bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Creative art therapy to enhance rehabilitation for stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kongkasuwan Ratcharin , Voraakhom Kotchakorn , Pisolayabutra Prim , Maneechai Pichai , Boonin Jiraporn , Kuptniratsaikul Vilai
Published: September 2015

Objective:

To examine the efficacy of creative art therapy plus conventional physical therapy, compared with physical therapy only, in increasing cognitive ability, physical functions, psychological status and quality of life of stroke patients.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial with blinded assessor.

Setting:

An in-patient setting

Participants:

One hundred and eighteen stroke patients aged ⩾50 years who could communicate verbally.

Interventions:

All participants received conventional physical therapy five days per week. An intervention group received additional creative art therapy, twice a week for four weeks, in a rehabilitation ward.

Main outcomes:

Cognitive function, anxiety and depression, physical performance and quality of life were measured with the Abbreviated Mental Test, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the modified Barthel Index scale and the pictorial Thai Quality of Life questionnaire, respectively.

Results:

Mean differences for the intervention group were significantly greater than the control group for depression (−4.5, 95% CI −6.5, −2.5, p< 0.001), physical functions (1.2, 95% CI 0.1, 2.3, p= 0.043) and quality of life (8.9, 95% CI 3.8, 13.8, p< 0.001).Compared with baseline measures, both groups experienced improved cognition, physical functions and quality of life and reduced anxiety and depression. Eighty-five percent of patients were satisfied with the creative art therapy and most reported improved concentration (68.5%), emotion (79.6%), self-confidence (72.2%) and motivation (74.1%).

Conclusion:

Creative art therapy combined with conventional physical therapy can significantly decrease depression, improve physical functions and increase quality of life compared with physical therapy alone.
Analysis of turbulent flow through an orifice meter using experimental and computational fluid dynamics simulation approach—A case study
Authors: Jithish KS , Ajay Kumar PV
Published: September 2015

This paper describes the use of computational fluid dynamics in teaching graduate students who were in a four‐year B. Tech program. Many of these students did not have a good background in mathematics, fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and programming; however, most of them were good at computer‐aided design in ProE and were very interested in learning computational fluid dynamics as a design tool in industries. Solidworks flow simulator was chosen as the computational fluid dynamics software to teach students the entire computational fluid dynamics process in a single integrated software environment. Based on projects, computational fluid dynamics numerical methods and fundamentals of heat transfer and fluid flow were introduced to help students understand the computational fluid dynamics process, interpret, and validate simulation results. The computational fluid dynamics simulation of an orifice meter is given as the basic example for the students. Orifice meters are the most common equipment used for measuring fluid flow because of their simple mechanical structure, versatility, and low cost. In this paper, computational fluid dynamics simulation has been used to predict the orifice flow with better accuracy. Computational fluid dynamics simulations have been performed using solidworks flow simulator and validated with the data available in published literature. A new system has been proposed to accurately measure the flow using orifice metering systems.
Boerhaave Syndrome Presenting as Tension Pneumothorax
Authors: Vallabhajosyula Saraschandra , Sundaragiri Pranathi R. , Berim Ilya G.
Published: September 2015

Tension pneumothorax is a rare and potentially life-threatening clinical complication. A 43-year-old Caucasian woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus presented with nausea and retching and examination revealed dehydration. Laboratory parameters were consistent with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis, which responded to therapy. Suddenly, 30 hours later, she developed cardiorespiratory compromise due to a tension pneumothorax. After emergent decompression and catheter placement, computerized tomographic scan of the chest demonstrated esophageal-pleural fistula confirming Boerhaave syndrome as the etiology for the pneumothorax. The patient underwent emergent esophagectomy with pleural washout with a subsequent gastric pull-up surgery. Boerhaave syndrome frequently presents atypically with chest pain, dyspnea, and nausea. It communicates with the left pleural space in 80% to 90% of cases, but <5% of cases involve the right pleural cavity. Unexplained and rapidly progressive pleural effusions have been associated with this entity. Only 4 cases of Boerhaave syndrome causing tension pneumothorax have been reported in the literature so far.
Mobility power flows of thin circular plate carrying concentrated masses based on structural circumferential periodicity
Authors: Zhang Jun-hong , Li De-sheng
Published: September 2015

A new method was presented by utilizing the structural circumferential periodicity of the inertia excitation due to the concentrated masses to compute the transverse vibration for thin circular plate carrying concentrated masses. Comparison between the calculated fundamental frequency coefficients and those from other approaches validates the method. And then, the point mobility matrices and the power flows were solved on the basis of modal function solutions and the analytical results of simply supported case were presented. Finally, the parametric effect of the single concentrate mass on the power flows was investigated.
Trajectory tracking control of a group of cooperative planar space robot systems
Authors: Dalla Vijay Kumar , Pathak Pushparaj Mani
Published: September 2015

