bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scenario 6: gunshot wound to the abdomen
Authors: PATON BRUCE
Published: November 2014

Eight-person SEAL patrol Direct action mission on a surface-to-air missile site Zodiacs launched from Coastal Patrol Craft, 8 miles off of coast Transit to a beach in a Middle Eastern country Five-mile patrol to target over rocky terrain Unplanned contact with a single hostile results in gunshot wound to abdomen (point man) after covering only 1 mile Hostile contact resolved before known compromise Casualty conscious Planned extraction by helicopter near target
Scenario 7: snakebite
Authors: OTTEN EDWARD
Published: November 2014

Twelve-person Special Forces team Planned interdiction operation in arid, mountainous Middle Eastern terrain Two trucks with surface-to-air missiles expected in several hours Estimated hostile strength is 10 men with automatic weapons in two armored personnel carriers Helicopter insertion/extraction Six-mile patrol to target; planned extraction close to anticipated contact site While patrol is in position, one team member is bitten on the leg by unidentified snake Over the next 5 minutes, the pain becomes increasingly severe, and the injured man becomes dizzy and confused Target convoy is expected in 1-2 hours
Their story: Homeless Indigenous women in Cairns and Mount Isa, Australia
Authors: Wallace Valda , Graham Deborah , Selway Deb , Kelly Tamara
Published: November 2014

Homelessness is affecting Australian Indigenous women disproportionately in comparison with the Australian population. Homeless Indigenous women in Cairns and Mount Isa, Australia, were interviewed about their experiences of homelessness, understanding of causes and services available to them. Reasons for homelessness for the women interviewed circled around relationship breakdowns, patterns of repeated homelessness, lack of access to services in remote areas and lack of affordable housing. The need for affordable and safe housing, suitable to accommodate a variety of family groups, from single women to large families was a recurrent theme.
A Subsystem Test Bed for Chinese Spectral Radioheliograph
Authors: Zhao An , Yan Yihua , Wang Wei
Published: November 2014

The Chinese Spectral Radioheliograph is a solar dedicated radio interferometric array that will produce high spatial resolution, high temporal resolution, and high spectral resolution images of the Sun simultaneously in decimetre and centimetre wave range. Digital processing of intermediate frequency signal is an important part in a radio telescope. This paper describes a flexible and high-speed digital down conversion system for the CSRH by applying complex mixing, parallel filtering, and extracting algorithms to process IF signal at the time of being designed and incorporates canonic-signed digit coding and bit-plane method to improve program efficiency. The DDC system is intended to be a subsystem test bed for simulation and testing for CSRH. Software algorithms for simulation and hardware language algorithms based on FPGA are written which use less hardware resources and at the same time achieve high performances such as processing high-speed data flow (1 GHz) with 10 MHz spectral resolution. An experiment with the test bed is illustrated by using geostationary satellite data observed on March 20, 2014. Due to the easy alterability of the algorithms on FPGA, the data can be recomputed with different digital signal processing algorithms for selecting optimum algorithm.
The effect of heat treatment and skimming on precipitate formation in caprine and bovine milks
Authors: Miloradovic Zorana N , Kljajevic Nemanja V , Jovanovic Snezana T , Vucic Tanja R , Macej Ognjen D
Published: November 2014

Caprine and bovine milks have a similar overall gross composition, but vary considerably in the ratios of their casein components. These differences in colloidal casein micelles could affect directly or indirectly the heat stability of caprine and bovine milks at their natural pH. In the present work, the differences in colloidal stability of caprine and bovine milk have been studied by analysing the effect of heat treatment and skimming on precipitation of proteins. Raw and heated milk samples (70 °C/5 min, 80°C/5 min and 90°C/5 min) were centrifuged at 600, 2000, and 4500 g. The amount of precipitate formed after skimming was measured and the protein composition of both precipitates and supernatants analysed using the SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) and densitometry. In caprine milk, the heat treatment prior to skimming had a statistically significant effect on protein precipitation. Centrifugal force had a statistically significant effect on amount of precipitate for both milks, but the amount was 2 to 4 times higher for caprine milk. When defatting the milk for electrophoresis, a centrifugal force of 600 g appeared to be the most appropriate, in order to avoid protein loss and a possible error in the interpretation of results. Results of this study could also serve as the basis for further investigations on adjusting the skimming conditions for caprine milk in industrial dairy processing environment.
Style-dependent rules for reduction: Mixed-model multiple linear regression analysis of reduction phenomena in Danish news readings
Authors: Heegård Jan , Thøgersen Jacob
Published: November 2014

It has been suggested that Danish is a language particularly prone to spoken language reductions in spontaneous speech. Previous studies have shown that reduction phenomena, in Danish and other languages, are rule-governed by e.g. phonological context, word frequency and stress patterns. This paper analyses two reduction phenomena, those occurring in the endings -edeand -tein a genre of spoken Danish which is particularly resistant to reductions, viz. radio news readings. Its first aim is to establish the reduction rules of formal spoken Danish and compare these with the rules of more informal spoken Danish, e.g. sociolinguistic interviews. Reduction of -teis found to follow the same general rules as in spontaneous speech, although reductions are far less frequent in news readings. Reduction of -edeis found to follow rules different from those of spontaneous speech. The second aim is to investigate whether the reduction rules have changed over the 70 years which the data span. It is found that the rules, and thus the style, have indeed changed. The modern rules appear to be simpler and include less complex interaction effects.
F-ing modules
Authors: ROSSBERG ANDREAS , RUSSO CLAUDIO , DREYER DEREK
Published: November 2014

