bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the olfactory recess in olfactory airflow
Authors: Eiting Thomas P. , Smith Timothy D. , Perot James B. , Dumont Elizabeth R.
Published: February 2014

The olfactory recess-a blind pocket at the back of the nasal airway-is thought to play an important role in mammalian olfaction by sequestering air outside of the main airstream, thus giving odorants time to re-circulate. Several studies have shown that species with large olfactory recesses tend to have a well-developed sense of smell. However, no study has investigated how the size of the olfactory recess relates to air circulation near the olfactory epithelium. Here we used a computer model of the nasal cavity from a bat to test the hypothesis that a larger olfactory recess improves olfactory airflow. We predicted that during inhalation, models with an enlarged olfactory recess would have slower rates of flow through the olfactory region (i.e. the olfactory recess plus airspace around the olfactory epithelium), while during exhalation these models would have little to no flow through the olfactory recess. To test these predictions we experimentally modified the size of the olfactory recess while holding the rest of the morphology constant. During inhalation we found that an enlarged olfactory recess resulted in lower rates of flow in the olfactory region. Upon exhalation, air flowed through the olfactory recess at a lower rate in the model with an enlarged olfactory recess. Taken together, these results indicate that an enlarged olfactory recess improves olfactory airflow during both inhalation and exhalation. These findings add to our growing understanding of how the morphology of the nasal cavity may relate to function in this understudied region of the skull.
Production of all female progeny: an evidence for the presence of male sex determination factor on Y chromosome
Authors: Shukla Jayendra N. , Palli Subba R.
Published: February 2014

The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum follows XX (female) and XY (male) sex determination system. Maternal supply of Transformer (Tra) is required for XX insects to follow the female pathway. The nature and the source of signal that regulates male sex determination in XY beetles are not known. Parental RNAi aided knockdown in expression of tra masculinizes genetic females (XX) that are fertile. The virgin females mated with these masculinized genetic females produced all female progeny. We present the genetic evidence to show that the factor responsible for male sex determination is present on Y chromosome. These data also suggest that Y chromosome in T. castaneum is not required for male fertility.
Is gastrointestinal plasticity in king quail (Coturnix chinensis) elicited by diet-fibre or diet-energy dilution?
Authors: Williamson Sean A. , Jones Stephanie K.C. , Munn Adam J.
Published: February 2014

Phenotypic plasticity of organ size allows some animals to manage fluctuations of resource quality or availability. Here, we examined the phenotypic plasticity of the gastrointestinal tract of king quail (Coturnix chinensis) in a diet-fibre manipulation study. Quail were offered either a control low-fibre (high-quality) food (8.5% neutral-detergent fibre; NDF), or one of two experimental diets of higher fibre contents of 16% NDF (i.e. low quality food). To examine whether phenotypic plasticity of organ size was associated with the fibre content per se , or as a consequence of diluting the diet energy contents by adding fibre, one of the high-fibre feeds was 'balanced' with additional energy to match that of the low-fibre control diet. Total empty dry mass of the gastrointestinal tract was significantly heavier among birds offered the unbalanced high-fibre diet as compared with those offered the control diet, with birds offered the fibrous but energy-balanced diet having guts of intermediate size. The heavier entire-gut mass (dry) of quail offered the unbalanced high-fibre diet was associated mainly with these birds having significantly heavier gizzards. Notably, the larger gizzard in the birds offered the unbalanced high-fibre diet was associated with marked increases their metabolisability (digestion) of diet fibre. Our findings suggest that the available energy in the diet may be more important for eliciting phenotypic changes in the gut of these herbivorous birds rather than simple physical effects of diet fibre on feed intakes or on muscular compensation to fibrous ingesta.
Conjugated Polymer-coated Counter Electrodes for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells Employing Solid Polymer Electrolytes
Authors: Kang Moon-Sung
Published: February 2014

The photovoltaic performances of dye-sensitized solar cells employing solid polymer electrolytes have been greatly improved by the introduction of a chemically doped (p-type) conjugated polymer junction layer onto a conventional platinum-layered counter electrode. The increased energy conversion efficiency would be primarily due to the decrease in the interfacial charge-transfer resistances between the polymer electrolyte and the Pt-layered counter electrode, as confirmed by the results of FE-SEM and impedance spectroscopy.
Light-transmittable Ultrasmooth Gold Film for Gap-mode Tip-enhanced Raman Scattering Spectroscopy
Authors: Oguchi Masahiro , Mochizuki Masahito , Yano Taka-aki , Hara Masahiko , Hayashi Tomohiro
Published: February 2014

We report light-transmittable ultrasmooth gold film enabling gap-mode tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS) spectroscopy measurements with extremely low background signals. An ultrasmooth Au substrate was fabricated by introducing a wetting layer of germanium (Ge). We also found that high mechanical and chemical stability of the substrate along with flexibility in chemical modification provides versatile platforms for gap-mode TERS measurements in various environments, such as air, water, and organic solvents.
Metabolite Profiling and Fingerprinting of Suillus Species (Basidiomycetes) by Electrospray Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Heinke Ramona , Schöne Pia , Arnold Norbert , Wessjohann Ludger , Schmidt Jürgen
Published: February 2014