A free-floating space robot is a non-holonomic system due to the conservation of the angular momentum. To control this type of system, it becomes impossible to have a desired trajectory without taking into account the non-holonomy effect of the system. This is further important for close trajectory tracking during the interaction with free-floating object. This article presents trajectory control of the three planar space robots having 2 degrees of freedom each to handle a free-floating object cooperatively. In this article, the work proposes the use of a control strategy (amnesia removal control) to take care of non-holonomy in the system. To demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed scheme, a comparative study of the proportional–integral–derivative–controlled three planar space robot systems with and without using amnesia recovery has been successfully carried out. Bond graph modeling has been used to model the system dynamics and to implement the control strategy.
Dynamic Linkages between Implied Volatility Indices of Developed and Emerging Financial Markets: An Econometric Approach
Authors: Gupta Divya , Kamilla Usha
Published: September 2015

Since 2008, the financial systems around the world have been hit by a series of financial crisis from burst housing bubbles and crippling unemployment to unsustainable debt levels and volatile financial markets. An important measure to assess the market expectation of the future volatility of underlying asset is the implied volatility index (IVI). The main objective of the article is to examine the IVI linkages between developed financial markets (US, UK and Japan) and emerging financial markets (BRIC—Brazil, Russia, India and China) and to conclude about the degree of integration between these markets. The data consist of daily closing prices of stock index options between April 2010 and March 2013. The methodology involves the augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test, unit root test, vector autoregressive (VAR) modelling and variance decomposition. The results of the study suggest that the US IVI has substantial impact over the variations of other IVIs, thus raising the possibility of it constituting a usable risk factor for investors internationally.
The Nexus between Economic Freedom and Islamic Bank Profitability in the MENA Banking Sectors
Authors: Sufian Fadzlan , Zulkhibri Muhamed
Published: September 2015

The study examines the impact of economic freedom on Islamic banks’ profitability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) banking sectors during the period 2000–2010 using dynamic panel model. The findings suggest that greater financial freedom positively influences the profitability of Islamic banks in the MENA banking sectors, implying that lower intervention in the system increases Islamic banks’ profitability. Furthermore, the larger, more diversified and better-capitalized Islamic banks are relatively more profitable, while credit risk and expenses preference behaviour negatively impact on Islamic bank profitability as expected.
The Choice between QIP and Rights Issue: Evidence from India
Authors: Banerjee Pradip , Deb Soumya Guha
Published: September 2015

This article intends to study the market reaction to qualified institutional placements (QIPs) by Indian firms and the motivations of Indian firms behind issuing shares through QIP route vis-à-vis the rights issue route. In India, a large number of businesses are controlled by families. Therefore, rights issue would apparently seem to be a good avenue to raise additional capital and avoid the dilution of ownership. In this backdrop, using the data of firms issuing QIPs in India from 2007 to 2013, we examine the factors determining the decision for a company to go for a QIP or a rights issue. We examine the role of firm-level factors, such as, the concentration of promoter’s shareholdings, several proxies, such as, size, age and book-to-market for information asymmetry and a number of other firm-level variables in determining such choice. We find that market reacts positively to QIP announcements for companies having low promoter holdings before the QIP. However, we do not find any evidence of certification role played by institutional investors for QIPs in India.
Book Review: Peter Church, Profiles in Enterprise: Inspiring Stories of Indian Business Leaders
Authors: Mishra Nandita
Published: September 2015

Peter Church, Profiles in Enterprise: Inspiring Stories of Indian Business Leaders. New Delhi: Roli Books, 2015, 360 pp., ₹395, ISBN: 978-81-7436-989-5/ EAN: 9878174369895 (PB).
Agency and Communion in End-of-Life Decision-Making
Authors: Hawkins Raymond C.
Published: September 2015

Both the assisted suicide and the hospice or palliative medicine movements are alike in that each weighs the wishes of the patient and family for end-of-life medical decisions. The balancing of agency and communion within small communities of support may provide the opportunity to inform end-of-life decision-making and acceptance of the dying process. In this sense, the spirit of “communitas” may instill faith that the ending of one’s life journey is both reasonable and meaningful. The role of the small community of support may be akin to that of the guide who assists the aging or dying person through the dialectic of being an autonomous agent and a communicant in the end-of-life transition.
Evaluation of an Innovative Fixation System for Chevron Bunionectomy
Authors: Bennett Gordon L. , Sabetta James A.
Published: September 2015

Background:

Distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy bunionectomy is a commonly performed procedure for the treatment of mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity. There are several different methods to stabilize this osteotomy. We evaluated a new intramedullary plate system.

Methods:

We prospectively evaluated 57 consecutive patients who underwent distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy bunionectomy utilizing the intramedullary plate system. All operative procedures were performed by the senior author. Patients were evaluated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at a final follow-up utilizing the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scoring system.

