bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging-Guided Surgery in Primary and Metastatic Liver Tumors
Authors: Lieto Eva , Galizia Gennaro , Cardella Francesca , Mabilia Andrea , Basile Nicoletta , Castellano Paolo , Orditura Michele , Auricchio Annamaria
Published: January 2018

Background. After surgery for liver tumors, recurrence rates remain high because of residual positive margins or undiagnosed lesions. It has been suggested that detection of hepatic tumors can be obtained with near-infrared fluorescence imaging (FI). Indocyanine green (ICG) has been used with contrasting results. The aims of this study were to explore ICG-FI-guided surgery methodology and to assess its potential applications. Materials and Methods. Out of 14 patients with liver tumors, 5 were not operated on, and 9 patients (3 primary and 6 metastatic tumors) underwent surgery. ICG (0.5 mg/kg) was injected intravenously 24 hours before surgery. Fluorescence was investigated prior to resection to detect liver lesions, during hepatic transection to guide surgery, on both cross-section and benchtop to assess surgical margins, and for pathological evaluation. Results. All operations were successful and had a short duration. ICG-FI detected all already known lesions (n = 10), and identified 2 additional small tumors (1 hepatocarcinoma and 1 metastasis, diagnostic improvement = 20%). Two hepatocarcinomas were hyperfluorescent; the remaining one, with a central hypofluorescent area and a hyperfluorescent ring, was indeed a mixed cholangiohepatocarcinoma. All metastatic nodules were hypofluorescent with a hyperfluorescent rim. In all cases, in vivo and ex vivo fluorescence revealed clear liver margins. Postoperative pathological examination greatly benefited of liver fluorescence to assess radicality. Conclusion. ICG-FI-guided surgery was shown to be an effective tool to improve both intraoperative staging and radicality in the surgical treatment of primary and metastatic liver tumors.
Design and kinematics analysis of a novel six-degree-of-freedom serial humanoid torso
Authors: Li Tao , Yao Peng , Luo Minzhou , Tan Zhiying , Wang Meiling , Guo Ziyi
Published: January 2018

This article presents a bioinspired humanoid torso which is supposed to be used as the trunk for humanoid robots. It can effectively mimic motions of human torso with high degrees of freedom, and it has high stiffness and easy-to-control features. The main structure of the proposed torso is a six-degree-of-freedom serial mechanism with twist angles that are not equal to 0, π/2 or π and zero-length links. Forward kinematic and workspace analysis based on Denavit–Hartenberg and Monte Carlo methods have been formulated to analyze the feasibility of this structure. In addition, a hybrid method combing the large-scale regularity search capabilities of chaos optimization and the quasi-Newton method with relatively high-speed convergence has been proposed to analyze inverse kinematics. Simulations are carried out with the aim to validate the correctness and efficiency of this method for studying the inverse kinematics.
Turning characteristics of biomimetic robotic fish driven by two degrees of freedom of pectoral fins and flexible body/caudal fin
Authors: Li Zonggang , Ge Liming , Xu Weiqiang , Du Yajiang
Published: January 2018

This article considers the turning characteristics of robotic fish with two-degree-of-freedom pectoral fins and flexible body/caudal fin. The hydrodynamics are first established for three cases propelled by both sides of pectoral fins, flexible body/caudal fin, and composite of them. Then, the turning characteristics of such three cases are analyzed by numerical simulations and experiments. The results show that if robotic fish is cooperatively propelled by pectoral fins and flexible body, it can obtain the fast turning speed and the average turning speed is up to 0.6 rad s−1. The smallest turning speed is achieved as robotic fish is only propelled by pectoral fins; however, it can turn on the spot in this case. The presented results provide the more abundant ways of turning, the better maneuverability, and the higher turning speed for the proposed robotic fish.
Collaborative multiple micro air vehicles’ localization and target tracking in GPS-denied environment from range–velocity measurements
Authors: Sarras Ioannis , Marzat Julien , Bertrand Sylvain , Piet-Lahanier Hélène
Published: January 2018

We treat the problem of simultaneous collaborative multiple micro air vehicles’ localization and target tracking using time-varying range and (relative and absolute) velocity measurements. The proposed solution combines robustly local nonlinear observers that estimate the relative positions between agents and their neighbors, and cooperative filters that fuse each agent’s local estimates to globally localize them with respect to the target (and therefore to each other). These estimates are then introduced in a dynamic consensus-type control law that ensures the global collective target tracking while simultaneously estimating the target’s velocity, without needing any external reference which makes it applicable in GPS-denied environments. Finally, a simulation scenario is studied in order to show the efficiency of the proposed solution.
Age, Sex, and Gene Expression Score identifies a symptomatic, nondiabetic male patient as being at high risk of obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Polinsky Ronald J
Published: January 2018

