bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
КОНТЕНТНА КОЛАБОРАЦІЯ ЯК ПЕРСПЕКТИВА ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЯКОСТІ ОСВІТИ
Authors: Krasnov V. V.
Published: September 2016

There is a problem of exponential information growth in all fields of knowledge. It is shown that the special vulnerability to the “avalanche” of semistructured knowledge are getting participants in the educational process. The problem of low collaboration between data domain experts in creating a single content database is highlighted.

A main principle of content collaboration in Ukraine higher medical education is proposed: 1. Ensuring communication - either through direct communication and remote communication, to achieve the effect of presence. 2. The decision conflicts - with the help of the “round table” with the ultimate goal: achieving a consensus. 3. Primary structuring knowledge - using a memory card. 4. Re-structuring and presenting content - based on knowledge engineering to the development of ontologies declarative and procedural knowledge. 5. Evolve - by providing feedback from the consumers of content, as well as the permanent transfer of new semi-structured data from scientific institutions in the direction of domain experts in the education systems. 6. Continuity - based on the use of international standards.

The conclusion is based on the need of development of inter-institutional content collaboration between specialists for medical subject areas. Collaboration based on methodologies of formalization and structuring of content and the use of standards for the transmission and transformation of knowledge.
ПОРІВНЯЛЬНА ОЦІНКА ЯКОСТІ ЖИТТЯ ПАЦІЄНТІВ, ЯКІ ОТРИМУЮТЬ НИРКОВУ ЗАМІСНУ ТЕРАПІЮ, ПРИ ВИКОРИСТАННІ СТАНДАРТНИХ ТА ІНДИВІДУАЛЬНИХ ПРОГРАМ ЛІКУВАННЯ
Authors: Kuchma I. L.
Published: September 2016

Improvement of methods of renal replacement therapy (RRT), chronic kidney disease (CKD), in particular, the use of modern dialysis technology, the introduction into clinical practice of new methods of providing adequate and gentle treatment led to a significant increase in the life expectancy of patients. At the same time, comes to the fore the problem of quality of life (QOL) of patients. Therefore, the approach of QoL parameters in patients with CKD receiving RRT, to the level of a healthy population is one of the main goals of modern nephrology. In this context, it becomes urgent the choice of method and technique of dialysis. The author studied the basic parameters of the quality of life of patients receiving renal replacement therapy, their relationship to the method of dialysis. The conclusions about the need for further study of correlations uremic, hematological parameters with quality of life and the development of mathematical models of individual dialysis programs.
ІНФОРМАЦІЙНІ АСПЕКТИ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ЕФЕКТИВНОСТІ ДЕРЖАВНО-ПРИВАТНОГО ПАРТНЕРСТВА В МЕДИЧНІЙ ТА ФАРМАЦЕВТИЧНІЙ НАУЦІ ТА ОСВІТІ. СТРАТЕГІЯ УПРАВЛІННЯ
Authors: Mintser O. P. , Sinyenko N. O. , Zagorii G. V.
Published: September 2016

The article is devoted to research of models and mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in medical and pharmaceutical science and education. It is emphasized that in medical and pharmaceutical education in Ukraine there are only isolated cases of implementation of effective public-private partnership. The new approaches related to the creation of knowledge triangle are proposed. To reduce potential financial risks the creation of reserve fund that will be a tactical and technological damper of change of risks of external system is prompted.
КРОС-ПЛАТФОРМНЕ ОБ’ЄДНАННЯ ДАНИХ МІКРОМАСИВ-ЕКСПЕРИМЕНТІВ ТА ЙОГО ВПЛИВ НА ЗНАЧЕННЯ ГЕННОЇ ЕКСПРЕСІЇ ПРИ АНАЛІЗІ ЗРАЗКІВ РАКОВИХ ПУХЛИН МОЛОЧНОЇ ЗАЛОЗИ ЛЮДИНИ
Authors: Frolova A. O. , Bondarenko V. S. , Obolenska M. Yu.
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Currently advances in different fields of biology and medicine accumulated large amount of high-throughput microarray datasets. It allows comparing, merging and analyzing such data in order to get more informative and statistically significant results. However, the process of cross-platform microarray data integration is complicated by different platform designs, that is the kind of probes used, the hybridization paradigm, the labeling and production methods. Such characteristics of microarray platforms should be considered when analyzing datasets from one study and even more when merging datasets.
ВПЛИВ ПОЛІХРОМАТИЧНОГО ПОЛЯРИЗОВАНОГО СВІТЛА В ПОЄДНАННІ З БЛИЖНІМ ІНФРАЧЕРВОНИМ ВИПРОМІНЮВАННЯМ НА НЕЙРОГУМОРАЛЬНІ, ІМУННІ ТА ТКАНИННІ ЗМІНИ ПРИ ОПІКОВІЙ ТРАВМІ
Authors: Gulyar S. O. , Strelchenko Yu. I. , Jelskii V. M.
Published: September 2016

We performed experimental studies on rats who received dosed influence by open flame on the skin. We observed polarized light positive influence on central nerve system functional state at burns. There activated anti-stress and adaptive stimulating mechanisms. We singled out, that under the influence of polarized light, there occurs accelerated restriction of derma depth alteration restriction and skin tissues secondary alteration and sub muscles. We singled out activation of mechanisms that restrict inflammation, fibroblasts proliferation increase. We observed it on the background of stimulation of granulations formation and neoangiogenesis, stimulation of keratocytes migration and wound surface epithelialization.
ДО ПИТАННЯ ПРО ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ ТА СОЦІАЛЬНІ АСПЕКТИ ДИСТАНЦІЙНОГО НАВЧАННЯ ЛІКАРІВ-ПЕДІАТРІВ НА ПІСЛЯДИПЛОМНОМУ ЕТАПІ
Authors: Ryzhov O. A. , Kotlova Yu. V. , Ivanova K. O. , Levchuk T. O.
Published: September 2016

