bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-year clinical outcomes of a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing two interspinous spacers for treatment of moderate lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Patel Vikas V , Whang Peter G , Haley Thomas R , Bradley W Daniel , Nunley Pierce D , Miller Larry E , Block Jon E , Geisler Fred H
Published: July 2014

Background

Interspinous spacers are a minimally invasive surgical alternative for patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) unresponsive to conservative care. The purpose of this prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled trial was to compare 2-year clinical outcomes in patients with moderate LSS treated with the Superion® (Experimental) or the X-Stop®, a FDA-approved interspinous spacer (Control).

Methods

A total of 250 patients with moderate LSS unresponsive to conservative care were randomly allocated to treatment with the Experimental (n = 123) or Control (n = 127) interspinous spacer and followed through 2 years post-treatment. Complication data were available for all patients and patient-reported outcomes were available for 192 patients (101 Experimental, 91 Control) at 2 years.

Results

Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ) Symptom Severity and Physical Function scores improved 34% to 36% in both groups through 2 years (all p < 0.001). Patient Satisfaction scores at 2 years were 1.8 ± 0.9 with Experimental and 1.6 ± 0.8 with Control. Axial pain decreased from 59 ± 26 mm at baseline to 21 ± 26 mm at 2 years with Experimental and from 55 ± 26 mm to 21 ± 25 mm with Control (both p < 0.001). Extremity pain decreased from 67 ± 24 mm to 14 ± 22 mm at 2 years with Experimental and from 63 ± 24 mm to 18 ± 23 mm with Control (both p < 0.001). Back function assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index similarly improved with Experimental (37 ± 12% to 18 ± 16%) and Control (39 ± 12% to 20 ± 16%) (both p < 0.001). Freedom from reoperation at the index level was 84% for Experimental and 83% for Control (log-rank: p = 0.38) at 2 years.

Conclusions

Both interspinous spacers effectively alleviated pain and improved back function to a similar degree through 2 years in patients with moderate LSS who were unresponsive to conservative care.

Trial registration

NCT00692276.
Atomistic deformation mechanisms in twinned copper nanospheres
Authors: Bian Jianjun , Niu Xinrui , Zhang Hao , Wang Gangfeng
Published: July 2014

In the present study, we perform molecular dynamic simulations to investigate the compression response and atomistic deformation mechanisms of twinned nanospheres. The relationship between load and compression depth is calculated for various twin spacing and loading directions. Then, the overall elastic properties and the underlying plastic deformation mechanisms are illuminated. Twin boundaries (TBs) act as obstacles to dislocation motion and lead to strengthening. As the loading direction varies, the plastic deformation transfers from dislocations intersecting with TBs, slipping parallel to TBs, and then to being restrained by TBs. The strengthening of TBs depends strongly on the twin spacing.
Seedless growth of zinc oxide flower-shaped structures on multilayer graphene by electrochemical deposition
Authors: Aziz Nur Suhaili Abd , Nishiyama Tomoya , Rusli Nurul Izni , Mahmood Mohamad Rusop , Yasui Kanji , Hashim Abdul Manaf
Published: July 2014

A seedless growth of zinc oxide (ZnO) structures on multilayer (ML) graphene by electrochemical deposition without any pre-deposited ZnO seed layer or metal catalyst was studied. A high density of a mixture of vertically aligned/non-aligned ZnO rods and flower-shaped structures was obtained. ML graphene seems to generate the formation of flower-shaped structures due to the stacking boundaries. The nucleation of ZnO seems to be promoted at the stacking edges of ML graphene with the increase of applied current density, resulting in the formation of flower-shaped structures. The diameters of the rods/flower-shaped structures also increase with the applied current density. ZnO rods/flower-shaped structures with high aspect ratio over 5.0 and good crystallinity were obtained at the applied current densities of −0.5 and −1.0 mA/cm2. The growth mechanism was proposed. The growth involves the formation of ZnO nucleation below 80°C and the enhancement of the growth of vertically non-aligned rods and flower-shaped structures at 80°C. Such ZnO/graphene hybrid structure provides several potential applications in sensing devices.
Efficiency improvement of InGaP/GaAs/Ge solar cells by hydrothermal-deposited ZnO nanotube structure
Authors: Chung Chen-Chen , Tran Binh Tinh , Lin Kung-Liang , Ho Yen-Teng , Yu Hung-Wei , Quan Nguyen-Hong , Chang Edward Yi
Published: July 2014

In this paper, a zinc oxide (ZnO) nanotube, fabricated by the hydrothermal growth method on triple-junction (T-J) solar cell devices to enhance efficiency, is investigated. Compared to those of bare T-J solar cells (without antireflection (AR) coating) and solar cells with Si3N4 AR coatings, the experimental results show that the T-J solar cells, which use a ZnO nanotube as an AR coating, have the lowest reflectance in the short wavelength spectrum. The ZnO nanotube has the lowest light reflection among all experimental samples, especially in the range of 350 to 500 nm from ultraviolet (UV) to visible light. It was found that a ZnO nanotube can enhance the conversion efficiency by 4.9%, compared with a conventional T-J solar cell. The Si3N4 AR coatings also enhance the conversion efficiency by 3.2%.The results show that a cell with ZnO nanotube coating could greatly improve solar cell performances.
Complementary feature sets for optimal face recognition
Authors: Singh Chandan , Mittal Neerja , Walia Ekta
Published: July 2014

