bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The protective effects of a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, sildenafil, on postresuscitation cardiac dysfunction of cardiac arrest: metabolic evidence from microdialysis
Authors: Zhang Qian , Yuan Wei , Wang Guoxing , Wu Junyuan , Wang Miaomiao , Li ChunSheng
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Recent experimental and clinical studies have indicated the cardioprotective role of sildenafil during ischemia/reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to determine, by obtaining metabolic evidence from microdialysis, if sildenafil could reduce the severity of postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction and lead to cardioprotection through beneficial effects on energy metabolism.

Methods

Twenty-four male piglets were randomly divided into three groups: sildenafil (n = 8), saline (SA; n = 8) and sham operation (n = 8). Sildenafil pretreatment consisted of 0.5 mg/kg sildenafil administered once intraperitoneally 30 minutes prior to ventricular fibrillation (VF). The myocardial interstitial fluid (ISF) concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate, glutamate and glycerol were determined by microdialysis before VF. Afterward, the piglets were subjected to 8 minutes of untreated VF followed by 15 minutes of open-chest cardiopulmonary resuscitation. ISF was collected continuously, and the experiment was terminated 24 hours after resuscitation.

Results

After 8 minutes of untreated VF, the sildenafil group exhibited higher glucose and pyruvate concentrations of ISF and lower lactate and glutamate levels in comparison with the SA group, and these data reached statistical significance (P < 0.05). Advanced cardiac life support was delivered to both groups, with a 24-hour survival rate showing a promising trend in the sildenafil group (7 of 8 versus 3 of 8 survivors, P < 0.05). Compared with the SA group, the sildenafil group had a better outcome in terms of hemodynamic and oxygen metabolism parameters (P < 0.05). Myocardial tissue analysis revealed a dramatic increase in the contents of ATP, ADP and phosphocreatine in the sildenafil group versus the SA group at 24 hours after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC; P = 0.03, P = 0.02 and P = 0.02, respectively). Furthermore, 24 hours after ROSC, the sildenafil group had marked elevations in activity of left ventricular Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase compared with the SA group (P = 0.03, P = 0.04, respectively).

Conclusions

Sildenafil could reduce the severity of postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction, and it produced better clearance of metabolic waste in the ISF. This work might provide insights into the development of a novel strategy to treat postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction.
A systematic review of adult admissions to ICUs related to adverse drug events
Authors: Jolivot Pierre-Alain , Hindlet Patrick , Pichereau Claire , Fernandez Christine , Maury Eric , Guidet Bertrand , Hejblum Gilles
Published: November 2014

Adverse drug events (ADE) may lead to hospital admission, and in some cases admission to an ICU is mandatory. We conducted a systematic review dealing with the incidence of ADE requiring ICU admission in adult patients, the reference population being all ICU admissions. Medline, Embase and Web of Science databases were screened from January 1982 to July 2014, using appropriate key words. Only original articles in English reporting the incidence of ADE requiring ICU admission in adult patients among total ICU admissions were included. Article eligibility was assessed by two independent reviewers, a third being involved in cases of disagreement. All reported characteristics (type of ICU, characteristics of patients, incidence of ADE, severity and preventability, drugs involved, causality) in the selected articles were collected for the review. The quality of studies was independently assessed by two reviewers with a specific score that we developed. A meta-analysis was conducted. Inclusion criteria were fulfilled by 11 studies out of the 4,311 identified in the initial literature search. The median (interquartile) quality score was 0.61 (0.44; 0.69). The reported incidences of ADE requiring ICU admission in adult patients ranged from 0.37 to 27.4%, with an associated mortality rate ranging from 2 to 28.1% and a mean length of stay ranging from 2.3 to 6.4 days. Preventable events accounted for 17.5 to 85.7% of the events. Costs and mechanisms at the root of ADE were investigated in only two and five studies, respectively. The forest plot examining the incidence of ADE requiring ICU admission in adult patients was associated with high heterogeneity (I2 statistic >98%), and the shape of the corresponding funnel plot was asymmetric. Heterogeneity across studies concerned many features, including studied populations, events considered, causality assessment methods, definitions of preventability and severity. Despite the heterogeneity of the reports, our review indicates that ICU admission due to ADE is a significant issue that should deserve further interest. The review led us to propose a list of items devoted to the reporting of future studies on ADE requiring ICU admissions.
Trained innate immunity as a mechanistic link between sepsis and atherosclerosis
Authors: Bekkering Siroon , Joosten Leo AB , Netea Mihai G , Riksen Niels P
Published: November 2014

No abstract
Is there a role for telemedicine in disaster medicine?
Authors: Piza Felipe , Steinman Milton , Baldisserotto Sergio , Morbeck Renata Albaladejo , Silva Eliezer
Published: November 2014

No abstract
Identification by array comparative genomic hybridization of a new amplicon on chromosome 17q highly recurrent in BRCA1 mutated triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Toffoli Sébastien , Bar Isabelle , Abdel-Sater Fadi , Delrée Paul , Hilbert Pascale , Cavallin Frédéric , Moreau Fabrice , Van Criekinge Wim , Lacroix-Triki Magali , Campone Mario , Martin Anne-Laure , Roché Henri , Machiels Jean-Pascal , Carrasco Javier , Canon Jean-Luc
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Triple Negative Breast Cancers (TNBC) represent about 12% to 20% of all breast cancers (BC) and have a worse outcome compared to other BC subtypes. TNBC often show a deficiency in DNA double-strand break repair mechanisms. This is generally related to the inactivation of a repair enzymatic complex involving BRCA1 caused either by genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications or by post-transcriptional regulations.