Results:

Sixty-three surgically corrected feet went on to heal the osteotomy site. There were no hardware failures. We had one patient that expressed mild discomfort over the plate. All patients significantly improved their AOFAS scores compared with preoperative values.

Conclusion:

We concluded that the distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy bunionectomy resulted in excellent function and pain relief. The new plate system was a reliable and stable implant with a low profile, good strength, and ease of use.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Discovery of Potential Therapeutic miRNA Targets in Cardiac Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhou Yue , Chen Qiying , Lew Kar Sheng , Richards A. Mark , Wang Peipei
Published: September 2015

Background:

A highly efficient approach to select microRNA (miRNA) targets is a key to develop a miRNA-based therapeutic approach to cardiac ischemia–reperfusion (I/R). To reverse the change induced by disease, I/R in this case, is the traditional strategy to develop therapeutic drugs. However, examples show that it will not always serve the purpose. In this study, we demonstrate an additional approach of selecting miRNA targets with therapeutic potential following cues from cardioprotection-induced changes rather than by reversing disease-induced changes in cardiac I/R.

Methods:

Isolated perfused rat hearts subjected to I/R were treated with 50 μmol/L sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) or 10 nmol/L urocortin 2 (UCN2). Cardiac miRNA regulations were determined by miRNA array. Functional screening of selected miRNA mimics, assessed by WST (2-(4-Iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, monosodium salt) activity and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, was performed in H9c2 and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) with hypoxia/reoxygenation. RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC)-loaded miRNAs caused by mimic transfection were quantified following argonaute-2 immunoprecipitation. Gene regulations of 1 selected miRNA were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.

Results:

Treatment with NaHS and UCN2 significantly improved cardiac function and reduced LDH release. The miRNA array indicated a panel of commonly up- and downregulated miRNAs. Among them, 10 upregulated miRNAs with antiapoptotic and antiautophagy potentials were selected for further screening. Mimics of miRNA-221, -150, and -206 were protective in both H9c2 and NRVM. RISC-loaded miRNAs were up by ∼20-fold above. To further prove the feasibility of this approach, miRNA-221 was studied. It reduced I/R-induced caspase 3/7 activity and LC3-II (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3). Measuring genes predicted to regulate apoptosis and autophagy, miRNA-221 mimic decreased Ddit4, TP53inp1, and p27 at both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels, and reduced mRNA of Bak1 and Puma and proteins of Bim and Bmf.

Conclusion:

Mimicking miRNA changes caused by cardioprotective agents, combined with functional screening, enables investigators to efficiently identify novel miRNAs with therapeutic potential in cardiac I/R.
The Impact of Concurrent Noise on Visual Search in Children With ADHD
Authors: Allen Rosemary , Pammer Kristen
Published: September 2015

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a concurrent “white noise” stimulus on selective attention in children with ADHD. Method: Participants were 33 children aged 7 to 14 years, who had been previously diagnosed with ADHD. All children completed a computer-based conjunction search task under two noise conditions: a classroom noise condition and a classroom noise + white noise condition. The white noise stimulus was sounds of rain, administered using an iPhone application called Sleep Machine. Results: There were no overall differences between conditions for target detection accuracy, mean reaction time (RT), or reaction time variability ( SD). The impact of white noise on visual search depended on children’s medication status. Conclusion: White noise may improve task engagement for non-medicated children. White noise may be beneficial for task performance when used as an adjunct to medication.
Utility–Customer Communication
Authors: Heino Ossi , Anttiroiko Ari-Veikko
Published: September 2015

The aim of this article is to shed light on the theory and praxis of utility stakeholder communication. Our general research objective is to contrast citizens’ experiences of utility-specific information needs with the views of communication managers of municipal water utilities. Empirical data for the study were gathered using two methods. Citizens’ views were gathered from street interviews in several Finnish middle-sized cities, whereas the views of communication professionals of municipal water utilities were collected via email-based survey. Empirical analysis shows that one-way communication has its relevance, and it should actually be improved most notably in exceptional situations, such as water supply disruptions. More profound changes in customer communication require, however, that utilities support customers’ strive for sustainable and economical water consumption. The overall challenge to utilities is to get closer to the everyday needs of their customers and to develop new communication culture to support such an endeavor.
Heterogeneous structures with inhomogeneous inclusions under elastohydrodynamic lubrication contact with consideration of surface roughness
Authors: Dong Qingbing , Yang Jing , Wang Xu , M Keer Leon , Zhou Kun
Published: September 2015

