bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metastatic bladder cancer cells distinctively sense and respond to physical cues of collagen fibril-mimetic nanotopography
Authors: Iuliano James N , Kutscha Paul D , Biderman NJ , Subbaram Sita , Groves Timothy R , Tenenbaum Scott A , Hempel Nadine
Published: December 2014

Tumor metastasis is characterized by enhanced invasiveness and migration of tumor cells through the extracellular matrix (ECM), resulting in extravasation into the blood and lymph and colonization at secondary sites. The ECM provides a physical scaffold consisting of components such as collagen fibrils, which have distinct dimensions at the nanoscale. In addition to the interaction of peptide moieties with tumor cell integrin clusters, the ECM provides a physical guide for tumor cell migration. Using nanolithography we set out to mimic the physical dimensions of collagen fibrils using lined nanotopographical silicon surfaces and to explore whether metastatic tumor cells are uniquely able to respond to these physical dimensions. Etched silicon surfaces containing nanoscale lined patterns with varying trench and ridge sizes (65–500 nm) were evaluated for their ability to distinguish between a non-metastatic (253J) and a highly metastatic (253J-BV) derivative bladder cancer cell line. Enhanced alignment was distinctively observed for the metastatic cell lines on feature sizes that mimic the dimensions of collagen fibrils (65–100 nm lines, 1:1–1:1.5 pitch). Further, these sub-100 nm lines acted as guides for migration of metastatic cancer cells. Interestingly, even at this subcellular scale, metastatic cell migration was abrogated when cells were forced to move perpendicular to these lines. Compared to flat surfaces, 65 nm lines enhanced the formation of actin stress fibers and filopodia of metastatic cells. This was accompanied by increased formation of focal contacts, visualized by immunofluorescent staining of phospho-focal adhesion kinase along the protruding lamellipodia. Simple lined nanotopography appears to be an informative platform for studying the physical cues of the ECM in a pseudo-3D format and likely mimics physical aspects of collagen fibrils. Metastatic cancer cells appear distinctively well adapted to sense these features using filopodia protrusions to enhance their alignment and migration.
Ott1 (Rbm15) regulates thrombopoietin response in hematopoietic stem cells through alternative splicing of c-Mpl
Authors: Xiao Nan , Laha Suparna , Das Shankar P. , Morlock Kayla , Jesneck Jonathan L. , Raffel Glen D.
Published: December 2014

Key Points

Ott1 regulates the alternative splicing of Mpl-TR, a truncated isoform of c-Mpl, which modulates Thpo-mediated signaling. Mpl-TR expression impairs HSC engraftment.
Angiotensin II: a new approach for refractory shock management?
Authors: Kimmoun Antoine , Levy Bruno
Published: December 2014

Patients with distributive shock still have a high mortality rate and remain an important issue for intensivists. Management of catecholamine-resistant shock in these patients poses a challenging problem. Despite significant advances in the knowledge of its pathophysiology, all innovative therapeutic approaches and interventions have failed to improve outcome. In the previous issue of Critical Care, Chawla and colleagues explored the impact of angiotensin II administration in patients with persistent hypotension despite adapted hemodynamic resuscitation. The authors demonstrate that, in case of distributive shock, angiotensin II is an effective vasopressor therapy. Its impact on outcome and adverse effects still needs to be further explored.
Comparison of the effects of albumin and crystalloid on mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Xu Jing-Yuan , Chen Qi-Hong , Xie Jian-Feng , Pan Chun , Liu Song-Qiao , Huang Li-Wei , Yang Cong-Shan , Liu Ling , Huang Ying-Zi , Guo Feng-Mei , Yang Yi , Qiu Hai-Bo
Published: December 2014

Introduction

The aim of this study was to examine whether albumin reduced mortality when employed for the resuscitation of adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock compared with crystalloid by meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched for and gathered data from MEDLINE, Elsevier, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science databases. Studies were eligible if they compared the effects of albumin versus crystalloid therapy on mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Two reviewers extracted data independently. Disagreements were resolved by discussion with other two reviewers until a consensus was achieved. Data including mortality, sample size of the patients with severe sepsis, sample size of the patients with septic shock and resuscitation endpoints were extracted. Data were analyzed by the methods recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager 4.2 software.

Results

A total of 5,534 records were identified through the initial search. Five studies compared albumin with crystalloid. In total, 3,658 severe sepsis and 2,180 septic shock patients were included in the meta-analysis. The heterogeneity was determined to be non-significant (P = 0.86, I2 = 0%). Compared with crystalloid, a trend toward reduced 90-day mortality was observed in severe sepsis patients resuscitated with albumin (odds ratio (OR) 0.88; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.01; P = 0.08). However, the use of albumin for resuscitation significantly decreased 90-day mortality in septic shock patients (OR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.97; P = 0.03). Compared with saline, the use of albumin for resuscitation slightly improved outcome in severe sepsis patients (OR 0.81; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.08; P = 0.09).

