bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Minimal-invasive lumbale Wirbelsäulenchirurgie: historischer Rückblick, aktueller Stand und Ausblick
Authors: Gautschi Oliver P. , Stienen Martin N. , Corniola Marco V. , Schaller Karl
Published: October 2014

Die lumbale Wirbelsäulenchirurgie ist seit Jahrzehnten von sogenannten «offenen dorsalen Zugängen» geprägt, die – obwohl etabliert – mit z.T. erheblichen Kollateralschäden im Bereich des operativen Zugangsweges assoziiert sind. Seit über zehn Jahren gibt es zunehmend minimal-invasive spinale Operationsmethoden (minimal invasive spine surgery, MISS), die deutlich weniger destruktiv und weniger traumatisch sind. Zu den Vorteilen zählen unteren anderem kleinere Hautinzisionen, geringeres Weichteil- und Muskeltrauma, geringerer perioperativer Blutverlust, erniedrigte Infektionsrate, raschere Mobilisierung, kürzerer Spitalaufenthalt und raschere postoperative Arbeitsfähigkeit. Diese Vorteile müssen jedoch gegenüber potenziellen Nachteilen abgewogen werden, zu welchen unter anderem eine erschwerte Orientierung für den Chirurgen, steilere Lernkurve sowie eine vermehrte Strahlenbelastung gehören. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die Evolution und die aktuellen Möglichkeiten der MISS.
Emotionsregulation: Überblick und kritische Reflexion des aktuellen Forschungsstandes
Authors: Heber Elena , Lehr Dirk , Riper Heleen , Berking Matthias
Published: October 2014

Die Forschung zum Thema Emotionsregulation erfreut sich auch im Bereich der Klinischen Psychologie einer zunehmenden Beliebtheit. Allerdings stellt sich die Frage, inwieweit die Popularität des Konstrukts im Einklang mit dessen Validität und tatsächlicher heuristischer Fruchtbarkeit steht. Vor diesem Hintergrund ist es Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit, einen aktuellen Überblick über Konzeptualisierungen, Erfassungsmethoden, Befunde zum Zusammenhang mit psychischen Störungen sowie Möglichkeiten der therapeutischen Nutzung des Konzeptes Emotionsregulation zu geben. Aufbauend auf einer kritischen Reflexion bisheriger Konzepte, Vorgehensweisen und Befunde werden Vorschläge gemacht, wie die Validität und die heuristische Fruchtbarkeit des Emotionsregulationsparadigmas weiter gefördert werden können.
Noncovalently assembled nanotubular porous layers for delaying of heating surface failure
Authors: Zhang Bong June , Hwang Taeseon , Nam Jae-Do , Suhr Jonghwan , Kim Kwang Jin
Published: October 2014

Thermal management to prevent extreme heat surge in integrated electronic systems and nuclear reactors is a critical issue. To delay the thermal surge on the heater effectively, we report the benefit of a three dimensional nanotubular porous layer via noncovalent interactions (hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonds). To observe the contribution of individual noncovalent interactions in a porous network formation, pristine carbon nanotubes (PCNTs) and oxidatively functionalized carbon nanotubes (FCNTs) were compared. Hydrogen-bonded interwoven nanotubular porous layer showed approximately two times critical heat flux (CHF) increase compared to that of a plain surface. It is assumed that the hydrophilic group-tethered nanotubular porous wicks and enhanced fluidity are the main causes for promoting the CHF increase. Reinforced hydrophilicity assists liquid spreading and capillarity-induced liquid pumping, which are estimated by using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy. Also, shear induced thermal conduction, thermal boundary reduction and rheology of nanoparticles could attribute to CHF enhancement phenomena.
Hydrothermally synthesized CuO based volatile organic compound gas sensor
Authors: Xia Shufeng , Zhu Huichao , Cai Haitao , Zhang Jiaqi , Yu Jun , Tang Zhen'an
Published: October 2014

In the present work, single-phase CuO particles were synthesized by a hydrothermal method and characterized by SEM, TEM and XRD. The gas sensing properties of the CuO based sensor to some representative flammable VOC gases were investigated.
Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of nano-TiN composited Ti/Sb–SnO2 electrode fabricated by pulse electrodeposition for methylene blue decolorization
Authors: Duan Tigang , Chen Ye , Wen Qing , Duan Ying
Published: October 2014

The Sb-doped SnO2 electrode is modified by TiN nanoparticles and has higher stability and significantly enhanced electrochemical decolorization activity.
Simple fabrication and electrochemical performance of porous and double-shelled macroporous CuO nanomaterials with a thin carbon layer
Authors: Kim HyunMee , Lim Hyung-Seok , Kim Yu-Jeong , Sun Yang-Kook , Suh Kyung-Do
Published: October 2014

In this work, three-dimensionally ordered macroporous CuO and porous CuO spheres with thin carbon layer were fabricated and tested as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.
Chemically triggered release of 5-aminolevulinic acid from liposomes
Authors: Plaunt Adam J. , Harmatys Kara M. , Hendrie Kyle A. , Musso Anthony J. , Smith Bradley D.
Published: October 2014

