bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shear-wave elasticity measurements of three-dimensional cell cultures for mechanobiology
Authors: Kuo Po-Ling , Charng Chin-Che , Wu Po-Chen , Li Pai-Chi
Published: August 2016

Studying mechanobiology in three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures better recapitulates cell behaviors in response to various types of mechanical stimuli in vivo. Stiffening of the extracellular matrix resulting from cell remodeling potentiates many pathological conditions, including advanced cancers. However, an effective tool for measuring the spatiotemporal changes in elastic properties of such 3D cell cultures without direct contacting the samples has not been reported previously. We describe an ultrasonic shear-wave-based platform for quantitatively evaluating the spatiotemporal dynamics of the elasticity of a matrix remodeled by cells cultured in 3D environments. We used this approach to measure the elasticity changes of 3D matrices grown with highly invasive lung cancer cells and cardiac myoblasts and to delineate the principal mechanism underlying the stiffening of matrices remodeled by these cells. The described approach can be a useful tool in fields investigating and manipulating the mechanotransduction of cells in 3D contexts, and also has potential as a drug screening platform.
3D electron tomography of brain tissue unveils distinct Golgi structures that sequester cytoplasmic contents in neurons
Authors: Fernandez-Fernandez Maria Rosario , Ruiz-Garcia Desire , Martin-Solana Eva , Chichon Francisco Javier , Carrascosa Jose L. , Fernandez Jose-Jesus
Published: August 2016

Macroautophagy is morphologically characterized by autophagosome formation. Autophagosomes are double-membrane vesicles that sequester cytoplasmic components for further degradation in the lysosome. Basal autophagy is paramount for intracellular quality control in post-mitotic cells. But, surprisingly, the number of autophagosomes in post-mitotic neurons is very low, suggesting that alternative degradative structures may exist in neurons. To explore this possibility we have examined neuronal subcellular architecture by 3D electron-tomography of mouse brain tissue preserved by high-pressure freezing. Here we report that sequestration of neuronal cytoplasmic contents occurs at the Golgi complex in distinct and dynamic structures that coexist with autophagosomes in the brain. They are composed of several concentric double membrane layers that appear to be formed simultaneously by the direct bending and sealing of discrete Golgi stacks. These structures labelled for proteolytic enzymes and lysosomes and late endosomes are found in contact with them, leading to the possibility that the sequestered material could be degraded inside them. Our findings highlight the key role that 3D electron-tomography, together with tissue rapid freezing techniques, will have for gaining new knowledge about subcellular architecture.
The polarity protein Scribble positions DLC3 at adherens junctions to regulate Rho signaling
Authors: Hendrick Janina , Franz-Wachtel Mirita , Moeller Yvonne , Schmid Simone , Macek Boris , Olayioye Monilola A.
Published: August 2016

The spatial regulation of cellular Rho signaling by GAP proteins is still poorly understood. By performing mass spectrometry, we here identify the polarity protein Scribble as a scaffold for the RhoGAP protein DLC3 (also known as StarD8) at cell–cell adhesions. This mutually dependent interaction is mediated by the PDZ domains of Scribble and a PDZ ligand (PDZL) motif in DLC3. Both Scribble depletion and PDZL deletion abrogated DLC3 junctional localization. Using a RhoA biosensor and a targeted GAP domain, we demonstrate that DLC3 activity locally regulates RhoA–ROCK signaling at and Scribble localization to adherens junctions, and is required for their functional integrity. In a 3D model of cyst development, we furthermore show that DLC3 depletion impairs polarized morphogenesis, phenocopying the effects observed upon Scribble knockdown. We thus propose a new function for Scribble in Rho regulation that entails positioning of DLC3 GAP activity at cell junctions in polarized epithelial cells.
Gld2-catalyzed 3′ monoadenylation of miRNAs in the hippocampus has no detectable effect on their stability or on animal behavior
Authors: Mansur Fernanda , Ivshina Maria , Gu Weifeng , Schaevitz Laura , Stackpole Emily , Gujja Sharvari , Edwards Yvonne J.K. , Richter Joel D.
Published: August 2016

Gld2, a noncanonical cytoplasmic poly(A) polymerase, interacts with the RNA binding protein CPEB1 to mediate polyadenylation-induced translation in dendrites of cultured hippocampal neurons. Depletion of Gld2 from the hippocampus leads to a deficit in long-term potentiation evoked by theta burst stimulation. At least in mouse liver and human primary fibroblasts, Gld2 also 3′ monoadenylates and thereby stabilizes specific miRNAs, which enhance mRNA translational silencing and eventual destruction. These results suggest that Gld2 would be likely to monoadenylate and stabilize miRNAs in the hippocampus, which would produce measurable changes in animal behavior. We now report that using Gld2 knockout mice, there are detectable alterations in specific miRNA monoadenylation in the hippocampus when compared to wild type, but that these modifications produce no detectable effect on miRNA stability. Moreover, we surprisingly find no overt change in animal behavior when comparing Gld2 knockout to wild-type mice. These data indicate that miRNA monoadenylation-mediated stability is cell type-specific and that monoadenylation has no measurable effect on higher cognitive function.
Incisional negative pressure wound therapy dressings (iNPWTd) in routine primary hip and knee arthroplasties
Authors: Karlakki S. L. , Hamad A. K. , Whittall C. , Graham N. M. , Banerjee R. D. , Kuiper J. H.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Wound complications are reported in up to 10% hip and knee arthroplasties and there is a proven association between wound complications and deep prosthetic infections. In this randomised controlled trial (RCT) we explore the potential benefits of a portable, single use, incisional negative pressure wound therapy dressing (iNPWTd) on wound exudate, length of stay (LOS), wound complications, dressing changes and cost-effectiveness following total hip and knee arthroplasties.