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, a trend toward reduced 90-day mortality was observed in severe sepsis patients resuscitated with albumin compared with crystalloid and saline. Moreover, the 90-day mortality of patients with septic shock decreased significantly.
Prioritizing Interventions to Reduce Seismic Vulnerability in School Facilities in Colombia
Authors: Mora Miguel G. , Valcárcel Jairo A. , Cardona Omar D. , Pujades Lluis G. , Barbat Alex H. , Bernal Gabriel A.
Published: December 2014

The Colombian seismic code NSR-98 establishes the requirement for the seismic vulnerability analysis and, if necessary, the strengthening of public facilities (schools). Due to the investments required by risk-reduction programs, it is necessary to establish criteria for assigning priorities for the interventions. This article proposes a methodology for obtaining a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) at the subnational level, by assessing the expected annual average loss of the built area of public schools and the retrofitting cost. The BCR is estimated as the difference between the estimates of the net present value for status quo and retrofitted states, both divided by the retrofitting costs. According to the BCR, 47.3% of the total school-built area of Colombia should be retrofitted where the retrofitting costs correspond to 25% of the total investment. Proposed BCR is useful for prioritizing regions as a function of the feasibility of reducing the seismic vulnerability of the schools.
Is It Whom You Know or What You Know? An Empirical Assessment of the Lobbying Process
Authors: Bertrand Marianne , Bombardini Matilde , Trebbi Francesco
Published: December 2014

Do lobbyists provide issue-specific information to members of Congress? Or do they provide special interests access to politicians? We present evidence to assess the role of issue expertise versus connections in the US Federal lobbying process and illustrate how both are at work. In support of the connections view, we show that lobbyists follow politicians they were initially connected to when those politicians switch to new committee assignments. In support of the expertise view, we show that there is a group of experts that even politicians of opposite political affiliation listen to. However, we find a more consistent monetary premium for connections than expertise. (JEL D72, D82)
Consumption and Debt Response to Unanticipated Income Shocks: Evidence from a Natural Experiment in Singapore
Authors: Agarwal Sumit , Qian Wenlan
Published: December 2014

This paper uses a unique panel dataset of consumer financial transactions to study how consumers respond to an exogenous unanticipated income shock. Consumption rose significantly after the fiscal policy announcement: during the ten subsequent months, for each $1 received, consumers on average spent $0.80. We find a strong announcement effect—19 percent of the response occurs during the first two-month announcement period via credit cards. Subsequently, consumers switched to debit cards after disbursement before finally increasing spending on credit cards in the later months. Consumers with low liquid assets or with low credit card limit experienced stronger consumption responses. (JEL D12, D14, E21)
Effect of environmental and cultural conditions in medium pH and plant growth performance of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) shoot culture
Authors: Chen Chien-Chih , Bates Rick , Carlson John
Published: December 2014

The medium pH level of plant tissue culture has been shown to be essential to many aspects of explant development and growth. Sensitivity or tolerance of medium pH changein vitrovaries accordingly to specific requirements of individual species. The objectives of this study are to 1) determine medium pH change over time in storage conditions and with presence of explants, 2) evaluate the effects of medium pH change and explant growth performance and 3) assess the effects of adding a pH stabilizer, 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES) to Douglas-fir micropropagation medium. Spring buds, collected before breaking dormancy from juvenile and mature donor trees were utilized for these evaluations. Medium with or without MES, each at five medium pH levels was pre-adjusted before adding MES, agar and autoclaving. Medium pH changes and explant growth parameters were measured at eight different incubation times. In general, medium with MES provided a more stable medium pH compared to pre-adjusted pH values under two storage conditions as well as with presence of explants over time. A general trend of decreasing medium pH over time was found comparing explants from juvenile and mature donor genotypes. Explant height and weight growth increased over time, but differ among explants from juvenile and mature donor genotypes. MES may help to maintain stable medium pH for bulk medium preparation. Our findings suggested a 21-day subculture practice may facilitate to sustain medium freshness, medium pH level and desirable explant growth.
Uncertainties of innovative enterprises in a theoretical and practical perspective
Authors: Мосалев Антон , Mosalev Anton
Published: December 2014

The article comprises the analysis of uncertainties innovative companies usually have to deal with. The first stage of the research consisted in collection and analysis of scientific views on the problem of innovative entrepreneurship and uncertainties theory. Some uncertainties that arise in innovative activity were singled out. As a result, the classification scheme is proposed which defines the sum of uncertainties of innovative entrepreneurship concerning the organization environment, time of appearance and conditions. The second stage consisted in studying the question of conformity between the uncertainties and conditions that are proposed by the theoretical studies and in detection of their other peculiarities. The empirical material was gathered based on expert assessment, and it allowed to find out, what uncertainties the innovative companies have to deal with and when it happens.
Labour market state analysis in the sphere of the hospitality industry on the example of Voronezh
Authors: Щетилина Ирина , Shchetilina Irina , Родионова Наталья , Rodionova Natalya , Мануковская Марина , Manukovskaya Marina
Published: December 2014

The sphere of hotel service is unique, because the staff is apart of the hotel product. Often it is difficult to distinguish the material part of the product from its spiritual component. The stuff that supplies services is the most important component of these services. The same services can be supplied in different ways, because the personnel of the hotel serves customers differently. The stuff has to receive visitors in such way that he would become a regular customer. It constitutes the main advantage of accommodation. The staff relations must be arranged in such manner that the staff would perform labour in all levels of organization structure with the conscious that their professional activity and the service atmosphere which they create are forming the conscience of the customer.