The genus Suillus is known for the occurrence of a series of prenylated phenols and boviquinones. The extracts of four different Suillus species ( S. bovinus, S. granulatus, S. tridentinus and S. variegatus) were investigated by using rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC/ESI-MS) and direct infusion electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI-FT-ICR-MS). While direct infusion ESI-FT-ICR mass spectra give a fast overview concerning the elemental compositions of the compounds and, therefore, hints to the main metabolites, UPLC/ESI-tandem mass spectrometry is shown to be a useful tool for their identification. A principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) based on the UPLC/ESI-MS clearly showed that the metabolite profiles can be used not only for the identification and classification of such fungi but also as a sophisticated and powerful tool for the chemotaxonomy of fungi. Furthermore, a clear discrimination of various types of biological samples (fruiting bodies versus mycelial cultures) is also possible. The orthogonal partial least squares (OPLS) two-class models of both UPLC/ESI-MS and ESI-FT-ICR-MS possess a clear differentiation of two compared Suillus species representing the between class variation and the within class variation. Based on generated S-plots and loading plots, statistically significant metabolites could be identified as potential biomarker for one species.
Account: Characterization and Identification of Microcystins by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bortoli Stella , Volmer Dietrich A.
Published: February 2014

In this brief overview, the authors describe mass spectral techniques for the detection and identification of microcystin toxins. Microcystins are secondary metabolites produced by cyanobacteria. Determination of these toxic compounds and discovery of new variants is very important as they pose a great danger to the human food chain. Cyanobacterial blooms frequently occur in many areas worldwide and have the potential to contaminate the water via cyanotoxin release, especially microcystins. Among the various analytical techniques used for analysis, mass spectrometry has become the most important method as it allows simultaneous quantification and structural characterization of multiple microcystin variants. This brief overview article focuses on mass spectrometry techniques for identification of microcystins, including ionization methods, mass spectral fragmentation routes, profiling techniques, tandem and high-resolution mass spectrometry as well as typing of cyanobacterial strains.
Fuzzy Control for Semi-Active Vehicle Suspension
Authors: Kurczyk Sebastian , Pawełczyk Marek
Published: February 2014

In this paper semi-active control of the suspension of an all-terrain vehicle is considered. A seven degree of freedom suspension model is presented first. A fuzzy approach for controller synthesis is then proposed. Expert knowledge is stored in the form of IF-THEN rules. The Takagi-Sugeno inference system is employed, with triangle membership functions. The fuzzy system output is the damper coefficient. In contrary to many other control algorithms, the presented fuzzy algorithm does not require inverse modelling of the magnetorheological damper. Instead, some scaling parameters are set. They can be chosen experimentally, or a bio-inspired strategy can be applied. The fuzzy control is then compared with the Skyhook control in simulations, in terms of road holding and driving comfort indicators. Obtained results are similar. However, lack of necessity to use an MR inverse model allows the fuzzy system to provide successful performance in case of different operating conditions, what is an important benefit.
Balance Platform Vibration Control
Authors: Kot Andrzej , Nawrocka Agata
Published: February 2014

In the presented paper the problem of balance platform control was considered. The object used during research is the original structure, designed by article authors. The work was divided into three parts: the identification process, control system design and laboratory tests. In the first stage of the identification process a model describing the system was build, using the measurement data recorded on input and output system. The model was built without the knowledge of the mechanisms that occur in the process; only based on the relationship between the measured data. Next the estimation was performed for selection of suitable algorithm, and determination of the parameters of model selected in the previous step. The last step was to verify and to check the results of identification process. By comparing the signals obtained in response to a signal given from the model of a registered object actual output signal, it is possible to visually estimate the accuracy of the identification and designation of the error. After identification process the control system was designed. In this application the PID controller was chosen. It was used to balance platform position and velocity control. The last part of the article shows the results of various laboratory tests and comparison of quality control.
The constrictor knot is the best ligature
Authors: Taylor H , Grogono AW
Published: February 2014

Introduction

An ideal ligature should tighten readily and remain tight. Ligature failure can be a critical complication of invasive procedures in human and veterinary surgical practice. Previous studies have tested various knots but not the constrictor knot.

Methods

A new test bench was employed to compare six ligatures using four suture materials. As tension in a ligature is not readily measured, the study employed a surrogate measurement: the force required to slide a ligature along a rod. Benchmark values tested each suture material wrapped around the rod to establish the ratio between this force and the ligature tension for each material. Each ligature was tested first during tightening and then again afterwards. The benchmark ratios were employed to calculate the tensions to evaluate which ligature and which suture material retained tension best.

Results

The model provided consistent linear relationships between the tension in the suture and the force required to pull the ligature along the rod. The constrictor knot retained tension in the ligature best (55–107% better than the next best ligature). Among the suture materials, polydioxanone had the greatest ability to retain the tension in a ligature and polyglactin the least.