In face recognition tasks, one kind of feature set is not adequate to generate superior results; thus, selection and combination of complementary features are crucial steps. In this paper, the fusion of two useful descriptors, i.e., the Zernike moments (ZMs) and the local binary pattern (LBP)/local ternary pattern (LTP), has been proposed. The ZM descriptor consists of good global image representation capabilities besides being invariant to image rotation and noise, while the LBP/LTP descriptors capture the innate details within some local parts of face image and are insensitive to illumination variations. The fusion of these two is observed to incorporate the traits of both of these individual descriptors. Subsequently, in this work, the performance of diverse feature sets of ZMs (i.e., magnitude features, magnitude plus phase features, and the real plus imaginary component features) combined with the LBP/LTP descriptor is analyzed on FERET, Yale, and ORL face databases. The recognition results achieved by the proposed method are approximately 10 to 30% higher than those obtained with these descriptors separately. Recognition rates of the proposed method are also found to be significantly better (i.e., by 8 to 24%) in case of single example image per person in the training.
Antibiotic treatment following a dog bite in an immunocompromized patient in order to prevent Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection: a case report
Authors: Hloch Ondrej , Mokra Dana , Masopust Jan , Hasa Jan , Charvat Jiri
Published: July 2014

Background

Capnocytophaga canimorsus is a commensal bacterium found in the saliva of dogs and cats. Clinically significant infections in humans after a bite are often associated with the presence of immune deficiency. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are crucial for patient survival. In addition, patients with immune deficiency are susceptible to serious life-threatening nosocomial infections, which may also influence the prognosis of patients with Capnocytophaga canimorsus infection.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old Caucasian female was admitted with septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, acute renal failure, metabolic acidosis and disseminated intravascular coagulation after suffering two small bites from her dog. She had received a splenectomy during childhood. The patient survived after early empiric treatment with antibiotics and intensive supportive care, including ventilation support, a high dose of noradrenalin, and continuous venovenous hemodialysis applied prior to the definitive diagnosis of Capnocytophaga canimorsus sepsis. She improved within 2 weeks but, despite all efforts to prevent nosocomial infection, her hospital course was complicated by Enterococcus species and Candida albicans pleuropneumonia that prolonged her stay in the intensive care unit, and necessitated ventilation support for 2 months.

Conclusion

Severe Capnocytophaga canimorsus sepsis may be complicated by life-threatening nosocomial infection in immunocompromized patients. The prophylactic application of antibiotics after a dog bite should be considered in high-risk individuals with immune deficiency in order to prevent both Capnocytophyga canimorsus sepsis and serious nosocomial complications.
Incorporating translational research with clinical research to increase effectiveness in healthcare for better health
Authors: Estape Estela S , Mays Mary Helen , Harrigan Rosanne , Mayberry Robert
Published: July 2014

Background

The transfer of new scientific discoveries into healthcare interventions requires that basic and clinical researchers work together with health care providers to generate team science. These innovative models require translational teams, and need to extend beyond the academic environment. The future of translational science requires partnerships with the healthcare community as well as the broader, general community. This new integrated model of effective translational teams holds promise for addressing thorny and persistent health disparities, is consistent with the nation's strategic priority of eliminating health disparities, and bodes well for increasing healthcare effectiveness aimed at better health for all.

Discussion

As part of the 13th Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI) International Symposium on Health Disparities, several senior academic leaders joined efforts to hold a workshop to discuss a model that considers the incorporation of two translational research strategies in research career development programs: Comparative effectiveness research (CER) and community‐based participatory research (CBPR) for increasing healthcare effectiveness and eliminating healthcare disparities. Discussion included what issues may be most germane to the concept of a unified model for research workforce development through formal training and career development leading to increased effectiveness in healthcare for better health.

We believe that there is a gap in knowledge and skills in formal research career development programs that will enable physicians, other clinicians, and basic scientists to actively participate in these two translational research strategies. The purpose of this paper is to share the outcomes of these discussions, and encourage further discussion and possible innovation in the formulation of a new model for translational research workforce development.
Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields significantly improve time of closure and proliferation of human tendon fibroblasts
Authors: Seeliger Claudine , Falldorf Karsten , Sachtleben Jens , Griensven Martijn van
Published: July 2014

Background

The promotion of the healing process following musculoskeletal injuries comprises growth factor signalling, migration, proliferation and apoptosis of cells. If these processes could be modulated, the healing of tendon tissue may be markedly enhanced. Here, we report the use of the Somagen™ device, which is certified for medical use according to European laws. It generates low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields that trigger effects of a nature that are yet to be determined.

Methods

A 1.5-cm wide, linear scrape was introduced into patellar tendon fibroblast cultures (N = 5 donors). Treatment was carried out every second day. The regimen was applied three times in total with 30 minutes comprising pulsed electromagnetic field packages with two fundamental frequencies (10 minutes of 33 Hz, 20 minutes of 7.8 Hz). Control cells remained untreated. All samples were analyzed for gap closure time, proliferation and apoptosis one week after induction of the scrape wound.

Results

The mean time for bridging the gap in the nontreated cells was 5.05 ± 0.33 days, and in treated cells, it took 3.35 ± 0.38 days (P <0.001). For cell cultures with scrape wounds, a mean value for BrdU incorporation of OD = 0.70 ± 0.16 was found. Whereas low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields treated samples showed OD = 1.58 ± 0.24 (P <0.001). However, the percentage of apoptotic cells did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our data demonstrate that low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields emitted by the Somagen™ device influences the in vitro wound healing of patellar tendon fibroblasts and, therefore, possibly increases wound healing potential.
An improved gas-reservoir delineation from seismic-derived impedance and density interpretation at Dragon field, Venezuela
Authors: Vasquez César , Ochoa Wilmer
Published: July 2014