ML modules are a powerful language mechanism for decomposing programs into reusable components. Unfortunately, they also have a reputation for being “complex” and requiring fancy type theory that is mostly opaque to non-experts. While this reputation is certainly understandable, given the many non-standard methodologies that have been developed in the process of studying modules, we aim here to demonstrate that it is undeserved. To do so, we present a novel formalization of ML modules, which defines their semantics directly by a compositional “elaboration” translation into plain System Fω(the higher-order polymorphic λ-calculus). To demonstrate the scalability of our “F-ing” semantics, we use it to define a representative, higher-order ML-style module language, encompassing all the major features of existing ML module dialects (except for recursive modules). We thereby show that ML modules are merely a particular mode of use of System Fω.

To streamline the exposition, we present the semantics of our module language in stages. We begin by defining a subset of the language supporting a Standard ML-like language withsecond-classmodules andgenerativefunctors. We then extend this sublanguage with the ability to package modules asfirst-classvalues (a very simple extension, as it turns out) and OCaml-styleapplicativefunctors (somewhat harder). Unlike previous work combining both generative and applicative functors, we do not require two distinct forms of functor or signature sealing. Instead, whether a functor is applicative or not depends only on the computational purity of its body. In fact, we argue that applicative/generative is rather incidental terminology forpureversusimpurefunctors. This approach results in a semantics that we feel is simpler and more natural than previous accounts, and moreover prohibits breaches of abstraction safety that were possible under them.
Exercise, physical activity and mental well-being in later life
Authors: Windle Gill
Published: November 2014

Exercise and physical activity are thought to be among the most important lifestyle factors for the maintenance of health and prevention of premature disease and mortality. Yet sedentary lifestyles are common. Many people avoid exercise, and have done so across their lifespan. Exercise and physical activity are also considered important for positive psychological functioning; however, this has received limited research attention. This mini-review discusses the effects of exercise and physical activity on mental health and well-being in later life. It draws on international peer reviewed research, summarized in systematic reviews and/or meta-anlaysis, and presents the key findings. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally confirm the importance of exercise for mental well-being; however, there is a lack of good quality research. The review discusses some of the barriers to exercise, and identifies strategies that may facilitate uptake and adherence in later life. Limitations in the current evidence are discussed. Based on the current evidence, it is recommended that health practitioners should encourage exercise or physical activity of low to moderate intensity, and leisure time activity such as walking, especially at retirement. Future intervention research would benefit by focusing on people who have not self-selected into studies so as to understand the causal direction, and include theory driven approaches to behaviour change.
Multi-disciplinary Care for the Elderly in Disasters: An Integrative Review
Authors: Johnson Heather L. , Ling Catherine G. , McBee Elexis C.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Older adults are disproportionately affected by disaster. Frail elders, individuals with chronic diseases, conditions, or disabilities, and those who live in long-term care facilities are especially vulnerable.

Purpose

The purpose of this integrative review of the literature was to describe the system-wide knowledge and skills that multi-disciplinary health care providers need to provide appropriate care for the elderly during domestic-humanitarian and disaster-relief efforts.

Data sources

A systematic search protocol was developed in conjunction with a research librarian. Searches of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO were conducted using terms such as Disaster, Geological Processes, Aged, Disaster Planning, and Vulnerable Populations. Forty-six articles met criteria for inclusion in the review.

Conclusions

Policies and guidance regarding evacuating versus sheltering in place are lacking. Tenets of elderly-focused disaster planning/preparation and clarification of legal and ethical standards of care and liability issues are needed. Functional capacity, capabilities, or impairments, rather than age, should be considered in disaster preparation. Older adults should be included in disaster planning as population-specific experts.

Implications for Practice

A multifaceted approach to population-specific disaster planning and curriculum development should include consideration of the biophysical and psychosocial aspects of care, ethical and legal issues, logistics, and resources.

JohnsonHL,LingCG,McBeeEC.Multi-disciplinary care for the elderly in disasters: an integrative review.Prehosp Disaster Med.2015;30(1):1-8.
Adverse selection in a start-up long-term care insurance market
Authors: Adams C. , Donnelly C. , Macdonald A.
Published: November 2014