A zinc(ii)-dipicolylamine coordination complex acts as a chemical trigger to release 5-ALA from stealth liposomes and allows uptake into neighboring mammalian cells for conversion into fluorescent PpIX.
Total synthesis of MECA-79
Authors: Behera Archanamayee , Emmadi Madhu , Kulkarni Suvarn S.
Published: October 2014

MECA-79 antigen is a sulfated mucin type core-1 extended O-glycan which is a potential anti-inflammatory agent. Herein we report a total synthesis of MECA-79 via a convergent [2 + 2] glycosylation routethrough the intermediacy of Tn and TF antigens.
Surface oxide growth on platinum electrode in aqueous trifluoromethanesulfonic acid
Authors: Furuya Yoshihisa , Mashio Tetsuya , Ohma Atsushi , Dale Nilesh , Oshihara Kenzo , Jerkiewicz Gregory
Published: October 2014

Platinum in the form of nanoparticles is the key and most expensive component of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells, while trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (CF3SO3H) is the smallest fluorinated sulfonic acid. Nafion, which acts as both electrolyte and separator in fuel cells, contains –CF2SO3H groups. Consequently, research on the electrochemical behaviour of Pt in aqueous CF3SO3H solutions creates important background knowledge that can benefit fuel cell development. In this contribution, Pt electro-oxidation is studied in 0.1 M aqueous CF3SO3H as a function of the polarization potential (Ep, 1.10 ≤ Ep ≤ 1.50 V), polarization time (tp, 100 ≤ tp ≤ 104 s), and temperature (T, 278 ≤ T ≤ 333 K). The critical thicknesses (X1), which determines the applicability of oxide growth theories, is determined and related to the oxide thickness (dox). Because X1 > dox for the entire range of Ep, tp, and T values, the formation of Pt surface oxide follows the interfacial place-exchange or the metal cation escape mechanism. The mechanism of Pt electro-oxidation is revised and expanded by taking into account possible interactions of cations, anions, and water molecules with Pt. A modified kinetic equation for the interfacial place exchange is proposed. The application of the interfacial place-exchange and metal cation escape mechanisms leads to an estimation of the Ptδ+–Oδ− surface dipole (μPtO), and the potential drop (Vox) and electric field (Eox) within the oxide. The Pt-anion interactions affect the oxidation kinetics by indirectly influencing the electric field within the double layer and the surface oxide.
Modulation of CD112 by the alphaherpesvirus gD protein suppresses DNAM-1–dependent NK cell-mediated lysis of infected cells
Authors: Grauwet Korneel , Cantoni Claudia , Parodi Monica , De Maria Andrea , Devriendt Bert , Pende Daniela , Moretta Lorenzo , Vitale Massimo , Favoreel Herman W.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Herpesviruses have developed fascinating mechanisms to evade elimination by key elements of the host immune system, allowing these pathogens to cause lifelong infections with periods of recurrent virus spread. Natural killer (NK) cells are central in the innate antiviral response. Here, we report that the gD glycoprotein of the alphaherpesviruses, pseudorabies virus and herpes simplex virus-2, displays previously uncharacterized immune evasion properties toward NK cells. Expression of the gD protein leads to degradation of CD112/nectin-2, a ligand for the NK-activating receptor DNAX accessory molecule 1 (DNAM-1). This impairs binding of DNAM-1 to the cell surface, thereby suppressing NK-mediated killing of virus-infected (or gD-transfected) cells. Identification of this previously unidentified immune evasion mechanism may contribute to the design of improved herpesvirus vaccines and herpesvirus-based therapeutic vectors.
Effects of Pyramiding Quantitative Resistance Genes pi21, Pi34, and Pi35 on Rice Leaf Blast Disease
Authors: Yasuda Nobuko , Mitsunaga Takayuki , Hayashi Keiko , Koizumi Shinzo , Fujita Yoshikatsu
Published: October 2014

Development of resistant cultivars has been an effective method for controlling rice blast disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae. Quantitative blast resistance genes may offer durable resistance because the selection pressure on M. oryzae to overcome resistance is low as a result of the genes’ moderate susceptibility. Because the effects of individual resistance genes are relatively small, pyramiding these genes in rice cultivars is a promising strategy. Here, we used near-isogenic and backcross lines of rice cultivar Koshihikari with single- or two-gene combinations of blast resistance genes (pi21, Pi34, and Pi35) to evaluate the suppression of leaf blast. The severity of the disease was assessed throughout the infection process. Resistance varied among the lines: Pi35 conferred the strongest resistance, while Pi34 showed the weakest effects. Two types of combined-gene interactions were observed, and they varied on the basis of gene combination and characteristic of the infection: (i) the combination of two resistance genes was more effective than either of the genes individually or (ii) the combination of two resistance genes was similar to the level of the most effective resistance gene in the pair. The most effective gene combination for the suppression of leaf blast was pi21 + Pi35.
Comparative Study of C-arms for Intraoperative 3-dimensional Imaging and Navigation in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Part I
Authors: Klingler Jan-Helge , Sircar Ronen , Scheiwe Christian , Kogias Evangelos , Volz Florian , Krüger Marie T. , Hubbe Ulrich
Published: October 2014

Study Design:

This was a retrospective analysis.

Objective:

This study compares 2 different 3-dimensional (3D) C-arm devices for intraoperative imaging and navigation with regard to clinical applicability and image quality.