Conclusions

The constrictor knot showed superior characteristics for use as a ligature, and should be introduced into teaching and clinical practice for human and veterinary surgery. The new test bench is recommended for future testing of ligatures as well as objective comparison of suture materials.
Conservative management of renal artery pseudoaneurysm following partial nephrectomy
Authors: Darbyshire D , Dukic I , Ali Z , Shackley D
Published: February 2014

A bleeding renal artery pseudoaneurysm is a recognised complication occurring after partial nephrectomy. The bleeding is usually suspected when a patient presents with haematuria following the procedure and the reported management is with radiologically guided embolisation. We report a case of renal artery pseudoaneurysm successfully managed conservatively, giving another potential management option in non-torrential haemorrhage.
Intrathoracic migration of an unbent Steinmann pin
Authors: M Mozaffari , R Estfan , S Sarkar
Published: February 2014

Steinmann pins are known to be used as a shoulder stabilisation device in recurrent dislocation. Although rare, their potential to migrate within the thorax has been reported. We present the case of an 87-year-old man who was treated for recurrent left shoulder dislocation with pinning using a Steinmann pin. He presented eight days postoperatively with the pin impaling the aortic adventitia. To our knowledge, this is only the fifth case report of such an event. Awareness of this complication and attempts to prevent its occurrence are critical as the outcome can be fatal.
Fracture healing following high energy tibial trauma: Ilizarov versus Taylor Spatial Frame
Authors: Menakaya CU , Rigby AS , Hadland Y , Barron E , Sharma H
Published: February 2014

Introduction

The optimal treatment of high energy tibial fractures remains controversial and a challenging orthopaedic problem. The role of external fixators for all these tibial fractures has been shown to be crucial.

Methods

A five-year consecutive series was reviewed retrospectively, identifying two treatment groups: Ilizarov and Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF; Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN, US). Fracture healing time was the primary outcome measure.

Results

A total of 112 patients (85 Ilizarov, 37 TSF) were identified for the review with a mean age of 45 years. This was higher in women (57 years) than in men (41 years). There was no significant difference between frame types (p=0.83). The median healing time was 163 days in both groups. There was no significant difference in healing time between smokers and non-smokers (180 vs 165 days respectively, p=0.07), open or closed fractures (p=0.13) or age and healing time (Spearman's r=0.12, p=0.18). There was no incidence of non-union or re-fracture following frame removal in either group.

Conclusions

Despite the assumption of the rigid construct of the TSF, the median time to union was similar to that of the Ilizarov frame and the TSF therefore can play a significant role in complex tibial fractures.
Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry Enzyme Assay for UDP-Galactose 4′-Epimerase: Use of Fragment Intensity Ratio in Differentiation of Structural Isomers
Authors: Li Yijun , Huang Xiaoping , Harmonay Lauren , Liu Ying , Kellogg Mark D , Fridovich-Keil Judith L , Berry Gerard T
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND

Distinction between asymptomatic and potentially clinically significant forms of galactosemia due to UDP-galactose 4′-epimerase (GALE) deficiency requires enzyme measurement in erythrocytes and other cells. We sought to develop a GALE assay using a novel liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based method.

METHODS

The reversible GALE assay was conducted with UDPGal as a substrate. The coeluting reaction product, uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPGlc), and its isomeric substrate, uridine diphosphate galactose (UDPGal), were detected by MS/MS at mass transitions 565 > 280, 565 > 241 and 565 > 403. The UDPGal was enriched in mass transition 565 > 403 compared with UDPGlc, whereas the UDPGlc was enriched in the mass transition 565 > 241 compared with UDPGal. The percentage of UDPGal in the reaction mixture was calculated by use of the ratio of ion intensities of the 2 daughter ions and a fourth-order polynomial calibrator curve.

RESULTS

The method yielded a mean (SD) GALE activity of 9.8 (2.2) μmol · g−1 hemoglobin · h−1 in erythrocyte extracts from 27 controls. The apparent Km of the substrate, UDPGal, was 0.05 mmol/L. The GALE activity ranged from 433 to 993 μmol · g−1 protein · h−1 in control lymphoblast extracts. In a blinded test of 22 subjects suspected of GALE deficiency, we identified 6 individuals whose residual activities were below the range of controls, compatible with intermediate GALE deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

This assay can be used to distinguish the different forms of GALE deficiency. From an analytical standpoint, differentiating isomers on the basis of fragment intensity ratios should also prove useful for analogous enzymatic studies involving substrates and products that are structural isomers.
Recent research on the Maitreya Monastery in Inner Mongolia (China)
Authors: Charleux Isabelle
Published: February 2014

This review article evaluates recent Chinese publications (5 books and 30 articles) on Mayidari Juu (Maitreya Monastery, Ch. Meidaizhao 美岱召), in Inner Mongolia, China) – a remarkable fortified Tibetan Buddhist monastery that has preserved sixteenth- to nineteenth-century mural paintings and architecture. Its study is not only important for the history of the Tümed Mongols, but also for the history of Mongol monasteries, art, architecture, religion, society, economy, and funerary practices. The recent books reviewed here, correspond to a new campaign of restoration of the monastery, and reflect the modern revalorisation of Inner Mongol tangible heritage. Besides introducing recently discovered archives, they provide excellent quality photographs of the murals and framework décor, as well as new hypotheses on the dating and function of buildings, and on the dating, iconography and authors of mural paintings. By synthesizing the main debates on history, architecture and painting of Mayidari Juu, the present review essay aims at helping global scholarship on this major part of the Mongol heritage move on to a new stage.
Dynamical perspective of protein-DNA interaction
Authors: Batabyal Subrata , Choudhury Susobhan , Sao Dilip , Mondol Tanumoy , Kumar Pal Samir
Published: February 2014