In October 2015, a 74-year-old Caucasian male patient (past medical history of hyperlipidemia, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and hypothyroidism) presented to the cardiologist for follow-up outpatient evaluation of exertional chest pain. The patient had recently been seen at the Emergency Department for the same complaint. At that time, the patient’s cardiac markers, EKG, and pharmacological nuclear stress testing were all reported as normal. At presentation to the cardiologist, the patient’s physical examination findings were unremarkable. Over the course of the following year, repeat electrocardiograms and myocardial perfusion imaging studies demonstrated no evidence of ischemia. Despite the persistence of symptoms, the patient was reluctant to undergo invasive testing. The cardiologist ordered a simple blood test: the Age, Sex, and Gene Expression Score, which provides the current likelihood of obstructive coronary artery disease in nondiabetic patients. Based on the high Age, Sex, and Gene Expression Score result, the patient underwent invasive coronary angiography and a 98% stenotic lesion in the proximal left anterior descending artery was discovered. A drug-eluting coronary stent was placed and resulted in the complete resolution of the patient’s symptoms.
Safety and toxicological evaluation of NXT15906F6 (TamaFlex®)
Authors: Badmaev Vladimir , Vik Hogne , Stohs Sidney J , Galluzzo Frank
Published: January 2018

NXT15906F6 (TamaFlex®) is a food-derived herbal composition with synergistic anti-inflammatory properties and the potential to improve muscle–skeletal function in healthy populations. NXT15906F6 contains standardized ethanol/aqueous extracts of Tamarindus indica seeds and an ethanol extract of Curcuma longa rhizome in a 2:1 ratio. The present study was conducted to evaluate the broad-spectrum safety of NXT15906F6. All studies were conducted in compliance with good laboratory practice requirements and followed Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Guidelines for Testing of Chemicals. The acute oral and acute dermal lethal dose of NXT15906F6 was greater than 2000 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats. NXT15906F6 was classified as nonirritating to the skin and as a mild irritant to the eyes of New Zealand white rabbits. A repeated-dose 90-day subchronic study in Wistar rats was conducted. Groups of animals ( n = 20, 10 male and 10 female) were orally supplemented with 0, 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/day of NXT15906F6 for 90 days. In parallel, two separate groups of animals ( n = 10, five male and five female) were gavaged with 0 and 1000 mg/kg body weight of NXT15906F6 for 90 days and observed for another 28 days. No morbidity, mortality, or significant adverse events were observed during the study or the follow-up phase. The no observed adverse effect level for NXT15906F6 was 1000 mg/kg/day in both male and female rats. A bacterial reverse mutation test and an in vivo mouse bone marrow erythrocyte micronucleus test showed that the NXT15906F6 herbal blend is nonmutagenic and nongenotoxic. In summary, the safety studies conducted in various models demonstrate the broad-spectrum safety of NXT15906F6.
Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging After Surgical Closure of Pediatric Traumatic Macular Holes
Authors: Kothari Nikisha , Tran Kimberly D. , Read Sarah P. , Berrocal Audina M.
Published: January 2018

Purpose:

To date, little attention has been directed to retinal photoreceptor migration after traumatic macular hole surgical repair in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in the foveae of pediatric patients with history of traumatic macular hole surgical repair.

Methods:

Retrospective case series of 3 eyes in 3 pediatric patients with traumatic macular hole surgical repair. Spectral domain OCT images were obtained pre- and postoperatively.

Results:

We report 3 cases of restoration of the ellipsoid zone with good visual acuity outcomes following macular hole closure.

Conclusion:

Optical coherence tomography findings of an intact ellipsoid zone may be a predictor of visual acuity and explain better surgical outcomes in the pediatric population.
Venetoclax for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who progressed during or after idelalisib therapy
Authors: Coutre Steven , Choi Michael , Furman Richard R. , Eradat Herbert , Heffner Leonard , Jones Jeffrey A. , Chyla Brenda , Zhou Lang , Agarwal Suresh , Waskiewicz Tina , Verdugo Maria , Humerickhouse Rod A. , Potluri Jalaja , Wierda William G. , Davids Matthew S.
Published: January 2018

Key Points

ORR was 67% with venetoclax for 36 patients with CLL refractory to or who relapsed after idelalisib; median PFS has not yet been reached. Common adverse events included mild gastrointestinal events and grade 3/4 cytopenias; no patients experienced tumor lysis syndrome.
Mental health and the law: a South African perspective
Authors: Szabo Christopher Paul , Kaliski Sean Zalman
Published: January 2018

Mental health law in South Africa has been dominated in recent times by the Mental Health Care Act 2002. This paper provides selective insights into specific aspects of that Act and highlights its impact on clinical practice within a broad clinical setting and in so doing suggests areas for review and revision.
Loss of ADAM9 expression impairs β1 integrin endocytosis, focal adhesion formation and cancer cell migration
Authors: Mygind Kasper J. , Schwarz Jeanette , Sahgal Pranshu , Ivaska Johanna , Kveiborg Marie
Published: January 2018

The transmembrane protease ADAM9 is frequently upregulated in human cancers, and it promotes tumour progression in mice. In vitro, ADAM9 regulates cancer cell adhesion and migration by interacting with integrins. However, how ADAM9 modulates integrin functions is not known. We here show that ADAM9 knockdown increases β1 integrin levels through mechanisms that are independent of its protease activity. In ADAM9-silenced cells, adhesion to collagen and fibronectin is reduced, suggesting an altered function of the accumulated integrins. Mechanistically, ADAM9 co-immunoprecipitates with β1 integrin, and both internalization and subsequent degradation of β1 integrin are significantly decreased in ADAM9-silenced cells, with no effect on β1 integrin recycling. Accordingly, the formation of focal adhesions and actin stress fibres in ADAM9-silenced cells is altered, possibly explaining the reduction in cell adhesion and migration in these cells. Taken together, our data provide mechanistic insight into the ADAM9–integrin interaction, demonstrating that ADAM9 regulates β1 integrin endocytosis. Moreover, our findings indicate that the reduced migration of ADAM9-silenced cells is, at least in part, caused by the accumulation and altered activity of β1 integrin at the cell surface.
Two spatially distinct kinesin-14 proteins, Pkl1 and Klp2, generate collaborative inward forces against kinesin-5 Cut7 in S. pombe
Authors: Yukawa Masashi , Yamada Yusuke , Yamauchi Tomoaki , Toda Takashi
Published: January 2018

