bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunocytochemical localization of saikosaponin-d in vegetative organs of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd
Authors: Zhao Xueyan , Zheng Li , Si Jingjing , Miao Yan , Peng Yong , Cai Xia
Published: September 2013

Background

Saikosaponin-d (SSd) is an important active component of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd., a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Thus far, the biosynthetic pathway and biosynthetic site of saikosaponins in Bupleurum are largely unknown. The cellular localization of SSd will help in understanding saikosaponin biosynthesis and regulation.

Results

In this study, we characterize for the first time the localization of SSd in B. scorzonerifolium tissues and cells using histochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy. The results show that the saikosaponin distribution in different plant organs changes as they mature. The number of SSd gold particles distinctly differed among the roots, stems, and leaves, with the particles mainly concentrated in the roots. The gold particles were mainly observed in vacuoles, with a few particles in the protoplasm; hence, SSd is mainly stored in vacuoles.

Conclusions

We speculate that saikosaponins are mainly synthesized via the mevalonate pathway in the protoplasm in young organs, and then transported to the central vacuole by the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) or the fusion of vacuoles, to protect plants from self-poisoning with the accumulation of more saikosaponins.
Assessment of historical polymers using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy with principal component analysis
Authors: Mitchell Gemma , France Fenella , Nordon Alison , Tang Pik Leung , Gibson Lorraine T
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy with a diamond ATR crystal was used to examine 41 historical polymer fragments and a selection of polyurethane fragments subjected to accelerated ageing. The advantages and limitations of FTIR data for polymer assessment is discussed. Moreover the efficacy of the data interpretation tool principal component analysis (PCA) is debated for potential applications in polymer characterisation and polymer degradation.

Results

Analysis of polymer fragments by ATR-FTIR spectra was shown, as expected, to be an ideal method for polymer classification. Curved surfaces could be tolerated when spectral data were carefully collected, similarly opaque samples could be analysed due to the reflective nature of the FTIR technique used. More importantly perhaps, these results reaffirm the necessity to examine individual spectra as further information can be obtained which allow a better understanding of the material’s stability. It was possible to identify potential degradation of cellulose nitrate and rubber, discriminate between the ether and ester-form of polyurethane, and discriminate between high and low density polyethylene. It was also shown that PCA could be used to unambiguously identify samples which contained cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, polycarbonate or polyurethane with a selection of known samples, but without the use of a spectral library.

Conclusions

This study supports previous publication results indicating that ATR-FTIR is a useful tool for the examination of objects containing polymers. Here it was shown that polymers could be characterised in object fragments that were not specially prepared and without the use of a spectral library. PCA was shown to be a useful tool for the unambiguous identification of cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, polycarbonate or polyurethane polymers in historical plastics with different additives, plasticisers or age. More excitingly, even though spectral features were similar for new and aged samples of polyurethane, PCA was able to discriminate between samples of foam that had been treated by heat (50°C for 24 h or 144 h) or by exposure to light, although more results for other polymeric materials are required to support this proof of concept study.
The Arctic AβPP mutation leads to Alzheimer’s disease pathology with highly variable topographic deposition of differentially truncated Aβ
Authors: Kalimo Hannu , Lalowski Maciej , Bogdanovic Nenad , Philipson Ola , Bird Thomas D , Nochlin David , Schellenberg Gerard D , Brundin RoseMarie , Olofsson Tommie , Soliymani Rabah , Baumann Marc , Wirths Oliver , Bayer Thomas A , Nilsson Lars NG , Basun Hans , Lannfelt Lars , Ingelsson Martin
Published: September 2013

Background

The Arctic mutation (p.E693G/p.E22G)fs within the β-amyloid (Aβ) region of the β-amyloid precursor protein gene causes an autosomal dominant disease with clinical picture of typical Alzheimer’s disease. Here we report the special character of Arctic AD neuropathology in four deceased patients.

Results

Aβ deposition in the brains was wide-spread (Thal phase 5) and profuse. Virtually all parenchymal deposits were composed of non-fibrillar, Congo red negative Aβ aggregates. Congo red only stained angiopathic vessels. Mass spectrometric analyses showed that Aβ deposits contained variably truncated and modified wild type and mutated Aβ species. In three of four Arctic AD brains, most cerebral cortical plaques appeared targetoid with centres containing C-terminally (beyond aa 40) and variably N-terminally truncated Aβ surrounded by coronas immunopositive for Aβx-42. In the fourth patient plaque centres contained almost no Aβ making the plaques ring-shaped. The architectural pattern of plaques also varied between different anatomic regions. Tau pathology corresponded to Braak stage VI, and appeared mainly as delicate neuropil threads (NT) enriched within Aβ plaques. Dystrophic neurites were scarce, while neurofibrillary tangles were relatively common. Neuronal perikarya within the Aβ plaques appeared relatively intact.