The identification of new molecular biomarkers that would allow the rapid identification of BC presenting a BRCA1 deficiency could be useful to select patients who could benefit from PARP inhibitors, alkylating agents or platinum-based chemotherapy.

Methods

Genomic DNA from 131 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumors (luminal A and B, HER2+ and triple negative BC) with known BRCA1 mutation status or unscreened for BRCA1 mutation were analysed by array Comparative Genomic Hybridization (array CGH). One highly significant and recurrent gain in the 17q25.3 genomic region was analysed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Expression of the genes of the 17q25.3 amplicon was studied using customized Taqman low density arrays and single Taqman assays (Applied Biosystems).

Results

We identified by array CGH and confirmed by FISH a gain in the 17q25.3 genomic region in 90% of the BRCA1 mutated tumors. This chromosomal gain was present in only 28.6% of the BRCA1 non-mutated TNBC, 26.7% of the unscreened TNBC, 13.6% of the luminal B, 19.0% of the HER2+ and 0% of the luminal A breast cancers. The 17q25.3 gain was also detected in 50% of the TNBC with BRCA1 promoter methylation. Interestingly, BRCA1 promoter methylation was never detected in BRCA1 mutated BC. Gene expression analyses of the 17q25.3 sub-region showed a significant over-expression of 17 genes in BRCA1 mutated TNBC (n = 15) as compared to the BRCA1 non mutated TNBC (n = 13).

Conclusions

In this study, we have identified by array CGH and confirmed by FISH a recurrent gain in 17q25.3 significantly associated to BRCA1 mutated TNBC. Up-regulated genes in the 17q25.3 amplicon might represent potential therapeutic targets and warrant further investigation.
Genomic analysis of emerging pathogens: methods, application and future trends
Authors: Li Lucy M , Grassly Nicholas C , Fraser Christophe
Published: November 2014

The number of emerging infectious diseases is increasing. Characterizing novel or re-emerging infections is aided by the availability of pathogen genomes. In this review, we evaluate methods that exploit pathogen sequences and the contribution of genomic analysis to understand the epidemiology of recently emerged infectious diseases.
Characterizing the genetic basis of bacterial phenotypes using genome-wide association studies: a new direction for bacteriology
Authors: Read Timothy D , Massey Ruth C
Published: November 2014

Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have become an increasingly important approach for eukaryotic geneticists, facilitating the identification of hundreds of genetic polymorphisms that are responsible for inherited diseases. Despite the relative simplicity of bacterial genomes, the application of GWASs to identify polymorphisms responsible for important bacterial phenotypes has only recently been made possible through advances in genome sequencing technologies. Bacterial GWASs are now about to come of age thanks to the availability of massive datasets, and because of the potential to bridge genomics and traditional genetic approaches that is provided by improving validation strategies. A small number of pioneering GWASs in bacteria have been published in the past 2 years, examining from 75 to more than 3,000 strains. The experimental designs have been diverse, taking advantage of different processes in bacteria for generating variation. Analysis of data from bacterial GWASs can, to some extent, be performed using software developed for eukaryotic systems, but there are important differences in genome evolution that must be considered. The greatest experimental advantage of bacterial GWASs is the potential to perform downstream validation of causality and dissection of mechanism. We review the recent advances and remaining challenges in this field and propose strategies to improve the validation of bacterial GWASs.
Neurotrophins are expressed in giant cell arteritis lesions and may contribute to vascular remodeling
Authors: Ly Kim Heang , Régent Alexis , Molina Elsa , Saada Sofiane , Sindou Philippe , Le-Jeunne Claire , Brézin Antoine , Witko-Sarsat Véronique , Labrousse François , Robert Pierre-Yves , Bertin Philippe , Bourges Jean-Louis , Fauchais Anne-Laure , Vidal Elisabeth , Mouthon Luc , Jauberteau Marie-Odile
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is characterized by intimal hyperplasia leading to ischaemic manifestations that involve large vessels. Neurotrophins (NTs) and their receptors (NTRs) are protein factors for growth, differentiation and survival of neurons. They are also involved in the migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Our aim was to investigate whether NTs and NTRs are involved in vascular remodelling of GCA.

Methods

We included consecutive patients who underwent a temporal artery biopsy for suspected GCA. We developed an enzymatic digestion method to obtain VSMCs from smooth muscle cells in GCA patients and controls. Neurotrophin protein and gene expression and functional assays were studied from these VSMCs. Neurotrophin expression was also analysed by immunohistochemistry in GCA patients and controls.