Highly qualified stuff recruitment is a very important question in any sphere of activity. The hotel sphere is not an exclusion. The owners of the hotels should recruit the stuff without overlooking highly qualified specialists. The staff of the hotel is the face of the establishment and it is very important to be sure that the employee performs his labour qualitatively and is polite enough towards the guests etc. The more competent recruitment implies that the hotel gets more favorable responses and consequently more guests. The well matched highly qualified stuff is the keystone to success.

The article comprises the analysis of the labour market state in the sphere of hospitality industry. The supply and demand of vacancies in Voronezh was studied. Professions and vacancies with best job opportunities were determined as the result of the analysis.
Strategic management of tourism in the region: risk factors (on the example of the Yaroslavl region)
Authors: Виноградова Марина , Vinogradova Marina , Платонова Наталья , Platonova Natalya
Published: December 2014

The article considers the questions of the important problem of strategic management of tourism in the region — the factors of risk and their assessment. The Yaroslavl region pursues a very active policy concerning the priority branches of social-economic development and it was considered an object of this research. Tourism is one of the most important branches because it develops dynamically. Average annual increase of tourists in the Yaroslavl Region comes to 15,1%, whereas in the Strategy of socio-economical development of Yaroslavl region the planned value was 10,7%. Due to this, detection of the riskfactors and their possible influence assessment is a topical problem, especially in the sphere of tourism.

The article considers riskfactors that are to be taken into account during the realization of strategic solutions in the sphere of tourism development. Furthermore, there are expert methods proposed to define the impact of various riskfactors on the realization of the strategy. The article also comprises the quantitative assessment of this impact with due regard for realization of various scenarios of development of tourism in this region that were proposed in the project of Strategy of tourism development of Yaroslavl region till 2025. As the quantitative parameter the supposed tourist turnover was used which was calculated in three variants basing on the amount of tourist expenses.

The authors tried therefore to reveal the riskfactors and define their impact on possible results of strategic management of tourism development in the region.
Updating educational programs in the college of tourism
Authors: Недкова Антонина , Nedkova Antonina
Published: December 2014

The article presents an alternative model for updating curricula in the College of Tourism, in accordance with the requirements of the labor market. The main purpose of the model is to achieve a level of professional education necessary for and adequate to socio-economic needs of the society, the state educational requirements and European standards. The article characterizes a number of measures and procedures to improve the quality of training and qualifications for future tourism personnel in the service sector. For this purpose the author proposes permanent development and implementation of educational concepts in the following areas: updating curricula with practical application of cases of different academic disciplines; setting tasks that involve creativity when there is a decision-making process in unusual situations; development of students´ ability to work in a team; improving the quality of the theoretical training of students; a wider integration in the educational process of information and communication technologies; higher quality of teaching which include the use of interactive methods that provide the cognitive activity of students in the learning process; an active use of the material and technical basis in order to increase the effectiveness of training; use of the library fund, computers and Internet connections in order to improve the students´ activity during lessons. In line with the model updating educational programs is conducted annually and is associated with the need to achieve compatibility between the requirements of the labor market in the face of employers and the skill level of students graduating from educational institutions. Essential component of the model is obtaining professional qualifications for students through the use of practical experience, obtaining specific professional knowledge, practical skills and betterment of skills.
The nurse's role in the management and treatment of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Elliott Kay
Published: December 2014

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a commonly occurring arrhythmia that is associated with an increased risk of stroke, mortality, reduced quality of life and increased need for hospitalisation. In light of the newly published National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines for the management of AF, this article gives an overview of the key issues that need to be considered by nurses. Nurses have an important opportunity and responsibility to play a pivotal role in detecting AF. The need to provide individualised patient education, support and onward monitoring for patients with AF will be reflected upon. The significance of AF detection and stroke risk reduction is outlined and the revised NICE guidance on the use of anticoagulation for stroke risk prevention will be discussed.
Have a quick word and save a life
Authors: McEwen Andy
Published: December 2014

Offering simple advice to smokers is worth it, says Andy McEwen
Making the most of your CPD
Authors: Weston David
Published: December 2014

Mentoring, observation, INSET and external courses will form the backbone of your CPD during your NQT year. David Weston advises on how to make the most of these opportunities
Tackling LGBT prejudice
Authors: Humphrey Sharron
Published: December 2014

Corelli College is a Stonewall Champion school and has worked hard to tackle homophobia and prejudice. Sharron Humphrey offers her advice to other schools
Creep Testing of One-Component Polyurethane and Emulsion Polymer Isocyanate Adhesives for Structural Timber Bonding*
Authors: Aicher Simon , Christian Zachary , Stapf Gordian
Published: December 2014

Moisture hardening one-component polyurethane (PU) adhesives and emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI) adhesives have recently gained a considerable market share in structural timber gluing, especially in Europe. The creep behavior of bond lines between solid timber adherends with said adhesives, specifically nine PU and five EPI products, along with two phenolic resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF) adhesives used for reference purposes, were studied. Most of the adhesives investigated are approved for gluing of structural timber components in Europe.

