic relationships among closely related, recently diverged species has always been difficult. In the present study, we conducted a range‐wide field investigation of five Pedicularis species of P. sect. Cyathophora, which includes all four basic corolla types present in the genus. We reconstructed the phylogeny of this section by using three single/low‐copy nuclear genes (CRC, LFY‐L, LFY‐S) and two chloroplast genes (matK, ycf1). To clarify the evolutionary history of sect. Cyathophora, we also estimated divergence times of the genus Pedicularis. Additionally, we evaluated the phylogenetic utility of nrDNA ITS in sect. Cyathophora by cloning and sequencing analyses of the ITS region for all of the investigated samples. The results of our multilocus phylogenetic analysis supported the delimitation of three species of sect. Cyathophora, but failed to support the definition of P. rex and P. thamnophila. On the basis of morphological, geographic, genetic, and phylogenetic evidence, we suggest to include P. thamnophila in P. rex. The molecular dating analysis showed that the uplift of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau and climatic changes may have played important roles in the divergence and speciation of sect. Cyathophora. The results of clone‐based sequencing revealed that extensive nrITS polymorphisms exist in the individuals of ingroups; these polymorphisms may cause misleading phylogenetic inference for sect. Cyathophora.
Emotional food design: From designing food products to designing food systems
Authors: Wrigley Cara , Ramsey Rebecca
Published: October 2015

Contemporary food systems promote the consumption of highly processed foods of limited nutrition, contributing to overweight and obesity, diet-related disease and significant financial burden on healthcare systems. In part, this has resulted from highly successful design, development and marketing strategies for processed foods. The successful application of such strategies to healthy food options, and the services and business plans that accompany them, could assist in enhancing health and alleviating burden on health care systems.

Product designers have long been aware of the importance of intertwining emotional experiences with new products. However, a lack of theoretical precision exists for applying emotional design beyond food products, to the food systems, services and business models that drive them. This article explores emotional design within the context of food and food systems and proposes a new concept – Emotional Food Design (EFD), through which emotional design is integrated across levels of a food system. EFD complements the dominating deductive view of food systems research with an abductive iterative design approach contextualized within the creation of new food products, services and business models and their associated emotional attachments. This paper concludes by outlining what EFD can offer to reorient food systems to successfully promote healthy eating.
Only half the story: Radio drama, online audio and transmedia storytelling
Authors: Dann Lance
Published: October 2015

Online audio drama creates the potential not just for new forms and patterns of listening (on-demand and audience-controlled) or for revised methods of plot structuring (with series stacking allowing for the use of extended narrative arcs) but of a complete recreation of the listening experience as part of an act of transmedia storytelling – one in which the narrative spins out of the wireless and overlays the ‘lived’ experience of the listener. This article will discuss the opportunities that have been opened up for writers and producers of radio drama through the development of online and downloadable audio. It will discuss the use of both social media tools and diverse media platforms in a construction of story in which the membrane between the real and fictive has become permeable. It will focus on the author’s ongoing work on The Flickerman, a piece of applied creative research that began as an attempt to explore the possibilities offered to writers by working outside conventional radio networks, and has developed into a piece of as-live, collaborative, open-source storytelling.
‘I know exactly who they are’: Radio presenters’ conceptions of audience
Authors: Wolfenden Helen
Published: October 2015

Since Horton and Wohl’s recognition of the para-social relationship, there has been an interest in understanding the relationship between presenters and audiences beyond commodification models. But while the relationship has long been named, little is understood about the process from ‘inside’ the presenter experience: what audiences mean to presenters, how the relationship is constructed and becomes real in the absence of face-to-face contact when, for the most part, the presenter can only know the audience as an abstraction or a projection. This article will explore the way Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) talk radio presenters construct their audience as a dialogue partner, and the way that the on-air self is managed, in line with the corporate expectations of their employer, to achieve the appropriate symbolic indicators of friendship, sympathy, companionship, disclosure and intimacy. The findings are based on interviews with leading ABC radio presenters.
La recepción del teatro lírico extranjero en las crónicas teatrales de La Ilustración Española y Americana (1888-1898)
Authors: Giné Marta
Published: October 2015

