bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Research Alliances and ‘Hybrid Coalitions’
Authors: Constable Julian , Webster Andrew
Published: January 2017

This article examines research alliances between multinational companies and university research departments which exhibit organizational features distinct from traditional ‘pre-competitive’ research programmes.
Funding UK Higher Education
Authors: Inchley Maggie
Published: January 2017

The UK higher education system is going through a period of self-assessment: looking outwards to expand education provision; looking inwards to devise a new system of funding. This article discusses how and why the system will be expanded and examines how the funding gap will be filled by the public, industry and the students themselves.
Regional Policy in Technology Transfer
Authors: de Ridder Willem J.
Published: January 2017

As large enterprises lose market share and contribute less to the national economy in terms of investment, employment and R&D, the importance of small firms increases. In the changing economic order, small firms form the main link between universities and research institutes on the one hand, and large corporations on the other. Small firms, then, constitute an important means of technology transfer. In this context, the author discusses the reasons for a lack of enterpreneurship and organizational strength in many Western economies and argues for the importance of integration and encouraging technology development via small firms in strong regional policies that focus on strategic technology management and the development of an entrepreneurial environment.
Work-Based Learning on Trial
Authors: Kinman Russell , Kinman Gail
Published: January 2017

The need for more flexible patterns of teaching and learning is well recognized both by industry and academic institutions. Leaner, more responsive ‘learning’ organizations require continuing, and more focused education and training for their employees. The development of suitable delivery methods has led to new challenges for higher education, itself involved in significant and continuing change. Integration of the daily experience of employees into the curriculum through work-based learning is one mechanism that might help meet the requirements of both industry and higher education. This paper reports early experiences of delivering an in-house, business studies degree programme to managers in the motor industry, using elements of work-based learning. The appropriateness and effectiveness of work-based learning as a delivery technique, and the strengths and weaknesses of the model in this context are evaluated. It is suggested that there are significant problems that need to be overcome if work-based learning is to reach its full potential. Recommendations for alleviation of the emergent difficulties are provided, and questions for further research are proposed.
Virtual surveillance of communicable diseases: a 20-year experience in France
Authors: Flahault A , Blanchon T , Dorléans Y , Toubiana L , Vibert J F , Valleron A J
Published: January 2017

Inserm has developed, since 1984, an information system based on a computer network of physicians in France. It allows for constitution of large databases on diseases, with individual description of cases, and to explore some aspects of the mathematical theory of communicable diseases. We developed user-friendly interfaces for remote data entry and GIS tools providing real-time atlas of the epidemiologic situation in any location. The continuous and ongoing surveillance network is constituted of about 1200 sentinel voluntary and unpaid investigators. We studied their motivation, reasons for either withdrawal or compliance using survival analyses. We implemented early warning systems for outbreak detection and for time-space forecasting. We conducted epidemiological surveys for investigating outbreaks. Large available time and space series allowed us to calibrate and explore synchronism of influenza epidemics, to test the assumption of panmixing in susceptibles-infectious-removed type models and to study the role of closing school in influenza morbidity and mortality in elderly. More than 250 000 cases of influenza, 150 000 cases of acute diarrheas, 35 000 patients for whom HIV tests have been prescribed by general practitioners and 25 000 cases of chickenpox have been collected. Detection of regional influenza or acute diarrhea outbreaks and forecasting of epidemic trends three weeks ahead are currently broadcasted to the French media and published on Sentiweb© on a weekly basis. Age-cohort-period models assessed field effectiveness of mass immunization strategies against measles and influenza in the country. Case-control studies with more than 1200 sets of cases of acute diarrheas and their matched controls showed the role of calicivirus and rotavirus as probable major causes of gastroenteritis during recurrent widespread outbreaks in winter in France. An age-specific model for chickenpox showed the probable role of children in disease transmission to their susceptible parents or grandparents. High level of synchronism between influenza epidemics has been demonstrated, either at a regional level (in France) or between France and the USA. The designation of our lab as a WHO collaborating center for electronic disease surveillance stimulates the development of global monitoring of diseases. We developed operational systems that are now available for the global monitoring of influenza (FluNet©), and human and animal rabies (RABNET©). Extension of electronic syndromic surveillance is needed in the world for improving surveillance capacities and real-time response against emerging diseases.
How Well Do Physicians, Pharmacists, and Psychologists Assess Tardive Dyskinesia Movements?
Authors: Kalachnik John E. , Sprague Robert L.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To measure and compare the tardive dyskinesia assessment ability of physicians, pharmacists, and psychologists prior to and after formal training.

METHOD:

One hundred twenty-two physicians, 82 pharmacists, and 78 psychologists participated in assessment training with the Dyskinesia Identification System Condensed User Scale (DISCUS). Participants were shown one of three videotapes as a pretest before training and as a posttest after training. Inter- and intraprofessional comparisons were made on total score, body area scores, and individual item scores. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used. If significant differences were found, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. To identify where significant effects occurred, the Tukey test was used.