In order to predict the microscopic response of surface coatings and subsurface inhomogeneous inclusions, a semi-analytical solution is developed for heterogeneous materials subjected to elastohydrodynamic lubrication contact. In this solution, the inhomogeneous inclusions are homogenized according to Eshelby’s equivalent inclusion method with unknown eigenstrains to be determined. The topmost coating is assumed as an inhomogeneous inclusion of finite size and thus simulated with the same methodology. The disturbed surface deformation due to the presence of coatings and inhomogeneous inclusions are iteratively introduced into the lubricant film thickness until a convergence is achieved. The effects of surface roughness on the pressure and film thickness profiles and subsurface elastic fields are considered to approach the engineering practice. This solution takes into account the interactions between the loading body, the fluid lubricant and the coating/substrate system with embedded inclusions.
Prediction of micropitting life in spur gears operating under mixed-lubrication regime using load-sharing concept
Authors: Moallem Hamid , Akbarzadeh Saleh , Ariaei Alireza
Published: September 2015

Micropitting is a surface fatigue failure of the gear tooth that occurs due to repeated loading and unloading of the tooth surface in a manner that the contact stresses exceed the surface fatigue strength of the material. The micropitting process in essence is a fatigue problem and thus it occurs during millions of cycles of operation. Micropitting can lead to problems such as wearing of the gear tooth, vibrations, noise, and misalignment. Therefore, micropitting life prediction is necessary for design, performance, and reliability improvements. The present study predicts the coefficient of friction for each point along the line of action of the pinion and gear using the load-sharing concept. The subsurface stresses are then calculated and the Von Mises stresses at each point are obtained. Then, the pitting life is predicted by employing a model which was developed by Zaretsky. The predicted pitting lives are compared with the experimental data from the literature. A parametric study on the effect of applied load, speed, and surface roughness on the micropitting life of a pair of spur gears is conducted. It is shown that increasing the applied load results in the decrease in the micropitting life of the gear. Increase in the speed, on the other hand, results in formation of a better lubricant film and therefore the micropitting life increases. An increase in the surface roughness leads to a decrease in the micropitting life.
Governing the system: Risk, finance, and neoliberal reason
Authors: Konings Martijn
Published: September 2015

The 2007/2008 financial crisis was widely expected to usher in a shift toward a post-neoliberal regime that would be more actively concerned with system-level risk and impose restrictive regulations on financial institutions and markets. Such a shift, it is now widely recognized, has failed to materialize. Commentators have tended to point to the “capture” of policymaking processes by financial elites to account for the failure of reform. This argument represents the continuation of a problematic trend in critical perspectives on neoliberalism — namely, to rely on an instrumentalist understanding of institutional power and to view the survival of neoliberalism as dependent on external interventions. That line of critique, it is argued, is rather one-sided in downplaying the internal sources of cohesion that neoliberalism commands. Taking its cue from Foucault’s comments on neoliberalism in his late lectures at the Collège de France and the methodological innovations that he introduced in that context, the article explores the logic of governance through risk and the specific way in which neoliberalism intervenes in this relationship. In this way, it moves beyond an understanding of neoliberalism that views it in terms of the neglect of system-level governance and offers an account of the distinctive modalities of neoliberal financial governance. The article suggests that we should not view developments since the crisis in purely negative terms (the failure of progressive reform), but consider the ways in which they represent a continuation of the distinctive rationality of neoliberal financial governance.
Early e-consultation face-to-face conversions
Authors: Pecina Jennifer L , North Frederick
Published: September 2015

Introduction

E-consultations are asynchronous, text-based consultations. The specialist e-consultant answers clinical questions in a similar way to a standard consultation but the questions and answers are sent electronically. The e-consultant has access to some or all of the medical record but does not have contact with the patient. Although e-consultations are meant to substitute for face-to-face (F2F) consultations, a significant proportion of e-consultations are converted to F2F consultations.

Methods

We examined e-consultation content from a sample of e-consultations that had subsequent F2F visits in the same specialty as the e-consultation within 28 days of the e-consultation.

Results

Out of 5115 e-consultations, there were a total of 547 (10.7%) early F2F conversions. One hundred and fifty-one e-consultations with subsequent early F2F conversions were reviewed in eight specialties. In 64% of the F2F conversions, specialists recommended the F2F consultations. In 75% there were complex diagnostic or treatment considerations. In only 1% was there a sense of medical urgency or a stated need for physical examination.

Discussion

E-consultations convert to F2F consultations primarily at the request of the specialist. Diagnostic and treatment complexity appear to be the main reasons. We found little evidence that patients decided independently to get a F2F visit or that specialists needed a F2F visit to perform a physical examination. Although e-consultations might not be a complete substitute for F2F consultations, they may serve as an entry level consultation that could be supplemented by a video consultation as needed for cases with more diagnostic and treatment complexity.
Using qualitative methods to guide scale development for anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bearss Karen , Taylor Christopher A , Aman Michael G , Whittemore Robin , Lecavalier Luc , Miller Judith , Pritchett Jill , Green Bryson , Scahill Lawrence
Published: September 2015