In the article the psychological and social aspects of the controlled from distance educating (DE) of doctors of pediatricians are presented on the postgraduate education. Research was conducted by a questionnaire. It is marked that by main reason to educating for most doctors there is a professional height, and is DE the perspective method of educating. Respondents distinguished positive parties DE: comfort (flexible chart, possibility to promote the qualification without tearing away from a production), economy, quickness of receipt of new modern information, also possibility immediately to use her.
Combination of Whole Genome Sequencing, Linkage, and Functional Studies Implicates a Missense Mutation in Titin as a Cause of Autosomal Dominant Cardiomyopathy With Features of Left Ventricular Noncompaction
Authors: Hastings Robert , de Villiers Carin P. , Hooper Charlotte , Ormondroyd Liz , Pagnamenta Alistair , Lise Stefano , Salatino Silvia , Knight Samantha J.L. , Taylor Jenny C. , Thomson Kate L. , Arnold Linda , Chatziefthimiou Spyros D. , Konarev Petr V. , Wilmanns Matthias , Ehler Elisabeth , Ghisleni Andrea , Gautel Mathias , Blair Edward , Watkins Hugh , Gehmlich Katja
Published: September 2016

Background—

High throughput next-generation sequencing techniques have made whole genome sequencing accessible in clinical practice; however, the abundance of variation in the human genomes makes the identification of a disease-causing mutation on a background of benign rare variants challenging.

Methods and Results—

Here we combine whole genome sequencing with linkage analysis in a 3-generation family affected by cardiomyopathy with features of autosomal dominant left ventricular noncompaction cardiomyopathy. A missense mutation in the giant protein titin is the only plausible disease-causing variant that segregates with disease among the 7 surviving affected individuals, with interrogation of the entire genome excluding other potential causes. This A178D missense mutation, affecting a conserved residue in the second immunoglobulin-like domain of titin, was introduced in a bacterially expressed recombinant protein fragment and biophysically characterized in comparison to its wild-type counterpart. Multiple experiments, including size exclusion chromatography, small-angle x ray scattering, and circular dichroism spectroscopy suggest partial unfolding and domain destabilization in the presence of the mutation. Moreover, binding experiments in mammalian cells show that the mutation markedly impairs binding to the titin ligand telethonin.

Conclusions—

Here we present genetic and functional evidence implicating the novel A178D missense mutation in titin as the cause of a highly penetrant familial cardiomyopathy with features of left ventricular noncompaction. This expands the spectrum of titin’s roles in cardiomyopathies. It furthermore highlights that rare titin missense variants, currently often ignored or left uninterpreted, should be considered to be relevant for cardiomyopathies and can be identified by the approach presented here.
Efficacy and Safety of Alirocumab 150 mg Every 4 Weeks in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia Not on Statin Therapy: The ODYSSEY CHOICE II Study
Authors: Stroes Erik , Guyton John R. , Lepor Norman , Civeira Fernando , Gaudet Daniel , Watts Gerald F. , Baccara‐Dinet Marie T. , Lecorps Guillaume , Manvelian Garen , Farnier Michel , Kostner K. , Lehman S. , Descamps O. , Gheyle L. , Mathieu C. , Bergeron J. , Elliott T. , Girard G. , Gupta A. , Hoag G. , Hove J. , Jeppesen J. , Kjærulf J.H. , Klarlund K. , Thomsen K.K. , Basart D.C.G. , Kooy A. , Liem A. , Swart H. , Troquay R. , Van Het Hof‐Wiersma J , Viergever P. , Visseren F. , Doughty R.N. , Scott R. , Calvo C. , Díaz‐Díaz J.L. , Fuentes F. , Gil‐Extremera B. , Jericó C. , Matas Pericas L. , Mediavilla Garcia J.D. , Bolster D.E. , Koren M. , El Shahawy M. , Vardi G. , Weinstein D. , Zuzarte K. , Ginsberg Henry , Robinson Jennifer G. , Rader Daniel J. , Cannon Christopher P. , Colhoun Helen , Kastelein John J.P. , Huo Yong , Olsson Anders , Waters David , Larrey Dominique , Rosenson Robert S. , Patriarca Peter A. , Molenberghs Geert , Tricoci Pierluigi , Mahaffey Kenneth W. , Lopes Renato D. , Shah Bimal R. , Mehta Rajendra H. , Roe Matthew T. , Eapen Zubin , Armaganijan Luciana , Bertolami Adriana , Leonardi Sergio , Kolls Bradley J. , Jordan J. Dedrick , Ducrocq Grégory , Puymirat Etienne , Mathews Robin
Published: September 2016

Background

The
PCSK
9 antibody alirocumab (75 mg every 2 weeks; Q2W) as monotherapy reduced low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (
LDL
‐C) levels by 47%. Because the option of a monthly dosing regimen is convenient,
ODYSSEY CHOICE II
evaluated alirocumab 150 mg Q4W in patients with inadequately controlled hypercholesterolemia and not on statin (majority with statin‐associated muscle symptoms), receiving treatment with fenofibrate, ezetimibe, or diet alone.