All of the reported 34 bending creep test series (with 340 specimens), were performed with two-part laminated spruce (Picea abies) specimens according to the European structural adhesive creep test standard EN 15416‐3. The standard addresses the ratio RC of creep between PU and EPI adhesives' bonds versus the minimally creeping bond lines of matched specimens glued with a reference PRF adhesive. Mainly glue line thicknesses of 0.3 mm were investigated, with some additional tests having been performed with 0.2- and 0.5-mm-thick glue lines as well.

The investigations provide a substantial insight into the creep behavior of the two regarded polyaddition adhesive families. Additionally, the evaluation proves, for PUs and EPIs for test glue line thicknesses of 0.3 mm and less, that it is well justified to reduce the presently prescribed creep periods of 26 and 52 weeks down to 13 and 26 weeks, respectively. The results will serve as a basis for a change of the European test and requirement standards on structural PU and EPI adhesives.
Effects of Ethanol-Supplemented Phenol-Resorcinol-Formaldehyde Resin on Formaldehyde and Acetaldehyde Emissions from Glued-Laminated Timbers*
Authors: Tohmura Shin-ichiro , Miyamoto Kohta , Inoue Akio
Published: December 2014

Aldehyde emissions from glued-laminated timbers bonded with phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde (PRF) resin adhesives, some of which included ethanol as a solvent, were investigated. Four commercial ethanol-free and three laboratory-made PRF resins with varying ethanol content were prepared and used to manufacture sugi (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don) glued-laminated timbers. The aldehyde emissions from these timbers were measured by a Japanese Industrial Standard small chamber method over an extended period. Three test samples, each with a differently oriented sealed surface, were also prepared for discussion of the mechanism. No relationship was observed between formaldehyde emission and either ethanol content or the orientation of the exposed area. However, acetaldehyde emission was significantly influenced by both parameters. When a cross-sectional surface was exposed, acetaldehyde emission decreased rapidly; however, conversely, when a cross-sectional surface was sealed, acetaldehyde emission remained constant and even increased gradually over an extended period, which was attributed to excessive acetaldehyde. When ethanol was present in adhesives in excess of 5 percent of the resin weight, excessive acetaldehyde may have been produced by enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase as previously reported and may spread into the wood, whereupon the acetaldehyde may have been emitted mainly from the cross-sectional surface rather than the other sides.
Beyond skin boundaries in contact improvisation and poetry
Authors: Pallant Cheryl
Published: December 2014

The author, a practitioner of contact improvisation and a poet, discusses how she applied improvisational elements from contact improvisation to writing poetry. Her aim was to reinvigorate her writing after a loss in motivation and vision. The article focuses on a technique of sound replicating a partner and using it to propel writing. The author shares sections of her published poems to illustrate her sound sense and shows how it leads to a polylinear, experimental style. She recognizes meaning need not be homogenous nor dictated by the writer. An open, improvised, visceral approach to writing welcomes reader participation. Readers are invited to read with an open mind and the entirety of their body.
Tendencias recientes en los estudios de Geografía rural. Desarrollos teóricos y líneas de investigación en países de América Latina
Authors: Ávila Sánchez Héctor
Published: December 2014

En la presente contribución se hace un recorrido por las diversas rutas teóricas y metodológicas que sustentan a la Geografía rural, en sus modalidades actuales. Se hace especial énfasis en los aportes que establecen la Geografía francesa y la anglosajona. En los inicios de la disciplina, a principios del siglo XX, destacaba la identificación y la descripción de los paisajes, influenciada por la importancia del discurso regionalista. Posteriormente, los estudios geográficos rurales se desarrollaron bajo la influencia de la Geografía económica, fundamentalmente la descripción de las grandes zonas de especialización agrícola a nivel mundial (zonas de producción de cereales, de agricultura mediterránea, etc.), para posteriormente, a partir de la década de los años ochenta, analizar la profundidad de las transformaciones territoriales que acontecen en el medio rural, producto de los cambios en el paradigma productive fordista y posfordista, así como las modalidades derivadas de la globalización. Destaca la identificación del territorio como categoría conceptul para estudiar sus procesos y formas de aprehensión, así como los conceptos y las ideas vigentes en la construcción y la gestión territorial. Se destacan algunas tendencias y líneas de investigación prevalecientes en algunos países de América Latina, donde actualmene se analiza la ruralidad no solo desde el discurso geográfico, sino a través de diversas disciplinas sociales, abocadas al studio de los territorios. Se enfatiza en el estudio de la dinámica urbano-rural, como una de las expresiones actuales de mayor trascendencia y en la que se expresan más vertiginosamente los cambios territoriales.