Methods

A total of 220 patients undergoing elective primary total hip and knee arthroplasties were recruited into in a non-blinded RCT. For the final analysis there were 102 patients in the study group and 107 in the control group.

Results

An improvement was seen in the study (iNPWTd) group compared to control in all areas. Peak post-surgical wound exudate was significantly reduced (p = 0.007). Overall LOS reduction (0.9 days, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.2 to 2.5) was not significant (p = 0.07) but there was a significant reduction in patients with extreme values of LOS in the iNPWTd group (Moses test, p = 0.003). There was a significantly reduced number of dressing changes (mean difference 1.7, 95% CI 0.8 to 2.5, p = 0.002), and a trend to a significant four-fold reduction in reported post-operative surgical wound complications (8.4% control; 2.0% iNPWTd, p = 0.06).

Conclusions

Based on the results of this RCT incisional negative pressure wound therapy dressings have a beneficial role in patients undergoing primary hip and knee arthroplasty to achieve predictable length of stay, especially to eliminate excessive hospital stay, and minimise wound complications. Cite this article: S. L. Karlakki, A. K. Hamad, C. Whittall, N. M. Graham, R. D. Banerjee, J. H. Kuiper. Incisional negative pressure wound therapy dressings (iNPWTd) in routine primary hip and knee arthroplasties: A randomised controlled trial. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:328–337. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.58.BJR-2016-0022.R1
Large-diameter total hip arthroplasty modular heads require greater assembly forces for initial stability
Authors: MacLeod A. R. , Sullivan N. P. T. , Whitehouse M. R. , Gill H. S.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Modular junctions are ubiquitous in contemporary hip arthroplasty. The head-trunnion junction is implicated in the failure of large diameter metal-on-metal (MoM) hips which are the currently the topic of one the largest legal actions in the history of orthopaedics (estimated costs are stated to exceed $4 billion). Several factors are known to influence the strength of these press-fit modular connections. However, the influence of different head sizes has not previously been investigated. The aim of the study was to establish whether the choice of head size influences the initial strength of the trunnion-head connection.

Materials and Methods

Ti-6Al-4V trunnions (n = 60) and two different sizes of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) heads (28 mm and 36 mm; 30 of each size) were used in the study. Three different levels of assembly force were considered: 4 kN; 5 kN; and 6 kN (n = 10 each). The strength of the press-fit connection was subsequently evaluated by measuring the pull-off force required to break the connection. The statistical differences in pull-off force were examined using a Kruskal–Wallis test and two-sample Mann–Whitney U test. Finite element and analytical models were developed to understand the reasons for the experimentally observed differences.

Results

36 mm diameter heads had significantly lower pull-off forces than 28 mm heads when impacted at 4 kN and 5 kN (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), but not at 6 kN (p = 0.21). Mean pull-off forces at 4 kN and 5 kN impaction forces were approximately 20% larger for 28 mm heads compared with 36 mm heads. Finite element and analytical models demonstrate that the differences in pull-off strength can be explained by differences in structural rigidity and the resulting interface pressures.

Conclusion

This is the first study to show that 36 mm Co-Cr heads have up to 20% lower pull-off connection strength compared with 28 mm heads for equivalent assembly forces. This effect is likely to play a role in the high failure rates of large diameter MoM hips. Cite this article: A. R. MacLeod, N. P. T. Sullivan, M. R. Whitehouse, H. S. Gill. Large-diameter total hip arthroplasty modular heads require greater assembly forces for initial stability. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:338–346. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.58.BJR-2016-0044.R1.
Lenin in Cabaret Voltaire
Authors: Hutchinson Mark
Published: August 2016

The distinction between modernism and the avant-garde needs to be maintained: while modernism seeks the new in art, the avant-garde seeks the negation of art in parallel with social revolution. And while the relationship between revolutionary politics and revolutionary art is not reciprocal, they share a temporality precisely inasmuch as the avant-garde is dependent upon social revolution in order to bring about the circumstances in which art and life can both be transformed. This article looks at the formation of Dada in its proximity to social revolution and the parallel processes of withdrawal and negation they share.
In advance of a broken attestant, or where is art’s critical subject?
Authors: Fitton Ben
Published: August 2016

Two concurrent understandings of criticality in art assign it as a potential property of artworks themselves, or bemoan it as lacking in art’s audiences. This division can be traced to its roots in the Romantic conception of criticality, in which the critical procedure completes an unfinished work. This act of completion, and an accompanying conception of transformatory potential, is generally held to occur in the presence of a primary audience: an idea that is undermined by recent attributions of critical force to non-present secondary audiences. This article traces these orientations of thought as they structure recent approaches to practice, then offers an example of a mode of practice that refuses to attribute any critical or transformatory capacity to either its original material effects or a primary audience. Any critical or transformatory force is played out as the work propagates and adjusts itself in its afterlife.
Exhibition Reviews
Authors: Campbell Thomas , Charlesworth Amy , Mahony Emma , Spencer Catherine , Hope Sophie , Gao Yun
Published: August 2016

ELECTRONIC SUPERHIGHWAY 2016–1966, THE WHITECHAPEL GALLERY, LONDON, 29 JANUARY–15 MAY 2016

KERRY GUINAN, LIBERATE ART POLITICAL PROGRAMME AND PRESS RELEASE EVENT, TEMPLE BAR GALLERY AND STUDIOS, DUBLIN, 15 FEBRUARY 2016