Results

Whereas temporal arteries of both GCA patients (n = 22) and controls (n = 21) expressed nerve growth factor (NGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and sortilin, immunostaining was more intense in GCA patients, especially in the media and intima, while neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and P75 receptor (P75NTR) were only detected in TA from GCA patients. Expression of TrkB, a BDNF receptor, was higher in GCA patients with ischaemic complications. Serum NGF was significantly higher in GCA patients (n = 28) vs. controls (n = 48), whereas no significant difference was found for BDNF and NT-3. NGF and BDNF enhanced GCA-derived temporal artery VSMC proliferation and BDNF facilitated migration of temporal artery VSMCs in patients with GCA compared to controls.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that NTs and NTRs are involved in vascular remodelling of GCA. In GCA-derived temporal artery VSMC, NGF promoted proliferation and BDNF enhanced migration by binding to TrkB and p75NTR receptors. Further experiments are needed on a larger number of VSMC samples to confirm these results.
C19MC MicroRNAs Regulate the Migration of Human Trophoblasts
Authors: Xie Lan , Mouillet Jean-Francois , Chu Tianjiao , Parks W. Tony , Sadovsky Elena , Knöfler Martin , Sadovsky Yoel
Published: November 2014

Early in pregnancy, trophoblast invasion into the decidua and inner myometrium is essential for establishment of proper implantation, maternal-fetal exchange, and immunological tolerance of the feto-placental allograft. Unlike villous trophoblasts (VTs), extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) are unique in their capacity to invade the maternal decidua and myometrium. The largest human microRNA (miRNA) gene cluster, the chromosome 19 miRNA cluster (C19MC), is expressed almost exclusively in the placenta and, rarely, in certain tumors and undifferentiated cells. In the work reported here, we found that the expression of C19MC miRNAs is higher in VTs than in EVTs. Using a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)-mediated overexpression of C19MC miRNAs in an EVT-derived cell line, which does not naturally express these miRNAs, we found that C19MC miRNAs selectively attenuate cell migration without affecting cell proliferation or apoptosis. A microarray analysis revealed that C19MC miRNAs regulate target transcripts related to cellular movement. Our data also implicated a specific C19MC member, miR-519d, indirectly regulating the EVT invasive phenotype by targeting CXCL6, NR4A2 and FOXL2 transcripts through a 3′UTR miRNA-responsive element. Together, our data suggest a role for C19MC miRNAs in modulating the migration of EVTs.
Activating Transcription Factor 6α Is Required for the Vasopressin Neuron System to Maintain Water Balance Under Dehydration in Male Mice
Authors: Azuma Yoshinori , Hagiwara Daisuke , Lu Wenjun , Morishita Yoshiaki , Suga Hidetaka , Goto Motomitsu , Banno Ryoichi , Sugimura Yoshihisa , Oyadomari Seiichi , Mori Kazutoshi , Shiota Akira , Asai Naoya , Takahashi Masahide , Oiso Yutaka , Arima Hiroshi
Published: November 2014

Activating transcription factor 6α (ATF6α) is a sensor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and increases the expression of ER chaperones and molecules related to the ER-associated degradation of unfolded/misfolded proteins. In this study, we used ATF6α knockout (ATF6α−/−) mice to clarify the role of ATF6α in the arginine vasopressin (AVP) neuron system. Although urine volumes were not different between ATF6α−/− and wild-type (ATF6α+/+) mice with access to water ad libitum, they were increased in ATF6α−/− mice compared with those in ATF6α+/+ mice under intermittent water deprivation (WD) and accompanied by less urine AVP in ATF6α−/− mice. The mRNA expression of immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein, an ER chaperone, was significantly increased in the supraoptic nucleus in ATF6α+/+ but not ATF6α−/− mice after WD. Electron microscopic analyses demonstrated that the ER lumen of AVP neurons was more dilated in ATF6α−/− mice than in ATF6α+/+ mice after WD. ATF6α−/− mice that were mated with mice possessing a mutation causing familial neurohypophysial diabetes insipidus (FNDI), which is characterized by progressive polyuria and AVP neuronal loss due to the accumulation of mutant AVP precursor in the ER, manifested increased urine volume under intermittent WD. The aggregate formation in the ER of AVP neurons was further impaired in FNDI/ATF6α−/− mice compared with that in FNDI mice, and AVP neuronal loss was accelerated in FNDI/ATF6α−/− mice under WD. These data suggest that ATF6α is required for the AVP neuron system to maintain water balance under dehydration.
Role of Sphingosine Kinase/S1P Axis in ECM Remodeling of Cardiac Cells Elicited by Relaxin
Authors: Frati Alessia , Ricci Barbara , Pierucci Federica , Nistri Silvia , Bani Daniele , Meacci Elisabetta
Published: November 2014