Kinesin motors play central roles in bipolar spindle assembly. In many eukaryotes, spindle pole separation is driven by kinesin-5, which generates outward force. This outward force is balanced by antagonistic inward force elicited by kinesin-14 and/or dynein. In fission yeast, two kinesin-14 proteins, Pkl1 and Klp2, play an opposing role against the kinesin-5 motor protein Cut7. However, how the two kinesin-14 proteins coordinate individual activities remains elusive. Here, we show that although deletion of either pkl1 or klp2 rescues temperature-sensitive cut7 mutants, deletion of only pkl1 can bypass the lethality caused by cut7 deletion. Pkl1 is tethered to the spindle pole body, whereas Klp2 is localized along the spindle microtubule. Forced targeting of Klp2 to the spindle pole body, however, compensates for Pkl1 functions, indicating that cellular localizations, rather than individual motor specificities, differentiate between the two kinesin-14 proteins. Interestingly, human kinesin-14 (KIFC1 or HSET) can replace either Pkl1 or Klp2. Moreover, overproduction of HSET induces monopolar spindles, reminiscent of the phenotype of Cut7 inactivation. Taken together, this study has uncovered the biological mechanism whereby two different Kinesin-14 motor proteins exert their antagonistic roles against kinesin-5 in a spatially distinct manner.
Dynamin inhibitors block activation of mTORC1 by amino acids independently of dynamin
Authors: Persaud Avinash , Cormerais Yann , Pouyssegur Jacques , Rotin Daniela
Published: January 2018

mTORC1 plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and cell proliferation and growth. It is activated by growth factors and amino acids, including essential amino acids (EAAs), such as leucine; Leu enters cells via the Leu transporter LAT1–4F2hc (also known as SLC7A5–SLC3A2) and potentially via endocytosis. Here, we investigated the contribution of the different routes of Leu entry into cells to mTORC1 activation using pharmacological inhibitors and cells that lack LAT1 or dynamin-1, -2 and -3. Our results show that LAT1 is the major route of Leu entry into cells and mTORC1 activation (∼70%), whereas dynamin-dependent endocytosis and macropinocytosis contribute minimally to both (5–15%). However, macropinocytosis contributes significantly (∼40%) to activation of mTORC1 by other EAAs. Surprisingly, the dynamin inhibitors dynasore and Dyngo 4A, which minimally inhibited Leu uptake, abolished mTORC1 activation independently of dynamin. Instead, dynasore inhibited RagA binding to Raptor, reduced mTORC1 recruitment to the lysosome, and inhibited Akt activation and TSC2-S939 phosphorylation; this resulted in inhibition of Rheb and mTORC1 activity. Our results suggest that these commonly used inhibitors of dynamin and endocytosis are potent suppressors of mTORC1 activation via off-target effects and not via dynamin inhibition.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
A metabolic hypothesis for the evolution of temperature effects on the arterial PCO2 and pH of vertebrate ectotherms
Authors: Hillman Stanley S. , Hedrick Michael S.
Published: January 2018

Body temperature increases in ectothermic vertebrates characteristically lead to both increases in arterial PCO2 (PaCO2) and declines in resting arterial pH (pHa) of about 0.017 pH units/°C increase in temperature. This ‘alphastat’ pH pattern has previously been interpreted as being evolutionarily-driven by the maintenance of a constant protonation state on the imidazole moiety of histidine protein residues, hence stabilizing protein structure-function. Analysis of the existing data for interclass responses of ectothermic vertebrates show different degrees of PaCO2 increases and pH declines with temperature between the classes with reptiles>amphibians>fish. The PaCO2 at the temperature where maximal aerobic metabolism (VO2max) is achieved is significantly and positively correlated with temperature for all vertebrate classes. For ectotherms, the PaCO2 where VO2max is greatest is also correlated with VO2max indicating there is an increased driving force for CO2 efflux that is lowest in fish, intermediate in amphibians and highest in reptiles. The pattern of increased PaCO2 and the resultant reduction of pHa to increased body temperature would serve to increase CO2 efflux, O2 delivery, blood buffering capacity and maintain ventilatory scope. This represents a new hypothesis for the selective advantage of arterial pH regulation from a systems physiology perspective in addition to the advantages of maintenance of protein structure-function.
Umbilicariaceae (lichenized Ascomycota) – Trait evolution and a new generic concept
Authors: Davydov Evgeny A. , Peršoh Derek , Rambold Gerhard
Published: January 2018