Common to all previous studies assessing the cost of adverse selection associated with genetics has been the assumption of an established market, i.e., the adverse selectors have been buying insurance at that rate for such a period that premiums have already absorbed it. Their analyses involve calculating the percentage difference between premiums in a market with adverse selection and one without adverse selection. They can shed no light on how the premiums would get to this stage over time and what losses might be incurred in the process. We take the modelling further by outlining a multiple state Markov model for a start-up market of long-term care insurance. With this model, we explicitly show the progression of adverse selection costs using the development of information that an insurer would gain from analysing the claims history of its existing business, to reprice premiums for new business. To overcome the complication of insurance benefit amounts, which depend on the value of previous benefit payments, we develop a simulation approach of estimating the expected present values of insurance benefits and premium payments. In applying our modelling to a UK setting, we find genetic testing of the apolipoprotein E gene (whose variants can cause a high risk of developing dementia) to be of a relatively small impact compared with our hypothetical state of intermediate dementia progression. Furthermore, we find that the government’s cap on care costs has little effect on adverse selection costs as it benefits only a small proportion of people.
Status and genetic diversity in pigeonpea germplasm from Caribbean and Central American regions at ICRISAT genebank
Authors: Upadhyaya H. D. , Reddy K. N. , Ramachandran Senthil , Kumar Vinod , Singh Sube , Reddy M. Thimma , Irshad Ahmed M.
Published: November 2014

The genebank at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Patancheru, India holds a collection of 542 accessions from the Caribbean and Central American (CCA) regions, of which 424 were evaluated for eight qualitative and 17 quantitative traits at ICRISAT farm. A hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using the scores of the first nine principal components that resulted in four clusters. The accessions of these four clusters exhibited the following good characteristics: cluster 1 had high pod-bearing length and high seed protein content; those of cluster 2 had high degree of branching, large number of pods per plant and high seed yield per plant; those of cluster 3 had long pods; and those of cluster 4 had larger seeds. In the whole collection of accessions, diversity was found to be maximum (H′ = 0.630+0.026) for plant height and minimum for tertiary branches per plant (H′ = 0.259+0.026). The highest correlation coefficient was observed between racemes per plant and pods per plant (r= 0.914) followed by between pods per plant and seed yield per plant (r= 0.744), and between shelling percentage and the harvest index (r= 0.703). In view of the poor representation of the world collection of pigeonpea (13,771 accessions) from the CCA regions, launching of collection missions in these countries has been suggested to fill gaps and increase the variability. Multi-location evaluation of the collections for agronomic traits at potential locations in the CCA regions and systematic evaluation for nutritional traits and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress could result in the identification of useful genotypes, particularly vegetable types, for use in breeding programmes to develop high-yielding cultivars as well as to release as varieties in these regions.
Assessing Personal Initiative among Vocational Training Students: Development and Validation of a New Measure
Authors: Balluerka Nekane , Gorostiaga Arantxa , Ulacia Imanol
Published: November 2014

Personal initiative characterizes people who are proactive, persistent and self-starting when facing the difficulties that arise in achieving goals. Despite its importance in the educational field there is a scarcity of measures to assess students’ personal initiative. Thus, the aim of the present study was to develop a questionnaire to assess this variable in the academic environment and to validate it for adolescents and young adults. The sample comprised 244 vocational training students. The questionnaire showed a factor structure including three factors (Proactivity-Prosocial behavior, Persistence and Self-Starting) with acceptable indices of internal consistency (ranging between α = .57 and α =.73) and good convergent validity with respect to the Self-Reported Initiative scale. Evidence of external validity was also obtained based on the relationships between personal initiative and variables such as self-efficacy, enterprising attitude, responsibility and control aspirations, conscientiousness, and academic achievement. The results indicate that this new measure is very useful for assessing personal initiative among vocational training students.
Social Identity, Passion and Well-Being in University Students, the Mediating Effect of Passion
Authors: Bernabé Miguel , Lisbona Ana , Palací Francisco José , Martín-Aragón Maite
Published: November 2014

Research on positive emotions associated with the performance of an activity, such as work or study, has increased exponentially in recent years. Passion is understood as an attitude and intense emotion in the performance of an activity, and it has shown both positive and negative consequences for well-being. A link between social identity and positive emotions through social category membership has been described. The aim of this work is to study the relationship between social identity, the dimensions of passion and the positive impact on university responses. A quasi-experimental design was used on a sample of 266 university students from different Spanish universities (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Universidad Miguel Hernández and Universidad de Alicante). Descriptive analyzes were performed on the study’s variables using SPSS 18. Structural equation modeling was carried out with AMOS 18 and the mediational analysis with MODMED macro developed by Preacher, Rucker, and Hayes (2007). The results show that the identity of the studies had an indirect effect on positive responses mediated by passion for the studies (RMSEA = .07; CFI = .97; NFI = .96; TLI = .92). It is observed that the harmonious and obsessive dimensions of passion differ in the mediating effect on happiness and satisfaction with studies. Practical and theoretical implications for well-being are discussed.
The Mental Health of Visitors of Web-Based Support Forums for Bereaved by Suicide
Authors: Kramer Jeannet , Boon Brigitte , Schotanus-Dijkstra Marijke , van Ballegooijen Wouter , Kerkhof Ad , van der Poel Agnes
Published: November 2014