The initiation and progression of heart failure is linked to adverse cardiac remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during disease mainly through the deregulation of myocardial metalloproteinases (MMPs). Relaxin (RLX), a peptide hormone acting as a physiological cardiac effector, is a key regulator of ECM remodeling in reproductive and nonreproductive tissues. Studying primary cultures of mouse cardiac muscle cells and rat H9c2 cardiomyoblasts, we have obtained evidence for a new signaling pathway activated by RLX to induce ECM remodeling that involves the bioactive sphingolipids sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide. In both cell populations, recombinant human RLX increased sphingosine kinase activity and S1P formation, whereas sphingomyelin and ceramide content were decreased in [3H]serine-labeled cells. According to the literature, RLX promoted MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression/release. Pharmacological inhibition of sphingolipid metabolism and silencing of sphingosine kinase 1, the enzyme responsible for S1P formation, were able to prevent MMP expression/release elicited by the hormone and induce the expression of tissue inhibitor of MMPs. In addition, we found that sphingolipid signaling is required for the regulation of connective tissue growth factor, a member of the CCN 1–3 family of genes that are involved in cell proliferation and differentiation. Finally, the induction of cardiomyoblast maturation induced by RLX was also found to be counteracted by inhibition of S1P formation. In conclusion, these findings provide a novel mechanism by which RLX acts on cardiac ECM remodeling and cardiac cell differentiation and offer interesting therapeutic options to prevent heart fibrosis and to favor myocardial regeneration.
The bioinformation analysis of indicators of function of external breath at patients with bronchial asthma with accompanying diabetes of the 2nd type against application of rehabilitation actions
Authors: Синенко  , Sinenko D. , Рыбалка  , Rybalka O. , Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Шевченко  , Shevchenko N.
Published: November 2014

A new method of multivariate bioinformation analysis for studying of external respiratory function values in patients with bronchial asthma (BA) and concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM). System synthesis allows to define the most significant dynamic signs that can be changed while medical respiratory rehabilitation in patients with bronchial asthma and concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Phylosophical and social aspects of development of education and science in ugra - typical example of regional processes
Authors: Филатова  , Filatova O. , Еськов  , Eskov V. , Гудкова  , Gudkova S.
Published: November 2014

The movement of a society (state) starts with movement of center of a quasi-attractor in phase space of states or with increased dimensionality of quasi-attractors. There are no such two types of measurement in the Russian Federation. The vector of development must be set talented people, geniuses and passionariums. But in Russia the intelligence is not recognized. Scientists are ignored and not supported, so many gifted people went to abroad and find their motherland there. The return to today´s Russia is impossible. It is a high time to state the fact - epoch of stagnation (Brezhnev´s time) threats to Russia. We are in stagnate state and immediate measures on transcending this state are required.
Research Integrity: Science Community Needs to Address Threats by Research Assessments
Authors: Pfister Roger
Published: November 2014

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) has a long-standing commitment to the International Council for Science (ICSU), a non-governmental organization with a global membership of national scientific bodies representing 141 countries and 31 International Scientific Unions, including IUPAC since 1922. Among its three strategic priorities, the Council works to promote the Principle of Universality of Science, enshrined in its Statute 5 and adherence to which is a condition of ICSU Membership.
Youth Views on Sustainability: Size Matters, But So Does Speed
Authors: de Roo Jonathan
Published: November 2014

I’m a man. I like speed! I drive my car fast. I hate waiting but I always pick the wrong queue in the supermarket. Same thing applies to my research. I’m a chemist and I have to do chemical reactions but can’t stand slow reactions.
The International Year of Crystallography (2014): A Philatelic Celebration
Authors: Rabinovich Daniel
Published: November 2014

The International Year of Crystallography (IYCr) is a year-round celebration of the science of crystallography, its enthralling history, and its multifarious contributions to society. Sponsored by UNESCO and the International Union of Crystallography (IUCr), a sister organization of IUPAC, the year 2014 marks, among other milestones, the centennial of the Nobel Prize in Physics awarded to the German physicist Max von Laue (1879-1960) for his seminal discovery of the diffraction of X‑rays by crystals. According to the IUCr, close to 50 scientists have now been awarded Nobel Prizes for scientific achievements directly related to, or relying heavily on the use of, crystallographic methods! Hence, it is not surprising that X‑ray crystallography has experienced an explosive growth since its inception and is now considered to be the most powerful technique for the determination of the structure of matter. As such, it is a key driving force in the development of modern chemistry, physics, molecular biology, nanotechnology, medicine, materials science, and many other fields of science and technology.
Re(de)fining grammaticalization from a usage-based perspective Discursive ambiguity in innovation scenarios
Authors: Winter-Froemel Esme
Published: November 2014

The article explores the possibilities of re(de)fining grammaticalization from a usage-based perspective. Since definitions of grammaticalization remain controversial and current approaches differ in various important respects, some terminological clarification seems necessary. I will show that in spite of their close relation to usage-based approaches to language and language change, current approaches to grammaticalization and related phenomena do not consistently follow a usagebased perspective when defining the basic theoretical concepts and analyzing individual changes. I argue that a usage-based approach may propose new answers to controversial issues in grammaticalization research and suggest new pathways of analysis, focusing on the micro-steps of evolution. Finally, I present a case study of the French indefinite pronoun on which shows that innovations may occur and be diffused in distinct pragmatic settings. The notion of discursive ambiguity provides a detailed description of these potential innovation scenarios. In this sense, the study illustrates the potential of fine-grained analyses of the micro-events within grammaticalization from a usage-based perspective.
An Input-Output Table for Germany in 1936: A Documentation of Results, Sources and Research Strategy
Authors: Fremdling Rainer , Staeglin Reiner
Published: November 2014