Methods and Results

Patients were randomly assigned to placebo, alirocumab 150 mg Q4W or 75 mg Q2W (calibrator arm), with dose adjustment to 150 mg Q2W at week (W) 12 if W8 predefined
LDL
‐C target levels were not met. The primary efficacy endpoint was
LDL
‐C percentage change from baseline to W24. Mean baseline
LDL
‐C levels were 163.9 mg/dL (alirocumab 150 mg Q4W, n=59), 154.5 mg/dL (alirocumab 75 mg Q2W, n=116), and 158.5 mg/dL (placebo, n=58). In the alirocumab 150 mg Q4W and 75 mg Q2W groups (49.1% and 36.0% of patients received dose adjustment, respectively), least‐squares mean
LDL
‐C changes from baseline to W24 were −51.7% and −53.5%, respectively (placebo [+4.7%]; both groups
P
<0.0001 versus placebo). In total, 63.9% and 70.3% of alirocumab‐treated patients achieved their
LDL
‐C targets at W24. Treatment‐emergent adverse events occurred in 77.6% (alirocumab 150 mg Q4W), 73.0% (alirocumab 75 mg Q2W), and 63.8% (placebo) of patients, with injection‐site reactions among the most common treatment‐emergent adverse events.

Conclusions

Alirocumab 150 mg Q4W can be considered in patients not on statin with inadequately controlled hypercholesterolemia as a convenient option for lowering
LDL
‐C.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL
:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier:
NCT
02023879.
Validation of a Modified CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc Score for Stroke Risk Stratification in Asian Patients With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Chao Tze-Fan , Lip Gregory Y.H. , Liu Chia-Jen , Tuan Ta-Chuan , Chen Su-Jung , Wang Kang-Ling , Lin Yenn-Jiang , Chang Shih-Lin , Lo Li-Wei , Hu Yu-Feng , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Chiang Chern-En , Chen Shih-Ann
Published: September 2016

Background and Purpose—

The age threshold for an increased stroke risk for patients with atrial fibrillation may be different for Asians and non-Asians. We hypothesized that a modified CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc (congestive heart failure, hypertension, age ≥75, diabetes mellitus, prior stroke or transient ischemic attack, vascular disease, age 65–74 years, female) scheme, mCHA
2
DS
2
-VASc, which assigned one point for patients aged 50 to 74 years, may perform better than CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score for stroke risk stratification in Asians.

Methods—

This study used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, which included 224 866 newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation patients. The predictive accuracies of ischemic stroke of CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc and mCHA
2
DS
2
-VASc scores were compared among 124 271 patients without antithrombotic therapies. From the whole cohort, 15 948 patients had a CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score 0 (males) or 1 (females), and 8654 patients had an mCHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score 1 (males) or 2 (females). The latter were categorized into 3 groups, that is, no treatment, antiplatelet therapy, and warfarin, and the risks of ischemic stroke and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were compared.

Results—

During a follow-up of 538 653 person-years, 21 008 patients experienced ischemic stroke. The mCHA
2
DS
2
-VASc performed better than CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score in predicting ischemic stroke assessed by C indexes and net reclassification index. For 8654 patients having an mCHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score of 1 (males) or 2 (females) because of the resetting of the age threshold, use of warfarin was associated with a 30% lower risk of ischemic stroke and a similar risk of ICH compared with nontreatment. Net clinical benefit analyses also favored the use of warfarin in different weighted models.

Conclusions—

In this Asian atrial fibrillation cohort, the mCHA
2
DS
2
-VASc score performed better than the CHA
2
DS
2
-VASc and would further identify atrial fibrillation patients who may derive a positive net clinical benefit from oral anticoagulation.
Comparing the Effects of 10-Hz Repetitive TMS on Tasks of Visual STM and Attention
Authors: Emrich Stephen M. , Johnson Jeffrey S. , Sutterer David W. , Postle Bradley R.
Published: September 2016

Numerous studies have demonstrated that visual STM (VSTM) and attention are tightly linked processes that share a number of neuroanatomical substrates. Here, we used repetitive TMS (rTMS) along with simultaneous EEG to examine the causal relationship between intraparietal sulcus functioning and performance on tasks of attention and VSTM. Participants performed two tasks in which they were required to attend to or remember colored items over a brief interval, with 10-Hz rTMS applied on some of the trials. Although no overall behavioral changes were observed across either task, rTMS did affect individual performance on both the attention and VSTM tasks in a manner that was predicted by individual differences in baseline performance. Furthermore, rTMS also affected ongoing oscillations in the alpha and beta bands, and these changes were related to the observed change in behavioral performance. The results reveal a causal relationship between intraparietal sulcus activity and tasks measuring both visual attention and VSTM.
An Online Structural Plasticity Rule for Generating Better Reservoirs
Authors: Roy Subhrajit , Basu Arindam
Published: September 2016