RESULTS:

The group as a whole improved from a pretest total point difference from criteria of 6.3 ± 5.7 SD to a posttest difference of 2.8 ± 2.8 SD (df=2, f=84.32, p<0.001). This training effect occurred for six of the seven videotape testing sequences used. Physicians, pharmacists, and psychologists did not significantly differ from each other before or after training. All three professions significantly improved as a result of training. A subgroup of 39 psychiatrists within the physician group showed similar results.

CONCLUSIONS:

Untrained raters, regardless of profession, are not necessarily accurate in quantifying dyskinetic movements. Brief but formal training significantly improves accuracy.
Intravenous Magnesium Therapy in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Hampton Edward M. , Whang David D. , Whang Robert
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To review the methods and summarize the findings of clinical trials evaluating the use of intravenous magnesium (Mg2+) in acute myocardial infarction (AMI); to discuss serum Mg2+ in AMI and the potential mechanisms by which intravenous Mg2+ may be effective. Tables are used extensively to provide detailed information about the various trials.

DATA SOURCES:

A MEDLINE search was used to identify pertinent literature. Additional references were obtained from the articles retrieved from that search.

STUDY SELECTION:

Studies randomized and/or placebo-controlled were selected for review. Additional relevant citations were used in the introductory material and discussion.

DATA EXTRACTION:

There were surprisingly few large, placebo-controlled trials. All clinical trials available at the time of publication were reviewed. Only eight trials enrolled sufficient numbers of patients and/or were of adequate design to make meaningful interpretations. The description of the methods and results of these articles are the basis of this review. Although additional controlled studies with more subjects are needed, the results to date form a foundation from which to make inferences regarding the utility of this therapeutic modality.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Intravenous Mg2+ has been demonstrated, albeit inconclusively, to reduce immediate and long-term morbidity and mortality when given in the immediate postinfarction period. Six of the eight controlled trials discussed report a decrease in the overall incidence of arrhythmia or in the frequency of arrhythmia requiring treatment. Four of the eight reported statistical significance. Five of the six trials evaluating mortality reported a decrease in the mortality rate from intravenous Mg2+ administered post-MI. Four of the five reported statistical significance. The favorable effect of intravenous Mg2+ on the mortality rate appears to occur in the first 30 days post-MI and is maintained through at least one year. The effects appear to be independent of concurrent therapy and do not appeart to relate to baseline serum Mg2+ concentrations. Intravenous Mg2+ appears to be safe and well tolerated. Flushing, hypotension, and atrioventricular (AV) node conduction abnormalities occur on occasion and seem related to the rate of administration. The exact dosage in this setting remains to be determined.

CONCLUSIONS:

Additional, well-designed, multicenter, controlled trials evaluating intravenous Mg2+ in AMI are needed. The pending Fourth International Study of Infarct Survival, with an anticipated 400 000 subjects, should clarify a number of unresolved issues regarding this therapy. Based on the information available to date, however, intravenous Mg2+ as a significant therapeutic modality for AMI shows promise. Pending further investigation, however, it should be avoided in patients with significant sinoatrial or AV conduction disturbances.
Pharmacists as Members of the Healthcare Team in Israel: Sectoral Differences
Authors: Lustig Ahuva , Zusman Shlomo P.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the sectoral differences among Israeli pharmacists regarding their perception of actual versus desired contact with other members of the healthcare team, and measures necessary to achieve a closer working relationship among members.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:

Pharmacists from private, community, and hospital sectors (n=145) completed a survey that assessed their respective views of the current and future roles of the pharmacist as a member of the healthcare team.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Common to pharmacists in all three sectors is their aspiration for greater cooperation among members of the healthcare team, especially with physicians. Intersectoral differences were found in their attitude toward their role in the healthcare team: hospital phannacists would like a better relationship with patients, private pharmacists would like closer ties with physicians, and community pharmacists would like better teamwork with the nurse. No sectoral differences were seen in how pharmacists see themselves as members of the clinical healthcare team. Only 12 percent believe they have adequate knowledge to advise on clinical pharmacotherapy. To perform this function, they indicated that more training in pharmacotherapy would be needed (98.6 percent of respondents), as well as joint courses with medical students (84.2 percent), and a modification of their internship period requiring them to work in each of the different practice sectors (73.4 percent). No sectoral differences were observed regarding the benefits of a more active role of the pharmacist in the healthcare team.

CONCLUSIONS:

One possible explanation for Israeli pharmacists' low professional self-image, despite the rewards of the profession, is that they lack the necessary clinical knowledge that would enable them to take a more active role in the healthcare team. Pharmacists' job satisfaction may improve if a more active advisory role in the healthcare team can be achieved.
Oral Rivaroxaban for the Treatment of Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism in 400 Patients With Active Cancer: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Pignataro Bruno Soriano , Nishinari Kenji , Cavalcante Rafael Noronha , Centofanti Guilherme , Yazbek Guilherme , Krutman Mariana , Bomfim Guilherme Andre Zotelle , Fonseca Igor Yoshio Imagawa , Teivelis Marcelo Passos , Wolosker Nelson , Sanches Solange Moraes , Ramacciotti Eduardo
Published: January 2017

Purpose:

To study the safety and efficacy of rivaroxaban—a direct oral anticoagulant—use in patients with active cancer and venous thromboembolism (VTE).