Background: Persons bereaved by suicide are reluctant to ask for social support when they experience feelings of guilt and blame. A web-based peer forum may provide a safe and anonymous place for mutual support. Aims: This study examined the mental health changes of visitors of two online support forums for persons bereaved by suicide and their experiences with the forum over 1 year. Method: Visitors of two forums completed self-report measures at baseline and at 6 and 12 months' follow-up. Repeated measures analyses were used to study changes in well-being, depressive symptoms, and complicated grief. Additionally, participants were interviewed about their experiences with the forum. Results: The 270 participants were mostly female, low in well-being, with high levels of depressive symptoms and complicated grief. Suicidal risk was high for 5.9%. At 12 months, there were small to medium-sized significant improvements in well-being and depressive symptoms (p < .001) and nearly as much for grief (p = .08). About two thirds reported benefit from visiting the forum. Because of the pre–post design we cannot determine whether a causal relationship exists between the form and changes in mental health. Conclusion: After 1 year some positive changes but a large group was still struggling with their mental health. Interviews indicate that the forum was valued for finding recognition.
Suicide Ideation and Attempts in Children With Psychiatric Disorders and Typical Development
Authors: Dickerson Mayes Susan , Calhoun Susan L. , Baweja Raman , Mahr Fauzia
Published: November 2014

Background: Children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders are at increased risk for suicide behavior. Aims: This is the first study to compare frequencies of suicide ideation and attempts in children and adolescents with specific psychiatric disorders and typical children while controlling for comorbidity and demographics. Method: Mothers rated the frequency of suicide ideation and attempts in 1,706 children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders and typical development, 6–18 years of age. Results: For the typical group, 0.5% had suicide behavior (ideation or attempts), versus 24% across the psychiatric groups (bulimia 48%, depression or anxiety disorder 34%, oppositional defiant disorder 33%, ADHD-combined type 22%, anorexia 22%, autism 18%, intellectual disability 17%, and ADHD-inattentive type 8%). Most alarming, 29% of adolescents with bulimia often or very often had suicide attempts, compared with 0–4% of patients in the other psychiatric groups. Conclusion: It is important for professionals to routinely screen all children and adolescents who have psychiatric disorders for suicide ideation and attempts and to treat the underlying psychiatric disorders that increase suicide risk.
The Relative Effects of Constructive, Laissez-Faire, and Tyrannical Leadership on Subordinate Job Satisfaction
Authors: Skogstad Anders , Aasland Merethe Schanke , Nielsen Morten Birkeland , Hetland Jørn , Matthiesen Stig Berge , Einarsen Ståle
Published: November 2014

Knowledge on short and long-term effects of perceived leadership behaviors on subordinates’ job satisfaction, and particularly so regarding the relative influences of constructive and destructive forms of leadership, is scarce. Based on two prospective and representative surveys, with time lags of 6 months (Study 1) and 2 years (Study 2), respectively, we investigated the relative influence of constructive, laissez-faire, and tyrannical leadership behaviors, respectively, on followers job satisfaction. Interestingly, destructive forms of leadership were the sole significant predictors in both studies. Tyrannical leadership predicted a decrease in subordinate job satisfaction over a 6-month period, while laissez-faire leadership turned out as the sole predictor of job satisfaction over a 2-year time lag. A reversed relationship was found between job satisfaction and subsequent perceived constructive leadership over the 6-month lag. Dissatisfied subordinates did not, however, report increased exposure to destructive forms of leadership, disconfirming the gloomy perception mechanism of dissatisfied and stressed subordinates to perceive their leaders in an ever more negative way. Hence, destructive forms of leadership seem to be better predictors of job satisfaction than are constructive forms of leadership which is in line with the notion that “bad is stronger than good.”
Biology of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations with a Focus on Inflammation
Authors: Mouchtouris Nikolaos , Jabbour Pascal M , Starke Robert M , Hasan David M , Zanaty Mario , Theofanis Thana , Ding Dale , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula I , Dumont Aaron S , Ghobrial George M , Kung David , Rosenwasser Robert H , Chalouhi Nohra
Published: November 2014

Cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) entail a significant risk of intracerebral hemorrhage owing to the direct shunting of arterial blood into the venous vasculature without the dissipation of the arterial blood pressure. The mechanisms involved in the growth, progression and rupture of AVMs are not clearly understood, but a number of studies point to inflammation as a major contributor to their pathogenesis. The upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines induces the overexpression of cell adhesion molecules in AVM endothelial cells, resulting in enhanced recruitment of leukocytes. The increased leukocyte-derived release of metalloproteinase-9 is known to damage AVM walls and lead to rupture. Inflammation is also involved in altering the AVM angioarchitecture via the upregulation of angiogenic factors that affect endothelial cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis. The effects of inflammation on AVM pathogenesis are potentiated by certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes of proinflammatory cytokines, increasing their protein levels in the AVM tissue. Furthermore, studies on metalloproteinase-9 inhibitors and on the involvement of Notch signaling in AVMs provide promising data for a potential basis for pharmacological treatment of AVMs. Potential therapeutic targets and areas requiring further investigation are highlighted.
Comparison of Frequency and Time Domain Methods of Assessment of Cerebral Autoregulation in Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Liu Xiuyun , Czosnyka Marek , Donnelly Joseph , Budohoski Karol P , Varsos Georgios V , Nasr Nathalie , Brady Ken M , Reinhard Matthias , Hutchinson Peter J , Smielewski Peter
Published: November 2014