Conclusions

In Arctic AD brain differentially truncated abundant Aβ is deposited in plaques of variable numbers and shapes in different regions of the brain (including exceptional targetoid plaques in neocortex). The extracellular non-fibrillar Aβ does not seem to cause overt damage to adjacent neurons or to induce formation of neurofibrillary tangles, supporting the view that intracellular Aβ oligomers are more neurotoxic than extracellular Aβ deposits. However, the enrichment of NTs within plaques suggests some degree of intra-plaque axonal damage including accumulation of hp-tau, which may impair axoplasmic transport, and thereby contribute to synaptic loss. Finally, similarly as the cotton wool plaques in AD resulting from exon 9 deletion in the presenilin-1 gene, the Arctic plaques induced only modest glial and inflammatory tissue reaction.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist effect on rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ormseth Michelle J , Oeser Annette M , Cunningham Andrew , Bian Aihua , Shintani Ayumi , Solus Joseph , Tanner S Bobo , Stein C Michael
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disease, is associated with insulin resistance. Experimental evidence indicates that the relationship between insulin resistance and inflammation is bidirectional: Inflammation promotes insulin resistance, and insulin resistance promotes inflammation. Therefore, we examined the hypothesis that pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ agonist, would decrease inflammation and disease activity and improve insulin resistance in patients with RA.

Methods

In a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study patients with RA (N = 34) receiving stable therapy were randomized to also receive either pioglitazone 45 mg daily (n = 17) or matching placebo (n = 17) for eight weeks. This was followed by a four-week washout period and alternative treatment for eight weeks. Outcomes included change in Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) score, individual components of the DAS28 score and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA). Intention-to-treat analysis and linear mixed-effects models were used.

Results

Patients had a mean (±SD) age of 51 (±14.2) years, 82.4% were female and baseline DAS28 high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) was 4.58 (±1.1) units. Addition of pioglitazone was associated with a 9.3% reduction (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.17% to 17.6%) in DAS28-CRP (P = 0.046), but no significant change in DAS28 erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) (P = 0.92). There was a 10.7mm (95% CI = 0.4 to 20.9 mm) improvement in patient-reported global health (P = 0.042), a 48.6% decrease (95% CI = 27.6% to 63.5%) in CRP (P < 0.001) and a 26.4% decrease (95% CI = 3.7% to 43.8%) in insulin resistance as measured by HOMA (P = 0.025), but no significant reduction in swollen or tender joint count or in ESR (all P > 0.05). Lower-extremity edema was more common during pioglitazone treatment (16%) than placebo (0%).

Conclusion

Addition of pioglitazone to RA therapy improves insulin resistance and modestly reduces RA disease activity measured by DAS28-CRP and two of its components, including patient-reported global health and CRP, but not DAS28-ESR or ESR.

Trial registration

NCT00763139
Evaluation of bone marrow lesion volume as a knee osteoarthritis biomarker - longitudinal relationships with pain and structural changes: data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Driban Jeffrey B , Price Lori Lyn , Lo Grace H , Pang Jincheng , Hunter David J , Miller Eric , Ward Robert J , Eaton Charles B , Lynch John A , McAlindon Timothy E
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Bone marrow lesion (BML) size may be an important imaging biomarker for osteoarthritis-related clinical trials and reducing BML size may be an important therapeutic goal. However, data on the interrelationships between BML size, pain, and structural progression are inconsistent and rarely examined in the same cohort. Therefore, we evaluated the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of BML volume with knee pain and joint space narrowing (JSN).

Methods

A BML volume assessment was performed on magnetic resonance images of the knee collected at the 24- and 48-month Osteoarthritis Initiative visits from a convenience sample of 404 participants in the progression cohort. During the same visits, knee pain was assessed with WOMAC pain scores and knee radiographs were acquired and scored for JSN. BML volume was summed to generate a total knee volume and an index tibiofemoral compartment volume (compartment with greater baseline JSN). Primary analyses included multiple linear regressions (outcome = pain, predictor = total knee BML volume) and logistic regressions (outcome = JSN, predictor = index tibiofemoral compartment BML volume).

Results

This sample was 49% female with a mean age of 63 (9.2 standard deviation (SD)) years, and 71% had radiographic osteoarthritis in the study knee. Larger baseline BMLs were associated with greater baseline knee pain (P = 0.01), the presence of JSN at baseline (odds ratio (OR) = 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.23 to 1.83), and JSN progression (OR = 1.27, 95%CI = 1.11 to 1.46). Changes in total knee BML volume had a positive association with changes in knee pain severity (P = 0.004) and this association may be driven by knees that were progressing from no or small baseline BMLs to larger BMLs. In contrast, we found no linear positive relationship between BML volume change and JSN progression. Instead, regression of medial tibiofemoral BML volume was associated with JSN progression compared to knees with no or minimal changes in BML volume (OR = 3.36, 95%CI = 1.55 to 7.28). However, follow-up analyses indicated that the association between JSN progression and BML volume change may primarily be influenced by baseline BML volume.

Conclusion

Large baseline BMLs are associated with greater baseline knee pain, the presence of JSN at baseline, and disease progression. Additionally, BML regression is associated with decreased knee pain but not a reduced risk of concurrent JSN progression.
In vitro suppression of immune responses using monocyte-derived tolerogenic dendritic cells from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Volchenkov Roman , Brun Johan G , Jonsson Roland , Appel Silke
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Therapeutic vaccination with antigen-specific tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) might become a future option of individualized therapy for patients with autoimmune diseases. In this study, we tested the possibility of generating monocyte-derived tolDC from patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). We analyzed phenotype, cytokine production and ability to suppress Ro/La-specific immune responses.