Patients and Methods:

Retrospective cohort study of 400 patients with active cancer and associated VTE, defined as deep venous thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism. This single-center study was carried out from January 2012 to June 2015. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety, using the incidence of recurrent symptomatic VTE and major bleeding, respectively, throughout the treatment with rivaroxaban.

Results:

Of the 400 patients enrolled, 223 (55.8%) were female. A total of 362 (90.5%) patients had solid tumors and 244 (61%) had metastatic disease. A total of 302 (75.5%) received initial parenteral therapy with enoxaparin (median: 3, mean: 5.6, standard deviation [SD]: 6.4 days) followed by rivaroxaban. Ninety-eight patients (24.5%) were treated with on label rivaroxaban treatment. Recurrence rates were 3.25% with major bleeding occurring in 5.5% during the anticoagulant therapy (median: 118, mean: 163.9, SD: 159.9 days).

Conclusion:

Rivaroxaban can be an attractive alternative for the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis.
Thromboelastogram as a Tool to Predict Hypercoagulability in Children With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Anıl Hülya , Kılıç Yıldırım Gonca , Harmancı Koray , Bozkurt Turhan Ayşe , Akay Olga Meltem , Bör Özcan , Aydoğdu Sultan , Kocak Abdulkadır
Published: January 2017

Increased thrombophilic tendency in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) has recently been reported. The determinants of thrombosis in children with CF remain largely unknown. Our aim in this study was to evaluate the thromboelastography (TEG) profile of children with CF through ROTEM (whole blood rotation thromboelastometry). Nineteen patients with CF and 20 controls were included in the study. Whole blood count, prothrombin time, activated prothrombin time, fibrinogen, d-dimer levels, and ROTEM assays (INTEM, EXTEM) were performed. Clotting time, clot formation time (CFT), and maximum clot firmness (MCF) were determined by INTEM and EXTEM analysis. In INTEM assay, MCF ( P = .001) value was significantly increased and CFT ( P = .031) value was decreased in patients with CF compared with those of the control group. In the EXTEM assay, there was a similar significant increase in MCF ( P = .023) value in patients with CF compared with that of the control group. There was a significant positive correlation between fibrinogen levels and MCF in EXTEM ( r = .72) and INTEM ( r = .76) assays, whereas there was a negative correlation with CFT in EXTEM ( r = −.61) and INTEM ( r = −.67). The results of our study indicated that TEG profiles in patients with CF were more hypercoagulable compared with those of the control group.
Thrombophilia Screening: Universal, Selected, or Neither?
Authors: Colucci Giuseppe , Tsakiris Dimitrios A.
Published: January 2017

The utility of thrombophilia testing in clinical practice is still a matter of debate because studies have not shown a benefit in the reduction of recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk in patients with thrombosis, despite the clearly higher VTE risk for first thrombosis. Screening for thrombophilia is indicated in selected patients. Particularly in selected young patients, especially women of childbearing age, the knowledge of the genetic thrombophilic defect may help in specific situations to decrease the risk of VTE events. Avoidance of modifiable risk factors and/or prophylactic thromboembolic procedures may be evaluated in selected patients. A comprehensive workup including personal and familial history, clinical examination, and laboratory test results including hereditary thrombophilia remains helpful in assessing the cumulative risk and the management of this group of selected patients.
Characteristics, Management, and Outcomes of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Experiencing a Major Bleeding Event While on Rivaroxaban
Authors: Burgos Karen D. , Sienko Sarah E. , Hoffman Janet L. , Koerber John M. , Smythe Maureen A.
Published: January 2017

Rivaroxaban, the first oral direct factor Xa inhibitor, was approved for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in 2011. Limited data are available regarding major bleeding in a clinical practice setting. The purpose of this study is to describe the patient characteristics, management, and outcomes of major bleeding events in patients receiving rivaroxaban for atrial fibrillation. This retrospective, single health system study identified patients with rivaroxaban having a major bleeding event between July 2011 and June 2014. Patients were identified through adverse event reporting or by cross-referencing rivaroxaban with International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnosis codes for atrial fibrillation and hemorrhage, with and without transfusion. A total of 60 patients were identified. The mean age of patients was 80.3 ± 7.4 years. The most common bleed sites were gastrointestinal (63.3%) and intracranial (26.7%). Higher dose than recommended based on renal function was present in 35% of patients and concurrent antiplatelet therapy occurred in 70%. Activated prothrombin complex concentrate was utilized in 30% of patients and recombinant factor VIIa in 6.7%. A procedure or surgery was performed for bleed management in 10 patients. Anticoagulation was held at discharge in 76% of patients. A total of 6 patients died during hospital admission, 5 of whom experienced an intracranial hemorrhage. In conclusion, patients experiencing a rivaroxaban major bleeding event were elderly, often renally impaired, and receiving concurrent antiplatelet therapy. In-hospital mortality was 10%. The majority of patients (76%) had anticoagulation therapy held at discharge.
Relationships with families: Have educators overlooked a critical piece of the puzzle?
Authors: Buchanan Karen , Buchanan Thomas
Published: January 2017