Anxiety is common in youth with autism spectrum disorder. Despite this common co-occurrence, studies targeting anxiety in this population are hindered by the under-developed state of measures in youth with autism spectrum disorder. Content validity (the extent to which an instrument measures the domain of interest) and an instrument’s relevance to the patient population are key components of measurement development. This article describes the application of qualitative research methods in the initial development of a parent-rated instrument of anxiety symptoms in youth with autism spectrum disorder. Overall, 48 parents of 45 children (aged 3–17 years) with autism spectrum disorder and at least mild anxiety participated in one of six focus groups at two sites (three groups per site). Systematic coding of the focus group transcripts identified broad themes reflecting the situations and events that trigger anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder, the behavioral manifestations of anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder, the parent and the child’s own response to anxiety, and broad behavioral patterns that could be associated with anxiety. From the focus group data, investigators generated 52 candidate items for a parent-rating of anxiety in youth with autism spectrum disorder. This report provides a detailed description of these early steps in developing a patient-oriented outcome measure.
“Don’t be dumb—that’s the rule I try to live by”: A closer look at older teens’ online privacy and safety attitudes
Authors: Agosto Denise E , Abbas June
Published: September 2015

Popular media often characterize youths’ use of social media as overwhelmingly negative, reporting that teens engage in reckless, unsafe behaviors with little thought to their online privacy or safety. Typically, these popular media accounts are based on adults’ prescriptive views of youths’ attitudes and behaviors. Using qualitative methods including background questionnaires and focus groups, we gathered older teens’ attitudes about online privacy and safety to provide a more complete narrative from a teen perspective. Findings suggest that older teens are concerned with their online privacy and feel discomfort with unintended audiences seeing their personal information, yet most feel tension to share personal information with friends. They are less concerned about safety, tending to feel safe online and to employ protective measures, but viewing older and younger generations as less knowledgeable about online safety. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings for teaching teens about online privacy and safety.
The labour republicans and the classical republican tradition: Alex Gourevitch’s From Slavery to the Cooperative Commonwealth
Authors: Lovett Frank
Published: September 2015

Alex Gourevitch’s From Slavery to the Cooperative Commonwealth is a valuable contribution to republican historiography: in reconstructing the ideas of the 19th century American labour republicans, this work significantly expands and enriches our appreciation of the classical republican tradition. While the labour republicans are convincingly shown to have made important contributions to that tradition, stronger claims that they fundamentally transformed republicanism are less persuasive.
Theoretical study on ignition compensating temperature sensitivity
Authors: Liu Mingfang , Zhang Xiaobing , Yu Lin , Han Xia
Published: September 2015

Temperature sensitivity of the propellant has significant influence on the interior ballistic performance of guns. Many physical and chemical approaches are employed to decrease this temperature sensitivity of the propellant. In this article, it is proposed that the temperature sensitivity of the propellant is changed by altering the factors required to ignition. A one-dimensional two-phase flow interior ballistic model is established to analyze the relation between ignition factors and temperature sensitivity. The simulation results show that the propellant temperature sensitivity is changed by altering the ignition factors. That is, the interior ballistic performance is affected by altering the size of fire hole, breaking liner pressure, and ignition location. Based on the simulation results, the temperature sensitivity can be controlled by matching of charges and intelligent control ignition system.
Improved working ability in a contemporary MS population compared with a historic non-treated MS population in the same geographic area of Sweden
Authors: Wickström Anne , Sundström Peter , Wickström Lucas , Dahle Charlotte , Vrethem Magnus , Svenningsson Anders
Published: September 2015

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) often causes a reduced ability to work. Improved disease control as well as adjustment of working conditions may improve work ability in MS.

Objectives

The objective of this article is to compare the degree of sickness absence in two MS populations that either have or have not received disease-modifying drug (DMD) treatments or active work-promoting measures.

Methods

We investigated the occurrence of sickness absence in MS patients living in Västerbotten County, Sweden, in 2013, in which the majority of MS patients receive DMD treatment. The result was compared with a previous survey in the same area during a period when no DMD was available and no work-promoting measures for MS patients were practiced.

Results

The proportion of MS patients active in the labor market or studying increased from 38% to 70% in the contemporary compared with the historic population ( p < 0.001). The proportion of MS patients with a full-time disability pension decreased from 27% to 12% ( p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease of sickness absence in several individual EDSS grades.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that treatment with DMDs combined with active work-promoting measures lead to improved work ability in MS.
Complement anaphylatoxin receptors C3aR and C5aR are required in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune uveitis
Authors: Zhang Lingjun , Bell Brent A , Yu Minzhong , Chan Chi-Chao , Peachey Neal S , Fung John , Zhang Xiaoming , Caspi Rachel R , Lin Feng
Published: September 2015