Methods

Monocyte-derived tolDC from patients with pSS were generated in the presence of dexamethasone, vitamin D3 and lipopolysaccharide (DexVD3 DC). The phenotype was analyzed by flow cytometry and the cytokine profile was investigated using a 25-plex Luminex assay and ELISA. The capacity to both stimulate Ro/La-specific T cells and suppress this response was evaluated by autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR).

Results

DC generated from patients with pSS had a similar phenotype and cytokine profile to those from healthy controls. DexVD3 DC from pSS patients induced little antigen-specific T cell proliferation, but DexVD3 DC-primed lymphocytes successfully suppressed Ro/La-specific T cell responses.

Conclusions

DexVD3 DC presenting Ro/La antigens might be a promising new therapeutic option for patients with pSS.
AutoDensity: an automated method to measure mammographic breast density that predicts breast cancer risk and screening outcomes
Authors: Nickson Carolyn , Arzhaeva Yulia , Aitken Zoe , Elgindy Tarek , Buckley Mitchell , Li Min , English Dallas R , Kavanagh Anne M
Published: September 2013

Introduction

While Cumulus – a semi-automated method for measuring breast density – is utilised extensively in research, it is labour-intensive and unsuitable for screening programmes that require an efficient and valid measure on which to base screening recommendations. We develop an automated method to measure breast density (AutoDensity) and compare it to Cumulus in terms of association with breast cancer risk and breast cancer screening outcomes.

Methods

AutoDensity automatically identifies the breast area in the mammogram and classifies breast density in a similar way to Cumulus, through a fast, stand-alone Windows or Linux program. Our sample comprised 985 women with screen-detected cancers, 367 women with interval cancers and 4,975 controls (women who did not have cancer), sampled from first and subsequent screening rounds of a film mammography screening programme. To test the validity of AutoDensity, we compared the effect estimates using AutoDensity with those using Cumulus from logistic regression models that tested the association between breast density and breast cancer risk, risk of small and large screen-detected cancers and interval cancers, and screening programme sensitivity (the proportion of cancers that are screen-detected). As a secondary analysis, we report on correlation between AutoDensity and Cumulus measures.

Results

AutoDensity performed similarly to Cumulus in all associations tested. For example, using AutoDensity, the odds ratios for women in the highest decile of breast density compared to women in the lowest quintile for invasive breast cancer, interval cancers, large and small screen-detected cancers were 3.2 (95% CI 2.5 to 4.1), 4.7 (95% CI 3.0 to 7.4), 6.4 (95% CI 3.7 to 11.1) and 2.2 (95% CI 1.6 to 3.0) respectively. For Cumulus the corresponding odds ratios were: 2.4 (95% CI 1.9 to 3.1), 4.1 (95% CI 2.6 to 6.3), 6.6 (95% CI 3.7 to 11.7) and 1.3 (95% CI 0.9 to 1.8). Correlation between Cumulus and AutoDensity measures was 0.63 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Based on the similarity of the effect estimates for AutoDensity and Cumulus in models of breast density and breast cancer risk and screening outcomes, we conclude that AutoDensity is a valid automated method for measuring breast density from digitised film mammograms.
An ENU mutagenesis screen identifies novel and known genes involved in epigenetic processes in the mouse
Authors: Daxinger Lucia , Harten Sarah K , Oey Harald , Epp Trevor , Isbel Luke , Huang Edward , Whitelaw Nadia , Apedaile Anwyn , Sorolla Anabel , Yong Joan , Bharti Vandhana , Sutton Joanne , Ashe Alyson , Pang Zhenyi , Wallace Nathan , Gerhardt Daniel J , Blewitt Marnie E , Jeddeloh Jeffrey A , Whitelaw Emma
Published: September 2013

Background

We have used a sensitized ENU mutagenesis screen to produce mouse lines that carry mutations in genes required for epigenetic regulation. We call these lines Modifiers of murine metastable epialleles (Mommes).

Results

We report a basic molecular and phenotypic characterization for twenty of the Momme mouse lines, and in each case we also identify the causative mutation. Three of the lines carry a mutation in a novel epigenetic modifier, Rearranged L-myc fusion (Rlf), and one gene, Rap-interacting factor 1 (Rif1), has not previously been reported to be involved in transcriptional regulation in mammals. Many of the other lines are novel alleles of known epigenetic regulators. For two genes, Rlf and Widely-interspaced zinc finger (Wiz), we describe the first mouse mutants. All of the Momme mutants show some degree of homozygous embryonic lethality, emphasizing the importance of epigenetic processes. The penetrance of lethality is incomplete in a number of cases. Similarly, abnormalities in phenotype seen in the heterozygous individuals of some lines occur with incomplete penetrance.