To reconstruct hypotheses on the evolution of Umbilicariaceae, 644 sequences from three independent DNA regions were used, 433 of which were newly produced. The study includes a representative fraction (presumably about 80%) of the known species diversity of the Umbilicariaceae s.str. and is based on the phylograms obtained using maximum likelihood and a Bayesian phylogenetic inference framework. The analyses resulted in the recognition of eight well‐supported clades, delimited by a combination of morphological and chemical features. None of the previous classifications within Umbilicariaceae s.str. were supported by the phylogenetic analyses. The distribution of the diagnostic morphological and chemical traits against the molecular phylogenetic topology revealed the following patterns of evolution: (1) Rhizinomorphs were gained at least four times independently and are lacking in most clades grouping in the proximity of Lasallia. (2) Asexual reproductive structures, i.e., thalloconidia and lichenized dispersal units, appear more or less mutually exclusive, being restricted to different clades. Two major ontogenetic types of thalloconidial development (thallobred versus rhizinobred) exist, reflecting their non‐homologous origin. Both types of thalloconidial formation were gained multiple times. (3) “Gyrodisc‐omphalodisc” apothecia are plesiomorphic in Umbilicariaceae. The apothecial type is a relatively variable trait, because the main types of apothecia switched at least six times in evolution. Multiple evolutionary changes from the gyrodiscs to leiodiscs, by reduction of carbonized hymenial structures, seem likely. (4) Ascospore characters, such as spore number per ascus, spore size, and septation type and degree are strongly correlated. Eight non‐septate small ascospores per ascus represent a plesiomorphic trait. The results indicate parallel evolutionary trends from “gyrodisc‐omphalodisc” to leiodisc apothecia, from octospory to mono‐ or bispory and from unicellular to multicellular‐muriform ascospores. The other types of apothecia and ascospores evolved multiple times. This suggests that the concept of Umbilicariaceae s.str. has to be refined. The new classification includes eight subgenera in the only genus Umbilicaria: subg. Actinogyra (type: U. muehlenbergii), subg. Agyrophora (type: A. atropruinosa), subg. Floccularia subg. nov. (type: U. deusta), subg. Gyrophora (type: U. vellea), subg. Iwatakia subg. nov. (type: U. esculenta), subg. Lasallia (type: L. pustulata), subg. Umbilicaria (type: U. hyperborea), and subg. Umbilicariopsis subg. nov. (type: Umbilicaria polyrhiza). Furthermore, four new combinations are proposed: Umbilicaria daliensis comb. nov., U. hispanica comb. nov., U. sinorientalis comb. nov., U. xizangensis comb. nov.
Metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty is not associated with cardiac disease
Authors: Goodnough L. H. , Bala A. , Huddleston III J. I. , Goodman S. B. , Maloney W. J. , Amanatullah D. F.
Published: January 2018

Aims

Many case reports and small studies have suggested that cobalt ions are a potential cause of cardiac complications, specifically cardiomyopathy, after metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip arthroplasty (THA). The impact of metal ions on the incidence of cardiac disease after MoM THA has not been evaluated in large studies. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of onset of new cardiac symptoms in patients who have undergone MoM THA with those who have undergone metal-on-polyethylene (MoP) THA.

Patients and Methods

Data were extracted from the Standard Analytics Files database for patients who underwent MoM THA between 2005 and 2012. Bearing surface was selected using International Classification of Diseases ninth revision codes. Patients with a minimum five-year follow-up were selected. An age and gender-matched cohort of patients who underwent MoP THA served as a comparison group. New diagnoses of cardiac disease were collected during the follow-up period. Comorbidities and demographics were identified and routine descriptive statistics were used.

Results

We identified 29 483 patients who underwent MoM THA and 24 175 matched patients who underwent MoP THA. Both groups had a mean Charlson comorbidity index score of 4. There were no statistically significant differences in 30 of 31 pre-existing comorbidities. Patients undergoing MoM THA had a slightly lower incidence of cardiac failure compared with those undergoing MoP THA at three years (6.60% versus 7.06%, odds ratio (OR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.87 to 0.99) and four years (8.73% versus 9.49%, OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.86 to 0.97) postoperatively, with no difference in the incidence of new cardiac failure in between the groups at five years. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of arrhythmia, myocardial infarction and cardiomyopathy at any time between the two groups.

Conclusion

MoM THA is not associated with cardiac complications. Initial reports may have represented individual instances of cardiac disease in patients with a failing MoM articulation rather than an emerging epidemiological trend. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:28–32.
Follow-up after arthroplasty of the hip and knee
Authors: Lovelock T. M. , Broughton N. S.
Published: January 2018

The number of arthroplasties of the hip and knee is predicted to increase rapidly during the next 20 years. Accompanying this is the dilemma of how to follow-up these patients appropriately. Current guidelines recommend long-term follow-up to identify patients with aseptic loosening, which can occur more than a decade postoperatively. The current guidelines and practices of orthopaedic surgeons vary widely. Existing models take up much clinical time and are expensive. Pilot studies using ‘virtual’ clinics and advanced-practice physiotherapists have shown promise in decreasing the time and costs for orthopaedic surgeons and patients.

This review discusses current practices and future trends in the follow-up of patients who have an arthroplasty.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:6–10.
A pilot randomized trial of meniscal allograft transplantation versus personalized physiotherapy for patients with a symptomatic meniscal deficient knee compartment
Authors: Smith N. A. , Parsons N. , Wright D. , Hutchinson C. , Metcalfe A. , Thompson P. , Costa M. L. , Spalding T.
Published: January 2018

Aims

Meniscal allograft transplantation is undertaken to improve pain and function in patients with a symptomatic meniscal deficient knee compartment. While case series have shown improvements in patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), its efficacy has not been rigorously evaluated. This study aimed to compare PROMs in patients having meniscal transplantation with those having personalized physiotherapy at 12 months.