Summary of Background Data:

Minimally invasive spine surgery requires intraoperative imaging techniques to adequately visualize the unexposed spine. For this purpose, mobile 3D C-arms became available along with the evolution of intraoperative navigation techniques.

Methods:

The C-arm devices Siremobil Iso-C 3D (Siemens) and Vision FD Vario 3D (Ziehm) perform an automated orbital rotation around the patient acquiring a 3D image set out of multiple successive fluoroscopic images. We report on technical specifications of the C-arms and our daily experience regarding clinical applicability. Furthermore, 5 spine surgeons evaluated blinded triplanar planes of 40 cervical, thoracic, and lumbar 3D scans that were obtained during routine surgery regarding usability for navigation. We assessed the delineation of cortical bone, artifacts, and overall image quality using a 0–10 numeric rating scale.

Results:

The Siremobil Iso-C 3D requires 128 seconds for its 190-degree scanning arc with equidistant isocenter. The Vision FD Vario 3D performs an elliptical scanning arc and completes its 135-degree scan in 64 seconds; furthermore, it features a flat panel detector and fully digital imaging. The smaller dimensions of the Vision FD Vario 3D made it easier to maneuver in the operating room compared with the more bulky Siremobil Iso-C 3D. With respect to image quality in cervical 3D scans, the Siremobil Iso-C 3D reached significantly higher scores in all categories. The Vision FD Vario 3D revealed less artifacts in lumbar 3D scans.

Conclusions:

The Siremobil Iso-C 3D provides high-quality 3D scans in slender spine regions (eg, cervical spine), whereas the Vision FD Vario 3D appears to have advantages in the lumbar spine. Further evolution and novel devices are needed to optimize image quality and handling.
Different effects of paternal trans-generational immune priming on survival and immunity in step and genetic offspring
Authors: Eggert Hendrik , Kurtz Joachim , Diddens-de Buhr Maike F.
Published: October 2014

Paternal trans-generational immune priming, whereby fathers provide immune protection to offspring, has been demonstrated in the red flour beetleTribolium castaneumexposed to the insect pathogenBacillus thuringiensis. It is currently unclear how such protection is transferred, as in contrast to mothers, fathers do not directly provide offspring with a large amount of substances. In addition to sperm, male flour beetles transfer seminal fluids in a spermatophore to females during copulation. Depending on whether paternal trans-generational immune priming is mediated by sperm or seminal fluids, it is expected to either affect only the genetic offspring of a male, or also their step offspring that are sired by another male. We therefore conducted a double-mating experiment and found that only the genetic offspring of an immune primed male show enhanced survival upon bacterial challenge, while phenoloxidase activity, an important insect immune trait, and the expression of the immune receptor PGRP were increased in all offspring. This indicates that information leading to enhanced survival upon pathogen exposure is transferred via sperm, and thus potentially constitutes an epigenetic effect, whereas substances transferred with the seminal fluid could have an additional influence on offspring immune traits and immunological alertness.
Promoter-Based Integration in Plant Defense Regulation
Authors: Li Baohua , Gaudinier Allison , Tang Michelle , Taylor-Teeples Mallorie , Nham Ngoc T. , Ghaffari Cyrus , Benson Darik Scott , Steinmann Margaret , Gray Jennifer A. , Brady Siobhan M. , Kliebenstein Daniel J.
Published: October 2014

A key unanswered question in plant biology is how a plant regulates metabolism to maximize performance across an array of biotic and abiotic environmental stresses. In this study, we addressed the potential breadth of transcriptional regulation that can alter accumulation of the defensive glucosinolate metabolites in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). A systematic yeast one-hybrid study was used to identify hundreds of unique potential regulatory interactions with a nearly complete complement of 21 promoters for the aliphatic glucosinolate pathway. Conducting high-throughput phenotypic validation, we showed that >75% of tested transcription factor (TF) mutants significantly altered the accumulation of the defensive glucosinolates. These glucosinolate phenotypes were conditional upon the environment and tissue type, suggesting that these TFs may allow the plant to tune its defenses to the local environment. Furthermore, the pattern of TF/promoter interactions could partially explain mutant phenotypes. This work shows that defense chemistry within Arabidopsis has a highly intricate transcriptional regulatory system that may allow for the optimization of defense metabolite accumulation across a broad array of environments.
Green Care: social entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector
Authors: Heike Johansen Pia
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a sector-based analysis of the drivers for social entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses qualitative data from two studies in the Danish region of Northern Jutland. The data include responses from 38 farmers who offered or had considered offering social services. The analytical framework is taken from a review of the limited literature on Green Care and Social Farming and social entrepreneurship theory.

Findings

– Strong and consistent tools for the categorisation of farmers’ social entrepreneurship have been developed. However, these tools have merely been used descriptively rather than to create proactive agriculture policies to facilitate social entrepreneurship. In Region Northern Jutland social entrepreneurship in farming is driven by a combination of tradition, close relationships and coincidence. It is ad hoc, with each initiative starting from scratch because no knowledge or experience has been gathered or distributed.

Research limitations/implications

– The agricultural sector-based approach to social entrepreneurship will not be discussed against other approaches to social entrepreneurship. This would be a suggestion for another more conceptual kind of article in the future.