In this letter, we propose a novel neuro-inspired low-resolution online unsupervised learning rule to train the reservoir or liquid of liquid state machines. The liquid is a sparsely interconnected huge recurrent network of spiking neurons. The proposed learning rule is inspired from structural plasticity and trains the liquid through formating and eliminating synaptic connections. Hence, the learning involves rewiring of the reservoir connections similar to structural plasticity observed in biological neural networks. The network connections can be stored as a connection matrix and updated in memory by using address event representation (AER) protocols, which are generally employed in neuromorphic systems. On investigating the pairwise separation property, we find that trained liquids provide 1.36 [Formula: see text] 0.18 times more interclass separation while retaining similar intraclass separation as compared to random liquids. Moreover, analysis of the linear separation property reveals that trained liquids are 2.05 [Formula: see text] 0.27 times better than random liquids. Furthermore, we show that our liquids are able to retain the generalization ability and generality of random liquids. A memory analysis shows that trained liquids have 83.67 [Formula: see text] 5.79 ms longer fading memory than random liquids, which have shown 92.8 [Formula: see text] 5.03 ms fading memory for a particular type of spike train inputs. We also throw some light on the dynamics of the evolution of recurrent connections within the liquid. Moreover, compared to separation-driven synaptic modification', a recently proposed algorithm for iteratively refining reservoirs, our learning rule provides 9.30%, 15.21%, and 12.52% more liquid separations and 2.8%, 9.1%, and 7.9% better classification accuracies for 4, 8, and 12 class pattern recognition tasks, respectively.
Characterization of 14 novel microsatellite loci in the Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) via 454 pyrosequencing
Authors: Wood Jared P. , Campbell Todd S. , Page Robert B.
Published: September 2016

We have developed 14 novel microsatellite loci for the Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae), using samples from invasive populations from the US state of Florida. Pyrosequencing was used to identify 3154 potentially amplifiable microsatellite loci and to subsequently develop 14 informative markers. These 14 markers were screened for variation in 40 individuals from Miami-Dade County, Florida. All loci were polymorphic and contained between 2 and 4 alleles per locus (mean ± SE = 2.71 ± 0.24), with observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.00 to 0.88 (mean ± SE = 0.38 ± 0.07). Four of the loci (Teg4, Teg5, Teg17, Teg19) significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg proportions and three of these loci (Teg4, Teg5, Teg19) showed evidence of null alleles. In addition, there was statistical evidence for genotypic disequilibrium between Teg14 and Teg19. BLASTn searches of NCBI’s ‘nr/nt’ database using microsatellite containing 454 fragments as queries were largely uninformative; however, it is likely that some of these markers will be of utility in S. merinae’s native range.
The Prospects for Holy War
Authors: Martin Terence J.
Published: September 2016

This essay offers a reading of “A Most Useful Discussion Concerning Proposals for War against the Turks.” What we have in the “Useful Discussion” is a mock consultation, a literary creation in which Erasmus appears to offer judicious advice on how Christendom might wage a successful war against the Turks, only to undercut the very prospects for such a war by means of various strategies of indirection, hesitation, and ironic reversal. Erasmus works critically and ironically on several levels at once—unsettling the dogmatism of war-mongers, surprising Luther and his critics, frustrating the interests of the powerful, and nudging everyone to think seriously about fundamental questions of human life. Though the “Useful Discussion” may appear to address a specific question about a specific war, it in fact speaks—in its pendular and ironic manner—to more basic questions, inviting readers to reflect with amazement and remorse upon the numbness and deafness of human beings before God; and, on that basis, to work to enhance the moral quality of life.
Macropsini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) of Thailand, with description of two new species and three new country records
Authors: YANG LIYUAN , DIETRICH CHRISTOPHER H. , ZHANG YALIN
Published: September 2016

The fauna of Thailand was previously known to include only a single species of Macropsini. Study of an extensive collection of recent Malaise trap samples from Thailand revealed the presence of five additional species of this leafhopper tribe, including two new species, Pediopsis thailandensis and Varicopsella odontoida spp. nov., described and illustrated herein; and three additional species, Macropsis hainanensis, P. rufoscutellata and V. elegans, previously recorded from neighboring countries. A key to genera and species of the Macropsini of Thailand is provided.
A new species of Lilophaea Bechyné (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae) with a historical background and a checklist of the genus
Authors: GROLL ELISA VON , MOURA LUCIANO DE A.
Published: September 2016

A new species of Lilophaea Bechyné (Luperina) from Southern Brazil, Lilophaea sulina sp. nov. is described and illustrated. The complexity behind the taxonomic history for Lilophaea in relation to two similar genera (Luperodes and Monolepta), is approached herein. After the description of L. sulina sp. nov., 19 species of this genus are currently known, all Neotropical. An updated list of species of Lilophaea with their respective geographical distribution is provided.
Phylogeny and genetic variation within the widely distributed Bluntnose Minnow, Pimephales notatus (Cyprinidae), in North America
Authors: SCHÖNHUTH SUSANA , BEACHUM COLLIN E. , KNOUFT JASON H. , MAYDEN RICHARD L.
Published: September 2016

This study represents a phylogenetic analysis of Pimephales notatus, a widely distributed North American cyprinid fish species, using one mitochondrial (cytb) and two nuclear (S7 and Rag1) genes. Despite the broad geographic distribution of this species that includes independent basins, results suggest a largely drainage-independent genetic structure. Results reveal a well-supported lineage in the Ozark Highlands, which is highly divergent from the remaining populations and may represent a long-term isolated lineage that should be considered as a separate conservation and management unit. All other remaining populations comprised a widely distributed lineage, covering most of the distribution for the species (from the Red River and tributaries of the Great Lakes in the north to the lower Mississippi and Mobile basin in the south, and from the Missouri River in the west to the Chesapeake and Albemarle Sound basins in the east). Phylogenetic, genetic diversity, and biogeographical data suggest that this wide-ranging lineage could have experienced a recent expansion to northern areas where populations exhibit little genetic variation. Results from molecular analyses reveal a distinctive lineage in the Ozarks and suggest that there is need for morphological analyses within P. notatus to determine its taxonomic status.
The Oncometopia orbona species group (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Proconiini)
Authors: RAKITOV ROMAN
Published: September 2016