Conclusions

Recent advances in sequencing enhance the power of sensitized mutagenesis screens to identify the function of previously uncharacterized factors and to discover additional functions for previously characterized proteins. The observation of incomplete penetrance of phenotypes in these inbred mutant mice, at various stages of development, is of interest. Overall, the Momme collection of mouse mutants provides a valuable resource for researchers across many disciplines.
Assembly of a phased diploid Candida albicansgenome facilitates allele-specific measurements and provides a simple model for repeat and indel structure
Authors: Muzzey Dale , Schwartz Katja , Weissman Jonathan S , Sherlock Gavin
Published: September 2013

Background

Candida albicans is a ubiquitous opportunistic fungal pathogen that afflicts immunocompromised human hosts. With rare and transient exceptions the yeast is diploid, yet despite its clinical relevance the respective sequences of its two homologous chromosomes have not been completely resolved.

Results

We construct a phased diploid genome assembly by deep sequencing a standard laboratory wild-type strain and a panel of strains homozygous for particular chromosomes. The assembly has 700-fold coverage on average, allowing extensive revision and expansion of the number of known SNPs and indels. This phased genome significantly enhances the sensitivity and specificity of allele-specific expression measurements by enabling pooling and cross-validation of signal across multiple polymorphic sites. Additionally, the diploid assembly reveals pervasive and unexpected patterns in allelic differences between homologous chromosomes. Firstly, we see striking clustering of indels, concentrated primarily in the repeat sequences in promoters. Secondly, both indels and their repeat-sequence substrate are enriched near replication origins. Finally, we reveal an intimate link between repeat sequences and indels, which argues that repeat length is under selective pressure for most eukaryotes. This connection is described by a concise one-parameter model that explains repeat-sequence abundance in C. albicans as a function of the indel rate, and provides a general framework to interpret repeat abundance in species ranging from bacteria to humans.

Conclusions

The phased genome assembly and insights into repeat plasticity will be valuable for better understanding allele-specific phenomena and genome evolution.
Mesenchymal stem cells inhibit multiple myeloma cells via the Fas/Fas ligand pathway
Authors: Atsuta Ikiru , Liu Shiyu , Miura Yasuo , Akiyama Kentaro , Chen Chider , An Ying , Shi Songtao , Chen Fa-Ming
Published: September 2013

Introduction

Cell-based therapy represents a new frontier in the treatment of a wide variety of human diseases traditionally associated with morbidity outcomes, including those involving inflammation, autoimmunity, tissue damage, and cancer. However, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to treat multiple myeloma (MM) bone disease has raised concerns. Specifically, evidence has shown that infused MSCs might support tumor growth and metastasis.

Methods

In this study, we used a standard disseminated MM model in mice to identify the in vivo effects of intravenous MSC infusion. In addition, a series of in vitro co-culture assays were preformed to explore whether Fas/Fas ligand (Fas-L) is involved in the inhibitory effects of MSCs on MM cells.

Results

In the MM mouse model, treatment of MSCs with highly expressed Fas ligand (Fas-Lhigh MSCs) showed remarkable inhibitory effects on MM indenization in terms of extending the mouse survival rate and inhibiting tumor growth, bone resorption in the lumbus and collum femoris, and MM cell metastasis in the lungs and kidneys. In addition, reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis of MM cells was observed when co-cultured with Fas-Lhigh MSCs in vitro. Furthermore, mechanistically, the binding between Fas and Fas-L significantly induced apoptosis in MM cells, as evidenced through an increase in the expression of apoptosis marker and Fas in MM cells. In contrast, Fas-Lnull MSCs promote MM growth.

Conclusions

These data suggest that Fas/Fas-L-induced MM apoptosis plays a crucial role in the MSC-based inhibition of MM growth. Although whether MSCs inhibit or promote cancer growth remains controversial, the levels of Fas-L expression in MSCs determine, at least partially, the effects of MSCs on MM cell growth.
Crystal Structure and Spin-crossover Behavior of Iron(III) Complex with Nitroprusside
Authors: Togo Takahiro , Amolegbe Saliu Alao , Yamaguchi Ryotaro , Kuroda-Sowa Takayoshi , Nakaya Manabu , Shimayama Kodai , Nakamura Masaaki , Hayami Shinya
Published: September 2013

An iron(III) complex [Fe(qsal)2]2NP·CH3OH (1) (Hqsal: N-(8-quinolyl)salicylaldimine, and NP: nitroprusside) was synthesized and characterized by X-ray structure analysis, temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The structures of 1 at 100 and 300 K were determined. X-ray crystallographic data revealed that the compound 1 was constructed by two [Fe(qsal)2]+ sites in the low-spin and high-spin states and a nitroprusside site at 100 K, and two [Fe(qsal)2]+ sites in the high-spin state and a nitroprusside site at 300 K. One site [Fe(qsal)2]+ in iron(III) complex exhibited spin-crossover behavior and LIESST effect.
Editorial Column—From CleanTech to CleanServ
Authors: Wolfson Adi , Tavor Dorith , Mark Shlomo
Published: September 2013

Environmental issues have become integral factors in any decision-making process in the design and implementation of goods and services. Yet, to achieve the overall goal of sustainability, a service should also offer alternatives that are competitive with, if not superior to, its conventional tangible or intangible counterparts and that reduce the use of natural resources or cut or eliminate emissions and wastes (i.e., clean services—CleanServs).
Total mesorectal excision for cancer following ventral mesh rectopexy
Authors: Antonowicz SS , Al-Whouhayb M , Middleton S
Published: September 2013