Dragon field of Norte de Paria, offshore eastern Venezuela, was discovered in the 1980s and offers a good opportunity for production of gas methane. Since 2008, several development wells have been drilled for production of gas reserves. After analysis of exploratory well E1 and development well D1, gas was found in the former and water in the latter. A recent study showed that analysis and interpretation of seismic amplitudes can differentiate fluids that saturate rocks and thus can optimize the production of hydrocarbons. Seismic amplitudes show significant differences in the same stratigraphic level, depending on the presence of different fluids — brine, gas, or a mixture of the two. Differences are associated with density and compressibility of fluid under the pressure and temperature conditions of the reservoir. After computing Poisson's ratio and acoustic impedance from analyzed wells, it was observed that those values were lower at the gas-bearing sands than for the encasing rock. Based on that result, an acoustic-inversion exercise was performed over the existing seismic data to interpret lateral heterogeneities associated with gas saturation. However, the well-known effect of low gas saturation on seismic velocities introduces an appreciable uncertainty in interpretation. To overcome this issue, it is proposed to estimate densities from an elastic inversion of the seismic data and to interpret fluid distribution in the reservoirs at Dragon field using this attribute.
Sandstone discrimination in the Faja Petrolífera del Orinoco, Venezuela: Lithology delineation using 3D-3C seismic data
Authors: Calderon Jhonny , Ovalles Asdrubal , Reverón Jorge
Published: July 2014

The Faja Petrolífera del Orinoco (FPO) in Venezuela is the most extensive accumulation of heavy oil in the world. Consequently, the main objective is to use 3D-3C multicomponent seismic data for sandstone discrimination in the Petrocedeño block in the FPO, with the aim of providing information that contributes to better characterization of heavy-oil deposits. Log- and seismic-frequency-scale rock-physics analysis for lithology discrimination was performed, revealing that sandstones and shales might be discriminated using acoustic-impedance (AI) and VP/VS attributes. Shales have lower acoustic impedances and higher VP/VS than sandstones. Therefore, a cutoff of 2.45 in VP/VS ratio was set to separate sandstones and shales. A model-based acoustic seismic inversion was performed, and VP/VS ratio volume was estimated, interpreting horizons in PP and PS volumes, then shrinking PS to PP reflection time. Consequently, lithology distribution could be mapped using those volumes. Geologically speaking, the lower interval with more sandstone corresponds to a fluvial environment, whereas the upper interval is deltaic with more proportion of shale, according to regional geology as well.
SEG survey on dual-career couples and women: The hidden diversity of dual-career couples
Authors: Sprunt Eve , House Nancy , Capello Maria Angela
Published: July 2014

Although a casual observer might infer changes in the percentage of women in geophysics, it is not as obvious that there are also more dual-career couples. Domestic arrangements are a form of “invisible diversity.” Dual-career couples comprise a large and growing fraction of the workforce. Most female geophysicists are partners in dual-career couples. Like women, people in dual-career couples are underrepresented in executive positions. Addressing barriers to dual-career couples will reduce barriers for many women.
Memorial
Authors: Treitel Sven
Published: July 2014

Memorial for: Marvin R. Hewitt
The Novelist and Her Poor
Authors: Freedgood Elaine
Published: July 2014

Does the novelist, like the philosopher, need her “poor”? In this essay, Elizabeth Gaskell's Mary Barton is the test case for the idea that narrators (and, by extension, novelists) need their characters to be poor—intellectually, physically, spiritually—that narrators might remain rich. Certain formal aspects of the novel, including free indirect discourse and omniscience (which is regarded as a ubiquitous discourse outside the novel as well), are held responsible for this state of affairs, which may extend well into postmodern forms of fiction.
Writing, Repetition, Displacement: An Interview with Jacques Rancière
Authors: Geil Abraham
Published: July 2014

In this interview, Jacques Rancière clarifies a number of the central concepts and underlying polemics that run throughout his considerable body of work. Touching on key aspects of his intellectual formation, including his experience teaching at the University of Vincennes in Saint-Denis in the wake of May 1968 and his pivotal research in worker's archives, Rancière also reflects on the intimate relation between his critical project—above all its affirmation of axiomatic equality—and the development of his singular writing style.
Endothelial cells regulate neural crest and second heart field morphogenesis
Authors: Milgrom-Hoffman Michal , Michailovici Inbal , Ferrara Napoleone , Zelzer Elazar , Tzahor Eldad
Published: July 2014

Cardiac and craniofacial developmental programs are intricately linked during early embryogenesis, which is also reflected by a high frequency of birth defects affecting both regions. The molecular nature of the crosstalk between mesoderm and neural crest progenitors and the involvement of endothelial cells within the cardio–craniofacial field are largely unclear. Here we show in the mouse that genetic ablation of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (Flk1) in the mesoderm results in early embryonic lethality, severe deformation of the cardio–craniofacial field, lack of endothelial cells and a poorly formed vascular system. We provide evidence that endothelial cells are required for migration and survival of cranial neural crest cells and consequently for the deployment of second heart field progenitors into the cardiac outflow tract. Insights into the molecular mechanisms reveal marked reduction in Transforming growth factor beta 1 (Tgfb1) along with changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition. Our collective findings in both mouse and avian models suggest that endothelial cells coordinate cardio–craniofacial morphogenesis, in part via a conserved signaling circuit regulating ECM remodeling by Tgfb1.
Kinematics of transition during human accelerated sprinting
Authors: Nagahara Ryu , Matsubayashi Takeo , Matsuo Akifumi , Zushi Koji
Published: July 2014

