bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immediate Effects of Region-Specific and Non–Region-Specific Spinal Manipulative Therapy in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: de Oliveira Ronaldo Fernando , Liebano Richard Eloin , Costa Lucíola da Cunha Menezes , Rissato Lívia Leticia , Costa Leonardo Oliveira Pena 
Published: February 2013

Background
Manual therapists typically advocate the need for a detailed clinical examination to decide which vertebral level should be manipulated in patients with low back pain. However, it is unclear whether spinal manipulation needs to be specific to a vertebral level.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to analyze the immediate effects of a single, region-specific spinal manipulation defined during the clinical examination versus a single non–region-specific spinal manipulation (applied on an upper thoracic vertebra) in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain for the outcome measures of pain intensity and pressure pain threshold at the time of the assessment.

Design
This was a 2-arm, prospectively registered, randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor.

Setting
The study was conducted in an outpatient physical therapy clinic in Brazil.

Patients
The study participants were 148 patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (with pain duration of at least 12 weeks).

Randomization
The randomization schedule was generated by an independent statistician and was concealed by using consecutively numbered, sealed, opaque envelopes.

Interventions
A single high-velocity manipulation was administered to the upper thoracic region of the participants allocated to the non–region-specific manipulation group and to the painful lumbar levels of the participants allocated to the region-specific manipulation group.

Measurements
Pain intensity was measured by a 0 to 10 numeric pain rating scale. Pressure pain threshold was measured using a pressure algometer.

Limitations
It was not possible to blind the therapist and participants.

Results
A total of 148 patients participated in the study (74 in each group). There was no loss to follow-up. Both groups improved in terms of immediate decrease of pain intensity; however, no between-group differences were observed. The between-group difference for pain intensity and pressure pain threshold were 0.50 points (95% confidence interval=−0.10 to 1.10) and −1.78 points (95% confidence interval=−6.40 to 2.82), respectively. No adverse reactions were observed.