The impulse response (IR)-based autoregulation index (ARI) allows for continuous monitoring of cerebral autoregulation using spontaneous fluctuations of arterial blood pressure (ABP) and cerebral flow velocity (FV). We compared three methods of autoregulation assessment in 288 traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients managed in the Neurocritical Care Unit: (1) IR-based ARI; (2) transfer function (TF) phase, gain, and coherence; and (3) mean flow index (Mx). Autoregulation index was calculated using the TF estimation (Welch method) and classified according to the original Tiecks’ model. Mx was calculated as a correlation coefficient between 10-second averages of ABP and FV using a moving 300-second data window. Transfer function phase, gain, and coherence were extracted in the very low frequency (VLF, 0 to 0.05 Hz) and low frequency (LF, 0.05 to 0.15 Hz) bandwidths. We studied the relationship between these parameters and also compared them with patients’ Glasgow outcome score. The calculations were performed using both cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP; suffix ‘c’) as input and ABP (suffix ‘a’). The result showed a significant relationship between ARI and Mx when using either ABP ( r=−0.38, P<0.001) or CPP ( r=−0.404, P<0.001) as input. Transfer function phase and coherence_a were significantly correlated with ARI_a and ARI_c ( P<0.05). Only ARI_a, ARI_c, Mx_a, Mx_c, and phase_c were significantly correlated with patients’ outcome, with Mx_c showing the strongest association.
Deciphering of Mitochondrial Cardiolipin Oxidative Signaling in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Ji Jing , Baart Sophie , Vikulina Anna S , Clark Robert SB , Anthonymuthu Tamil S , Tyurin Vladimir A , Du Lina , St Croix Claudette M , Tyurina Yulia Y , Lewis Jesse , Skoda Erin M , Kline Anthony E , Kochanek Patrick M , Wipf Peter , Kagan Valerian E , Bayır Hülya
Published: November 2014

It is believed that biosynthesis of lipid mediators in the central nervous system after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion starts with phospholipid hydrolysis by calcium-dependent phospholipases and is followed by oxygenation of released fatty acids (FAs). Here, we report an alternative pathway whereby cereberal ischemia-reperfusion triggered oxygenation of a mitochondria-specific phospholipid, cardiolipin (CL), is followed by its hydrolysis to yield monolyso-CLs and oxygenated derivatives of fatty (linoleic) acids. We used a model of global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion characterized by 9 minutes of asphyxia leading to asystole followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation in postnatal day 17 rats. Global ischemia and cardiopulmonary resuscitation resulted in: (1) selective oxidation and hydrolysis of CLs, (2) accumulation of lyso-CLs and oxygenated free FAs, (3) activation of caspase 3/7 in the brain, and (4) motor and cognitive dysfunction. On the basis of these findings, we used a mitochondria targeted nitroxide electron scavenger, which prevented CL oxidation and subsequent hydrolysis, attenuated caspase activation, and improved neurocognitive outcome when administered after cardiac arrest. These data show that calcium-independent CL oxidation and subsequent hydrolysis represent a previously unidentified pathogenic mechanism of brain injury incurred by ischemia-reperfusion and a clinically relevant therapeutic target.
MEK1/2 Inhibitor U0126 but Not Endothelin Receptor Antagonist Clazosentan Reduces Upregulation of Cerebrovascular Contractile Receptors and Delayed Cerebral Ischemia, and Improves Outcome after Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats
Authors: Povlsen Gro K , Edvinsson Lars
Published: November 2014

Cerebral vasospasm and late cerebral ischemia (LCI) remain leading causes of mortality in patients experiencing a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This occurs typically 3 to 4 days after the initial bleeding and peaks at 5 to 7 days. The underlying pathophysiology is still poorly understood. Because SAH is associated with elevated levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), focus has been on counteracting endothelin receptor activation with receptor antagonists like clazosentan, however, with poor outcome in clinical trials. We hypothesize that inhibition of intracellular transcription signaling will be an effective approach to prevent LCI. Here, we compare the effects of clazosentan versus the MEK1/2 blocker U0126 in a rat model of SAH. Although clazosentan directly inhibits the contractile responses in vivo to ET-1, it did not prevent SAH-induced upregulation of ET receptors in cerebral arteries and did not show a beneficial effect on neurologic outcome. U0126 had no vasomotor effect by itself but counteracts SAH-induced receptor upregulation in cerebral arteries and improved outcome after SAH. We suggest that because SAH induces elevated expression of several contractile receptor subtypes, it is not sufficient to block only one of these (ET receptors) but inhibition of transcriptional MEK1/2-mediated upregulation of several contractile receptors may be a viable way towards alleviating LCI.
Biallelic loss-of-function mutation in NIK causes a primary immunodeficiency with multifaceted aberrant lymphoid immunity
Authors: Willmann Katharina L. , Klaver Stefanie , Doğu Figen , Santos-Valente Elisangela , Garncarz Wojciech , Bilic Ivan , Mace Emily , Salzer Elisabeth , Domínguez Conde Cecilia , Sic Heiko , Májek Peter , Banerjee Pinaki P. , Vladimer Gregory I. , Haskoloğlu Şule , Gökalp Bolkent Musa , Küpesiz Alphan , Condino-Neto Antonio , Colinge Jacques , Superti-Furga Giulio , Pickl Winfried F. , van Zelm Menno C. , Eibel Hermann , Orange Jordan S. , Ikincioğulları Aydan , Boztuğ Kaan
Published: November 2014