While the importance of a professional teacher’s collaboration with diverse families is clearly highlighted in the US Department of Education’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and in US teaching standards, research consistently reports that teachers feel unprepared to do this aspect of their work. The failure of the teaching profession to grow in partnering with families is a persistent and puzzling challenge in education. In this article, we argue that educators often overlook a critical piece of that puzzle. A foundational step in building effective partnerships with families is the development of relationships with parents. A careful review of the literature indicates that these relationships require intentional development. We offer specific strategies around six key concepts, drawn from the literature, for use by in-service and pre-service teachers. These strategies hold promise to improve professional practice through the building of meaningful relationships with families.
Encounters with a pedagogista
Authors: Vintimilla C D
Published: January 2017

This article documents the initial work and encounters of a pedagogista with a group of educators on the west coast of Canada. The article retraces the complexities and vulnerabilities of such encounters, and presents them as generative and rich conversations that were carried along by, and not despite, their difficulty. They followed a practice of putting-into-question that helped to keep open possibilities in intersubjective space not only to reconceptualize children’s and educators’ ideas, but also to make education and curriculum into something more than the mere organization of materials and activities for children, or the programmatic application of a particular pedagogical approach. This article wishes to engage and contribute to the broader ongoing and stimulating research in the field of childhood, curriculum and pedagogy.
Management of Pleural Space After Lung Resection by Cryoneuroablation of Phrenic Nerve: A Randomized Study
Authors: Pan Xiao-jie , Ou De-bin , Lin Xing , Ye Ming-Fang
Published: January 2017

Objectives. Residual air space problems after pulmonary lobectomy are an important concern in thoracic surgical practice, and various procedures have been applied to manage them. This study describes a novel technique using controllable paralysis of the diaphragm by localized freezing of the phrenic nerve, and assesses the effectiveness of this procedure to reduce air space after pulmonary lobectomy. Methods. In this prospective randomized study, 207 patients who underwent lobectomy or bilobectomy and systematic mediastinal node dissection in our department between January 2009 and November 2013 were randomly allocated to a cryoneuroablation group or a conventional group. Patients in the cryoneuroablation group (n = 104) received phrenic nerve cryoneuroablation after lung procedures, and patients in the conventional group (n = 103) did not receive cryoneuroablation after the procedure. Data regarding preoperative clinical and surgical characteristics in both groups were collected. Both groups were compared with regard to postoperative parameters such as total amount of pleural drainage, duration of chest tube placement, length of hospital stay, requirement for repeat chest drain insertion, prolonged air leak, and residual space. Perioperative lung function was also compared in both groups. Recovery of diaphragmatic movement in the cryoneuroablation group was checked by fluoroscopy on the 15th, 30th, and 60th day after surgery. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in patient characteristics between the 2 groups; nor was there a difference in terms of hospital stay, new drain requirement, and incidence of empyema. In comparison with the conventional group, the cryoneuroablation group had less total drainage (1024 ± 562 vs 1520 ± 631 mL, P < .05), fewer cases of residual space (9 vs 2, P < .05), fewer cases of prolonged air leak (9 vs 1, P < .01), and shorter duration of drainage (3.2 ± 0.2 vs 4.3 + 0.3 days, P < .01). Diaphragmatic paralyses caused by cryoneuroablation reversed within 30 to 60 days. Conclusions. Cryoneuroablation of the phrenic nerve offers a reasonable option for prevention of residual air space following major pulmonary resection.
Ammonius Lithotomos (3rd Century BC), the Alexandrian Innovative Surgeon Who Introduced Lithoclastic Cystotomy
Authors: Tsoucalas Gregory , Sgantzos Markos
Published: January 2017

Alexandrian surgeon Ammonius Lithotomos, was the first to introduce lithoclastic cystotomy during the 3rd century BC in order to relieve a bladder’s stone blockage. He had used a metallic hook or crotchet to remove the stone, which was named at the era “thrombus” of the urinary tract.
Feasibility, acceptability and clinical utility of the Cultural Formulation Interview: Mixed-methods results from the DSM-5 international field trial
Authors: Lewis-Fernández Roberto , Aggarwal Neil Krishan , Lam Peter C. , Galfalvy Hanga , Weiss Mitchell G. , Kirmayer Laurence J. , Paralikar Vasudeo , Deshpande Smita N. , Díaz Esperanza , Nicasio Andel V. , Boiler Marit , Alarcón Renato D. , Rohlof Hans , Groen Simon , van Dijk Rob C. J. , Jadhav Sushrut , Sarmukaddam Sanjeev , Ndetei David , Scalco Monica Z. , Bassiri Kavoos , Aguilar-Gaxiola Sergio , Ton Hendry , Westermeyer Joseph , Vega-Dienstmaier Johann M.
Published: January 2017

Background

There is a need for clinical tools to identify cultural issues in diagnostic assessment.

Aims

To assess the feasibility, acceptability and clinical utility of the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) in routine clinical practice.