TOMORROW WAS A MONTAGE, COOPER GALLERY, DUNCAN OF JORDANSTONE COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN, 30 OCTOBER– 18 DECEMBER 2015

DISOBEDIENT OBJECTS, VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON, 26 JULY 2014–1 FEBRUARY 2015
Blindness and ambivalence: The meeting of Media Ecology and Philosophy of Technology
Authors: Van Den Eede Yoni
Published: August 2016

This article sets the stage for a meeting between the fields of Media Ecology (ME) and the contemporary Philosophy of Technology (PhilTech), hence introducing the special issue ‘Philosophy of Technology & Media Ecology’. First, both fields are briefly introduced. Second, contemporary PhilTech is elaborated upon more substantially. Third, a framework is set in place, circling around the notions of ‘ambivalence’ and ‘blindness’ – strongly represented in PhilTech and ME, respectively – to guide the discussion to follow. Fourth and finally, a short overview of the contributions in this volume is offered.
Personalist survey of media studies territories
Authors: Cali Dennis D.
Published: August 2016

This article attempts to distinguish characteristics of various forms of media studies. Personalism is presented as a philosophical perspective that helps to draw out those distinctions and, in the process, to affirm or to recover commitments to the inviolability and to the interrelatedness of human persons.
Mapping the mind: A technophilosophical probe
Authors: MacDougall Robert C.
Published: August 2016

This article describes a long-standing conceptual impasse regarding the ontological status of ‘mind’ at least since the time of Descartes. While this impasse finds root in a problematic mind-body dualism, a more recent and tenacious scientific preoccupation seeks to locate representational features of memory, cognition and consciousness in the biological substrate of the brain. The emergence and utility of a non-representational theory is then discussed as an alternative to the representational theory. The article concludes by proffering a new mapping or ‘topography of mind’ which points to the return of a peculiar species of representationalism. However, this much more nuanced and non-localized theory suggests that the nature and extent of mind has shifted through time, and in predictable ways, in a world increasingly constituted by technologies of various kinds.
Alvah Bessie’s battle of words to save Spain from fascism
Authors: Scamardo Randal
Published: August 2016

This article discusses Alvah Bessie’s journey from a struggling but gifted writer to an outcast of popular culture. Bessie’s Communist Party affiliation was a consequence of his political tendency towards social justice and was fortified by his experience in the Spanish Civil War, but was less substantial than his radicalization or fixation on subsequent events in Spain throughout the twentieth century. Presented in a biographical context, this article uses several forgotten and unpublished writings by Bessie from his archives and private family collections, together with more accessible works. What he saw in Spain enhanced his radical politics, which became his principal preoccupation. This article deals more specifically with this than any previously written. His strong opposition to fascism took him to Hollywood where he worked on propaganda supporting the war effort. While the film industry quickly discarded him, Bessie never relinquished his fight to free Spain from fascism and maintain public awareness beyond its borders of corresponding forces of oppression outside of that country.
Book Reviews
Authors: Allum Stefanie , Ugalde Esther Gimeno , Blakeley Georgina
Published: August 2016

Contemporary Hispanic Cinema: Interrogating the Transnational in Spanish and Latin American Film, Stephanie Dennison (2013) Woodbridge: Tamesis, 244 pp., ISBN: 9781855662612, h/bk, £60.00

Desenfocadas. Cineastas espaÒolas y discursos de género, Barbara Zecchi (2014) Barcelona: Icaria, 248 pp., ISBN: 9788498885682, p/bk, 18 €

A New Course for Spain: Beyond the Crisis, William Chislett (2016) Madrid, Real Instituto Elcano de Estudios Internacionales y Estratégicos, 204 pp.
Mongolia
Authors: Mugnier clifford J.
Published: August 2016

The Grids & Datums column has completed an exploration of
every country on the Earth. For those who did not get to enjoy this
world tour the first time, PE&RS is reprinting prior articles from the
column. This month's article on Mongolia was originally printed in
2003 but contains updates to their coordinate system since then.
Automatic Extraction of Road Networks from GPS Traces
Authors: Qiu Jia , Wang Ruisheng
Published: August 2016

We propose a point segmentation and grouping method to generate road maps from GPS traces. First, we present a progressive point cloud segmentation algorithm based on Total Least Squares (TLS) line fitting. Second, we group topologically connected point clusters
by the point's orientation and cluster's spatial proximity, where the topological relationship is generated using Hidden Markov Model (HMM) map matching. Finally, we refine the intersections of roads so that their geometrical and topological relationships are consistent
with each other. Experimental results show that our algorithm is robust to noises and the generated road network has a high accuracy in terms of geometry and topology. Compare to the representative algorithms; the results of our new algorithm have a higher F-measure score for different matching
thresholds.
Cropland Extraction Based on OBIA and Adaptive Scale Pre-estimation
Authors: Ming Dongping , Zhang Xian , Wang Min , Zhou Wen
Published: August 2016