Conclusion
The immediate changes in pain intensity and pressure pain threshold after a single high-velocity manipulation do not differ by region-specific versus non–region-specific manipulation techniques in patients with chronic low back pain.
Tuning Innate Immune Activation by Surface Texturing of Polymer Microparticles: The Role of Shape in Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Vaine Christine A. , Patel Milan K. , Zhu Jintao , Lee Eunji , Finberg Robert W. , Hayward Ryan C. , Kurt-Jones Evelyn A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPolymeric microparticles have been widely investigated as platforms for delivery of drugs, vaccines, and imaging contrast agents and are increasingly used in a variety of clinical applications. Microparticles activate the inflammasome complex and induce the processing and secretion of IL-1β, a key innate immune cytokine. Recent work suggests that although receptors are clearly important for particle phagocytosis, other physical characteristics, especially shape, play an important role in the way microparticles activate cells. We examined the role of particle surface texturing not only on uptake efficiency but also on the subsequent immune cell activation of the inflammasome. Using a method based on emulsion processing of amphiphilic block copolymers, we prepared microparticles with similar overall sizes and surface chemistries but having either smooth or highly microtextured surfaces. In vivo, textured (budding) particles induced more rapid neutrophil recruitment to the injection site. In vitro, budding particles were more readily phagocytosed than smooth particles and induced more lipid raft recruitment to the phagosome. Remarkably, budding particles also induced stronger IL-1β secretion than smooth particles through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings demonstrate a pronounced role of particle surface topography in immune cell activation, suggesting that shape is a major determinant of inflammasome activation.
A Dynamic Dual Role of IL-2 Signaling in the Two-Step Differentiation Process of Adaptive Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Guo Zhiyong , Khattar Mithun , Schroder Paul M. , Miyahara Yoshihiro , Wang Guohua , He Xiaoshung , Chen Wenhao , Stepkowski Stanislaw M. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The molecular mechanism of the extrathymic generation of adaptive, or inducible, CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (iTregs) remains incompletely defined. We show that exposure of splenic CD4+CD25+Foxp3− cells to IL-2, but not other common γ-chain cytokines, resulted in Stat5 phosphorylation and induced Foxp3 expression in ∼10% of the cells. Thus, IL-2/Stat5 signaling may be critical for Foxp3 induction in peripheral CD4+CD25+Foxp3– iTreg precursors. In this study, to further define the role of IL-2 in the formation of iTreg precursors as well as their subsequent Foxp3 expression, we designed a two-step iTreg differentiation model. During the initial “conditioning” step, CD4+CD25−Foxp3− naive T cells were activated by TCR stimulation. Inhibition of IL-2 signaling via Jak3–Stat5 was required during this step to generate CD4+CD25+Foxp3− cells containing iTreg precursors. During the subsequent Foxp3-induction step driven by cytokines, IL-2 was the most potent cytokine to induce Foxp3 expression in these iTreg precursors. This two-step method generated a large number of iTregs with relatively stable expression of Foxp3, which were able to prevent CD4+CD45RBhigh cell–mediated colitis in Rag1−/− mice. In consideration of this information, whereas initial inhibition of IL-2 signaling upon T cell priming generates iTreg precursors, subsequent activation of IL-2 signaling in these precursors induces the expression of Foxp3. These findings advance the understanding of iTreg differentiation and may facilitate the therapeutic use of iTregs in immune disorders.
Requirement for Dicer in Survival of Proliferating Thymocytes Experiencing DNA Double-Strand Breaks
Authors: Brady Brenna L. , Rupp Levi J. , Bassing Craig H. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The Dicer nuclease generates small RNAs that regulate diverse biological processes through posttranscriptional gene repression and epigenetic silencing of transcription and recombination. Dicer-deficient cells exhibit impaired differentiation, activity, proliferation, and survival. Dicer inactivation in developing mouse lymphocytes impairs their proliferation and survival and alters Ag receptor gene repertoires for largely undefined reasons. To elucidate functions of Dicer in lymphocyte development and Ag receptor locus transcription and recombination, we analyzed mice with conditional Dicer deletion in thymocytes containing unrearranged or prerearranged TCRβ loci. Expression of either a preassembled functional TCRβ gene (Vβ1NT) or the prosurvival BCL2 protein inhibited death and partially rescued proliferative expansion of Dicer-deficient thymocytes. Notably, combined expression of Vβ1NT and BCL2 completely rescued proliferative expansion of Dicer-deficient thymocytes and revealed that Dicer promotes survival of cells attempting TCRβ recombination. Finally, inclusion of an endogenous preassembled DJβ complex that enhances Vβ recombination increased death and impaired proliferative expansion of Dicer-deficient thymocytes. These data demonstrate a critical role for Dicer in promoting survival of thymocytes experiencing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) during TCRβ recombination. Because DSBs are common and ubiquitous in cells, our findings indicate that impaired cellular survival in response to DSBs should be considered when interpreting Dicer-deficient phenotypes.
Gene Deletion of Gabarap Enhances Nlrp3 Inflammasome-Dependent Inflammatory Responses
Authors: Zhang Zhirong , Xu Xiaozheng , Ma Jianhui , Wu Jianfeng , Wang Yanhai , Zhou Rongbin , Han Jiahuai 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor–associated protein (Gabarap) functions in γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor trafficking and postsynaptic localization in neurons, but its physiological roles in other systems have not been studied. In this study, we report that Gabarap-deficient mice are more susceptible to mortality in two sepsis models. An underlying mechanism of this higher mortality rate in Gabarap−/− septic mice is the higher level of proinflammatory cytokine expression in Gabarap−/− mice versus wild-type mice. In vitro studies show that Nlrp3 inflammasome activation is enhanced by Gabarap deficiency, as evidenced by more casapse-1 activation, more IL-1β, and more IL-18 secretion in LPS- and ATP-treated Gabarap−/− macrophages. The Gabarap deficiency led to inefficient clearance of damaged mitochondria in LPS plus ATP–treated macrophages, resulting in more mitochondrial ROS and the release of mitochondrial DNA into cytosol. Both ROS and mitochondrial DNA are known to promote inflammasome activation. These results demonstrate that Gabarap functions in the immune system. It is involved in mitochondrial quality control in macrophages, and thus it influences Nlrp3 inflammasome-dependent inflammatory responses.
Expérience de résolution de problèmes par une démarche créative dans la formation des enseignants en adaptation scolaire
Authors: Ouellet Sylvie 
Published: February 2013