Patients and Methods

A single-centre assessor-blinded, comprehensive cohort study, incorporating a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) was performed on patients with a symptomatic compartment of the knee in which a (sub)total meniscectomy had previously been performed. They were randomized to be treated either with a meniscal allograft transplantation or personalized physiotherapy, and stratified for malalignment of the limb. They entered the preference groups if they were not willing to be randomized. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and Lysholm score and complications were collected at baseline and at four, eight and 12 months following the interventions.

Results

A total of 36 patients entered the study; 21 were randomized and 15 chose their treatments. Their mean age was 28 years (range 17 to 46). The outcomes were similar in the randomized and preference groups, allowing pooling of data. At 12 months, the KOOS4 composite score (mean difference 12, p = 0.03) and KOOS subscales of pain (mean difference 15, p = 0.02) and activities of daily living (mean difference 18, p = 0.005) were significantly superior in the meniscal transplantation group. Other PROMs also favoured this group without reaching statistical significance. There were five complications in the meniscal transplantation and one in the physiotherapy groups.

Conclusion

This is the first study to compare meniscal allograft transplantation to non-operative treatment. The results provide the best quality evidence to date of the symptomatic benefits of meniscal allograft transplantation in the short term, but a multicentre RCT is required to investigate this question further. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:56–63.
Thrombospondin-1 and blood pressure in 7-8-year-old children born low birth weight and small for gestational age
Authors: Malonda Marlyn , Umboh Adrian , Gunawan Stefanus
Published: January 2018

Background Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is associated with endothelial damage, glomerular impairment, and hypertension. Low birth weight (LBW) and small for gestational age (SGA) children have higher risk of morbidity and mortality.Objective To assess for a possible association between TSP-1 level and blood pressure in children who were born low birth weight and small for gestational age.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from March to May 2015. Inclusion criteria were children who were born LBW and SGA in 2007-2008 at Prof. Dr. R. D. Kandou General Hospital, resided in Manado, North Sulawesi, had complete medical records, and whose parents consented to their participation. Exclusion criteria were children who were in puberty, obese, had renal disease, taking medications that affect blood pressure, or who were admitted to the hospital in the 2 weeks prior to enrollment.  Data were analyzed using regression and simple correlation tests to assess for associations between TSP-1 and birth weight, as well as TSP-1 and blood pressure.Results Subjects’ mean TSP-1 level was 257.95 ng/dL. There was a strong negative correlation between TSP-1 and birth weight (r=-0.784; P<0.0001). In addition, there were strong positive correlations between TSP-1 level and systolic blood pressure (r=0.718; P<0.0001) as well as TSP-1 and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.670; P<0.0001).Conclusion Higher TSP-1 is associated with higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure in 7-8-year-old children who were LBW and SGA at birth. Also, TSP-1 and birth weight have a strong negative correlation.
Políticas educativas igualitarias en España. La igualdad de género en los estudios de magisterio
Authors: González-Pérez Teresa
Published: January 2018

La igualdad de género constituye un principio fundamental en las sociedades democráticas y en el desarrollo del sistema educativo. En este sentido la igualdad de género ha formado parte de las políticas europeas desarrolladas desde finales del siglo XX. Durante el proceso de implementación del Espacio Europeo de Educación Superior, se formuló el objetivo de reducir las desigualdades entre mujeres y hombres en la educación superior. El objetivo de este trabajo consiste en estudiar la igualdad de género en los estudios de magisterio en la España democrática. Esta investigación sigue la metodología de análisis legislativo, realizamos un recorrido por las principales leyes que inciden en la igualdad y su concreción en los planes de estudio, así como la revisión teórica de la inclusión de la perspectiva de género en la formación inicial del profesorado. Analizamos la legislación y planes de estudio de magisterio para concluir en la reflexión sobre las tendencias de cambio. En la segunda década del siglo XXI la desigualdad persiste en la educación a través de distintas formas, desde la socialización a los estereotipos, el currículum oculto y los materiales didácticos. La formación del magisterio es una de las claves para eliminar la desigualdad de género, aunque no constituye un aspecto importante en su aprendizaje. El marco legal desarrollado no ha sido suficiente para resolver esta problemática, dado que la legislación no ha sido explícita. Las universidades están en permanente transformación, pero el escenario universitario ha sido poco permeable a introducir cambios relativos a la formación igualitaria y a considerar los sesgos de género en los programas así como en reconocer el sexismo en las aulas. Las instituciones universitarias se enfrentan a importantes retos para resolver la desigualdad.
A jeśli uczeń wie więcej – trudna interakcja na zajęciach z języka specjalistycznego
Authors: Kic-Drgas Joanna
Published: January 2018

Interaction between the learner and teacher in the context of Foreign Language for Specific Purposes (FLSP) is characteristic in that often the learner has greater specialist knowledge than the teacher for reasons of experience, or because they work professionally in the field. The purpose of this article is to define the factors impacting on this relationship and analyze possible difficulties for the teacher. The empirical part describes a pilot study with the aim of analyzing responses from eight FLSP teachers.
THE NEW (ATHEIST) WOMAN: A LEGACY OF THE 1960S CULTURAL REVOLUTION?
Authors: Eccles Janet
Published: January 2018