Object-based image analysis (OBIA) provides a solution for cropland extraction from high spatial resolution remote sensing images. Currently, scale parameter selection is often dependent on subjective trial-and-error methods or post-evaluation of multi-segmentation, which directly reduces
efficiency of cropland extraction. This paper proposes a cropland extraction method combining spatial statistics based adaptive scale parameter pre-estimation and object-oriented classification. SPOT5 multi-spectral image in Baishan is used as experimental data to verify the validity of the
methodology. Experimental results show that the pre-estimated scale parameter can yield a classification result with both high classification accuracy and completeness for extracting cropland information. This presented method avoids the time-consuming trial-and-error practice by accelerating
the object-oriented classification procedure. Hierarchical rule set based classifications achieve higher accuracies and lower fragmentation than nearest neighbor-supervised classification. Additionally, this methodology can be rapidly transplanted into different regions and it is helpful for
dynamic land-use monitoring and precision agriculture.
Remote Sensing of Tamarisk Biomass, Insect Herbivory, and Defoliation: Novel Methods in the Grand Canyon Region, Arizona
Authors: Sankey Temuulen Ts. , Sankey Joel B. , Horne Rene , Bedford Ashton
Published: August 2016

Tamarisk is an invasive, riparian shrub species in the southwestern USA. The northern tamarisk beetle (Diorhabda carinulata) has been introduced to several states to control tamarisk. We classified tamarisk distribution in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Arizona using 0.2
m resolution, airborne multispectral data and estimated tamarisk beetle effects (overall accuracy of 86 percent) leading to leaf defoliation in a 49,408 m2 area. We also estimated individual tamarisk tree biomass and their uncertainties using airborne lidar data (100 points/m2).
On average, total aboveground tamarisk biomass was 8.68 kg/m2 (SD = 17.6). The tamarisk beetle defoliation resulted in a mean leaf biomass loss of 0.52 kg/m2 and an equivalent of 25,692 kg across the entire study area. Our defoliated tamarisk map and biomass
estimates can help inform restoration treatments to reduce tamarisk. Continued monitoring of tamarisk and tamarisk beetle effects are recommended to understand the currently-unknown eventual equilibrium between the two species and the cascading effects on ecosystem processes.
Isolation and screening of kojic acid producing isolate of Aspergillus oryzae potentially applicable for production from sugarcane molasses
Authors: Rasmey Abdel-hamied , Basha Aya
Published: August 2016

Kojic acid is an organic acid produced as secondary metabolite by different fungi specially Aspergillus species. Isolation of a novel fungal strain potential for kojic acid production from agro-industrial wastes was the main purpose of the present study. Kojic acid was estimated in the current investigation colorimetric by 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP). A total of 43 fungal isolates belonging to seven species of Aspergillus recovered from stored wheat grains and dust air were screened for their ability to produce kojic acid. Ten isolates of them belonging to A. oryzae and A. flavus var. columnaris produced high concentrations (16.818 ± 0.006 - 43.917 ± 0.389 g/l) of kojic acid from glucose. The secondary screening of these ten isolates for kojic acid production from glucose, sucrose, starch, maltose and cellulose as different carbon sources resulted that A. oryzae 124A was the highly producer on glucose and sucrose recording 44.189 ± 0.079 and 32.135 ± 0.298 g/l, respectively. A. oryzae 124A produced 15.022 ± 0.017 g/l of kojic acid from the pretreated semisynthetic sugarcane molasses. The maximum concentration (29.431 ± 0.001 g/l) of kojic acid production by A. oryzae 124A from sugarcane molasses was obtained when the fungus grown on 5 % sugarcane molasses adjusted at pH 3.5 and incubated at 28∘C for 19 days. The recorded results suggested that A. oryzae 124A could be used as a promising candidate for utilization in kojic acid fermentation from sugarcane molasses on industrial scale.
Acute arterial baroreflex‐mediated changes in plasma catecholamine concentrations in a chronic rat model of myocardial infarction
Authors: Kawada Toru , Akiyama Tsuyoshi , Li Meihua , Zheng Can , Turner Michael J. , Shirai Mikiyasu , Sugimachi Masaru
Published: August 2016

While it may be predictable that plasma norepinephrine (NE) concentration changes with efferent sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) in response to baroreceptor pressure inputs, an exact relationship between SNA and plasma NE concentration remains to be quantified in heart failure. We examined acute baroreflex‐mediated changes in plasma NE and epinephrine (Epi) concentrations in normal control (NC) rats and rats with myocardial infarction (MI) (n = 6 each). Plasma NE concentration correlated linearly with SNA in the NC group (slope: 2.17 ± 0.26 pg mL−1 %−1, intercept: 20.0 ± 18.2 pg mL−1) and also in the MI group (slope: 19.20 ± 6.45 pg mL−1 %−1, intercept: −239.6 ± 200.0 pg mL−1). The slope was approximately nine times higher in the MI than in the NC group (P < 0.01). Plasma Epi concentration positively correlated with SNA in the NC group (slope: 1.65 ± 0.79 pg mL−1 %−1, intercept: 115.0 ± 69.5 pg mL−1) and also in the MI group (slope: 7.74 ± 2.20 pg mL−1 %−1, intercept: 24.7 ± 120.1 pg mL−1). The slope was approximately 4.5 times higher in the MI than in the NC group (P < 0.05). Intravenous administration of desipramine (1 mg kg−1) significantly increased plasma NE concentration but decreased plasma Epi concentration in both groups, suggesting that neuronal NE uptake had contributed to the reduction in plasma NE concentration. These results indicate that high levels of plasma catecholamine in MI rats were still under the influence of baroreflex‐mediated changes in SNA, and may provide additional rationale for applying baroreflex activation therapy in patients with chronic heart failure.
Bidirectional variability in motor cortex excitability modulation following 1 mA transcranial direct current stimulation in healthy participants
Authors: Strube Wolfgang , Bunse Tilmann , Nitsche Michael A. , Nikolaeva Alexandra , Palm Ulrich , Padberg Frank , Falkai Peter , Hasan Alkomiet
Published: August 2016