Since the introduction of ventral mesh rectopexy for rectal prolapse, concern exists as to how this may interfere with subsequent rectal cancer surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first report of total mesorectal excision for cancer after such a rectopexy. We discuss surgical technique, pitfalls encountered and oncological outcome.
Littré meets de garengeot: meckel’s diverticulum and appendix in a femoral hernia
Authors: Racy M , Ramesh S
Published: September 2013

Littre’s and de Garengeot hernias are rare operative findings, the former describing the presence of a Meckel’s diverticulum in a hernia sac and the latter describing the presence of the vermiform appendix in a femoral hernia. The finding of both of these anatomical structures in the same hernia is exquisitely rare and infrequently described. In the following report such a case is described and the current knowledge surrounding these unusual hernias is discussed.
Anaphylactic reaction to intraurethral chlorhexidine: sensitisation following previous repeated uneventful administration
Authors: Dyer JE , Nafie S , Mellon JK , Khan MA
Published: September 2013

Instillagel® (CliniMed, High Wycombe, UK) is commonly used in urethral catheterisation and to facilitate the passage of instruments into the bladder in urological practice. Its active ingredients include 0.25% chlorhexidine, 2% lidocaine, 0.06% methyl hydroxybenzoate and 0.025% propyl hydroxybenzoate. We discuss the case of an 84-year-old man who received intraurethral Instillagel® prior to laser ablation of a recurrent transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, resulting in anaphylaxis. Subsequent investigation confirmed allergy to chlorhexidine. Although there are previous reports in the literature, this is the first report of intraurethral chlorhexidine resulting in anaphylaxis in a patient who had had repeated, uneventful previous exposures. As such, this case illustrates the phenomenon of chlorhexidine sensitisation and that previous uneventful exposures do not exclude the diagnosis of anaphylaxis in the context of sudden, unexpected deterioration.
Case-based review: bile peritonitis after T-tube removal
Authors: Ahmed M , R T Diggory
Published: September 2013

T-tube placement into the common bile duct (CBD) is most commonly performed after CBD exploration for cholelithiasis or repair of an iatrogenic CBD injury. Bile peritonitis occurring after T-tube removal is generally considered an exceedingly rare complication, which on occurrence necessitates urgent intervention. No clear guidance exists on the timing of T-tube removal and its relationship to the development of bile peritonitis. This study aimed to determine the incidence of bile peritonitis after T-tube removal, its relationship to the timing of removal and how knowledge of this can help the general surgeon.
the RCS triennial trip to South America
Authors: Mallik Mekhola , Blackburn Julia
Published: September 2013

We were fortunate enough to be awarded Stefan and Anna Galeski Fellowships to travel with the RCS Presidential triennial visit to Brazil and Peru, which was also generously supported by BBraun and the Lawrie family. In addition to our role as 'tour doctors', we were also able to attend a scientific meeting in Peru, present our research to the Brazilian College of Surgeons and teach as faculty on a surgical skills workshop in Rio de Janeiro.
Access to e-journals and online resources for international members
Authors: Knight Thalia
Published: September 2013

The year 2003 was an auspicious one for international members in regard to biomedical e-journals, which began to expand exponentially in the decade following the creation of the World Wide Web.
The Presidential Visit to Asia
Authors: Hills Stephen
Published: September 2013

The RCS undertakes a range of activities outside the UK as part of its commitment to enable surgeons to achieve and maintain the highest standards of surgical practice and patient care. This is accomplished through establishing partnerships and complementing local provision to add value to the resident surgical community, most visibly through the supply of training and assessment. Just as importantly, the RCS's international partners enrich the College with active involvement and sharing of skills and experience. As with any partnership, it is important to maintain good communication, which can be a challenge when there are thousands of miles between the parties. So, at the beginning of this year, an RCS delegation, led by Professor Norman Williams, President of the College, visited a number of its partners in India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia.
RCS international surgical examinations
Authors: Hills Stephen
Published: September 2013

The Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCS) has a proud history of delivering a large portfolio of dental and surgical examinations. We take particular care to ensure that our candidates receive a professional and efficient service. The College offers its examinations both within and outside the UK. In particular, the Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examinations are available in an increasing number of centres internationally. The Joint Surgical Colleges' Fellowship Examination (JSCFE), success in which leads to eligibility to apply for Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), is also now available outside the UK.
What so Medical Students Need to Know About Trauma and Orthopaedics ? A Cross-Sectional, Multispecialty Study of the Views of Senior Doctors
Authors: Ali AM , Bulstrode CK
Published: September 2013

Recent years have seen repeated calls for improved education in musculoskeletal medicine both for medical students and doctors, with organisations ranging from individual medical schools to the World Health Organization raising concern. A study in ireland, for example, found that 88 per cent of medical students and 71 per cent of general practitioners (GPs) failed a validated musculoskeletal examination, and only 26 per cent of students at harvard medical school attained competency by their fourth year of study. At the same time, there have been calls to ensure that medical school curricula are better aligned with community needs.
Supply and Demand in Liver Transplantation Surgery: Implications for Training in the UK
Authors: McNally SJ , Parks RW , Wigmore SJ
Published: September 2013