 
Mitspielfähigkeit
Authors: Brümmer Kristina
Published: December 2014

Soziale Ordnungen und »ihre« Subjekte bewirken sich gegenseitig. Am Beispiel des sportakrobatischen Trainings geht Kristina Brümmer der Frage nach dem »Wie« dieses wechselseitigen Konstitutionsprozesses nach. Praxeografische Feinanalysen von Trainingsepisoden zeigen, wie es den Akteuren gelingt, gemeinsam mit der Unsicherheit riskanter sozialer Praktiken umzugehen, die notwendigen Mitspielkompetenzen zu erwerben und sich als »Mitspieler« zu subjektivieren. Die Studie, die sich im Schnittfeld von Praxissoziologie, Subjektivierungsforschung und Sportwissenschaft bewegt, bezieht Theorie, Methodologie und Empirie dialogisch aufeinander - und ist damit für die »Theorie« ebenso interessant wie für die »Praxis«.
Ansichtssache Stadtnatur
Authors: Winter Katharina
Published: December 2014

Im städtischen Raum existieren zahlreiche Formen von Natur, die auf verschiedene Weise wahrgenommen und bewertet werden. Ausgehend von dieser Überlegung untersucht Katharina Winter den Einfluss unterschiedlicher Naturverständnisse auf den Umgang mit temporären Nutzungen innerstädtischer Brachflächen: Von welcher Natur ist die Rede, wenn verschiedene Akteure Flächennutzungsentscheidungen diskutieren? Welches ist die wünschenswerte Natur - und für wen ist sie wünschenswert? Am Beispiel dreier Berliner Fallstudien - einem Gemeinschaftsgarten, einem Zeltplatz und einem Wagendorf - werden die Bandbreite und der Einfluss der Bewertungen, Bedeutungen und Vorstellungen von Natur herausgearbeitet.
Looking at the Big Picture: Adapting Film Theory to Examine Map Form, Meaning, and Aesthetic
Authors: Muehlenhaus Ian
Published: December 2014

Film and maps have much more in common than is often believed. In this paper, it is argued that film offers cartographers many concepts that can be used to better understand map form, aesthetics, and meaning. After reviewing these concepts as taught in film studies and originally formulated by Kenneth Burke, this article explores how these concepts can be applied by cartographers in their map design and by map critics. Several examples of adapting these theories to understand maps are provided. The paper concludes by arguing that cartographers can only benefit by more whole-heartedly embracing and adapting film theory concepts and methods. Doing so will likely result in clearer communication, storytelling, and argumentation, as well as offer a more nuanced method for determining what makes certain maps memorable.
Inverse source problems for time-fractional mixed parabolic-hyperbolic-type equations
Authors: Feng Pengbin , Karimov Erkinjon T.
Published: December 2014

In the present paper we consider an inverse source problem for a time-fractional mixed parabolic-hyperbolic equation with Caputo derivatives. In the case when the hyperbolic part of the considered mixed-type equation is the wave equation, the uniqueness of the source and the solution are strongly influenced by the initial time and the problem is generally ill-posed. However, when the hyperbolic part is time-fractional, the problem is well-posed if the end time is large. Our method relies on the orthonormal system of eigenfunctions of the operator with respect to the space variables. Finally, we prove uniqueness and stability of certain weak solutions for the problems under consideration.
Insights from STEM and NBED studies into the local structure and growth mechanism of misfit layered compounds prepared using modulated reactants
Authors: Häusler Ines , Atkins Ryan , Falmbigl Matthias , Rudin Sven P. , Neumann Wolfgang , Johnson David C.
Published: December 2014

X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy were used to probe the structure of the misfit compound [(SnSe)1.15]1(VSe2)1 grown using an elementally modulated precursor. The specular X-ray diffraction pattern contained only 00l reflections, which yielded a c lattice parameter of 1.203(1) nm. Cross-section STEM revealed alternating layers of SnSe and VSe2, in agreement with the structure model refined from the X-ray diffraction pattern using Rietveld refinement. Plan-view transmission electron microscopy revealed the in-plane grain structure of the films, yielding grain sizes in agreement with previously reported in plane X-ray diffraction studies and the cross-section STEM images. The plan view images also contained Moiré fringes resulting from grains with different relative tilting on both sides of interfaces as well as Moiré fringes resulting from different relative rotations between domains. An energy-filtered nano-beam electron diffraction pattern obtained from at least one domain in the [(SnSe)1.15]1(VSe2)1 sample investigated in cross section contained a series of resolvable supercell reflections along the c axis that indicated that the supercell c-axis lattice parameter was a multiple of three times that determined using X-ray diffraction. Energy filtered NBED of plan-view samples showed diffraction patterns from select regions with 12-fold symmetry, indicating that the arrangement of the layers is not rotationally random from layer to layer. This suggests that during the self-assembly of the amorphous modulated elemental precursor, the SnSe and VSe2 constituent layers must nucleate off the adjacent interfaces of the growing crystal, yielding layers that are locally rotationally aligned with growing crystal. Different processing conditions during the precursor to crystal self-assembly might enable the domain size and/or the extent of order to be controlled.
Synthesis, structure, properties and computational study of a novel dumbbell-like zinc compound based on 2, 2′-biimidazole and 4, 4′-bipyridine mixed ligands
Authors: Yao Zhong-Liang , Chen Wen-Tong , Hu Rong-Hua
Published: December 2014