Method

Mixed-methods evaluation of field trial data from six countries. The CFI was administered to diagnostically diverse psychiatric out-patients during a diagnostic interview. In post-evaluation sessions, patients and clinicians completed debriefing qualitative interviews and Likert-scale questionnaires. The duration of CFI administration and the full diagnostic session were monitored.

Results

Mixed-methods data from 318 patients and 75 clinicians found the CFI feasible, acceptable and useful. Clinician feasibility ratings were significantly lower than patient ratings and other clinician-assessed outcomes. After administering one CFI, however, clinician feasibility ratings improved significantly and subsequent interviews required less time.

Conclusions

The CFI was included in DSM-5 as a feasible, acceptable and useful cultural assessment tool.
Dysferlin mediates membrane tubulation and links T-tubule biogenesis to muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hofhuis Julia , Bersch Kristina , Büssenschütt Ronja , Drzymalski Marzena , Liebetanz David , Nikolaev Viacheslav O. , Wagner Stefan , Maier Lars S. , Gärtner Jutta , Klinge Lars , Thoms Sven
Published: January 2017

The multi-C2 domain protein dysferlin localizes to the plasma membrane and the T-tubule system in skeletal muscle; however, its physiological mode of action is unknown. Mutations in the DYSF gene lead to autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B and Miyoshi myopathy. Here, we show that dysferlin has membrane tubulating capacity and that it shapes the T-tubule system. Dysferlin tubulates liposomes, generates a T-tubule-like membrane system in non-muscle cells, and links the recruitment of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate to the biogenesis of the T-tubule system. Pathogenic mutant forms interfere with all of these functions, indicating that muscular wasting and dystrophy are caused by the dysferlin mutants' inability to form a functional T-tubule membrane system.
IFT57 stabilizes the assembled intraflagellar transport complex and mediates transport of motility-related flagellar cargo
Authors: Jiang Xue , Hernandez Daniel , Hernandez Catherine , Ding Zhaolan , Nan Beiyan , Aufderheide Karl , Qin Hongmin
Published: January 2017

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is essential for the assembly and maintenance of flagella and cilia. Recent biochemical studies have shown that IFT complex B (IFT-B) is comprised of two subcomplexes, IFT-B1 and IFT-B2. The IFT-B2 subunit IFT57 lies at the interface between IFT-B1 and IFT-B2. Here, using a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii mutant for IFT57, we tested whether IFT57 is required for IFT-B complex assembly by bridging IFT-B1 and IFT-B2 together. In the ift57-1 mutant, levels of IFT57 and other IFT-B proteins were greatly reduced at the whole-cell level. However, strikingly, in the protease-free flagellar compartment, while the level of IFT57 was reduced, the levels of other IFT particle proteins were not concomitantly reduced but were present at the wild-type level. The IFT movement of the IFT57-deficient IFT particles was also unchanged. Moreover, IFT57 depletion disrupted the flagellar waveform, leading to cell swimming defects. Analysis of the mutant flagellar protein composition showed that certain axonemal proteins were altered. Taken together, these findings suggest that IFT57 does not play an essential structural role in the IFT particle complex but rather functions to prevent it from degradation. Additionally, IFT57 is involved in transporting specific motility-related proteins.
Muscles innervated by a single motor neuron exhibit divergent synaptic properties on multiple time scales
Authors: Blitz Dawn M. , Pritchard Amy E. , Latimer John K. , Wakefield Andrew T.
Published: January 2017

Adaptive changes in the output of neural circuits underlying rhythmic behaviors are relayed to muscles via motor neuron activity. Pre- and postsynaptic properties of neuromuscular junctions can impact the transformation from motor neuron activity to muscle response. Further, synaptic plasticity occurring on the time scale of inter-spike intervals can differ between multiple muscles innervated by the same motor neuron. In rhythmic behaviors, motor neuron bursts can elicit additional synaptic plasticity. However, it is unknown if plasticity regulated by the longer time scale of inter-burst intervals also differs between synapses from the same neuron, and whether any such distinctions occur across a physiological activity range. To address these issues, we measured electrical responses in muscles innervated by a chewing circuit neuron, the lateral gastric (LG) motor neuron, in a well-characterized small motor system, the stomatogastric nervous system (STNS) of the Jonah crab, Cancer borealis. In vitro and in vivo, sensory, hormonal and modulatory inputs elicit LG bursting consisting of inter-spike intervals of 50-250 ms and inter-burst intervals of 2-24 s. Muscles expressed similar facilitation measured with paired stimuli except at the shortest inter-spike interval. However distinct decay time constants resulted in differences in temporal summation. In response to bursting activity, augmentation occurred to different extents and saturated at different inter-burst intervals in the three muscles. Further, augmentation interacted with facilitation, resulting in distinct intra-burst facilitation between muscles. Thus, responses of multiple target muscles diverge across a physiological activity range due to distinct synaptic properties sensitive to multiple time scales.
Central metabolic-sensing remotely controls nutrient –sensitive endocrine response in Drosophila via Sir2/Sirt1-upd2-IIS axis
Authors: Banerjee Kushal K. , Deshpande Rujuta S. , Koppula Pranavi , Ayyub Champakali , Kolthur-Seetharam Ullas
Published: January 2017