The interactions between protein-DNA are essential for various biological activities. In this review, we provide an overview of protein-DNA interactions that emphasizes the importance of dynamical aspects. We divide protein-DNA interactions into two categories: nonspecific and specific and both the categories would be discussed highlighting some of our relevant work. In the case of nonspecific protein-DNA interaction, solvation studies (picosecond and femtosecond-resolved) explore the role environmental dynamics and change in the micropolarity around DNA molecules upon complexation with histone protein (H1). While exploring the specific protein-DNA interaction at λ-repressor-operator sites interaction, particularly OR1 and OR2, it was observed that the interfacial water dynamics is minimally perturbed upon interaction with DNA, suggesting the labile interface in the protein-DNA complex. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) study revealed that the structure of the protein is more compact in repressor-OR2 complex than in the repressor-OR1 complex. Fluorescence anisotropy studies indicated enhanced flexibility of the C-terminal domain of the repressor at fast timescales after complex formation with OR1. The enhanced flexibility and different conformation of the C-terminal domain of the repressor upon complexation with OR1 DNA compared to OR2 DNA were found to have pronounced effect on the rate of photoinduced electron transfer.
Étale duality for constructible sheaves on arithmetic schemes
Authors: Jannsen Uwe , Saito Shuji , Sato Kanetomo
Published: February 2014

In this note we relate the following three topics for arithmetic schemes: a general duality for étale constructible torsion sheaves, a theory of étale homology, and the arithmetic complexes of Gersten–Bloch–Ogus type defined by K. Kato (1986).

In brief, there is an absolute duality using certain dualizing sheaves on these schemes, we describe and characterize the dualizing sheaves to some extent, relate them to symbol maps, define étale homology via the dualizing sheaves, and show that the niveau spectral sequence for the latter, constructed by the method of Bloch and Ogus (1974),
leads to the complexes defined by Kato. Some of these relations may have been expected by experts, and some have been used implicitly in the literature, although we do not know any explicit reference for statements or proofs. Moreover, the main results are used in a crucial way in a paper by
Jannsen and Saito (2003). So a major aim is to fill a gap in the literature, and a special emphasis is on precise formulations, including the determination of signs. But the general picture developed here may be of interest itself.
Turbulence, orbit equivalence, and the classification of nuclear C*
-algebras
Authors: Farah Ilijas , Toms Andrew S. , Törnquist Asger
Published: February 2014

We bound the Borel cardinality of the isomorphism relation for nuclear simple separable C*
-algebras: It is turbulent, yet Borel reducible to the action of the automorphism group of the Cuntz algebra

𝒪
2

$\mathcal {O}_2$

on its closed subsets. The same bounds are obtained for affine homeomorphism of metrizable Choquet simplexes. As a by-product we recover a result of Kechris and Solecki, namely, that homeomorphism of compacta in the Hilbert cube is Borel reducible to a Polish group action. These results depend intimately on the classification theory of nuclear simple C*
-algebras by

K

$\mathrm {K}$

-theory and traces. Both of necessity and in order to lay the groundwork for further study on the Borel complexity of C*
-algebras, we prove that many standard C*
-algebra constructions and relations are Borel, and we prove Borel versions of Kirchberg's

𝒪
2

$\mathcal {O}_2$

-stability and embedding theorems. We also find a C*
-algebraic witness for a

K
σ

$K_\sigma $

hard equivalence relation.
Free subgroups within the images of quantum representations
Authors: Funar Louis , Kohno Toshitake
Published: February 2014

We prove that, except for a few explicit
roots of unity, the quantum image of any Johnson subgroup of the
mapping class group contains an explicit free non-abelian subgroup.
A Stancu variant of Beta-Szász operators
Authors: Gupta Vijay
Published: February 2014

In the present paper we study the Stancu variant of the Beta-Szász operators. We establish a direct result in terms of the modulus of continuity and an asymptotic formula in simultaneous approximation for these operators.
New classes of Hermite–Tricomi functions and generating relations
Authors: Al-Gonah Ahmed A. , Khan Subuhi
Published: February 2014

In this paper, new and general classes of multi-variable Hermite–Tricomi functions are introduced and some properties of these functions are established. Further, generating relations for Laguerre–Hermite polynomials involving various forms of Hermite–Tricomi functions are derived.
On the uniqueness property of non-separable extensions of invariant Borel measures and relative measurability of real-valued functions
Authors: Beriashvili Mariam , Kirtadze Aleks
Published: February 2014