It is undoubtedly true that a number of British women turned their back on religion, from the beginning of the period of the cultural revolution of the 1960s and onwards. To what might we attribute these defections and the taking up of a new nonreligious identity?  Was it the change in sexual mores and the rise of second wave feminism, the increase in women entering higher education opening up new worldviews to them or increasing affluence? This article examines a variety of factors through the eyes of self-identified women atheists/humanists most of whom have lived through that period. It notes that, while these factors may well be significant to different degrees for different women, the turn to atheism, specifically, results largely from women having been damaged by religion and the deep emotional impact thus left behind. The turn to atheism is not a uniform experience as the women are enmeshed in differing types of ‘emotional regime’ which affects how they respond.
UDZIAŁ HELENY RADLIŃSKIEJ W EUROPEJSKIM RUCHU SPOŁECZNO-PEDAGOGICZNYM (1918-1939)
Authors: Theiss Wiesław
Published: January 2018

W artykule został przedstawiony zarys międzynarodowej działalności, jaką Helena Radlińska (1879-1954), twórczyni polskiej pedagogiki społecznej, prowadzi na polu edukacyjno-społecznym w latach 1918 – 1939. Ukazane prace, ich zakres, kierunki i cele wiązały się z funkcjonowaniem największych ówczesnych europejskich central edukacyjnych, jak głównie: Międzynarodowe Kongresy Wychowania Moralnego w Londynie, Międzynarodowe Biuro Oświaty w Genewie, Międzynarodowa Liga Nowego Wychowania w Genewie, Związek Międzynarodowych Konferencji Oświaty Dorosłych w Anglii oraz Międzynarodowe Konferencje Służby Społecznej w Paryżu. Działalność ta, realizowana przez Radlińską z dużym zaangażowaniem i przez wiele lat, przynosi wiele ważnych osiągnięć społecznych i instytucjonalnych, teoretyczno-naukowych, metodologicznych i metodycznych. Na tej drodze wzbogaca się główne dzieło życia Radlińskiej – pedagogika społeczna, dyscyplina, która rozwój jednostki łączy z potrzebą inwestycji w socjalny i kulturalny wymiar ludzkiego życia.  Przedstawiona działalność Radlińskiej, a także innych działaczy oświatowych sprawia, że Warszawa tamtych czasów jest jednym z ważniejszych europejskich ośrodków międzynarodowej współpracy w dziedzinie szeroko rozumianej edukacji, oświaty, wychowania i pracy społecznej.
Harmonization of accreditation to ISO15189
Authors: Thelen Marc H.M. , Huisman Wim
Published: January 2018

Over the years, ISO15189 has established itself as the international standard for quality management systems for all fields in laboratory medicine. As a result, also accreditation to this standard has increased in international adaptation. As a consequence, its impact grows as governments make the standard obligatory and/or national funding systems require ISO15189 accreditation for reimbursement. All these trends amplify each other. This overview aims to specify how ISO15189 has gained its current position as the harmonized quality standard that is not affected by borders between scientific (sub)fields nor between nations. From there, future challenges, opportunities and risks are addressed.
Solvent-free preparation of 3-aryl-2-[(aryl)(arylamino)]methyl-4H-furo[3,2-c]chromen-4-one derivatives using ZnO-ZnAl2O4 nanocomposite as a heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Abbasi-Dehnavi Hassan , Ghashang Majid
Published: January 2018

The title compounds were synthesized by a three-component reaction of 4-hydroxycoumarin, aromatic amines and α,β-epoxy ketones, catalyzed by ZnO-ZnAl2O4 nanocomposite.
Synthesis of 4-arylethyl-6-arylpyrimidine-2-thiols through aza-Michael addition/nucleophilic addition/aromatization tandem reactions
Authors: Li Zheng , Song Wenli , He Jiaojiao , Du Yan , Yang Jingya
Published: January 2018

An efficient method for the synthesis of the title compounds by reactions of divinyl ketones with thiourea is described. This protocol has the advantages of high yields, mild reaction conditions and simple work-up procedure.
Real-time monitoring of contrast-enhanced ultrasound for radio frequency ablation
Authors: Liu Jiangwei , Liu Yan , Huang Jianzhao , Huang Lei , Zhao Pengwei
Published: January 2018

Background

This study compared the realtime monitoring effects of conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) on evaluating radio frequency ablation (RFA) in a living swine liver model.

Methodology

Liver RFA was performed on 10
young swine. Conventional ultrasound and CEUS were performed immediately. After the animals were sacrificed, ablation lesions were removed to histopathologically examine the range of the lesions. Ablation completeness based on three methods were compared using histopathology as the gold standard.

Results

Forty-three ablation lesions were produced in the animals. The horizontal diameter, vertical diameter and ablation lesion area based on conventional ultrasound were all significantly smaller than those based on the gross sample, but no significant differences existed between the results of the CEUS and the gross sample. Histopathology showed that 30 lesions were incompletely ablated and 13 were completely ablated, while CEUS showed that 28 lesions were incompletely ablated and 15 were completely ablated. Compared with histopathology, CEUS had an accuracy of 81.4%, a sensitivity of 83.3%, and a specificity of 76.9%. No significant difference in ablation completeness judgment between CEUS and histopathology was observed.