In the following, we present the earliest input-output table for Germany: It covers 40 economic branches, five final demand categories and five primary inputs. The symmetric table for 1936 is completely based on original statistical data and does not rely on separate supply and use tables. The core of our endeavour is based on the German industrial census of 1936. Originally, this census and its forerunner of 1933 had especially been designed by the German Statistical Office (StRA) to compile an input-output-table for Germany as a basis for managing the business cycle. In connection with rearmament, however, this endeavour was given up and instead, these data were used for constructing detailed material balance sheets, which served as a statistical basis for preparing the war. Based on these hitherto secret records and additional statistical information, we fulfilled the original plan of the StRA of constructing the desired input-output table. Government is treated as an intermediate sector and placed into quadrant I of the table. In quadrant II it appears with only one figure (government gross production minus fees for specific government services). Government is delimitated into three sub-sectors: public administration and other government services, military spending and social security. In addition, public investment for civilian purposes is assigned to gross fixed capital formation in quadrant II. Military expenditure, however, is treated as government consumption and not as investment. The input-output table offers a new benchmark for gross domestic product (GDP) and thus production, income and expenditure of Germany in 1936. We found a comparably high level of GDP and a significantly higher mixed income/operating surplus which hints at exceptionally high incomes and hidden profits of the armament industry. Due to our unique production approach of calculating GDP these hidden profits were revealed.
Social Q&As or Library Virtual Reference Service: What is Behind the Choices of Chinese Information Seekers?
Authors: Deng Shengli , Yang Lina , Zhang Yin
Published: November 2014

Despite the increasing popularity of Social Questions and Answers (SQA) sites among Chinese information seekers, there has been little previous exploration of this specific topic as it relates to library reference services. This study seeks an understanding of users’ choices in using SQA sites and library virtual reference (VR) service in meeting their information needs. It also aims to address some gaps in user evaluation and in the comparison of SQA and VR in previous research among information seekers in general, and among Chinese information seekers in particular. The study involved users of the largest Chinese SQA site, Baidu Knows. The results indicate that while SQA outperforms VR in most aspects - as evaluated by Chinese information seekers - VR stands out in two key areas of a virtual information service: quality and trust. Overall, while both SQA and VR have been utilized for various purposes and queries, each has been used more specifically for certain types of questions, and users choose between the two based on the information needs they have at hand. Finally, there is a discussion of the implications of the findings pertaining to libraries and reference services.
Children and Young Adults – Hospital Patients, Prisoners, and with Developmental Disorders – Who Cannot Come to Slovenian Public Libraries: A National Survey
Authors: Vilar Polona , Bon Milena
Published: November 2014

The paper presents the first national survey of public library services to three user groups in the context of children and young adults: hospital patients, prisoners, and persons with developmental disorders. The study was two-part: first the data on potential users and their characteristics was gathered. This was used to prepare the main survey of the existing public library services in Slovenia, undertaken in 2012 and 2013. The results show that of the three user groups in question, two (hospital patients and prisoners) are more localised, being the focus of individual public libraries working in the area where hospitals or prisons are located, while persons with developmental disorders are spread throughout the country and as such relevant to a larger number of libraries. The first two groups also have more potential for development, because Slovenian public libraries offer much richer services for users with developmental disorders. Nevertheless, positive trends were observed in most areas.
Transforming South African Libraries through Leadership Education: A Programme Evaluation
Authors: Hart Genevieve C. , Hart Mike
Published: November 2014

This article emanates from the independent evaluation of a South African library leadership education programme, run by the Centre for African Library Leadership (CALL). The programme’s rationale lies in the drive to transform South African librarianship in the face of a range of challenges - some of them inherited from the apartheid past, others shared with libraries throughout the world. The Carnegie Corporation-sponsored programme aimed at developing leadership insights and qualities in current and potential future library managers. The article reports on the evaluative methodology, which comprised a questionnaire survey of all course alumni, interviews of CALL managers, and five sets of focus group interviews with course alumni and alumni of the followup Train-the-Trainer courses. The very positive results of the questionnaire survey are described and analysed, and key themes and comments emerging from several openended questions are discussed. Triangulation is provided by in-depth comments from the five focus groups, and in the process important themes are uncovered. The distinctive strengths of the programme were found to be its sensitivity to the South African context and its “inside-out” approach to leadership training. In most aspects the programme was found to be very successful, although there was uncertainty about its further continuance and the roles of the Train-the-Trainer alumni. The evaluation suggests that the CALL programme should serve as a model for transformative leadership education in South Africa and beyond. Recommendations include continuation of such projects to a wider set of libraries and their staff, with further use of the experiential approach to training, theory grounded in hands-on practice, and emphasis on self-development and self-awareness. However, the full potential of such programmes can only be realised if senior library management buys in to the values of the programme, and is engaged in implementation plans.
Trends and Developments in the Literature on Community Libraries in Africa
Authors: Stranger-Johannessen Espen
Published: November 2014