This study investigated kinematics of human accelerated sprinting through 50 m and examined whether there is transition and changes in acceleration strategies during the entire acceleration phase. Twelve male sprinters performed a 60-m sprint, during which step-to-step kinematics were captured using 60 infrared cameras. To detect the transition during the acceleration phase, the mean height of the whole-body centre of gravity (CG) during the support phase was adopted as a measure. Detection methods found two transitions during the entire acceleration phase of maximal sprinting, and the acceleration phase could thus be divided into initial, middle, and final sections. Discriminable kinematic changes were found when the sprinters crossed the detected first transition—the foot contacting the ground in front of the CG, the knee-joint starting to flex during the support phase, terminating an increase in step frequency—and second transition—the termination of changes in body postures and the start of a slight decrease in the intensity of hip-joint movements, thus validating the employed methods. In each acceleration section, different contributions of lower-extremity segments to increase in the CG forward velocity—thigh and shank for the initial section, thigh, shank, and foot for the middle section, shank and foot for the final section—were verified, establishing different acceleration strategies during the entire acceleration phase. In conclusion, there are presumably two transitions during human maximal accelerated sprinting that divide the entire acceleration phase into three sections, and different acceleration strategies represented by the contributions of the segments for running speed are employed.
Orthodenticle is required for the development of olfactory projection neurons and local interneurons in Drosophila
Authors: Sen Sonia , Biagini Silvia , Reichert Heinrich , VijayRaghavan K.
Published: July 2014

The accurate wiring of nervous systems involves precise control over cellular processes like cell division, cell fate specification, and targeting of neurons. The nervous system of Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model to understand these processes. Drosophila neurons are generated by stem cell like precursors called neuroblasts that are formed and specified in a highly stereotypical manner along the neuroectoderm. This stereotypy has been attributed, in part, to the expression and function of transcription factors that act as intrinsic cell fate determinants in the neuroblasts and their progeny during embryogenesis. Here we focus on the lateral neuroblast lineage, ALl1, of the antennal lobe and show that the transcription factor-encoding cephalic gap gene orthodenticle is required in this lineage during postembryonic brain development. We use immunolabelling to demonstrate that Otd is expressed in the neuroblast of this lineage during postembryonic larval stages. Subsequently, we use MARCM clonal mutational methods to show that the majority of the postembryonic neuronal progeny in the ALl1 lineage undergoes apoptosis in the absence of orthodenticle. Moreover, we demonstrate that the neurons that survive in the orthodenticle loss-of-function condition display severe targeting defects in both the proximal (dendritic) and distal (axonal) neurites. These findings indicate that the cephalic gap gene orthodenticle acts as an important intrinsic determinant in the ALl1 neuroblast lineage and, hence, could be a member of a putative combinatorial code involved in specifying the fate and identity of cells in this lineage.
Activation of Cdc42 is necessary for sustained oscillations of Ca2+ and PIP2 stimulated by antigen in RBL mast cells
Authors: Wilkes Marcus M. , Wilson Joshua D. , Baird Barbara , Holowka David
Published: July 2014

Antigen stimulation of mast cells via FcεRI, the high-affinity receptor for IgE, triggers a signaling cascade that requires Ca2+ mobilization for exocytosis of secretory granules during the allergic response. To characterize the role of Rho GTPases in FcεRI signaling, we utilized a mutant RBL cell line, B6A4C1, that is deficient in antigen-stimulated Cdc42 activation important for these processes. Recently the importance of stimulated intracellular oscillations has emerged, and we find that B6A4C1 cells exhibit severely attenuated Ca2+ oscillations in response to antigen, which are restored to wild-type RBL-2H3 levels by expression of constitutively active Cdc42 G12V or by a GEF for Cdc42, DOCK7, but not when the C-terminal di-arginine motif of active Cdc42 is mutated to di-glutamine. We found that antigen-stimulated FcεRI endocytosis, which occurs independently of Ca2+ mobilization, is also defective in B6A4C1 cells, and Cdc42 G12V reconstitutes this response as well. Thus, activation of Cdc42 occurs prior to and is critical for antigen-stimulated pathways leading separately to both Ca2+ mobilization and receptor endocytosis. Accounting for these downstream functional consequences, we show that Cdc42 G12V reconstitutes antigen-stimulated oscillations of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) at the plasma membrane in mutant B6A4C1 cells, pointing to Cdc42 participation in the regulation of stimulated PIP2 synthesis.
Robust circadian rhythms in organoid cultures from PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE mouse small intestine
Authors: Moore Sean R. , Pruszka Jill , Vallance Jefferson , Aihara Eitaro , Matsuura Toru , Montrose Marshall H. , Shroyer Noah F. , Hong Christian I.
Published: July 2014

Disruption of circadian rhythms is a risk factor for several human gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, ranging from diarrhea to ulcers to cancer. 4-dimensional tissue culture models that faithfully mimic the circadian clock of the GI epithelium would provide an invaluable tool to understand circadian regulation of GI health and disease. We hypothesized that rhythmicity of a key circadian component, PERIOD2 (PER2), would diminish along a continuum from ex vivo intestine, organoids (epithelial "miniguts"), and nontransformed (MSIE) and transformed (Caco-2) intestinal epithelial cells. Here we show that bioluminescent jejunal explants from PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE (PER2::LUC) mice display robust circadian rhythms for >72 hours post-excision. Circadian rhythms in primary or passaged PER2::LUC jejunal organoids are similarly robust, synchronize with serum shock, and persist beyond 2 weeks in culture. Remarkably, unshocked organoids autonomously synchronize rhythms within 12 hours of recording. The onset of this autonomous synchronization is slowed by >2 hours in the presence of glucocorticoid receptor antagonist RU486 (20 μM). Doubling standard concentrations of organoid growth factors EGF, Noggin, and R-spondin enhances PER2 oscillations, whereas subtraction of these factors individually at 24 hours following serum shock produced no detectable effects. Growth factor pulses induce modest phase delays in unshocked, but not serum-shocked, organoids. Circadian oscillations of PER2::LUC bioluminescence align with Per2 mRNA expression by qPCR. Concordant findings of robust circadian rhythms in bioluminescent jejunal explants and organoids provide further evidence for a peripheral clock intrinsic to the intestinal epithelium. The rhythmic and organotypic features of organoids should offer unprecedented advantages as a resource for elucidating the role of circadian rhythms in GI stem cell dynamics, epithelial homeostasis, and disease.
Modelling tuberculous meningitis in zebrafish usingMycobacterium marinum
Authors: van Leeuwen Lisanne M. , van der Kuip Martijn , Youssef Sameh A. , de Bruin Alain , Bitter Wilbert , van Furth A. Marceline , van der Sar Astrid M.
Published: July 2014