Primary immunodeficiency disorders enable identification of genes with crucial roles in the human immune system. Here we study patients suffering from recurrent bacterial, viral and Cryptosporidium infections, and identify a biallelic mutation in the MAP3K14 gene encoding NIK (NF-κB-inducing kinase). Loss of kinase activity of mutant NIK, predicted by in silico analysis and confirmed by functional assays, leads to defective activation of both canonical and non-canonical NF-κB signalling. Patients with mutated NIK exhibit B-cell lymphopenia, decreased frequencies of class-switched memory B cells and hypogammaglobulinemia due to impaired B-cell survival, and impaired ICOSL expression. Although overall T-cell numbers are normal, both follicular helper and memory T cells are perturbed. Natural killer (NK) cells are decreased and exhibit defective activation, leading to impaired formation of NK-cell immunological synapses. Collectively, our data illustrate the non-redundant role for NIK in human immune responses, demonstrating that loss-of-function mutations in NIK can cause multiple aberrations of lymphoid immunity.
Assessing trade-offs to inform ecosystem-based fisheries management of forage fish
Authors: Shelton Andrew Olaf , Samhouri Jameal F. , Stier Adrian C. , Levin Philip S.
Published: November 2014

Twenty-first century conservation is centered on negotiating trade-offs between the diverse needs of people and the needs of the other species constituting coupled human-natural ecosystems. Marine forage fishes, such as sardines, anchovies and herring, are a nexus for such trade-offs because they are both central nodes in marine food webs and targeted by fisheries. An important example is Pacific herring,Clupea pallisiiin the Northeast Pacific. Herring populations are subject to two distinct fisheries: one that harvests adults and one that harvests spawned eggs. We develop stochastic, age-structured models to assess the interaction between fisheries, herring populations and the persistence of predators reliant on herring populations. We show that egg- and adult-fishing have asymmetric effects on herring population dynamics - herring stocks can withstand higher levels of egg harvest before becoming depleted. Second, ecosystem thresholds proposed to ensure the persistence of herring predators do not necessarily pose more stringent constraints on fisheries than conventional, fishery driven harvest guidelines. Our approach provides a general template to evaluate ecosystem trade-offs between stage-specific harvest practices in relation to environmental variability, the risk of fishery closures and the risk of exceeding ecosystem thresholds intended to ensure conservation goals are met.
Crystal structure and stable property of the cancer-associated heterotypic nucleosome containing CENP-A and H3.3
Authors: Arimura Yasuhiro , Shirayama Kazuyoshi , Horikoshi Naoki , Fujita Risa , Taguchi Hiroyuki , Kagawa Wataru , Fukagawa Tatsuo , Almouzni Geneviève , Kurumizaka Hitoshi
Published: November 2014

The centromere-specific histone H3 variant, CENP-A, is overexpressed in particular aggressive cancer cells, where it can be mislocalized ectopically in the form of heterotypic nucleosomes containing H3.3. In the present study, we report the crystal structure of the heterotypic CENP-A/H3.3 particle and reveal its “hybrid structure”, in which the physical characteristics of CENP-A and H3.3 are conserved independently within the same particle. The CENP-A/H3.3 nucleosome forms an unexpectedly stable structure as compared to the CENP-A nucleosome and allows the binding of the essential centromeric protein, CENP-C, which is ectopically mislocalized in the chromosomes of CENP-A overexpressing cells.
Microtechnologies in the Fabrication of Fibers for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Akbari Mohsen , Tamayol Ali , Annabi Nasim , Juncker David , Khademhosseini Ali
Published: November 2014

Engineering tissues and organs for implantation in the human body or research require the fabrication of constructs that reproduce a physiological environment. Moreover, the construction of complex and sizable three-dimensional tissues requires a precise control over cell distribution and an effective vasculature network to supply oxygen and nutrients, and remove waste. Fiber-based tissue engineering that forms 3D structures using fibers can address many of these challenges, but depends on the quality of the fibers. Recent progresses in microtechnologies have enabled researchers to fabricate biocompatible fibers with advanced biochemical and physical properties, including cell-laden fibers that are pre-seeded with cells. In this chapter, we discuss fiber fabrication techniques including co-axial flow spinning, wetspinning, meltspinning, and electrospinning, which have leveraged microtechnologies to improve their performance. We compare the properties of the fibers fabricated with these methods and discuss their strengths and weaknesses in the context of tissue engineering.
Kidney on a Chip
Authors: Ha Laura , Jang Kyung-Jin , Suh Kahp-Yang
Published: November 2014

In this chapter, a general overview of progress made on the kidney on a chip will be introduced. We will focus on the understanding of kidney structure and function, and application of micro-engineered kidney-mimetic microsystems for the study of kidney function and disease in vitro. We will also discuss the potential use of these “kidney chips” for biomedical pharmaceutical and environmental safety testing applications as well as challenges for the field that must be overcome to translate these technologies into useful products in the future.
Magnetic Particle Actuation in Stationary Microfluidics for Integrated Lab-on-Chip Biosensors
Authors: van Reenen Alexander , de Jong Arthur M. , den Toonder Jaap M. J. , Prins Menno W. J.
Published: November 2014