At the end of the 1990s there was a perceived crisis in the recruitment of transplant surgeons in the UK. transplantation surgery is a demanding specialty, requiring a significant proportion of time to be spent in out-of-hours work performing prolonged and technically demanding surgery. Other factors, such as reduced working hours associated with the implementation of the european Working time regulations and the changing expectations of new medical graduates, are thought to have contributed to making training in liver transplantation surgery an unattractive option.
Finished Core Training but not 'Registrar Ready'? Making a Case for a Third Year of Core Surgical Training
Authors: Baskaradas A , Sivarasan N , Solan MC
Published: September 2013

The implementation of the european Working time regulations in 1993 saw the reduction of junior doctors' working hours from 72 hours to 48 hours per week. While this is argued to be a safeguard for patient and doctor health, these reforms have resulted in a drastic reduction in obligatory training and have been the subject of much scrutiny, including from the royal college of surgeons of england.
‘Walling’ Baghdad: Spatial dissonance and tactics of war
Authors: Mehta Brinda J.
Published: September 2013

This article examines the phenomenon of ‘walling’ in Baghdad. I demonstrate how barrier walls and internal borders represent a politicized manifestation of what Anibal Quijano calls the ‘coloniality of power’ (Quijano 2000: 533) a highly racialized and power-inflected Euro-centered discourse of Otherness destined to create distinctions between Euro-American ‘civilization’ and ‘third world backwardness’. At the same time, I will also show how Iraqi writers and poets create resisting narratives that contest the walls of coloniality in an anti-occupation poetics. These writers also contest the sectarian and gender violence that results from physical and symbolic territorial demarcations destined to create a fragmented city and a violated national imaginary.
The meta-physics of data: Philosophical science in Semiconductor’s animated videos
Authors: Husbands Lilly
Published: September 2013

This article examines video and animation works by the artist-duo Ruth Jarman and Joe Gerhardt, known together as Semiconductor. Over the course of the last decade, their works have come to occupy a unique position in the world of artist’s film and video with projects that blend – in philosophically compelling ways – experimental video art techniques, scientific research and digital technology. In works like All The Time In The World (2005), Brilliant Noise (2006), Black Rain (2009) and Magnetic Movie (2007), they approach some of the grandest subjects in the physical sciences (geomorphology and astrophysics) in ways that engage with the metaphysical implications of aesthetically mediating natural forces whose magnitude and actual nature far exceed any capacity for normal perception. For these projects, Jarman and Gerhardt have immersed themselves in rigorous research at prestigious scientific institutions such as the NASA Space Sciences Laboratories (SSL) and the Mineral Sciences Department at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. Here they were given privileged access to scientific research technologies as well as personal instruction by some of the foremost scientists in their fields. However, as artists exhibiting their work in gallery contexts, Semiconductor’s creative freedoms have been largely unimpeded by obligations to conform to strict scientific accuracy or to the narrative codes of traditional science documentary. Indeed, the single and multi-channel installations that have resulted from their research are hybrid experimental artworks that engage with their subject matter on a number of different levels, with varying degrees and manifestations of scientific ‘truth’. In this article I argue that, in spite of their blurring of discipline boundaries, many of their works enact and embody a philosophy of science that is engaged with technological investigation and its ability to expressively reveal the material nature of our universe.
Aristotle’s Parmenidean Dilemma
Authors: Anagnostopoulos Andreas
Published: September 2013

Abstract: Aristotle’s treatment, in Physics 1.8, of a dilemma purporting to show that change is impossible, aims in the first instance to defend not the existence of change, but the explicability of change, a presupposition of his natural science. The opponent fails to recognize that causal explanation is sensitive to the differences between merely coinciding beings. This formal principle of explanation is implicit in Aristotle’s theory that change involves a third, ‘underlying’ principle, in addition to the two opposites, form and privation, and it allows him to avoid the two horns of the dilemma. Aristotle’s treatment of the dilemma does not address the the issues of persistence through change or generation ex nihilo, as is often thought.
Pass-through of Per Unit and ad Valorem Consumption Taxes: Evidence from Alcoholic Beverages in France
Authors: Carbonnier Clément
Published: September 2013

Economic theory states that in a market with imperfect competition, per unit consumption taxes should induce a greater increase in prices than ad valorem consumption taxes. This implies that consumers bear a greater share of the tax burden with per unit consumption taxes than that with ad valorem consumption taxes. This article seeks to test this theoretical result empirically using the French market for alcoholic beverages, which is subject to both per unit (excise taxes) and ad valorem (value-added tax, VAT) consumption taxes. Econometric analysis is applied to two consumption tax reforms affecting two distinct French markets for alcoholic beverages, those for beer and for aperitif. In 1995, the full rate of VAT increased from 18.6 to 20.6%; excise taxes on alcoholic beverages increased in 1997. Graphical evidence and econometric results confirm the statements of economic theory. For both classes of alcoholic beverages – beer and aperitif – the change in prices due to per unit excise taxes was significantly larger than that due to ad valorem VAT.
Membrane protein stability depends on the concentration of compatible solutes – a single molecule force spectroscopic study
Authors: Roychoudhury Arpita , Bieker Adeline , Häussinger Dieter , Oesterhelt Filipp
Published: September 2013