It is shown that the class of all
non-separable extensions of a nonzero

σ

$\sigma $

-finite Borel measure in the topological vector space

ℝ
ℕ

$\mathbb {R}^{\mathbb {N}}$

, which are invariant under some everywhere dense continual subgroup
of

ℝ
ℕ

$\mathbb {R}^{\mathbb {N}}$

and which possess the uniqueness property, has maximal cardinality

2

2
c

$2^{2^{c}}$

.
Some related questions concerning the measurability properties of real-valued
functions with respect to the class of non-separable measures are also discussed.
A Mechanistic Study of Photoinduced Electron
Transfer from Triplet Erythrosin to Various Quinones Using Time
Resolved Absorption and ESR-CIDEP Measurements
Authors: Mansha Asim , Asim Sadia , Grampp Günter , Zahid Muhammad , Landgraf Stephan
Published: February 2014

Photoinduced electron transfer reactions from the triplet
erythrosin (Ery2−) dianion to various quinones (1,4-benzoquinone,
2,5-di-t-butyl-1,4-benzoquinone, duroquinone,
2,5-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone, chloranil, bromanil,
2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone and 9,10-anthraquinone) and
other organic acceptors like 7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane,
2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane and with
tetracyano-1,4-benzoquinone (cyanil), one of the strongest oxidizing
agent reported in literature (E
○ = 0.90 V vs. SCE),
were studied by laser flash photolysis in acetonitrile/water mixtures
at room temperature. Quenching rate constants are obtained from
Stern-Volmer plots. The measured bimolecular quenching rate constants
are close to the diffusion controlled rates. Excitation of a contact
radical-pair or a triplet exciplex as an intermediate in the
photoinduced electron transfer reaction in a slightly polar solvent
(1-propanol) is confirmed by the observation of the net absorptive
chemically induced dynamic electron polarization (CIDEP) spectra. The
unusual net–absorptive CIDEP spectrum is explained by spin-orbit
coupling interactions due to presence of four iodine atoms in the
structure of erythrosin (heavy atom effect). The dependence of the
electron transfer rate constants, k
et, on the driving force,
ΔG
et is slightly parabolic and indicates the Marcus
Inverted Region.
Leptin fails to blunt the lipopolysaccharide-induced activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis in rats
Authors: Basharat Saadia , Parker Jennifer A , Murphy Kevin G , Bloom Stephen R , Buckingham Julia C , John Christopher D
Published: February 2014

Obesity is a risk factor for sepsis morbidity and mortality, whereas the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis plays a protective role in the body's defence against sepsis. Sepsis induces a profound systemic immune response and cytokines serve as excellent markers for sepsis as they act as mediators of the immune response. Evidence suggests that the adipokine leptin may play a pathogenic role in sepsis. Mouse endotoxaemic models present with elevated leptin levels and exogenously added leptin increased mortality whereas human septic patients have elevated circulating levels of the soluble leptin receptor (Ob-Re). Evidence suggests that leptin can inhibit the regulation of the HPA axis. Thus, leptin may suppress the HPA axis, impairing its protective role in sepsis. We hypothesised that leptin would attenuate the HPA axis response to sepsis. We investigated the direct effects of an i.p. injection of 2 mg/kg leptin on the HPA axis response to intraperitoneally injected 25 μg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the male Wistar rat. We found that LPS potently activated the HPA axis, as shown by significantly increased plasma stress hormones, ACTH and corticosterone, and increased plasma interleukin 1β (IL1β) levels, 2 h after administration. Pre-treatment with leptin, 2 h before LPS administration, did not influence the HPA axis response to LPS. In turn, LPS did not affect plasma leptin levels. Our findings suggest that leptin does not influence HPA function or IL1β secretion in a rat model of LPS-induced sepsis, and thus that leptin is unlikely to be involved in the acute-phase endocrine response to bacterial infection in rats.
High-Resolution Sex-Specific Linkage Maps of the Mouse Reveal Polarized Distribution of Crossovers in Male Germline
Authors: Liu Eric Yi , Morgan Andrew P , Chesler Elissa J , Wang Wei , Churchill Gary A , Pardo-Manuel de Villena Fernando
Published: February 2014

Since the publication of the first comprehensive linkage map for the laboratory mouse, the architecture of recombination as a basic biological process has become amenable to investigation in mammalian model organisms. Here we take advantage of high-density genotyping and the unique pedigree structure of the incipient Collaborative Cross to investigate the roles of sex and genetic background in mammalian recombination. Our results confirm the observation that map length is longer when measured through female meiosis than through male meiosis, but we find that this difference is modified by genotype at loci on both the X chromosome and the autosomes. In addition, we report a striking concentration of crossovers in the distal ends of autosomes in male meiosis that is absent in female meiosis. The presence of this pattern in both single- and double-recombinant chromosomes, combined with the absence of a corresponding asymmetry in the distribution of double-strand breaks, indicates a regulated sequence of events specific to male meiosis that is anchored by chromosome ends. This pattern is consistent with the timing of chromosome pairing and evolutionary constraints on male recombination. Finally, we identify large regions of reduced crossover frequency that together encompass 5% of the genome. Many of these “cold regions” are enriched for segmental duplications, suggesting an inverse local correlation between recombination rate and mutation rate for large copy number variants.
Birth, Death, and Diversification of Mobile Promoters in Prokaryotes
Authors: van Passel Mark W J , Nijveen Harm , Wahl Lindi M
Published: February 2014