Originality/value

– A study of social entrepreneurship among farmers has not yet been coupled with a sector-based analytical framework. This paper contributes to the literature of social entrepreneurship by supplementing with an agricultural sector-based approach.
Laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y duodenojejunostomy for superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a 6‐year‐old girl: A case report of a new minimally surgical technique for children
Authors: Sato Masahito , Hattori Kengo , Miyauchi Yuya
Published: October 2014

We present the first case report of laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y duodenojejunostomy utilizing minimally invasive surgery to treat superior mesenteric artery syndrome in a child. A 6‐year‐old girl presented with a 3‐year history of intermittent postprandial epigastric pain and anorexia. An upper gastrointestinal series revealed dilatation of the first and second parts of the duodenum and an abrupt vertical cut‐off at the third portion. Despite conservative treatment for 7 weeks, there was no resolution of her symptoms, so the decision was made to proceed with a laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y duodenojejunostomy. On follow‐up 9 months later, there had been no recurrence of her symptoms.
Copying, Cloning and Creativity: ReadingKazuoIshiguro'sNeverLetMeGo
Authors: Rizq Rosemary
Published: October 2014

KazuoIshiguro's (2005) dystopian novelNeverLetMeGois set in 1990sBritain, in a boarding school calledHailsham. Through the adult voice of one of the children remembering her time growing up there, the reader gradually learns thatKathy and her friends have been raised as artificially‐generated clones, manufactured to provide body parts for ‘normals’ in the world. The narrative deploys flashback and hindsight in order to interrogate the essentialism of biological origins, raising complex questions concerning the relationship between memory, copying, creativity and selfhood. These topics are discussed through a psychoanalytic reading ofIshiguro's novel where I draw onApter's (2011) ideas about textual translation,Laplanche's (1999) notion of ‘afterwardsness’ and clinical material to explore the various ways in which memory and identification are implicated in the development of personal identity.
Genetic factors explain half of all variance in serum eosinophil cationic protein
Authors: Elmose C. , Sverrild A. , van der Sluis S. , Kyvik K. O. , Backer V. , Thomsen S. F.
Published: October 2014

Background

Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) is one of four basic proteins of the secretory granules of eosinophils. It has a variety of functions associated with inflammatory responses. Little is known about the causes for variation in serum ECP levels.

Aim

To identify factors associated with variation in serum ECP and to determine the relative proportion of the variation in ECP due to genetic and non‐genetic factors, in an adult twin sample.

Methods

A sample of 575 twins, selected through a proband with self‐reported asthma, had serum ECP, lung function, airway responsiveness to methacholine, exhaled nitric oxide, and skin test reactivity, measured. Linear regression analysis and variance component models were used to study factors associated with variation in ECP and the relative genetic influence on ECP levels.

Results

Sex (regression coefficient = −0.107, P < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (0.007, P = 0.028), and airway responsiveness to methacholine (0.074, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with ECP. Adjusted for these factors, ECP correlated 0.53 (P < 0.001) and 0.27 (P = 0.001) in monozygotic and dizygotic twins, respectively (P‐value for difference = 0.05). According to the most parsimonious variance component model, genetic factors accounted for 57% (CI: 42–72%, P < 0.001) of the variance in ECP levels, whereas the remainder (43%) was ascribable to non‐shared environmental factors. The genetic correlation between ECP and airway responsiveness to methacholine was statistically non‐significant (r = −0.11, P = 0.50).

Conclusion

Around half of all variance in serum ECP is explained by genetic factors. Serum ECP is influenced by sex, BMI, and airway responsiveness. Serum ECP and airway responsiveness seem not to share genetic variance.
Askin's tumour in pregnancy with dismal prognosis
Authors: Sidhu Kiranjit , Kashyap Surender , Negi R. S. , Solanki Anjali
Published: October 2014

Askin's tumour is a rare malignant neoplasm of the chest wall. A 23‐year‐old primigravida patient was admitted to the hospital with complaints of chest wall swelling, cough and dyspnoea. Radiological examination showed a chest wall mass in right hemithorax with erosion of ribs and moderate pleural effusion. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology was suggestive of malignant small round cell tumour. Immunohistochemical analysis together with the clinical and radiological findings led to the definitive diagnosis of Askin's tumour. Despite receiving multimodality therapy, she had residual soft tissue mass and died after 6 months. Rarity of this malignancy during pregnancy renders the case unique.
Cytokeratin 20 expression in basaloid follicular hamartoma and infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Honarpisheh Hedieh , Glusac Earl J. , Ko Christine J.
Published: October 2014

Background

Tumors with similar or identical histopathologic features have been termed basaloid follicular hamartoma (BFH) or infundibulocystic basal cell carcinoma (BCC). BCC typically lacks immunoreactivity with cytokeratin 20 (CK20) and pleckstrin homology‐like domain, family A, member 1 protein (PHLDA1).

Aim

A series of BFH and infundibulocystic BCC were investigated to determine the pattern of CK20 and PHLDA1 labeling in these lesions.

Materials and methods

Thirty‐six samples of BFH (n = 14) and infundibulocystic BCC (n = 22) were collected. CK20 and PHLDA1 staining was performed and evaluated.

