bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imaging of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in brain and cerebral vasculature of juvenile pigs with [18F]NS14490
Authors: Rötering Sven , Deuther-Conrad Winnie , Cumming Paul , Donat Cornelius K , Scheunemann Matthias , Fischer Steffen , Xiong Guoming , Steinbach Jörg , Peters Dan , Sabri Osama , Bucerius Jan , Brust Peter
Published: August 2014

Background

The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is an important molecular target in neuropsychiatry and oncology. Development of applicable highly specific radiotracers has been challenging due to comparably low protein expression. To identify novel ligands as candidates for positron emission tomography (PET), a library of diazabicyclononane compounds was screened regarding affinity and specificity towards α7 nAChRs. From these, [18F]NS14490 has been shown to yield reliable results in organ distribution studies; however, the radiosynthesis of [18F]NS14490 required optimization and automation to obtain the radiotracer in quantities allowing dynamic PET studies in piglets.

Methods

Automated radiosynthesis of [18F]NS14490 has been performed by [18F]fluorination with the tosylate precursor in the TRACERlab™ FX F-N synthesis module (Waukesha, WI, USA). After optimization, the radiochemical yield of [18F]NS14490 was consistently approximately 35%, and the total synthesis time was about 90 min. The radiotracer was prepared with >92% radiochemical purity, and the specific activity at the end of the synthesis was 226 ± 68 GBq μmol−1. PET measurements were performed in young pigs to investigate the metabolic stability and cerebral binding of [18F]NS14490 without and with administration of the α7 nAChR partial agonist NS6740 in baseline and blocking conditions.

Results

The total distribution volume relative to the metabolite-corrected arterial input was 3.5 to 4.0 mL g−1 throughout the telencephalon and was reduced to 2.6 mL g−1 in animals treated with NS6740. Assuming complete blockade, this displacement indicated a binding potential (BPND) of approximately 0.5 in the brain of living pigs. In addition, evidence for specific binding in major brain arteries has been obtained.

Conclusion

[18F]NS14490 is not only comparable to other preclinically investigated PET radiotracers for imaging of α7 nAChR in brain but also could be a potential PET radiotracer for imaging of α7 nAChR in vulnerable plaques of diseased vessels.
A Highly Efficient Cooperative Effect in an Acylation Catalyst Bearing Weak Lewis Base and Lewis Acid Sites
Authors: Kojima Satoshi , Banden Narumi , Yamamoto Yohsuke
Published: August 2014

Tetrakis(2-pyridyl)stannane (o-Py4Sn), which bears only weakly nucleophilic and Lewis basic pyridines, and a weakly acidic tetraaryltin moiety, was found to efficiently catalyze the reaction between acetic anhydride and alcohols. The reaction rate measurements using 1-phenylethanol show the catalytic activity of o-Py4Sn to be up to 20% of that of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) and more than 100 times that of pyridine alone. Furthermore, the reaction using (t-BOC)2O was found to be comparable to that with DMAP, with o-Py4Sn being more selective. Thus, a highly efficient cooperative effect is operative with o-Py4Sn.
Photochemical Reduction of CO2 with Red Light Using Synthetic Chlorophyll–Rhenium Bipyridine Dyad
Authors: Kitagawa Yuichi , Takeda Hiroyuki , Ohashi Kenji , Asatani Tsuyoshi , Kosumi Daisuke , Hashimoto Hideki , Ishitani Osamu , Tamiaki Hitoshi
Published: August 2014

We successfully performed the reduction of CO2 to CO by selective illumination of red visible light to a chlorophyll derivative covalently linked with a rhenium bipyridine complex. This is the first example of the photochemical reduction of CO2 using a sensitizer that has strong absorption at a wavelength over 650 nm.
Thiazole-fused Benzothiadiazole as a Key Skeleton for T-Shaped Electron-accepting Building Blocks
Authors: Satou Motoi , Uchinaga Kensuke , Wakamiya Atsushi , Murata Yasujiro
Published: August 2014

A series of thiazole-fused benzothiadiazoles were designed and synthesized, and their structural, electrochemical, and photophysical properties were analyzed. The observed high solubility, in combination with desirably high levels of electron-accepting ability and planarity in the solid state, promises great potential for the application of these compounds as π-electron-accepting building blocks in organic electronic materials. In addition, the two-dimensional expansion of π conjugation through the fused thiazole moiety renders these compounds ideal candidates for use as T-shaped π-conjugation junctions.
Fabrication of Lead Halide Perovskite Film by Controlling Reactivity at Room Temperature in Mixed Solvents
Authors: Jin Yi , Chumanov George
Published: August 2014

Uniform and fully converted CH3NH3PbI3 films were synthesized at room temperature by converting PbI2 in a saturated solution of CH3NH3I in 2-propanol–hexane (cyclohexane). This simple and robust method yields films with 20 nm RMS roughness and provides a new opportunity for the low-cost fabrication of large-area perovskite solar cells.
Dynamic Bargaining in a Supply Chain with Asymmetric Demand Information
Authors: Feng Qi , Lai Guoming , Lu Lauren Xiaoyuan
Published: August 2014