A previous study of prokaryotic genomes identified large reservoirs of putative mobile promoters (PMPs), that is, homologous promoter sequences associated with nonhomologous coding sequences. Here we extend this data set to identify the full complement of mobile promoters in sequenced prokaryotic genomes. The expanded search identifies nearly 40,000 PMP sequences, 90% of which occur in noncoding regions of the genome. To gain further insight from this data set, we develop a birth–death–diversification model for mobile genetic elements subject to sequence diversification; applying the model to PMPs we are able to quantify the relative importance of duplication, loss, horizontal gene transfer (HGT), and diversification to the maintenance of the PMP reservoir. The model predicts low rates of HGT relative to the duplication and loss of PMP copies, rapid dynamics of PMP families, and a pool of PMPs that exist as a single copy in a genome at any given time, despite their mobility. We report evidence of these “singletons” at high frequencies in prokaryotic genomes. We also demonstrate that including selection, either for or against PMPs, was not necessary to describe the observed data.
Do We Need This Blood Culture?
Authors: Parikh Kavita , Davis Aisha Barber , Pavuluri Padmaja
Published: February 2014

Objectives:

This study describes blood culture collection rates, results, and microbiology laboratory charges for 4 leading pediatric inpatient diagnoses (asthma, bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and skin and soft tissue infection [SSTI]) in low-risk patients.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at an urban, academic, quaternary children’s hospital. The study period was from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2011. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 6 months to 18 years of age and primary diagnosis of asthma (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision [ICD-9] codes 493.91–493.92), bronchiolitis (ICD-9 codes 466.11 and 466.19), SSTI (ICD-9 codes 680.00–686.99), or pneumonia (community-acquired pneumonia; ICD-9 codes 481.00–486.00). Patients with complex chronic conditions were excluded. Data were collected via administrative billing data and chart review. Descriptive statistics were performed; χ2 tests were used for categorical variables, and nonparametric tests were used for continuous variables because of non-normal distributions.

Results:

Administrative data review included 5159 encounters, with 1629 (32%) inpatient encounters and 3530 (68%) emergency department/outpatient encounters. Twenty-one percent (n = 343) of inpatient encounters had blood cultures performed, whereas 3% (n = 111) of emergency department/outpatient encounters had blood culture testing performed. Inpatient blood culture utilization varied according to diagnosis: asthma, 4%; bronchiolitis, 15%; pneumonia, 36%; and SSTI, 46%. Charts were reviewed for all 343 inpatients with blood culture testing. Results of all the blood cultures obtained for asthma and bronchiolitis admissions were negative, with 98% and 99% negative or false-positive (contaminant) for SSTI and community-acquired pneumonia, respectively. The approximate financial impact of blood culture utilization (according to gross microbiology laboratory charges) approximated $100 000 over the year for all 4 diagnoses.

Conclusions:

There was a high rate of negative or false-positive blood culture results for these common inpatient diagnoses. In addition, there was a low rate of clinically significant true-positive (pathogenic) culture results. These results identify points of potential blood culture overutilization.
Hybrid nanoarchitectured core shell plasmonic structures with tunable optical properties
Authors: Khosroabadi A. A. , Gangopadhyay P. , Norwood R. A.
Published: February 2014

Interest in patterned polymer-based flexible nanodevices and sub-100 nm metal and transparent conducting nanostructured electrodes have led us to modify the traditional nanoimprint lithography technique to enable fabrication of an array of sub-100 nm diameter electrode structures. Transparent conducting electrodes (TCOs) are fabricated by coating one or multiple TCO layers of choice on top of a polymer nanostructured scaffold of appropriate dimension. By optimizing the thickness of each of these layers one may tune and optimize the trade-off between the conductivity and transparency of the sample. Incorporation of plasmonic materials such as Ag leads to interplay of localized and tunable surface plasmon resonances within the TCO structures. At plasmon resonance the reflection of the sample is minimized and absorption in the TCO structures dominates. Experimental and simulated reflection spectra of these structures are in good agreement, including the appearance of sharp spectral features that are absent in a simple planar analog. The simulated Brewster angle of the nanopillars decreases compared to the planar reference sample by up to 10-13 degrees depending on the height of the pillars and indicates a reduced effective refractive index. The depolarization factor obtained by ellipsometry is about 0.05, as anticipated for ellipsoidal pillars.
A DLTS study of a ZnO microwire, a thin film and bulk material
Authors: Schmidt Florian , Schlupp Peter , Müller Stefan , Dietrich Christof Peter , von Wenckstern Holger , Grundmann Marius , Heinhold Robert , Kim Hyung-Suk , Allen Martin Ward
Published: February 2014

We have investigated the electrical properties of a ZnO microwire grown by carbo-thermal evaporation, a ZnO thin film grown by pulsed-laser deposition on an a-plane sapphire, and a hydrothermally grown Zn-face ZnO single crystal (Tokyo Denpa Co. Ltd.). The samples were investigated by means of current-voltage measurements, capacitance-voltage measurements, and deep-level transient spectroscopy.