Cet article aborde la formation des enseignants en adaptation scolaire, à partir d’une expérience vécue dans le cours Résolution de problèmes et créativité. La difficile situation de l’insertion professionnelle met en évidence l’importance de préparer les futurs enseignants à être des intervenants créatifs afin de relever les défis de l’école contemporaine. Différents concepts sont présentés : la créativité, la pédagogie créative, l’enseignant créatif et, enfin, la pratique réflexive à partir d’une démarche de création. Le développement de la créativité, utilisant un espace de création et de réflexion chez les futurs enseignants, est exploré dans cette expérience d’apprentissage. La démarche créative est appuyée par des exercices artistiques stimulant la créativité, complétée par l’introduction à la recherche-action et à la résolution créative de problèmes. Le processus d’apprentissage des étudiants est illustré par deux exemples, un exercice et ses artéfacts (le masque), ainsi que par l’autoévaluation soutenue par la réalisation d’un carnet de dessins. Cet outil incite à prendre du recul pour exercer sa pratique réflexive. Les commentaires des étudiants précisent les effets de ces deux démarches, une meilleure réflexion sur la pratique et une prise de conscience de l’identité professionnelle en construction. La discussion vient alimenter une réflexion sur la créativité en milieu scolaire. La conclusion, enfin, formule des recommandations pour la formation des enseignants, entre autres celle de la concertation pour développer la créativité chez les enseignants.
Quantitating intraparticle O2 gradients in solid supported enzyme immobilizates: Experimental determination of their role in limiting the catalytic effectiveness of immobilized glucose oxidase
Authors: Bolivar Juan M. , Consolati Tanja , Mayr Torsten , Nidetzky Bernd 
Published: February 2013

AbstractEnzymatic O2‐dependent oxidations are receiving increased attention for use in fine chemicals synthesis. Solid supported oxidation catalysts often show poor efficiency due to pronounced O2 diffusion restriction. Internal O2 supply therefore constitutes a key parameter for optimizing the enzyme immobilization. We herein describe an optical sensing method for quantitation of space‐averaged intraparticle O2 concentrations in porous Sepabeads carriers. The method applies phosphorescence lifetime measurements on Sepabeads labeled with an O2 sensitive indicator dye. Using glucose oxidase immobilized at different loadings (0.005–12 mg/g) on labeled Sepabeads, we analyzed in real time during the enzymatic reaction the formation of O2 concentration differences between bulk liquid and the intraparticle environment. We show that the O2 gradient at apparent steady state increased with increasing enzyme loading, so that O2 eventually became totally depleted from inside the highly loaded carriers. We also show that the residual intraparticle O2 concentration was correlated with the catalytic effectiveness factor (η) of the enzyme immobilizate used, thus providing a direct measure of the magnitude of O2 diffusion limitation. Once corrected for diffusional effect, η was no longer dependent on enzyme loading and its constant value now described the intrinsic activity of immobilized glucose oxidase. Three common procedures of enzyme immobilization, involving adsorption, cross‐linking, and covalent attachment, are shown to differ widely concerning the obtained intrinsic activity. Therefore, intraparticle O2 concentration data enable distinction between diffusional restriction and activity loss as the two principal factors limiting the effectiveness of immobilized O2 dependent enzymes, and thus they inform rational design of an optimally active oxidation biocatalyst on solid support. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 2086–2095. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indications for and efficacy of splenectomy for haematological disorders
Authors: Bickenbach K A , Gonen M , Labow D M , Strong V , Heaney M L , Zelenetz A D , Coit D G 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Splenectomy is performed for a variety of indications in haematological disorders. This study was undertaken to analyse outcomes, and morbidity and mortality rates associated with this procedure.

Methods
Patients undergoing splenectomy for the treatment or diagnosis of haematological disease were included. Indications for operation, preoperative risk, intraoperative variables and short-term outcomes were evaluated.