We analyze a dynamic bargaining game in which a seller and a buyer negotiate over quantity and payment to trade for a product. Both firms are impatient, and they make alternating offers until an agreement is reached. The buyer is privately informed about his type, which can be high or low: the high type's demand is stochastically larger than the low type's. In the dynamic negotiation process, the seller can screen, whereas the buyer can signal information through their offers, and the buyer has an endogenous and type-dependent reservation profit. With rational assumptions on the seller's belief structure, we characterize the perfect Bayesian equilibrium of the bargaining game. Interestingly, we find that both quantity distortion and information rent may be avoided depending on the firms' relative patience, and the seller may reach an agreement with either the high type or the low type first, or with both simultaneously. Furthermore, we explore our model to characterize the effect of demand forecasting accuracy on firm profitability. We find that improved demand forecast benefits the buyer but hurts the seller when the buyer's forecasting accuracy is low. However, once the buyer's forecasting accuracy exceeds a threshold, both firms will benefit from further improvement of the forecast. This observation makes an interesting contrast to previous findings based on the one-shot principal–agent model, in which improvement of forecasting accuracy mostly leads to a win–lose outcome for the two firms, and the buyer has an incentive to improve his forecasting accuracy only when it is extremely low.

This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Inventory Management with Stochastic Lead Times
Authors: Muthuraman Kumar , Seshadri Sridhar , Wu Qi
Published: August 2014

This article analyzes a continuous time back-ordered inventory system with stochastic demand and stochastic delivery lags for placed orders. This problem in general has an infinite dimensional state space and is hence intractable. We first obtain the set of minimal conditions for reducing such a system's state space to one dimension and show how this reduction is done. Next, by modeling demand as a diffusion process, we reformulate the inventory control problem as an impulse control problem. We simplify the impulse control problem to a Quasi-Variation Inequality (QVI). Based on the QVI formulation, we obtain the optimality of the (s, S) policy and the limiting distribution of the inventory level. We also obtain the long run average cost of such an inventory system. Finally, we provide a method to solve the QVI formulation. Using a set of computational experiments, we show that significant losses are incurred in approximating a stochastic lead-time system with a fixed lead-time system, thereby highlighting the need for such stochastic lead-time models. We also provide insights into the dependence of this value loss on various problem parameters.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): a guide to prevention and treatment
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: August 2014

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can lead to a person developing a life-threatening infection—or experiencing a relatively harmless colonisation. In 2004, 306 people in the UK died as a result of MRSA infection. Infection control measures have reduced the death rate and in 2012 there were 38 deaths. This article explores the reasons for the decline, potential threats, new treatments and the importance of infection control measures in saving lives.
Explaining approaches in pedagogic practice for healthcare assistants
Authors: Hayes Catherine
Published: August 2014

This article provides a basic insight into the teaching and learning strategies most likely to be encountered by HCA staff, following the impending regulation of the HCA workforce. Understanding processes of teaching and learning affords HCAs the opportunity of reflecting on how they learn, as well as the strategic content of what they are learning. This means that HCAs will be better placed to evaluate their educational experiences, consider what their own individual learning styles might be and also reflect on how their lifelong learning might be shaped by the learning opportunities afforded to them.

Following a brief discussion of approaches to pedagogic practice, the article provides an insight into social constructivism and its inherent link to problem-based learning, social learning and the impact that all three have on how mentorship infrastructures are shaped in practice.

The article also incorporates a consideration of learning domains, so that HCAs might become more familiar with the differentiation of types and styles of learning.
Cytology (part 1): sample collection and preparation
Authors: Cian Francesco
Published: August 2014

Cytopathology is a diagnostic technique commonly used in veterinary and human medicine. It is based on the study of cells obtained from tissues or body secretions to identify diseases. This procedure is also used for the identification of skin disorders, both inflammatory and neoplastic. The aim of this article, the first in a four-part series, is to guide the clinician in the correct sampling and preparation of cytological samples.
Rhythm of the music
Authors: Williams David
Published: August 2014

Music consists of a number of different elements, which we will explore in more detail over the course of this short series, using various practical activities. We begin by looking at rhythm, tempo and pulse.
Economic feasibility of large scale PV water pumping applications utilizing real field data for a case study in Jordan
Authors: Odeh Ibrahim
Published: August 2014

Economic viability of photovoltaic, diesel and grid connected water pumping systems is investigated and compared for system capacities in the range 1500 m4/day to 100,000 m4/day. Actual performance data from installed systems are considered in calculating systems outputs for base case scenarios. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to generalize results for other locations and conditions. Several scenarios of the effect of variation electricity tariffs, components prices, diesel fuel prices, operation cost and interest rate on the output water unit cost (US$/1000m4)  are investigated.  Breakeven points of PV pumping systems are determined at certain input parameters.
Development of Briquette from Coir Dust and Rice Husk Blend: An Alternative Energy Source
Authors: Hamidul Islam Md. , Mosharraf Hossain Md. , Abdul Momin Md.
Published: August 2014