Compatible solutes are small, uncharged, zwitter ionic, osmotically active molecules produced and accumulated by microorganisms inside their cell to counteract different kinds of environmental stress. They enhance protein stability without interfering with the metabolic pathways even at molar concentrations. In this paper, we report the stabilizing effects of compatible solutes, ectoine, betaine and taurine on membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin at different concentrations. Using atomic force microscopy based single molecule force spectroscopy the impact of the osmolytes was quantified by measuring the forces required to pull the protein out of the membrane and the change in the persistence lengths of the unfolded polypeptide chain. Increase in unfolding forces were observed, indicating the strengthening of intramolecular interactions, which are vital for protein stability. The decrease in persistence lengths was recorded and showed increasing tendencies of the polypeptide strand to coil up. Interestingly, it was revealed that these molecules have different stabilizing effects on protein unfolding at different concentrations. The results show that the unfolding of single protein provides insight to the structure-dynamic relationship between the protein and compatible solute molecules at sub-nanometer scale. This also helps to understand the molecular mechanism involved in protein stabilization by organic osmolytes.
Fault Current Distribution and Pole Earth Potential Rise (EPR) Under Substation Fault
Authors: Nnassereddine M. , Rizk J. , Hellany A. , Nagrial M.
Published: September 2013

New high-voltage (HV) substations are fed by transmission lines. The position of these lines necessitates earthing design to ensure safety compliance of the system. Conductive structures such as steel or concrete poles are widely used in HV transmission mains. The earth potential rise (EPR) generated by a fault at the substation could result in an unsafe condition. This article discusses EPR based on substation fault. The pole EPR assessment under substation fault is assessed with and without mutual impedance consideration. Split factor determination with and without the mutual impedance of the line is also discussed. Furthermore, a simplified formula to compute the pole grid current under substation fault is included. Also, it includes the introduction of the n factor which determines the number of poles that required earthing assessments under substation fault. A case study is shown.
Komplementär-therapeutische Stimulierung der defizitären autorhythmischen arteriolären Vasomotion mittels eines biorhythmisch definierten physikalischen Reizes auf die Mikrozirkulation und das Immunsystem bei 50-jährigen Rehabilitanden
Authors: Klopp Rainer Christian , Niemer Wolfgang , Schulz Jörg
Published: September 2013

In einer placebokontrollierten Untersuchungsreihe wurde an einer Stichprobe aus 50-jährigen Rehabilitanden ermittelt, ob der komplementäre Einsatz einer physikalischen Behandlungsmethode zur Stimulierung der arteriolären Vasomotion den therapeutischen Erfolg etablierter Maßnahmen zur physischen Konditionierung steigern kann. Als Ergebnis zeigte sich, daß sowohl die mikro-zirkulatorische Durchblutungsregulation als auch die (zelluläre) Immunabwehr durch eine zusätzliche physikalische Vasomotions-stimulierung therapierelevant beeinflußt werden können.
Theory of ground-penetrating radars III
Authors: Ramm A. G.
Published: September 2013

- The governing equations are Maxwell’s. The source of the current is either j = ey δ(z − z
0)δ(x)f(t) or eϕ δ(z − z
0)δ(r − r
0)f(t) (straight wire or loop of current, f(t) is a pulse). The conductivity σ(z) and permittivity ε(z) are unknown in the medium (z > 0) and are known in the air (z < 0). The source is in the air: z
0
< 0. The μ is a known constant. The data are the values of E(x, y, z, t) and H(x, y, z, t) for all t > 0, all x, y ∈ R2 on the surface z = 0. For t < 0 the system is at rest: the electromagnetic fields vanish. Given the data, an exact inversion procedure is described to find σ(z) and ε(z).
Some problems of the theory of multidimensional inverse problems
Authors: Anikonov Yu. E.
Published: September 2013

- In this paper, some methods of solution of multidimensional inverse problems are developed. The results of constructive solutions of inverse problems are presented. In particular, inverse problems for differential equations of the second order are considered. Furthermore, problems of integral geometry and problems of determination of convex surfaces are considered. In the last case, the functionals of them are given in the plane. This paper also concerns solution of some other inverse problems.
Influence of refraction to the accuracy of a solution for the 2D-emission tomography problem
Authors: Derevtsov E. Yu. , Dietz R. , Louis A.K. , Schuster T.
Published: September 2013

- We suggest two numerical methods for solving a 2D-emission tomography problem. One of them bases on the approach of best approximation, the other is the algorithm of approximate inverse, which represents a stable regularization scheme for linear ill-posed problems. The mathematical model of emission tomography is given by the exponential ray transform (ERT). The aim of this paper is on the one hand a comparison of both methods by applying them on the inversion of the ERT with constant absorption, and on the other hand the investigation of the reconstruction accuracy, if we have some refraction or absorption within the object under consideration. Several numerical test series quantify the influence of refraction and absorption to the solution and answer some questions, which come from related problems.
Group analysis and formulas in inverse problems of mathematical physics
Authors: Neshchadim M. V.
Published: September 2013