Results
From January 1997 to December 2010, 381 patients underwent splenectomy for diagnosis or treatment of haematological disease. Some 288 operations were performed by an open approach, 83 laparoscopically, and there were ten conversions. Overall 136 patients (35·7 per cent) experienced complications. Postoperative morbidity was predicted by age more than 65 years (odds ratio (OR) 1·63, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·05 to 2·55), a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score lower than 60 (OR 2·74, 1·35 to 5·57) and a haemoglobin level of 9 g/dl or less (OR 1·74, 1·09 to 2·77). Twenty-four patients (6·3 per cent) died within 30 days of surgery. Postoperative mortality was predicted by a KPS score lower than 60 (OR 16·20, 6·10 to 42·92) and a platelet count of 50 000/µl or less (OR 3·34, 1·25 to 8·86). The objective of the operation was achieved in 309 patients (81·1 per cent). The success rate varied for each indication: diagnosis (106 of 110 patients, 96·4 per cent), thrombocytopenia (76 of 115, 66·1 per cent), anaemia (10 of 16, 63 per cent), to allow further treatment (46 of 59, 78 per cent) and primary treatment (16 of 18, 89 per cent).

Conclusion
Splenectomy is an effective procedure in the diagnosis and treatment of haematological disease in selected patients.
Sex differences in life history drive evolutionary transitions among maternal, paternal, and bi‐parental care
Authors: Klug Hope , Bonsall Michael B. , Alonzo Suzanne H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractEvolutionary transitions among maternal, paternal, and bi‐parental care have been common in many animal groups. We use a mathematical model to examine the effect of male and female life‐history characteristics (stage‐specific maturation and mortality) on evolutionary transitions among maternal, paternal, and bi‐parental care. When males and females are relatively similar – that is, when females initially invest relatively little into eggs and both sexes have similar mortality and maturation – transitions among different patterns of care are unlikely to be strongly favored. As males and females become more different, transitions are more likely. If females initially invest heavily into eggs and this reduces their expected future reproductive success, transitions to increased maternal care (paternal → maternal, paternal → bi‐parental, bi‐parental → maternal) are favored. This effect of anisogamy (i.e., the fact that females initially invest more into each individual zygote than males) might help explain the predominance of maternal care in nature and differs from previous work that found no effect of anisogamy on the origin of different sex‐specific patterns of care from an ancestral state of no care. When male mortality is high or male egg maturation rate is low, males have reduced future reproductive potential and transitions to increased paternal care (maternal → paternal, bi‐parental → paternal, maternal → bi‐parental) are favored. Offspring need (i.e., low offspring survival in the absence of care) also plays a role in transitions to paternal care. In general, basic life‐history differences between the sexes can drive evolutionary transitions among different sex‐specific patterns of care. The finding that simple life‐history differences can alone lead to transitions among maternal and paternal care suggests that the effect of inter‐sexual life‐history differences should be considered as a baseline scenario when attempting to understand how other factors (mate availability, sex differences in the costs of competing for mates) influence the evolution of parental care.
Convenient Access to Acyl‐Substituted Bis(styrylbenzenes) Based on Building Blocks Using Julia Olefination and Weinreb Amide Chemistry
Authors: Mukkamala Ramesh , Senthilmurugan Annamalai , Aidhen Indrapal Singh 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn an effort to arrive at bis(styrylbenzene) derivatives, which are known for their importance in connection to Alzheimer's disease, two bifunctional building blocks that enable a C–C bond formation through a Julia–Kocienski reaction were synthesized. The orthogonal nature of the two functional groups in these building blocks allow the sequential olefination of commercially available aromatic aldehydes and the intermediate stilbene aldehydes to deliver an efficient and new route for bis(styrylbenzenes) with Weinreb amide (WA) functionality for the first time. The successful incorporation of the WA functionality has facilitated convenient access to unknown bis(styrylbenzenes) with acyl and formyl groups as substituents This strategy has also paved the way for highly functionalized bis(styrylbenzenes) with a tetrafluorophenyl core, which have potential as new contrast agents for MRI applications.
Analyses of the impact of climate change on water resources components, drought and wheat yield in semiarid regions: Karkheh River Basin in Iran
Authors: Ashraf Vaghefi S. , Mousavi S. J. , Abbaspour K. C. , Srinivasan R. , Yang H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWater resources availability in the semiarid regions of Iran has experienced severe reduction because of increasing water use and lengthening of dry periods. To better manage this resource, we investigated the impact of climate change on water resources and wheat yield in the Karkheh River Basin (KRB) in the semiarid region of Iran. Future climate scenarios for 2020–2040 were generated from the Canadian Global Coupled Model for scenarios A1B, B1 and A2. We constructed a hydrological model of KRB using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool to project water resources availability. Blue and green water components were modeled with uncertainty ranges for both historic and future data. The Sequential Uncertainty Fitting Version 2 was used with parallel processing option to calibrate the model based on river discharge and wheat yield. Furthermore, a newly developed program called critical continuous day calculator was used to determine the frequency and length of critical periods for precipitation, maximum temperature and soil moisture. We found that in the northern part of KRB, freshwater availability will increase from 1716 to 2670 m3/capita/year despite an increase of 28% in the population in 2025 in the B1 scenario. In the southern part, where much of the agricultural lands are located, the freshwater availability will on the average decrease by 44%. The long‐term average irrigated wheat yield, however, will increase in the south by 1.2%–21% in different subbasins; but for rain‐fed wheat, this variation is from −4% to 38%. The results of critical continuous day calculator showed an increase of up to 25% in both frequency and length of dry periods in south Karkheh, whereas increasing flood events could be expected in the northern and western parts of the region. In general, there is variability in the impact of climate change in the region where some areas will experience net negative whereas other areas will experience a net positive impact. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in fluorescence diagnosis to track footprints of cancer progression in vivo
Authors: Olivo Malini , Ho Chris Jun Hui , Fu Chit Yaw 
Published: February 2013