Biomass is one of the predominant renewable energy sources and the use of biomass for the energy generation has got much attention due to its environmental friendliness. Densification of coir dust into fuel briquette can solve waste disposal problem as well as can serve as an alternative energy source. The objective of this study was to investigate the possibility of producing briquette from coir dust and rice husk blend without binder. During this study, a briquetting experiment was conducted with different coir dust and rice husk blends (i.e. coir dust and rice husk ratio of 80:20, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 20:80 and 0:100). Briquetting operation was performed using a die-screw press type briquetting machine. The briquettes were tested to evaluate their density, compressive strength, calorific value, burning rate and water vaporizing capacity and it was found that mixing ratio had a significant effect on the physical, mechanical and combustion properties of the coir dust-rice husk briquettes. Density, compressive strength and calorific value and water vaporizing capacity were increased with increasing mixing ratio while burning rate was decreased. Coir dust-rice husk briquettes with mixing ratio of 20:80 had higher density (1.413 g/cm3), compressive strength (218.4 N/cm2), calorific value (4879 kcal/kg), water vaporizing capacity (0.853 l/kg) and low burning rate (0.783 kg/hour) followed by the mixing ratio 40:60, 50:50, 60:40 and 0:100. The results indicate that coir dust and rice husk blend briquettes were found to have better overall handling characteristics over rice husk briquette. However, production of briquettes from coir dust and rice husk at mixing ratio of 50:50 was found to be more suitable for commercial application in terms of cost effectiveness.
Performance, Emissions and Combustion Characteristics of a Single Cylinder Diesel Engine Fuelled with Blends of Jatropha Methyl Ester and Diesel
Authors: Padhee Debasish , Raheman Hifjur
Published: August 2014

In order to meet the energy requirements, there has been growing interest in alternative fuels like biodiesels, ethyl alcohol, biogas, hydrogen and producer gas to provide a suitable diesel substitute for internal combustion engines. An experimental investigation was performed to study the performance, emissions and combustion characteristics of diesel engine fuelled with blends of Jatropha methyl ester and diesel. In the present work three different fuel blends of Jatropha methyl ester (B10, B20, B40 and B100) were used. The increments in load on the engine increase the brake thermal efficiency, exhaust gas temperature and lowered the brake specific fuel consumption. The biodiesel blends produce lower carbon monoxide & unburned hydrocarbon emission and higher carbon dioxide & oxides of nitrogen than neat diesel fuel. From the results it was observed that the ignition delays decreased with increase in concentration of biodiesel in biodiesel blends with diesel. The combustion characteristics of single-fuel for biodiesel and diesel have similar combustion pressure and HRR patterns at different engine loads but it was observed that the peak cylinder pressure and heat release rate were lower for biodiesel blends compared to those of diesel fuel combustion.
Utilization of Iles-Iles and Sorghum Starch for Bioethanol Production
Authors: Kusmiyati Kusmiyati , Sulistiyono Agus
Published: August 2014

The aims of this study were to convert the starches from iles-iles tubers (Amorphophalus campanulatus) and sorghum grains (Sorghum bicolor L) into bioethanol as an alternative energy. Both of these agricultural products contains a high content starches and they do not use as the major foods in Indonesia. To find out the maximum ethanol concentration and yield, both the raw materials were converted to ethanol on various process variables including the concentration of flour substrate solution (100-300 g/L), β-amylase enzyme concentration (0.8 - 6.4 ml/kg of flour ), the  concentration of dry yeast S. cerevisiae (2-15 g), and fermentation time (72-168 hours). The results showed that at the flour substrate concentration of 250 g/L produced the maximum ethanol contents of 100.29 g/L and 95.11 g/L   for iles-iles and sorghum, respectively. Effect of β-amylase enzyme in the saccharification process showed that at concentration  of 3.2 ml/kg  the maximum reducing sugar content of 204.94 g/L and 193.15 g/L  for iles-iles and sorghum substrate, respectively were generated therefore it was corresponding to the maximum ethanol production. The concentration effect of dry yeast S. cerevisiae in the fermentation stage for the iles-iles and sorghum substrate revealed that the maximum ethanol obtained at 5 g yeast activated in 100 ml medium starter resulted the highest ethanol content 100.29 g/L 95.11 g/L for iles-iles and sorghum substrate, respectively. To determine the effect of fermentation time on ethanol yield from iles-iles and sorghum substrate, the fermentation process were performed at 3, 5, and 7 days. The maximum ethanol fermentation was obtained at 5 days fermentation. The ethanol yield is calculated by weight of ethanol is formed (g) divided by the weight of flour (g). Based on the experiment results, conducted, generally the highest ethanol yield of iles-iles was higher than that of sorghum flour. The highest yield (g/g) iles-iles and sorghum flour were 71.25 and 68.92 respectively
Castor Seed from Melkasa Agricultural Research Centre, East Showa, Ethiopia and it’s biodiesel performance in Four Stroke Diesel Engine
Authors: Tegegne Akanawa Tesfahun , Gebrehiwot Moges Haimanot , Babu Ramesh , Bisrat Daniel
Published: August 2014