Endocrine signaling is central in coupling organismal nutrient status with maintenance of systemic metabolic homeostasis. While local nutrient sensing within the insulinogenic tissue is well-studied, distant mechanisms that relay organismal nutrient status in controlling metabolic-endocrine signaling are less understood. Here, we report a novel mechanism underlying the distant regulation of metabolic endocrine response in Drosophila melanogaster. We show that the communication between fat-body and insulin producing cells (IPCs), important for the secretion of dILPs, is regulated by the master metabolic sensor Sir2/Sirt1. This communication involves a fat body-specific direct regulation of the JAK/STAT cytokine upd2, by Sir2/Sirt1. We have also uncovered the importance of this regulation in coupling nutrient-inputs with dILP-secretion, and distantly controlling intestinal insulin signaling. Our results provide fundamental mechanistic insights into the top-down control involving tissues that play key roles in metabolic sensing, endocrine signaling and nutrient uptake.
Aquatic insects in a multistress environment: cross-tolerance to salinity and desiccation
Authors: Pallarés Susana , Botella-Cruz María , Arribas Paula , Millán Andrés , Velasco Josefa
Published: January 2017

Exposing organims to a particular stressor may enhance tolerance to a subsequent stress, when protective mechanisms against both stressors are shared. Such cross-tolerance is a common adaptive response in dynamic multivariate environments and often indicates potential co-evolution of stress traits. Many aquatic insects in inland saline waters from Mediterranean-climate regions are sequentially challenged with salinity and desiccation stress. Thus, cross-tolerance to these physiologically similar stressors could have been positively selected in insects of these regions. We used adults of the saline water beetles Enochrus jesusarribasi (Hydrophilidae) and Nebrioporus baeticus (Dytiscidae) to test cross-tolerance responses to desiccation and salinity. In independent laboratory experiments, we evaluated the effects of i) salinity stress on the subsequent resistance to desiccation and ii) desiccation stress (rapid and slow dehydration) on the subsequent tolerance to salinity. Survival, water loss and haemolymph osmolality were measured. Exposure to stressful salinity improved water control under subsequent desiccation stress in both species, with a clear cross-tolerance (enhanced performance) in N. baeticus. In contrast, general negative effects on performance were found under the inverse stress sequence. The rapid and slow dehydration produced different water loss and haemolymph osmolality dynamics that were reflected in different survival patterns. Our finding of cross-tolerance to salinity and desiccation in ecologically similar species from distant lineages, together with parallel responses between salinity and thermal stress previously found in several aquatic taxa, highlights the central role of adaption to salinity and co-occurring stressors in arid inland waters, having important implications for the species' persistence under climate change.
Frequency-channel dependent selectivity for temporal call characteristics in gray treefrogs, Hyla versicolor
Authors: Reichert Michael S. , Höbel Gerlinde
Published: January 2017

Sensory receptors transmit information on multiple stimulus dimensions. Much remains to be understood about how the processing of different signal characteristics is partitioned and integrated in different areas of the nervous system. Amphibian hearing involves two morphologically distinct inner-ear organs that process different components of the frequency spectrum. Many anuran signals contain two frequency peaks, each one matching the sensitivity of one of these two organs. We hypothesized that the processing of temporal characteristics of acoustic signals would differ in these two frequency channels, perhaps because of differences in the response properties of the two inner-ear organs. We tested this hypothesis in the gray treefrog, Hyla versicolor; male advertisement calls of this species contain a bimodal frequency spectrum. We generated synthetic male advertisement calls in which we independently manipulated the pattern of amplitude modulation in the low-frequency peak or the high-frequency peak and measured the attractiveness of these stimuli to females in single-speaker and two-speaker phonotaxis tests. We obtained multiple lines of evidence that females were more selective for fine-temporal characteristics in the high-frequency peak. We discuss the potential implications of frequency-channel dependent temporal processing for signal evolution and suggest that additional neurophysiological investigations of the anuran auditory periphery will give important insights into how the nervous system partitions the encoding of multiple characteristics of complex signals.
Evaluation of 99mTc-MIBI in thyroid gland imaging for the diagnosis of amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis
Authors: Wang Junqi , Zhang Ruiguo
Published: January 2017

Objective:

Amiodarone-induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) is caused by amiodarone as a side effect of cardiovascular disease treatment. Based on the differences in their pathological and physiological mechanisms, many methods have been developed so far to differentiate AIT subtypes such as colour flow Doppler sonography (CFDS) and 24-h radioiodine uptake (RAIU). However, these methods suffer from inadequate accuracy in distinguishing different types of AITs and sometimes lead to misdiagnosis and delayed treatments. Therefore, there is an unmet demand for an efficient method for accurate classification of AIT.

Methods:

Technetium-99 methoxyisobutylisonitrile (99mTc-MIBI) thyroid imaging was performed on 15 patients for AIT classification, and the results were compared with other conventional methods such as CFDS, RAIU and 99mTcO4 imaging.

Results:

High uptake and retention of MIBI in thyroid tissue is characteristic in Type I AIT, while in sharp contrast, low uptake of MIBI in the thyroid tissue was observed in Type II AIT. Mixed-type AIT shows uptake value between Types I and II. MIBI imaging outperforms other methods with a lower misdiagnosis rate.