Results

All the lesions were small (average of 3 mm), well circumscribed, and composed of basaloid to squamoid cells arranged in islands resembling ramifying rootlets with interspersed horn cysts. CK20‐positive cells were present in all 36 cases (average, 22/mm2), throughout the tumor, including deeper portions, irrespective of original diagnosis. Six of thirty cases (20%; 5 infundibulocystic BCC, 1 BFH) were focally PHLDA1 positive.

Conclusions

Findings on hematoxylin and eosin staining and those of CK20 staining in BFH and infundibulocystic BCC were similar, and in most cases were indistinguishable. The CK20 labeling was similar to that of trichoepithelioma. The findings add a degree of support to the argument that BFH and infundibulocystic BCC represent the same lesion and, further, a benign one.
Interface dermatitis along Blaschko's lines
Authors: Johnson Mariah , Walker Daniel , Galloway William , Gardner Jerad M. , Shalin Sara C.
Published: October 2014

Linear dermatoses are fascinating entities that likely reflect embryologically derived cutaneous mosaicism, even when they occur after childhood. Adult blaschkitis is a rare, relapsing inflammatory dermatitis that most often presents in middle age. It presents clinically as a pruritic eruption of linear papules, vesicles and plaques, and is most commonly found to have features of spongiotic dermatitis on pathology. However, the clinical and histopathologic presentation of lichen striatus in adults may be similar to those of adult blaschkitis. A case in which ‘blaschkitis’ was suspected clinically is presented, in which the biopsy showed non‐characteristic microscopic features resembling erythema multiforme—a finding rarely reported in the literature to date. We present this case and a brief review of the most commonly acquired linear eruptions following Blaschko's lines with the goal of expanding the histopathologic findings that may be encountered in adult blaschkitis. Moreover, the clinical and histopathologic overlap between the entities of blaschkitis and lichen striatus is explored, acknowledging that these entities may exist on a clinicopathologic spectrum. In the diagnosis of linear eruptions, clinicopathologic correlation is important for arriving at an accurate final diagnosis.
Scope of Negative Integration: A Comparative Analysis of Post, Public Transport and Port Services
Authors: Leiren Merethe Dotterud
Published: October 2014

There is extensive literature that explains how liberalization policy deepens and widens. In the literature of European integration such reform is commonly considered to be the result of a bias towards liberalization in the treaties, thereby giving the European Commission and the European Court of Justice wide‐ranging leverage to enforce such reform. However, such approaches have been criticized for being de‐politicized – for failing to understand the conflicts inherent in controversial policies. It is therefore of interest to explore the scope conditions of this constitutional bias assumption in areas where liberalization policy is disputed. This article analyzes the EU decision‐making processes across the postal, public transport and port service sectors, highlighting three key conditions, in addition to the treaties' legal foundation. These are: the organization of public services; mobilization by large interests, such as trade unions; and how willing the European Commission is to give in to concessional demands.
The immune microenvironment in cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Jabbour M.N. , Issa G. , Charafeddine K. , Simaan Y. , Karam M. , Khalifeh H. , Habib R. , Khalifeh I.
Published: October 2014

Background

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is an infection that has spread to non‐endemic regions, stimulating recent interest for the enhanced understanding of this disease. Downregulation of the CD1a receptor on Langerhans cells has been described in various cutaneous infections.

Objective

In this study, the immune response across different Ridley patterns and parasitic indices is outlined in a case series of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Methods

Skin punch biopsies from the interface of normal and lesional cutaneous leishmaniasis were collected from 33 patients with molecularly confirmed Leishmania tropica or L. major infection. Ridley patterns (2–5) were assessed for various clinicopathological features including age, gender, disease duration, parasitic index and constituents of the inflammatory infiltrate. CD1a, CD68, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20 and CD138 stains were performed on normal skin tissue, cutaneous leishmaniasis biopsies and cytospin/cell block cytology preparations of cultured leishmania promastigotes. CD1a was quantified per mm² in the epidermis and dermis. The remaining stains were graded according to a 4‐tiered grading system [0 (0–4%); 1 (5–24%); 2 (25–49%); 3 (50–74%) and 4 (75–100%).

Results

Total CD1a expression significantly decreased (14‐fold) from parasitic indices (0–2) to (5–6); (ρ < 0.001). CD1a expression in the epidermis was at least 5‐fold lower than normal skin (58 vs. 400 cells/mm²), inversely correlating with the parasitic index. There was an increase in dermal CD1a Langerhans cells (33 vs. 0 cells/mm² in the dermis). CD1a and CD68 staining of amastigotes was strong and diffuse, whereas promastigotes were negative. The major inflammatory infiltrate, in all Ridley patterns, consisted of macrophages and double‐negative CD3+CD4−CD8− T lymphocytes. The double‐negative CD3 T cells formed a ring around the parasitic laden macrophages. Apart from CD1a, there was no significant difference in inflammatory markers between the various Ridley patterns and parasitic indices. Disease duration did not correlate with Ridley pattern.