The defects T2 [1,2] and E3 [1,3,4] were identified in all three sample types. Additionally, in the single crystal and thin film samples E64 [5] and E4 [1] were detected. These findings support the common opinion that T2 is an intrinsic defect since it is found in all the samples investigated and thus its occurrence is not related to any growth technique.
Precipitates of Cr at Σ3 <110> {112} GB in α-Fe
Authors: Dai Y.Y. , Ao L. , Sun Q.Q. , Yang L. , Nie J.L. , Peng S.M. , Long X.G. , Zhou X.S. , Zu X.T. , Liu L. , Sun X. , Gao F.
Published: February 2014

Precipitates of Cr at Σ3 <110> {112} GB in α-Fe have been studied using molecular dynamics with a two-band embedded atomic model potential. The accumulation and segregation of Cr atoms and the evolution of the GB depend on local Cr concentration and temperature. At the early stage, with the existence of vacancies, the strong attraction of Cr with the GB core provides a pathway for Cr atoms to quickly accumulate within the GB core. With the increase of Cr concentration, the size of Cr dilute precipitates increases dramatically. And the strong segregation of Cr at the GB is observed, when Cr concentration reach 20%. Also, the size of Cr precipitates increases with increasing the temperatures from 300 K to 1000 K. The accumulation and segregation of Cr atoms at the GB lead to significant deformation of the GB structure and the formation of GB steps, causing the displacement and broadening of the GB.
Domain Structure of a Unique Bacterial Red Light Photoreceptor as Revealed by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Sorenson Blaire A. , Westcott Daniel J. , Sakols Alexandra C. , Thomas J. Santoro , Anderson Perry , Stojković Emina A. , Tsonchev Stefan , Nicholson Kenneth T.
Published: February 2014

Bacteriophytochromes (BphPs) are red-light photoreceptors found in photosynthetic and nonphotosynthetic bacteria that have been recently engineered as infrared fluorescent tissue markers. Light-induced, global structural changes are proposed to originate within their covalently bound biliverdin chromophore and propagate through the protein. Classical BphPs undergo reversible photoconversion between spectrally distinct light absorbing states, red (Pr) and far-red (Pfr), respectively. RpBph3 (P3), from Rhodopseudomonas palustris, photoconverts between a Pr and a unique near-red (Pnr) light-absorbing state. Due to size and photosensitivity of BphPs, structures of the intact proteins have not been resolved by nuclear magnetic resonance and/or X-ray crystallography. Therefore, structural details about the light and dark-adapted structures of the intact BphPs are not well understood at the molecular level. We have utilized fluid cell atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the domain structure of intact P3 in its light-adapted state (Pnr). By varying the concentration of the protein, deposition time, and the ionic strength of the buffer, the aggregation of P3 on a mica surface can be controlled and single dimers may be observed in a biologically relevant media. Domain resolution has been achieved for several orientations of the dimer on the surface. The structural dimensions of the dimer have been compared to a modeled BphP in its intact form generated using PyMOL software. AFM experiments are currently underway to analyze the dark-adapted state (Pr) of P3 in order to observe the anticipated structural changes. Ultimately, the goal is to use AFM and other surface analytical methods such as scanning tunneling microscopy and electron microscopy to gain new insight into the unique photochemistry of P3.
Nanoscale scanning near-field ellipsometric microscopy (SNEM) imaging of heterogeneous polymers
Authors: Cumurcu Aysegul , Duvigneau Joost , Lindsay Ian D. , Schön Peter , Vancso G. Julius
Published: February 2014

In this study a scanning near-field ellipsometric microscope (SNEM), a hybrid device of an atomic force microscope (AFM) and an ellipsometer, is used to obtain optical images of heterogeneous polymer thin films with a resolution below the diffraction limit of light. SNEM optical images of a microphase separated PS-b-P2VP block copolymer film collected with gold coated and bare silicon AFM probe tips were compared to obtain a deeper insight into the nature of the SNEM contrast mechanism. Furthermore, intensity vs. distance curves were recorded on a PS-b-PMMA block copolymer film simultaneously during the acquisition of force-displacement curves to study the far-field contribution of the optical signal to the optical image.
Acute myocardial infarctation in patients with critical ischemia underwent lower limb revascularization
Authors: Lins Esdras Marques , Barros Jose Wellington , Appolonio Fernanda , Anacleto Eduardo , Lima Eduardo Cavalcanti
Published: February 2014