The Oncometopia orbona group of species is defined based on the characteristic structure of the male aedeagus. A key to males and females of 9 species is included, among which 5 are newly described from the U.S.A., Mexico, and Central America: O. orbona (F.), O. nigricans (Walker), O. obtusa (F.), O. clarior (Walker) (= Proconia badia Walker syn. n., Proconia scutellata Walker synonymy reinstated), O. hamiltoni sp. n., O. acicularis sp. n., O. lepida sp. n., O. pelvica sp. n., and O. unispina sp. n. The systematics of the group presents some unusual cases. In particular, O. lepida sp. n. and O. pelvica sp. n. differ from one another in the shape of the female genital chamber sclerites, but not in the male genitalia. Oncometopia nigricans is almost identical in the genitalic characters of both sexes to O. hamiltoni sp. n., from which it is dissimilar externally, as confirmed by morphometric analysis, but is externally similar to O. orbona, from which it strongly differs in both the male and female genitalia. The rare intermediate forms from northern Florida and southern Georgia are interpreted as orbona x nigricans hybrids. Oncometopia clarior is treated as a complex of species which at present cannot be separated.
Liquid–Ice Mass Partition in Tropical Maritime Convective Clouds
Authors: Yang Jing , Wang Zhien , Heymsfield Andrew , Luo Tao
Published: September 2016

The liquid–ice mass partitioning in tropical maritime convective clouds is studied using data collected by the National Center for Atmospheric Research C-130 research aircraft during the Ice in Clouds Experiment–Tropical project. The clouds investigated by the C-130 in this study generally contained weak to moderate updrafts. The liquid water content (LWC) is calculated using a combination of hot-wire and imaging probes. The total condensed water content (CWC) is measured by a counterflow virtual impactor. The ice water content (IWC) is calculated as CWC minus LWC. Taking into account potential significant measurement uncertainties, the liquid fraction [i.e., LWC/(LWC + IWC)] between 0° and −15°C appears to decrease by a factor of about 3 in updrafts near (<500 m) cloud top and a factor of 2 in updrafts far below (>500 m) cloud top. The decrease in liquid fraction as a function of temperature is also correlated with cloud life cycle. In dissipating clouds, ice dominates in all temperature ranges. A comparison between this study and two parameterizations shows that at different geographic locations the liquid fraction in convective clouds differs. Because of the sampling bias and the limitations of instruments, more measurements, especially with more advanced instruments, are needed in the future.
Improving Sensitivity and Reproducibility of SERS Sensing in Microenvironments Using Individual, Optically Trapped Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy(SERS) Probes
Authors: Strobbia Pietro , Mayer Adam , Cullum Brian M
Published: September 2016

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensors offer many advantages for chemical analyses, including the ability to provide chemical specific information and multiplexed detection capability at specific locations. However, to have operative SERS sensors for probing microenvironments, probes with high signal enhancement and reproducibility are necessary. To this end, dynamic enhancement of SERS (i.e., in-situ amplification of signal-to-noise and signal-to-background ratios) from individual probes has been explored. In this paper, we characterize the use of optical tweezers to amplify SERS signals as well as suppress background signals via trapping of individual SERS active probes. This amplification is achieved through a steady presence of a single “hot” particle in the focus of the excitation laser. In addition to increases in signal and concomitant decreases in non-SERS backgrounds, optical trapping results in an eightfold increase in the stability of the signal as well. This enhancement strategy was demonstrated using both single and multilayered SERS sub-micron probes, producing combined signal enhancements of 24-fold (beyond the native 106 SERS enhancement) for a three-layered geometry. The ability to dynamically control the enhancement offers the possibility to develop SERS-based sensors and probes with tailored sensitivities. In addition, since this trapping enhancement can be used to observe individual probes with low laser fluences, it could offer particular interest in probing the composition of microenvironments not amenable to tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy or other scanning probe methods (e.g., intracellular analyses, etc.).
Improving Resident Knowledge of Spacers
Authors: Kilgore Brian , Al Katranji Khalid , Woodall Meredith , Shepherd Meagan , Flesher Susan L.
Published: September 2016

Studies show the delivery of inhaled medications is maximized when a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer is utilized. Our residents expressed concern with their knowledge of MDIs and spacers. This study was designed to address those concerns. Residents were given a 12-question pre-intervention, self-assessment questionnaire that explored their overall knowledge and comfort in utilizing MDI with spacers. Participants then received educational intervention via multimedia videos and a demonstration of proper use of MDI with spacer. Participants were given the same questionnaire immediately following the education and again 3 months later. Improvement was significant ( P < .05) for each element studied as derived from the 12 questions. Improvement remained significant when these variables were assessed in the 3-month follow-up. In this study, we successfully improved the ability of our residents to deliver quality care by improving their knowledge and confidence in utilizing MDIs with spacers.
Urban Governance and Economic Development in Medellín
Authors: Franz Tobias
Published: September 2016

Many of the academic analyses calling Medellín’s development an “urban miracle” fall short with regard to discussion of the political economic implications of institutional shifts. An emerging transnational capitalist class promoted ‘good governance’ reforms and the embedding of neoliberalism in the urban context. Medellín’s neoliberal development agenda is not only a market-led strategy but also a particular form of hierarchic rule and distribution of power. Increased economic activities in the tertiary sector, the promotion of flexible labor markets, and the incorporation of the city into the global economy at the lower end of the value chain have not served as sustainable growth escalators for Medellín’s economy. The city continues to have high rates of un- and underemployment and is still the country’s most unequal city. These developments can by no means be described as miraculous.