Conclusion

The significant decrease in CD1a expression is postulated by two mechanisms; either via direct CD1a receptor uptake by leishmania amastigotes and/or negative feedback inhibition of CD1a Langerhans cells by double‐negative CD3 T‐regulatory cells. Modulation of the immune microenvironment in cutaneous leishmaniasis represents a potential therapeutic and prophylactic target.
Three brown trout Salmo trutta lineages in Corsica described through allozyme variation
Authors: Berrebi P.
Published: October 2014

The brown trout Salmo trutta is represented by three lineages in Corsica: (1) an ancestral Corsican lineage, (2) a Mediterranean lineage and (3) a recently stocked domestic Atlantic S. trutta lineage (all are interfertile); the main focus of this study was the ancestral Corsican S. trutta, but the other lineages were also considered. A total of 38 samples captured between 1993 and 1998 were analysed, with nearly 1000 individuals considered overall. The Corsican ancestral lineage (Adriatic lineage according to the mitochondrial DNA control region nomenclature, AD) mostly inhabits streams in the southern half of the island; the Mediterranean lineage (ME) is present more in the north, especially in Golu River, but most populations are an admixture of these lineages and the domestic Atlantic S. trutta (AT). Locations where the Corsican ancestral S. trutta is dominant are now protected against stocking and sometimes fishing is also forbidden. The presence of the Corsican S. trutta is unique in France.
How Can Supply Management Really Improve Performance? A Knowledge‐Based Model of Alignment Capabilities
Authors: Handfield Robert B. , Cousins Paul D. , Lawson Benn , Petersen Kenneth J.
Published: October 2014

Prior research has underscored the importance of internal and external supply chain integration, but the growing role of the supply management organization in developing this capability is not well specified. In this research, we explore the concept of supply management alignment, defined as the behavioral characteristics and process requirements for understanding and explicitly outlining internal stakeholder needs, and linking these to supplier performance agreements. Using the lens of dynamic capabilities, we propose a theoretical model for creating supply management alignment. This model presents the synergistic effects derived through strong internal lines of communication combined with external supply relationships based on defined metrics and processes. The underlying set of requirements to achieve supply management alignment is proposed and tested in this model, thereby enhancing our understanding of the processes and behaviors required for integration of internal stakeholder needs with external suppliers, which can lead to improved performance. We explore the complementary effects of supply management alignment on network agility and supplier performance improvements. Data from 151 UK manufacturing firms are used to test the model. The results provide a unifying framework tying together many of the prescriptive elements of strategic sourcing into a more coherent theoretical model and establish the basis for future studies of supply management alignment capabilities.
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection for Refractory Somatic Tinnitus
Authors: McCormick Zachary L. , Walega David R.
Published: October 2014

Somatic tinnitus is a common disorder, yet few treatments described in the literature have demonstrated strong efficacy. We report a case of a 61‐year‐old male with refractory somatic tinnitus, temporally related to a prior bacterial otitis media, wherein auditory symptoms were successfully treated with cervical epidural injections of long‐acting corticosteroid. We discuss the proposed mechanism of somatic tinnitus and the means by which neuraxial steroids may inhibit somatic tinnitus symptoms.
Synthesizing Robust Communication Networks for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles With Resource Constraints
Authors: Nagarajan Harsha , Rathinam Sivakumar , Darbha Swaroop
Published: October 2014

In this article, we address the problem of synthesizing communication networks for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the presence of resource constraints. UAVs can be deployed as backbone nodes in ad hoc networks that can be central to civilian and military applications. The cost of operation of the network depends on the resources that are used such as the total power consumption associated with the network and the number of communication links in the network. The objective of the problem is to synthesize a communication network that maximizes connectivity subject to the cost of operation being within the specified budget for the resources. It is known that algebraic connectivity is a measure of robust connectivity and hence, it is chosen as an objective for optimization. We pose the network synthesis problem as a mixed-integer semidefinite program (MISDP): (1) provide an algorithm for computing optimal solutions using cutting plane methods; (2) develop lower bounds by posing the problem as a binary semidefinite program; and (3) construct feasible solutions using heuristics and estimate their quality. The network synthesis problem is a nondeterministic polynomial--time (NP)-hard problem. We provide some computational results to corroborate the performance of the proposed algorithms.
Reverse Engineering Using Close Range Photogrammetry for Additive Manufactured Reproduction of Egyptian Artifacts and Other Objets d'art2
Authors: Kaufman John , Clement Morag , Rennie Allan EW
Published: October 2014

Photogrammetry has been in use for over 150 years. This research considers how digital image capture using a medium range Nikon digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, can be transformed into 3D virtual spatial images, and together with additive manufacturing (AM) technology, geometric representations of the original artifact can be fabricated. The research has focused on the use of photogrammetry as opposed to laser scanning (LS), investigating the shift from LS use to a single DSLR camera exclusively. The basic photogrammetry equipment required is discussed, with the main objective being simplicity of execution for eventual realization of physical products. As the processing power of computers has increased and become widely available, at affordable prices, software programs have improved, so it is now possible to digitally combine multiview photographs, taken from 360 deg, into 3D virtual representational images. This has now led to the possibility of 3D images being created without LS intervention. Two methods of digital data capture are employed and discussed, in acquiring up to 150 digital data images, taken from different angles using a single DSLR camera together with the specific operating conditions in which to photograph the objects. Two case studies are documented, the first a modern clay sculpture, while the second, involves two 3000 year old Egyptian clay artifacts. All and the objects were recreated using AM technology. It has been shown that with the use of a standard DSLR camera and computer software, 2D images can be converted into 3D virtual video replicas as well as solid, geometric representation of the originals.
Reliability of Corticomotor Excitability in Leg and Thigh Musculature at 14 and 28 Days
Authors: Luc Brittney A. , Lepley Adam S. , Tevald Michael A. , Gribble Phillip A. , White Donald B. , Pietrosimone Brian G.
Published: October 2014

Context:

Alterations in corticomotor excitability are observed in a variety of patient populations, including the musculature surrounding the knee and ankle after joint injury. Active motor threshold (AMT) and motor-evoked-potential (MEP) amplitudes elicited through transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) are outcome measures used to assess corticomotor excitability and have been deemed reliable in upper-extremity musculature. However, there are few studies assessing the reliability of TMS measures in lower-extremity musculature.