Conclusion:

Among the methods evaluated, MIBI imaging enables an accurate identification of Type I, II and mixed-type AITs by showing distinct images for different types of AITs. The results obtained from our selected subjects revealed that MIBI imaging is a reliable method for diagnosis and classification of AITs and MIBI imaging has potential in the treatment of thyroid diseases.

Advances in knowledge:

99mTc-MIBI imaging is a useful method for the diagnosis of AIT. It can distinguish different types of AITs especially for mixed-type AIT, which is usually difficult to treat. 99mTc-MIBI has potential advantages over conventional methods in the efficient treatment of AIT.
Candida antifungal drug resistance in sub-Saharan African populations: A systematic review
Authors: Africa Charlene Wilma Joyce , Abrantes Pedro Miguel dos Santos
Published: January 2017

Background:Candidainfections are responsible for increased morbidity and mortality rates in at-risk patients, especially in developing countries where there is limited access to antifungal drugs and a high burden of HIV co-infection. Objectives:This study aimed to identify antifungal drug resistance patterns within the subcontinent of Africa. Methods: A literature search was conducted on published studies that employed antifungal susceptibility testing on clinicalCandidaisolates from sub-Saharan African countries using Pubmed and Google Scholar. Results: A total of 21 studies from 8 countries constituted this review. Only studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa and employing antifungal drug susceptibility testing were included. Regional differences inCandidaspecies prevalence and resistance patterns were identified. Discussion: The outcomes of this review highlight the need for a revision of antifungal therapy guidelines in regions most affected byCandidadrug resistance.  Better controls in antimicrobial drug distribution and the implementation of regional antimicrobial susceptibility surveillance programmes are required in order to reduce the highCandidadrug resistance levels seen to be emerging in sub-Saharan Africa.
Working with refugees in Gothenburg, Sweden
Authors: Wissö Therése
Published: January 2017

This commentary contributes to the dialogue about societal challenges and responses to the increasing number of unaccompanied children seeking asylum in Europe. The piece provides an example of how university students in a field-based study programme offer daily activities to asylum seeking boys, who are not offered proper schooling by the local authorities. Experiences from the project reveal that partnership between the university and a local municipality can create double-loop learning and positive relationships on an individual level, but also serve as a buffer when economic resources in society are scarce.
Hiroshi Urabe (1905–2002): radical pioneer in Japanese social work history
Authors: Ito Fumihito
Published: January 2017

In this article, I will look at the contribution Hiroshi Urabe made to the analysis of social work in Japan, both theoretically and practically. His Marxist approach to radical social work, founded on his harsh experience in the pre- and interwar periods, was based overwhelmingly upon a democratic commitment to social justice and human rights with service users’ grass-roots movements.
A unified homogeneity criterion for rear lamps
Authors: Pfullmann Nils , Studeny Christian , Richter Beatrice
Published: January 2017

In this paper, we introduce a novel homogeneity criterion based on a just noticeable difference (JND) estimation model. An extensive study is presented to validate the proposed criterion exhibiting an unprecedented agreement between data and methodology. Current criteria are reviewed and compared to the proposed criterion.
Synthesis and characterization of cellulose acetate naphthoate with good ultraviolet and chemical resistance
Authors: Song Jun , Liu Mei , Yang Zhanping , Xu Songwei , Cheng Bowen , Fei Pengfei
Published: January 2017

Commercial cellulose diacetate with a degree of substitution (DS) of 2.45 was partly deacetylated to cellulose acetate (CA) with different DSs by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis and then reacted with 1-naphthoyl chloride (NpCl) to synthesize CA naphthoate (CANp). Fourier transform infrared and 1H-NMR were used to characterize the chemical structure of CANp. The DS of naphthoate moiety (DSCANp) could be varied from 0.18 to 0.98 by adjusting the molar ratio of –OH in CA unit to NpCl, the DS of CA (DSCA), and the reaction time and temperature. When DSCA was 2.01 and the molar ratio was 1:6, the maximum DSCANp of the product was achieved after a reaction at 80°C for 2 h. With the increase of DSCANp, the thermal stability decreased slightly whereas the anti-ultraviolet property was enhanced. Moreover, the obtained films containing CANp exhibited good ultraviolet resistance as well as chemical resistance.
High-resolution OSL dating of a coastal sediment sequence from the South Yellow Sea
Authors: Gao Lei , Long Hao , Shen Ji , Yu Ge , Yin Yong
Published: January 2017