Due to the high interindividual response variability following transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), it is apparent that further research of the long‐lasting effects of the stimulation technique is required. We aimed to investigate interindividual variability following anodal tDCS and cathodal tDCS in a large‐scale prospective cross‐over study. Motor cortex physiology measurements were obtained using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in 59 healthy participants comparing motor‐evoked potential (MEP) magnitudes following two tDCS paradigms: 1 mA anodal tDCS for 13 min and 1 mA cathodal tDCS for 9 min. Analysis compared MEP changes over time for both polarities. Additionally, we applied hierarchical cluster analysis to assess the dynamics of poststimulation changes. Overall, anodal tDCS resulted in a significant increase in corticospinal excitability lasting for 40 min poststimulation, whereas cathodal tDCS did not alter corticospinal excitability. Cluster analysis revealed for cathodal tDCS both a cluster showing significant stable MEP reduction and a second cluster displaying MEP increase over time. Two diametrical clusters were also found for anodal tDCS. Regardless of polarity, individuals with MEP increase following stimulation showed steeper cortical recruitment curves compared to the clusters with decreased MEP magnitudes. The observed findings confirm a bidirectional modulation of corticospinal excitability following 1 mA tDCS in separate subgroups and the relationship to cortical recruitment.
The Economic Consequences of the Mexican Drug War
Authors: Balmori de la Miyar Jose Roberto
Published: August 2016

Military crackdowns often disrupt economic development by exacerbating violence. This paper examines the case of the Mexican Drug War, employing synthetic control methods. To prove causality, I use variation on statewide military operations, as well as the rollout of the war. Findings indicate a decrease in GDP per capita equal to 0.5%, in states with military operations. Determinants by which the Mexican Drug War hampered economic development include a proportional reduction in consumption per capita, and a decline in productive investment of at least 0.3%, driven by a drop of 3.2% in commercial credit granted to businesses.
How Europe can Benefit from Immigration-Related “Diversity” – a Policy Paper
Authors: Zanfrini Laura
Published: August 2016

This article is based on a selection of the findings and insights emerging from “DIVERSE,” diversity improvement as a viable enrichment resource for society and economy, a research-project realized with the aim of contributing to “reinvent” the European migrants’ integration model, in order to sustain both the positive interethnic coexistence and the long-term development of European societies. Implemented from January 2014 to June 2015 in 10 EU countries – Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden –, characterized by very different migration experiences, the project had identified three major levers to maximize migrants’ potential contribution: (1) enhancing the recognition of migrants’ skills, knowledge and competences (here after: SKC); (2) promoting the awareness of the advantages provided by the implementation of diversity management (here after DM) practices; (3) improving migrants’ civic and voluntary involvement. After a presentation of the theoretical premises on which the project was based (Sections 1–2) and the description of the project activities (Section 3), the article will focus on both the major impacts and the critical insights emerged in relation of each lever (Section 4); finally, it will develop some policy implications in order to make these levers crucial components of a wider strategy aimed at benefiting from immigration-related “diversity,” reinforcing both the economic competitiveness and the social cohesion of European society (Section 5).
Influence of micron size aluminum particles on the aging properties and wear resistance of epoxy resin coatings
Authors: Zhai Zhe , Feng Lajun , Zhou Shasha , Li Guangzhao , Lou Hong , Liu Zheng
Published: August 2016

In this work, an unoxidized aluminum particle/epoxy composite coating was used to cover the surface of pure epoxy resin to reduce the loss of strength after water-heat aging and to improve the wear resistance. The samples were maintained in a water bath at 80°C for 100 days to accelerate the aging process. After water-heat aging, the tensile and bending strengths of the pure epoxy samples were reduced from 30 MPa and 60 MPa, respectively, to 26 MPa and 55 MPa, respectively. However, the tensile and bending strengths of the sample with 6 wt.% aluminum particles were reduced from 39 MPa and 95 MPa to 36 MPa and 89 MPa, respectively. The sample with 6 wt.% aluminum particles exhibited the lowest tensile and bending strength loss rates, 7.2% and 6.1%, respectively, which were 37.4% and 40.8% lower, respectively, than those of the pure epoxy. Additionally, the wear rate and friction coefficient of the samples with 6 wt.% aluminum particles were 2.5×10-6 cm3/min·N and 0.415, respectively, corresponding to a reduction of 35.9% and 30.0%, respectively, compared with the pure epoxy. Thus, it was found that the addition of unoxidized aluminum particles can efficiently increase the water-heat aging resistance and wear resistance of epoxy resin.
The effect of casting solution composition on surface structure and performance of poly(vinylidene fluoride)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PVDF/MWCNTs) hybrid membranes prepared via vapor induced phase separation
Authors: Li Nana , Chang Zhe , Zhao Xiuzhen , Xiao Changfa
Published: August 2016