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is one of the most severe extra-pulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis with a high morbidity and mortality. Characteristic pathological features of TBM are Rich foci, i.e. brain and spinal cord-specific granulomas formed after haematogenous spread of pulmonary tuberculosis. Little is known about early pathogenesis of TBM and the role of Rich foci. We have adapted the zebrafish - Mycobacterium marinum model to study TBM. First, we analyzed whether TBM occurs in adult zebrafish and showed that intraperitoneal infection resulted in granuloma formation in the meninges in 20% of the cases, with occasional brain parenchyma involvement. In zebrafish embryos, bacterial infiltration and clustering of infected phagocytes was observed after infection via three different inoculation routes, i.e. parenchyma, hindbrain ventricle and caudal vein. Infection via the bloodstream resulted in the formation of early granulomas in brain tissue in 70% of the cases. In these zebrafish embryos, infiltrates were located in the proximity of blood vessels. Interestingly, no differences were observed when embryos were infected before or after early formation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), indicating that bacteria are able to cross this barrier with relatively high efficiency. In agreement with this observation, infected zebrafish larvae also showed infiltration of the brain tissue. Upon infection of embryos with a M. marinum ESX-1 mutant only small clusters and scattered isolated phagocytes with a high bacterial load were present in the brain tissue. In conclusion, our adapted zebrafish - M. marinum infection model for studying granuloma formation in the brain, will allow for the detailed analysis of both bacterial and host factors involved in TBM. It will help solve longstanding questions on the role of Rich foci and potentially contribute to development of better diagnostics and therapeutics.
In vivosiRNA delivery of Keap1 modulates death and survival signaling pathways and attenuates Concanavalin A-induced acute liver injury in mice
Authors: González-Rodríguez Águeda , Reibert Bjorn , Amann Thomas , Constien Rainier , Rondinone Cristina M. , Valverde Ángela M.
Published: July 2014

Oxidative stress contributes to the progression of acute liver failure (ALF). Transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) serves as an endogenous regulator by which cells combat oxidative stress. We have investigated liver damage and the balance between death and survival signaling pathways in Concanavalin A (ConA)-mediated ALF using in vivo siRNA delivery targeting Keap1 in hepatocytes. For that goal, mice were injected with Keap1 or Luciferase siRNA-containing liposomes via tail vein. After 48 hours, ALF was induced by ConA. Liver histology, pro-inflammatory mediators, anti-oxidant responses, cellular death and stress/survival signaling were assessed. Keap1 mRNA and protein levels significantly decreased in livers of Keap1 siRNA-injected mice. In these animals, histological liver damage was less evident than in control mice when challenged with ConA. Likewise, markers of cellular death (FasL and caspases 8, 3 and 1) decreased at 4 and 8 hours post-injection. Nuclear Nrf2 and its target hemoxygenase 1 (HO1) were elevated in Keap1 siRNA-injected mice compared to control animals resulting in reduced oxidative stress in the liver. Similarly, mRNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were reduced in livers from Keap1 siRNA-injected mice. At the molecular level, activation of c-jun (NH2) terminal kinase (JNK) was ameliorated whereas insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGFIR) survival pathway was maintained upon ConA injection in Keap1 siRNA-treated mice. In conclusion, our results have revealed a potential therapeutic use of in vivo siRNA technology targeted to Keap1 to combat oxidative stress by modulating Nrf2-mediated anti-oxidant responses and IGFIR survival signaling during the progression of ALF.
Η επίδραση του ενδοτραχειακού σωλήνα στις μετρήσεις της μηχανικής του αναπνευστικού συστήματος
Authors: Φλεβάρη Αικατερίνη
Published: July 2014

Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης ήταν η μέτρηση της εισπνευστικής RETT έξιενδοτραχειακών σωλήνων (ΕΤΣ) ενηλίκων κάτω από πειραματικές in vitrο συνθήκες,μέσω της μεθόδου της ταχείας τελοεισπνευστικής παύσης και η εφαρμογή αυτής σε κλι-νικές συνθήκες (in vivo) ώστε να γίνει εκτίμηση της RETT σε πραγματικό χρόνο. Η δη-μιουργία της γραφικής παράστασης RETT ως προς τη ροή V˙ και ο υπολογισμός τωνσταθερών του Rohrer k1 και k2 για τη γραμμική και τη στροβιλώδη ροή αντίστοιχα, μαςδίνει μια εκτίμηση της συμπεριφοράς της Αντίστασης του κάθε ΕΤΣ.Οι τιμές των πιέσεων Ppeak και Pplateau καταγράφησαν τόσο στο εγγύςόσο και στο άπω άκρο του ΕΤΣ, μετά από εφαρμογή εισπνευστικής απόφραξης για 3δευτερόλεπτα υπό σταθερή ροή. Οι τιμές της πίεσης του άπω άκρου ελήφθησαν διάμέσω ενδοαυλικού καθετήρα και η τιμή της Αντίστασης υπολογίστηκε μέσω της εξίσω-σης Rrs=(Ppeak−Pplateau)/V˙ και για τα δύο σημεία μελέτης. Η τιμή τηςRETT προέκυψε από τη διαφορά RETT = Rproximal – Rdistal. Η γραφική παράστασητης RETT ως προς τη ροή V˙ δημιουργήθηκε και οι τιμές των σταθερών k1 και k2 υπολο-γίστηκαν με τη μέθοδο των ελαχίστων τετραγώνων.Για ΕΤΣ σωλήνα με εσωτερική διάμετρο 9,0, 8,5, 8,0, 7,5, 7,0, και 6,5, η k2μετρήθηκε ως 2,42, 3,05, 4,65, 6,01, 9,17 και 12,8cmH2O/L/s αντίστοιχα. Ο ενδοαυλι-κός καθετήρας μέτρησης βρέθηκε ότι προκαλεί αύξηση στην αντίσταση του ΕΤΣ Νο7,0κατά μέσο όρο 49%. Τέλος, η μέθοδος εφαρμόστηκε σε δέκα ασθενείς και οι τιμές τωνk2 που μετρήθηκαν in vivo ήταν σημαντικά υψηλότερες από τις αντίστοιχες in vitrο τι-μές (p value 0.0012).Συμπερασματικά, η γνώση της τιμής k2 του κάθε υπό μελέτη ΕΤΣ, δίνειπληροφορίες σχετικά με τη συμπεριφορά του και μπορεί να βοηθήσει στην αντιμετώπι-ση προβλημάτων απογαλακτισμού από τη Μηχανική Αναπνοή.
Μελέτη των μοριακών μηχανισμών ελέγχου του σχήματος του καρπού της πιπεριάς (Capsicum annuum), σε συνάρτηση με τον εμβολιασμό
Authors: Τσάμπαλλα Αφροδίτη
Published: July 2014

Ένα σημαντικό ποιοτικό χαρακτηριστικό στα λαχανικά και ιδιαίτερα στην πιπεριά είναι το σχήμα του καρπού με συνέπεια η μελέτη των μοριακών μηχανισμών και άλλων παραγόντων που πιθανόν το επηρεάζουν να είναι σημαντική. Ένας τέτοιος παράγοντας είναι ο εμβολιασμός που συχνά έχει επίπτωση στο σχήμα του καρπού του εμβολίου, σε ορισμένους συνδυασμούς εμβολιαζόμενων γενοτύπων. Στο εργαστήριο του ΙΝΕΒ βρέθηκε ότι ο εμβολιασμός δύο ποικιλιών με διαφορετικό σχήμα καρπού, της cv. Round (εμβόλιο) επί της cv. Long (υποκείμενο) προκάλεσε αλλαγή στο σχήμα των καρπών του εμβολίου (Τ1 γενεά), από το στρογγυλό προς το επίμηκες. H αλλαγή αυτή κληρονομήθηκε σταθερά και στους απογόνους της Τ2 γενεάς που προήλθαν από τους καρπούς της T1 γενεάς που διαφοροποιήθηκαν ως προς το σχήμα. Τα αποτελέσματα αυτά αποτέλεσαν την αφετηρία για την παρούσα ερευνητική εργασία. Ανάλυση ISSR δεικτών έδειξε ότι καταγράφονται αλλαγές στο γενετικό προφίλ των Τ2 απογόνων σε σχέση με το εμβόλιο, cv. Round, ενώ δεν καταγράφονται διαφορές στο επιγενετικό προφίλ των T2 απογόνων και στις δύο ποικιλίες, cv. Round και cv. Long. Τα ευρήματα αυτά δείχνουν ότι έχουν συμβεί κατά τον εμβολιασμό γενετικές αλλαγές και μάλιστα αυτές έχουν κληρονομηθεί στους απογόνους. Ειδικότερα, τα γονίδια CaOvate και CaGA20ox1 βρέθηκε ότι εμπλέκονται στον καθορισμό του σχήματος του καρπού της πιπεριάς σύμφωνα με ότι είναι γνωστό, δρώντας το ένα ως αρνητικός ρυθμιστής του άλλου. Η έκφραση του Cafw2.2-like είναι μικρότερη σε μία μεγαλόκαρπη ποικιλία πιπεριάς τύπου «καμπάνα» σε σχέση με την μικρόκαρπη cv. Round, στους καρπούς των 10 ημερών μετά την άνθηση. Το γονίδιο CaSun-like δεν φαίνεται να συνδέεται με το σχήμα. Στους Τ2 απογόνους του εμβολιασμού με την κληρονομούμενη αλλαγή στο σχήμα των καρπών, καταγράφηκε διαφορική έκφραση γονιδίων σε σχέση με το υποκείμενο, cv. Round. Τα CaOvate και CaSun-like εκφράζονται διαφορετικά στους Τ2 απογόνους σε σχέση με τις cv. Round και cv. Long. Ακόμα ένα γονίδιο, το γονίδιο που ονομάστηκε 5Α, εκφράζεται 11 φορές περισσότερο στους Τ2 απογόνους σε σχέση με την cv. Round. Προκειμένου να εξερευνηθούν περισσότερο οι μηχανισμοί που προκαλούν την αλλαγή στο σχήμα του καρπού που κληρονομήθηκε στους Τ2 απογόνους αλλά και γενικότερα τις αλλαγές στην ποιότητα του καρπού κατά τον εμβολιασμό, μελετήθηκαν συντηρημένα miRNAs που ως επιγενετικοί ρυθμιστές επηρεάζουν την έκφραση πολλών γονιδίων και έχουν βρεθεί να επάγονται ή αναστέλλονται κατά τον εμβολιασμό. Η μελέτη των συντηρημένων miRNAs που βρέθηκαν μετά από εκτεταμένες βιοπληροφορικές αναλύσεις έδειξε ότι δεν αλλάζει η έκφρασή τους κατά τον εμβολιασμό της cv. Round στην cv. Long. Ωστόσο ένα γονίδιο που κωδικοποιεί την πρωτεΐνη DCL4, κύριο μεταφορέα του σήματος της γονιδιακής αποσιώπησης που συνδέεται με τα μικρά RNAs στα φυτά, βρέθηκε να εκφράζεται λιγότερο στα εμβολιασμένα φυτά της cv. Round επί της cv. Long σε σχέση με τον αυτόρριζο μάρτυρα, την cv. Round.
For Teachers: About the Norms of the Modern Standard Russian Language
Authors: Иванов  , Ivanov Stanislav
Published: July 2014