Community libraries in Africa are growing in number, and are increasingly subject to academic research. The literature on community libraries spans 30 years, and this review shows how there has been a shift from conceptual to empirical publications. The early, conceptual literature stressed that community libraries should be by and for the community, support development, actively reach out, and provide relevant materials. These publications can to some extent be seen as reactions to the colonial legacy that national library services carried on after independence. The empirical research was analyzed using Kuhlthau’s (1999) framework for school libraries as a starting point. The major function of this framework is to provide a meta-analysis of the research, and further to relate this meta-analysis to the larger context in which this research is situated. The empirical literature reported mainly on student use. Much of the literature addressed lower-level issues, skills and outcomes, such as materials offered or borrowed, increased reading, and change in attitudes. However, limited attention was given to utilisation as an outcome. Attempts to find a causal relationship between library use and improved grades have been inconclusive. A major limitation of this framework is that it does not address the community aspect of these libraries that the empirical literature emphasized. This dual aspect of community libraries merits further exploration, and there is a need to develop theoretical frameworks that fit better with the realities of African communities and their libraries. There is also need for more research comparing community libraries across countries as well as within countries. The scholarly significance of this study is that is provides a comprehensive, critical review of the literature on community libraries in Africa and identifies caveats in the research literature. This will support future research on community libraries in Africa, an under-researched area.
On the role of multi-functional polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane in polystyrene-zinc oxide nanocomposites
Authors: Morici Elisabetta , Arrigo Rossella , Dintcheva Nadka Tz.
Published: November 2014

Multi-functional trisilanol phenyl (TSPH) and trisilanol isobutyl (TSIB) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) have been used in the formulation of advanced polystyrene (PS)-zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites. The neat matrix and PS/ZnO-based nanocomposites have been characterized through rheological, morphological, mechanical, and dynamic thermo-mechanical analysis. Both TSPH and TSIB are able to improve the dispersion of ZnO into the polystyrene matrix; furthermore, adding TSIB leads to better results because it facilitates better solubility into the PS matrix and interaction/reaction with the ZnO nanopowder. Finally, the optical properties and photo-oxidative resistance of the nanocomposite films have been evaluated. The POSS molecules synergistically interact with ZnO nanopowder in the protection of PS matrix against photo-oxidative process. The nanocomposite films containing both ZnO and POSS molecules, particularly TSIB, exhibit better UV-shielding properties than the PS/ZnO one, without loss of optical transparency.
Realisierung einer Robot-Vision-Applikation mit Lichtschnittverfahren für einen bestehenden Prozess
Authors: Grote Alexander , Schwab Erwin
Published: November 2014

Die Automation der Teileentnahme aus Behältern sowie das automatische Depalettieren aus Behältern mit Industrierobotern stellt derzeit bei bestimmten Objektgeometrien sowie Oberflächenbeschaffenheiten noch immer eine Herausforderung für den Systemintegrator dar. Nachfolgend soll ein einheitliches System beschrieben werden, womit zylindrisch geformte Bauteile aus Förderhilfsmittel gegriffen und automatisch mittels 6-Achsen-Industrieroboter dem Fertigungsprozess bereitgestellt werden. Zur Ermittlung des Greifpunktes werden mit einem Lichtschnittverfahren die Förderhilfsmittel digitalisiert und mittels einer adaptiven Software der Greifpunkt auf dem Objekt ermittelt. Besonderheit dieses System ist, dass die Sensorik, Software sowie Prozesskommunikation nachträglich in den Gesamtprozess integriert worden ist. Für die nachträgliche Integration gilt es ganz besonderen Ansprüchen gerecht zu werden, welche hier analytisch erfasst und dargestellt werden.
Zuverlässigkeitsbereiche als Maße der Messgenauigkeit
Authors: Krystek Michael
Published: November 2014

Seit der Einführung des GUM sollen Messergebnisse nur noch zusammen
mit der ihnen beigeordneten Messunsicherheit angegeben werden. Dabei
wird häufig statt der Standardunsicherheit die erweiterte Unsicherheit
verwendet. Die Länge des dadurch festgelegten Intervalls wird als ein
Maß für die Messgenauigkeit angesehen. Diese Interpretation ist aber
auf multivariate Verteilungen nicht unmittelbar übertragbar und ist
selbst in univariaten Fällen nicht immer sinnvoll. Deshalb wird hier
ein sogenannter Zuverlässigkeitsbereich vorgestellt, der als ein Maß
für die Messgenauigkeit dienen kann.
Magnetisch-induktive Durchflussmessung für nicht leitende Medien
Authors: Stange Gerd
Published: November 2014

Magnetisch-induktive Durchflusssensoren (MID) werden bisher
ausschließlich zur Volumendurchflussmessung von elektrisch leitenden
Flüssigkeiten eingesetzt. Für schwach leitende oder gar nicht
leitende Medien gilt das Messprinzip als ungeeignet. In dieser Arbeit wird
nun ein neuartiges Verfahren vorgestellt, das diese Grenze überwindet.
Mit ihm gelingt es, das MID-Verfahren auf nicht leitende, dielektrisch
polarisierbare Flüssigkeiten zu übertragen. Erste Messergebnisse mit
Rapsöl als Medium zeigen eine hervorragende Linearität und
Auflösung bei sehr einfachem Aufbau der Messanordnung. Damit wird ein
Tor zu neuen Anwendungsfeldern und neuen Technologien aufgestoßen, die
ein großes Marktpotential erwarten lassen.
Creating Teaching Opportunities and Building Capacity Through the Museum on Main Street Program
Authors: McCleary Ann E.
Published: November 2014