This study focused in investigating the fuel properties of Castor oil Methyl Ester (CME) and its blend with diesel fuel in running a diesel engine. Engine tests have been carried out with the aim of obtaining comparative measures of torque, power, and specific fuel consumption. Castor oil was extracted by using a mechanical pressing machine and trans-esterification was made by methyl alcohol and potassium hydroxide as a catalyst.  So that its viscosity and density were reduced and by increasing its volatility.  By following the procedures given in American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) book the fuel characteristics were identified whether it fulfil the requirements needed to be used as a fuel in internal combustion engines or not. From the characterization result, it was proved that trans-esterified castor oil was found to be a promising alternative fuel for compression ignition (diesel) engines. But the viscosity of CME was still higher and the energy content was a little bit less as compared to petro diesel. To solve these problems CME was blended with petro diesel in some proportion (B5, B10, B20, B40, B80). The torque, power and brake specific fuel consumption performances of CME and its blends with petro diesel were tested in a four stroke diesel engine. The analyzed results were compared with that of petro diesel and found to be very nearly similar, making CME a suiTable alternative fuel for petro diesel.
The Effect of Vertically Differentiated Entry Under Retail-Minus Access Pricing
Authors: Byun Jeong Wook , Kim Sung-Hwan
Published: August 2014

We examine the effect of vertically differentiated entry under retail-minus access pricing. Unlike the existing studies, we show that retail-minus regulation could obtain the intended result of reducing the retail price. This concurs to a great extent with conventional wisdom, which has been criticized, but not entirely, because the price-reducing effect in our model is not driven by competition. Such an effect is more obvious in the case of inferior-quality entry, where the lower incumbent price can help the entrant expand the market. The key is that the retail-minus rule offers the incumbent an incentive to reduce its price in order to utilize the value created by the entrant. The outcome relies on the combination of a differentiated entry and the retail-minus rule. Differentiated entry under the retail-minus rule could benefit both the incumbent and consumers because the rule protects the incumbent from business stealing while allowing value creation by the entrant.
Complementation in linear and dialogic syntax: The case of Hebrew divergently aligned discourse
Authors: Maschler Yael , Nir Bracha
Published: August 2014

This study investigates the interaction between linear and dialogic syntax in Hebrew conversation. Analyzing resonance in divergently aligned contexts, we examine a particular dialogic modification of complex syntactic constructions: the embedding of one construction within the scope of another. Specifically, we examine a family of constructions which, in the terms of linear syntax, are analyzed as forms of complementation (via the complementizer še- ‘that’, via a question word, or via the conditional conjunction 'im ‘if ’). However, the dialogic alignment of these forms with their preceding utterances reflects a complex picture, in which some patterns are still definable by linear syntax, but others are not accounted for by these traditional terms. Rather, the application of the Dialogic Syntax framework calls into question defining such constructions from a purely structural perspective and supports a more fluid, Emergent Grammar approach. Moreover, we illustrate how dialogic actions in fact motivate the interaction-based grammaticization of new constructions, culminating, in the case of the constructions examined here, in the emergence of discourse markers.
K-theory of minuscule varieties
Authors: Buch Anders Skovsted , Samuel Matthew J.
Published: August 2014

Based on Thomas and Yong’s K-theoretic jeu de taquin algorithm, we
prove a uniform Littlewood–Richardson rule for the K-theoretic
Schubert structure constants of all minuscule homogeneous spaces.
Our formula is new in all types. For the main examples of
Grassmannians of type A and maximal orthogonal Grassmannians it has
the advantage that the tableaux to be counted can be recognized
without reference to the jeu de taquin algorithm.
Energy of harmonic functions and Gromov's proof of Stallings' theorem
Authors: Kapovich Michael
Published: August 2014

We provide details for Gromov's proof of Stallings' theorem on groups
with infinitely many ends using harmonic functions.
The main technical result of the paper is a compactness theorem
for a certain family of harmonic functions.
A characterization of uncountable sets in terms of their self-mappings and large invariant subsets
Authors: Kharazishvili Alexander
Published: August 2014

One characterization of an uncountable set E is given in terms of mappings f of
E into itself and “large” subsets of E which are invariant with respect to f.
Optogenetics for gene expression in mammalian cells
Authors: Müller Konrad , Naumann Sebastian , Weber Wilfried , Zurbriggen Matias D.
Published: August 2014

Molecular switches that are controlled by chemicals have evolved as central research instruments in mammalian cell biology. However, these tools are limited in terms of their spatiotemporal resolution due to freely diffusing inducers. These limitations have recently been addressed by the development of optogenetic, genetically encoded, and light-responsive tools that can be controlled with the unprecedented spatiotemporal precision of light. In this article, we first provide a brief overview of currently available optogenetic tools that have been designed to control diverse cellular processes. Then, we focus on recent developments in light-controlled gene expression technologies and provide the reader with a guideline for choosing the most suitable gene expression system.
Humor use, reactions to social comments, and social anxiety
Authors: Kuiper Nicholas A. , Aiken Audrey , Pound Maria Sol
Published: August 2014