Recent studies have suggested that reagents inhibiting complement activation could be effective in treating T cell mediated autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune uveitis. However, the precise role of the complement anaphylatoxin receptors (C3a and C5a receptors) in the pathogenesis of autoimmune uveitis remains elusive and controversial. We induced experimental autoimmune uveitis in mice deficient or sufficient in both C3a and C5a receptors and rigorously compared their retinal phenotype using various imaging techniques, including indirect ophthalmoscopy, confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, topical endoscopic fundus imaging, and histopathological analysis. We also assessed retinal function using electroretinography. Moreover, we performed Ag-specific T cell recall assays and T cell adoptive transfer experiments to compare pathogenic T cell activity between wild-type and knockout mice with experimental autoimmune uveitis. These experiments showed that C3a receptor/C5a receptor-deficient mice developed much less severe uveitis than did control mice using all retinal examination methods and that these mice had reduced pathogenic T cell responses. Our data demonstrate that both complement anaphylatoxin receptors are important for the development of experimental autoimmune uveitis, suggesting that targeting these receptors could be a valid approach for treating patients with autoimmune uveitis.
Estrogen anti-inflammatory activity on human monocytes is mediated through cross-talk between estrogen receptor ERα36 and GPR30/GPER1
Authors: Pelekanou Vasiliki , Kampa Marilena , Kiagiadaki Foteini , Deli Alexandra , Theodoropoulos Panayiotis , Agrogiannis George , Patsouris Efstratios , Tsapis Andreas , Castanas Elias , Notas George
Published: September 2015

Estrogens are known modulators of monocyte/macrophage functions; however, the underlying mechanism has not been clearly defined. Recently, a number of estrogen receptor molecules and splice variants were identified that exert different and sometimes opposing actions. We assessed the expression of estrogen receptors and explored their role in mediating estrogenic anti-inflammatory effects on human primary monocytes. We report that the only estrogen receptors expressed are estrogen receptor-α 36-kDa splice variant and G-protein coupled receptor 30/G-protein estrogen receptor 1, in a sex-independent manner. 17-β-Estradiol inhibits the LPS-induced IL-6 inflammatory response, resulting in inhibition of NF-κB transcriptional activity. This is achieved via a direct physical interaction of ligand-activated estrogen receptor-α 36-kDa splice variant with the p65 component of NF-κB in the nucleus. G-protein coupled receptor 30/G-protein estrogen receptor 1, which also physically interacts with estrogen receptor-α 36-kDa splice variant, acts a coregulator in this process, because its inhibition blocks the effect of estrogens on IL-6 expression. However, its activation does not mimic the effect of estrogens, on neither IL-6 nor NF-κB activity. Finally, we show that the estrogen receptor profile observed in monocytes is not modified during their differentiation to macrophages or dendritic cells in vitro and is shared in vivo by macrophages present in atherosclerotic plaques. These results position estrogen receptor-α 36-kDa splice variant and G-protein coupled receptor 30 as important players and potential therapeutic targets in monocyte/macrophage-dependent inflammatory processes.
Surface microseismic imaging in the presence of high-velocity lithologic layers
Authors: Price David , Angus Doug , Chambers Kit , Jones Glenn
Published: September 2015

Surface microseismic monitoring above regions containing high-velocity units will be influenced by a reduction in the effective array aperture and contain significant seismic coda due to an increase in reflected and converted wave energy, which can influence the capability of surface arrays to image microseismic events. We have examined the imaging difficulties due to the reduction of the effective array aperture and increased coda within microseismic data caused by the presence of a fast anhydrite layer. We have generated and used finite-difference, full-waveform microseismic synthetics derived from 1D sonic log data taken from an unconventional shale reservoir in complex anhydrite geology. Two imaging techniques are used to locate the synthetic microseismic events. We use a simplistic and easily reproducible standard diffraction imaging procedure and a more sophisticated technique, Moment Tensor Microseismic Imaging™ (MTMI™). We have confirmed that the presence of high-velocity layers, such as anhydrite, reduce the overall aperture of a surface array, which result in poor resolution of imaged events and reduction in the accuracy of event locations. More importantly, we have determined that the coda in the microseismic data can isolate itself from the direct arrival, stacked into the final imaging result, and it can be misinterpreted as separate events located directly below the true source location, which is unavoidable given the ambiguity between event location and time. Comparison of the two imaging procedures found that even though the more sophisticated MTMI was able to better cope with the effects caused by high-velocity layers, it still demonstrated a significant reduction in resolution of imaged events, a reduction in accuracy, and evidence of multiple and converted energy still present in the final imaging result.
Removing false images in reverse time migration: The concept of de-primary
Authors: Fei Tong W. , Luo Yi , Yang Jiarui , Liu Hongwei , Qin Fuhao
Published: September 2015