Catalogación e interpretación de las crónicas teatrales de La Ilustración Española y Americana dedicadas a la representación operística, ópera bufa… extranjera, en Madrid. Destaca cómo la revista ensalza las obras más tradicionales del repertorio (y la exaltación del género chico, propiamente español), aunque abunden las quejas sobre la falta de innovaciones frente a autores más «arriesgados» (como Wagner). Hay que subrayar, asimismo, la importancia de los grabados que ensalzan la belleza de ciertas escenografías así como la hermosura y elegancia de las cantantes.
El Heraldo de París (1900-1904): poesía necesaria
Authors: Manso Christian
Published: October 2015

Fundado y dirigido por Luis Bonafoux, el Heraldo de París fue un periódico regeneracionista por excelencia y no fundamentalmente literario a priori. Concedió sin embargo un espacio a la poesía en su proyecto editorial. Es el objeto de esta aproximación en este estudio monográfico.
Un diluvio de almanaques. Los almanaques de la prensa ilustrada: Blanco y Negro (1896-1900)
Authors: Palenque Marta
Published: October 2015

Este artículo describe los almanaques publicados por la revista ilustrada Blanco y Negro entre 1896 y 1900, enlazándolos, como tipos especiales de documento impreso, con la literatura popular o de cordel. Asimismo valora el carácter circunstancial y de encargo tanto de sus componentes iconográficos como literarios en relación con la cultura burguesa.
Formulation and evaluation of lecithin organogel for treatment of arthritis
Authors: Jatav Mahendra Prasad , Ramteke Suman
Published: October 2015

Background: Arthritis is a disease of the joint that involves inflammation of one or more joints. Topical administration of NSAIDs could deliver lornoxicam to the site of action in rheumatic diseases, which would reduce the gastrointestinal complications and side effects of the drug.Methods: In this method, the oily phase was prepared by dispersing the specific amount (ratio; 40:60) of purified lecithin at room temperature in isopropyl myristate as dispersing and emulsifying agent. The aqueous phase of polypropylene was prepared by dispersing a weighed amount of polypropylene and glycerol in water. It was stored at 2-4 oC overnight for the effective dissolution. The aqueous phase was slowly added in oily phase with stirring at 400 rpm using a mechanical stirrer. The prepared organogel of lornoxicam were evaluated for its appearance, organoleptic characteristic, viscosity, gelation temperature, drug content and in vitro release study. In vivo evaluation for analgesic activity of formulation was carried out in terms of skin irritation study, hot plate method; writhing test and edema paw induce method.Results: The drug content of organogel formulations was found in the range of 92.43Â±2.10-97.93Â±0.31% indicating uniform distribution of drug through the base and no interaction of drug with component of base. Posthoc Dunnetâ€™s t-test by employing statistical software, GraphPad InStat 3. Itâ€™s shown differences between groups were considered significant at P < 0.05.Conclusion: The transdermal organogel formulation of lornoxicam could provide significant anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic activity when applied topically and was observed to be functional for topical delivery of lornoxicam.
Uniaxial Dynamic Mechanical Properties Of Tunnel Lining Concrete Under Moderate-Low Strain Rate After High Temperature
Authors: Xiong L. X.
Published: October 2015