This study investigated how the use of different humor styles by individuals described as being either socially anxious or non-anxious can have an impact on the perceptions and evaluations made by others about these individuals. Participants read a set of scenarios describing brief interactions with a casual acquaintance (either socially anxious or non-anxious) who made four different types of social comments (affiliative, self-enhancing, aggressive or self-defeating). When the affiliative and self-enhancing comments were delivered humorously, participants indicated more positive evaluations and less social rejection of the casual acquaintance. This finding was obtained for both the socially anxious and non-anxious casual acquaintances. In contrast, the use of self-defeating comments, both with or without humor, was particularly detrimental to evaluations of the socially anxious acquaintance. In addition, participants were generally less interested in future interactions with a socially anxious acquaintance, and rated themselves more negatively when this acquaintance was portrayed as being socially anxious. Discussion focused on the pervasive role of humor in facilitating more positive reactions and responses to social comments made by both socially anxious and non-anxious individuals.
Definitions of Fraud and Misconduct Revisited
Authors: Hermerén Göran
Published: August 2014

Definitions of fraud and misconduct are not ethically neutral, and they have implications for the process and procedure of investigations into cases of suspected fraud and misconduct. The aim of this paper is to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of some current definitions of fraud and misconduct, including disjunctive and parallel sets of definitions. Possible purposes of these definitions are explained. Since intention to deceive is difficult to prove, and word often stands against word, allegations may be difficult or impossible to substantiate. If the accused person is not proven guilty, this may be perceived as a signal to the research community that the accused was innocent - even though the work by the accused author contains many serious deviations from good research practice. It turns out that several distinctions need to be made between different kinds of fraud and misconduct, and that these have implications for how best to deal way with suspected scientific dishonesty.
Lebensbegriffe in den Handlungskontexten der Synthetischen Biologie
Authors: Köchy Kristian
Published: August 2014

Die Synthetische Biologie ist eng mit der Frage ‚Was ist Leben?‘ verbunden. Mögliche Antworten auf diese Frage werden im vorliegenden Beitrag unter Berücksichtigung der jeweiligen Verwendungskontexte, Sprachspiele, Denkstile und epistemischen Tugenden untersucht. Im Sinne des practical turns werden dabei einerseits die praktischen Verfahren der Aneignung als Momente des Definitums verstanden, andererseits jedoch werden auch die jenseits operationaler Zugriffe liegenden präoperativen Vorgaben erkennbar. In den multidisziplinären Kontexten der Synthetischen Biologie stehen sich drei interagierende Cluster von Lebensbegriffen gegenüber: Unter dem Leitbild ingenieurtechnischen Designs wird Leben in Analogie zu technischen Artefakten, unter dem Leitbild systembiologischer Simulation zu mathematischen Operationen und unter dem Leitbild biochemischer Konstruktion zu chemischen Prozessen verstanden. Alle konkreten technisch-praktischen Strategien (sowie die mit ihnen verbundenen Strategien der Benennung) treffen jedoch auf den Widerstand der präoperativen Bedingungen lebendiger Selbstorganisation. Da gerade diese Selbstbildung in der Synthetischen Biologie zum Vorbild, Material und Mittel der technischen Fertigung erhoben wird, ergeben sich jenseits epistemischer auch ethische Herausforderungen.
Leben und Moral
Authors: Rödl Sebastian
Published: August 2014

Hat es eine ethische Bedeutung - eine Bedeutung dafür, wie zu handeln unbedingt gut ist - wenn das, bezogen worauf wir handeln, lebendig ist? Um darüber nachzudenken, müssen wir uns über den Begriff des guten Handelns und über den des Lebens verständigen. Der Begriff des Lebens bezeichnet die intern zweckmäßige Tätigkeit, die Tätigkeit, die keinen Zweck hat, der außerhalb ihrer läge als ihr Resultat, sondern die so gegliedert ist, dass sie sich durch sich selbst in sich selbst erhält. Leben ist also an sich selbst Zweck. Man kann meinen, das bedeutet, dass Leben von uns die Achtung seiner verlangt: Einen Zweck an sich kann man nicht als bloßes Mittel seinen Zwecken unterordnen. Das wäre ein Kurzschluss. Dass eine gegebene Lebenstätigkeit ein Zweck an sich ist, bedeutet nicht - gerade nicht - dass sie ein letzter Zweck unserer Lebenstätigkeit wäre. Das zeigt aber nicht, dass es keine ethische Bedeutung hat, dass etwas lebt. Ja, es ist nicht klar, was es hieße, in dieser Frage Erkenntnis zu erlangen.
What Should the Cardiologist know about Lamin Disease?
Authors: Charron Philippe , Arbustini Eloisa , Bonne Gisèle ,   AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Centre de référence maladies cardiaques héréditaires, Paris, France; UPMC Université Paris VI, INSERM UMR-S956, Paris, France; Centre de référence maladies cardiaques héréditaires, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47 boulevard de l'Hôpital, 75013 Paris, France. E: philippe.charron@psl.aphp.fr,   Centre for Inherited Cardiovascular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy;,   INSERM U974; UPMC Université Paris 6; CNRS UMR 7215; Institut de Myologie, Paris, France; AP-HP, Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, UF Cardiogénétique et Myogénétique, Service de Biochimie Métabolique, Paris, France
Published: August 2014