Primary reflections, like multiples, can generate false images when reverse time migration (RTM) algorithms are used. The false images are formed by the zero-lag correlation of the source wavefields and primary reflections, which are propagated by the migration algorithm along nonphysical paths. These paths are generated by strong velocity gradients or reflection interfaces when the two-way wave equation is used. Conceptually, this type of artifact can be removed by separating up- and downgoing waves, but such separation may be impractical because it often requires storing the entire wavefields at all time steps. We have developed a de-primary RTM method in which such separation can be accomplished without saving the wavefields. The computational cost of the proposed method was only approximately 33% higher than that of conventional RTM algorithms. Using field and synthetic data sets, we have demonstrated the existence of this endemic RTM problem and verified the effectiveness of the de-primary RTM technique for removing the false events.
Understanding regional-scale structural uncertainty: The onshore Gulf of Corinth rift as a hydrocarbon exploration analogue
Authors: Wood Alan , Paton Douglas , Collier Richard , O’Connor Viki
Published: September 2015

A major challenge when exploring for hydrocarbons in frontier areas is a lack of data coverage. Data may be restricted to regional-scale 2D seismic lines, from which assumptions of the 3D geometric configuration are drawn. Understanding the limitations and uncertainties when extrapolating 2D data into 3D space is crucial when assessing the requirements for acquiring additional data such as 3D seismic or exploration wells and of assigning geologically reasonable uncertainty ranges. The onshore Gulf of Corinth Rift provides an excellent analog for rift-scale structural uncertainty in the context of hydrocarbon exploration. We have used seismic forward modeling to explore this area of uncertainty. Synthetic seismic sections have been generated across the rift based upon fault geometries mapped in the field. Comparisons that we made of these sections with the mapped geometries allowed quantification of uncertainties encountered when extrapolating 2D data into three dimensions. We have determined how potential column heights may be severely over and underestimated due to trap integrity, spill point depth, and fault seal ambiguities directly related to fault geometric uncertainty. In addition, fault geometries and linkages also controlled the location of hanging wall synrift reservoirs. Hence, gross reservoir volumes and sediment facies distributions were also significantly influenced by how fault geometries were extrapolated along-strike from 2D to 3D.
Impact of the en echelon fault connectivity on reservoir flow simulations
Authors: Julio Charline , Caumon Guillaume , Ford Mary
Published: September 2015

Limited resolution and quality of seismic data and time requirements for seismic interpretation can prevent a precise description of the connections between faults. We have focused on the impact of the uncertainties related to the connectivity of en echelon fault arrays on fluid flow simulations. We used a set of 100 different stochastic models of the same en echelon fault array. These fault array models varied in the number of relay zones, relative position of fault segments, size of overlap zones, and number of relay faults. We automatically generated a flow model from each fault array model in four main steps: (1) stochastic computation of relay fault throw, (2) horizon building, (3) generation of a flow simulation grid, and (4) definition of the static and dynamic parameters. Flow simulations performed on these stochastic fault models with deterministic petrophysical parameters entailed significant variability of reservoir behavior, which cannot always discriminate between the types of fault segmentation. We observed that the simplest interpretation consisting of one fault yielded significantly biased water cut forecasts at production wells. This highlighted the importance of integrating fault connectivity uncertainty in reservoir behavior studies.
dPak3 regulates apical-basal polarity in migrating border cells during Drosophila oogenesis
Authors: Felix Martina , Chayengia Mrinal , Ghosh Ritabrata , Sharma Aditi , Prasad Mohit
Published: September 2015

Group cell migration is a highly coordinated process, involved in a number of physiological events such as morphogenesis, wound healing and tumor metastasis. Unlike single cells, collectively moving cells are physically attached to each other and retain some degree of apical-basal polarity during the migratory phase. Though much is known about direction sensing, it is far from clear how polarity is regulated in diverse instances of multicellular movement. Here we report the role of dPak3, a group I p21 activated serine-threonine protein kinase, in maintaining apical-basal polarity in migrating border cell cluster during Drosophila oogenesis. dPak3 is enriched in border cells and down regulation of its function impedes border cell movement. Time-lapse imaging suggests that dPak3 affects protrusive behavior of the border cell cluster specifically regulating the stability and directionality of the protrusions. We show that dPak3 functions downstream of the guidance receptor signaling to regulate the level and distribution of F-actin in the migrating border cells. Further we provide evidence that dPak3 genetically interacts with lateral polarity marker, Scribble and show that it regulates c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling in the moving border cells. Since dPak3 depletion results in mislocalization of several apical-basal polarity markers including Stardust, Crumbs and Coracle and over expression of D-jun rescues the polarity of the dPak3-depleted cluster, we propose that dPak3 functions through the JNK signaling to modulate the apical- basal polarity of the migrating border cell cluster. Interestingly, we also observe loss of apical-basal polarity in Rac1 depleted border cell cluster suggesting that the guidance receptor signaling functions through Rac GTPase and dPak3 to regulate overall polarity of the cluster to mediate efficient collective movement of the border cells to the oocyte boundary.
ABCC5 is required for cAMP-mediated hindgut invagination in sea urchin embryos
Authors: Shipp Lauren E. , Hill Rose Z. , Moy Gary W. , Gokirmak Tufan , Hamdoun Amro
Published: September 2015