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is the main cause of peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) of the lower limbs. Patients with PAOD often also have obstructive atherosclerosis in other arterial sites, mainly the coronary arteries. This means that patients who undergo infrainguinal bypass to treat critical ischemia have a higher risk of AMI. There are, however, few reports in the literature that have assessed this risk properly. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of acute myocardial infarction in patients who underwent infrainguinal bypass to treat critical ischemia of the lower limbs caused by PAOD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 64 patients who underwent 82 infrainguinal bypass operations, from February 2011 to July 2012 were studied. All patients had electrocardiograms and troponin I blood assays during the postoperative period (within 72 hours). RESULTS: There were abnormal ECG findings and elevated blood troponin I levels suggestive of AMI in five (6%) of the 82 operations performed. All five had conventional surgery. The incidence of AMI as a proportion of the 52 conventional surgery cases was 9.6%. Two patients died. CONCLUSION: There was a 6% AMI incidence among patients who underwent infrainguinal bypass due to PAOD. Considering only cases operated using conventional surgery, the incidence of AMI was 9.6%.
Strength characteristics and durability of epoxy asphalts
Authors: Widyatmoko Iswandaru , Elliott Richard C.
Published: February 2014

Since 2001, the Highways Agency in the UK have been involved in a joint research project on economic evaluation of long life pavements, in collaboration with a number of national institutions under the umbrella of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development/European Conference of Ministers of Transport. Specifically, the project examined the feasibility of introducing road surfacing materials with a service life in excess of 40 years [also known as long life surface course]. This target service life is at least twice as long as that typically expected from surfacings currently used in road pavements and would need to be demonstrated by the performance of any candidate materials. Herein the findings from an assessment of asphalt surfacing materials typically used in the UK, but modified with an epoxy binder, and their suitability for use in long life surface course, are presented. The work reported focuses upon evaluation of stiffness and tensile strength of manufactured specimens; in other related work, significant improvement in deformation resistance of epoxy asphalt has been reported. The research compliments other studies by participating laboratories in Denmark, New Zealand and the USA which have confirmed epoxy asphalt as a premium material that outperforms conventional binders on the important indicators of potential long service life.
A Novel Method to Cover Metal Display in Implants Using a Modified Free Gingival Graft: A Case Report
Authors: El Nahass Hani Essam
Published: February 2014

Introduction: Correction of an esthetic failure in the anterior esthetic zone is difficult, especially after placement of the final restoration. This case report describes a novel technique to cover metal display with a graft that combines the advantages of the free gingival and the subepithelial connective tissue grafts.

Case Presentation: A patient presented to the author's private practice with marked metal display leading to compromised esthetics. To cover the metal display, it was decided to increase the amount of soft tissue surrounding the implant. A free gingival graft was obtained from the palate with two de‐epithelialized extensions to ensure adequate blood supply and excellent color match. The graft was adapted to the recipient site, which included a previously prepared bed and two pouches. The pouches accommodated the de‐epithelialized extensions. The clinical outcome exhibited superior results in both volume and quality of the gained soft tissue.

Conclusion: The technique described in this case report could be considered as a method to cover metal display in the esthetic zone to improve the volume and quality of the tissue.
Encouraging Imagination and Creativity in the Teaching Profession
Authors: Griffiths Morwenna
Published: February 2014

In this article it is argued that an important task of career-long teacher education is the encouragement of imagination and creativity in experienced teachers. The task implies a reversal of the managerialism that currently afflicts so many European education systems. The article begins by giving an analysis of pedagogical relationships to expose some of the reasons that teaching is an extraordinarily complex activity, which it is difficult to do well. Indeed it is so complex that it is not something that can be learnt in advance of experience. Therefore early-career teachers need to develop their skills before they can become fully competent. However experience is not enough on its own. To become excellent — that is, more than proficient — requires a career-long commitment to self-cultivation as teachers. Part of the reason that the commitment needs to be career-long is that teaching contexts are in a continual state of change, and teachers need to adapt through a process of self-cultivation.
Towards a Sociology of Measurement in Education Policy
Authors: Gorur Radhika
Published: February 2014

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has developed impressive machinery to produce international comparative data across more than 70 systems of education and these data have come to be used extensively in policy circles around the world. In many countries, national and international comparative data are used as the bases for significant, high-stakes policy and reform decisions. This article traces how international comparability is produced, using the example of equity measurement in OECD's Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). It focuses on the construction of the objects of comparison and traces the struggles to produce equivalence and commensurability across diverse and complex worlds. Based on conversations with a number of measurement experts who are familiar with the OECD and PISA, the article details how comparability is achieved and how it falters and fails. In performing such an analysis, this research is not concerned with ‘exposing’ the limitations of comparison or challenging their validity. Rather, based on the work of Steve Woolgar and other scholars, it attempts to mobilise a ‘sociology of measurement’ that explores the instrumentalism and performativity of the technologies of international comparisons.
What — If Anything — Do Standards Do in Education? Topological Registrations of Standardising Work in Teacher Education
Authors: Ceulemans Carlijne , Simons Maarten , Struyf Elke
Published: February 2014

This article takes a particular interest in the doings of educational standards. Accordingly, it does not discuss the contents, objectives or various states of implementation of educational standards. Rather, it follows a strange and peculiar thing and traces how it gets to work in localised practices. Building on Bruno Latour's exercises of socio-technical analysis, various modes to register and describe these practices are being put to the test. In so doing, the aim is to gather pieces of evidence on how standardising takes shape and what sorts of workings it generates. Undertaking such socio-technical exercises, this research argues, offers an entry point to readdress the ubiquity of educational standards today.