Conclusion

CEUS provides a real-time radiological foundation for evaluating RFA lesion ranges and completeness in a living swine liver model.
Aerobic glycolysis in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington’s disease
Authors: Vallée Alexandre , Lecarpentier Yves , Guillevin Rémy , Vallée Jean-Noël
Published: January 2018

Neurodegenerative cells are the sites of numerous metabolic and energetic abnormalities with abnormalities in energy production. Energy is the primary determinant of neuronal viability. In neurodegenerative cells, metabolic enzymes are modified by the dysregulation of the canonical WNT/β-catenin pathway. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease (HD), WNT/β-catenin pathway is upregulated. We focused this review on the hypothesis of aerobic glycolysis stimulated by the upregulation of WNT/β-catenin pathway in ALS and HD. Upregulation of WNT/β-catenin pathway induces aerobic glycolysis, named Warburg effect, through activation of glucose transporter (Glut), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), monocarboxylate lactate transporter 1 (MCT-1), lactate dehydrogenase kinase-A (LDH-A), and inactivation of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDH). Aerobic glycolysis consists of a supply of a large part of glucose into lactate regardless of oxygen. Aerobic glycolysis is less efficient in terms of ATP production compared with oxidative phosphorylation because of the shunt of the TCA cycle. Dysregulation of energetic metabolism promotes cell death and disease progression in ALD and HD. Aerobic glycolysis regulation is an attractive mechanism for developing therapeutic interventions.
Lexicalist vs. exoskeletal approaches to language mixing
Authors: Grimstad Maren Berg , Riksem Brita Ramsevik , Lohndal Terje , Åfarli Tor A
Published: January 2018

This article presents empirical evidence that disfavors using highly lexicalist minimalist models, such as the one presented in Chomsky (1995), when analyzing language mixing. The data analyzed consist of English – Spanish mixed noun phrases discussed in Moro (2014) as well as English – Norwegian mixed noun phrases and verbs taken from the Corpus of American Norwegian Speech. Whereas the lexicalist model in Chomsky (1995) only can explain a subset of the mixing patterns attested in both authentic English – Spanish mixed noun phrases and the American Norwegian corpus, we show that an alternative exoskeletal model can account for all of them. Such a model would entail that rather than assuming lexical items with inherent, functional features that determine the derivation, syntactic structures are generated independently from the lexical items that come to realize them.
2H NMR Studies on Water Dynamics in Functionalized Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Weigler Max , Brodrecht Martin , Breitzke Hergen , Dietrich Felix , Sattig Matthias , Buntkowsky Gerd , Vogel Michael
Published: January 2018

Mesoporous silica MCM-41 is prepared, for which the inner surfaces are modified by 3-(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) in a controlled manner. Nitrogen gas adsorpition yields a pore diameter of 2.2 nm for the APTES functionalized MCM-41. 2H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) provide detailed and consistent insights into the temperature-dependent reorientation dynamics of water in this confinement. We find that a liquid water species becomes accompanied by a solid water species when cooling through ~210 K, as indicated by an onset of bimodal 2H spin-lattice relaxation. The reorientation of the liquid water species is governed by pronounced dynamical heterogeneity in the whole temperature range. Its temperature dependence shows a mild dynamic crossover when the solid water species emerges and, hence, the volume accessible to the liquid water species further shrinks. Therefore, we attribute this variation in the temperature dependence to a change from bulk-like behavior towards interface-dominated dynamics. Below this dynamic crossover, 2H line-shape and stimulted-echo studies show that water reorientation becomes anisotropic upon cooling, suggesting that these NMR approaches, but also BDS measurements do no longer probe the structural (α) relaxation, but rather a secondary (β) relaxation of water at sufficiently low temperatures. Then, another dynamic crossover at ~180 K can be rationalized in terms of a change of the temperature dependence of the β relaxation in response to a glassy freezing of the α relaxation of confined water. Comparing these results for APTES modied MCM-41 with previous findings for mesoporous silica with various pore diameters, we obtain valuable information about the dependence of water dynamics in restricted geometries on the size of the nanoscopic confinements and the properties of the inner surfaces.
Effects of Estrogen Therapy on the Serotonergic System in an Animal Model of Perimenopause Induced by 4-Vinylcyclohexen Diepoxide (VCD)
Authors: Pestana-Oliveira Nayara , Kalil Bruna , Leite Cristiane Mota , Carolino Ruither Oliveira Gomes , Debarba Lucas Kniess , Elias Lucila Leico Kagohara , Antunes-Rodrigues José , Anselmo-Franci Janete A.
Published: January 2018