The role of a school teacher is highlighted as the archetypal mother-tongue speaker and keeper of the modern standard Russian language, whose

goal is to teach students to consciously select and use linguistic means and to foster speech culture. Characterized are those norms of the modern

standard Russian language, which are most frequently violated by both teachers and students.
Using Project Activities for Primary Education
Authors: Кузнецова  , Kuznetsova Tatyana
Published: July 2014

The paper considers ways to use project activities at primary school. Conditions for effective use of project activities are revealed with regard to nature-alignment. Role and attitude of a teacher at different stages of project activities arrangement for primary school students are highlighted. Decetralized nature of project activities is emphasized.
How to Unlock Educators’ Professional Potential when Educating Primary School Alumni
Authors: Дедюхина  , Dedyukhina Olga
Published: July 2014

The paper presents experience, gained by Center for Creativeness Development and Musical and Aesthetic Education of Children and Youth

“Radost”, related to scientific and methodological support of continuous professional advancement of music teachers. Special attention is given

to considering the forms of educational activities under the program of encouraging interest to reading.
Lean Management as a Way of Increase of Competitiveness of Russian Enterprises
Authors: Хомякова  , Khomyakova E.
Published: July 2014

Perspectives of enhancing domestic enterprises’ competitiveness are considered in the context of integrating foreign-originated system of Lean Management; outcomes of the mentioned system introduction at the selected Russian enterprise are analyzed. Furthermore, core conditions, vital for successful introduction of the Lean Management system are outlined. Lean management is a worldwide practiced problem-solving technique, aimed at competitiveness enhancing; it has the form of workforce organized activities focused at costs minimization, and at maximization of products consumer value and valueadded. Given the unarguable advantages of Lean management system possesses, as compared to traditional approaches, it is a persuasive reason to adopt it to enhance efficiency and competitiveness of an enterprise. Among the most illustrative cases of Lean Philosophy adoption is that of JSC KAMAZ, the enterprise, which has managed to work out its own system, named KAMAZ Production System, with cost advantages for the 2006–2011 period reaching

19,004 bln. rubles.
Altruism Economy as a Higher Step of Social Synthesis
Authors: Свирчевский  , Svirchevskiy Vadim
Published: July 2014

Deepening civilizational divide and growing intensity of confrontation among countries of different economic might, as well as aggravating pressure on environment call for choosing an alternative model of economic development. Altruistic economics is a model of global economy based on panhuman priorities. But to implement such a model, certain supranational social synthesis is needed, that is, unification of a number of nations in order to cope with common problems. Accompanying challenges are multi-faceted, while basically feasible. The paper discusses problems of choosing public policy priorities, related to public functions, in the context of globalizing economy. Realization of these priorities is essential for developing such an economic system, which is doctrinally capable not only to reconcile interests of different classes (strata) but also to harmonize development of various national economies.
Disability discrimination (2): four UK laws to be aware of
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: July 2014

The first article in this series on disability discrimination set the scene by giving an overview of the topic. This article will focus on a number of laws that impact directly on discrimination within the public arena against those with disabilities. To this end, the contents and impact of the Disability Discrimination Act ( Department of Health (DH), 1995 ), the Human Rights Act ( DH, 1998 ), the Mental Capacity Act ( DH, 2005 ) and the Equality Act ( DH, 2010 ) will be highlighted.
Heart muscle disease and cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Sado Daniel M , Fontana Marianna , Moon James C
Published: July 2014

This article introduces the reader to the different types of heart muscle disease which are commonly encountered in clinical practice. It then discusses cardiovascular magnetic resonance and explains how it can help in the work up of these diverse conditions.
Management of nausea and vomiting in palliative care
Authors: Neoh Karen , Adkinson Lucy , Montgomery Victoria , Hurlow Adam
Published: July 2014

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms in palliative care and can be highly distressing to patients. This review discusses the mechanisms by which nausea and vomiting are triggered, using case studies to highlight the most common scenarios and how to manage these.
The synthesis of a glucoconjugate of the peptidic fragment of cryptophycin-24
Authors: Mezrai Abdelmoumen , Lesur David , Wadouachi Anne , Pilard Florence , Mulengi Joseph Kajima
Published: July 2014

A novel glucoconjugate of the peptidic fragment of cryptophycin-24 was prepared through theÂ replacement of the leucic acid residue with L-leucine and the functionalisation of tyrosine residue with glucose.Those modifications lead to a novel protected tripeptide fragment of cryptophycin-24.
Grenzen der Gastfreundschaft
Authors: Friese Heidrun
Published: July 2014