A novel zinc compound with mixed ligands, Zn2(bipy)(bim)4·(ClO4)4·2H2O (1) (bipy = 4, 4′-bipyridine; bim = 2, 2′-biimidazole), was hydrothermally prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, photoluminescence and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is characteristic of an isolated structure with two five-coordinated zinc ions bridged by a bipy ligand to form a dumbbell-like motif. Compound 1 is of rhombohedral system, space group R-3 with a = 25.7698(5), c = 19.0359(7) Å, V = 10947.8(5) Å3, C34H36Cl4N18O18Zn2, Z = 9, M

r
= 1257.35, D

c
= 1.716 g/cm3, S = 1.045, μ(MoKα) = 1.298 mm–1, F(000) = 5742, R = 0.0489 and wR = 0.1337. Photoluminescence investigation reveals that compound 1 displays an emission band in the green region. In combination with the theoretical studies, it is believed that the emission must arise from the ligand-to-ligand charge-transfer (LLCT) transition.
Hepatic Cyst Infection Following Aspiration Sclerotherapy: a Case Series
Authors: Wijnands Titus F.M. , Lantinga Marten A. , Drenth Joost P.H.
Published: December 2014

Mass-related symptoms caused by hepatic cysts are effectively treated by aspiration sclerotherapy (AS). This minimal-invasive intervention is regarded as a safe procedure. Hence, occurrence of complications is low. Transient fever is commonly reported as a side effect. However, documentation on a post-procedural hepatic cyst infection as a complication of AS is limited. We present five cases in which a tentative diagnosis of postprocedural hepatic cyst infection was made. Patients typically presented with abdominal pain and fever, had to be admitted to our hospital, and were treated with long term antibiotics. Ultimately, the cyst infection successfully resolved with ciprofloxacin in all cases.
TIMP-1: a Strong Player in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Herszényi László
Published: December 2014

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Computed Tomography View of Menetrier’s Disease
Authors: Gur Mucahit , Besir Fahri Halit , Ermis Fatih
Published: December 2014

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Structure and function of the liver in conditions of chrome-isoniazid-rifampicin affection of rats after applying of sorbex
Authors: Burmas N. I. , Fira L. S.
Published: December 2014

The aim of this research was to assess the activity of marker enzymes of the liver and its biliary formation function in conditions of the affection of animals by hexavalent chromium compounds, isoniazid and rifampicin, after applying of sorbex. The experimental affection of rats of different age was carried in the conditions of combined injection of hexavalent chromium compounds (solution of potassium dichromate, 3 mg/kg), isoniazid (0.05 g/kg) and rifampicin (0.25 g/kg) during the 7th and 14th days, and sorbex enterosorbent was introduced in quantity of 150 mg/kg. The activity of marker enzymes of the liver was evaluated by the activity of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases (ALT and AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The state of biliary formation function of the liver was evaluated by the content of total bilirubin (TB) and bile acids (BA) in blood. The most significant changes in ALT activity were observed in the liver of old animals by the combined effects of the abovementioned xenobiotics – the activity of ALT was decreased by the end of the experiment by 58% compared with the animals of intact control. Using of sorbex led to decreasing in blood serum and increasing in the liver of affected animals of the different age of ALT activity throughout the experiment. AST activity in blood serum increased, and it was the highest in old animals upon chrome-isoniazid-rifampicin affection on the 14th day of the research. With the use of sorbex, there was a tendency to normalization of this index in blood serum and liver of affected animals on the 7th day from the beginning of the experiment. It was found that the largest increase in ALP took place in blood serum of immature animals by the combined effects of toxicants. In the liver of affected animals the activity of ALP decreased throughout the experiment in all age groups of animals. Maximum corrective effect on the activity of ALP was shown by the enterosorbent in the liver of mature animals on 14th day of the experiment and this index was equal to 99% compared with intact animals. During the affection of animals by toxins, we observed the increase in the content of total bilirubin and bile acids, especially in rats of immature age and mature age. After the injection of sorbex enterosorbent in the organism of animals, normalization of its indicators on the 7th day from the beginning of the experiment was established. It is proved that sorbex has normalized the activity of marker enzymes of the liver and its biliary formation function in the organism of affected animals. Therefore, it can be used as an enterosorbent in the conditions of chemical affection on the background of drug-induced hepatitis.
Floristic survey and species richness of aquatic macrophytes in water supply reservoirs
Authors: Alves-da-Silva Suelen Cristina , Bona Cleusa , Moço Maria Cecília de Chiara , Cervi Armando Carlos
Published: December 2014

The present study aimed a floristic survey of aquatic macrophytes in four water supply reservoirs (Iraí, Passaúna, Piraquara I and II) of the Iguaçu River basin, Paraná, Brazil. Sampling and herborization of biological material followed methods described in literature. The species were classified by life forms. We found 90 species in 57 genera and 36 families, were 52.7% are monospecific. The richest reservoir was Passaúna (40 spp.), followed by Iraí, Piraquara I and Piraquara II (36 spp. each). Cyperaceae was the most representative with 17 spp., followed by Asteraceae, Onagraceae and Polygonaceae (7 spp. each). Amphibious and emergent life forms were equally express throughout species (41% each). Since aquatic macrophytes structure and contribute to environment biodiversity, the present study can assist management and implementation of biodiversity conservation efforts.
Faunal richness and the checklist of Indian mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Bhattacharyya D. R. , Rajavel A. R. , Mohapatra P. K. , Jambulingam P. , Mahanta J. , Prakash A.
Published: December 2014

