Neuronal cell growth on polymeric scaffolds studied by CARS microscopy

For studies of neuronal cell integration and neurite outgrowth in polymeric scaffold materials as a future alternative for the treatment of damages in the neuronal system, we have developed a protocol employing CARS microscopy for imaging of neuronal networks. The benefits of CARS microscopy come here to their best use; (i) the overall three-dimensional (3D) arrangement of multiple cells and their neurites can be visualized without the need for chemical preparations or physical sectioning, potentially affecting the architecture of the soft, fragile scaffolds and (ii) details on the interaction between single cells and scaffold fibrils can be investigated by close-up images at sub-micron resolution. The establishment of biologically more relevant 3D neuronal networks in a soft hydrogel composed of native Extra Cellular Matrix (ECM) components was compared with conventional two-dimensional networks grown on a stiff substrate. Images of cells in the hydrogel scaffold reveal significantly different networking characteristics compared to the 2D networks, raising the question whether the functionality of neurons grown as layers in conventional cultivation dishes represents that of neurons in the central and peripheral nervous systems

Childhood abuse and the content of delusions

Original article can be found at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01452134 Copyright Elsevier Ltd.We aimed to investigate possible associations between histories of childhood abuse and the content of delusions for individuals with psychotic disorders. 39 participants with a psychotic disorder including one or more delusional beliefs successfully completed structured interviews about childhood trauma, delusional beliefs and associated anomalous perceptual experiences including hallucinations. The presence of hallucinations was predicted by greater physical abuse. Greater abuse in general was associated with delusions involving ‘special abilities’ (grandiosity) and, at trend levels, with those involving ‘defective self’. Though preliminary, these results suggest that further investigation is warranted. The presence and nature of abuse may be relevant to delusional presentations and should form an essential part of clinical assessment of psychotic disorder.Peer reviewe

Hydrogen Activation by Benzene-Ruthenium Complexes in Aqueous Solution: Synthesis, Molecular Structure, and Intercalation of the Cluster Cation [{C₆H₆)₄Ru₄H₄]²⁺

The hydrogenation of the aqua complex [(C6H6)Ru(H2O)3]2+, prepared in situ by hydrolysis of (C6H6)2Ru2Cl4 in water, was found to lead to the tetranuclear cluster dication [(C6H6)4Ru4H4]2+ (1) which crystallizes as the dichloride from the aqueous solution. In the presence of acetate ions, however, the reaction yields the dinuclear cations [(C6H6)2Ru2H(OOCCH3)X]+ (X=OH: 2, X=Cl: 3) which crystallize as the hexafluorophosphate salts. The X-ray crystal-structure analysis of [(C6H6)4Ru4H4]Cl2 reveals the cluster dication 1 to consist of a tetrahedral ruthenium framework; the four hydrido ligands are presumably coordinated to three faces and to one edge of the Ru4 tetrahedron. The cationic complexes 1 and 2 have been found to intercalate in sodium hectorite

Off-Chip-Controlled Droplet-on-Demand Method for Precise Sample Handling

We present a simple, stable, and highly reproducible off-chip-controlled method for generating droplets-on-demand. To induce the droplet generation, externally pre-programmed positive pressure pulses are applied to the dispersed phase input while the continuous phase channel remains at constant input pressure. By controlling solely one fluid phase, the method allows for connecting multiple independent dispersed-phase channels to a single continuous channel. Experimental results show that the method allows for a droplet generation frequency of 33 Hz and a high reproducibility of droplets with standard deviations less than 5% of the mean value. Moreover, utilization of the off-chip-controlled method results in the simplicity in chip design and allows rapid (5 min) and cost-efficient (0.5 USD) prototyping of the device.(VLID)4926439Version of recor

Accurate classification of secondary progression in multiple sclerosis using a decision tree

BACKGROUND: The absence of reliable imaging or biological markers of phenotype transition in multiple sclerosis (MS) makes assignment of current phenotype status difficult. OBJECTIVE: The authors sought to determine whether clinical information can be used to accurately assign current disease phenotypes. METHODS: Data from the clinical visits of 14,387 MS patients in Sweden were collected. Classifying algorithms based on several demographic and clinical factors were examined. Results obtained from the best classifier when predicting neurologist recorded disease classification were replicated in an independent cohort from British Columbia and were compared to a previously published algorithm and clinical judgment of three neurologists. RESULTS: A decision tree (the classifier) containing only most recently available expanded disability scale status score and age obtained 89.3% (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 88.8-89.8) classification accuracy, defined as concordance with the latest reported status. Validation in the independent cohort resulted in 82.0% (95% CI: 81.0-83.1) accuracy. A previously published classification algorithm with slight modifications achieved 77.8% (95% CI: 77.1-78.4) accuracy. With complete patient history of 100 patients, three neurologists obtained 84.3% accuracy compared with 85% for the classifier using the same data. CONCLUSION: The classifier can be used to standardize definitions of disease phenotype across different cohorts. Clinically, this model could assist neurologists by providing additional information

Strength in diversity: enhancing learning in vocationally-orientated, master's level courses

Postgraduate education in geography, especially at the Master’s level, is undergoing significant changes in the developed world. There is an expansion of vocationally-oriented degree programmes, increasing recruitment of international students, integration of work place skills, and the engagement of non-traditional postgraduate students as departments respond to policies for a more ‘inclusive’ higher education. This paper sets the context by outlining some programmatic changes in selected countries (Australia, the UK, and the USA). We briefly reflect on how postgraduate ‘bars’ or ‘levels’ are defined and explore in detail what ‘diversity’ or ‘heterogeneity’ means in these new postgraduate settings. The paper then explores some examples of practice drawn from our own experiences, whilst recognising that relevance will vary in other contexts. Finally we consider how diversity can be harnessed as a strength that has potential to enhance taught elements of contemporary postgraduate education in and beyond the discipline