Lamins are intermediate filament proteins able to polymerise and form an organised meshwork underlying the inner nuclear membrane in most differentiated somatic cells. Mutations in the LMNA gene, which encodes the two major lamin A and C isoforms, cause a diverse range of diseases, called laminopathies, including dilated cardiomyopathy, associated with a poor prognosis and high rate of sudden death due to conduction defect and early ventricular arrhythmia. Identification of mutations inLMNAgene in clinical practice is rapidly increasing, as well as comprehensive cardiac and genetic family screening. As a consequence, cardiologists are more and more frequently faced to difficult questions regarding optimal management of patients and relatives, especially timing for prophylactic cardioverter defibrillator. This review focuses on recent data useful for the clinician, as well as therapeutic perspectives both in human and animal models.
Targeting Stable Rotors to Treat Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Narayan Sanjiv M , Krummen David E ,   Professor of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, Cardiology/111A, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive. San Diego, CA 92161, US. E: snarayan@ucsd.edu,   Associate Professor of Medicine, University of California and Veterans’ Affairs Medical Centers, San Diego, California
Published: August 2014

Therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) remains suboptimal, in large part because its mechanisms are unclear. While pulmonary vein ectopy may trigger AF, it remains uncertain how AF, once triggered, is actually sustained. Recent discoveries show that human AF is maintained by a small number of rotors or focal sources. AF sources are widely distributed in patient-specific locations, often remote from pulmonary veins and in the right atrium and stable for prolonged periods of time. In a multicentre experience, brief targeted ablation at sources (focal impulse and rotor modulation [FIRM]) terminated AF predominantly to sinus rhythm prior to pulmonary vein isolation and eliminated AF on rigorous followup. This review summarises the evidence for stable rotors and focal sources of human AF and their clinical role as ablation targets to eliminate paroxysmal, persistent and long-standing persistent AF.
SmartTouch™ – The Emerging Role of Contact Force Technology in Complex Catheter Ablation
Authors: Page Stephen P , Dhinoja Mehul ,   Senior Registrar in Cardiology Department of Electrophysiology, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield, London EC1A 7BE, UK. E: stephen.page@bartshealth.nhs.uk,   Consultant Cardiologist, Department of Electrophysiology, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London, UK
Published: August 2014

Novel technologies have been developed recently to assess contact between the ablation catheter and the underlying tissue in an attempt to improve safe and effective lesion delivery. The most recently developed technology is the SmartTouch™ catheter which is an open irrigated-tip catheter integrated within the CARTO 3 3D mapping system. In this review we consider the role of contact force technology, evaluate the published data and discuss the potential applications of this novel technology.
Wide Complex Tachycardia – Ventricular Tachycardia or Not Ventricular Tachycardia, That Remains the Question
Authors: Garner John B , Miller John M ,   Cardiac Electrophysiology Fellow,   Professor of Medicine and Director, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology and Training Program, Indiana University School of Medicine, Krannert Institute of Cardiology, 1800 N. Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46202, US. E: jmiller6@iu.edu
Published: August 2014

Arriving at the correct diagnosis in cases of wide complex tachycardia remains problematic for many clinicians. In this paper, we review the historical development of criteria used to differentiate among the major diagnostic possibilities and compare the strengths and weaknesses of various differentiating algorithms.
Current Evidence and Recommendations for Rate Control in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Maan Abhishek , Mansour Moussa , Ruskin Jeremy N , Heist E Kevin ,   Research Fellow,   Associate Professor of Medicine,   Associate Professor of Medicine,   Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Cardiac Arrhythmia Service and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02214, US. E: kheist@partners.org
Published: August 2014

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia encountered in clinical practice, which is associated with substantial risk of stroke and thromboembolism. As an arrhythmia that is particularly common in the elderly, it is an important contributor towards morbidity and mortality. Ventricular rate control has been a preferred and therapeutically convenient treatment strategy for the management of AF. Recent research in the field of rhythm control has led to the advent of newer antiarrhythmic drugs and catheter ablation techniques as newer therapeutic options. Currently available antiarrhythmic drugs still remain limited by their suboptimal efficacy and significant adverse effects. Catheter ablation as a newer modality to achieve sinus rhythm (SR) continues to evolve, but data on long-term outcomes on its efficacy and mortality outcomes are not yet available. Despite these current developments, rate control continues to be the front-line treatment strategy, especially in older and minimally symptomatic patients who might not tolerate the antiarrhythmic drug treatment. This review article discusses the current evidence and recommendations for ventricular rate control in the management of AF. We also highlight the considerations for rhythm control strategy in the management of patients of AF.
Closed Chest Convergent Epicardial–Endocardial Ablation of Non-paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation – A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Thosani Amit J , Gerczuk Paul , Liu Emerson , Belden William , Moraca Robert ,   Assistant Professor, Temple University School of Medicine, Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology, Allegheny General Hospital, 320 East North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212, US. E: athosani@wpahs.org,   Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology,   Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology,   Division of Cardiac Electrophysiology,   Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Allegheny General Hospital, Pennsylvania, US
Published: August 2014