A review of published studies revealed that the Indian mosquito fauna comprises 393 species in 49 genera and 41 subgenera. The subfamily Anophelinae contains 61 species in one genus followed by Culicinae with 332 species in 11 tribes and 48 genera. The tribe Aedini (subfamily Culicinae) contains the highest number of species (176 species in 33 genera and two groups of incertae sedis; i.e., “Aedes” sensu auctorum and “Ochlerotatus” sensu auctorum). With the recent taxonomic changes in tribe Aedini, the Indian mosquito genera have gone up from 22 to 49. Changes to the Indian Aedini fauna subsequent to the reclassification of tribe Aedini are discussed. A total of 31 species are currently recognized in India for transmitting various mosquito-borne agents of human diseases. A checklist for the Indian mosquito species is presented and the need for a comprehensive study is emphasized.
Heterogeneity of the woody flora of swamp forests in southeastern and southern Brazil
Authors: Kurtz Bruno Coutinho , Caris Elisa Araujo Penna , Scarano Fabio Rubio
Published: December 2014

Swamp forests are associated with hydromorphic soils and are naturally fragmented in their distribution. Several local phytosociological surveys on the woody flora of these forests have been conducted in southeastern and southern Brazil. We present here a comprehensive floristic list based on these surveys, including 77 families, 211 genera and 518 native species. The richest families were Myrtaceae (78 species), Fabaceae (47) and Lauraceae (38). The richest genera were Eugenia (24), Myrcia (24), Miconia (21) and Ocotea (20). The woody flora of these swamp forests has great heterogeneity, with most species occurring in one or few sites. Their flora is formed by a few flooding specialist or tolerant species, common in many sites, and many other species that come from the surrounding vegetation. Considering the high degree of deforestation in southeastern and southern Brazil, including swamp forests, the floristic patterns presented here can be useful for the future efforts of conservation, management and restoration of these forests.
Resposta morfogênica de embriões zigóticos de Erythrina velutina Willd: (Leguminosae) cultivados in vitro
Authors: Fonseca Priscila Tavares , Nepomuceno Cristina Ferreira , Alvim Bruno Freitas Matos , Santana José Raniere Ferreira de
Published: December 2014

O cultivo in vitro de embriões zigóticos é uma técnica promissora para se avançar no estudo do desenvolvimento embrionário e da quebra da dormência de sementes. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o efeito dos reguladores vegetais 6-benzilaminopurina (BAP) e ácido naftalenoacético (ANA) no potencial morfogenético, in vitro, de embriões zigóticos de mulungu. Embriões zigóticos maduros, oriundos de sementes foram utilizados inteiros, ou seccionados em plúmula, região intermediária e radícula, sendo posteriormente inoculados em meio de cultura WPM, suplementado com combinações de BAP (0,0; 2,0; 4,0; 8,0; 12,0 e 16,0 µM) e ANA (0,0; 1,0 e 2,0 µM), acrescido de 87,64 mM de sacarose e solidificado com 0,7% de ágar. Após 30 dias, avaliaram-se a percentagem de regeneração dos embriões e ápice plumular, o número de brotos, o número de folhas, o comprimento da parte aérea dos brotos, o número de raízes e a percentagem de formação de calos oriundos da região intermediária e da radícula. É possível a regeneração in vitro de mulungu, a partir dos explantes plúmula e embriões zigóticos inteiros, cultivados em meio de cultura WPM, suplementado com 4,0 µM de BAP. Regiões intermediárias e da radícula promoveram a formação de calos compactos (96,06%), na combinação de 10,63 µM BAP e 2,0 µM de ANA.
Consórcio sorgo e braquiária na entrelinha para produção de grãos, forragem e palhada na entressafra
Authors: Silva Alessandro Guerra da , Moraes Luiz Eduardo de , Horvathy Neto Adalbert , Teixeira Itamar Rosa , Simon Gustavo André
Published: December 2014

O consórcio tem sido utilizado para produção de grãos e forragem, porém poucos estudos foram realizados com a cultura do sorgo granífero na região Centro-Oeste. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi o de identificar, na safrinha, o consórcio de sorgo e braquiária, implantadas em duas profundidades de semeadura, que proporcione maiores rendimentos de grãos, massa seca (palhada) e proteína bruta (forragem) com dois cortes nas plantas de braquiária na entressafra. O ensaio foi instalado a campo, em Rio Verde-GO em 05 de março de 2009. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 2x3+1+3, correspondendo a duas profundidades de semeadura da braquiária (2 e 10 cm) e três espécies de braquiária (Brachiaria decumbens (Staf), B. brizantha (Hoschst) cv. Marandu e B. ruziziensis Germain et Evrard) semeadas na entrelinha do sorgo granífero DKB 599, além de quatro tratamentos adicionais sendo um para o monocultivo de sorgo e outros três para cada espécie de braquiária. Os resultados permitiram constatar que o consórcio do sorgo granífero com braquiária na entrelinha apresentou potencial para produção de grãos (exceto da associação com a B. decumbens, semeada a 10 cm de profundidade, e com a B. ruziziensis, semeada a 2 cm), massa seca e proteína bruta, demonstrando a viabilidade para o sistema de cultivo em plantio direto na região Central do Brasil.
Choledochal cyst in childhood: review of 30 cases
Authors: Forny Danielle Nunes , Ferrante Saulo Marcos Rebello , Silveira Vinícius Gomes da , Siviero Ivonete , Chagas Vera Lucia Antunes , Méio Ivens Baker
Published: December 2014