Objective:

To determine the intersession reliability of AMT and MEP amplitudes over 14 and 28 d in the quadriceps and fibularis longus (FL).

Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Setting:

University laboratory

Participants:

20 able-bodied volunteers (10 men, 10 women; 22.35 ± 2.3 y, 1.71 ± 0.11 m, 73.61 ± 16.77 kg).

Main Outcome Measures:

AMT and MEP amplitudes were evaluated at 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 120%, 130%, and 140% of AMT in the dominant and nondominant quadriceps and FL. Interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess reliability for absolute agreement and internal consistency between baseline and 2 follow-up sessions at 14 and 28 d postbaseline. Each ICC was fit with the best-fit straight line or parabola to smooth out noise in the observations and best determine if a pattern existed in determining the most reliable MEP value.

Results:

All muscles yielded strong ICCs between baseline and both time points for AMT. MEPs in both the quadriceps and FL produced varying degrees of reliability, with the greatest reliability demonstrated on day 28 at 130% and 140% of AMT in the quadriceps and FL, respectively. The dominant FL muscle showed a significant pattern; as TMS intensity increased, MEP reliability increased.

Conclusion:

TMS can be used to reliably identify corticomotor alterations after therapeutic interventions, as well as monitor disease progression.
Developmental Stage Oxidoreductive States of
Chlamydia
and Infected Host Cells
Authors: Wang Xiaogang , Schwarzer Christian , Hybiske Kevin , Machen Terry E. , Stephens Richard S.
Published: October 2014

A defining characteristic of
Chlamydia
spp. is their developmental cycle characterized by outer membrane transformations of cysteine bonds among cysteine-rich outer membrane proteins. The reduction-oxidation states of host cell compartments were monitored during the developmental cycle using live fluorescence microscopy. Organelle redox states were studied using redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (roGFP1) expressed in CF15 epithelial cells and targeted to the cytosol, mitochondria, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The redox properties of chlamydiae and the inclusion were monitored using roGFP expressed by
Chlamydia trachomatis
following transformation. Despite the large morphological changes associated with chlamydial infection, redox potentials of the cytosol (Ψ
cyto
[average, −320 mV]), mitochondria (Ψ
mito
[average, −345 mV]), and the ER (Ψ
ER
[average, −258 mV]) and their characteristic redox regulatory abilities remained unchanged until the cells died, at which point Ψ
cyto
and Ψ
mito
became more oxidized and Ψ
ER
became more reduced. The redox status of the chamydial cytoplasm was measured following transformation and expression of the roGFP biosensor in
C. trachomatis
throughout the developmental cycle. The periplasmic and outer membrane redox states were assessed by the level of cysteine cross-linking of cysteine-rich envelope proteins. In both cases, the chlamydiae were highly reduced early in the developmental cycle and became oxidized late in the developmental cycle. The production of a late-developmental-stage oxidoreductase/isomerase, DsbJ, may play a key role in the regulation of the oxidoreductive developmental-stage-specific process.

IMPORTANCE
Infectious
Chlamydia
organisms have highly oxidized and cysteine cross-linked membrane proteins that confer environmental stability when outside their host cells. Once these organisms infect a new host cell, the proteins become reduced and remain reduced during the active growth stage. These proteins become oxidized at the end of their growth cycle, wherein infectious organisms are produced and released to the environment. How chlamydiae mediate and regulate this key step in their pathogenesis is unknown. Using biosensors specifically targeted to different compartments within the infected host cell and for the chlamydial organisms themselves, the oxidoreductive states of these compartments were measured during the course of infection. We found that the host cell redox states are not changed by infection with
C. trachomatis
, whereas the state of the chlamydial organisms remains reduced during infection until the late developmental stages, wherein the organisms’ cytosol and periplasm become oxidized and they acquire environmental resistance and infectivity.
The association between different types of exercise and energy expenditure in young nonoverweight and overweight adults
Authors: Drenowatz Clemens , Hand Gregory A. , Shook Robin P. , Jakicic John M. , Hebert James R. , Burgess Stephanie , Blair Steven N.
Published: October 2014