To investigate the mechanical properties of tunnel lining concrete under different moderate-low strain rates after high temperatures, uniaxial compression tests in association with ultrasonic tests were performed. Test results show that the ultrasonic wave velocity and mass loss of concrete specimen begin to sharply drop after high temperatures of 600 °C and 400 °C, respectively, at the strain rates of 10-5s-1 to 10-2s-1. The compressive strength and elastic modulus of specimen increase with increasing strain rate after the same temperature, but it is difficult to obtain an evident change law of peak strain with increasing strain rate. The compressive strength of concrete specimen decreases first, and then increases, but decreases again in the temperatures ranging from room temperature to 800 °C at the strain rates of 10-5s-1 to 10-2s-1. It can be observed that the strain-rate sensitivity of compressive strength of specimen increases with increasing temperature. In addition, the peak strain also increases but the elastic modulus decreases substantially with increasing temperature under the same strain rate.
Probabilistic Analysis Of A Space Truss By Means Of A Multidimensional Variable Description
Authors: Sorn P. , Górski J. , Przewłócki J.
Published: October 2015

Probabilistic analysis of a space truss is presented in the paper. Reliability of such a structure is sensitive to geometrical and material imperfections. The objective of this paper is to present a variant of the point estimate method (PEM) to determine mean values and standard deviations of limit loads of engineering structures. The main advantage presented by this method is the small number of sample calculations required to obtain estimators of investigated parameters. Thus the method is straightforward, requiring only preliminaries of probability theory. This approach is illustrated by limit state analysis of a space truss, considering geometric and material imperfections. The calculations were performed for different random models, so the influence of random parameters on the limit load of the truss can be determined. A realistic snow load was imposed.
Synthesis of pyranopyrazolo N-glycoside and pyrazolopyranopyrimidine C-glycoside derivatives as promising antitumor and antimicrobial agents
Authors: Hafez Hend N. , El-Gazzar Abdel-Rhman B. A.
Published: October 2015

As a part of systematic investigation of the synthesis and biological activities of pyrazole analogues linked to various heterocyclic systems, a new series of pyrazolo-N-glycoside derivatives, pyrazolopyranopyrimidine and C-glycoside of pyrazolopyranotriazolo-pyrimidine derivatives was synthesized through the reaction of the key intermediate 6-amino-3-methyl-4-(substituted-phenyl)-1,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole-5-carbonitrile (3a,b) with different reagents. Structures of the newly synthesized compounds were elucidated by elemental microanalysis and spectroscopic methods. The compounds were subjected to in vitro antitumor evaluation using the MTT assay. N-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)- and N-(β-D-xylofuranosyl)-6{[(1E)-4-chlorophenyl)-methylene] amino}4-(4-florophenyl)-3-methyl-1,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]-pyrazole-5-carbonitrile (6a,b) were the most active compounds against three human cancer cell lines. Also, most of the newly synthesized compounds exhibited high activity towards Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Compound 6a exhibited excellent activity towards bacteria compared to ofloxacine as the reference drug.
Development of a high-throughput screening system for identification of novel reagents regulating DNA damage in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Bae Seunghee , An In-Sook , An Sungkwan
Published: October 2015

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a major inducer of skin aging and accumulated exposure to UV radiation increases DNA damage in skin cells, including dermal fibroblasts. In the present study, we developed a novel DNA repair regulating material discovery (DREAM) system for the high-throughput screening and identification of putative materials regulating DNA repair in skin cells. First, we established a modified lentivirus expressing the luciferase and hypoxanthine phosphoribosyl transferase (HPRT) genes. Then, human dermal fibroblast WS-1 cells were infected with the modified lentivirus and selected with puromycin to establish cells that stably expressed luciferase and HPRT (DREAM-F cells). The first step in the DREAM protocol was a 96-well-based screening procedure, involving the analysis of cell viability and luciferase activity after pretreatment of DREAM-F cells with reagents of interest and post-treatment with UVB radiation, and vice versa. In the second step, we validated certain effective reagents identified in the first step by analyzing the cell cycle, evaluating cell death, and performing HPRT-DNA sequencing in DREAM-F cells treated with these reagents and UVB. This DREAM system is scalable and forms a time-saving high-throughput screening system for identifying novel anti-photoaging reagents regulating DNA damage in dermal fibroblasts.