Chronic exposure to 4-vinylcycloxene diepoxide (VCD) in rodents accelerates the natural process of ovarian follicular atresia modelling perimenopause in women. We investigated why estrogen therapy is beneficial for symptomatic women despite normal or high estrogen levels during perimenopause. Female rats (28 d) were injected daily with VCD or oil for 15 d; 55-65 d after the first injection, pellets of 17β-estradiol or oil were inserted subcutaneously. Around 20 d after, the rats were euthanized (control rats on diestrus and estradiol-treated 21 d after pellets implants). Blood was collected for hormone measurement, the brains were removed and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN), hippocampus (HPC), and amygdala (AMY) punched out for serotonin (5-HT), estrogen receptor β (ERβ), and progesterone receptor (PR) mRNA level measurements. Another set of rats was perfused for tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) immunohistochemistry in the DRN. Periestropausal rats exhibited estradiol levels similar to controls and a lower progesterone level, which was restored by estradiol. The DRN of periestropausal rats exhibited lower expression of PR and ERβ mRNA and a lower number of TPH cells. Estradiol restored the ERβ mRNA levels and number of serotonergic cells in the DRN caudal subregion. The 5-HT levels were lower in the AMY and HPC in peristropausal rats, and estradiol treatment increased the 5-HT levels in the HPC and also increased ERβ expression in this area. In conclusion, estradiol may improve perimenopause symptoms by increasing progesterone and boosting serotonin pathway from the caudal DRN to the dorsal HPC potentially through an increment in ERβ expression in the DRN.
POU6f1 Mediates Neuropeptide-Dependent Plasticity in the Adult Brain
Authors: McClard Cynthia K. , Kochukov Mikhail Y. , Herman Isabella , Liu Zhandong , Eblimit Aiden , Moayedi Yalda , Ortiz-Guzman Joshua , Colchado Daniel , Pekarek Brandon , Panneerselvam Sugi , Mardon Graeme , Arenkiel Benjamin R.
Published: January 2018

The mouse olfactory bulb (OB) features continued, activity-dependent integration of adult-born neurons, providing a robust model with which to examine mechanisms of plasticity in the adult brain. We previously reported that local OB interneurons secrete the neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in an activity-dependent manner onto adult-born granule neurons and that local CRH signaling promotes expression of synaptic machinery in the bulb. This effect is mediated via activation of the CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1), which is developmentally regulated during adult-born neuron maturation. CRHR1 is a GS-protein-coupled receptor that activates CREB-dependent transcription in the presence of CRH. Therefore, we hypothesized that locally secreted CRH activates CRHR1 to initiate circuit plasticity programs. To identify such programs, we profiled gene expression changes associated with CRHR1 activity in adult-born neurons of the OB. Here, we show that CRHR1 activity influences expression of the brain-specific Homeobox-containing transcription factor POU Class 6 Homeobox 1 (POU6f1). To elucidate the contributions ofPOU6f1toward activity-dependent circuit remodeling, we targeted CRHR1+neurons in male and female mice for cell-type-specific manipulation ofPOU6f1expression. Whereas loss ofPOU6f1in CRHR1+neurons resulted in reduced dendritic complexity and decreased synaptic connectivity, overexpression ofPOU6f1in CRHR1+neurons promoted dendritic outgrowth and branching and influenced synaptic function. Together, these findings suggest that the transcriptional program directed byPOU6f1downstream of local CRH signaling in adult-born neurons influences circuit dynamics in response to activity-dependent peptide signaling in the adult brain.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTElucidating mechanisms of plasticity in the adult brain is helpful for devising strategies to understand and treat neurodegeneration. Circuit plasticity in the adult mouse olfactory bulb is exemplified by both continued cell integration and synaptogenesis. We previously reported that these processes are influenced by local neuropeptide signaling in an activity-dependent manner. Here, we show that local corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) signaling induces dynamic gene expression changes in CRH receptor expressing adult-born neurons, including altered expression of the transcription factorPOU6f1. We further show thatPOU6f1is necessary for proper dendrite specification and patterning, as well as synapse development and function in adult-born neurons. Together, these findings reveal a novel mechanism by which peptide signaling modulates adult brain circuit plasticity.
An Insula–Central Amygdala Circuit for Guiding Tastant-Reinforced Choice Behavior
Authors: Schiff Hillary C. , Bouhuis Anna Lien , Yu Kai , Penzo Mario A. , Li Haohong , He Miao , Li Bo
Published: January 2018

For animals to survive, they must reliably predict during foraging which substances are suitable for consumption. Despite extensive study, the neural circuit mechanisms underlying such adaptive behavior remain poorly understood. Here, using a tastant (sucrose/quinine)-reinforced “go/no-go” task in male and female mice, we examined the anatomical and functional connectivity of the circuit linking the insular cortex (IC) to the central amygdala (CeA) and the role of this circuit in the establishment of appropriate behavioral responses. Using anatomic tracing approaches combined with optogenetics-assisted circuit mapping, we found that the gustatory region of the IC sends direct excitatory projections to the lateral division of the CeA (CeL), making monosynaptic excitatory connections with distinct populations of CeL neurons. Specific inhibition of neurotransmitter release from the CeL-projecting IC neurons prevented mice from acquiring the “no-go” response, and impaired the “go” responses in the go/no-go task. Furthermore, selective activation of the IC–CeL pathway with optogenetics drove unconditioned lick suppression in thirsty animals, induced aversive responses, and was sufficient to instruct conditioned action suppression in response to a cue predicting the optogenetic activation. These results indicate that activities in the IC–CeL circuit are critical for establishing taste-reinforced behavioral responses, including avoidance responses to an aversive tastant, and are sufficient to drive learning of anticipatory avoidance. Our findings suggest that the IC–CeL circuit plays an important role in guiding appropriate choices during foraging.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAn animal's ability to predict which substances are suitable for consumption and then produce an appropriate action to those substances is critical for survival. Here we found that activity in the circuit that links the insular cortex (IC) to the central amygdala (CeA) is necessary for establishing appropriate behavioral responses to taste-predicting cues. This neural circuit seems to be particularly tuned to avoid an unpleasant tastant, and is also sufficient to drive learning of such avoidance responses. These results suggest that the IC–CeA circuit is critical for generating appropriate behavioral responses during foraging when facing different choices.