The closed chest convergent procedure is a multidisciplinary approach to atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment. Epicardial posterior left atrial (PLA) ablation is performed by a cardiac surgeon using a transdiaphragmatic endoscope, immediately followed by percutaneous pulmonary vein (PV) isolation performed by a cardiac electrophysiologist. Interim outcomes for the treatment of non-paroxysmal AF (NPAF) were evaluated based on peri-procedural safety and complications, freedom from recurrent AF, and need for cardioversion or repeat catheter ablation at three, six and 12 months post-procedure. A total of 43 patients (86 % NPAF) underwent the convergent procedure. Patients were 84 % male, with mean age 58.6 ± 8.7 years. Mean AF duration was 45.4 ± 40.3 months. Pre-procedure left atrium (LA) volumetric data using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) was available for 30 patients (70 %). Average LA volume was 155.5 ± 48.4 millilitres (ml); two-thirds of patients had a LA volume >130 ml. There was no operative or peri-operative mortality. Sinus rhythm (SR) was recorded at three months in 31 of 39 (79 %) patients, at six months in 24 of 27 (89 %) patients and at 12 months in nine patients. The convergent procedure is a safe and effective option for both PV isolation and PLA substrate ablation in NPAF patients. Long-term follow-up is required and randomised clinical trials warranted.
Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation – Long-term Follow-up of Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Tze-Fan Chao , Chern-En Chiang , Shih-Ann Chen ,   Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital; Institute of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University,   Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital; Institute of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University; General Clinical Research Center, Taipei Veterans General Hospital; Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,   Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei, Taiwan. E: epsachen@ms41.hinet.net; Institute of Clinical Medicine and Cardiovascular Research Center, National Yang-Ming University
Published: August 2014

The incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) was around 1.5 per 1000 person-years in Taiwan. Systemic thromboembolism is the most severe complication of AF. Risk stratification and adequate thromboembolism prophylaxis is the cornerstone of treatment in AF patients. The CHA2DS2-VASc score is powerful in selecting “truly low-risk” patients who are not necessary to receive anticoagulation therapies. It is also useful in predicting thromboembolic events and mortality for patients undergoing AF ablation. Recently, more and more biomarkers and imaging parameters were reported to be associated with adverse events in AF patients. How could these biomarkers and imaging tools change the current strategy of stroke prevention in AF deserves further investigations.
The Role of Three-dimensional Rotational Angiography in Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: Nölker Georg , Horstkotte Dieter , Gutleben Klaus-Jürgen ,   Department of Cardiology, Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany,   Department of Cardiology, Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr University Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany. E: gnoelker@hdz-nrw.de,   Department of Cardiology, Heart and Diabetes Center North Rhine-Westphalia, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Georgstrasse 11, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany. E: gnoelker@hdz-nrw.de
Published: August 2014

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging became the cornerstone of catheter guidance in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation procedures during the last few years. Multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been the technologies of choice for pre-procedural imaging of the left atrium (LA) and the pulmonary veins to make lesions more precisely set in a highly variable and difficult to understand 3D environment. These technologies have been used not only for pre-procedural orientation but have also been overlayed to fluoroscopic views in many fluoroscopy-guided ablation procedures. As image integration into non-fluoroscopic 3D imaging systems became available, 3D reconstructions of MSCT and MRI became the standard approach in many centres. However, 3D imaging is not a cornerstone during ablation as it is not indispensable and ablation can be performed without. Although rare, some very important and key centres do not routinely use 3D imaging during ablation. Being remote to the ablation procedure, these imaging technologies may have the disadvantage of not reflecting the current status of a variable LA volume and scheduling of an additional diagnostic procedure may complicate the workflow of AF ablation procedures. Intra-procedural imaging techniques are likely to overcome both issues. Beside others, rotational angiography has been introduced for proving highly actual imaging by intra-procedural acquisition of 3D shells suitable for overlay to fluoroscopy without need for registration and image integration into 3D mapping systems registered by point-by-point electroanatomical mapping or 3D echocardiographic imaging.
Catheter Ablation of Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia and Ventricular Fibrillation
Authors: Kautzner Josef , Peichl Petr ,   Head, Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Videnska 1958/9, 140 21 Prague 4, Czech Republic. E: joka@medicon.cz,   Consultant Electrophysiologist, Department of Cardiology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
Published: August 2014