The coastal sediments of the South Yellow Sea (SYS) provide a record of regional land– sea interactions. This study investigated the applicability of optical dating, using coarse-grained quartz, to provide a chronology of these sediments. A 150-m-long drilling core (YZ07) was retrieved from the southwest coast of the SYS on the northern flank of the Yangtze River delta. Overall, 28 samples extracted from the upper 50 m of core YZ07 were investigated. Preheat plateau and dose recovery tests were conducted. The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signals were typical of quartz and they were dominated by fast components. The spread in measured equivalent doses (Des) for each sample was generally consistent with the OSL signals being fully reset before deposition. The OSL ages generally increased with depth and indicated a 24-ka sedimentary record for the upper 50 m of the core. The age–depth relationship revealed two distinct sedimentary periods: (1) very slow sedimentation or even a depositional hiatus from the last glacial maximum (LGM) to the early Holocene (~24 to 8 ka); (2) very fast sedimentation at a rate of ~6 m/ka during the middle to late Holocene (since ~8 ka). It is speculated that sedimentation within the study area since the LGM might have been related to sea level change, delta initiation, and incised-valley fill processes.
Ultracompact on-chip photothermal power monitor based on silicon hybrid plasmonic waveguides
Authors: Wu Hao , Ma Ke , Shi Yaocheng , Wosinski Lech , Dai Daoxin
Published: January 2017

We propose and demonstrate an ultracompact on-chip photothermal power monitor based on a silicon hybrid plasmonic waveguide (HPWG), which consists of a metal strip, a silicon core, and a silicon oxide (SiO2) insulator layer between them. When light injected to an HPWG is absorbed by the metal strip, the temperature increases and the resistance of the metal strip changes accordingly due to the photothermal and thermal resistance effects of the metal. Therefore, the optical power variation can be monitored by measuring the resistance of the metal strip on the HPWG. To obtain the electrical signal for the resistance measurement conveniently, a Wheatstone bridge circuit is monolithically integrated with the HPWG on the same chip. As the HPWG has nanoscale light confinement, the present power monitor is as short as ~3 μm, which is the smallest photothermal power monitor reported until now. The compactness helps to improve the thermal efficiency and the response speed. For the present power monitor fabricated with simple fabrication processes, the measured responsivity is as high as about 17.7 mV/mW at a bias voltage of 2 V and the power dynamic range is as large as 35 dB.
Crystal structure of catena-poly[(μ2-butane-1,4-diyl-bis(pyridine-3-carboxylato-κN))silver(I)] tetrafluoroborate, C16H16AgN2O4BF4
Authors: Brito Iván , Cárdenas Alejandro , Bolte Michael , Llanos Jaime , Cataldo Fernando
Published: January 2017

C16H16AgN2O4BF4, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 17.416(2) Å, b = 13.1378(14) Å, c = 7.8246(10) Å, β = 96.566(10)°, V = 1778.6(4) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.025, wR
ref(F2) = 0.065, T = 173(2) K.
Crystal structure of 2-(bis(4-methoxyphenyl)amino)-2-oxoacetic acid, C16H15NO5
Authors: El-Hiti Gamal A. , Smith Keith , Alamri Mesfer , Morris Ceri A. , Kariuki Benson M. , Kille Peter
Published: January 2017

C16H15NO5, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 6.7689(5) Å, b = 45.219(3) Å, c = 10.1102(6) Å, β = 101.360(7)°, V = 3033.9(4) Å3, T = 298(2) K.
Organogels for the cleaning of artifacts
Authors: Pianorsi Maria Diletta , Raudino Martina , Bonelli Nicole , Chelazzi David , Giorgi Rodorico , Fratini Emiliano , Baglioni Piero
Published: January 2017

The cleaning of artifacts must not alter the original properties of the objects. While the use of free solvents is risky, their confinement into polymeric networks can allow the safe removal of unwanted layers from artifacts. Recently, a methyl 2-methylprop-2-enoate (MMA)-based organogel was formulated as loaded with butan-2-one (MEK), and used to remove aged varnishes from canvas paintings. However, this formulation is not enough retentive to allow its use on paper, where higher retentiveness is needed to avoid the uncontrolled spreading of MEK and dissolved materials. Here, a new PMMA-MEK gel was designed to overcome this limitation. The amount of cross-linker and monomer used in the synthesis of the gel were tuned to achieve optimal retentiveness. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential thermogravimetry (DTG), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and attenuated total reflection fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) provided information on the solvent content, release rate, and mesoporosity of the gel as compared to the previous system. The lower solvent release rate of the new formulation allowed the safe removal of wax that jeopardized a 19th century paper document. The removal was confirmed through optical microscopy and ATR-FTIR, which also highlighted the absence of gel residues on the treated surface.
Synthesis of p-methoxyphenyl sulfated β-GalNAc derivatives with inhibitory activity against Japanese encephalitis virus
Authors: Sakuragi Miho , Suzuki Ryoko , Hidari Kazuya I.P.J. , Yamanaka Takashi , Nakano Hirofumi
Published: January 2017

The N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) residue is one of the units of chondroitin sulfate E (CS-E) which has been reported to have inhibitory activity against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). Herein, we describe the synthesis of a series of p-methoxyphenyl β-GalNAc derivatives with a sulfate group at 3-, 4-, and/or 6-positions using an efficient route through a common synthetic intermediate. By measuring the inhibition activity of these compounds that bear different numbers and positions of sulfate groups, the effect of position specificity for interaction with the virus was determined. From these results, GalNAc6S and GalNAc4S6S derivatives inhibited JEV infections well; we suggest the 6-O-sulfate group is necessary for selective recognition by the virus.