- The heat equation and wave equation are considered. Then class of their exact solutions is constructed both in the one-dimensional and multidimensional case. Multidimensional solutions have functional arbitrariness which can be used for solution of inverse problems.
A multifunctional extension of function spaces: chaotic systems are maximally ill-posed
Authors: Sengupta A. , Ray G.G.
Published: September 2013

- We define a notion of graphical convergence of a net of functions between topological spaces X and Y . This convergence, which differs from that of Kuratowsky by being basically function theoretic rather than set theoretic, is used to define a space of multifunctions Multi(X, Y ) as a natural extension of function spaces, in as far as functional relations are expected to be dense in the space of all relations between two sets. This convergence admits a new definition of continuity of multifunctions that is defined in Section 3.

Multi(X, Y ) appears to be a natural space for the evolution of discrete dynamical systems towards chaos, and Sections 4 and 5 explore this possibility based on the fundamental ill-posedness of the problem.
Identifiability of distributed parameters in beam-type systems
Authors: Lesnic D.
Published: September 2013

- Necessary and sufficient conditions are established for the identifiability, or non-identifiability, of coefficients, e. g. modulus of elasticity, moment of inertia, conductivity, etc., from prescribed deflection and load acting on a beam associated to the Euler -Bernoulli beam theory.
Remarks on modification of Helgason’s support theorem
Authors: Takiguchi T.
Published: September 2013

- It is well known that for uniqueness of the exterior problem for the Radon transform it is necessary and sufficient that a function decays rapidly towards infinity. This is Helgason’s support theorem. Several years ago, J. Boman discussed a modification of this theorem by restricting the condition of rapid decay to an open cone. In this paper, we study this modification.
On iterative methods for solving ill-posed problems modeled by partial differential equations
Authors: Baumeister J. , Leitão A.
Published: September 2013

- We investigate the iterative methods proposed by Maz’ya and Kozlov (see [6, 7]) for solving ill-posed inverse problems modeled by partial differential equations. We consider linear evolutionary problems of elliptic, hyperbolic and parabolic types. Each iteration of the analyzed methods consists in the solution of a well posed problem (boundary value problem or initial value problem respectively). The iterations are described as powers of affine operators, as in [7]. We give alternative convergence proofs for the algorithms by using spectral theory and the fact that the linear parts of these affine operators are non-expansive with additional functional analytical properties (see [9, 10]). Also problems with noisy data are considered and estimates for the convergence rate are obtained under a priori regularity assumptions on the problem data.
Problems of dynamical reconstruction and robust boundary control: the case of the Dirichlet boundary conditions
Authors: Osipov Yu. , Pandolfi L. , Maksimov V.
Published: September 2013

- Problems of dynamical reconstruction of unknown distributed and boundary controls acting on nonlinear hyperbolic equations are discussed. Regularized algorithms reconstructing the unknown input during the evolution of a process are designed. In addition, algorithms for solving problems of robust boundary control are developed. These algorithms are stable with respect to informational noise and computational errors.
The Lur’e problem for a distributed system: the multivariable case
Authors: Pandolfi L.
Published: September 2013

- We study the Lur’e problem for a multivariable system of “parabolic” type (i. e., governed by a holomorphic semigroup). We assume that the input and output spaces are finite-dimensional and we give a sufficient condition under which the Lur’e problem can be solved.
On local solvability of inverse dissipative scattering problems
Authors: Baev A. V.
Published: September 2013

- Much work has been done on inverse scattering problems for one-dimensional acoustic media. Unfortunately, the linear method of the Gel’fand - Levitan integral equations is developed only for inversion from reflection data in case of negligible dissipative effects. On the contrary, measurement data, in geophysical prospecting particularly, are often influenced by these effects. The main result of this paper is a necessary and sufficient condition of solvability of the inverse dissipative scattering problem with data given on a finite time interval. We also consider a bilinear procedure for recovering the dissipation coefficient from the reflection data. The approach is based on a step-by-step split method for numerical solution of a system of the Gel’fand - Levitan integral equations under nonlocal boundary conditions. Besides, we develop a method of inversion of difference schemes for solving the inverse dissipative scattering problems.
Determining two unknown coefficients of parabolic type equation
Authors: Anikonov Yu.E. , Belov Yu.Ya.
Published: September 2013

- A problem of determining two coefficients of many-dimensional parabolic type equation for Cauchy data was considered. The uniqueness and existence theorems of classical solution were proved. Homogeneous and mixed conditions of overdetermination were studied.
An uniqueness theorem related to an inverse scattering problem for a layered elastic half-space
Authors: Romanov V. G. , Weng C.-I , Chen T.-C.
Published: September 2013

- An inverse problem of finding elastic parameters of a layered isotropic medium filling the half-space Ω = {x ∈ R3
| x
3
> 0} is considered. It is assumed that the elastic waves propagation is initiated in Ω by a point source located within the first layer of the half-space. It is proved that the normal component of the displacement vector measured on the boundary of the half-space in a small neighborhood of a fixed point determines uniquely the elastic moduli, densities, number of layers and layer thicknesses of the elastic medium.