Muchos de los análisis académicos que describen el desarrollo de Medellín como un “milagro urbano” se quedan cortos en cuanto a la discusión de las implicaciones político-económicas de los cambios institucionales. Una nueva clase capitalista transnacional promovió las reformas de buena gobernanza y la incorporación del neoliberalismo en el contexto urbano. El plan de desarrollo neoliberal de Medellín no es sólo una estrategia orientada al mercado sino que también es una forma jerárquica de gobierno y distribución del poder. El aumento de las actividades económicas en el sector sectario, la promoción de un mercado laboral flexible y la incorporación de la ciudad en la economía global en el nivel más bajo de la cadena de valor no han servido como palancas para el crecimiento económico sustentable de Medellín. La ciudad sigue teniendo las tasas de desempleo y subempleo más altas de Colombia y todavía es la ciudad más desigual del país. Estos desarrollos no pueden ser descritos en modo alguno como milagrosos.
Local Population Change and Variations in Racial Integration in the United States, 2000–2010
Authors: Bellman Benjamin , Spielman Seth E. , Franklin Rachel S.
Published: September 2016

While population growth has been consistently tied to decreasing racial segregation at the metropolitan level in the United States, little work has been done to relate small-scale changes in population size to integration. We address this question through a novel technique that tracks population changes by race and ethnicity for comparable geographies in both 2000 and 2010. Using the Theil index, we analyze the fifty most populous metropolitan statistical areas in 2010 for changes in multigroup segregation. We classify local areas by their net population change between 2000 and 2010 using a unique unit of analysis based on aggregating census blocks. We find strong evidence that growing parts of rapidly growing metropolitan areas of the United States are crucial to understanding regional differences in segregation that have emerged in past decades. Multigroup segregation declined the most in growing parts of growing metropolitan areas. Comparatively, growing parts of shrinking or stagnant metropolitan areas were less diverse and had smaller declines in segregation. We also find that local areas with shrinking populations had disproportionately high minority representation in 2000 before population loss took place. We conclude that the regional context of population growth or decline has important consequences for the residential mixing of racial groups.
Prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and non-verbal cognitive functioning in childhood
Authors: El Marroun Hanan , White Tonya J , Fernandez Guillen , Jaddoe Vincent WV , Verhulst Frank C , Stricker Bruno H , Tiemeier Henning
Published: September 2016

Selective serotonin reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently used during pregnancy. Evidence about the long-term consequences of prenatal SSRI exposure on child neurodevelopment is controversial. We prospectively investigated whether prenatal SSRI exposure was associated with childhood non-verbal cognition in a population-based study, and contrasted it to exposure to depressive symptoms (without SSRIs). We included 71 children prenatally exposed to SSRIs, 385 children prenatally exposed to maternal depressive symptoms and 5427 unexposed children. Child executive functioning was assessed by maternal report at 4 years ( n=4020). Non-verbal intelligence was measured at 5 years ( n=5001) and children were tested with a neuropsychological battery at 7 years ( n=1194). Prenatal SSRI exposure was not related to maternal reported executive function at 4 years, nor was it related with observed non-verbal intelligence at age 5 or neuropsychological function at 7 years. Exposure to untreated maternal depressive symptoms was related to maternal reported shifting problems and emotional control problems at 4 years. No associations between exposure to depressive symptoms and observed non-verbal IQ at 5 years or neuropsychological function at 7 years were found. This population-based study suggests that neither SSRI use nor untreated depressive symptoms during pregnancy had a major impact on child non-verbal cognition.
Effects of an NMDA antagonist on the auditory mismatch negativity response to transcranial direct current stimulation
Authors: Impey Danielle , de la Salle Sara , Baddeley Ashley , Knott Verner
Published: September 2016

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive form of brain stimulation which uses a weak constant current to alter cortical excitability and activity temporarily. tDCS-induced increases in neuronal excitability and performance improvements have been observed following anodal stimulation of brain regions associated with visual and motor functions, but relatively little research has been conducted with respect to auditory processing. Recently, pilot study results indicate that anodal tDCS can increase auditory deviance detection, whereas cathodal tDCS decreases auditory processing, as measured by a brain-based event-related potential (ERP), mismatch negativity (MMN). As evidence has shown that tDCS lasting effects may be dependent on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity, the current study investigated the use of dextromethorphan (DMO), an NMDA antagonist, to assess possible modulation of tDCS’s effects on both MMN and working memory performance. The study, conducted in 12 healthy volunteers, involved four laboratory test sessions within a randomised, placebo and sham-controlled crossover design that compared pre- and post-anodal tDCS over the auditory cortex (2 mA for 20 minutes to excite cortical activity temporarily and locally) and sham stimulation (i.e. device is turned off) during both DMO (50 mL) and placebo administration. Anodal tDCS increased MMN amplitudes with placebo administration. Significant increases were not seen with sham stimulation or with anodal stimulation during DMO administration. With sham stimulation (i.e. no stimulation), DMO decreased MMN amplitudes. Findings from this study contribute to the understanding of underlying neurobiological mechanisms mediating tDCS sensory and memory improvements.
Effects of tetrahydrocannabinol on balance and gait in patients with dementia: A randomised controlled crossover trial
Authors: van den Elsen Geke AH , Tobben Lieke , Ahmed Amir IA , Verkes Robbert Jan , Kramers Cornelis , Marijnissen Radboud M , Olde Rikkert Marcel GM , van der Marck Marjolein A
Published: September 2016