Lampedusa ist zum zentralen Symbol undokumentierter Mobilität im Mittelmeer und der europäischen Grenzen der Gastfreundschaft geworden. Heidrun Friese gibt Einblick in historische Semantiken der Gastfreundschaft und Perspektiven der Kulturwissenschaft sowie der Philosophie und konfrontiert diese mit den Praktiken der Aufnahme von Bootsflüchtlingen. Deutlich wird, dass Mobilität, die Deklaration des permanenten Ausnahmezustands und die Migrationsindustrie einen transnationalen politischen Raum schaffen, in dem sich Interessen, Dissens und Partizipation artikulieren. An der Schnittstelle zwischen Anthropologie und Kulturwissenschaft verbindet die Studie langjährige Feldforschung und dichte Beschreibung mit jüngsten Diskussionen um Gastfreundschaft und plädiert für einen lokalisierten Kosmopolitismus.
Monopoly, Social Welfare, and Multi Product Quality
Authors: Gayer Amit
Published: July 2014

This paper investigates a market with vertical product
differentiation, where both qualities and consumers are represented by
uni-dimensional intervals. Our framework deals with a continuum of
consumers. We investigate the consumers' self selection in a product
quality model under an offer-spectrum of quality-price pairs.

We show the conditions under which there will be no market failure.
Mapping-by-Sequencing IdentifiesHvPHYTOCHROME Cas a Candidate Gene for theearly maturity 5Locus Modulating the Circadian Clock and Photoperiodic Flowering in Barley
Authors: Pankin Artem , Campoli Chiara , Dong Xue , Kilian Benjamin , Sharma Rajiv , Himmelbach Axel , Saini Reena , Davis Seth J , Stein Nils , Schneeberger Korbinian , von Korff Maria
Published: July 2014

Phytochromes play an important role in light signaling and photoperiodic control of flowering time in plants. Here we propose that the red/far-red light photoreceptor HvPHYTOCHROME C (HvPHYC), carrying a mutation in a conserved region of the GAF domain, is a candidate underlying the early maturity 5 locus in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). We fine mapped the gene using a mapping-by-sequencing approach applied on the whole-exome capture data from bulked early flowering segregants derived from a backcross of the Bowman(eam5) introgression line. We demonstrate that eam5 disrupts circadian expression of clock genes. Moreover, it interacts with the major photoperiod response gene Ppd-H1 to accelerate flowering under noninductive short days. Our results suggest that HvPHYC participates in transmission of light signals to the circadian clock and thus modulates light-dependent processes such as photoperiodic regulation of flowering.
Genome-Wide Patterns of Differentiation Among House Mouse Subspecies
Authors: Phifer-Rixey Megan , Bomhoff Matthew , Nachman Michael W
Published: July 2014

One approach to understanding the genetic basis of speciation is to scan the genomes of recently diverged taxa to identify highly differentiated regions. The house mouse, Mus musculus, provides a useful system for the study of speciation. Three subspecies (M. m. castaneus, M. m. domesticus, and M. m. musculus) diverged ∼350 KYA, are distributed parapatrically, show varying degrees of reproductive isolation in laboratory crosses, and hybridize in nature. We sequenced the testes transcriptomes of multiple wild-derived inbred lines from each subspecies to identify highly differentiated regions of the genome, to identify genes showing high expression divergence, and to compare patterns of differentiation among subspecies that have different demographic histories and exhibit different levels of reproductive isolation. Using a sliding-window approach, we found many genomic regions with high levels of sequence differentiation in each of the pairwise comparisons among subspecies. In all comparisons, the X chromosome was more highly differentiated than the autosomes. Sequence differentiation and expression divergence were greater in the M. m. domesticus–M. m. musculus comparison than in either pairwise comparison with M. m. castaneus, which is consistent with laboratory crosses that show the greatest reproductive isolation between M. m. domesticus and M. m. musculus. Coalescent simulations suggest that differences in estimates of effective population size can account for many of the observed patterns. However, there was an excess of highly differentiated regions relative to simulated distributions under a wide range of demographic scenarios. Overlap of some highly differentiated regions with previous results from QTL mapping and hybrid zone studies points to promising candidate regions for reproductive isolation.
Stable Electron Emission from ZnO Nanoemitters Grown with Pseudo-Catalyst
Authors: Yang Su-Hua , Hsu Yi-Ming , Tsai Ming-Wei , Hsueh Ting-Jen
Published: July 2014

Catalyst-free vapor phase transport was applied for the growth of ZnO nanoemitters. A single-crystalline ZnO:Al seed layer was deposited and used as a pseudo-catalyst. The desired morphology of nanostructures can be achieved by means of modifying the growth rates of crystal planes via adjustment in the growth conditions. The field emission characteristics of ZnO nanoemitters satisfied the Fowler-Nordheim relationship. The high aspect ratio of nanoemitters had a low turn-on electric field of 0.18 MV/m at emission current density of 0.1 μA/cm2. A stable electron emission with a variation of less than 14% was measured.
Da reificação ao reconhecimento das pesquisas qualitativas em educação
Authors: Trevisan Amarildo Luiz
Published: July 2014

Há uma transição do discurso sobre a reificação que acompanha, de certo modo, o avanço das pesquisas qualitativas em educação. Do peso excessivo na objetividade do invólucro economicista, baseado na quantificação dos procedimentos, conforme se faz presente na crítica de Lukács, ela transitou para o acento na captação da qualidade subjetiva ou na singularidade dos indivíduos, como demonstra a análise de Adorno da obra de Kafka. Contemporaneamente, a reificação, com a apropriação de Axel Honneth, passa a ser vista no panorama da intersubjetividade. Nesse caso, ela acaba sendo conceituada como ausência ou esquecimento do reconhecimento do outro. É nesse contexto que podemos nos perguntar, neste artigo, sobre o que pode ser pensado como equivalente à negação ou esquecimento do reconhecimento nas pesquisas qualitativas em educação? Como poderemos, então, lutar por novos padrões de reconhecimento das pesquisas qualitativas, estando assim mais implicados com esses conteúdos?