The aging population and increases in chronic diseases put high pressure on the healthcare system, which drives a need for easy-to-use and cost-effective medical technologies. In-vitro diagnostics (IVD) plays a large role in delivering healthcare and, within the IVD market, decentralized diagnostic testing, i.e. point-of-care testing (POCT), is a growing segment. POCT devices should be compact and fully integrated for maximum ease of use. A new class of POCT technologies is appearing based on actuated magnetic particles. The use of magnetic particles has important advantages: they have a large surface-to-volume ratio, are conveniently biofunctionalized, provide a large optical contrast, and can be manipulated by magnetic fields. In this chapter, we review the use of magnetic particles actuated by magnetic fields to realize integrated lab-on-chip diagnostic devices wherein several assay process steps are combined, e.g. to mix fluids, capture analytes, concentrate analytes, transfer analytes, label analytes, and perform stringency steps. We focus on realizations within the concept of stationary microfluidics and we discuss efforts to integrate different magnetically actuated assay steps, with the vision that it will become possible to realize biosensing systems in which all assay process steps are controlled and optimized by magnetic forces.
Microfluidics for Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Lai David , Chiu Joyce Han-Ching , Smith Gary D. , Takayama Shuichi
Published: November 2014

Infertility affects around 10% of couples. As reproduction is a major quality-of-life issue, there is a large motivation for the advancement of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The situation is particularly acute for oncofertility preservation and fertility preservation for those who are genetically predisposed to infertility. Although a relatively new field, microfluidics has demonstrated the benefits of automation, consistency, sensitivity, and precision in the field of ART. For example, the orderly laminar flow capability of microfluidics can be used to focus then quickly and accurately sort high numbers of male gametes. Small volume cultures and dynamic flow environments provided by microfluidics are also advantageous for the manipulation and nurture of delicate female gametes and embryos. This chapter provides a brief overview of these and other recent examples of microfluidic ART. The matching size scale of microfluidics with gametes and embryo, the highly sensitive nature of these cells to handling procedures, and the high importance and value of these cells make the field of microfluidic ART promising.
Microfluidic Impedance Cytometry for Blood Cell Analysis
Authors: Morgan Hywel , Spencer Daniel
Published: November 2014

Microfluidic Impedance Cytometry (MIC) is a label-free technique for counting and analyzing single cells at high throughput. Over the last decade the technology has matured into a robust and versatile tool with applications in many areas. Multi-frequency impedance measurements provide information on cell dielectric properties, including cell volume, membrane capacitance, and internal (cytoplasmic) electrical properties. This chapter describes the basic principles underlying MIC together with the technology that enables such measurements. Examples of application in healthcare and diagnostics are provided, including the use of MIC for performing a fast and simple full blood count with a very small volume of sample. The limits of sensitivity of the system are discussed along with novel approaches to enable measurement of small particles such as bacteria. MIC has been used to probe the properties of parasite infected cells, to distinguish tumor cells from normal cells, and even in the differentiation state of stem cells. Addressing future technology challenges, particularly in integrated sample processing, should enable MIC to be used as part of a simple diagnostic toolkit providing sample in, answer out solutions.
Routine Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics Using Point of Care or Lab on a Chip Technology
Authors: Kovács Gábor L. , Vermes István
Published: November 2014

In the past decades the clinical laboratory had made significant technological advances focused on clinical efficiency and efficacy. Responding to the demand of an increased efficiency in clinical laboratory diagnosis, there has been a recent trend towards a more decentralized diagnostic analysis near to the patients. The idea of this so-called point-of-care testing (POCT) is to bring the test immediately and in a convenient way to the patient. These devices have been developed to offer improvements in convenience, patient care and turnaround time. POCT systems should be fast, small, and simple to use while maintaining state-of-the-art performance features. The concept of POCT represents a fundamental shift in diagnostic testing where the objective is cost-effective, patient-focused testing at the site of diagnosis. In this chapter, the concept of POCT, as well the idea of Lab-on-a-Chip technology is discussed in the fields of diabetes care, including the use of glucometers, gestational diabetes, continuous blood glucose monitoring, multiparameter analysis, general clinical chemistry, and the modern diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Modern methods in hematology also make use of the Lab-on-a-Chip and POCT technology. Last, but not least, the clinical use and performance characteristics of these laboratory tests are discussed in this chapter. The authors conclude that POCT and Lab-on-a-Chip technologies provide a revolutionary diagnostic technology in improving patient outcomes.
Medimate Minilab, a Microchip Capillary Electrophoresis Self-test Platform
Authors: Staal Steven S. , Ungerer Mathijn C. , Movig Kris L. L. , Bartholomew Jody A. , Krabbe Hans , Eijkel Jan C. T.
Published: November 2014