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are evolutionarily conserved proteins that pump diverse substrates across membranes. Many are known to efflux signaling molecules and are extensively expressed during development. However, transporters' role in moving extracellular signals that regulate embryogenesis is largely unexplored. Here we show that a mesodermal ABCC (MRP) transporter is necessary for endodermal gut morphogenesis in sea urchin embryos. This transporter, Sp-ABCC5a (C5a), is expressed in pigment cells and their precursors, which are a subset of the non-skeletogenic mesoderm (NSM) cells. C5a expression depends on Delta-Notch signaling from skeletogenic mesoderm and is downstream of gcm in the aboral NSM gene regulatory network. Long-term imaging of development reveals that C5a knockdown embryos gastrulate, but ∼90% develop a prolapse of the hindgut by the late prism stage (∼eight hours after C5a protein expression normally peaks). Since C5a orthologs efflux cyclic nucleotides, and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (Sp-CAPK/PKA) is expressed in pigment cells, we examined whether C5a could be involved in gastrulation through cAMP transport. Consistent with this hypothesis, membrane-permeable pCPT-cAMP rescues the prolapse phenotype in C5a-knockdown embryos, and causes archenteron hyper-invagination in control embryos. In addition, the cAMP-producing enzyme soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) is expressed in pigment cells, and its inhibition impairs gastrulation. Together our data support a model in which C5a transports sAC-derived cAMP from pigment cells to control late invagination of the hindgut. Little is known about the ancestral functions of ABCC5/MRP5 transporters, and this study reveals a novel role for these proteins in mesoderm-endoderm signaling during embryogenesis.
Modulating expression level of secreted Wnt3 influences cerebellum development in zebrafish transgenics
Authors: Teh Cathleen , Sun Guangyu , Shen Hongyuan , Korzh Vladimir , Wohland Thorsten
Published: September 2015

The boundaries of brain regions are associated with the tissue-specific secretion of ligands from different signalling pathways. The dynamics of these ligands in vivo and the impact of its disruption remain largely unknown. We used light and fluorescence microscopy for the overall imaging of the specimen and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to determine Wnt3 dynamics and demonstrated that Wnt3 regulates cerebellum development during embryogenesis using zebrafish Wnt3 transgenics with either tissue-specific expression of an EGFP reporter or a functionally active fusion protein, Wnt3EGFP. The results suggest a state of dynamic equilibrium of Wnt3EGFP mobility in polarized neuroepithelial-like progenitors in the dorsal midline and cerebellar progenitors on the lateral side. Wnt3EGFP secretes from the cerebellum as shown by measurements of its mobility in the ventricular cavity. The importance of Wnt secretion in brain patterning was validated with the Porc inhibitor Wnt-C59 (C59), which applied early reduced membrane-bound and secreted fractions of Wnt3EGFP and led to a malformed brain characterized by the absence of epithalamus, optic tectum and cerebellum. Likewise, interference with Wnt secretion later on during cerebellar development negatively impacted cerebellar growth and patterning. Our work supported by quantitative analysis of protein dynamics in vivo, highlights the importance of membrane localized and secreted Wnt3 during cerebellum development.
Yeast GSK-3 kinase regulates astral microtubule function through phosphorylation of the microtubule-stabilizing kinesin Kip2
Authors: Drechsler Hauke , Tan Ann Na , Liakopoulos Dimitris
Published: September 2015

The S. cerevisiae kinesin Kip2 stabilises astral microtubules (MTs) and facilitates spindle positioning through transport of MT-associated proteins, such as the yeast CLIP-170 homologue Bik1, dynein and the adenomatous-polyposis-coli-related protein Kar9 to the plus ends of astral MTs. Here, we show that Kip2 associates with its processivity factor Bim1, the yeast homologue of the plus-end-tracking protein EB1. This interaction requires an EB1-binding motif in the N-terminal extension of Kip2 and is negatively regulated by phosphorylation through Mck1, the yeast glycogen synthase kinase 3. In addition, Mck1-dependent phosphorylation decreases the intrinsic MT affinity of Kip2. Reduction in Kip2 phosphorylation leads to stabilisation of astral MTs, and accumulation of Kip2, dynein and Kar9 at MT plus ends, whereas loss of Mck1 function leads to defects in spindle positioning. Furthermore, we provide evidence that a subpopulation of Mck1 at the bud-cortex phosphorylates Kip2. We propose that yeast GSK-3 spatially controls astral MT dynamics and the loading of dynein and Kar9 on astral MT plus ends by regulating Kip2 interactions with Bim1 and MTs.