AbstractFluorescence spectroscopy and imaging have been widely used for in vivo cancer diagnosis and therapy monitoring in preclinical models, as well as clinical translation. Great attempts have been made to develop novel fluorescence techniques and improve on existing ones, which can now be used in conjunction with newly developed fluorescent probes for specific cancer imaging. In this review, a broad overview of fluorescence techniques is provided, including photodynamic diagnosis, laser confocal endomicroscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging, coupled with endogenous and exogenous fluorophores. In particular, endogenous fluorophores, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), are highlighted as they are linked to cellular metabolism in precancer growth. The use of near‐infrared dyes, such as indocynanine green (ICG), for imaging deep‐tissue regions is also reviewed. In addition, diagnostic algorithms used for tissue classification and cancer detection will be discussed. Lastly, emerging technologies in fluorescence diagnosis will also be included.
Observations on the melt memory of high negative birefringence spherulites in polypropylene
Authors: Oliveira M. Jovita , Hemsley Derek A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPreviously reported work showed that high negative birefringence Type III polypropylene spherulites can occur in the weld zone of butt‐welded injection mouldings. Their occurrence under conditions not normally associated with their formation has been investigated further using a variety of thermal treatments. The behaviour proves to be complex but clear evidence emerges that β‐form nuclei remain active in the material for thermal treatments up to 200°C, although this is time dependent and the number of Type III spherulites steadily reduces.
Enhanced Field‐Emission Behavior of Layered MoS2 Sheets
Authors: Kashid Ranjit V. , Late Dattatray J. , Chou Stanley S. , Huang Yi‐Kai , De Mrinmoy , Joag Dilip S. , More Mahendra A. , Dravid Vinayak P. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractField emission studies are reported for the first time on layered MoS2 sheets at the base pressure of ∼1 × 10−8 mbar. The turn‐on field required to draw a field emission current density of 10 μA/cm2 is found to be 3.5 V/μm for MoS2 sheets. The turn‐on values are found to be significantly lower than the reported MoS2 nanoflowers, graphene, and carbon nanotube‐based field emitters due to the high field enhancement factor (∼1138) associated with nanometric sharp edges of MoS2 sheet emitter surface. The emission current–time plots show good stability over a period of 3 h. Owing to the low turn‐on field and planar (sheetlike) structure, the MoS2 could be utilized for future vacuum microelectronics/nanoelectronic and flat panel display applications.