In this chapter we describe the Medimate Minilab as a new self-test platform. The Medimate Minilab is based on microchip capillary electrophoresis and is capable of quantifying ionic species in aqueous liquids, including whole blood and urine. It was introduced in the European market in 2013 as a self-test, in the first instance for the analysis of lithium. Lithium is a drug used by patients with manic depressive illness, which due to its toxicity requires frequent blood level monitoring. The Medimate Minilab enables self-test analysis of lithium by the patients at home, contributing to a better quality of life. The first part of the chapter describes the essentials of the measurement method, the technology applied, and the innovations that were required to make the platform suitable as self-test. The second part shows the maturity of the platform as a diagnostic evaluation device for lithium by describing the test results according to the latest validation standards. Starting with basic background information and followed by the test acceptance criteria and the detailed results, this part ends with the conclusion that the Medimate Minilab is suitable as a lithium self-test by a patient at home within the required acceptance criteria. The last part of the chapter shows that the platform is capable of analyzing more ionic species, such as for instance sodium, creatinine, and calcium, and the chapter ends with the future perspectives.
Effect of pore diameter in nanoporous anodic alumina optical biosensors
Authors: Macias G. , Ferré-Borrull J. , Pallarès J. , Marsal L. F.
Published: November 2014

This study demonstrates how it is possible to tune the sensitivity of nanoporous anodic alumina optical biosensors by adjusting pore diameter.
Solution immersed silicon (SIS)-based biosensors: a new approach in biosensing
Authors: Diware M. S. , Cho H. M. , Chegal W. , Cho Y. J. , Jo J. H. , O S. W. , Paek S. H. , Yoon Y. H. , Kim D.
Published: November 2014

The non-reflecting condition for p-polarized waves is effectively utilized for biomolecular detection through the measurement of thickness change.
A novel triangular silver nanoprisms-based surface plasmon resonance assay for free chlorine
Authors: He Yi , Yu Haili
Published: November 2014

In this study, a novel assay for the detection of free chlorine is proposed for the first time.
Investigating acid-induced structural transitions of lysozyme in an electrospray ionization source
Authors: Lee Jong Wha , Kim Hugh I.
Published: November 2014

Strong acids and weak acids differently affect the structure of lysozyme during electrospray ionization.
High throughput and multiplex localization of proteins and cells for in situ micropatterning using pneumatic microfluidics
Authors: Wang Jian-Chun , Liu Wenming , Tu Qin , Ma Chao , Zhao Lei , Wang Yaolei , Ouyang Jia , Pang Long , Wang Jinyi
Published: November 2014

We present a micropatterning method for protein/cell localization by using pneumatically controllable microstructures in an integrated microfluidic device.
Structural dependency of collagen fibers on ion types revealed by in situ second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging method
Authors: Lang Xuye , Lyubovitsky Julia G.
Published: November 2014

Ionic species in aqueous solutions alter protein solubility and aggregation behavior through a variety of complex interactions.
Discrimination of different degrees of oral squamous cell carcinoma by means of Raman microspectroscopy and atomic force microscopy
Authors: Lasalvia M. , D'Antonio P. , Perna G. , Capozzi V. , Mariggiò M. A. , Perrone D. , Gallo C. , Quartucci G. , Lo Muzio L.
Published: November 2014

Two cellular types characterized by different degree of oral squamous cell carcinoma can be discriminated by Raman microspectroscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy, according to the content of nucleic acids and proteins as well as the membrane stiffness.
Rapid analysis of four Sudan dyes using direct analysis in real time-mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Ze , Zhang Yi-Wei , Zhang Yi-Ding , Bai Yu , Liu Hu-Wei
Published: November 2014

A simple direct analysis in a real time-mass spectrometry (DART-MS) method was developed for the rapid determination of four Sudan dyes (I–IV) in chili powder.
New voltammetric analysis of olanzapine in tablets and human urine samples using a modified carbon paste sensor electrode incorporating gold nanoparticles and glutamine in a micellar medium
Authors: Ahmed Hytham M. , Mohamed Mona A. , Salem Waheed M.
Published: November 2014

An effective novel electrochemical sensor for the selective determination of olanzapine (OLA) was introduced.
A rapid diagnostic method for E. coli serogroups responsible for gastro-intestinal diseases using loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Carnevale Matthew L. , Roche Philip J. R. , Najih Mohamed , Paliouras Miltiadis , Beitel Lenore K. , Trifiro Mark A.
Published: November 2014

The LAMP reaction as opposed the traditionally used PCR reaction can be used for molecular diagnostics of bacterial infections. Fluorescence based visualization allows ease of use in developing countries.
Tertiary α-diarylmethylamines derived from diarylketimines and organomagnesium reagents
Authors: Desmarchelier Alaric , Ortiz Pablo , Harutyunyan Syuzanna R.
Published: November 2014

Organomagnesium reagents enable swift and versatile derivatisation of diarylimines to the corresponding α-substituted diarylmethylamines in excellent yields, through fast and clean reactions.
Using dispersion-corrected density functional theory to understand supramolecular binding thermodynamics
Authors: Antony Jens , Sure Rebecca , Grimme Stefan
Published: November 2014

A recently published theoretical approach employing a nondynamic structure model using dispersion-corrected density functional theory (DFT-D3) to calculate equilibrium free energies of association (Chem. – Eur. J., 2012, 18, 9955–9964) is illustrated by its application to eight supramolecular complexes.