This essay explores how public history educators can use the Smithsonian Museum on Main Street program as an opportunity for teaching. The MOMS program emphasizes “capacity building” in small towns and rural museums, but it can also fill a similar role in building skills and knowledge for both educators and their students. The essay focuses on a particularly fruitful, multi-year collaboration between MOMS partners in Georgia to offer models for creating these educational opportunities. As MOMS celebrates its twentieth anniversary, there has been very little scholarship about the interworkings of the program at the state and local levels.
« Le Persée de Benvenuto Cellini » de Liszt: un manifeste artistique ?
Authors: Diagon-Jacquin Laurence
Published: November 2014

In his text Le Persée de Benvenuto Cellini Liszt is more interested in the problems of the artist in the society and of the specificities of the statuary on the music, than in Benvenuto Cellini’s statue itself. So he establishes a parallel between Cellini and Berlioz, identifying both with the mythic hero. He emphasizes “the hidden relationships between works of genius” (letter from Liszt to Berlioz). The differences and similarities between the arts are also explained. The text gives additional information concerning Liszt himself.
Listening as gazing: Synaesthesia and the double apotheosis in Franz Liszt’s Hunnenschlacht
Authors: Liu Annie (Yen-Ling)
Published: November 2014

Among Franz Liszt’s symphonic poems, Hunnenschlacht (“The Battle of the Huns,” 1857) and Von der Wiege bis zum Grabe (“From the Cradle to the Grave,” 1883) were inspired by the visual arts. With these works, Liszt attempted to translate painterly figurations into music; this intention is particularly embodied in his symphonic transformation of Wilhelm Kaulbach’s monumental fresco, Hunnenschlacht. Liszt was attracted by the idea of religious devotion and at the same time identified himself with the Huns. This paper considers the ways in which Liszt expressed the narrative plot and imitated the visual qualities of the Hunnenschlacht fresco by deploying innovative instrumental techniques and a progressive formal structure. This work illustrates Liszt’s interest in combining different art forms, and the prominent use of an apotheosis is an expression of the Beethovenian symphonic model. Liszt shared with early-nineteenth-century Romantics such as E. T. A. Hoffmann an interest in synaesthesia, associating colors with sounds. In Hunnenschlacht, he used the graphic illustration of the fresco as his primary source, yet he also attempted to convey the various tone colors associated with the figures. This interpretative process is explained in his preface to the score, in which Liszt describes the lights and colors associated with the Huns, the Romans, and the Cross. The peculiar treatment of instrumentation, including the use of wooden and sponge drum sticks, organ, unusual combinations of instruments, and an audacious treatment of dynamics, vibrantly depict the distinct colors or lights that envelop the principal figures in the painting.
« La musique nous accompagne du berceau à la tombe »
Authors: Gellér Katalin
Published: November 2014

In 1881 Hungarian painter Mihály Zichy gave a pen drawing entitled Du berceau jusqu’au cercueil as a gift to Franz Liszt who was responsible for the musical education of Zichy’s daughter. Inspired by the drawing, Liszt composed the symphonic poem Von der Wiege bis zum Grabe / Du berceau jusqu’à la tombe (From the Cradle to the Grave). The first edition of the symphonic poem was illustrated by Zichy’s drawing. The painter later extended the subject with a number of narrative parts in order to illustrate those variety in which music can appear. This new graphic work Music Accompanies from the Cradle to the Grave was composed of consecutive and juxtaposed images associating film stills. He utilized this second variation in 1892 for planning the decoration of a concert hall in Saint Petersburg. In the shift from narrative to allegorical content these two graphic works together contain a hidden allegory of life and death.
Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Nano-fluidically Trapped Protein Biomarkers
Authors: Shanmugam Nandhinee Radha , Selvam Anjan Panneer , Barrett Thomas W. , Kazmierczak Steve , Prasad Shalini
Published: November 2014

In this work, we demonstrate the label-free and ultrasensitive detection of troponin-T, cardiac biomarker using nanoporous membrane integrated on a microelectrode sensor platform. The nanoporous membrane allows for spatial confinement of the protein molecules. Antigen interaction with thiol immobilized antibody perturbs the electrical double layer. Charge perturbations are recorded as impedance change at low frequency using the principle of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The measured impedance change is used to quantitatively determine the concentration of troponin-T in tested sample. We have shown that sensitivity of sensor for troponin-T to be 1pg/mL. The accuracy and reliability of this sensor was tested by comparing the experimental troponin-T concentration values with a commercially available electrochemiluminescence assay measured with Roche Elecsys analyzer. Using this technique we were successful in detecting protein biomarkers in whole blood, human serum, and ionic buffers. This technology provides a robust analytical platform for rapid and sensitive detection of protein biomarkers, thus establishing this technology as an ideal candidate for biomarker screening in clinical settings.
Nikolai G. Tchernichévski: contribuição à filosofia da história na Rússia do século XIX
Authors: Domingues Camilo José Teixeira Lima
Published: November 2014