Recently, catheter ablation (CA) has become a therapeutic option to target focal triggers of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation (VF) in the setting of electrical storm (ES). This strategy was first described in subjects without organic heart disease (i.e. idiopathic VF) and subsequently in other conditions, especially in patients with ischaemic heart disease. In the majority of cases, the triggering focus originates in the ventricular Purkinje system. In patients with Brugada syndrome, besides ablation of focal trigger in the right ventricular outflow tract, modification of a substrate in this region has been described to prevent recurrences of VF. In conclusion, CA appears to be a reasonable strategy for intractable cases of ES due to focally triggered polymorphic ventricular tachycardia and VF. Therefore, early transport of the patient into the experience centre for CA should be considered since the procedure could be in some cases life-saving. Therefore, the awareness of this entity and link to the nearest expert centre are important.
What About Tachycardia-induced Cardiomyopathy?
Authors: Ellis Ethan R , Josephson Mark E ,   Clinical Fellow, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,   Herman C. Dana Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Chief of the Cardiovascular Division, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Director, Harvard-Thorndike Electrophysiology Institute and Arrhythmia Service, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, US. E: mjoseph2@bidmc.harvard.edu
Published: August 2014

Long-standing tachycardia is a well-recognised cause of heart failure and left ventricular dysfunction, and has led to the nomenclature, tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy (TIC). TIC is generally a reversible cardiomyopathy if the causative tachycardia can be treated effectively, either with medications, surgery or catheter ablation. The diagnosis is usually made after demonstrating recovery of left ventricular function with normalisation of heart rate in the absence of other identifiable aetiologies. One hundred years after the first reported case of TIC, our understanding of the pathophysiology of TIC in humans remains limited despite extensive work in animal models of TIC. In this review we will discuss the proposed mechanisms of TIC, the causative tachyarrhythmias and their treatment, outcomes for patients diagnosed with TIC, and future directions for research and clinical care.
A Critical Reappraisal of the Current Clinical Indications to Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy
Authors: Sorgente Antonio , Cappato Riccardo ,   Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Unit, Policlinico San Donato, Via Morandi 30, 20097 San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy. E: sorgente.antonio@gmail.com,   Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology Department, Policlinico San Donato, Milan, Italy
Published: August 2014

Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a well-established non-pharmacological treatment option for patients with refractory symptomatic heart failure (HF) already under optimal medical therapy. CRT is founded on the principle that interventricular conduction disturbances and more in particular left bundle branch block (LBBB) are deleterious to cardiac performance, and may contribute to the systolic and diastolic incompetency typical of patients with HF. Although CRT is associated with a not negligible percentage of non-response, all the international guidelines on chronic HF have extended their indications to CRT, also to patients with less symptomatic HF who are already showing signs of systolic dysfunction and interventricular dyssynchrony, without giving any substantial advice to reduce the number of failures of this therapy. This review seeks to point out the potential issues linked to CRT, with the aim of making a reappraisal of the clinical evidences supporting the current indications to CRT, and to figure out which type of research should be warranted in the field for the future to reduce the percentage of non-responders to this therapy.
Cardiac Pacing – Is Telemonitoring Now Essential?
Authors: Burri Haran ,   Cardiology Service, University Hospital of Geneva, Rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil 4, 1211 Geneva 14, Switzerland. E: haran.burri@hcuge.ch
Published: August 2014

Modern pacemakers and implantable defibrillators are able to automatically perform tests executed manually during in-office visits; such as measurement of sensing and pacing thresholds. In addition, the devices also record a wealth of diagnostic data that are of clinical relevance. The advent of wireless technology in these devices allows automatic transmission of these data that can be consulted remotely by the physician. There is now solid evidence indicating that remote device follow-up can safely reduce the number of in-office visits, thereby improving convenience for patients and caregivers alike. Remote monitoring with automatic alerts for arrhythmias, heart failure and technical issues, has been shown to dramatically reduce delay to diagnosis of these events compared with standard follow-up; potentially improving patient safety and outcome. For these reasons, remote device management is becoming the standard of care.
A FORMAÇÃO CONTÍNUA DE PROFESSORES – NOVAS TENDÊNCIAS E NOVOS CAMINHOS
Authors: Costa Nadja Maria de Lima
Published: August 2014

O presente trabalho consiste em um recorte dos estudos sobre formação e profissionalização docente, abordando as questões teóricas dos modelos de formação continuada de professores no que se refere às suas características, formas de desenvolvimento no cotidiano escolar e na vida desses profissionais, bem como discute as implicações e contribuições que determinadas práticas trazem para o atual contexto educacional. Demarca a existência de dois grandes modelos teóricos de formação e suas formas multifacetadas de existência, quais sejam, as denominadas por alguns autores, como estruturantes ou clássicas e o modelo construtivista ou interativo-reflexivo. Tem a preocupação de traçar as necessidades para a formação do professor reflexivo, mapeando as novas tendências na formação continuada de professores em contraponto com o modelo

clássico, e ainda aponta alguns caminhos a se percorrer baseado nestas sistematizações. A partir desse referencial, discutem-se as atuais mudanças na formação continuada de

professores, a quem caberá um importante papel nesta dinâmica e como poderá ser articulado um modelo de formação contínua que valorize o espaço escolar e o permanente exercício da ação-reflexão-ação como um elemento intrínseco à formação docente. É um ensaio que visa a contribuir com as novas perspectivas da formação continuada de docentes na busca de uma significativa atuação profissional.

Palavras chaves: Formação docente, novas tendências e professor reflexivo