Objective: To analyze and discuss the clinical data, diagnosis and treatment of a number of patients with cystic dilatation of the common bile duct of a Brazilian pediatric hospital.Methods: We analyzed 30 patients treated at the Martagão Gesteira Institute of Pediatrics and Child Care of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro for 23 years ,with statistical analysis of epidemiological data, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and postoperative outcome.Results: We observed a marked female predominance (73.4% of cases), the diagnosis being made in the first decade of life in 90% of patients. The most prevalent clinical manifestation was jaundice (70% of cases) and the classic triad of choledochal cyst was not observed. Abdominal ultrasound was the first imaging examination performed, with a sensitivity of 56.6%, with diagnostic definition in 17 children. Two patients (6.6%) had prenatal diagnosis. All patients underwent surgical treatment, cyst resection with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy being performed in 80% of cases. The incidence of postoperative complications was 13.3% and the mortality rate was 6.6%, ie two patients were diagnosed with Caroli's disease.Conclusion: The non-observance of the classic triad of choledochal cyst suggests that its incidence is lower than that reported in the medical literature. The surgical treatment of choledochal cysts, with resection and bilioenteric anastomosis, is safe even for small children.
Scintigraphic study of the splenic circulation in rats
Authors: Rodrigues Fábio Gontijo , Petroianu Andy , Diniz Simone Odília Fernandes , Cardoso Valbert Nascimento , Parreira Eduardo Vilhena de
Published: December 2014

Objective: To evaluate the splenic parenchymal blood distribution through scintigraphic study.Methods: Thirty Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 5). Group 1 (spleen - 30 minutes) and Group 2 (spleen - 90 minutes) underwent laparotomy with direction of blood flow to the spleen by ligature of the aorta near the iliac bifurcation and splanchnic vessels, keeping blood flow only in the splenic artery; Group 3 (spleen and stomach - 30 minutes) and Group 4 (spleen and stomach - 90 minutes) underwent laparotomy with direction of blood flow to the spleen and stomach by ligature of the aorta near the iliac bifurcation and splanchnic vessels, maintaining the flow through the splenic, gastric and splenogastric vessels; Group 5 (control - 30 minutes) and Group 6 (control - 90 minutes) underwent laparotomy and ligation of the aorta near the iliac bifurcation, keeping the flow to the abdominal organs. After arterial ligation, the animals received an injection of 0.2 ml of sodium pertechnetate in the aorta. Scintigraphic images were taken and the animals had their spleens removed for radioactivity counting with an automatic counter device.Results: There was no difference in the amounts of radiation from the spleen between groups, indicating retention of the radioisotope by the spleen, even after the period of 90 minutes.Conclusion: The blood flow through the spleen is not continuous. The blood diffuses through the splenic parenchyma and its venous drainage is slow, not following a predictable sequence.
Precipitação artificial após aplicação do inseticida clorantraniliprole associado com adjuvante em plantas de soja
Authors: Arrué Adriano , Guedes Jerson Vanderlei Carús , Storck Lindolfo , Swarowsky Alexandre , Cagliari Deise , Burtet Leonardo Moreira , Arnemann Jonas André
Published: December 2014

O controle de insetos-praga com inseticidas é um recurso importante para manutenção das altas produtividades na cultura da soja. Porém, pouco se conhece sobre o desempenho de novos inseticidas, tais como, clorantraniliprole em condições adversas, como é o caso das precipitações pluviométricas após a pulverização agrícola. A ação dos adjuvantes associados aos inseticidas é outro fator relacionado à melhora da sua eficiência. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de quatro períodos de precipitação artificial após a pulverização do inseticida clorantraniliprole (2g de ingrediente ativo ha-1), misturado com diferentes adjuvantes, visando ao o controle de lagartas na cultura da soja. O experimento foi executado com o uso de duas cultivares (blocos) e seis vasos (2 plantas/vaso) por tratamento fatorial (5x5). O fator adjuvante foi constituído por uma testemunha (sem adjuvante) e quatro adjuvantes (Assist(r) - 0,5% do volume de calda, Naturo'il(r) - 0,5%, Nitro LL(r) - 6,6% (10L ha-1) e Silwet L-77(r) - 0,1%). O fator precipitação artificial (20mm) foi composto por uma testemunha (sem precipitação) e quatro tempos (1, 120, 240 e 360 minutos) após a pulverização de clorantraniliprole com adjuvantes. Os resultados sugerem que a precipitação de 20 mm, um minuto após a aplicação de clorantraniliprole, reduz a mortalidade de Anticarsia gemmatalis, e que as precipitações após 240 minutos da aplicação de clorantraniliprole não interferem na mortalidade de A. gemmatalis em soja. Os adjuvantes Assist(r) e Naturo'il(r) associados ao inseticida clorantraniliprole aumentam a mortalidade de A. gemmatalis na cultura da soja.