In this work, the poly(vinylidene fluoride)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (PVDF/MWCNTs) hybrid membranes were obtained through vapor induced phase separation (VIPS). In addition, the effects of solution composition on crystal behavior, elemental composite, morphology and hydrophilicity of membranes surface and the viscosity of casting solution were analyzed. The results of field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed that the rough porous surface could be built in all hybrid membranes due to the slower double diffusion mechanism of the VIPS process, which also provided enough time for MWCNTs to move to the surface and be enriched there, to ensure the lowest surface free energy. Furthermore, other analysis displayed that both adding tiny amounts of MWCNTs and a low concentration of PVDF were favorable to the growth and aggregation of PVDF, which were put down to the adverse effect of hydrophobic MWCNTs on the thermodynamic compatibility of polar casting solution, the less nucleation points and the good fluidity with lower concentration of polymer. Then, the diameter of PVDF spherical particles and the membrane surface roughness increased, whereas the hydrophilicity of membrane surface declined effectively.
Risks for Workers Handling Solid Oral Doses: Development of a Tool to Improve Personal Protection
Authors: Sgarioto Amandine , Aupee Olivier , Simon Laurent , Ginestet Hélène , Armand-Branger Sophie
Published: August 2016

Handling of pharmaceutical specialities is required before its distribution or administration. Unpackaging and repackaging solid oral doses (SOD) in pharmacy settings; crushing, pills fragmenting or capsules opening inside care units may expose nurses and pharmacy dispensers to chemical contamination according to three recent North American studies. In the absence of a regulatory framework the application of the “principle of precaution” implies at first an analysis of the medication circuit and then the implementation of protective measures to prevent healthcare workers from contamination. Comparison of professional recommendations published in other countries allowed us to select a group of protective methods. We gathered these technical and organisational methods to compose a matrix of recommendations intended to hospital staff involved in SOD handling. This tool aims to improve the development of good manufacturing practices (GMP). It combines the issue of personal protection with other criteria such as quality, efficiency and safety of a medication.
Welchen Beitrag können Public Health Nutrition Studiengänge für die Gesundheitswissenschaften leisten?
Authors: Kohlenberg-Müller Kathrin
Published: August 2016

Die weltweite Zunahme nichtübertragbarer Erkrankungen (NCDs) steht in engem Zusammenhang zu Ernährung und Lebensstil. Public Health Nutrition Studiengänge setzen hier an und beschäftigen sich aus der Perspektive der Ernährungswissenschaften mit der Verbesserung der Gesundheit der Bevölkerung durch Krankheitsverhütung und Gesundheitsförderung. Damit wird über diesen fachwissenschaftlichen Zugang das Interesse an neuen Erkenntnissen in die Gesundheitswissenschaften eingebracht.
Advances in airlift reactors: modified design and optimization of operation conditions
Authors: Zhang Tao , We Chaohai , Ren Yuan , Feng Chunhua , Wu Haizhen
Published: August 2016

Airlift reactor (ALR) is a promising multiphase reactor for industrial applications. Abundant reports about modifications of the conventional ALR and optimization of their operation conditions for the purpose of performance enhancement have been accumulated in literatures, demanding a review paper to summarize the reactor design modifications and operation condition optimization of the ALR. In this review, the published research findings and results have been summarized. The basic concepts including the ALRs’ conventional design, classification, principles of operation, and characteristic parameters have been analyzed and systematically organized. The updated advances in the ALR design modifications have been reported. In particular, the concepts of the “groveled ALR” solving the scaling up problem in wastewater treatment, large-scale application, and the ALR with the cross-shaped geometry modifier stabilizing and strengthening the reactor were considered. Also, new operation modes and optimal conditions for enhancing the performance of the ALR have also been summed up. Except for conventional gas-driven methods, new driven methods for the ALR, such as mixture emission of the gas and the liquid and gas-inducing impeller, have been introduced. Optimization of operation conditions for the ALR includes varying position of the gas spargers, utilizing elevated pressure reactor, and exploring the impact of operation parameters, such as superficial gas velocity, static liquid level, and fluid properties. Comparisons between conventional ALRs and the modified systems are carried out paying attention to analogies, similarities, and differences. Most of the documented research results are obtained for various reactor designs at a laboratory scale; studies at pilot and full scale are still insufficient, which indicates that universal scale up design rules permitting the ALR design with a high confidence are required.
An expedient and convenient approach for one-pot synthesis of 1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-diones
Authors: Ekhtiari Zeinab , Havasi Forugh , Nikpour Farzad
Published: August 2016

An easy and expedient method for the one-pot synthesis of 1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-diones has been developed by the reaction of the corresponding cyclic anhydrides with guanidinium chloride as a nitrogen source in the presence of FeCl3as a catalyst under mild reaction conditions.
ADP Ribosylation Factor 6 Regulates Neuronal Migration in the Developing Cerebral Cortex through FIP3/Arfophilin-1-dependent Endosomal Trafficking of N-cadherin
Authors: Hara Yoshinobu , Fukaya Masahiro , Hayashi Kanehiro , Kawauchi Takeshi , Nakajima Kazunori , Sakagami Hiroyuki
Published: August 2016

During neural development, endosomal trafficking controls cell shape and motility through the polarized transport of membrane proteins related to cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions. ADP ribosylation factor 6 (Arf6) is a critical small GTPase that regulates membrane trafficking between the plasma membrane and endosomes. We herein demonstrated that the knockdown of endogenous Arf6 in mouse cerebral cortices led to impaired neuronal migration in the intermediate zone and cytoplasmic retention of N-cadherin and syntaxin12 in migrating neurons. Rescue experiments with separation-of-functionArf6mutants identified Rab11 family-interacting protein 3 (FIP3)/Arfophilin-1, a dual effector for Arf6 and Rab11, as a downstream effector of Arf6 in migrating neurons. The knockdown of FIP3 led to impaired neuronal migration in the intermediate zone and cytoplasmic retention of N-cadherin in migrating neurons, similar to that of Arf6, which could be rescued by the coexpression of wild-type FIP3 but notFIP3mutants lacking the binding site for Arf6 or Rab11. These results suggest that Arf6 regulates cortical neuronal migration in the intermediate zone through the FIP3-dependent endosomal trafficking.
Decreased basal insulin secretion from pancreatic islets of pups in a rat model of maternal obesity
Authors: Zambrano Elena , Sosa-Larios Tonantzin , Calzada Lizbeth , Ibáñez Carlos A , Mendoza-Rodríguez Carmen A , Morales Angélica , Morimoto Sumiko
Published: August 2016