Oral tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is currently studied for its possible efficacy on dementia-related neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), but might lead to increased risk of falling. This was a randomised, double-blind, crossover study to evaluate the effects of THC on mobility in dementia patients. Eighteen community-dwelling patients ( Mage=77 years) received 1.5 mg of oral THC twice daily and placebo, in random order, for three days, separated by a four-day washout. Balance and gait were assessed using SwayStarTM and GAITRiteTM within two hours after administration, in two consecutive intervention periods, under the following conditions: standing with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC), preferred speed walking with and without a cognitive dual task. THC significantly increased sway during standing EC (roll angle 0.32[±0.6]°, p=0.05; pitch angle 1.04[±1.5]°, p=0.009; pitch velocity 1.96[±3.3]°/s, p=0.02), but not during standing EO. During preferred speed walking, THC increased stride length (4.3[±5.4] cm, p=0.005) and trunk sway (pitch angle 1.18[±1.6]°, p=0.005). No effects were observed during dual task walking. No differences in the number and type of adverse events were found, and no falls occurred after administration of THC. This study showed that 3 mg of THC per day has a benign adverse event profile regarding mobility and was well tolerated by community-dwelling dementia patients.
Southeast Asian Landscapes Are Facing Rapid Transition
Authors: Reza Mohammad Imam Hasan
Published: September 2016

Southeast Asian landscapes have been shifting from natural landscapes to the modified landscapes at a rate faster than ever. Ecological integrity is under tremendous pressure due to the anthropogenic developmental activities. Little attention, however, has been paid to identify the major underlying causes of this rapid landscape transformation. This article discusses these issues from the point of view of a landscape ecologist. Landsat TM 30 m satellite images of 1988, 1996, and Landsat ETM+ 30 m image of 2005 were classified using ERDAS Imagine 9.2. Vector-based Landscape Analysis Tools Extension software was used in analyzing landscape patterns. Landscape size and shape metrics have revealed that the main transformation occurred in the first period (between the years 1988 and 1996) which was due to the rapid extension of the commercial agriculture. However, in the second period (between the year 1996 and 2005), the main driver of rapid landscape transformation occurred due to the expansion of urban areas, transportation networks, housing, and township. The pace of developmental activities breaks all previous records at a faster rate in the second period as compared with the first. These findings will provide necessary information about the driving forces which have a potential use for sustainable management decision processes. Additionally, results and data on landscape patterns may help scientists, academics, and researchers in further study. They can also be of potential use for the sustainable management of natural resources, urban planning, and livable green cities.
Cerebral autoregulation and symptoms of orthostatic hypotension in familial dysautonomia
Authors: Fuente Mora Cristina , Palma Jose-Alberto , Kaufmann Horacio , Norcliffe-Kaufmann Lucy
Published: September 2016

Familial dysautonomia is an inherited autonomic disorder with afferent baroreflex failure. We questioned why despite low blood pressure standing, surprisingly few familial dysautonomia patients complain of symptomatic hypotension or have syncope. Using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography of the middle cerebral artery, we measured flow velocity (mean, peak systolic, and diastolic), area under the curve, pulsatility index, and height of the dictrotic notch in 25 patients with familial dysautonomia and 15 controls. In patients, changing from sitting to a standing position, decreased BP from 124 ± 4/64 ± 3 to 82 ± 3/37 ± 2 mmHg (p < 0.0001, for both). Despite low BP, all patients denied orthostatic symptoms. Middle cerebral artery velocity fell minimally, and the magnitude of the reductions were similar to those observed in healthy controls, in whom BP upright did not fall. While standing, patients had a greater fall in cerebrovascular resistance (p < 0.0001), an increase in pulsatility (p < 0.0001), and a deepening of the dicrotic notch (p = 0.0010), findings all consistent with low cerebrovascular resistance. No significant changes occurred in controls. Patients born with baroreflex deafferentation retain the ability to buffer wide fluctuations in BP and auto-regulate cerebral blood flow. This explains how they can tolerate extremely low BPs standing that would otherwise induce syncope.
Morphology and Anatomic Patellar Instability Risk Factors in First-Time Traumatic Lateral Patellar Dislocations: A Prospective Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study in Skeletally Immature Children
Authors: Askenberger Marie , Janarv Per-Mats , Finnbogason Throstur , Arendt Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2016

Background:

The incidence of primary lateral patellar dislocation (LPD) in children aged 9 to 14 years is 0.6 to 1.2 per 1000. Causation is assumed to be multifactorial, including anatomic variants of the patellofemoral (PF) joint that result in a higher risk of LPD. No publication has compared the morphology of the PF joint and anatomic patellar instability risk factors (APIFs) in a primary LPD population versus controls, defining children by skeletal maturity.

Purpose:

To characterize the PF morphology and APIFs (trochlear dysplasia, abnormal lateral patellar tilt, elevated tibial tubercle–trochlear groove [TT-TG] distance, patella alta) through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements in skeletally immature children with and without a primary LPD and to identify (potential) distinctive differences between these 2 groups.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A prospective series of 103 skeletally immature children aged 9 to 14 years with an MRI-confirmed primary LPD were matched with a control group of 69 children. The PF morphology and APIFs were assessed during a 2.5-year period with standardized MRI using sagittal and axial views.