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar e sistematizar as contribuições do escritor e jornalista revolucionário russo Nikolai Gavrílovitch Tchernichévski (1828-1889) à filosofia da história. Para tanto, partir-se-á de três obras filosóficas do autor tomadas como referência: “O princípio antropológico na filosofia”, “O caráter do conhecimento humano” e “As relações estéticas da arte com a realidade”. A partir da primeira obra, será analisado o debate acerca dos postulados das assim chamadas ciências exatas e ciências morais, vigente à época (1860) e motivo de controvérsias e discussões filosóficas até os dias de hoje. Em “O caráter do conhecimento humano” serão analisados e discutidos o papel que o autor confere à história e a sua concepção de desenvolvimento histórico. O terceiro ensaio do autor servirá à discussão da história como representação. Ao final, evidencia-se a marcante influência da filosofia feuerbachiana na obra de Tchernichévski e é elaborado o esboço de uma possível filosofia da história tchernichevskiana.
Sugarbeet Yield and Quality When Substituting Compost or Manure for Conventional Nitrogen Fertilizer
Authors: Lehrsch G. A. , Brown B. , Lentz R. D. , Johnson‐Maynard J. L. , Leytem A. B.
Published: November 2014

To grow sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) profitably, producers must effectively manage added N, whether from inorganic or organic sources. Our objective was to determine if equivalent sugarbeet root and sucrose yields could be achieved when substituting dairy cattle (Bos spp.) manure, either composted or stockpiled, for conventional N (urea) fertilizer. First‐year treatments at Site A (Parma, ID) included a control (no N), urea (202 kg N ha−1), compost (218 and 435 kg estimated available N ha−1), and manure (140 and 280 kg available N ha−1). Site B (Kimberly, ID) treatments were a control, urea (82 kg N ha−1), compost (81 and 183 kg available N ha−1), and manure (173 and 340 kg available N ha−1). Compost and manure were incorporated into two silt loams, a Greenleaf (fine‐silty, mixed superactive mesic Xeric Calciargid) at Parma in fall 2002 and 2003 and a Portneuf (coarse‐silty, mixed superactive, mesic Durinodic Xeric Haplocalcid) at Kimberly in fall 2002. Sugarbeet was planted the following spring. Sucrose yield averaged across years and organic N rates at Site A was 12.24 Mg ha−1 for urea, 11.88 Mg ha−1 for compost, and 11.20 Mg ha−1 for manure, all statistically equivalent. Doubling the organic N rates at Site A increased the yield of roots up to 26% and sucrose up to 21%. Applying organic amendments in place of urea affected neither root nor sucrose yields but, at one location, decreased sugarbeet quality, though without hindering sucrose recovery. Sugarbeet producers can use compost or manure to satisfy crop N needs without sacrificing sucrose yield.
Biomass Production and Nutrient Removal by Switchgrass under Irrigation
Authors: Kimura E. , Collins H. P. , Fransen S.
Published: November 2014

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatumL.) was identified to supply a major portion of U.S. energy needs when used as a fuel. Assessments of the export of essential plant nutrients are needed to determine impacts on soil fertility that will influence fertilizer recommendations since the nutrients contained in the aboveground biomass will be removed from the field when processed as a bioenergy feedstock. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of N fertilization rates (112 and 224 kg N ha−1yr−1) on the biomass production, nutrient removal, and nutrient concentration of switchgrass grown under irrigation in the lower Columbia Basin of the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Aboveground biomass yields averaged over 5 yr of 23.0, 19.9, and 17.7 Mg dry matter (DM) ha−1yr−1for Kanlow, Shawnee, and Cave in Rock, respectively. Kanlow cultivar increased biomass yield at the 224 kg N ha−1rate compared to two upland cultivars. The annual removal of macronutrients from the field averaged 237 kg N ha−1, 37 kg P ha−1, 326 kg K ha−1, 15 kg S ha−1, 68 kg Ca ha−1, and 43 kg Mg ha−1among cultivars. Switchgrass produced 93 kg of biomass per 1 kg of N. Micronutrients removed at harvest averaged <1 kg ha−1, while Fe removal was 3.4 kg ha−1. Increased yields and enhanced uptake of essential nutrients especially after reaching stand maturity in the third year resulted in high nutrient removal with the biomass harvest.
Low loss GaN waveguides for visible light on Si substrates
Authors: Gromovyi M. , Semond F. , Duboz J. Y. , Feuillet G. , De Micheli M. P.
Published: November 2014

In this work, we present the fabrication and the characterization of an optical waveguide made of AlN and GaN layers grown by MBE on a Si(111) substrate. For the fundamental mode at 633 nm, the propagation losses are in the order of 2 dB/cm, which is a good number for SC waveguides at this wavelength. The propagation losses dramatically increase with the mode order. A careful comparison of measurements and modeling of the complete structure allows identifying the part of the losses due to absorption in the Si substrate, and showing that propagation losses could be further reduced by using well chosen SOI substrates.