Maternal obesity (MO) is a deleterious condition that enhances susceptibility of adult offspring to metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes. The objective is to study the effect of MO onin vitroinsulin secretion and pancreatic cellular population in offspring. We hypothesize that a harmful antenatal metabolic environment due to MO diminishes the basal glucose-responsive secretory function of pancreatic beta cells in offspring. Mothers were fed a control (C) or high-fat diet from weaning through pregnancy (120 days) and lactation. At postnatal days (PNDs) 36 and 110, pups were killed, peripheral blood was collected and pancreatic islets were isolated. Basal insulin secretion was measuredin vitroin islets for 60 min. It was found that blood insulin, glucose and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index were unaffected by maternal diet and age in females. However, male MO offspring at PND 110 showed hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance compared with C. Body weight was not modified by MO, but fat content was higher in MO pups compared with C pups. Triglycerides and leptin concentrations were higher in MO than in C offspring in all groups except in females at PND 36. Pancreatic islet cytoarchitecture was unaffected by MO. At PND 36, islets of male and female C and MO offspring responded similarly to glucose, but at PND 110, male and female MO offspring islets showed a 50% decrease in insulin secretion. It was concluded that MO impairs basal insulin secretion of offspring with a greater impact on males than females, and this effect mainly manifests in adulthood.
Osteosíntesis percutánea mínimamente invasiva lateral en fracturas de húmero.
Authors: Ruchelli Luis Sebastian , Allende Nores Christian Antonio , Gutierrez Olivera Natalia , Capomassi Miguel A. , Gardenal Martin R.
Published: August 2016

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar retrospectivamente los resultados funcionales, radiológicos y las complicaciones postquirúrgicas inmediatas y a largo plazo de una serie de pacientes con fracturas y no consolidaciones humerales tratados mediante osteosíntesis con técnica mínimamente invasiva.

  Material y Métodos: Estudio Multicéncrico Retrospectivo de 17 pacientes con 14 fracturas y 3 no consolidaciones de  húmero tratados con técnica de osteosíntesis mínimamente invasiva con placas, entre 2007 y 2013. Se evaluaron 10 mujeres siete varones, la edad promedio 48,7 años (rango 21 -73). Tres no consolidaciones oligotróficas .Las fracturas se clasificaron según la clasificación AO 12 A1 n: 1; 12 B1 n: 1; 12B2 n: 3; 12 C1 n: 6; 12C2 n: 1; 12C3 n: 2. Se utilizó dos incisiones laterales una proximal y otra distal se deslizó la placa por un canal submuscular, se protegió el nervio radial.

  Resultados: El seguimiento promedio  30 meses. Se obtuvo la consolidación clínica y radiográfica en 16 casos, el tiempo promedio hasta la consolidación fue  de tres meses (rango, 2 a 6). La flexión promedio 174.8°, rotación externa 67.2°, abducción 173.8 y la rotación interna  72,1°. El arco de flexo-extensión  de codo promedió 140,5°. El test de Constant promedio 82.66 puntos; el DASH promedio  15,27 puntos. Cuatro (23,5%) pacientes presentaron neuroapraxia radial.

Discusión: La osteosíntesis con placas percutáneas mediante un abordaje mínimamente invasivo ha demostrado su efectividad para el tratamiento de algunas no-consolidaciones y fracturas diafisarias de húmero aplicando el principio de placa puente. Es un procedimiento biológico, técnicamente demandante, no exento de complicaciones.
Microbial etiology of community-acquired pneumonia among infants and children admitted to the pediatric hospital, Ain Shams University
Authors: El Seify Magda Yehia , Fouda Eman Mahmoud , Ibrahim Hanan Mohamed , Fathy Maha Muhammad , Al Husseiny Ahmed Asmaa , Khater Walaa Shawky , Salah El Deen Noha Nagi Mohammed , Mohamed Abouzeid Heba Galal , Ahmed Hegazy Nancy Riyad , Sayed Elbanna Heba Salah
Published: August 2016

Background

While recognizing the etiology of community-acquired pneumonia is necessary for formulating local antimicrobial guidelines, limited data is published about this etiology in Egyptian pediatric patients.

Objectives

To determine the frequency of bacterial and viral pathogens causing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) among immunocompetent Egyptian infants and preschool children.

Methods

Ninety infants and preschool-age children admitted to our hospital with CAP were prospectively included in the study. Etiological agents were identified using conventional bacteriological identification methods and IgM antibodies detection against common atypical respiratory bacteria and viruses.

Results

An etiology was identified in 59 patients (65.5%). Bacterial pathogens were detected in 43 (47.8%) of the cases while viral pathogens were detected in 23 (25.5%). Coinfection with more than one etiologic agent was evident in seven patients (7.8%). The most common typical bacterial cause of pneumonia was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 12, 13.3%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 7, 7.8%, each). The commonest atypical bacterium was Mycoplasma pneumoniae (n = 10, 11.1%), whereas the commonest viral etiology was influenza viruses (n = 11, 12.2%).