Results:

In the LPD group, 79% had 2 to 4 APIFs compared with 7% in the control group. All major measurements of trochlear dysplasia were significantly different between the 2 groups. The mean central condylar height was significantly higher in the LPD group compared with the control group, resulting in a lower trochlear depth (2.3 vs 4.5 mm, respectively) and higher sulcus angle (156.7° vs 141.1°, respectively). The LPD group had significantly higher values of patellar height, Caton-Deschamps index (1.33 vs 1.15, respectively), lateral patellar tilt (21.1° vs 8.5°, respectively), and TT-TG distance (13.9 vs 9.8 mm, respectively) compared with the control group. The main divergent APIF was trochlear dysplasia (defined as trochlear depth <3 mm), seen in 74% of the LPD group compared with 4% of the control group. Elevated TT-TG distance as a single APIF was never present in the LPD group; patellar tilt was only seen in the LPD group. The most common APIF in the control group was patella alta (36%).

Conclusion:

There was a significant difference in mean values of all established APIFs between the children with a first-time LPD and the controls. Trochlear dysplasia was the main APIF, and together with lateral patellar tilt (≥20°), they had the strongest association with LPD.
In vivo monitoring of transfected DNA, gene expression kinetics, and cellular immune responses in mice immunized with a human NIS gene-expressing plasmid
Authors: Son Hye-Youn , Jeon Yong-Hyun , Chung June-Key , Kim Chul-Woo
Published: September 2016

In assessing the effectiveness of DNA vaccines, it is important to monitor: (1) the kinetics of target gene expression in vivo; and (2) the movement of cells that become transfected with the plasmid DNA used in the immunization of a subject. In this study, we used, as a visual imaging marker, expression of the transfected human sodium/iodide symporter ( hNIS) gene, which enhances intracellular radio-pertechnetate (TcO4–) accumulation. After intradermal (i.d.) and systemic injection of mice with pcDNA-hNIS and radioactive Technetium-99m (Tc-99m), respectively, whole-body images were obtained by nuclear scintigraphy. The migration of mice cells transfected with the hNIS gene was monitored over a 2-week period by gamma-radioactivity counting of isolated cell populations and was demonstrated in peripheral lymphoid tissues, especially in the draining lymph nodes (dLNs). Beginning at 24 h after DNA inoculation and continuing for the 2-week monitoring period, hNIS-expressing cells were observed specifically in the T-cell–rich zones of the paracortical area of the dLNs. Over the same time period, high levels of INF-γ–secreting CD8 T-cells were found in the dLNs of the pcDNA-hNIS immunized mice. Tumor growth was also significantly retarded in the mice that received hNIS DNA immunization followed by inoculation with CT26 colorectal adenocarcinoma cells that had been transfected with the rat NIS gene ( rNIS), which is 93% homologous to the hNIS gene. In conclusion, mouse cells transfected with hNIS DNA after i.d. immunization were found to traffic to the dLNs, and hNIS gene expression in these cells continued for at least 2 weeks post immunization. Furthermore, sequential presentation of NIS DNA to T-cells by migratory antigen presenting cells could induce NIS DNA-specific Th1 immune responses and thus retard the growth of NIS-expressing tumors.
Modeling Goal Setting Within a Multimedia Environment on Complex Physics Content
Authors: Twyford Jessica , Craig Scotty D.
Published: September 2016

Observational tutoring has been found to be an effective method for teaching a variety of subjects by reusing dialogue from previous successful tutoring sessions. While it has been shown content can be learned through observational tutoring, it has yet to been examined if a secondary behavior such as goal setting can be influenced. The present study investigated whether observing virtual humans engaging in a tutoring session on a difficult learning topic, rotational kinematics, with embedded positive goal-oriented dialogue would increase knowledge of the material and perpetuate a shift in an observer's goal orientation from performance avoidance goal orientation (PAVGO) to learning goal orientation (LGO). Learning gains were observed in pretest to posttest knowledge retention tests. Significant negative changes from pretest to posttest occurred across conditions for LGO. Additionally, significant increases from PAVGO pretest to posttest were observed in the control condition; however, PAVGO did not significantly change in the experimental condition.
Habituation as Parameter for Prediction of Mental Development in Healthy Preterm Infants
Authors: Weber Peter , Depoorter Antoinette , Hetzel Patrick , Lemola Sakari
Published: September 2016

The aim of this prospective pilot study was to evaluate the predictive value of discrimination and habituation, which was measured by mismatch negativity in 17 healthy very preterm (mean gestational age 27.4 weeks; range 25.0-31.3) and 16 term (mean gestational age 40.3 weeks; range 37.9-41.7) born infants at term equivalent age. Developmental outcome was measured by Bayley Scales of Infant Development–I in 13 preterm and 13 term-born children at a mean age of 21.7 months (±2.18) and 18.5 months (±1.9), respectively. No differences in amplitude and latency of the mismatch negativity were found between both groups at term equivalent age. Within the preterm group habituation capacity was positively correlated with the Mental Developmental Index ( r = .654, P = .008) and Performance Developmental Index ( r = .482, P = .048) at 21 months. Early learning capability, as measured by habituation, may be associated with a better prognosis for early mental development in healthy preterm infants.