With decades of trends for decreasing activity during work and travel, exercise becomes an important contributor to total physical activity (PA) and energy expenditure. The purpose of this study was to examine the contribution of different types of exercise to the variability in energy expenditure and time spent at different PA intensities in young adults. Four hundred and seventeen adults (49.9% male; 46.2 overweight/obese) between 21 and 36 years of age provided valid objective PA and energy expenditure data, assessed via the SenseWear Armband (BodyMedia Inc.). Frequency and duration of participation in various exercise types was self-reported. Weight status was based on body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) with body weight and height being measured according to standard procedures. Eighty-four percent of the participants reported regular exercise engagement with no difference in participation rate by sex or BMI category. Exercise time along with sex and ethnicity explained roughly 60% of the variability in total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) while the association between exercise and time spent in moderate to vigorous PA or being sedentary was low or nonsignificant. Engagement in endurance exercise and sports contributed predominantly to the variability in energy expenditure and PA in nonoverweight participants. In overweight/obese participants engagement in resistance exercise and swimming contributed significantly to variability in TDEE. Current exercise recommendations focus primarily on aerobic exercise, but results of the present study suggest that nonweight-bearing exercises, such as resistance exercise and swimming, contribute significantly to the variability in TDEE in overweight/obese adults, which would make these types of activities viable options for exercise interventions.
Lessons from supersymmetry: "Instead-of-confinement" mechanism
Authors: Shifman M. , Yung A.
Published: October 2014

We review physical scenarios in different vacua of 𝒩 = 2 supersymmetric QCD deformed by the mass term μ for the adjoint matter. This deformation breaks supersymmetry down to 𝒩 = 1 and, at large μ, the theory flows to 𝒩 = 1 QCD. We focus on dynamical scenarios which can serve as prototypes of what we observe in real-world QCD. The so-called r = N vacuum is especially promising in this perspective. In this vacuum an "instead-of-confinement" phase was identified previously, which is qualitatively close to the conventional QCD confinement: the quarks and gauge bosons screened at weak coupling, at strong coupling evolve into monopole–antimonopole pairs confined by non-Abelian strings. We review genesis of this picture.
Finite BRST–anti-BRST transformations in generalized Hamiltonian formalism
Authors: Yu. Moshin Pavel , Reshetnyak Alexander A.
Published: October 2014

We introduce the notion of finite BRST–anti-BRST transformations for constrained dynamical systems in the generalized Hamiltonian formalism, both global and field-dependent, with a doublet λa, a = 1, 2, of anticommuting Grassmann parameters and find explicit Jacobians corresponding to these changes of variables in the path integral. It turns out that the finite transformations are quadratic in their parameters. Exactly as in the case of finite field-dependent BRST–anti-BRST transformations for the Yang–Mills vacuum functional in the Lagrangian formalism examined in our previous paper [arXiv:1405.0790 [hep-th]], special field-dependent BRST–anti-BRST transformations with functionally-dependent parameters λa= ∫ dt(saΛ), generated by a finite even-valued function Λ(t) and by the anticommuting generators saof BRST–anti-BRST transformations, amount to a precise change of the gauge-fixing function for arbitrary constrained dynamical systems. This proves the independence of the vacuum functional under such transformations. We derive a new form of the Ward identities, depending on the parameters λaand study the problem of gauge dependence. We present the form of transformation parameters which generates a change of the gauge in the Hamiltonian path integral, evaluate it explicitly for connecting two arbitrary Rξ-like gauges in the Yang–Mills theory and establish, after integration over momenta, a coincidence with the Lagrangian path integral [arXiv:1405.0790 [hep-th]], which justifies the unitarity of the S-matrix in the Lagrangian approach.
Loss of ellipticity through homogenization in linear elasticity
Authors: Briane Marc , Francfort Gilles A.
Published: October 2014

In 1993, it was shown by Geymonat, Müller and Triantafyllidis that, in the setting of linearized elasticity, a Γ-convergence result holds for highly oscillating sequences of elastic energies whose functional coercivity constant in ℝN is zero while the corresponding coercivity constant on the torus remains positive. We illustrate the range of applicability of that result by finding sufficient conditions for such a situation to occur. We thereby justify the degenerate laminate construction given by Gutiérrez in 1999. We also demonstrate that the predicted loss of strict strong ellipticity resulting from the construction by Gutiérrez is unique within a "laminate-like" class of microstructures. It will only occur for the specific micro-geometry investigated there. Our results thus confer both a rigorous, and a canonical character to those of Gutiérrez.
Impact of Preoperative Counselling on Early Postoperative Mobilization and Its Role in Smooth Recovery
Authors: Samnani Sunil Sadruddin , Umer Muhammad Farooq , Mehdi Syed Hussain , Farid Farah Naz
Published: October 2014

Background and Objectives. Preoperative counseling is effective to foster early postoperative mobilization that reduces pulmonary complications following abdominal surgery. This study aims at evaluating the effect of preoperative counseling regarding postoperative mobilization and its impact on reducing pulmonary complications. Design and Setting. Randomized control trial was conducted at the Department of Surgery of a tertiary care hospital, Karachi. Patients and Materials. Patients who underwent abdominal surgery and met inclusion criteria were recruited. All participants were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups received information about the surgery and Group I received additional counseling for postoperative mobilization. All patients were encouraged for postoperative mobilization. Scholes et al. criteria were used to evaluate postoperative pulmonary complications. Results. In total 232 participants were recruited and divided into two groups. There was no significant difference in participants’ age (P=0.79), duration of surgery (P=0.5), and pain score (P=0.1) of both groups. However, significant difference was identified in mobilization from bed to chair and mobilization for >10 minutes. Patients in Group I experienced less pulmonary complications in comparison with Group II.