Conclusion

Although we could not determine the causative agent in some studied cases, this study provides preliminary data regarding the spectrum and frequency of microorganisms causing CAP in Egyptian infants and preschool children.
Estudo prospectivo da perda dentária em uma coorte de idosos dentados
Authors: Teixeira Doralice Severo da Cruz , Frazão Paulo , Alencar Gizelton Pereira , Baquero Oswaldo Santos , Narvai Paulo Capel , Lebrão Maria Lucia , Duarte Yeda Aparecida de Oliveira
Published: August 2016

Resumo: Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar fatores associados à perda dentária entre idosos de 60 anos e mais de idade num período de observação de quatro anos. Uma coorte de idosos dentados representativa da população da cidade de São Paulo, Brasil, participou do estudo. O desfecho foi a incidência de dentes perdidos entre os anos de 2006 a 2010. As variáveis independentes características demográficas, socioeconômicas, de uso e acesso a serviços de saúde, comportamento, morbidade referida, estado cognitivo, capacidade funcional, estado da dentição e uso de prótese foram medidas em 2006 e o desfecho em 2010. Utilizaram-se modelos de regressão binomial negativa. Participaram 440 indivíduos dentados. A análise final mostrou maior probabilidade de perda dentária em idosos que utilizavam duas próteses removíveis (RR = 1,57; IC95%: 1,02-2,41), que avaliaram sua saúde bucal como regular (RR = 1,62; IC95%: 1,11-2,36), ou ruim/muito ruim (RR = 1,87; IC95%: 1,11-3,17), do sexo masculino (RR = 1,74; IC95%: 1,28-2,37), e que moravam sozinhos (RR = 2,03; IC95%: 1,11-3,72).
Análise espacial de dados de contagem com excesso de zeros aplicado ao estudo da incidência de dengue em Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil
Authors: Costa José Vilton , Silveira Liciana Vaz de Arruda , Donalísio Maria Rita
Published: August 2016

Resumo: A incidência de dengue ocorre predominantemente em áreas urbanas das cidades. Identificar o padrão de distribuição espacial da doença no nível local contribui na formulação de estratégias de controle e prevenção da doença. A análise espacial de dados de contagem para pequenas áreas comumente viola as suposições dos modelos tradicionais de Poisson, devido à quantidade excessiva de zeros. Neste estudo, comparou-se o desempenho de quatro modelos de contagem utilizados no mapeamento de doenças: Poisson, Binomial negativa, Poisson inflacionado de zeros e Binomial negativa inflacionado de zeros. Os métodos foram comparados em um estudo de simulação. Os modelos analisados no estudo de simulação foram aplicados em um estudo ecológico espacial, aos dados de dengue agregados por setores censitários, do Município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil, em 2007. A análise espacial foi conduzida por modelos hierárquicos bayesianos. O modelo de Poisson inflacionado de zeros apresentou melhor desempenho para estimar o risco relativo de incidência de dengue nos setores censitários.
Utilização de diagramas causais em epidemiologia: um exemplo de aplicação em situação de confusão
Authors: Cortes Taísa Rodrigues , Faerstein Eduardo , Struchiner Claudio José
Published: August 2016

Resumo: Apesar do crescente reconhecimento de seu potencial, os diagramas causais ainda são pouco utilizados na investigação epidemiológica. Uma das possíveis razões é que muitos programas de investigação envolvem temas sobre o qual há certo grau de incerteza sobre os mecanismos dos processos que geram os dados. Neste trabalho, a relação entre estresse ocupacional e obesidade é utilizada como um exemplo de aplicação de diagramas causais em questões relacionadas ao confundimento. São apresentadas etapas da seleção de variáveis para ajuste estatístico e da derivação das implicações estatísticas de um diagrama causal. A principal vantagem dos diagramas causais é tornar explícitas as hipóteses adjacentes ao modelo considerado, permitindo que suas implicações possam ser analisadas criticamente, facilitando, dessa forma, a identificação de possíveis fontes de viés e incerteza nos resultados de um estudo epidemiológico.
Incidência de hepatite viral C em pacientes em hemodiálise no Brasil entre 2000 e 2003
Authors: Cherchiglia Mariangela Leal , Giordano Luiz Flávio Couto , Machado Elaine Leandro , Gomes Isabel Cristina , Carmo Ricardo Andrade , Acúrcio Francisco de Assis , Andrade Eli Iola Gurgel , Queiroz Odilon Viana , Ferreira Carolina Souza
Published: August 2016

Resumo: O estudo visou estimar a incidência dos fatores associados à soroconversão para o anti-HCV em pacientes em hemodiálise no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo, não concorrente, utilizando dados de pacientes identificados por relacionamento determinístico-probabilístico nos registros dos sistemas de informação do SUS. Foram incluídos 47.079 pacientes que iniciaram em hemodiálise no período de 1º de janeiro de 2000 a 31 de dezembro de 2003, acompanhados até a soroconversão ou o término do estudo em 2004. Nesta pesquisa, 3% dos pacientes em hemodiálise apresentaram soroconversão para anti-HCV (incidência de 1,7 soroconversão por 100 pacientes/ano). Maior risco de soroconversão para o anti-HCV foi associado com idade, glomerulonefrites, região de residência, anti-HIV positivo e efeito da unidade de diálise. A incidência observada de soroconversão para anti-HCV foi semelhante à registrada em alguns países desenvolvidos, destacando-se a evidência de transmissão entre os pacientes em hemodiálise.